The Beginning of A New Life

Well... its been an eventful couple of months... and I mean months. Mom and dad got revived and put back in the old house that Luna paid for fully herself, Celestia helped furnish and of course I had to help move in... And Scootaloo was kind of torn whether or not she wanted to move back in with mom and dad or stay with us.... They just told her to stay with me and if at all she wants to come over, they'll have a room and a bed ready for her for sleepovers. She knows they still love her and just want to see her happy. Speaking of... Guess who's been jumping from a single bed to Dash's place for Gilda cuddles and making sure the In-Laws didnt get on my case because I'm sleeping with someone who isnt my wife... Only reason I've been doing that was because somehow Applejack talked me into letting them use my room for their own lodgings until their little house was built. They didnt wanna crowd the house more than it already was with the original family, a new foal and two ponies brought in when their original home burned down but... I didnt mind... As long as I was there for work early in the morning or take the girls to school if Big Mac cant... They would but they kinda need to relearn a few things here and there. I understand there. Anyways right now I'm up early in the morning at the castle, wearing jeans, sneakers and a hoodie with a bag hung over my shoulder waiting for Big Mac. Why? Because Shining wanted us to head somewhere for a few days. Why? He didnt say. Just that we needed to be up early. I yawned just as Big Mac pulled up. He huffed as I hopped into the bed of the truck considering Bright Mac was sitting passenger. "...You're lucky my pa's getting his feeling back behind the wheel...." He called out the window.

I huffed settling in near some more bags of ours as he slid the back window slot open. "Blame Shining, not me!" I said. "Just drive.... Cold's gonna keep me awake anyhow..." He slowly started pulling away from the castle flipping a quick U-Turn.

Bright Mac sighed. "Your friend must got somethin' good planned if they gotcha up before sunrise." He said.

"Yeah... And judging by the fact he wants us at the train station means we're heading somewhere far off."

Big Mac huffed. "Last thing I wanna do is piss off Shinin' by tellin' him we're going home..." He said. "I just... I wanna go home, hop back into bed and just fuckin' pass the fuck out for the rest of the day."

Bright Mac huffed. "Language boy! You aint a sailor. Only one who comes close is your friend riding in the back!" He snapped.

"Sorry Pa. Just so tired here..."

"That's barely an excuse for that but I'll letcha get away with it for now. Keep the swearin' to a minimum."

I took my phone out and just started scrolling through texts. I just looked at Shining's texts. Last one he sent was 'Need you and Big Mac down at the train station, four in the morning.' He said.

I replied about five minutes later. 'Why? You gonna get me an energy drink for that time?' I asked.

'You'll see. What flavor?' was his response.

At this point I was really hoping that he was getting me an energy drink... Otherwise I was getting my fucking bags, taking the truck back home and using Big Mac's bed as mine until he got back. That ride was cold. At this point even though my taste is for energy drinks I'd want to have a coffee to warm up. That drive wasnt that long safe to say. Didnt stop at the lights since it was dead. I just had to keep a lookout for guards at each stop. Nothing. Once we reached the station Shining was there to greet us, dressed up in a turtle neck sweater, jeans and some sensible shoes. Of course holding an energy drink which he opened and handed to me as I dragged my suit case behind me. "Well good morning you two!" He said like he was just sleeping all fucking day. "Ready to go for a ride?"

I looked to Big Mac as his father hopped in the drivers seat of the truck and drove off. "I am... REALLY tired... and considering our ride just left, I'm stuck here...." He said. "Now... you gonna tell us what the hell we're doin?" Shining huffed.

"So... Talked with the Princess and pulled a few strings for Ryder. Celestia has a bit of a private beach resort down south much like the one around Manehattan but not within distance to a city. Might be around desert towns but its well worth the quiet and the privacy. Luna uses it mostly so she's got game consoles, fully stocked bar and a yacht we could even take out for a bit if we want. Got it for a few days so we can party as much as we want!"

I swallowed a mouthful of my drink. "How the hell'd you manage that?" I asked.

"Wasnt easy but the fact that you managed to get Chrysalis without starting a huge war helped."

"...Yeah.... if she did have anyone to fight me, that would've been something else..."

"You're not kidding. Since you and Rocky coroborated the same story it helped the case of her needing help to remember where she came from. Right now Cadence is just making sure her and Rocky spend time together, maybe to try and get memories jogging possibly."

"That's good... Any issues with Chrysalis?"

"Other than a midnight freakout in Canterlot that Cadence had to defuse herself, nothing much thankfully."

"Gonna need details from her after we get back... Think right now we just get on that train, warm up and rest if anyone needs to." I sighed swirling my limeade flavored drink a bit. "I know I'm not gonna sleep for a bit..."

Big Mac huffed starting up the steps into the station. "Well I am... Dont fuckin' matter to me.... Lets just get going..." He said. I looked to Shining. He shrugged and just turned around walking up behind Mac. I followed behind him and I swear getting on this train is always the best. Just get on, stow our bags and we can just watch the doors close and the train pull off.

We got into the back cars and Soarin was there just passed out on the couch in the entertainment car. Shining huffed as Big Mac crossed cars. "Well guess all it took was ten minutes and Soarin' passed out...." He said. He looked to me. "Wanna wake him and get to gaming? I'm wide awake here."

I sighed. "Nah... Nearly want to try to move him to another car but last time Big Mac woke up in a bed with another stallion it was me and we kinda freaked out at each other..." I replied. "If anything we could figure something out to do while we wait for him to wake up... or when we get to the place... whichever comes first."

Shining and I just went for some seats and we just sat there for a while, doing pretty much nothing. And that went on for a good while. I was watching some videos, full volume because Soarin doesnt fucking wake up no matter what. Did that for an hour, went back to charge my phone in the kids car, maybe snuck to the back of the car to step out and piss... that energy drink went right through me. Usually does. Of course it was kinda fun just to go and piss off the back of the train. Made it quick because we were passing roads and such... Luckily no cars near. Last thing I want is to get really zealous about what I was doing and start pleasuring myself on the back of a moving train... Guards can and will still detain me if I do that. Anyhow I stayed with my phone for a bit. Watching out the window at the passing terrain, the sun slowly rising over the horizon. After my phone was charged enough I went back to the entertainment and food car, ate something at the bar and just watched as Shining played a game, Soarin woke up, Mac was still out for a bit. Train ride took forever, nothing really interesting happened. When we pulled up to the station it was pretty quiet. We stepped out, a few guards and it was pretty warm. Soarin stretched as the warm sun hit us, burning our eyes somewhat. "Ah... Thats better... Dont realize how cold it is on that train..." He said.

Shining chuckled as we went down the steps into the lot. Desert all around. Different from Appaloosan Desert. Redish sands and rocks. Cacti all around.... Okay yeah it was just a redder version of Appaloosan desert area. "Yeah Cadie always wants to keep it on the comfortable side for everyone on there." He said. "I feel like I barely ever get comfortable on the train. I gotta be alert no matter what just in case there's something wrong with the train. Gotta be ready at a minutes notice."

I sighed just wishing I had sunglasses as we started walking towards a waiting transport. "Anything ever happen?" I asked.

"Closest thing we had was a car sitting on the tracks. Apparently the occupant thought it was a railway that wasnt used but thankfully we stopped just in time. Guards and I had to console an obviously freaking out mare and just make sure her car was brought to the nearest place to get it fixed. Just gave her a warning, told her next time instead of assuming to call the local railroad authority and tell them what track she's on on what road, just... yeah... Safe to say everything was alright that day."

"Something tells em state of the art brakes to prevent locking but also slow down wheels for a safe stop." We started loading our bags in one by one just as another transport started to pull up.

"Yep. All specially made for quick travel and safe travel because we never know when Cadence has a take-home."

"Good idea... Lets just get going here... I'm honestly thinking my energy drink is fading out...." He nodded and we all just kinda hurried over to the other transport once our bags were in. I hopped into the back while Shining grabbed the front seat with the driving guard just leaving everyone else to rest a bit if they needed.

The drive wasnt too long. Twenty minutes at most. When we got to the place it was nice. Art deco art works all over, beach for miles on either side and the ocean smell just made everything beautiful. I grabbed another energy drink on the way because I couldnt get comfortable. Just grabbed it, went down to the docks where a good sized yacht was moored. It was white, gold detailing, sporting the name 'Sol Maris'. Sun of the Sea. Princess always did love her latin. Speaking of... Guess who was standing atop a balcony on the yacht, a nice sun dress flowing in the breeze along with her mane? Celestia herself holding a smoothie and sporting aviators. Rose gold lenses. She noticed me staring up at her and just waved. "Ryder! You made it!" She said. "Give me a moment! I'll be right down!" I watched as she disappeared and appeared from the other side of the deck level with the dock. She sighed as she sipped her fruity drink and fixing her glasses to sit atop her horn. "Liking the area so far?" I sighed sipping the drink I had.

"Looks great so far! The guys went inside to tour the place. I told Shining I'd tour later. What are you doing here?"

"I was waiting for everyone to get here. I still have to say... its... strange having Chrysalis around the castle... She's actually trying to help and I've had several guards tell me she's been trying to help with chores as well as having guards chat with her... I may have caught a few guards on break cuddling with her but the guards were having bad days so I just let them do that for a while before telling them to get back to work. Despite a few freakouts, Luna's been helpful in attempting to soothe her mind. Its been interesting picking her brains about where her origins are but with how muddled her mind is its amazing she's coherant at all. We have seen what she was talking about but we couldnt figure out who was involved other than Rocky.... Though... a surprising thing.... there was another Alicorn. Not I, my sister or even Cadence. We couldnt make out facial features so this is something that happened long ago...." I nearly spit out my drink just looking at her. I actually just started coughing forcing her to just take my drink as I tried to catch my breath.

"Another Alicorn?!" She nodded as I wiped my mouth away just taking a deep breath.

"Yes. I couldnt believe it either even when my sister brought me in to Chrysalis' mind to see that. She's trying to remember but cant." I sighed taking my drink again.

"Well hopefully she doesnt go crazy trying to remember... Lets just go see everyone." She gave a nod sipping her smoothie and we just went towards the large manor before us.

When we entered it was very nice. Large kitchen, open to a bar, dining room, large TV projector in a connected living room area, stairs behind that leading upstairs where I heard Shining talking. "Well thats the quickest tour I can do without having to take up the entire time." He said as he appeared around the corner, Soarin and Big Mac trailing. "Maybe later if you wanna explore I'd say have someone with you just so you dont get lost." He took one look down stairs and just the look of surprise before he teleported down. Soarin flew right down while I just had a chuckle watching Big Mac just go as fast as he could downstairs. "Princess what are you doing here? I thought you'd've been in Canterlot still!"

Celestia smiled. "You and Ryder both asking the same questions. I just wanted to welcome you to this beach house." She said. "I rarely use this place but I was thinking about it after you had asked and decided to visit for a while. Probably only going to be here until later today but you'll still have free reign of the place as you usually would. Just... Try to not drink yourselves naked until I leave."

"No need to worry there. To my knowledge, liquor is still locked up and will be until given word to unlock it. Perhaps limitations should be put in place?"

"Wonderful idea. I think I'll allow everyone here to drink but a guard will have to keep track of everyones drinks and may issue brethalyzer tests to cut everyone off so please limit how much you drink. Rather you have fun and not nurse hangovers that feel like you got thrown from Canterlot to here by Ryder."

Soarin sighed. "After that Nuke Scenario... Drinking definitely scares me... knowing i could get so drunk I dont remember passing out..." He said.

"I'm sensing some memories still? Perhaps I should tell Luna to help with you?" He sheepishly gave a nod. "I will do so but drink as much or as little as you wish. That goes for everyone here."

Big Mac patted Soarin on the back. "We definitely will. We'll keep the fun a rollin'." He said. "Best for someone to make sure we dont get too bad... Dont want another headache because someone got too drunk and ended up getting their ass knocked out."

I huffed giving a grin. "As long as you dont get mad about me sleeping with your sister, I dont think we'll have a problem with that." I replied. Shining and I laughed a bit while Big Mac shook his head just hiding his face. Soarin was just confused.

Celestia couldnt help but chuckle as well. She sighed. "Well what ever you guys do please try not to destroy the place." She said. "Anything damaged will be fixed yes but we'd at least want you to work it off for the damages so please drink responsibly and if you do get plastered, try to remember you might end up in a short maids dress and be forced to wipe the floor, hung over with only a toothbrush."

The laughter died down and we all agreed. I didnt drink much. I did but only kept it to a drink every so often, water in between. I did spend a good chunk of the day on the yacht with Celestia for a simple yoga session, a quick massage from the massuse there and that night the guys and I were actually all on the bow around the fire pit that was there. Gas powered, colored rocks that glistened while burning. I swirled what was left of a bottle of beer as Shining gave a huff. "....Day one down, three to go... How's everyone feeling so far?" He asked. "I can say... I'm coherant but a little bit on the swimming side...."

Soarin knocked back his drink and just looked into the obviously empty bottle before Shining took it with his magic. "Swimming? I dont think that's a good idea this late.... Specially if I'm a bit drunk..." He said.

Mac huffed. "I... I can hold my own but... shit if I have anything more to drunk.... I think I might pass out...." He said. "Probably good to just stop here...."

I huffed. "I might have one more. That's probably gonna be my last one... kinda wanting something fruity...."

Shining stood up and just carefully steadied himself. "You get it and maybe get somewhere steady..." He said going over and helping Soarin to his feet. "Rather you not be tipsy and accidentally fall into the water... hell maybe that'd sober you up real fast." I got up getting under Soarin's arm.

"I should be fine... Worst comes to worse I just sleep here on the yacht.... Come to think of it its not that bad of an idea.... Lets just get you guys off, I'll hit the bar for one last drink and get back here.... Just try to make sure you have buckets or a bathroom nearby to make sure nobody ruins the floors or anything."

We started dragging Soarin down the deck. He was so far gone he actually couldnt stand on his own. Big Mac was following behind us. "Yeah... Fair thing there.... Good thing we picked a room with a connected bathroom..." He said. "Looks like even had a few smaller beds in there... Didnt ask what Celestia had em for... just perfect for us I guess..."

We slowly had to bring Soarin down the steps and back onto the dock. Luckily guards helped Soarin the rest of the way while I went to go get the drink. Just asked it to be low on the alcohol. Got a bottle of flavored alcohol. Was strawberry limeade flavor. I just sat on the bow of the ship, the fire still burning and warming me. I couldnt help but look to the night sky, the moon shining down. It was relaxing. That was until I got a call. Phone started ringing, I set my drink down and pulled my phone out answering without looking at the screen. Applejack. "DAmmit Ryder why cant you just let us know if you made it somewhere alright!" She snapped without letting me get a word in. "Got somethin' from Big Mac tellin me ya'll're on the train but nothin after? You are safe arentcha?"

I huffed as I kicked back on the couch. "Sorry AJ, got a little too overwhelmed with things.... Thought Mac would've texted you or something." I replied. "But yeah... We made it, had a little fun.... Mac and the guys should be back inside sleeping. I'm having one last drink before turning in... Everything alright there?" She sighed.

"Yeah... Just a bit annoyed.... Was doing work outside, Momma was takin' care of Mash for me while Daddy was just tryin' to get back into the swing of things but he aint back at it which means I had to call in help from Dash who apparently was with your parents and daddy had to teach all of em to harvest properly and we got a mighty nice haul but took so long I missed out on chores that coulda been done by noon!" I grabbed my drink and sipped.

"I say that still sounds a bit successful. Wouldnt worry about the other chores. Could actually be done tomorrow."

"But that means less time preppin!"

"You've got more hands for that and unless its lifting, there's not much physical labor. Just get someone to watch Mash, do the chores tomorrow and depending on how much time you got, get prepping and get some help with it! Twilight tells me Gallus would want to help more at the orchard to get out of the castle just to be free of Cozy's little tea parties." Yeah... cute as they are Gallus was getting a little annoyed by his surrogate sister. And yeah... Even though he's old enough to care for himself, due to his upbringing Twilight's been taking care of him, teaching him stuff throughout the years of schooling he never got. He could read and write but when it came to math, science and the like he was short on it. So he has Twilight teaching him stuff while Cozy actually gets taken to school by the guards in the morning after breakfast.

"I guess but... Just want you to get back here.... Last thing I want is Daddy throwin' his back out trying to lift a bucket that was too heavy."

"Gimme a few days and I'll be there. Might not be there for the harvest but I can try to be there for sale if anything. If anything try to bring some by the shop, have the guys there spread the word on how good things are." She hummed.

"...I guess.... Just dont like going there unless you aint there...."

"Any of em hit on you or anything, let me know, I will be there faster than anything to put them in their place at the curbside.... Now I think I need to get some sleep.... Finish my drink and relax.... Dont hesitate to call me if there's anything you need."

"Alright then.... Dont get in too much trouble there! I know every time you're away there's always some sort of trouble!" And dont I know it? "But... Alright... Love you sugarcube."

"Love you too AJ... Night." I hung up and pocketed my phone again. I kept drinking my drink, listening to the sound of the water... Not gonna lie it made me have to go something fierce. Yeah.... I may or may not have gone down to the docks, pissed in the water before returning to the ship. Got into a bed but couldnt sleep right away.

I tried dozing off until I got a knock at the door. Got up out of the bed and went for the door, slightly annoyed. Of course it was a guard. "My apologies sir but.. we have a situation that needs your expertice on.... We would've asked Shining Armor but uh.... he's had a few too many from what the bartender said." He said. "You however are still coherant mostly. Only a few drinks."

"What's the situation? Because if it isnt important I'm going back to sleep and you can go and deal with it."

"Situation is as follows. Unknown stallion showed up on a dirt bike, requesting aid for something or someone down the coast but he isnt sure what it is or who it is or even what the problem is. Seemed panicked obviously too much to speak." I huffed.

"Alright lead the way.... Swear to Celestia if she were here she'd let me sleep and tell you to deal with it yourself..." He started to lead me off the ship and down the way a bit from the boat. Four guards, bright as hell flashlights pointed at an earth pony, green coat, surfer style green mane, wet suit, swim shoes and a dirt bike on its side behind him.

The stallion sighed. "Thank FUCK someone that I'm hoping has some sense here!" He said. "Sir, name is Sandbar. I was down the beach with a few friends of mine and we found someone or... something washed up on the beach! No response from anything but it looks like half fish half pony!" I thought about this for a moment. Is this shit real or not? Then again I'm the one who is a pegasus and can throw fire balls if I wanted to.... Not to mention I've seen the heavens and the underworld, even seeing a ghost of an ex... I gave a huff before looking to the one of the guards. "Do we have any offroad vehicles?" The guard nodded. "Get it ready for me... I'm gonna go check this out.... If I'm not back within an hour, send help." He nodded again and ran off. I looked back to Sandbar. "Kid, I've seen some weird shit but I hope this is serious, otherwise you and whatever friends you have could get arrested for this shit. Understand?"

"Y-Yes sir! I assure you this is one hundred percent legit! I never would've came here otherwise!"

"We're gonna see. Get that bike warmed up and once mine gets here, we're gonna ride together. No speeding off. Am I understood?"

"Yes sir!" We waited while he just got his bike ready. Reved it to make sure it still worked right. I got a quad and a guard even asked if I was good enough to ride it and if I actually could. Told him I'd always ride around on my wifes before it got stolen. Yeah. She got a quad a long time ago when we were first starting to get together, I'd ride it whenever I was over there. Course while I was at war it got stolen, Twilight had guards search for it, nope. Nothing. Thing was long gone. But she did get insurance on it before it got stolen so... she got paid back for it. Mostly. Anyhow the guard brought the four wheeler and I hopped on and took off with Sandbar.

Even with the bright lights we had on these things I couldnt see shit. It was cold enough to wake me up some more. Wanted to use the Schrivechnya sight but I dont think she liked the cold either. She did however keep me on track by letting out a growl if I started getting too close to the water. Didnt hear it but I just felt her get angrier. Yeah... not a good idea without guards since I've had a few but I wasnt a light weight. We started slowing down seeing a firepit blazing, a few tents and dirt bikes nearby and two figures throwing water onto something. We stopped and I just kept my quad on and just brightened the light... and what I saw? A griffon like creature throwing bucket after bucket of water on... a blue mermare. The other pony was just some other stallion, nothing really to say about him. The griffon like creature tossed the bucket down giving a sigh. "Sandbar finally! We thought those guards arrested you!" She said. She honestly looked like a cross between a griffon and a pony. Blue mane, pink beak, claws.... Yet tail like a pony. She looked to me. "Thank you for coming sir! We really didnt know what else to do!"

I huffed. "You are lucky I believed what he said... seen enough shit in my line of work, might as well humor the idea." I replied.

"I'm Silverstream by the by, I was the one who found uh... her?" We looked at the mermare.

"Any signs of life?"

"I mean.... I dont know how to check those things but she did move around a little." I went over and just knelt down at the side of this thing.... A closer look revealed a blue mane, striped armored scales on her chest, red gem necklace on. I carefully grabbed her wrist and just held my middle and index finger to her wrist. Felt a pulse. Slow but steady. I sighed.

"Alright... She's alive... Something tells me we should probably get her to warmer water, see if she wakes up...." I looked around a bit, even to Sandbar. "Do you have any other form of transport? I might have an idea but I'd rather get this done fast... and just HOPE this works...."

Sandbar nodded. "Yeah I got a truck and a tarp to keep the salt water from messing up the bed of it... Any of that work?" He asked.

"Perfect! If you can secure the tarp well enough we could try filling the bed with water, put our friend here in and get her back to the villa."

"But filling it with buckets is gonna take too long! And what if the thing leaks? My truck bed will be fucked!"

"If it does I'll fix it free of charge at the garage I own in Ponyville! And you let me worry about getting that thing filled up." He gave a nod and he and the other stallion rushed into the dark. I barely even saw the truck in the dark. Silverstream just kept making sure she was wet... Didnt wanna but I helped as well. Just... a different way than going into the water. Now... I vaguely remembered that during the nuke scenario I made things levetate... I only did with solid objects but never with liquid.... Now either this would work or I'd have to try something else and thank FUCK it worked. Just held a hand out, signed with the other and rotated it around the extended hand and it just grabbed a bit of water from the ocean and I just dumped it on to the mermare.

Silverstream jumped the first time I did that. She looked at me like she just didnt know what the fuck I was. "What the hell?! How'd you do that?" She asked.

"Like I said, I've seen some shit... now lets keep her wet until they get the truck ready!" She nodded and just kept on going. I just kept the water coming to practice until Sandbar whistled as his friend fired up the truck. We both stopped with the water until they backed the truck up close to us. "Alright. Let me fill the truck with water and then we get her in." Silverstream nodded. I looked to Sandbar. "Tell your friend to be ready... Not sure how this is gonna work but you might wanna stand back as well!" He nodded and just went to the drivers side door, telling his friend something before hurrying back with Silverstream. This time I made the signs with both hands, twisting them around each other.... Oh holy shit I actually felt the heft of the water I took. Carefully I brought it over to the bed of the truck and slowly lowered it in. Once it was in I just let it drop and the splash that happened... I honestly should've warn swim trunks or something but... fuck it. The truck even dropped a bit and bounced. I just looked to Sandbar who just... honestly wondered what the fuck he just saw. "Any damage, on me at the shop. Just make sure you come to Royal Roadsters in Ponyville. Now lets get her loaded in and make sure she stays there!" Sandbar and Silverstream went for the mermare and just picked her up. I helped them put her in before Silverstream looked to me.

"I wont ask about what you do if you dont ask about this...." She hopped in and I swear her legs immediately turned into a tail and her mane attatched to her becoming a FIN! I huffed.

"Well we definitely understand each other.... Lets just get back there and find somewhere to put her!" She nodded as Sandbar went and got his dirtbike again as I got on the quad. We drove off into the dark and got back real fast.

Guards honestly couldnt believe it and we had to put her in Celestias bath tub. Do NOT ask how hard it was to get sea water in the tub. To be honest I didnt want to send the trio that helped away because.... well they wanted to see her and speak with her while she was awake but it was late enough for me to just have them camp outside and wait for the morning and for guards who were watching to have them notify me when I wake up but unless violent dont restrain and treat her as a guest. As I slept I fell into a dream scape. I was on the yacht, deserted island and a drink in hand. Luna sighed coming along side me. "Finally some relaxation after your busy time.... How are you feeling Ryder?" She asked.

"Other than tired from near interrupted sleep, combined with extreme cold and alcohol in take doesnt make for a wide awake pony no matter the walk of life...." She hummed.

"Extreme cold? Last I heard you were somewhere warm with your friends.... Dont tell me they got so drunk they dumped a cooler full of ice on you."

"Nope but.... Why is it wherever i go, there's always something weird that follows?" She leaned in on the railing.

"Do tell." I hummed just tossing my drink aside, literally having it land on a table, perfectly fine, all liquid in it still.

"Well.... Just had a group send a stallion to the villa, they had me follow them because.... well what can I deny that I havent seen that was just way out of the ordinary? He brought me to his campsite and you might not believe what we found." I turned around and the firepit turned into a bathtub, inside the mermare still sleeping. Luna gasped.

"You.... You found a siren?!" She asked shocked. She looked at it from all angles real quick. Armored scales, the gem... "The fact that you found her on a beach and passed out means you've found a LEGEND! You have her in a bathtub right now?"

"Yep. And if its on the list I already have including a bed and shock replacement on a truck, then yes I will fix it as well because I got ocean water in it and even the group who found her couldnt believe I could do it... Speaking of the group one of them was.... a griffon who gained a fish tail? It was weird."

"Now that what you are describing is a hippogriff. They have the ability to change from aquatic based to land based at any point. There are more sirens- merponies as you know them but these siren are more rare than their peaceful counterparts."

"Peaceful?" I asked. She nodded as she turned to me.

"Sirens are known for leading ships to their dooms by hitting the rocks, watching as the crews drowned. You heard singing, then you'd hit rocks and the ship would go down..."

"Ah so the old sailors tales. Always enjoyed those... Seems this one washed up on a beach and passed out, thankfully alive. I'm just hoping that it stays peaceful. Guards are posted and they're ready for anything."

"Good. I feel as if I should wake you up... Uh... Maybe I might come down there just to make sure that nothing happens.... Would you mind?"

"As long as we can have fun still, I'd say yes... I'd hurry if anything. Guys are probably gonna wonder why she's in a bathtub and I swear if anything in Celestia's tub is fucked I'll fix it! If she asks where you went, tell her what I found."

Luna nodded and woke me up. I woke up to knocking on the door. I just got up, stretched and went for the door, still not even out of my pajamas. I opened it just to see a guard. "Apologies if I woke you sir but there has been a development in the creature you found!" He said. I huffed.

"Gimme a moment to get pants on and I'll be right out.... And please tell me my friends arent awake yet."

"Shining is up, wondering what's going on but we told him to wait for you."

"Good. Might need to wake the ponies who found her if things are good... maybe invite them in for breakfast as a reward..." He nodded and went out as I closed the door and quickly got changed. I left the boat about five minutes later and was met with a beautiful foggy morning.

Shining was at the end of the docks, sipping on a bottle of water with one for me. He tossed it to me and sighed. "....I swear any day with you is never normal.... What's going on now?" He asked. I cracked open the water and drank a good bit of it.

"Tried getting to sleep last night, that got interrupted by guards wanting me to deal with a situation and.... Well safe to say we got guests joining us for a morning meal.... Wanna come see the situation? Luna should be on her way here soon." He kinda gave a nod before following me. He sighed.

"....I swear its too early for this shit.... Better be good." We walked through the halls just to get up to the bathroom I put the siren in. Guards were standing there and they stepped aside as we walked in. Inside the Siren was awake just eating some bread and just looking confused. Shining just stopped looking at the siren who was just staring back at us.

"Well good morning there! You good?"

The siren gave a nod and a bright smile. "Yes! Thank you for getting me warmer! I get kinda sleepy when its cold!" She said. "My name's Sonata! I was supposed to meet my sisters somewhere but uh.... I woke up here." I smiled and sat on the landing of the bathtub.

"I'm Ryder." I gestured to Shining. "Here's Shining Armor. Got some friends who found you and they're more to thank than I am."

Shining sighed. "Pleasure to meet you Miss Sonata. I uh... I'm kinda wondering how we can get you out of here without making a mess everywhere..." He said. I heard some grunting down the hall making us both look at each other. "Uh... Speaking of... I should make sure that isnt one...." I nodded and just looked back to Sonata giving a sigh.

"Apologies... Friends were a little bit too deep in their cups..." She gave more of a confused look eating more bread. "Uh... Right... You must not hear that kinda talk a lot seeing as you live in water but uh.... We were drinking a lot last night and someone may have had a little bit too much and is getting sick. But my friend is right... We gotta figure out a way to get you down to the water again without making a mess or hurting you in the process...."

I swear its like an idea just clicked in her mind with half the bread she was eating sticking out of her mouth. She quickly finished it before pushing the plate to the side. "Ooh! That isnt gonna be a problem! I got this!" She said. I IMMEDIATELY backed up as she put her hands on the side of the bath tub and swung her tail out.... I got DRENCHED. AND IT GOT IN MY MOUTH TOO! I wiped my eyes away and spit out the water just looking at her doing a hand stand on the side of the tub before her tail started to glow. It flashed blinding me a bit but when I got my vision back I saw her just slide her hands along the side of the tub until she was on the side and she carefully and skillfully lowered herself to the floor, heeled shoes, fishnet leggings and a pink skirt with black detailing on it, her scales turned to clothes very similar. She even stretched some very..... Fairy like wings. Like... Transparent but shimmering and actually working. She sighed. "Thats better..... Nice to take a walk every now and then...." I just looked at her shocked. "What? You didnt know us Siren could do that?" I shook my head.

"...I need to learn more about ocean creatures.... You're the second one I've seen doing that...."

"You've seen another Siren? Where?! It could've been my sister!" She rushed to me real quick grabbing me by my shirt. I carefully pried her off and sighed as guards started looking in at us surprised.

"...Not a Siren but... a hippogriff. But uh.... Why dont you just... follow me... I need to change my clothes now..." She nodded and just took my hand. I walked out and just went downstairs. Yeah... Soarin was getting sick and I just saw Big Mac talking with Shining at the door, neither of them paying us mind. I went downstairs and led her to the boat again where my stuff was. I quickly got changed and thankfully I wasnt wearing shoes or socks. Though... as I changed I had to keep an eye on her and she was so curious about me as I was naked in front of her. Looking at me, studying every.... and I mean every part of me... and that water was fucking COLD even if it was warmer than the outside water. After I got dressed again I just tried to pretend that things werent just awkward. Lucky my phone was waterproof and damage proof.

As I disembarked with Sonata I saw Silverstream and Sandbar with guards at the end of the dock. They were kinda shocked seeing Sonata following mehind me. I swear being in cool morning weather after getting soaked and changed into jeans and a tee shirt and sneakers. Felt a little overdressed compared to them. Silverstream in jean shorts, short sleeved tee and sandals, Sandbar in board shorts, a short sleeved tee and a button up to go over that. Sandbar kinda cleared his throat breaking the silence. "Uh... Morning Ryder uh... sir.... Is ... Is that the Siren we found?" He asked. I gave a nod gesturing to Sonata.

"Yep. Like you two to meet Sonata." I looked to Sonata. "Sonata these two were part of the group that helped save you."

Sonata waved smiling. "Hi! Thank you for helping me!" She said just before kinda rushing them hugging both of them. Kinda caught all of us off guard but they just allowed it no matter how hard Sandbar blushed. I carefully pried Sonata off of them.

Sandbar cleared his throat wordlessly thanking me in the process. "N-Nice to meet you.... Uh.... stupid question Ryder sir?" He asked. "Do you think we could join you for breakfast? Just realizing now that we're awake that we didnt bring enough food for another day... Nearest gas station is still a ways out and none of us brought our wallets...."

I gave a smile. "Well if you dont mind two slightly tired and buzzed stallions and one hungover one to join us, you and your friends are welcome to join us." I replied. They smiled and nodded before rushing off a bit.

I had to bring Sonata in just to figure out what she could eat and probably just give us a little something that would help Soarin.... Sweet Celestia I actually had to make sure he was alright. Big Mac thankfully was alright while Shining was still kinda reeling from seeing a once waterbound siren walking at my side. Though as I was walking throughout the villa a chopper flew over. I swear I feel like a dog chasing cars sometimes. But... a bird with a helicopter? I guess? I flew up and went off to the roof to see the chopper landing. I stood off to the side as guards rushed through a door that... honestly I wasnt gonna run through just to find the stairs to. As the chopper touched down the door opened and out stepped Princess Luna, her dress struggling to stay down albeit with her hand doing all the work before the chopper took off once more. She straightened out as she got the clearance and sighed as she waved off everyone saluting. "My apologies for crashing the party but I needed to see the situation we have going here." She said. I gave a bit of a grin.

"No worries Luna. We've got guests here and we were just getting ready for breakfast. But uh... seems the situation has gotten more interesting."

"Oh?" She came closer. "What has happened? Something good considering my arrival was uninterrupted!"

"Well other than a quick shower this morning with ocean water, apparently our siren can walk."

"You must be pulling mine if this Siren grew legs and walked away!"

"Away? No. But if I'm pulling your leg, you would've had a laugh instead of chatting. Perhaps we should join the others and meet this Siren? Perhaps you could help us figure out what we could do with her.... and considering she's being peaceful I'd rather not keep her around..."

"Ah well we shall talk it over after breakfast... I'd eat but I needed to make sure my sister and I had a talk about what had happened. She told me to at least be aware, even contact her once I've arrived... Speaking of let me contact her. You head on down and make sure everyone is presentable." I nodded and quickly flew back down before heading in. Had to tell the guards to pass along word to our friends while I had to make sure everyone was alright. Just had to give Soarin more bed rest, nausea meds and a lot of water and small snacks.... Sonata was honestly cute sitting around the kitchen area watching the chef there making breakfast. Come to find out she actually likes tacos! Apparently she walks a lot and finds money to pay for tacos. Hell she's even made her own! Told her I'd love to make some for her later but of course... The chat with Luna.

We talked over breakfast, Shining and Big Mac gave their two cents while Sonata just ate the tacos we made for her. Just kept with tofu bits, cheese, diced tomato and lettuce.... Maybe I had myself a burrito because she managed to make me hungry and crave that myself but thats neither here nor there. I nearly forgot that Sandbar and Silverstream joined us and even THEY couldnt believe they were eating with a Siren and a Princess. They did agree we might be able to get Sonata back to her sisters but considering there was no captain or diving equiptment we couldnt really think of anything... That was until our hippogriff friend Silverstream thought of something.... She finished her food, told us she'd be right back and before we knew it she was half naked down the docks and just diving in. Guards wanted to arrest her but as soon as she went to dive in she went into aquatic mode and disappeared. Sandbar had to actually had to pick up her stuff... she took off everything other than I guess her bathing suit. He told the guards she does this all the time and I even had to tell the guards she is not to be touched. Hell one guard questioned it but until I managed to get water into the air without a bucket for Luna to see he quickly backed off, apologized and just.... yeah he was a newer guard, never really dealt with royalty until recently... and I was a wildcard. Word spread when I became a prince but still, there are new guards who have no idea who i am. Anywho Luna and I waited on the docks. I wanted to skip some rocks but.... Last thing I want is to hit Silverstream on surfacing. Took about half an hour. We finished eating, Sonata actually got back in the water and I swear she was like a dolphin! It was adorable seeing her jump out of the water doing all these stunts like some of the Wonderbolts. When we were joined by Sandbar she came back and climbed out of the water with my help. She sighed. "Alright... I got your answer to how we're gonna do this!" She said as she got her legs back. She stood up and looked to me. "I got permission to aid in this and I'll help guide you around. Just gotta trust me here!"

Luna hummed a bit. "And... Praytell how you are going to do that? Ryder cant breathe underwater." She said.

"Well Princess.... Where I come from we have magic that we can use to turn regular ponies into merponies. There are colonies of them under the sea. While small and far apart, Hippogriffs like myself are more common and we can help aid in changing regular ponies into merponies. Of course we have a ruler of ourself, Princess Skystar. We have a queen but she mainly aids in our Princess royal duties."

"Well... Perhaps your queen and Princess can meet with my sister and I. Perhaps we can thank them for allowing this opportunity. Maybe even create some costal settlements that allow both pony and hippogriff to live."

"I can relay the message. But... For right now I'd like to help Ryder transform. Once the magic is bestowed upon him, he can use it at any time... Let me just...." She cracked her claws a bit and just chanted something before she got a cloud of magic dust sit in one of her claws before she blew it right over me. I shimmered and shined, before it just died down.

I just looked at myself confused. "Okay uh... how do I call upon the magic to transform? Do I need to...Strip down?" I asked.

"If you dont want to get your clothes wet you can but they will change into scales. You can swim right?"

"Been a while but yeah."

"Good. Now what you're gonna do is dive into the water. Might be cold but you'd be able to breathe and swim underwater as if you flew around." I huffed handing my phone and shoes over to Luna.

"Well... Glad you didnt say 'just believe'... That would be some bullshit and I would start to think you just drugged me with something slow acting... but if all I need to do is hop in..." Oh I fucking HATED this. I went to dive in, stopped myself, tried again, and it took a few times before Luna grabbed me, tossed me in and holy FUCK if I fell in that water i'd think I'd freeze within minutes. The transformation took my mind off it... legs kinda fused together, my junk just.... disappearing.... It was weird... My whole body felt weird. I surfaced after my body felt more normal. I looked to Luna who was just chuckling. "LUNA I SWEAR TO YOUR SISTER NEXT TIME YOU DO THIS I WILL HAVE ZERO ISSUE TELLING DISCORD TO MAKE THE DOOR TO YOUR BATHROOM INTO A MAZE AND CELESTIA TO GIVE YOU A CHOCOLATE LAXATIVE!"

She sighed. "Fair but you are in the water and this does need to get done!" She said. "I must say you do bear a striking resemblance to a siren..." I looked at myself the best I could. My golden locks bound to me at my shoulders, my clothes actually turned to scale like armor. I dipped underwater to see my tail, just... long white and gold, hell my cutie mark even turned to scales. I surfaced once more and looked to Luna.

"Well here's hoping I can actually swim right with this tail!"

Silverstream hopped back into the water quickly surfacing while Sonata just kept doing her tricks. She surfaced. "You'll get it. Just gotta pretend like you're doing the worm at the same time as you pretend like you swim on top of the water." She said. She looked to the Princess. "I'll try to have him back by tonight! If his friends ask, tell the one who'd believe this stuff the most Princess." She nodded before she looked at me and dove down.

I had to practice slightly just by swimming around just a few feet under the surface.... may have gotten a little cocky and just swam down a bit before swimming back up, jumping in the air and flicking some water at Luna. Oh I hit her when she wasnt even looking and I could hear her swearing at me. I would NOT doubt by the time we were gone Shining and Big Mac actually came out to see why she was yelling. She was VULGAR. More vulgar than I was. I had to take Sonata's hand while we kinda swam together away because I guess Luna's yelling scared her a bit. I had to tell her everything was alright and just... well... call her cute. All to make her feel better. I mean... She is cute but... I think if we ever got together because we decided hit the coast and I saw her.... I'd see about finding a good quite place under some docks.... Anywho Sonata sighed. "Thank you for helping me find my sisters!" She said. "They're really mean sometimes! I either swim off or they just tell me to shut up when I wanna sing something!" Silverstream chuckled as we swam.

"Funny thing about us sea creatures, we can actually speak with each other normally without sounding like we're drowning."

I gave a sigh just... feeling the water pass my scales.... "Yeah... Great to think about... Just glad I can breathe right now and not have a panic attack..." I said. "So... Where do we start the search?"

"Well.... That is actually a good question...." We stopped swimming near a coral reef. We looked to Sonata. "So... Where did your sisters swim off to?"

Sonata hummed trying to think. "...I think Adagio said we were gonna go to a lighthouse down a ways..." She said. "....But... Aria also said we'd be going somewhere closer to islands out to sea...." I looked to Silverstream. She just looked back to me realizing the same thing. We looked back to Sonata.

"Which is it? The islands or the Lighthouse?" Sonata whined a bit like a little filly.

"...I dont know.... I honestly dont remember! Aria and Adagio are pretty mean to me... I dont even know if I want to even go back..."

I sighed. "We gotta get you back with them... Rather you be safe with someone who can help you and not have you drift off to sleep in cold water and then suffocate on land! I dont wanna scare you Sonata but... You could die..." I said. I swear the face of thought literally melted away. Fear kinda set in.... I quickly just took her hand and brought her in close for a hug realizing I scared her bad. Bad enough to where I caused her to cry. I felt SO BAD! This made me feel like I made Sweetie Belle cry. Now I didnt know Sonata's sisters but I both hoped that they'd find us and not find us all at the same time. For them to find us being that it would be easy to do if they heard their sister cry and not because.... well right now they sound like absolute monsters to their sister.... And if they fucking showed up seeing their sister cry, if they had any love for their sister they'd make me chum. I had to sit there with Sonata for a while before Silverstream helped me move her. We actually swam for a while, Sonata calming down a bit before we reached.... and I swear this was amazing.... A fucking underwater CITY!

Silverstream led us through the city towards what I'm assuming is a castle. There were hippogriffs left and right looking at us. Some surprised, others with disdain. Some even looked like they were just trying to not make eye contact but were very interested on what was going on. Silverstream sighed. "Hippogriffs arent used to surface dwellers being around.... Especially with Siren... Siren arent really well liked around here...." She said. "The good thing is you're being escorted by me... otherwise our guards may have escorted you outside of the city or to the local lock up..." I huffed when we turned down an alley way.

"Surprised we havent been approached by your guards... Something tells me we're going to see your leader?"

"Yep. Princess Skystar is our leader, her mother is an advisor. I was friends with Skystar growing up so I have some sort of favor but I dont let her give me special treatment... Her mother likes that I dont want special treatment just because I'm friends but this was a special case. She was the one who let me give you the power of a seapony. The only thing I didnt mention was that she wanted to meet you two before we get the lay of the land."

"Well hopefully she's ready to meet a surface royal...." Silverstream looked back at me. "...Did I not mention that I was a Prince? Sorry. Dont usually flaunt it around.... Princess' only let us use the beach house for a celebration for recent achievements..."

"That is.... Very interesting. I can see why you can do what you do... despite being a pegasus...."

"Trust me, there's more than you even know... Lets just keep moving here." I looked to Sonata. "You alright? Sorry if I scared you earlier."

Sonata sighed. "...Its fine... I just... I'm a bit scared without my sisters... They usually take care of me since I cant really take care of myself.... Just so scatter brained a lot.... I'll do something, get distracted, forget what I'm doing and then just..." She said starting to hyperventilate a bit. I stopped and just held her cheek.

"Hey hey.... Breathe Sonata.... it happens... we'll get you back with your sisters.... After we get you back with them, I'll take you guys to get some tacos if you want! That sound alright?" Her breathing slowed a bit. "There we go.... Perhaps maybe.... just maybe... if your sisters can wait a bit I can let you do whatever with my body you'd when we're back on land...." Oh she blushed a bit. "Yeah.. I saw you looking.... Cant say I've wanted to... Cuddle with a siren... Could make you feel like a real mare."

Silverstream huffed. "Easy with the bedroom speak!" She snapped. "She's not the only one who can hear that you know!" I gave a chuckle blushing myself.

"Sorry... Little carried away...." I gave Sonata a kiss on the cheek. "We'll talk more about this later...." She gave a nod and we kept following Silverstream.... I swear this feeling was weird. I was still horny but didnt have any.... extensions anywhere. Which was a good thing but weird all at the same time.

We swam all the way to the castle and inside we were kinda looked at by guards but considering we were being led by Silverstream they held back a bit. A few followed us but again they didnt folow close. At least until we got to the throne room. They were at our sides as we entered. Before us? A yellow hippogriff, blue fins, one part of which was glowing slightly. Even pink winglike fins. She smiled as Silverstream swam closer. "These are who you wanted me to meet Silverstream?" She asked.

Silverstream smiled. "Yes Princess. Your mother already sent word I see." She replied. She gestured to us. "I present Prince Ryder of Equestria and the Siren we saved, Sonata." I gave a salute just.... Well... Because I still dont know how the fuck to move this body. Sonata just hid behind me.

The Princess chuckled. "You know Silverstream, you really dont have to call me by title." She said. "As for our friends.... I am Princess Skystar, leader of Seaquestria. I havent met anyone from Equestria.... A Princess maybe but a Prince? Not on the list. Tell me Prince Ryder. What are you Prince of?"

I relaxed slightly. "I feel like I'm Prince of... Something... What that is I couldnt tell you." I replied. "I was General for the guard until a year or so ago. Only by military victories have I been granted the title of Prince."

"I see... A Prince of military might. I ike that. I understood by word of my mother you saved Sonata from being beached?"

"Yes ma'am. I assisted Silverstream and her friends on land in saving her. Got her into warmer waters and... It was no easy feat."

"My mother told me that you have some sort of telepathic capabilities?"

"Telekenetic, yes but uh... how did you know?"

Silverstream scratched the back of her head. "Uh.... Sorry... Couldnt let that one lie.... Too freaky!" She said blushing.

"Ah... Yeah.... makes sense..."

Skystar giggled a bit. "Care to show me your powers?" She asked. I looked around the room. Saw ancient vase, shields with swords, made from... something but I couldnt tell what. It looked metalic but I dont think it was. Even saw the guards towards the back holding spears.

"I can but uh.... To your guards, this is in no way a threat here.... let me just...." I started doing the hand motions towads the guard I chose. I could feel my mind tug at the spear, seeing it twitch a bit before the spear was taken from the grip before quickly landing in my hands. I gave it a twirl and planted the not sharp end into the ground.

Silverstream laughed a bit. "See? I told you he was amazing!" She said.

I handed the spear over to the guard who came to retrieve his weapon. He looked a bit frightened and possibly angry but he swam back to his post as Skystar clapped. "My my! And you say you're a pegasus?" I gave a nod. "Very interesting.... As for the time being I allow you to roam the waters freely. Once Sonata is reunited with other sirens I wish to see you once more before departing... Nothing bad but I do wish to speak with a royal of Equestria if you have the time." I gave a nod and Sonata just let out a yawn. "Perhaps someone needs a little sleep?"

"Wouldnt hurt... She did cry a bit before we got here so she may need to lay down... that and i'm not sure how long she was out last night.... Wouldnt object to one myself." Silverstream looked to me. "You wanna rest a spell?"

I shook my head. "No. I think I'll be alright... just uh... dont feel comfortable sleeping under water." I replied. "Would love to practice some stuff underwater if you dont mind."

Princess Skystar swam down. "But of course. You are welcome to use our facilities to practice whatever you need. Swimming, combat, anything as long as no harm is brought to guards or myself."

"No harm shall come to you from myself or anyone outside. I am a Prince yes but I was a General so I may step in as a guard if you shall allow it if the situation arises."

"But of course. Always open to outside help. Let us escort them to a room for a rest." I nodded and we did just that.... I may or may not have accidentally swam into a wall during that but I was still getting used to things. Just in case Sonata and Silverstream had to be separated but trusted guards are posted up at their doors. I just went to their training area. Swam around a bit to get used to things. Even learned a little underwater combat. I did swim to the surface after that, just jumped out of the water, seeing how high i could get more and more. Did that until I hit a seagull. Yeah... that was embarrassing. There's more to do but... next time... Gotta practice being underwater for a while.