I was given a bout an hour of rest after getting to the castle. Gave me a good time to relax, get to know the layout of where Gilda and I were staying. Two stories to the living area with a few guest rooms, one marked for Twilight and others unmarked. It was a bit of a weird experience being here. Strange place I've never been to, being this far away from home yet not in combat. I just dont know how to explain this. But as I was unpacking a guard came to my door to get me. My room was a pretty good sized room. Queen sized bed, black and white sheets, a set of drawers with a TV on top of it and a book shelf stocked with books. Room was made out of a nice crystal material that I guess didnt break no matter what. But yeah just as I packed the last of my shirts away from my bag.... only like four shirts, two pairs of pants, a few diapers and some underwear. But as I packed them away in the dresser I got a knock at my door. I looked back at my door closing the drawers. "Come in!" I called out.

The door opened and the guard I was talking about entered. This guy... hoowee.... this guy I never liked... known him for a while like Shining... This was Flash Sentry. One of Princess Cadence' guards that she trusted with everything. Back story? We met each other when different schools were going to a campsite out near the Foal mountains. He pushed me in the lake, tripped me on a hike, took a hay burger or two from me at lunch and told a few other campers I was a bed wetter and always put me on a bottom bunk... Either that or pushed me onto the floor. Always got the bunk back. Even proved that it was a total lie that one. Hell he laughed so hard the last night we were there and peed his pants! But anyway back to the story. Flash Sentry was a pegasus guard. Orange coat, blue mane, bluish silver armor. "General Ryder sir?" He asked hesitantly.

"The one and only! What do you want Flash?" Did I mention he was scared of me when he heard my general status pop up around here? He huffed.

"We have a problem here. Our sensors in the area have detected a changeling presence but there's no telling who it is or where they are. We need you to come into the throne room right away!" I started towards him as my heart dropped a bit.

"Changelings?! How the hell did changelings get anywhere near here?! I thought you had this figured out by now!" He may have flinched a bit but I didnt care enough to tell him it was okay.

"We dont know! That's the thing! The sensors have been set off a few times in the past month and we're trying to figure out if there actually is a changeling around or if some wasps ended up making a nest in the area of the sensors again. We're checking each and every area thoroughly to make sure and that means testing citizens blood samples, oral tests and even exposing them to concentrated love magic and so far nobody around the areas have tested positive. Right now we need you in the throne room for an oral quiz that Prince Shining Armor had set up in case you ever visited and this happened! Answers and all are tailored to fit you!"

"And what about my companion I came in here with?"

"Gilda Griffon? She might be an ex con but she's clean. Tested her blood, exposed her to the love magic and no change in her. The only thing she complained about was the princess invading her personal areas but in our investigation it was necessary for Cadence to do that in order for her to perform any cleansing actions. Helps if there's something important the Princess needs to get to an important meeting and the Prince is feeling a bit pent up... or if a rape victim needs some help... Always seems to work either way. We have some guards who already passed our tests sitting outside of her room making sure no one gets in and will issue tests for someone to get in. Now enough stalling we need to get this done now!" I huffed.

"Well as long as she's safe I'm good. Lead the way Flash." He saluted me and we left the room together. As we walked down the hall we saw guards rushing past us going this way and that. I was kinda paranoid going through the corridor even with someone I somewhat trusted. I've never experienced a changeling attack before. From what I've heard through Shining, Changelings can hypnotize you and feed off your love and nearly destroyed his relationship with Cadence... Thank goodness Twilight stepped in. Would've lost my best buddy.

Not long later we came into the throne room. Princess Cadence and Shining were huddled close together with guards at their sides. A few other guards were sat aside at a table with a glowing box and a few clip boards. I was stood right next to Shining and Cadence. Shining looked to me. "...Glad you could join us Ryder.... Sorry it had to be under these circumstances!" He said scared.

A guard glanced back at us. "No talking until these tests are done!" A unicorn guard said. "Need I remind you if I have to say anything twice arrests will be made even IF you are royalty!" Ah.... Good ol' rule seventy five. In times of crisis, whether it be natural disaster, enemy invasion or other forms of emergency Royalty and other high ranking officials may be arrested for not following protocol and endangering the unit of guards tasked to protect them. That means if I were to just screw around while I was out at war and our base was being invaded I'd be detained and not let go until we could go home... granted I was freaking out quite a bit when I was out there.

Anyways we had to sit in silence for a good few minutes as the guards that were at the table finished up. They were so quiet I couldnt really hear anything. Though by the way he was hauled off screaming he must've failed. Kinda had me scared. At the table were now a pegasus guard stallion and a unicorn guard mare. "General Ryder? Step forward!" The mare called out. I stepped forward a bit hesitantly. They had me stop just next to the seat. "State your full name and birthdate please."

I took a deep breath and calmed down. "Ryder Wheeler, Birthdate is October twenty eighth." I replied. They hummed a bit.

"Alright... Everything is good so far... It's a fact that you dont like to state your middle name and your birth year..." Yeah... Not saying what my middle name is but it got me bullied for a while. I dont say my birth year out loud because it makes me feel old and also just kinda makes ponies think I'm lying about it. "Alright you can sit down." I did as I was told.

The stallion opened the box and a bright pink light shown out onto me. "Alright general... Got a few more questions to ask you and we should be all good." He said starting to flip through a clip board. "Okay... first question... Favorite genre of music?"

"Classic Rock, hippie rock and heavy metal."

"All acceptable answers. Next question... your favorite drink?"

"Senor Salt."

"And why cant you have it around your marefriend?"

"She's allergic to it. An ingredient in it makes her throat close up." They started writing stuff down which kinda made me nervous. Still kept my cool.

"Okay... and one more question.... What do you call your own personal vehicle?"

"The Dominator and my baby. Had that thing for as long as I can remember and I keep that thing in top shape!"

They started writing more down again and I couldnt help but hold my breath. "Ooookaaay.... You're all clear General." The mare said closing the box. "All questions answered, no flaws. Guess we're lucky we got the real you here. Could help the captain scout out the changelings after his test. Send him over would you?" I gave a nod and got up from my seat. I walked over to the throne again and looked to Shining.

"Shining. You're on. I'll keep watch over the princess." He gave a nod and gave Cadence a kiss before breaking away from her. I walked past him as he stopped at the seat with his arms behind his back.

I knelt down at Princess Cadence' side and rested my hand on her shoulder seeing her shutter a bit. She quickly shrugged me off and pushed me to the side. "Don't touch me!" She whispered. "I dont wanna be touched by you, you cheat! I don't know where your hands have been since you went to your room and I dont care if you've washed them in acid!" I shushed her.

"Princess I'm sorry! I just-"

"You just what? You wanted to get away from someone who I know you're supposed to be loving only to fuck someone else?! Why should I accept your apology?!"

"Because I'm willing to change and learn the ways of love from you! Why else would I come out here on YOUR train?! If I wanted to fuck and run I'd've done it before I went to war! Please princess! Give me another chance!" She quickly grabbed onto my wrist as the guard separating us from Shining looked back at us. She looked a bit worried that her hubby was actually a changeling. The guard looked back and she leaned over.

"I'll help you only if you work with me and do as I say! Understand?" I gave her a thumbs up as I saw Shining Armor get up.

The guard looked back at us again and I released Cadence's hand the best I could without making it look like she was holding on nervous. "Alright Princess. You're up." He said. "General why dont you and the Captain go out of the room so we dont leak any unnecessary information." And that means Cadence' questions are so personal only her and her guards can know them. Not even her husband can know.

As we left the room I looked to Shining. "Okay... So you're the real Shining... that's good..." I said.

He smiled. "And you're the real Ryder. That's even better too...." He said. "Even though this is a recent event and I know you came on the train it's still good to check EVERYONE! Even new arrivals. You can't trust anyone when a changeling is around!" I huffed.

"Yeah... I also have a question for you... Why doesnt Cadence like anyone sleeping with others?"

"Well uh... it's kinda hard to say but... between us... Cadence doesnt like that sort of thing because of something that happened a while ago... Parents left her alone when she was small... Guess she found out from Celestia that her father cheated on her mother and hung himself when he knew he made a mistake and her mother followed when she was gravely ill and ended up being adopted by Celestia. She doesnt like to talk about it but when she does she gets either mad or sad and even either of those options will get you yelling and a slap to the face for even having her talk about it." I huffed

"Guess I got off lucky... she kinda snapped at me but agreed to help me if I listened to her." We turned a corner going back towards my room.

"Well... I suggest you do listen. Otherwise nobody is gonna be happy. Not you, not Glider and not even me." I looked to him a bit confused.

"Glider? Who's Glider?"

"Oh! Not Glider! Gilda! Glider is a new recruit we just brought on. Spent all day yesterday showing him around and show him the ropes. Dont worry I didnt do to him what I did to you. Job isnt in danger there."

"Well... good to have them on the team. But how did you confuse Gilda with Glider?" He looked to me as we passed my room and Gilda's. Two guards stood at her door saluting us as we went by. I nodded to them as Shining sighed.

"Look I'm a bit tired and sorta pent up... I could think something one moment, disregard it the next and say something completely different. Not only do I need a nap, I need something to fuck."

"Hell I'd offer but I've got a feeling we'd both be screwed if that happened." We stopped outside his door.

"Maybe you but me? I've got a special thing going with the princess. She trusts me to sleep with anyone I want and still come back to her." I gave him a shocked look.

"Okay! What the hell?! I get yelled at and nearly booted from the castle and possibly the guard yet you sleep with someone and she still loves you? That's a bit of some fucked up logic!" He rolled his eyes.

"I guess she trusts me more than you. She doesnt know what you get from your soon to be wife so she just considers that cheating. Now do you think you can wait out here? I got something I need to get in here."

I nodded and leaned against the wall before he went inside the room. To be honest I was kinda pissed that he got that treatment while I got my balls in a vice grip. As I waited I took my phone out. Zero service. No bars what so ever. Lucky I had internet connection. Got the password from a guard as we came in. Just scrolled on some social media. Didnt see anything from anyone I know. Not Shining, not Cadence, Pinkie, Berry Punch, Derpy or even Twilight. Lot of Dash flexing and showing off her abs and sports skills. Couldnt help but comment on one of her pictures. Told her to show these to Aunt Misty before showing off. She took the picture down. That was all in about a few minutes before I see a chat bubble pop up. It was Gilda. 'Dweeb! Why are there guards stationed at my door?' She asked. 'Did they hear of some of my past?! WHAT DID YOU TELL THEM??'

I had to text her back. 'Gil, dont freak out but those guards are there for your safety.' I said. 'There are changelings somewhere in the empire and everyone is being tested. You got tested didnt you?'

'...Yeah... took my blood and exposed me to some stupid glowing box. Dunno what that was but when they said I was done I just went back to my room and took a nap... woke up scared with those guards at my door... Do you think they'll lead me to a bathroom and not make me have an accident?'

'Just ask them, mention me and what I can do if anything bad happens. They question it, call me and I'll set them straight. Also... see if you can get a hold of AJ and tell her to text me. Kinda want a status update there. See how my baby sister is doing...' A few guards passed by going towards the throne room. Stood there just watching them both as they passed. I think one of them even met my gaze. He just went along his way. I looked back at my phone.

'Alright. Texted but wont get a signal unless we head outside. Heading to the can now.... Shoulda kept one of those diapers and kept sleeping....'

I gave a smile and put my phone away just as Shining opened up the door again this time wearing a blue button up shirt and a pair of blue jeans with some flip flops. "Alright Ry c'mon in. Got something for ya!" He said. I nodded and entered his room. I followed him in and he beckoned me over to the bed where I saw his nightstand open. He sat down next to the open drawer and patted the bed next to him. "Dont be shy dude! C'mon and sit down!"

I rolled my eyes and reluctantly sat down next to him giving a sigh. "Alright what is it that you need to give me?" I asked. I watched as he dug into the open drawer and pull out a small black box.

"Well... This is something my grandfather gave to me before he passed... Said it brought who ever held it good luck with who ever is their love of their life. I've gotten the best luck of being able to marry a princess and one that i've known since I was a colt... Said I could pass it on to anyone as long as I'd know they could use it to make themselves happy and well... I'm giving that to you. I've seen the shit you've been through and thought you could use some luck." He opened the little box and revealed a golden ring with an emerald gemstone in a black satin cushion. To be honest it was an awesome looking ring but it just didnt feel right to take it from him. I looked to him and smiled a bit.

"You sure dude? I mean... I'd take it but... that's your dead grandfathers ring.... taking that from you would be like Applejack taking my fathers lucky lighter." He gave a smile.

"I'm sure Ryder. I know you're going to be a damn great husband to such a beautiful mare and I want you to feel lucky while proposing to her. My grandfather passed a while ago and we did a lot to remember him... Could always do it again with the family." He handed me the box and just patted me on the back as he set it in my hand. "All yours my friend. May everything go right with your proposal to your new wife and to your new life as a married stallion!"

"Wow... Thank's Shining.... I dont really know what to say...."

"You dont need to say anything. You do enough to show you are worthy of this ring. And let me be the first to say this... Congratulations general." He stood up and saluted me. I stood up and put the ring away saluting right back. We both went at ease at the same time. I felt a bit strong but more nervous than anything.

We spent maybe about a half hour after that just having a drink to calm my nerves. Dont worry it was something non-alcoholic so I didnt drink myself into a tipsy mess. Yeah I did do that last night but only because I was just excited and Gilda may have goaded me into having another drink to help ease me up... felt like butter when she just completely soaked that diaper.... I'm getting a bit off track... always fucking happens thinking about that curvy griffon ass. Okay but onto the next. Cadence. I had to go back to the throne room for my aide with getting married. I entered alone as guards stood at the door, saluting me as I walked in. I looked to Cadence as she looked back at me like I was just some kid looking for an apology. She was wearing a pair of blue jean capris pants with a pink button up shirt that had a view of her uh... endowments and a pair of flat sensible shoes. I swear I wasnt looking! "So.... You finally show up for your lessons on being a good stallion who's ready for marriage?" She asked. "You're lucky I'm willing to give this chance to you.... Anything you do from here on out is something you have to live with if you fuck up. You're gonna have to listen to me and if you do anything as even look at another mare I'm going to make this hell for you. Understand?!"

I saluted standing in attention. "Y-yes ma'am! What ever you say ma'am!" I said. I saw a grin on her face that I honestly didnt like. But well I pretty much had to go along with anything and everything she said.

"Good.... First lesson... Respect. Mares need respect and need not be treated like your slave or personal whore! If the mare wants sex, you give her sex but you do not go sleeping with anything that moves! You're even lucky I'm keeping your griffon 'friend' here after your little escapades in my train!" I sighed.

"I understand mares need to be respected but my marefriend-"

"Your mare friend is a mare you need to show some respect to and show you want her and ONLY her! If I have spies follow you and tell me you've been sleeping with other mares that arent your 'soon-to-be wifey' be ready for a visit from me to show you what happens when somepony does these kinds of things! Now be quiet!" I nodded, scared to say a word more. Felt as if I were going to just pee my pants with even an empty bladder. "I want you to show me what you would do and say to your mare and hold nothing back. I have the eyes of a hawk and if you so much as hesitate in the slightest I'll see it!" Slight hesitation? I was fully hesitating. I was scared to even TELL her about what I do and say to AJ let alone show her! What do i do here? Have her get up, smack her ass and cuddle with her like I never even hit her? I just stood there frozen. Cadence huffed face palming. "Okay.... This is either you dont want to tell me or this is what you really do to her... dont talk, almost ignoring her and just stare her down. I'm going to assume it's the first one... That's fine. Totally fine but you do realize this is only the start of what I have in store for you... Instead of telling me what you do with your marefriend why dont you tell me your routine in the morning?" Okay... this was something easier to talk about. I took a deep breath and calmed myself slightly.

"...w-well... First thing is first I get up and use the toilet and brush my teeth before taking our sisters to school. She'll sleep through the toilet flushing, me getting out of bed and her sister complaining but what does is usually her brother getting her out in the orchard to work... After i'm done with taking our sisters to their school I come home and eat breakfast." She raised an eyebrow.

"And who cooks breakfast?"

"Her brother does most of the cooking. Though she bakes apple pies from time to time for sell days. I'm not much of the cooking type... Tend to burn things easily. And trust me i've tried multiple times with the simplest of recipes like pasta, instant noodles and even toast!" Yeah... no joke. I burnt toast. Only because I thought I fixed the toaster... nope... had the dial on wrong and turned it up high... glad i didnt start a fire. Ended up scrapping that thing, saved the parts. Not sure what I'm gonna do with them but I'm doing something. She rolled her eyes.

"Okay... this is obviously boring. I'd ask more about your personal life but I feel like i'd be treading inside a minefield with a ninety eight percent chance of stepping on something that's gonna gross me out. You obviously are pretty much respecting her by not bothering her or harassing her at all..." Yeah. Lets just go with that. Certainly not slapping her flank while she works and teasing her with her brother nearby. "What say you get Shining and we take a walk? Seems like we could use some fresh air. But have Shining get a few other guards.... changelings could still be out there...."

"Yes ma'am." I nodded and saluted before just rushing out of the room.

After a while we were outside in town. Ponies watched us from afar as six guards made a circle around me, Shining and Cadence. I could see checkpoints on roads where lines of ponies stood for testing. Other guards were about ten or so yards away from each other. It was kinda weird to see no form of vehicle around the castle. Shining told me a few miles from the castle is a classic car show and he said I should bring my Dominator to show off. Not saying I wouldnt but I'm not sure if I'd drive it all the way out here... definitely not having it shipped out here either risking more damage than anything I could imagine. I looked to my phone and smiled seeing a text from Applejack. 'Hey sugarcube! Gilda told me ya missed me...'. That was all I could read. Had to open up my messages to read the whole thing. 'Hey sugarcube! Gilda told me ya missed me and I thought I'd check in with ya. Scoot had a bit of an accident during the night and had to stay home again... Poor girl is coming down with something. I'd call ya but she's restin' after she lost her breakfast... Got her padded and I'm a bit padded too just to make it feel okay for her. I'll let her know you're worrying about her. Call ya later and give Gilda a hug for me. Might act like an asshole sometimes but she's got a heart of gold under that harsh exterior.'

I couldnt help but sigh sending a text back. Told her she'd hear from me in the next hour. Still was 'busy with the VIP'. Shining looked to me as I put my phone away. "Someone missing home already?" He asked.

I shook my head. "Nah... Just wondering if this is some stupid dream I could wake up from or if it's one I could sleep through forever." I said. He chuckled a bit.

"Trust me I've had that feeling before. Sometimes ya just wanna wish the best things dont stop but it's like one of Pinkie's parties. Fun doesnt stop until everyone passed out." And he is kinda right about that. Someone passes out at a Pinkie party it shows they had fun, others pass out, it was awesome and if she has passed out herself it was a really super awesomely fun party. Though in this case the term passing out that means something way darker. I... think.... But he's saying love the moment while it lasts and enjoy the memories once it passes. I smiled a bit.

"Yeah.... Gotta just enjoy it while I got it otherwise memories are all I have... I know that all too well..." You know already. Already relived the bad ones too many times in my head.

As we kept walking Cadence hummed a bit. She glanced over at Shining. "Shinyboo? Why dont you and the boys find a place we can rest.... these shoes are killing me." She said.

I saw Shining nod. "Alright! You heard her!" He called out to the other guards. "Resting point! Look for one! Coffee shop or otherwise!" Even though he was telling his on duty guards I was looking as well for some spot to sit down and rest. Following orders is all. One of the other guards found a small outdoor cafe we could sit at. Found a small round table for three and Cadence sat down at one of the chairs as onlookers were just amazed that she would sit down here. She looked to one of the guards that stood four feet away from the table. "Might I ask one of you to order us a light snack to share between the three of us? Can be anything! Just... allergies you know?" The guards she spoke to nodded and went towards a cart with an open window right behind it on the restaurant building. Cadence looked to me.

"So Ryder... Tell me... how are you liking everything in the Crystal Empire? Shining tells me its your first time here!"

I just looked off at the castle, towering over the center of everything. Even though we were walking for a while it didnt seem to get any smaller the further we were away from it. "...It's nice here... Way different from living on a farm or just a small suburb but... I like it." I said. I sighed. "...Mom always did wanna vacation here.... Dad always told her it was too much money to even fly out here and they both didnt want Scootaloo to freak out from the heights..."

"My condolences General... If they were here today I would've treated them with the utmost trust and on your level of respect. They'd be proud of you if they saw you today..." I sighed.

"Yeah.... yeah they would...." I looked out at the clouds around us. Saw a patch of clouds in the shape of a heart. Either some pegasai are feeling nice and doing this for everyone in the empire or this was actually mom and dad saying they loved me and were proud of me. Going with the latter. I looked to Shining. "So... When's the next visit to Ponyville? You and I gotta hit up that arcade over there!" Before Shining could even answer Cadence put her hand over his mouth.

"Hold on there Ryder... Now that you're becoming a married stallion you're going to have to save your money and buy lovely gifts for your wife. Not throw them away in those bit biting mindless video game machines!" I gave her a confused look.

"Seriously? Just because I'm gonna be married doesnt mean I cant hang out with my friends when she hangs out with hers!" Cadence sighed as the guards brought us a tray of pies. All chocolate cream pie slices. Shining and I both took a slice as Cadence' just sat there looking at me a bit mad.

"Friends will be there to join you for dinner out at a restaurant if you dont feel like cooking but fun and games are just for the kids when they come along or even that little sister of yours. Speaking of which how is the little darling?" I just dug my fork into my pie and took a bite of it. Didnt answer until the thoughts I had were swallowed with my pie.

"She's fine. Had to stay home from school today but she'll be fine once I get home... still doesnt like me being far away from her after I was at war.... She still cries every time I mention the plane crash." Cadence gave a sadden aw.

"Poor thing! Remind me when you leave to give you something for her! I'd hate to see her all alone and scared..." I sighed a bit.

"...Same here... I still freak out about that damn crash... everyone bailing out at once, my chute not opening... I just... i thought I was dead...." Shining could tell what was about to happen. I could feel myself tearing up. He quickly grabbed me and held me close.

Shining shushed me and patted my back. "Hey hey... You're okay... you're alive.... you're walking..... Just take a deep breath, calm down and finish your pie.... You're gonna be fine.... nothing's gonna happen..." He said. I just took some deep breaths and sat back down. I wiped away my tears with a napkin and shuttered.

"God.... I nearly lost it there.... I just...." I looked to one of the guards. "C-can someone get me a water please? The guard I asked nodded and went off towards the cart again. I just sat there, hands on my head, elbows on the table just trying to calm down. I glanced up at Cadence just shaking a bit trying to avert my emotions to my wings. "P-princess... I apologize for how I'm acting right now...th-that crash really messed me up.... Just... just give me a moment...."

Cadence gave a warming smile. "Don't worry. Take all the time you need General." She said. "I can definitely say that crash messed us all up even if we werent there firsthand.... Seeing you walk through those doors was a relief..."

We sat there for a good half hour as I calmed down. Guard brought me a soda instead of a water which was good. Root beer. Well... more sarsaparilla than root beer... same difference. Tasted good but made me burp a lot. Tried to hold it back in front of Cadence but she caught me a few times and I excused myself those few times. After we were done I paid my way for the stuff we had. Shining paid for him and Cadence. As we walked again Shining patted me on the shoulder. "All good now dude?" He asked. I nodded taking a deep breath. "Good... dont want you to go and freak out like that again... some citizens are still kinda paranoid about a weird paranormal thing that happened... someone was possessed by a spirit and needed to be bathed in holy water... Dunno how they did it or why but they were pretty freaked out by it."

I huffed. "Yeah... and when I freak out it gets bad... one time we had to have Big Mac hold me down, cuff me and wrap me in a blanket until I passed out... That was just a few days after the hospital visit...." I said. I glanced over at Cadence. "Thought I was over it but... guess not... My mind has yet to purge that memory... Apologies if I seem a bit down from here on out..."

Cadence sighed. "I suppose it's alright... after all it is a tragic event for you...." She said. "I do want to get these lessons done and over with for when you're ready to go back home and propose. How about we find a shop to check out for those gifts I talked about?" I sighed.

"I did promise to bring home souvenirs for the family... Might as well get them out of the way now before I forget." I looked over at her. "Wanna show me where a shop is? Sports or souvenir shop?" I saw her roll her eyes and shake her head.

"Oh no no no! This will not do! You wifey is not going to accept little trinkets or sports paraphernalia. She deserves designer clothes, jewelry and shoes!" Shining quickly leaned over and started whispering in to her ear. She looked over at him. "...You're kidding right? An apple farmer?" He shook his head. She looked over at me. "Okay then... because of that information seems we're going for jewelry instead of clothing or shoes.... cant buck a tree with heels it seems." I stopped dead in my tracks and looked to them wide eyed.

"Are you kidding me?! I dont have money for anything other than the fucking ring! Yeah Shining gave me his grandfathers ring but I dont want to use something that is gonna take away from my best friends memories of a relative that passed away!" They both looked at me kinda surprised. I huffed and turned around and started to walk off. "If you guys need me come find me at the castle... I'm done here." They didnt follow me. I just walked for a block or two and just started to fly away. I was getting better with my heights. Still was a tad shaky at ten to fifteen feet but I was good. I can thank Mama Spitfire for that.

Maybe after an hour I was back at the castle and just sitting in my room clutching a pillow to my chest sitting in the dim lighting of an overhead lamp. I was sitting there for about a half hour or so just thinking up my own plans to propose and how to do things for the marriage. Nothing came to mind even when I sat in silence. No texts from AJ, nothing from Shining, and not a thing from Celestia.... Like I was expecting it. A knock came to the door breaking the silence of the room. I sat up and waited a moment before the door opened. In came Gilda looking calmer than she was but still a bit frizzed out in the wings. "...Hey dweeb... you okay?" She asked. I shrugged. "Guards said you went out with Shining and Cadence but only you came back. Something happen?" I hesitantly nodded as she lied down with me. "....Alright just tell me what happened..." I huffed.

"...I know I came out here for Cadence's help with a marriage proposal but... she's no help at all... telling me she's the only one I can sleep with, telling me that i'm no better than a fucking servant to Applejack... I just.... I just think Cadence thinks I'm like Shining... coming from a rich family, important guard job and willing to do anything for AJ.... She's right on one of those things and that is I'm willing to risk my life and more for AJ.... But I'm not rich.... I'm not really that important of a guard... at least I dont feel like an important guard..." Gilda sighed wrapping her arms around me.

"Oh come on now.... you're the General for fucks sake! Last I checked that was a high rank in the guard so you're just that damn important! You've got private audience for Princesses and can make anyone do anything you want- within reason of course. I mean... I watched you plummet out of the sky and live through that." My heart sank a bit. I looked back at her.

"...y-you're kidding right?" She shook her head releasing me and sitting up getting on the edge of the bed.

"....that day you were supposed to come home I was flying around giving some thought onto buying something for that sister of yours and I just stop seeing a plane starting to plummet out of the sky smoking from the engines.... I didnt ask anyone about your homecoming or anything but... I knew that was you on there... That plane hit the mountain and I wanted to shit myself screaming.... Dash heard a couple hours later when I was in my room trying not to throw up.... We had to spend the day with each other making sure we stayed calm and planned what to do with your sister... we know she would've had to come to Dash... basically would've stayed in Dash's home.... either that or would've moved into your parents place and taken care of her... even keep a close eye on her just in case things went wrong... but... when Luna called Dash about you... I thought I was dead.... I thought I passed out and was dreaming... Told us you were alive and in intensive care.... told us about your injuries... we questioned how you survived but.... Luna didnt know..." I could hear her voice weaken a bit and whimpering start up. I threw the pillow I clutched aside and sat next to her putting my hand in her lap.

"...I survived because of my promise I made to Scootaloo... telling her I'd be back to get her... that and some pain killing berries.... I was only injured because I bailed as soon as the plane crashed and exploded... flames hit my back, lit my wings on fire and destroyed my chute.... had to land on my back to either cushion the fall, kill myself faster or just put out the flames.... that second one was kinda true because if i severed my spine in the right place I'd die instantly.... I didnt wanna feel pain but... i endured it...." She latched on to me.

"...glad you didnt dweeb.... I.... I'm glad you didnt...." She started to sob lightly. I held her close and shushed her stroking her feathers.

Suddenly a knock came to the door. I didnt take my attention away from the crying griffon. I heard the door open behind us and the sound of boots and clanging armor approach before stopping. "Oh uh.... Is this a bad time General?" I hear a guard stallion ask. I turned back and saw a unicorn guard clad in silver armor looking at me and Gilda. I shook my head. "...Well uh.... when you do get a chance... The princess would like to see you in the throne room..."

I gave a nod and watched him leave the room. I looked back to Gilda and sighed. "...Here... lie down and I'll be right back..." I said. "You'll be okay... I'll be okay.... dont worry...." Gilda sniffled and nodded scooting back onto the bed as I let go of her. She hesitantly lied down and cuddled up with a pillow kinda sucking on her thumb like a foal. Cute. I got up and just slowly walked to the door. Once out in the hall I closed the door and looked at the guard who came in. "Can you stand guard here? The griffon in there needs some rest and you need to make sure of that until I get back okay?" The guard nodded. "Good... Now if you'll excuse me I need to get going..."

The guard saluted me and I saluted back before walking off down the hall. The things I thought of that could happen. Cadence chews me out, Shining making me apologize for making his wife cry or both of them chewing me out, banishing me from the empire.... the list goes on and on. But what I wasnt expecting? Shining tackled me against the wall pinning me and covering my mouth. "...I'm sorry..." He said. I watched his eyes glow green and a puff of green smoke come from his mouth and engulf my head. I started coughing and hacking into his hand unable to breathe. Felt myself getting light headed fast. Next thing you know I passed out. Didnt know how, why or even the what of it.

When I did wake up everything was blurry and I couldnt move. Even tried but nothing would give. "Well well... the little pest woke up finally...." A feminine yet somewhat raspy voice said. "...I still love it how you came even when 'Cadence' wasnt acting like herself...."

I grunted a bit lifting my head up weakly. Saw a dark shape in front of me but couldnt make out who it was. I heard a deeper voice that sounded just as raspy. "....Hold on my queen... He still seems a bit out of it...." They said. Next thing you know I get sprayed with water which made me flinch. "Hold still! I'm not trying to hurt you!" The more feminine voice grunted and I felt something hard hit me on the side of my head.

"Dammit Drone! We need him to wake up NOW! Not get him wet!" I felt someone grab my face. "Now look at me! OPEN YOUR EYES AND LOOK AT YOUR QUEEN!" I did as I was told knowing I'd probably be hit if I didnt. In front of me I saw two figures.... One looking like abug pegasus pony and the other a bug alicorn mare. The bug alicorn looked at me grinning widely... fangs and shit that creeped me the hell out. "So.... My new little play thing has been running from me... Denying all of your.... 'Princesses' advice..."

I struggled a bit. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU?! WHO ARE YOU?!" I yelled. "WHERE THE FUCK AM I?!"

The drone looked to me and gave kind of a warming smile... fangs are still off putting. "Don't worry! You're still in the castle!" They said.

The alicorn bug smacked the drone. "SILENCE!" She snapped. "You arent supposed to tell him where we are!"

I glanced around. Saw Cadence's throne, some of the wall lights covered and some heart emblems on the floor all covered in... something stringy yet strong. I looked back to the bug alicorn. "...Uh.... I can already tell we're still in the castle..." I said. "Throne room to be exact... you just covered everything in.... what is this shit?" She looked to me as the drone went and hid behind the throne.

"What covers this room and ties you up is hive fiber! This is just the start of the new Changeling hive! And you? You're going to be my egg incubator!" My heart dropped slightly.

"Wh-what? Y-y-you're changelings?!" The changeling before me grinned.

"Yes! And I am the queen known as Chrysalis! I already know a lot about you General... my drones have been watching you since we sensed a more powerful love... Something we havent sensed since the two imbeciles that live here were getting married.... I wont say when but we've been watching for a while... You just havent seen us hiding in plain sight...." I started to struggle hard.

"DAMMIT LET ME OUT OF HERE! GET ME THE FUCK OUT OF THIS!" Chrysalis started to laugh crazily.

"Struggle struggle my little pony! You wont ever get free!" I grunted giving up.

"You bitch! You wont get away with this! My companion will come looking for me!" Chrysalis sighed a bit walking past me and grabbing my ass.

"Please... this whole castle is locked down due to my actions here.... My drones are on their way to take over... More drones on their way when I impregnate you.... Lets hope you dont burst like the last one!" Impregnate me? Burst?! God I started freaking out a lot. Struggling, screaming. Thought I was going to pass out. Suddenly Chrysalis used some sort of magic to web my mouth shut.

"....There... annoyance dealt with... Of course I'm used to this... my new little fucktoys usually scream but... not until after my young start hatching.... that is if they're lucky to live through it...." I kept struggling as my eyes started to tear up.

I saw the drone run from behind the throne and get between me and the queen. "My Queen! Please stop!" They said. "I-I know you're probably going to hit me again but.... Hear me out!" I saw Chrysalis roll her eyes grunting slightly.

"FINE! You have one minute for this!"

"I've studied this stallion for a while and I know that he will fight when backed into a corner like this, even when his life is on the line!" Chrysalis and I both looked to the drone confused.

"How do you know this?" The drone stepped away and a green flame brightened up the room for a moment and dissipated just like that and I just about shat myself. There in the drones place was SHADOW! MY FUCKING SQUAD MATE! Full lunar gear, dark purple mane and the lighter purple coat.

"...It's because I was with him during the war... followed him like you wanted. But I couldn't speak to anyone at all.... Any time I did I nearly blew my cover and at the end I nearly died in a plane crash! Only because YOU sent others to take it down so you could kidnap any survivors!" I honestly couldn't believe what I was hearing. Not only was a changeling drone defending me but... that drone was one of my best soldiers.... Hiding in plain sight, at my side, lurking around every corner ready to kidnap someone.... Makes me think that out there somewhere either dead or kidnapped is the real Shadow.... or... maybe he was just a changeling the whole time. I looked to Chrysalis as the drone changed back.

"You take pity on this..... this fool?" The drone just stared at her and glanced at me once. Chrysalis grunted stamping her foot. "FINE! I'll set him free but if he does one thing to hurt us I'm tying him up again, killing you and defile BOTH OF YOU!" Chrysalis looked to me and used her magic to cause me to drop down from my position onto the floor. I quickly scrambled to the drone and hid behind it. It was kinda weird holding on to a bug pony.... Changeling.... It was like I was holding onto a full suit of armor. The drone looked to me and snapped their fingers making the web substance disappear from my mouth.

"Don't worry. You work with us, we'll work with you! Take a few deep breaths, ask a question or two but follow orders.... okay?"

I took a few breaths calming myself down as much as I could before hesitantly coming out from behind the drone. "...M-my apologies for s-s-s-speaking out of turn my queen but...." I said swallowing the lump in my throat. "....Why are you here....? Why choose me?"

Chrysalis huffed. "I'll go ahead and look the other way for speaking out of turn since you called me by my title..." She said. "We are here to take revenge for being banished to the outerlands of Equestria... Desert and sand as far as the eye can see.... My drones have gone back to the hive while we followed the princess and her husband.... We decided to steal their belongings, passports and frame them as changelings and get them arrested! We've been here for a few weeks and you? We chose you because we sense a great love within you... It almost matches the love from your superior on his wedding day... First I feed off your love, next I impregnate you with my offspring and leave you to rot as my young burst from every orifice forcing you to feel extreme pain as they make their way out! But before that happens..." I saw her horn glow and felt something slip out of my pocket. The ring. "I need you to put this ring on.... be my husband so your love comes forth easily!" I had to take a double take.

"What? Like hell I will! I'm spoken for another!" Chrysalis grinned and swept my leg with her magic making me kneel down.

"That wasnt a question! It was a demand! Put this ring on now or else your love is useless!"

"Nope! You want me to put that ring on you can suck my dick!" That toothful grin grew wider.

"I'm not above menial labor but.... since you said that...." She pushed me over and held me to the ground using her magic and knelt down starting to unbutton my pants, yanking them down revealing my sheathe and sack. "And since we know your one true love and weakness...." Green flames quickly engulfed Chrysalis. It was so bright I had to look away. But when I looked back... holy shit... there I saw Gilda in Chrysalis' place, naked, huge tits and some tattered wings... Not perfect but.... That started something. "And.... since I know this just wont work...." She quickly jumped up and kissed me on the lips but blew into me. She quickly backed away and I started coughing up some sort of green and pink smoke. "...Pheramones... these should get you hornier than anything.... I want you to beg me not to stop!" I could feel myself just.... starting to pant and sweat.

"F-fuck... NO! M-must... must resist!" She laughed grabbing a hold of my cock as it became fully erect.

"TOO LATE! You're going to break from this! You're going to wish I was your wife!"

Before she could do anything an explosion rocked the room, sending smoke and debris everywhere. The drone hurried to our side and kicked Chrysalis off of me as she changed back, stunned from the blast. I have to say I was kinda stunned too but it wasnt that bad. The drone dragged me to the wall and hiked my pants up before darting behind the throne hiding away scared. I watched dazed as guards rushed in and surrounded Chrysalis only for her to be engulfed in her green flames and disappear. I tried covering myself best I could as a familiar face came running in towards me. Shining. The real one this time. He was wearing black kevlar riot gear. He looked to me shocked as he ran for me. "Ryder?! The hell are you doing here?!" He asked.

I held onto him panting and sweating profusely. "...H-help me.... s-s-so... horny..... it hurts....." I said. He huffed.

"Dammit...." He looked back at the opened hole. "....GOT ANOTHER PHEROMONE ATTACK HERE! NEED THE ANTIDOTE, A CAGE AND COLD WET TOWELS!" He looked to me. "Hold on Ryder you're gonna be fine!" I saw a guard rush to the throne seeing the drone. I did what I could and pushed Shining away just as the guard aimed a pistol in the drone's face.

"W-wait! Stop! Dont hurt em!" I stumbled a bit getting between the drone and the guard. The drone just latched on to me scared. "Drop the gun! P-please!" Shining grabbed the gun and aimed it away from us. He looked to me.

"Ryder! Get away from that changeling! It's dangerous!"

"It's not dangerous!" I snapped back. "Th-they saved me... f-from... being... a fucking... changeling eggsack...." Shining stared at the changeling and to me again.

"Okay... If that thing so much as does anything but help me get you to a room, I'm cuffing them with those magic resistant cuffs! AND I'm locking your ass up as well!" I didnt question it because I was just using all my might to not cream myself. Shining brought my pants up all the way and fastened them but.... yeah... came myself so hard just because of the friction. That left a nice thick, sticky, wet stain on my pants going down my leg a bit. Oh the awkwardness that followed. He had to strip me down, wipe me off, put cold towels on my junk and on my body and even one on my forehead to cool me down. Next thing you know I was stuck with a needle right in my neck. After about a half hour he took the towels off and put me in a chastity cage. Tight around the balls but it definitely kept me from touching myself. Even if I was extremely horny. They had to leave me alone in my room with a towel under me just in case I did cum again.

After about an hour of isolation and profuse sweating Shining Armor came in with Cadence. Shining Armor was now wearing blue jeans and a red tank top. Cadence was wearing capris blue jeans and a purple long sleeve shirt. She came to my bed side and sat next to me. "General I am SO sorry you were tricked into coming here..." She said. "...Did the changelings hurt you? Did they steal any of your love essence?"

I shook my head hesitantly. "...They knocked me out and just hit me with pheromones that made me hornier than Shining when you're around..." I said. Shining's face turned red when I said that. Cadence giggled a bit.

"Well it seems someone is still in the mood to poke fun at their friend. Now tell me why did you come all the way out here? It wasnt to see Shining was it?" I shook my head.

"I came out here for you Princess.... I need your help with something..." She looked at me a bit confused.

"Me? Why would you be here for me unless...." She thought for a moment staring at the wall. She glanced back at me for a moment and hummed. "....You wouldnt be here unless you have a problem with love.... Are you?" I averted my gaze for a moment.

"Not exactly.... It's more of a problem approaching something to do with love... like... wanting to just...."

Both Shining and Cadence gasped. "Tie the knot....?" Shining asked. I blushed and smiled at them. Cadence laughed a bit and clapped before just getting on top of me. Shining clapped and cheered a bit. "YEAH DUDE! That's what I'm talking about! My boy is getting married!" I looked to Shining kinda wincing a bit from my cage.

"Uh... Shining.... Can you uh...tell Cadence to get off of me? It's kinda getting awkward for me..."

Cadence giggled a bit and got up off of me. "Sorry! Got a bit carried away!" She said. "Does your marefriend let you show yourself off to a lot of mares or are you just a one trick pony?" I shifted a bit wiping some left over sweat away.

"I'm... I'm kind of afraid to answer.... so many different answers I've gotten, including a few hostilities from Chrysalis I'm just confused....." Cadence smiled at me.

"It's okay if you're sleeping with someone on the side if you still come back to home. I know that feeling and it's the best feeling you can get." She glanced back at Shining who blushed hard. I gave a sigh of relief.

"Good.... I was afraid you'd bite my head off for fucking someone that isnt my marefriend.... And uh... if.... if she asks... tell her about some escort thing I had to do... I dont want her finding out I was doing this proposal help...."

"You have nothing to worry about. Your secret is safe until you do it. Right now we should probably get you into a shower... could still be a bit weak from the pheromones from Chrysalis so I hope you dont mind a guard being in there with you helping you wash up!" I sat up and huffed.

"Kinda do mind with that.... I actually have someone else here who can help me with this..." I gasped as my heart dropped. "Wait.... We gotta check on her! I left her stuck in her room for hours!" I looked away for a moment. "At least I hope it was hours... Otherwise I'm getting yelled at..." I beckoned to Shining. "Here... Help me get up and get dressed in something to cover me." Probably the worst thing I could say. Not even a few minutes later I was hobbling down the hall in nothing but panties Cadence had stashed in her back pocket. Pink and frilly. Lucky that cage helped things stay in place. Had to even hold on to Shining to walk I felt so weak. We then came to the door to the room Gilda was in. The guard in front was nowhere to be found. I knocked at the door. "Gilda! Gilda open up! It's Ryder!"

We waited for a moment. Nothing. Shining leaned me onto Cadence and pounded on the door. "Gilda! By order of the guard open this door right now!" He yelled. We waited again. Nothing. "Dammit Gilda! Ryder's hurt! Open the door! We need to get inside!" And nothing again. He huffed and started digging into his tail only to pull out a key. "Alright... didnt wanna have to do this but time to pull out the master key...." He quickly started unlocking the door and once that lock clicked open he pushed the door revealing a dark room and a lump on the bed under the covers.

We entered the room and I broke off from Cadence and collapsed onto the bed. I stripped the covers off to reveal Gilda, naked, asleep and looking stressed out. I nudged her a little bit. Nothing. I shook her more. Nothing again. Just because I was getting impatient and just slapped her ass. This time I got a reaction. Before I could pull away she gasped sitting up and backhanding me. She hit me so hard I fell right off the bed. She panted and looked around quickly covering herself back up. Cadence shushed Gilda as Shining came to my side. "Hey hey! You're okay! It's us! The real us!" She said.

Gilda shuttered a bit holding the blanket around her. "...w-what do you mean...?" She asked. "What do you mean by the REAL you....?"

I got up onto the bed rubbing my face. "Gilda... Changelings were in the castle posing as Cadence and Shining..." I said. "....They nearly used me to bear their young and feed off my love essence... which... I think they may have done with you when we were on the train...." Gilda's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. She curled up into a ball shuttering as Cadence rested a hand on her shoulder.

Cadence huffed. "I am SO sorry they did that..." She said. "...For their heinous act against you I grant you anything you desire. I'll give you time to think on it but the offer is open if you choose not to take it at this moment in time... But right now I have a favor to ask... can you help Ryder with a shower? He got hit with some powerful drugs and we're afraid he's gonna hit his head."

Gilda hesitantly nodded. "...Y-yes... Just... just let me get my clothes together...." She said. Just as she crawled out of bed there was a knock at the door. We all looked and Gilda just screamed her head off diving for cover on the other side of the bed. Right there at the door was the changeling drone.

It kinda looked frightened. "...Um... Is this a bad time?" It asked.

Shining huffed as Cadence got up and went to Gilda's side. "Nope... you're fine uh... what's you name again?" He asked. The drone looked away as it entered.

"...I should have one but... the queen doesnt like to use it so I did away with it...I've just been called 'Drone' for a s log as I can remember... The last thing I remember being called was Rocky... I think..." She looked back to Shining and smiled a bit.

"Well... I guess that's what we'll call you then... Rocky... So... you're fine Rocky... Just scared Gilda here..." He looked back at Gilda and Cadence. "Is she alright Cadie?"

Cadence sighed as Gilda sobbed slightly into her shoulder. "...Not really... Got scared into having an accident..." She said. "Get a mop and maybe change the sheets... Pretty powerful stream with her....." Shining looked back to Rocky.

"You mind getting one of the guards in the hall down here? I need em to...." I saw him avert his gaze and look back just moments after. "On second thought... why dont you stay here and speak with everyone here.... pretty sure the General here would like to chat with you, show his friend and my wife you dont mean any harm anymore."

Rocky nodded and came in as Shining got up. They sat next to me. I couldnt help but blush and cover my legs. "...So... Rocky..." I said. "...I uh.... I wanna... thank you for saving my ass there with Chrysalis... and... saving my ass more than once as Shadow...."

They sighed. "...I was glad to serve under you...." They replied. "...You were such a better leader than Chrysalis was.... you asked how I felt, showed compassion and love to me and.... I never once tried to steal it from anyone..." I looked at them a bit curiously.

"Really? How did you survive out there then?"

"With the food that was cooked it provided enough love to be stable enough to live on...." I looked back at Gilda who clung to Cadence. Cadence smiled nervously.

"Dont worry! She's fine!" I looked back at Rocky. "You... you dont mind being called a she do you?" She shook her head.

"I actually like turning into a mare more often than i do a stallion... I dont know why but... it just feels right..."

I smiled as Cadence sat on the other side of me while Gilda sat by her puddle. "Well... I guess it's nice to meet you Rocky..." The princess said. "...F-forgive me if I seem hesitant... I havent had the best run-ins with your... leader... But... I trust you wont be any trouble... will you....?" Rocky shook her head.

"I wont... I promise..." I could see tears building up in her eyes.... her weird compound eyes... I hugged her. She hugged me back. "...I... I'm so sorry..... " She started to sob into my shoulder. I felt so bad for her. I looked back at Cadence.. Didnt say a word before she cast a calming spell on us. Almost immediately Rocky stopped crying and I felt relaxed. Rocky looked at her. "....Th-thank..... thank you...." I shushed her and lied her down, covering her up. I looked to Cadence and Gilda.

I got up and took Gilda's hand as she came to my side. She was still shaking as if she were cold. She was now wearing just a pair of panties and a bra. I looked to Cadence. "...Please... I ask you to watch her while any guard is in here." I said. "Tell them not to be afraid, have her change form into something if she must.... Just... I dont want anyone to hurt her... She obviously feels bad for this..."

Cadence nodded. "You have my word General..." She said. "Now go... your shower awaits... Use the master bath. Big enough for two and can take anything you throw at it if you wish." I smiled blushing.

"I would but... I'd rather keep this cage on for a bit... I feel like we've had some experiences today that we wish to not freak out about if it happens once more...." She nodded and let us get on our way. To be honest I didnt know how to feel about this changeling Rocky... She's a bit of a wildcard... I've seen what can be done but... she seems more docile than the others... probably because she trusts me and everyone she has met here. I do hope she gets treated right. But way after the shower Cadence went and taught me a few things. To breathe if I'm nervous. Practice beforehand if needed and do it where she has no choice but to say yes.... but if I know AJ she no matter where I propose I know she'll say yes.