Family and Friends

Shining here. It's been a week since our waking nightmare that was the scenario of Nuclear Annihilation. Like... It was strange the way it happened. I just arrive in Canterlot for a celebration for one of my best friends becoming royalty, being led to the bunker, swearing to secrecy of who we found- and no I wont tell you because secret means secret to a guard.... unless you're Ryder and Dash fucked up.... bedwetter.... But we're not here to talk about that.... I was up early in the morning... Got a good amount of sleep since last night I couldnt sleep well... Twily was good enough to let me stay at the castle with Cadence for a while.... Spend time with everyone I love... even thinking about inviting mom and dad up to the Crystal Empire if they're not busy. But yeah... been up since about four... yeah I went to bed early and slept until I felt comfy there. Especially since Cadence was just extra cuddly. Either she was or I was. Even gotten a feel for what time everyone wakes up... Twily at 6, Spike at 7... Gallus later but we try to wake him up earlier. It's tough knowing Ryder risked his life... again... to save that kid... seems so happy and chipper to help out around here. I was actually just making breakfast for everyone. Even urged guards to get Gallus up around the time Spike does. Get him ready for some pancakes. I was just getting things together in the kitchen when Cadence came in stretching. I was just in sweats and a teeshirt. She was in a nightgown... Hopefully with something underneath because the last thing she needs is to trip and there's her ass on display... Yeah... Happened once before... Canterlot, we were just coming out, she forgot she didnt have anything on after uh... our lovely night and she just threw on her gown. Went down to the dining hall to meet Celestia, she tripped and well... lets just say the guard behind her was lucky to not get anything other than an eyeful. He did help Cadence but she had to just teleport back to the room. Yeah... anyhow she came in stretching and sighed. "...Morning Shining..." She said. "Getting breakfast ready?"

I sighed just making sure I had everything from the pancake mix to whatever fruit mixins I know Twily loves and even some chocolate powder mix for chocolate milk. "Yeah. Been a while since I made anything for the family... Might as well test myself, make sure I dont fuck anything up..." I said. "You sleep well hun? You already know how my sleeping has been..."

"Unfortunately... I still think they went too far with things.... Hopefully Applejack at least apologized for yelling at Celestia and Luna..."

"...I spoke with Celestia after we left. Just texted her and she said the yelling at was deserved but she did apologize when Ryder was napping... Luna actually told me she found Ryder crying from a nightmare... I really hope he's okay... He's been through so much..."

"Maybe you could check on him... Go out to Sweet Apple Acres, spend some time with him. I can go out, watch the fillies and that adorable foal he has!" No lie here, Cadence actually wanted to talk to me about having a foal... not interested in the slightest and she knows...

"Good idea.... Almost wish we could've brought Rocky along. Probably would want to be there for Ryder... Doubt any of the guards around here would care that she's with us..." Yeah... When we went to Canterlot for Ryder's wedding she had to be under guard by Cadence who while I was out vowed to just kick anyones ass who wanted to harm her... Even she had to watch Applebloom even at that point we didnt even know... Twily knows about Rocky and trusts her but the other guards are a different story... Lucky with the Crystal Empire guards she's safe... even brings up morale when shes a bit hungry. All she does is hug them. Make sure nothing ever happens more than that unless its with someone we trust... Ryder specifically since he's the only one she would allow. Anywho Cadence huffed.

"She does need to get out more.... With us, nobody should be afraid of her... She still changes form to 'Shadow' when we're out so she doesnt scare the kids but yeah... Agreed." I looked to Cadence.

"Wanna go make sure Twilight's getting ready? Should be up here soon. Gonna at least get the coffee started for her." Cadence nodded and just teleported out. I will admit she's probably the best at waking Twily up... I hate doing it because one time when we were younger I woke her up and uh... Well she may have had an accident because she was having a nightmare... Safe to say dad had to help me get her bedding to the washer. I said NOTHING about that. Anyhow about ten minutes later I just had everything starting. Half a stack of pancakes, coffee machine brewing, bubbling almost and even had some tofu bacon ready. Ryder tells me he cant eat this stuff anymore because of something that happened while he was out at war. Food poisoning. Dont blame him.

Anyways After a while everyone was in here. Twily, Spike, Cadie and Gallus. All of them sat down at the table and just waited to be served. Breakfast was nice. Ate actually felt like a family... Albeit with a dragon and a griffon kid.... But adoptive families are nice especially when you got some who cant conceive... guessing Ryder's late parents were a good example before they had Scootaloo. But anyways after breakfast I got changed into some street clothes... Jeans, flannel shirt and my guard boots. Cadie got into some jeans as well, sneakers and a tee shirt. Last time we were at Sweet Apple Acres was when Ryder was on his mandatory vacation and she wore her gown and when she saw all the dust that was on it from watching the fillies run about it just.... Oh it took a little bit to clean her dress and get any discoloration from the first wash fixed. Anyways we loaded in to a transport. Just me and Cadie and a few guards in front. The drive through town wasnt interesting. Few ponies were curious but they knew they couldnt get close. Just waved hoping they got a wave back. Tinted windows on transports are nice. When we got to the orchard something felt off but we just couldnt figure out what it was. As we pulled up we saw Big Mac just pacing back and forth outside the house just beyond the porch. He was still in his pajamas. I just held a hand up to Cadence meaning 'wait' and I hopped out. He looked up and saw me before just rushing up to me hugging me. "Oh thank the fucking goddess you're here Shinin!" He said sounding panicked.

"What's going on? Is everything okay?"

"No everything is NOT okay!"

"Calm down what's going on?!"

"I... It... He..." He was just starting to breathe heavily. I grabbed him by the shoulders and led him to the transport.

"Here. Sit down with Cadence, breathe... I'm gonna go ask Applejack... And do not talk back to me. Please." He nodded and just took shakey breaths... It looked as if his sleep was broken sometime during the night. I just opened up the door and just looked to Cadence who looked worried. "Here. Just... Sit with him, calm him down... Gonna go ask Applejack what was going on..." She nodded and just lied Big Mac down. I closed the transport up and just hurried towards the door. Threw open the door to the patio and just quickly knocked on the door only to hear screams coming from inside and a foal crying. "Girls! Girls its Shining! Let me in!"

I waited a moment hearing stuff being moved. The door cracked open a moment and out just popped the barrel of a gun. Attached? Applejack. Still in her pajamas, scared, looking as if she'd been crying. "...T-Tell me somethin' only the real Shinin' would know..." She said. I just put my hands up.

"...Applebloom... she... she was molested by a changeling at my wedding... we found out when you came to the castle..." She just lowered the gun and opened the door more hugging me just breaking down. I carefully stripped the gun away, taking the clip out and clearing the chamber with my magic before just sitting her down on the chair. "...Hey hey... Tell me what happened... Where's Ryder?"

"...He... He got up last night... told me to just go back to sleep.... Woke up this mornin.... He... He just up and disappeared... I... I... I tried... hiding it from Scootaloo... girl's smarter than she lets on... just... Dont know where he went... what happened... He... He's just gone...." I sighed.

"Go get your brother from the truck.... Have him and everyone in here pack up.... get to the castle... Have Twilight call all your friends together... Gonna get you guys out of here and someplace safe... I'm gonna find Ryder... Bring him back wherever he is..." I stepped aside... Just kept her sitting there. I took the gun, clip separated from it over to the cab of the transport. The guard rolled the window down and I just set it inside. "Ryder's personal piece. Put this somewhere safe when you get back to the castle. I need you to make a call, get guards out here, get this family out of here and back to the castle safe, get all of them and their friends safe at the castle and lock the place down until told otherwise!" He nodded just as Cadence stepped out with Big Mac. I looked to her. "Cadence get back in there, send Big Mac in to get bags together! We gotta get you safe!" She didnt question it. Just hopped back inside and getting Big Mac out. He just rushed the house and I just started patrolling. Just teleported myself up on the roof and started looking around. Found some white feathers... Ryder's definitely because from something I remember from Fluttershy's uh... interesting stories... about her animals white feathered birds arent native to Ponyville though some do live in Everfree.

Took maybe about ten minutes before everyone was coming out of the house, bags with them. I had to teleport down, make sure they all got in. Before everyone was in Scootaloo just hugged me tight... she wasnt crying but... I could tell she was scared. I just pried her off and knelt down to her level. "...Please... Find my brother.... I... I want him home!" She said. I sighed.

"I'll get him home no matter what... Just get in that truck, be strong for your family and just make sure you help anyone you can with anything... And please make sure Applejack eats something... I know how she is under stress..." She nodded and I just loaded her in and closed the door. I just tapped the door on the cab and off the driver went. I pulled out my phone and just started calling my sister.

It took a few rings before she answered. Honestly hurt the way I actually had to do this. "Shining? What's up? Ryder freaking out after what happened?" Twily asked. Yeah... she was referencing the scenario we went through.

"No Twily but we have a big issue. I've got Applejack, Big Mac and the girls on their way to the castle along with Cadence. Something happened here and I need you and your friends to be safe."

"What's going on with AJ and her family? IS RYDER ALRIGHT?!"

"I dont know Twily just please calm down and just... Send me a truck with some gear and someone who can help track if you can. Ryder went missing and I'm not sure where he went or who took him... Just hoping he's alright... You just get your friends there and... Just in case... get a changeling test ready..."

"O-Okay... What about Gallus? We know nothing about him!"

"Just explain to him what's gonna happen, tell him to stay calm and if you need just have him in his room under watch by guards who are to lead him anywhere he needs inside the castle and under watch. Now I have to go... Send that truck to Sweet Apple Acres. I'm gonna be checking out the house, see if I cant find anything..."

"Alright... Stay safe Shining... Give me updates if you can...."

"I'll try. Just... stay strong for his family's sake.. AJ's really scared... even pulled a gun on me..."

From there I just hung up and went for the house. When I got inside I saw all the windows darkened with the shades pulled, stuff put in front of them, the door had some stuff barricaded against it as well... makes me think they sent Big Mac out to have a look around and locked his ass out... I just carefully sidestepped things. Toys, pillows, blankets and bits of baby stuff littered the floor. I could only just look around making sure I wasnt just gonna be ambushed. Hell I even checked the attic to be sure. Still was set up, ready to have sleepovers in here. TV and game console set up, sleeping bags along the wall and an electric lantern that Princess Luna got the girls when they decided to show Ryder and Big Mac what for when they didnt believe them about something. I went over to Ryder and Applejack's room after that and just looked around inside. Even checked in their closet... it was made as a little shelter just in case someone broke in. That and extra storage for everyone. Nothing. There were clothes all over the floor some were actually closer to the window. I checked. Definitely Ryder's. Boxers, pajama pants and a shirt. Guessing he got dressed to go out last night... but why in the middle of the night? Didnt have time to think. Had guard trucks coming up the road. I just teleported outside and just waited as they all parked around. The first guard who got out ran up and saluted. "Orders sir?" He asked.

"I need everyone here searching for clues on the wherabouts of Ryder Wheeler. Went missing sometime during the night. Weird thing was he got dressed before going out it seemed. Had his pajamas thrown into a pile... While everyone here is looking for clues I need to head back to the castle, get info from the family." I looked around and just saw Ryder's car. Always loved that thing when he drove it. "Think I just found a way to get there myself... Keys gotta be in the house... Unless he took them with him for later..." I looked back at him. "Start patrolling, I need to check something." He nodded just as I ran back inside and started looking around the house living room. Key hook on the wall, no keys that Ryder would have. Checked the coffee table, checked the kitchen counters, even had to run back up stairs. Something I missed in his room is that he left his phone too... no use in calling him... totally understandable on why AJ was so scared... didnt know where her husband was or if he was even okay. When I got outside I just got the keys from a guard and took their transport back.

When I got back guards were swarming. Had to be lead into the castle under guard protection before going up. They walked me all the way to my sisters den. Inside I just saw everyone just cuddled up together around Applejack... Big Mac wasnt in the room, neither was her daughter. Scootaloo was with Babs, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle. Twilight got up from her friends, still in her pajamas and just rushed me hugging me. "Shining!" She just about yelled. I hugged her just sighing. "Glad you're safe... Did you find anything?" I sighed and pried her off.

"...something but... Where's Cadence?"

"Taking care of AJ's daughter while she just spends some time with us... Big Mac is taking a nap... apparently spent all morning freaking out... dont blame him..."

"....he needs the rest... glad Cadie is using her foalsitting skills to help out in this situation... Though I may need to pry AJ and Scootaloo away just to see what if anything they know about last night...."

"...Are you sure? I dont want them freaking out or crying because they think something went wrong... nothing did go wrong... right?"

"No. Not that I know of... Just need to know if they saw or heard anything last night.... all I know is Ryder told AJ to go back to bed when he got up last night.... Even found his pajamas in a pile by the window and a feather from his wings on the roof..."

"So... Did he get dressed before going missing?"

"That's what I'm thinking but... I just need to know what if anything was seen or heard."

"Alright. I'll bring Scootaloo out.... Then I'll bring Applejack."

"Alright.. Just stay with both... thinking they're gonna need someone..." My sister nodded and I just went outside the room just standing against the wall. A moment later she was walking out holding the hands of both Scootaloo and Babs. She sighed as she approached.

"Sorry Shining.... Babs wanting to be there for her friend..."

"No worries there... Good to have friends to help." I knelt down and looked to Scootaloo. "Hey... I have a few clues about your brother right now but I need to ask if you were up at all last night... maybe have seen or heard something... I know its hard but... take a breath... tell me what you can..."

Scootaloo swallowed a bit... The scared look in her eye just made me think of that day Ryder came waltzing in missing a wing on his homecoming in Canterlot. "...Well... I only woke up a little bit... Went to the bathroom and came back trying not to wake my niece..." She said. "...I was just gonna get comfortable when I heard Ryder's and AJ's window open up.... Heard him land on the roof, walk around a bit then fly off... Passed by my window and then I just went to sleep... didnt hear him say anything..." She whimpered a bit. Babs just grabbed a hold of her. I just sighed.

"...Its okay... you dont need to say anymore... Why dont you go back inside to your friends... did good out here... I'll find him... dont worry...." I could only watch as my sister took Scootaloo into her arms and just walked with both fillies back into the room. I heard gasps, questions and what not...

About a minute after that Applejack came out alone.... She just looked at me. I kept my guard up.... Not only because of the gun earlier... had a feeling she would've done something. "...Why's that little filly cryin...? Where's her brother?!" She asked.

"Applejack... Please calm down... I'm still investigating his disappearance. I just asked her some questions and she was very helpful with what she told me. She's just scared is all.... I just need you to answer some questions as well... From what I found looking around your house it seems Ryder was on the roof at one point and he may have gotten dressed before going out there.... the roof part is solid with Scootaloo's story. Now I need something from you if you have anything to divulge."

"...He got out of bed... told me he couldnt sleep but... that I had to go back to bed.... I just watched him get dressed and fly out... I couldnt sleep for a bit... Just waited for him to come back inside... passed out... all I know..."

"Any reason he'd go out on the roof?"

"...Mostly to not disturb me... might go out and talk on his phone with Gilda... Dash tells me Gilda's not even in town. Out in Manehattan doin something..."

"...When I looked in your guys room, his phone was still on the charger... couldnt have gone into charge his phone and then fly off..."

"...Dont have his phone, just went off without as much as a 'be back' or at least of a where he's goin...?" She just whimpered a little bit. I just opened my arms and she just rushed me, burying her head into my chest.

"...He loves you... I'll bring him back.... you have my word.... We'll find him no matter what... He's royalty now and that makes this a whole different ball game." I walked with her crying into my chest back into the room... I saw Dash over with Scootaloo in the corner just cuddling with her.... Twilight was just leaning against the wall looking at them... i just took Applejack over to her friends before just going over to Twilight.

Twilight looked to me for a moment before looking back at Scootaloo and her cousin. "...Anything?" She asked.

"...He definitely went somewhere last night... more than likely left his phone so he wouldnt be traced it seems... Scootaloo told me he was up on the roof and flew off... Applejack just told me he just told her to go back to sleep... makes me think he saw something and wanted to go out and investigate but be in something that would keep anyone from thinking he passed out somewhere in his pajamas...."

"...Maybe... but why would he go somewhere in the middle of the night and not tell anyone...?"

"Dunno... He does slip off at the worst times it seems..." I just looked around at everyone... AJ was just in the middle of Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie being consoled, Babs and Sweetie Belle were just watching TV... But I noticed Applebloom sitting at a table struggling to stay awake. "...Hm... Might have another filly to question... Probably might need to get her into a bed to sleep... Maybe get some info before she sleeps..." I walked over to the table with Twilight in tow. I just knelt down resting a hand on Applebloom's shoulder. "Applebloom? Are you okay?"

The little filly let out a yawn rubbing her eyes. "...Yeah... just tired is all..." She said.

"Up late last night?" She nodded. "...Can I ask something about last night...? After that we can take you for a nap... Maybe see about getting Scootaloo and Applejack with you to be comfortable. Alright?" She nodded. "Alright... when you're ready..."

"Well... I... I havent been sleepin' well lately... Just... kinda busy thinkin' bout Diamond... Was sitting at the foot of my bed and just saw two shadows going into the trees... Wanted to go downstairs... tell Big Mac... But somethin' told me to just leave it be... and if they did do somethin' Ryder'd give em what for.. Just went and climbed into my bed and slept...."

"You remember which way they went when you were looking out the window?"

"...I... I think it was towards Everfree... Remember going that way when we ran off but dont really remember... got scared of somethin' that day and we ran everywhere... Just went off that direction and just... Yeah... Musta went off that way... why I aint got a clue..."

"Thanks for that Applebloom... You wanna just go with my sister now to your room to get some sleep?" She nodded. I just watched as Twily picked her up and just started out. Couldnt help but just see mom carrying Twily herself to bed... I can still remember a time where Twily fell asleep on the floor reading one night... Mom and dad kept telling her to get some sleep... Next thing you know she does but... then that happened. It was cute. Anyways I left a few minutes after that. Just got on my phone and just looked at an air view of Sweet Apple Acres. Ryder's room was closest to the road leading in, Scootaloo's to the side and Applebloom's and I'm also assuming Big Mac's being on the same side downstairs at least. Knew where I'd have to go, what to do. All I needed was to change into something that was more suited to go into Everfree. Had to go grab armor, get something breathable and versatile to wear.

As I came out of the armory I was found by Cadence. She just had her arms crossed, dressed back in her royal gown. "Anything yet Shining?" She asked.

"Got info from the girls.... Scoot and AJ are wrecks about Ryder... dont blame em... But thanks to Applebloom I think I've got a direction to go... Something made Ryder get dressed last night and go out on the roof, then fly off.... Thinking he walked off the orchard with someone, kinda frightened Applebloom... Taking a nap right now... Should actually get Scootaloo and Applejack into a bed to sleep..." She sighed.

"I'll handle it. Just... Please be careful out there... Take some guards with you as back up... Rather you be safe than lost out there too...."

"I'll do that. Have Twily give me information on anyone that can help if possible."

I swear if Twilight were any sneakier I'd have a heart attack. Fucking just teleported right to the side of Cadence making us both jump back a bit. "Well I've already got someone on the way." She said. "Someone who knows everfree inside and out. Already sent transport to her home and she should be at Sweet Apple Acres soon. Go get your transport and get out there...." I nodded and just hugged them both before going for my transport.

I hopped in the drivers seat and just pulled out of the garage. Almost immediately I started the siren. Though as I drove I failed to notice something... or someone... in the transport with me. Just glanced into the mirror and just went for the gun I had strapped to my hip. "Stow it. Not here to hurt ya." A stallion said. I checked the mirror again as I blew through a light. The same eye patch wearing stallion I saw at Ryder's wedding. Mythic. Black armor and I dont mean bullet proof vest.

I huffed. "I'd ask why you're here but considering last time I saw you I think you're here to help me find Ryder..." I said.

"Aye. If he goes missin' expect me to be there to find him..."

"And you couldnt do this yourself?"

"Nope. Cant be asking about a stallion that's gone missing and nary a question to who I am in relation to him... Those who know are either dead or should think I'm dead... And yet that fucked weddin' was somethin' I didnt think I'd even think of again. Think you remember Spitfire screamin' bloody fuckin' murder dontcha?"

"Couldnt get that image out of my mind."

"She's one who is supposed to think I'm dead.... That boy is the result of what I did to make her scream and to make her think I'm dead... Wont say what. Now... What information do ya have on where my boy went?"

"Guessing you werent inside listening?"

"Nope. Celestia specifically told me that if I contacted Ryder or his friends that I do NOT go anywhere near his sisters or their friends... Didnt help when they went and got themselves kidnapped... Good reminder to never piss Ryder off by hurting the ones he loves...."

"And dont I know that? He can destroy anyone if they give him a reason to..."

"And the fuckers who did take his sisters gave him more than enough reasons... Now... The information??"

"...Sometime during the night Ryder got up possibly to a disturbance which woke up his wife... Told Applejack to go back to bed, then flew out to the roof. Scootaloo heard him up there and saw him fly down to meet with someone and Applebloom says they went off towards Everfree... Hoping that we're not gonna have to search all of Everfree... dont have the manpower nor the time to do so... or even the resources..."

"Nor can I.... And yet it takes three soldiers under my belt to take down a band of mercs who threaten the very lives of neighboring countries either for profit or for the gain of someone who will give them that profit." I turned down towards the outskirts. "Took more than that to save me but that was something more on the lines of a Princess being captured... Everyone on alert, do whatever it takes...."

"And Ryder's in the same boat. Take it you're willing to risk your ass to find him?"

"Did we take C4 to the streets of Canterlot and banish a shit ton o' changelings?"

"...Can definitely see where Ryder gets his sarcasm from..."

"And I see where he got his start... now put it in gear, stop off just before you enter the orchard, let me out and get in there. I'll meet you after you've got contact with your lead."

"And here I thought you didnt know what was going on with the mission..."

"Ah button yer yap lad."

Couldnt help but have a chuckle as he just sat back and grabbed a drink from the cooler. Even passed me a soda which I downed as I was slowing down before the gate. I hopped out real quick, let him out but just watched him disappear right as he stood in front of me. Heard the fence just creak and just saw dust fly up as he ran through the trees... at least that's what I'm guessing. I hopped back in the truck and just went drive down the road. As I pulled up I found two guards standing with a zebra mare. Not only did the stripes give her away that she isnt from here but it was her clothing. Brown rags caressed her form, small polished and shapely stones hung from her neck along with what I'm thinking are teeth from animals... I pulled off to the side and hopped out. I just walked up to the guards and motioned them to leave. They did just as the mare looked to me. "You must be Shining Armor, the brother of the princess and protector from anyone who wishes to harm her." She said extending a hand. I shook it. "My name is Zecora, medicine mare of the forest Everfree, potions and trinkets are there for magical emergency."

"Nice to meet you. I wish this were under better circumstances but Twilight tells me you can help me find my friend who lives here?"

"I take it Ryder you mean? You know he once turned into a mare with a mane with a mighty sheen!"

"Uh... yeah...? I might need to ask him about that later but would you like to know what info I have?" She gave a nod. "Sometime during the night Ryder got up and left the house via his window and onto the roof. From the roof he went down to the tree's over here." I just pointed off to the side of the house where Scootaloo's room was. "And from there he walked towards Everfree from what Applebloom was telling me."

"So this stallion goes missing and you need a mares help pulling her away from making an antidote from animals that make hissing?"

"Unfortunately yes. None of the guards, not even myself know Everfree all that well and you should know we try to stay out of there unless its to help aid against the creatures within."

"I accept the job, but will require a favor. Ingredients needed for mare came to me for what a curse gave her. Ingredients I can not get myself because racist shop keeps wont let me, all I need are disinfectants in bottles of three. Better to stock up than have none, some for potions others for injuries either idiotic or unlucky for all and anyone."

"Fair. After this is done I'll help with that... might need you to point out the guy so we might have a talk. Now we have a friend of mine who's gonna be meeting us somewhere near the border of the homestead. He's gonna help us find Ryder and uh... He's just in a mood considering his relation to Ryder..." She nodded. I just started for the tree line just straight out from Scootaloo's window. I glanced back as we started following the trees around the house. "Since you know Everfree any tips you'd wanna share?"

"The foliage and fauna are very calm but dangerous, heed the warnings I say or suffer wounds that can be gangrenous. Most plants are safe to touch but Joke can do little to much. Floppy horns, deep voices and mini mares to be sure, your sister and her friends had to endure." I hummed.

"So... If I understand you right... and it is honestly kinda hard to do so... Sorry... But if I really do understand just listen to you when it comes to dangerous things like plants and animals and definitely stay away from this 'Joke' stuff eh?"

"You understand well, heed my words and not go through your own hell. When Ryder came to my abode I offered to Twilight to lead him well. Unfortunately he did have an unfortunate fall, joke he landed in but lucky he was that he didnt get turned to the size of a ball. I do apologize for my rhymes. Cursed I was back in time. Too late to reverse. Sounds as if I've rehearsed."

"Apologies for that. Lets just get on, find Ryder fast... Sister and his wife arent doing so well without him..." She nodded and we just walked into the trees looking as if we were going back towards ponyville almost. Just actually like we were walking off to the left of it.

The walk was kinda long. Actually found a footprint that looked like the bottom of Ryder's favorite sneakers. Meant we were going in the right direction. Took us about a half hour though to reach the fence that separated Everfree and Sweet Apple Acres. Sitting on the fence was Mythic just messing around with a device on his arm. He just looked up at us and sighed hopping up. "Took your sweet damn time didnt ya?" He said.

"Well sorry I had to make sure my contact knew what she was in for."

"And she is?"

"Mythic, Zecora. She's the one who's supposed to be leading us through Everfree, maybe even helping find tracks if she can. She does have some rules that you're gonna have to listen to-"

"What? Dont eat the fuckin' berries off a plant that growls atcha?"

"...No but you HAVE to listen... I dont wanna regret taking you and if something happens to you while we're on this I'm taking this to Celestia... I know she can do something about you... I know Ryder would but with what he's got going on I dont think he'd be in the mood."

"Say I dont. What happens."

"You get sick, you die. Good enough?" He stayed silent. "Thought so. Now if you wanna back out, here's your chance. Otherwise you're with us until we find Ryder."

"...Guess I'm staying... More eyes, less chance of your sorry ass getting hurt...." Anyhow we just hopped the fence and just started in, Zecora just starting to lead us. While we walked I was just jumping over hurdles into my mind on why Ryder would just up and leave in the middle of the night... I know he goes onto the roof for phone calls if he cant sleep or if he just wants to be weird and piss off the roof.... and yeah he has done that before... I remember back before he had to move in with his family he used to get together with Big Mac and I to drink... He had a few in him, ended up pissing off the roof because he could. Lucky him Applejack and Applebloom were with my sister. You can bet I cut him off and just had him lie down on the couch. Least he listened unlike Big Mac that one time... Like SERIOUSLY... Boy was so fucked up he just couldnt see straight, couldnt think straight and when he woke up after Ryder knocked his ass out and took Applejack, he couldnt piss straight.

Not gonna lie I felt a bit out of my element in Everfree... I know more about trudging around in snow storms to help ponies get off the street in the Crystal Empire than surviving in the forest... then again I feel like survival skills were more tested in my own mind with that test we were put through. Kept my eyes to the trees, Mythic kept his eyes down low. Had to take the occasional look down just to make sure I wasnt gonna get trapped by a vine. "You boys seem very silent. I really do hope neither of you are thinking violent." Zecora said. "Two soldiers at my side yet neither of which are from my pride. I'd think you two would talk more but to me you're a bit of a bore... Sorry to say with that, just trying to chew the fat."

I sighed. "Sorry Zecora... Guess we're both a bit on edge." I replied. "Ryder... He never just disappears like this without saying anything... and the last time he did disappear like this we nearly thought he got cold feet during his wedding."

"Understandable there, just keep watch so nothing raises hair. Need to check for clues, tracks, direction, running queues..."

Mythic looked to me. "Goin' high or low? Good with climbin' here but my legs aint what they used to be... Ask Ryder sometime after we find him." He said. I just sighed and started looking to the trees. Just teleported to the sturdiest looking branch I could just holding on to a broken nub that a branch once stuck to. Just looked out.... Saw vines hanging from trees, the root systems bulging up from the ground... Weirder thing was just seeing the birds scatter here and there.... Though... Something was watching me... And I couldnt figure where from.

I looked down a bit but back up because... Well me being a unicorn I dont do well with heights... Ryder on the other hand... I mean other than the times he's fallen out of a high spot whether it be saving his own ass or someone elses he's better than I am with that. "Mythic? You got eyes on? Got something crawling all over my back and its not fucking bugs..." I said.

"Got nothin! I feel em too. Watch for movement, I'm at your Four." I looked around and just kept eyes on the trees and just kept going from ground to trees. My eyes locked mostly onto the trees... Not because I didnt like looking down but because I had a feeling something was up there. I was kinda right... saw a shimmer of a form glimmering with some sort of active camo... I pointed out.

"GOT SOMETHING! ELEVEN O CLOCK!" I teleported over to a strong looking branch and started to relive my freerunning days. Yeah I freeran when I was younger. Mostly during my training days to build up endurance and agility, and I was somewhat good at it though. Think the last time I did it is the reason why I'm a bit.... gravity challenged.... Tried going around Canterlot, misjudged a jump from a staircase and might've really hurt myself. Think it was just landing wrong, twisting my ankle and may have just bloodied my arm up a bit. Had to just stick to running after that. I tried to keep eyes on to the form as I chased them. Went through tree branches like they were nothing, jumped through branch partings and even just grabbed on to ones a bit higher between jumps to make the other branch. Though that didnt last long. Grabbed onto a branch and just about shit myself. Had to quickly teleport myself back onto my feet just to stick the landing. I just huffed trying to catch my breath and grabbed a rock just chucking it in the direction I last saw that entity go.

It wasnt long until Zecora and Mythic were on me helping me up. "Shining are you alright? I just saw you running through the treetops with all your might!" Zecora said helping me up and brushing me off.

I brushed the dirt off my knees. "Dunno how you coulda seen somethin' lad." Mythic said. "So much shit in there I just thought it was the trees just playin' tricks on ya."

I huffed. "I know what I saw and it looked like someone invisible." I replied. "I saw them in the tree, seems like they were trying real hard to stay unseen but whatever they were using made it hard but not impossible to see." Mythic pinched the bridge of his nose.

"...O'course he still has that thing... using it to his advantage..." I nudged Zecora away and got closer to Mythic.

"Who has what? Why are they using it!" He looked to me.

"I'll only say this if you can BOTH keep your yaps shut about this shit... I'm already in hot water with Celestia for a lot of shit and I dont need more. Understand?" We both nodded. "Alright... You remember when I told you about what Ryder did when his sister and friends were kidnapped?" I nodded. "Well during that I gave him something and he went and had himself some fun with it showing why it was a bad idea to fuck with him..." He held up his wrist and pushed a button only to disappear himself. "This here's what I gave him. Guessing sometime after the last adventure he and I had he was either given or took one of these things... Fucker's definitely up to something if he's got this thing but no phone... wanting to remain hidden..." He reappeared and just looked around. "He's good. I'll give him that... doubting his is working right considering you saw him as clear as he was."

"So you're telling me that was Ryder and he's got one of those?" Mythic nodded. "...Swear the toys he gets while I'm still mucking around with my own tactics... Still a guard but a Prince through and through... guess he's still not used to the royalty..."

Zecora sighed. "Did you see which way he went?" She asked. "With that fall I'm surprised your head doesnt have a dent!" I gave a nod.

"Yeah... That way..." I pointed out the way I threw the rock. "He stuck to the trees... Thought I'd've had him if I jsut kept going..."

Mythic stretched a bit. "Guess we've got a longer walk than expected..." He said. "You good to keep going? Wont blame ya if you need to turn back."

"And not give my idiot of a friend a piece of my mind when we find him... ask him nicely WHY THE FUCK HE RAN OFF LIKE THIS!"

"You and me both...." We just started walking off in that direction. Just was pissed off there. "He has the speed unlike anything I've ever seen... Then again where he came from its understood why he is...."

"He's fast and crazy... bad combination.... Fast is good when going after someone but crazy? That comes from all the shit he does... Worst thing is he was in Griffonstone. Jumped right into the gorge, just to save someones ass and somehow he got out without a scratch on him though a few heart attacks... Kid he saved is cool, great friend to Spike..."

"Heard about that from contacts out there keeping an eye on him for me. The shit they've seen, that topped it... one minute he's there on the edge, next he's chasing after the kid, thought dead, next thing you know he's flying down from high up in the air."

"Guess we can also thank his mother for at least teaching him that conditioning..."

Zecora looked back at me. "Ryder is strong with body and mind. Stronger than a durian with a spiky rind." She rhymed. "The situation smells like the fruit, bittersweet but smelly to boot. He leaves without a word but runs from his friend... I hope we dont have a fight coming to this end...."

Mythic hummed as he just looked out to the trees. "She's right... somethin' dont add up here.... There's something going on and it doesnt seem right that he'd just up and leave with nothing and run from you when he sees you... Like he doesnt want anyone to find him for any reason...."

I looked over at him. "Yeah... Not good there....Now I've got a question for you Mythic.... That device... what can it do if me asking wont get you in hot water." I said.

"Suppose its not gonna hurt all the way out here. Still experimental. Active camo, tracking heat signatures and even to help breathe underwater.... Theres where the experimental part comes in. Cant go in water without shorting out...."

"Heat signatures huh?"

"Yep. Thing came in handy once before... Sadly this one I have is shite for the moment. Still needing repairs."

"Damn... There goes that idea...."

"Might need to scrap this for something else... Maybe promise Ryder if he comes out now and explains himself he can have it and fix his!" We stayed silent for a moment, everyone just looking high and low. Mythic huffed and kicked the dust. "Fuck... Thought that'd work... Boy's as smart as he is fucking dumb..."

"And of course he's the biggest fucking idiot we know but somehow he can just jury rig a plan and somehow it works...."

"Swear this reminds me of a movie... Only except there's no guns and we're only looking over our shoulders for fuckin' animals that want something to eat..."

Zecora just sighed. "Animals are hungry yes but we should go and get some rest." She said. "I missed my morning meal because of this and thinking feeding us should be best."

Stomach growled right on queue. I huffed patting my stomach. "...Honestly wish we could've grabbed some apples before we came in here...." I said. "I just wanna keep looking for Ryder... We can find him I know it!"

"We will find him sure but getting some food will help us a little more. Rather wouldnt pass out while looking for the lout."

"Fair fair... Just hope we can get back on track..."

"Everfree is big and wide. We should be able to find him before its dark outside. I would not want to deal with the creatures here, most come out at night and drive anyone away in fear." Big Mac told me about the Timberwolves who got to Ryder. Fuck if I hadnt gotten confirmation by my sister, Spike and the 'host of the party' we went to celebrate Ryder's new title I wouldnt have believed it to be true that Ryder got turned into a fucking Timberwolf. Thought he was just fucking HIGH. Either that or hopped up on the painkillers because Twilight told me he was ripped up pretty badly... Though I have to be proud for Spike in that moment.... strong enough to see his friend, injured, comatose and hurting. I could tell you when Twilight told me he was hurt I was nearly about to get in the chopper, fly my ass down to canterlot and grab a transport to haul ass down here. Lucky I didnt... Winds were high which made it hell to try and fly... both for Pegasai and aircraft.

"Lead on but... we should be able to find a way back to this spot... right?"

"Everfree is but a map in my mind, now come and stick close to not be left behind!" Both Mythic and I just followed Zecora through the trees. I couldnt help but look out there and think as to why Ryder ran... or if that even WAS Ryder...

I could swear we were walking for at least an hour through the trees. She must do this a lot... Mythic and I were just asking to take breaks here and there... him to take a piss and me just to sit down and rest. When we got to Zecora's hut I couldnt help but just look at everything. Tribal masks, lanterns lightening up the area, sunlight still glistening through the trees. Mythic sighed as we approached. "...Remind me to not wear this shite next time I'm in a forest to do some hiking.... Rather wear something more breathable than this...." He said.

I huffed wiping the sweat from my brow. "Noted... And... yeah... yeah same.... Only wore this to try to spend time with my friend but nope... had to go and run off..." I replied. I looked to Zecora as she was just opening the door. "So uh... Zecora... Anything we can do to just speed up the process of finding my friend?"

Zecora looked to me as she let Mythic inside. "The time it takes to find your friend will be long whether you like it or not." She said. "The worry you hold will make your mind rot! A strong will and strong mind will help you through. And with the help you offer I suppose help cooking is something you can do."

"Tell me what we need to make and I'm all over it."

"Just a stew from veggies and spices will be alright to eat. Hopefully it gives you both enough energy with your friends ass to beat. The caves of the areas are where we can look but with the animals, a reservation they might book. We disturb their homes and we might be on the menu, hoping we wont need a limb old or new...." I honestly felt that. Do NOT wanna find any caves that are occupied nor do I wanna disturb any inhabitants if we do find them.

Anyways prepping for the stew was quick. Just got some stuff together, chopped em up and dumped into a pot. After things were chopped up I decided to step outside and just catch a breather. Maybe watch for anything weird. While stepping out i did notice Mythic was outside. He was just looking at his device, checking out the inside of it. He looked up at me as I just came to his side. "Soups on I take it?" He asked. I nodded. "Just call me in when its ready... Gotta figure out if I can fix this thing to help with our search...."

I sighed. "Zecora will do that. I just.... I kinda need a moment to breathe..." I said. "You holding up alright?"

"Yeah... Think time is catching up with me.... Starting to feel the ache in my old bones... Then again my legs were broken in several places some time ago... Little help here and there, some rehab and pain killers and I'm back on duty but only light recon until I'm back to full force... Little shite we're followin' dethroned me and I cant exactly be mad."

"....Dethroned huh? Guessing even though he has his new title he isnt exactly away from guard stuff..."

"Just because you're a prince dont mean you're not gonna do guard stuff every once in a while... I mean what're ya doin' now lad? Searchin' for your wifes lost puppy?"

"...Fair point... guess once a guard always a guard...."

"...Guessing that's meanin' once titled something it sticks?" I gave a nod. "...Well I'll agree with ya. Fuckin' son o' mine kept calling me a rapist... 'course that's what he came from... Raped his mother... wont hear the end of it... not from her, not from him..."

"Makes a whole lotta sense why you and him have the relationship you do.... and with how he protects his family I'm surprised you're not dead."

"Makes two of us. He tried but I was faster. Beat the everlovin' shit out of him when he tried to defend his home from me, an unknown entity... All I wanted to do is talk and yet he got the instincts going... Regret? Both ends. I regret hitting him and he regrets trying to hit me. Guessing one reason he didnt kill me is because I do more to protect him and his family than he knows. Round the time I wanted to talk, two ponies were gonna target his family... sister mostly... Rather it looked like an accident they died rather than have them experience what he does... One crushed under his own car while he was fixing it, the other I had to get creative. Kill the guy first, with a shot to the head, burn the place down but I really had to make up something... Too close to neighbors so they'd smell the gasoline and too suspicious if they see someone coming in with a gas can... old lady was across the street during the days, neighbors partying into the night... Smell of that guy hit hard while I was trying to get the damn place to spark up.... Had to do something with the stove and a few flammable objects."

"You kill but everyone else is your cleanup crew... That and you gotta make sure no tracks are left..."

"You're gettin' it... might not be the whole picture but you see it..."

"Guess all if not some of those reports in every city of suicides or house fires are your guys doings?"

"Some. Most of the shit we dive deep into never makes news nor does it see the light of day. If it does, we dont see the light of day."

"So if Ryder gets caught doing this shit he could die?"

"Boy's been near death a lot of times... And if he's found out he does have friends in low places who can help wipe his face from every point it pops up. Not us doin' that there. That kidnappings I told ya about? Sisters taken, left a bloodbath in his wake... Apparently sometime after his foal was born, ended up going to Ikkebuckero. Found a group who are somewhat mercs... Give a lot of trouble to the gangs out there from what I got... Ryder befriended them, risked his own ass to return something to someone there and if he needs them they're there. Motherfucker's got an army and a half behind his ass..."

"To kick or protect? I'm in both parties now since his fucking dumbass ran off..."

"Thinkin' you're more the party to protect considerin' you're out here...."

"Well I'm gonna kick his ass too. Hopefully he's gonna come to his senses and come back.

...And you know if Ryder was an assassin we'd both be dead. Just hands on our shoulders making us both just brush em off and get into combat stances. Laid eyes right on him and he was just ready to defend himself. He looked tired, his mane a mess. He was dressed in jeans, a combat jacket with the sleeves rolled up, his pants torn a bit and boots muddier than the orchard after a rainstorm. "And yet you two know NOTHING about what I'm doing out here yet you're following me!" He said. Mythic and I looked to each other and just rushed him. I wanted to grab him but he just threw me into a tree, while Mythic actually got a hold of him but not for long. I rushed back as he dropped an elbow on him... And He doesnt know I have a trick up my sleeve... Temporary anti-flight spell. Makes a pegasus as heavy as an earth pony making them easier to catch. He tried taking off and went into a faceplant. We both piled on top of him and I just got my cuffs out just nabbing him.

"GOTCHA! You have some SERIOUS explaining to do!"

-To be continued.