The Beginning of A New Life

Its... been about a few days since Twilight adopted Cozy Glow. She is just the smartest and CUTEST little filly I've gotten to know. She might be in second grade but she knows her stuff at a fourth grade level. The days since that happened I've been on babysitting duty with her because Twilight was scrambling around making sure her new room had everything she needed, a play room to go with it, kid friendly books in her library, the works with her. But the thing I figured out? She loves strategy games. Chess is one yeah but she played too much of it because she was forced to. We played a banking game and she just about smoked me with what I landed on... had me nearly paying with my feathers. But that was the past few days. Today? It was a work day for me. Not at the orchard. The garage. Applejack hasnt needed me at the orchard because surprisingly her uncle came down with Babs and they've been helping a bit. Mostly to keep them out of The Summer Home- yes which I asked Celestia for them to use- while their house was getting fumigated... termites suck. Today I was just in the garage working on the undercarriage of a car. Beautiful sports car. Thing from what the owner told me is that he drifted in this car a lot... He ended up hitting something that made his car drive sideways a bit so he needed an alignment and a quick check on the axles and such to make sure nothing was damaged.... And this guy said that if things needed fixing just to fix it... course he gave us a list of things he didnt want us to touch... radio, seats, anything on the interior for one..... yeah... one of those guys.... But he was good with his money. I was actually just getting the finishing touches on something down there. Rolled out from under and just let the other guys handle the rest of it. Thought everything was alright. That was until I got back upstairs. Phone call. And from who? Princess Luna. I just looked at my phone as I washed my hands. If I could tell my phone to answer itself I would... oily fingers arent fun. Quickly had to go wash my hands and just answer it with the cleanest finger I could get and put it on speaker before just going back for more soap. "Luna what are you doing up at this hour? Is everything alright?" I asked.

I heard a huff. "I'm going to say yes and no to this...." She said. "Yes because I've been just glad to have Nightmare Moon out of me and no because we have a problem here."

"What's going on? Some guard talking shit on me being a prince again when I wasnt being a good General?" Yeah... that happened. Apparently Twilight caught a guard saying me being made Prince was a mistake because every decision I made as a General got someone killed or nearly killed as a result. Even blamed me for stuff that wasnt even my choice. You best bet he got a lecture and put on some sort of probation. Next time he talks shit on me, she's allowing me to deal with it however I please. Well... however I please that is non violent... Anyways Luna huffed.

"I wish it were that. As of the other day Discord came to the castle to complain to my sister of being so tired all the time and he's fallen asleep that same day!"

"And let me guess... he's still there not leaving anyone alone?"

"Close... He hasnt woken up. What's worse is that he's gone and unknowingly released creatures of chaos in the castle!"

"And something tells me you need me to get a big creature under control?" I made sure my hands were clean before drying my hands off with a nearby oil stained towel and grabbing my phone.

"Well... That's where you're wrong. Celestia is having guards make sure they leave no creature of chaos unchecked. What you're going to do is you're going to come with me and we need to delve into his mind to try and wake him up." I huffed.

"...Forgive me for sounding like an asshole but.... You cant do this yourself?"

"I would but honestly? I'd rather not go in there alone... Who knows what his mind is like...."

"....Yeah fair.... I'd rather not find out but when it comes to him somehow making things just come into being? Yeah... best to wake him up before something really makes some shit that even the guards cant stop.... I can get there but might need a chopper to get out there as fast as I can."

"Get over to the guard station. I'll call, let them know to prep a chopper."

"I'll get changed real quick and be out there as fast as I can." I hung up and just got changed out of my coveralls. Got into my duster from the Nukes Galore game I got put in. That, a plain grey shirt, Lunar Republic pants and I just grabbed my dads truck and I drove on over to the local guard station. Glad its over here and not Twilight's castle... Once I was in we lifted off.

I listened to music the whole time. And of course I decided to just do a leap from over the castle. I opened that door up just telling the pilot to keep it steady and once I was ready I jumped. I honestly was kinda glad my mom ended up throwing me out of the chopper... Scared the shit out of both her and I but it helped there. Especially when it came to helping Babs. Speaking of which she's pretty much back to her usual self. Still lovable when I'm around but up high she's still the same filly as if she was on the ground. Once I landed I was met by Princess Luna and a few guards. A guard approached me just to pat me down, pinch me here and there.... I just looked at him weird before he backed off. "Alright. You're the real you..." He said. "Rather be safe than sorry here sir." I looked to Luna as I stepped down off the helipad.

"...I thought we were dealing with chaotic entities, not changelings..."

Luna stepped forward. "We are. Just had to be sure because of your chaotic nature yourself." She said. "We've already dealt with a few guards who were actual chaos entities. We only noticed when they were going about a patrol."

"What happened to them?"

"We're quarantining them. We're really not sure if they're real guards affected by Discord's magic or if they're made up of Discord's chaos magic entirely. One had the tail of a tiger and the other we cant tell if they're a unicorn or a pegasus guard. Asking them is a risk we are just not willing to take... rather we stop Discord's magical attacks and wake him than find each and every- you really know how to stall things." I huffed.

"...No delaying the inevitable I take it?" She shook her head. "Alright... Get me prepped with whatever and lets go." She nodded and we entered the castle. There were guards everywhere in here. More than usual. Some were containing cotton candy clouds filling... kiddie pools with chocolate milk.... I swear when I saw that I repressed all urges to run over and jump in.... Just told myself to not do it because of Licorice Piranha that could be in there.... Other than that I saw floating bubbles and guards popping them, even some chasing weird little creatures that looked like a raccoon, otter and a weird green cat. How do I know these things werent real animals? The raccoon had a witches hat, the otter was just running around wearing a green, red and yellow hoodie.... and the cat was drawing on the walls. "How long has this been going on?"

"Since this morning. I was rudely awoken by thunder from the stupid cotton candy clouds. Thought there was a thunderstorm outside and I was about ready to give the Pegasai in charge of the weather today a piece of my mind. When I found out the storm wasnt outside but inside I found my sister and helped her thin the herd of cotton ball cows- and no I do not mean sheep. These things.... Literally cow, with cotton ball bodies and... Baby bottle tops for the udders. It was strange but those things can gore you with their horns if you're not careful." I carefully shifted around a weird creature... dont know how to describe it.

"Let me guess... The horns are screws or nails or something...."

"Nope... Railroad spikes and they arent fun. At least you know they're gonna charge when they let out a loud train whistle."

"Got it... be on the lookout...." Well after that strange ass description I just followed up from directly behind the Princess. Even flying to just avoid things on the ground. More animals... weird pink and blue squirrel thing, a mini bear with a purple hairstyle.... And just some weird blue hedgehog.... on two legs... Now that was weird. As we neared closer to the epicenter of all this chaos we saw more and more. More creatures, a fucking moat of chocolate milk... I may or may not have taken a handful of it to taste and my god it was great. Luna and I crossed it alone before going into the room that Discord was in. When inside the room we just couldnt help but look at just... everything. Discord in the middle and just a weirdly hypnotic aura surrounding him as he snoozed all curled up. I was just so entranced by it Luna opened up a magic door and dragged me through. Guess I was just so distracted I didnt do anything until she slapped me. I just kinda shook my head snapping back to the moment. We were just in a dark dreamscape for now. I just looked to Luna as she took a few deep breaths.

"Alright... We're past the point of no return.... Let me be clear.... I feel like you're the only one crazy enough to understand what goes on in here. Another reason why I needed you here." I huffed.

"And the other reason is combat ability to protect?"

"Yep. Rather have you in here than any other guard to deal with this. Now before I pull down this veil sealing us off from Discord's dreams.... Do you have any questions?"

"....Am I gonna find Discord in any compromising positions?" ....I swear she didnt wanna answer.... "...Well if we do I'm gonna hope you're gonna be able to take those images out of my head... Hopefully we could ask your mother or father to remove those images as well..."

"...Suggest something like that again, I will not hesitate to give you nightmares that exploit every fear I know about you..."

"...yes ma'am... Should we just... get on with this?" She huffed.

"You're right... faster we get done with this, faster we keep from angering my sister with Discords unwanted antics.... But so help me if we see anything like you suggested.... That what you suggested sounds better than bleach in the eyes and shots of hard liquor.... Maybe better than the first option but would not want to get plastered..."

"Whiskey is good for me."

"We'll raid my stash later... lets do this."

She took a deep breath and used her magic only to reveal a land that was just... made of candy. Cotton candy clouds in the sky, blue as anything, trees were made of chocolate and strands of taffy, bushes were made of just.... Honestly everything here looked and smelled so sweet. I got so curious about a flower that was a lollipop that I just plucked one from the ground and just put it in my mouth. Luna could see it on my face that I enjoyed it. Tasted of green apple mixed with caramel with the one I picked. She couldnt help but pluck one for herself. We just started walking a bit before we got startled by the bushes rustling. I honestly felt a bit uh..... a bit vulnerable. I always eat without a care in the world but scare me when I am I might turn into a little pussy. Hid behind Luna who had her magic ready. We focused on the bushes a bit ready for whatever was gonna come. What came out? ....A little embarrassed to say but.... A little orange bunny that had a little green tuft of hair on top, half his head was just metal. He had something metal in his paws. I came out from behind Luna. He looked to me. "Excuse me sir?" He said. I was just a bit taken aback by him talking. "Can you help me here? Had a bit of a scuffle with a bird and it knocked my ear off. Cant really hear that well without it."

I looked to Luna and back to the bunny. I nodded and knelt down. "...Yeah you're definitely a little entity of chaos... cute but chaotic...." I said taking his ear. I just looked it over just to know what to do. "So uh.... What's your name little guy?"

"My designation is Coney Artificial Rodent Replicant E-" He just stopped starting to trip over his own tongue. "Just call me Carret!" I gently turned his head a bit just to get a good look at where his ear went.

"Honestly.... I'm wondering what you represent in Discord's mind...." He huffed almost squeaking.

"I suppose I'm somewhat of his conscience so to speak. Doesnt seem to listen to me when I tell him doing things like- Oh I dont know- trying to take over Equestria by acting like a complete clown.... He just NEVER listens and its annoying."

I got the ear into place just as Luna gave out a giggle. "That was sort of his thing... Now he has friends in the form of a mare in Ponyville, some of Ryder's friends here and Ryder himself... when Discord isnt annoying the everloving hell out of him and his family..." She said. "I'm Luna by the by. And that stallion fixing your ear is Ryder." I squeezed his head a bit and popped the ear back on and immediately parts of it started lighting up. Kinda like a boot up sequence. Lights on it glowed orange from bottom to top before flashing a few times. He just jumped up and down clapping his paws together before just zooming around us. He hopped right into my arms which kinda caught me off guard.

"Yay! Thank you Ryder!" I kinda blushed a bit setting him down.

"You're welcome Carret. Now... We really should be going... Discord's kinda being a nuisance in Luna's home and we're trying to wake him up to put a stop to it."

"Oh! Oh can I come with you? I can help you with that! That and... I dont know if that bird is around still. Hid in the bushes for so long I didnt see where it went!" I huffed giving a slight smile before bending down again and picking him up just to put him on my shoulder.

"Yeah... Dont see anything wrong with that.... You just might be our ticket to finding him easily." I just looked around the candyland laid out before us. "....Now if only we knew where to start...."

Luna huffed. "Only way to find out is to just keep walking..." She said.

"Yeah... Good idea... Just hope we find ourselves a path or some location that stands out.... Works in video games if you're lost." Yeah... Adventure is always good. We just started walking away from the bushes. I looked to Carret as we walked. "So uh... other than let you hear what can that ear do?"

The little bunny looked to me a bit as he held onto my ear. "Lotsa things!" He replied. "I mostly use it for hearing, it can give us light in the dark, even convey my emotions. Some things I havent had to use it for is use it to look for hidden treasure, dig things up or fight of enemies because lets face it, I'm a bit of a scaredy bun and will run at the first sign of danger." I huffed.

"Well at least you got us to help you... Course where we differ from being strong protectors is that I might run at the first sight of Spiders.... And I swear there better not be any here otherwise I'm turning right around and running out of here."

Luna huffed. "You're not going far. Not if I have anything to say about that...." She said. She looked to me. "Why dont you leave your friend with me and fly up to see if you cant see something important looking." I nodded and just let Carret hop onto my wing and then over to Luna just to sit on her shoulder. I just flew up and looked over everything. Of course this candy landscape went on for a while. I looked all around us. Only one spot stood out. A fucking mountain that had a cave opening somewhere in the middle. I flew back down and landed next to Luna. "Anything?"

"Mountain just that way. Looks like a cave and I'm hoping it can go right through...." I pointed off around to where I saw the mountain.

Carret hopped over to my arms in a single jump before getting back onto my shoulder. "You're lucky I know this landscape very well." He said a tad condescendingly. "That cave absolutely goes straight through the mountain! Though uh.... I do hope you can take out the monster in there blocking the path.... N-Not that I havent tried I mean I've tried but it was just too big and-"

"Carret. Relax. Dont want you worrying yourself sick. Just take a deep breath and maybe get yourself situated. We may have to fly out there..." Carret just looked to me.

"If you're gonna hold me, dont drop me.... Last I checked Bunnies dont fly very well..." I hummed.

"Could go and just rig something up so you can be secured to my back if that'll make you feel better but I'd rather not have sticky residue all over my clothes... This is candy after all..."

Luna hummed a little. "Well..." She started. "This is a dream after all. Just think of something, make it appear and viola! You've got a harness!" Just then a harness just appeared out of thin air. Luna took Carret from me with her magic and helped me put the harness on. Felt a bit awkward but he got a firm seat right above where my wings sat. I just looked at it and just got a feeling for it. That's when I thought of something. Little motorcycle helmet and a pair of goggles. I just took them and handed them up to Carret.

"Here bud. We might be going a bit fast so these might help." I could feel him take them. Luna came over and helped him with everything just to make sure it fit. "Alright... Tell me when."

I felt that little bunny wiggle and grab onto my shirt. "Ready!" He said. I looked to Luna.

"Ready Luna?"

Luna looked to me. "Lets go!" She said. Immediately I flew up with Luna following close behind me. We just flew straight towards the mountain. Honestly flew a bit longer than I thought. We went and landed just outside the cave. I kinda collapsed at the mouth of the cave since it's been quite a while since I've flown that far that fast. Luna helped me over to a nearby rock just as Carret hopped out of his harness. "You alright Ryder?"

I coughed a bit giving a nod. Carret sat down in front of me. "Yeah.... Thinking we need a slight rest right now.... That flight was definitely something..." He said. "Allow me to scout ahead and let you rest. You need your strength to fight this monster in there!"

I wiped the sweat on my brow. "...Carret.... I'd rather you not go in there alone.... Not sure how well you can see in there but would rather not have you get hurt because of it." I said.

"I might not be big or good in a fight but I wanna make sure you know what to expect in there! I'll stay out of sight and get back to you in a bit." I huffed not having the energy to fight him on it.

"...Fine... Go in there but make sure whatever is in there doesnt see you... If you're not out in five minutes I'm coming in...."

"Fair enough! Be right back!" He just handed his helmet back to me after Luna helped it off him. He just put his goggles on top of his head and just hopped off towards the cave leaving Luna and I alone. I looked to Luna giving a heavy sigh.

"...I really need to get with my mother more often and fly around with her.... I've been out of the sky for too long...."

Luna sighed as she sat down next to me. "Fancy yourself more of an earth pony since you've went on your own." She said jokingly. "Speaking of being on your own.... Have you been thinking about moving back in now that you're a bit stable?" I just looked off in the distance.

"....Its getting harder to not hear my baby girl cry and not think I'm a great father.... I've honestly been the shittiest father and the shittiest husband for a while.... Of course being the shitty husband started like I was walking on a broken leg that ended up getting septic after that but... Totally got better after that.... Until shit hit the fan infecting the wound once more..."

"Do you think that wound is cleaned out and healed?"

"I'm... I'm not sure.... I just feel as if.... If I go back I might be still keeping them in danger...."

"If so... since you moved in to the garage have you felt in danger at all?" I thought for a minute. Since I did move out after my kidnapping did I feel in danger?

"...Only in the first few months.... Had trouble sleeping, you know that.... Kept thinking I'd have someone breaking into my room, shooting me point blank before I had anything to defend myself with.... Either that or if I did fall asleep I'd get my throat slashed.... That faded a bit after.... Next I moved in to the garage and... Well... what I'm trying to say is not really?"

"...I would consider returning to them. If you need, I can have a room the size of yours built into a shed as to not take away from the beauty of the orchard. Perhaps put a piece connecting the house together to blend in?" I looked to the cave and just got up feeling better.

"Yeah... We can talk about that later... Think we should go make sure that bunny is okay." I closed my eyes for a moment before opening them and having everything turn blue enhancing the light around me. Luna looked at me and just stared into my eyes. "....What?"

"...Your.... eyes.... How did you....?"

"Oh! Oh so that's how she does it!"

"Who?"

"A cute demon pup who's been at my side since I picked her up."

"Schrivechnya???" I gave a nod before starting to walk towards the cave.

"Remember when I was kidnapped? She lent me her sight and honestly I've been using it every so often just to make sure there's no danger around."

"That's amazing! She's really taken a liking to you!"

"And I'm glad for it...." We entered the cave and just started looking around. She of coursed used her magic to make a light but it only reached so far.

"See anything?" I shook my head.

"Carret! Carret where are ya bud?" I heard nothing but silence and our own footsteps.... My echo was nonexistent as well. I'm just gonna chalk it up to being dream stuff. "Dammit... nothing... Little guy must've gone farther than we've thought." I stopped and just looked around. Rocks, cave wall and just.... Nothing. I looked ahead and just saw an opening just about Carret sized. I pointed. "There! That hole!" We hurried towards the hole and just found that it was getting bigger. I just kinda slowed down a bit. Luna looked back at me knowing something was up before we both stopped.

"Alright.... What's up?" She asked.

"This hole wasnt this big and we didnt run that long to it...." She looked to it.

"....Well... you're right... This must be the mind of Discord..."

"Yep... Shit doesnt make sense but it makes all the sense." I looked back the way we came from. "Follow me. I wanna try something." We started walking back to where we came from. Kept looking back just to make sure the hole was shrinking. Once it was a good enough size I stopped. I just kept facing away before starting to walk backwards. Luna just looked at me.

"What are you doing?"

"Testing something..... Call me crazy but I think just by looking at it means its gonna change before our very eyes. I'm gonna walk backwards and its not gonna change...." She just narrowed her eyes trying to find the logic there.

"That... That doesnt make any sense...."

"Exactly! We're in Discord's mind! Nothing makes sense! We do stuff that doesnt make sense, we'll get through things."

"...I swear you are making so much sense but none at the same time but... I get it somewhat...."

"Good... Now look away because I'm not sure if this works with you looking at it...." I watched as Luna looked away as I just continued to walk backwards. I soon found myself standing in the opening of the hole. "Alright Luna, ready for you.... Just follow my voice." I watched as she slowly started walking backwards. "There we go... That's it..." She walked a bit faster before I hugged her from behind. "Gotcha! There we go!" I turned her around. "Alright... Lets find him and get out of here!" Luna nodded and we ventured further into the cave. "Carret! Carret where are ya?"

Almost immediately Carret scurried up to us and just shushed us. "Quiet quiet!" He said in a hushed yell. "The monster will hear you!" I just grabbed Carret and put him on my shoulder.

"What is this monster though?"

Luna tapped me on the shoulder and pointed in front of us. I looked and.... I cant help but to say I got excited. Huge teeth, long spikes and claws and feathers.... Eyes were whited out and just.... Oh I knew what it was. So did Luna. She grabbed Carret just before I broke out into a sprint! "RYDER NO!" She yelled.

"HAHA YES DEAFJAW!" Oh you can call me a fucking idiot all you like but these guys? I know how to easily deal with these things. Nonviolently. Oh these things love hugs! These things apparently always want to hug but just because of their defense mechanisms they are always perceived as a threat. Sure they're predators but they only went after defenseless prey. What I did next? I fucking EMBRACED that fucking thing. I hugged it and just started scratching its scaly belly until it just lied down and started kicking its leg like Winona does. "Whos a good girl? YOU ARE!" Oh I just started giggling like a filly. Luna and Carret came over and just.... they looked at me confused as all hell. I just laughed. "Oh come on you cant seriously expect me NOT to do this!"

Carret looked to me as he hopped out of Luna's arms. "...I half expected that thing to just gut you...." He said. "....I'd ask how but... I dont think I'd understand...."

Luna swallowed as the Deafjaw got back up. "....I.... Oh I just about had an accident when you charged for that thing...." She said. "I.... I always get those things for the experience... Just.... That was unexpected...."

I just patted the Deafjaw's side. "Well next time dont and instead just relax and give it some belly rubs!" I said. I looked over to it. "Wanna come with us girl? Protect us from the bad stuff?"

Carret just hopped back behind Luna. "Ryder if that thing comes with us.... I might not.... Rather not be a tasty morsel for that thing...." He said. I huffed.

"Fine fine..." I looked to her. "Sorry girl.... Maybe I'll give you some more belly rubs on the way back... You just get on now and if any of your friends are around just... tell them not to bother us. Rather not make you jealous with all the belly rubs." I just gave the thing a hug. The hug it returned was kinda lukewarm. Like it didnt wanna have me leave. I swear if I could shrink this thing and keep it as a pet I would... but of course pet stuff yadda yadda yadda- moving on.

To be honest it hurt having to leave that Deafjaw behind but it did follow us throughout the cave. Once we reached the exit we found ourselves in a dark swamp. There was a bit of rain but nothing strong. No wind but there was some thunder. Luna huffed as she made an umbrella appear. "...Alright... Dark stormy thoughts... At least these arent at the forefront of his mind.... Keep an eye out for something... anything..." I shuttered at the thunder rolls.

Carret DEFINITELY felt that. He hunkered down in his harness. "...Please do NOT fly in this... I do not want to become fried bun!" He said.

I huffed looking around. Nothing but swampy marshlands around. "....Yeah no worries about that... Rather we'd stay on the ground here..." I said. "Though the thing is... Not sure how stable this mud would be...." Carret hummed as he hopped from my shoulder down to the ground landing with a little bit of a splat. Got mud on my shoes.

"....It seems stable enough for someone like me.... But uh.... Maybe there's something around that we could use...."

Princess Luna hummed as she aimed a magic blast... Her horn was brilliantly glowing. "Give me one moment... I might be able to give us a little light if I can do this just... right..." She said just before she let out a huge ball of magic towards the sky. It disappeared into the clouds for a moment before a bright blue light exploded sending all the clouds away. Almost instantly sun peeked through the growing hole and once the clouds were gone we waited a moment as whatever rain was in there stopped. She sighed. "There... Much better. Think we're good to fly around... Dont really think my heels would like soft mud.... Rather not track mud all over the castle once we leave here..." I picked Carret back up and put him back in my harness. Even the Princess helped fix the helmet for him.

"....Flying is good. Lets just make this quick. Discord's mind will fix itself if it knows something is off! I dont know how good you are at flying through storms and I'd rather not find out!"

I huffed. "Even with me surviving The Gorge in Griffonstone I would NOT fly in a thunderstorm...." I said.

Luna made her umbrella disappear. "And with how insane you are I'm surprised you wouldnt." She replied before taking off. I kicked the mud off my shoes and took off after her. As we flew I just looked over the swamp land. To be honest... It kinda looked empty. Maybe a destroyed building there, wrecked bridge there.... looked as if it was burned. I looked to Luna as we flew.

"Luna how long have you known Discord?"

"Thousands of years Ryder." She glanced back at me. "He's born of chaos. Thought to be born from war, riots, everything that doesnt make sense to the image of a small child. A rumor I actually think to be true because of the way he looks combined with everything he does. And where he comes from? A dimension where there is no up or down, no left or right or perhaps down is up, left is right or vise versa. I dont recall but he revealed himself when he found our world mostly in order and under our control. We were teens but once he started spreading his chaos we were sought to help end it and restore order. We turned him to stone in a way the cockatrice would be envious and kept him nearby as a way to hide him and keep watch over him. That was until Discord showed up and sent the entirety of Equestria into chaos making him feel at home once more. Twilight and her friends almost failed but Twilight kept her head on straight before reuniting her friends with their elements both figuratively and literally. They encased him in stone yet again and after they released him, Fluttershy seems to have made him more tame... even if he still is annoying."

"Any friends do you think he'd've made?"

"Tirek was to be thought of being affiliated but was shot down soon after. Unknown who else if any." I hummed before looking around even more just looking for a place that stuck out.

"Anything you'd know Carret?"

The bunny on my back hummed a bit. "Not really. I've only been minding my own business for... What? Thousands of years?" He asked himself. "As I've said, I'm his conscience and he doesnt listen to me and I doubt he knows I exist. I tell him not to do something, he does it anyhow." I huffed.

"...If my mind were this vast which I think not, I wonder if some of the stuff I do is because I've got a small voice telling me not to do something yet I dont hear it because I've already done it."

Luna chuckled. "Wouldnt be surprised." She said looking around. She saw something in the distance. "There! I see a castle! That must be where he is!" I looked over and sure enough there was a castle. This one was your stereotypical medieval castle, walls around it. This was a bit beyond the swamp and into a craggy area, large beach ahead. Even saw pirate ships on the water... yet they were upside down.... I glanced back at Carret.

"Anything you know here?"

The bunny held on tighter. "Nope! Just... If those ships start firing I'd suggest hitting the dirt sooner rather than later... AND LANDING!" He yelled out. I looked to Luna.

"Fly low! Danger imminent!" She gave a thumbs up and we both went into a dive. Oh Carret did not like that one bit. I could feel him tighten up his grip on my back nearly pinching and pulling my coat out. We dove for a good minute or so before pulling up. We landed just before the walls of the castle and I just couldnt help but wish I was reenacting a scene from a movie. Just yelling up to be let in and someone at the top of the wall insulting me and my lineage saying I was born from a rodent and smelt of rotten fruit. I hummed just looking at the big wall and doors in front of me. "...Hm... How get in.... Would fly over but dont wanna risk getting hit by a cannon and these doors... Do not wanna open em to see a full damn army..."

Luna looked to me. "Can you use your sight to peer through the wall?" She asked. I activated the sight and hummed just getting closer to the wall. Even knelt down to focus more. Didnt see much... Maybe a shimmering form here and there in both red and yellow colors. I hummed looking to Luna deactivating the sight.

"...There's definitely something there.... And I'm sure Discord is at the center of it all... And I swear to your mother if we have to go another layer down I'm gonna wake his ass up the hard way...."

Carret hopped on my shoulder and just bapped me with his paw. "Hey! Language!" He snapped. I looked to him.

"Equestrian. Now go with Luna... Gonna try to make a place to grab and force it open...." He gave a sarcastic laugh as he hopped from my shoulders. Luna caught him in her magic and brought him over just as I pulled out my hammer. I got closer to the door and just flipped the thing in one hand before grabbing it with both hands. I just reeled back and hit the door. No damage. Not even a dent. I hit the door a few times before I grunted and just started flying. Each hit bounced me back and I got increasingly mad. It stopped when Luna grabbed me with her magic. "Ryder! Enough its not working!" She said. I landed and resheathed my hammer.

"This doesnt make sense at all... that should've been major damage!" I just looked at my arms. "Am I losing my touch?"

"No Ryder its a dream. Your strength does nothing unless its a dream of your own... Either that or you have the power over dreams like I do and last I checked you're a bit short in that department."

"And yet I can conjure fire at the snap of my fingers. You wanna try opening the door?" She gave a nod and I swear she pissed me off INTENTIONALLY. She used her magic and opened that door like it was fucking nothing. I wanted to grab my hammer again to smash something but not only did I stop myself from grabbing my hammer, Carret stopped me as well. I wasnt gonna hit her but I would've smashed a rock.

"Keep that rage.... I think there's something around us that might need a violent pacification...." I gave a nod and just cracked my neck... I swear I need better pillows. But I was ready. That door opened and Carret jumped back to the arms of Luna while I got to pull my hammer out. I wish I had my blade but this was something else. I went and charged in hammer at the ready and... Yeah probably the best idea having me go in first... But even then I was scared shitless. What I saw? A Deafjaw patriarch. These things are MASSIVE. That Deafjaw in the cave? That thing was a female hunter and those things are gentle as anything when not attacked first. I forgot to mention this earlier but in one of the first games you are in combat with these things first hand the moment you find one its already pissed off all because a mercenary found it, shot it and it killed him... And of course it thought we were part of his possey who was already dead. But thats only the female hunter and egg spawn and matriarch. The males? Oh. Much more aggressive. And it doesnt matter what you do. You wander into their fucking territory you BEST hope that these things arent around. They will skewer you on their claws and tear you asunder, drenching themselves in your blood to appeal to the matriarch- or potential matriarch.

I heard an evil laugh as I readied myself against that thing. A crowd that was around me that I didnt even see was cheering, chanting for blood. I just kept my eyes on the Deafjaw and took glances at Discord who was sat in a golden throne... Yet it was gold foil and chocolate inside.... There was a bite taken out of it just above his head, atop which a stereotypical royal crown, red poof ball in the middle and shiny gems... Honestly looked like rock candy. "Aha! We seem to have our challenger!" He said. "It's about time he's arrived!"

I growled. "DISCORD YOU FUCKING MANIAC!" I yelled out. "Call this thing off! We need to talk!" He just laughed.

"Call it off? Oh but Ryder this is something the crowd wants! ITS WHAT THE CROWD NEEDS!" I just stared down the Deafjaw as it licked its bared teeth... I growled again.

"DISCORD ONCE I FUCKING KILL THIS THING I DO NOT CARE WHAT HAPPENS I'M BEATING YOUR ASS UNTIL YOU FUCKING WAKE UP!" Discord didnt say anything. Just snapped his claw and suddenly a fanfare of trumpets came. And that was the start of the battle. I just backed up staring the thing down, hammer at the ready. I quickly turned and started running. Even flew right at the wall as it was trying to chase me. I jumped at the wall and just prayed that this fucking helped. I bounced right at the wall before flying right into it using my hammer to send it back. That thing got sent back but it dug its claws into the ground just keeping itself upright. I just let the weight of the hammer propel me forward, skipping off my foot like a rock before hammering its claws deeper into the ground. Oh that pissed it off. Though of course when I hit it, I broke its claws right off, knuckles and all... but only on one hand. If... You could call these things hands? I dont know but I quickly backed up just as he let out the biggest roar I've heard from one of these things. I quickly backed up as he flung blood from his broken claws. I fucking got the hammer ready again. He started to charge me and I swear... Again things went in slow motion. I flipped around and that hammer came down onto that deafjaw's head. I slammed that guy down on the ground and jumped over him. I went over to the claws that were stuck in the ground. I grabbed the longest and sharpest one out of the ground and went over to the deafjaw as it was dazed and confused trying to get back to its feet. I grabbed it by the horn and in one swift move that claw was impaled into its face where it just dropped dead.

The crowd cheered as I resheathed my hammer. Luna rushed in and over to me with Carret just covering his eyes scared. She handed him off to me and it was just the cutest thing but he ended up hugging me. She set her sights on Discord. "Discord! Cease this idiotic display of power!" She snapped. "Your sleep talking is unleashing your chaos dreams into our realm!"

Discord gave an annoyed sigh before he left his throne, the crowd's roar fading. His body twisted and contorted towards me. I had Carret hugging my shoulder. Its like his being there was keeping me from ripping Discord's head off... "Oh come now Princess! I'm only having a little rest!" He said. "What's the worst that could happen?" He reached towards Carret and i just grabbed his arm shoving him away.

I put Carret onto the ground and he hopped quickly over to Luna. "Storms in the hallways, creatures of unknown origin wandering the castle and we're just fucking GLAD these fucking creatures arent out there yet!" I snapped kicking the dead reptile next to me. "You released them, you put them back where they belong and if you do it fast enough I might have the balls to apologize for acting like this when your antics really could be fucking with time I could be spending with my family! Or continuing my work on cars back at the shop!" He huffed.

"Oh boo hoo your precious work on cars! Not like you have a royal title for whatever you wish!"

Luna huffed coming over to us. "He doesnt use his power like that!" She said. "He'd rather live with a royal title that has a use but would rather not use it and still remain doing work as anyone else would! Now you're going to wake up, help us with your infestation of magical creatures and put them back where they need to be!"

I pointed to Carret. "This one stays with me. You barely listen to him anyhow!" Discord just rolled his eyes as we took off flying. We had to fly over the mountain as we went back to the door and... Honestly that took a bit less time than it honestly should've. And perhaps its a good thing we did avoid the cave. I'm fairly sure that if I even came into that cave smelling of another deafjaw's blood? That thing would've become a big problem for me. Both because the deafjaw I befriended wanting to just kill me because I killed her kind... And also I dont have the heart for another deafjaw killing. Or the energy.

Once we landed at the door and exited I had to hold on to Carret as Discord made his sleeping self turn into a door while Luna closed the dream door. The Discord-Turned-Door just started acting like a vacuum. I saw creatures, clouds.... Just a lot of shit getting sucked up into the door.... But of course I couldnt hold on to that little cybernetic bunny. He just flew from my arms and got sucked up and... Oh I was immediately heartbroken. Discord huffed as he just cleaned the dust off his hands. "There! That should be everything!" He said giving Luna an envelope. "If there's anything I missed, stuff it in this envelope and have Ryder relax before you shove it up his ass." Oh she didnt even stop me from grabbing his nose and using him as a whip actually marking my initial in the wall with his tail before twisting him into a pretzel. I looked to Luna giving a sigh. She just giggled at Discord as he just stuck his thumb into his mouth before blowing himself up like a balloon where the pretzel combined before he just started flying away like we just let go of the very same balloon we blew up.

"I can fix that but... Maybe good to just change this into a personal room... Just needed something to make this a good start." I looked to Discord. "Speaking of starting.... You wanna start explaining why you were sleeping? Last I checked you never do... Or I could be wrong which you know I would be."

Discord landed on the bed letting out the last piece of air inside him as he now lay flat over the bed. "...You're correct in this case you royal pain in my ass..." He said before taking a bike pump from under the bed and slowly started to pump himself up via the ear. "I dont need sleep but it does relieve boredom and I dont get bored easily! I try messing with someone and its like my ideas of fun arent fun enough for those who I want to have fun with! Fluttershy is too busy with animals every time I try to visit her, I've already learned my lesson the last time I tried to mess with Prince Pottypants here," he gestured to me. "and Celestia knows what would happen if I got near any fillies who arent around other fillies who's sisters would just love to have SOMEONE make me a fucking BALLOON ANIMAL!" I leaned on the wall.

"I wish I could've turned you into a balloon dog... Would've been great at some of Pinkie's parties."

Luna huffed. "ENOUGH YOU TWO." She snapped. She looked to Discord. "Perhaps playing 'pranks' on ponies isnt the best way to do anything and PLEASE do not sleep again without some sort of safety in place just incase your sleep talking turns our halls into a jungle! And if you'd at least ask nicely instead of just assuming, I'm fairly sure you'd be able to create some sort of friends amongst those who wouldnt mind your shenanigans or at least would understand it like Ryder here!" I huffed.

"To be honest? I did enjoy your little deafjaws being lore accurate... apologies for the big guy if you kept him so close to you but rather not want to turn a chaotic entity into an enemy for my wife and her friends to encase in stone again. And hell... Think of something good and I might be able to see if the guys would be alright doing something if they'd be able to stand your ass for longer than a minute."

Discord hummed and just sighed as he made a desk appear and sat at it. "I supposed our dull minded sharp tongued prince is right... Last thing I want is to be used like a whip again..." He said rubbing his back. "Perhaps learn how to be a chiropractor and then do that and we might just have something.... And as for the messing with everyone.... I may or may not agree to that once my back is healed..."

Luna huffed. "Lets let Ryder go relax and take a breather after that. I believe he deserves a victory drink after taking down your champion." She said. "You and I can go to the spa for a bit of a massage. Fix that back of yours." Discord huffed.

"Alright... I guess that will suffice.... And I must say quite the battle there... Drink well deserved and possibly I might see about a gift for that fight... Course it was the only fight i've seen but I think it might be the last."

I gave a bit of a smile despite the heartbreak. "Let Luna help with it and I'll love to see it... Now uh... I think I'm just gonna take a trip down to a bar...." I said. "Just a few drinks and then I should be back by dinner..."

Luna sighed. "Good. Now go on and please limit yourself to two drinks. I'd rather not have to carry you back to this room and have someone aide you through the night." She said. "Speaking of help, I would at least like for you to invite a friend or two to make sure you dont go overboard. I shall see you after you get back." I gave a nod and just left the room.

I did get some new clothes to have them cleaned from any mud or blood.... Hell I even noticed the harness that I had Carret in was gone. I got changed into the fanciest guard uniform I could find that still looked like i was off duty. Called Daring and Sunburst and they agreed to join me for a drink and distract me. Even told Daring to cut me off after two drinks... and a shot.... She did ask me what happened and when I told her to never delve into the mind of a draquien without protection or a strong heart she just obviously didnt understand. But she just kept me around until I went back to Canterlot for dinner. I ate albeit a bit hesitantly. I'll admit I was swimming slightly. But my heart still was kinda broken. I went to bed shortly after dinner. I just lied back in bed and called Fluttershy. The phone buzzed a bit before she answered. "Ryder! What a surprise I was actually just about to head down to see Applejack!" She said. "She was asking for me to make sure Winona's doing alright with your daughter now."

I couldnt help but give a sigh thinking of my cute little filly. "...When you do get over there do give AJ a hug for me but... I'm only calling you because I have a question." I said. "...Discord... I feel like he's always been a thorn in my side and he and I havent been in the best moods whenever he got involved. Just.... How do you deal with him? Or get along with him?"

"Discord's a bit quirky I agree. He's good though! I would ask him what he wants to do and just spend time with him! See what he can do, perhaps he can set up a magical adventure for you! If you want I could have you both over for tea in a few days or so. I have a day open since the changelings you found in Everfree are helping out!"

"Yeah... Probably a good idea to go somewhere neutral, maybe relax and visit... Give me a little time with Angel as well. How's he been since our uh... confusing and scary situation?"

"He's been... Well a smart bunny... I did get to hear his voice after that and its SO CUTE! Oh he might be giving me the stink eye now but he'll get an extra special desert once I get back home from visiting his friend Winona!" She giggled a bit. Made me smile.

"Yeah... Tell him I'll bring him a treat or two when I'm coming over. But uh... More about Discord?"

"Oh! Oh right yes! He's a handful once he gets used to you and your moods. Hopefully he doesnt get too much for you and if he does just gently talk with him about what he's doing and ask if he could tone it down slightly. Dont go all roid rage on him."

"....Yeah that's another thing... After I encountered him this time I may or may not have used him as a whip... we did apologize to each other, he should have gotten a massage but I'm just hoping he doesnt go and do anything to me while I sleep."

"Where are you at if you dont mind me asking?"

"Canterlot." She hummed a bit.

"Ask Princess Luna to see if she cant set something up to where he doesnt bother you."

"Maybe even set up an ultimatum if he does?"

"No. If he knows not to mess with you while you're sleeping he should leave you alone... But he does hate surprises if he does want to mess with you."

"And my surprises may consist of hitting him if startled..." I just sighed. "...Yeah... I'll have Luna keep him away from me.... Just call me, let me know when you want tea.... and what kind of snacks Angel would want... I'll make good on my little promise for treats."

"If worse comes to worse, sleep naked. He hates that! Anyhow I think I need to get going. AJ is gonna be wondering where I am."

"If she does ask, tell her you talked with me and mention Discord problems. If she pushes, I'll send her a pic of me in Canterlot... Maybe see if I cant sneak a picture of Discord..."

"If you're in Canterlot, I'm sure she'll believe it."

"...She'll believe it more if he turns me into a cartoon character where the animators mess with the character... Anywho, get a goin. Thanks 'Shy! Give the family a hug from me!"

"Alright! Have a great night! Sleep well Ryder!" I just hung up and put my phone on the charger. I lied there for a bit before just falling asleep.

Once I was asleep I just found myself in an empty forest. Just the wind rustling the trees above while I just drew a line in the dirt with a stick. That was interrupted by the sound of wings flapping. I just looked up just to see Luna coming in to land. She was still in her royal gown. She just came over and helped me up. "...Come on... Get up..." She said. "....I think I was right to come check on you." I got up with her help. "How are you feeling?"

I sighed shrugging. "...I dont know... Think I'm still swimming from my drinks..." I said. "...Guess I'm mostly worried about Discord and a little heartbroken about our little friend ripped out of my arms." She sighed.

"....Discord did apologize about setting those creatures loose in the castle. He does promise to not mess around with you and ... I dare say he did aide your sister while you were away...." I looked to her curious.

"He did?" She nodded.

"Yes. Celestia was concerned about your sister constantly having nightmares and accidents that she just worried what would become of her if things didnt stop. Of course at the same time Discord came around to bug my sister but did point out that she just needed a little help and... It was incredible that he was so caring for her even though she was scared of him at first. He did get an earful from my sister but he did help her. He even talked with your sister from what I remember... Not sure what about but it calmed her." I huffed.

"...I really owe him a big apology for how I'm acting towards him... Already got some time with Fluttershy in a few days to get to really know him and see what we could do together... I already know he loves chaos but his brand of chaos and mine are completely different." She chuckled a bit.

"Yeah... And I would not trust him with your brand of chaos anyhow... He gets involved you might be looking at a nuclear winter." Oh I shuttered like a cold chill ran down my spine. She just grabbed my shoulders and just started leading me in deep breaths. She sighed as I kept breathing. "Poor choice of words there... Sorry... But you're getting better." She released me as I hugged myself. Felt somber and lonely. "But speaking of Discord.... I had a talk with him before I came to check on you and well... He would agree to listen to that bunny friend of ours more but he also agreed to let him see you every so often. Let me just...." She used her magic and leaves started forming into a ball before just exploding out revealing Carret! Oh you do not know how fast I snatched him up for a hug. Oh Luna just laughed like I was a child getting a brand new puppy! We ended up sitting there for what felt like forever just enjoying each others company.... Best thing was for me I actually had Carret just sleeping off to the side in a little pet bed, his ear glowing blue and looking as if it were indicating he was charging batteries he could have. I only learned later that he's got powers like Schrivechnya... well.... The appearing and disappearing kind... lord knows what that bunny could do with magic he doesnt understand. But... then again he was tied to Discord. Anywho... I should go.... Later!