It's been a few days since I've moved to the orchard. I'm not one to complain, even about my marefriends home but... It's hard getting used to waking up here.... Right now its about six in the morning and I'm tired off my ass and cant get back to sleep. I'm wearing jeans and a long sleeve tee shirt because its cold and going back to sleep isnt an option... Last night I woke up to Scootaloo crying because she had an accident... lucky for her Celestia included half the diapers that were bought for her and even included some for me just in case.... I still felt hurt after what Scootaloo said the first night. Said that I didnt love her and wanted to put her up for adoption. I wouldnt forgive myself if I even hinted at even doing such a thing. I would ask Celestia to hit me as hard as she could. But I got Scootaloo to apologize for what she said. Even if it was her emotions saying that... Anyways I was sitting in the living room just trying to have a little time to myself. I took a beer from the fridge and just sipped a bit from it. It tasted weird because I havent had it in a while but... hey it felt good going down. I sighed just looking at my phone that sat on the table. "...Nopony is awake, I dont have anyone to bother...." I said to myself. "...But what can I do while everyone is asleep...? Big Mac's probably gonna wake everyone for school or work soon and.... what would I have to do? I'd just take too much room in his truck.

As I sat there I just thought about that voice and those paw prints... they've plagued my mind since the crash... I wasnt scared but.... curious as to why they did what they did... Problem is i cant tell anyone anything. Otherwise I'd get just completely messed up. In what ways? I dont know. Worst I've gotten is just weakened and passed out. But as I sat there the voices started up. Vision blurred. "...Outside... now...." It said. Even though my vision blurred I picked my phone up and just started to text AJ telling her I was going for a walk. Even heard the notification sound she had. Cute little puppy barks. When I went outside there I saw the paws leading into the trees. "Follow...." I huffed and just started to follow the paws. It was still pretty dark out but it was still light enough to see where I was going without a flashlight. Luna's moon was bright enough as it is and it felt really nice to have lighting my way. The paws went through the trees in such a way it was like I was chasing a guard dog. I've done that during the war. Had a little exercise regiment and we had a few dogs training on the base. I actually got to follow one of the dogs through the training course we had. It was actually a quick escape drill we all had to do and I was no where near the top. Top guy... shot right in the face. I knew it was too good to be true with him but I did what I needed to.

As soon about where the paws stopped I saw a small grave. It was big enough for me to see it but... small enough to know it wasnt a pony.... at least i hoped it wasnt a pony. Suddenly my phone rang. I pulled it from my pocket and looked at the screen and saw it was AJ. I answered it. "...Sugarcube? Why the hell're you out for a walk at this hour....?" She asked. "...I get it you got stuff to think about but... just c'mon back to bed.... it's freezing out..."

I sighed. "...It's alright with temperature but I just cant sleep." I said kneeling down at the grave. "...But... I have a question while I have you on the line..."

"Sure just... make it quick... I'm kinda cold and this blanket aint doing jack to help me warm up..." I huffed.

".....Okay so... I just stopped to enjoy the night sky and.... I found a grave here... Why is there a grave out here...?" I heard her sigh.

"...Y'must've found Winona's grave.... Now... C'mon back here... I dont wanna talk this over the phone with Big Mac wakin' up soon.... Best to just speak to each other quietly.... Now please come back?" I sighed just looking at a little dog tag on it. 'Winona' it said.

"....Okay but... only because I kinda need a hug now...." She didnt even answer me there. Just hung up. I stood up putting my phone in my pocket again. I honestly was made depressed by this... I dont like seeing little animals die... Not kidding when I went over to Fluttershy's house before all the shit that happened to me (being Berrie and the murders) she said she had a few animals sick. One of them was just a little baby fox. The others were just wolf and bear cubs. Now this fox was so adorable. It had a white tail and used it as a blanket while laying down. That fox tried to get up and I did everything Fluttershy had asked to try and get that fox to feel better but late at night when I stayed there Fluttershy woke me up and told me we needed to hit the vet. Needless to say I found out that baby fox had to be put down and... I just basically turned into a pussy here... I had to hold the fox in my arms as it shook and whined in pain. I couldnt even keep it together. All I could do is say that the fox pup would've been alright but I cried as i did.... After that fox pup was put down I just.... Fluttershy and I couldnt even take it anymore and went back to my place. She couldnt even go back to her place after that. Well... until the next morning when Dash called me. Anyways enough there. When I went back to AJ's room I found her just sitting in the bed with her phone in hand. She was just in her fluffy green camo pajama pants and a black tank top. I went and sat on the bed next to her just looking at her phone. It was pictures of Applebloom, Big Mac and her all of them with her dog. She was a brown sheltie dog with white patches all over her body. Each picture she looked happy. I didnt say anything fearing I'd say something idiotic.

"....just wonderin' about her aint ya?" I kinda nodded. She huffed. "...Well... she was the best and only dog we've ever had... had her since Applebloom was a foal.... always followed me throughout the orchard and even protected Applebloom when Big Mac was messin' with her... I've even had her sleepin' at the foot of my bed for as long as I can remember....The night after she died thanks to Big Mac runnin' her over accidentally Applebloom and I cried right where you're sittin.... Big Mac just slept on the couch because he felt so bad but... it aint his fault.... dog saw his truck comin' and didnt run... But... we gave her a proper funeral... Even buried her in a home made casket... Same kind my mama was buried in..." I heard her voice get a bit higher pitch. I hugged her and she sniffled. "....Almost every time I see that grave I can hear her yelp before the tire rolled over her... I try my hardest to stay away from it and all that I can get is Big Mac to go near it and even he doesnt get the tree.... What he does is just believes Winona is sleepin' and he doesnt wanna wake her..." I just held AJ close.

"...Here... Just... go back to sleep sweetie.... I'll get undressed and join you in a bit here....." She nodded and kissed me on the cheek before just lying down sniffling. I just quickly stripped down to my boxers and shut the door before going back to my marefriends side under the covers. She just started to spoon with me. Put my hand on her crotch and the other on her chest. I blushed but... I just went along with it. You're probably thinking I should tease her and just go for it but when we go, we go hard and loud. And would we want our sisters- who are just down the hall- to hear such things? No. No we do not.

We slept for maybe another hour or so and we ended up being woken up by my phone. I actually fell out of bed, almost taking AJ with me but she stopped just before the edge. Not sure how we ended up near my edge of the bed but I nearly hit my head. Thank goodness my metal wing can support my weight up to a certain point.... didnt know.... Anyways I scrambled for my pants which were on the other side of the room and grabbed at my phone. When I pulled it I saw it was Shining Armor. I answered. "Hello? Ryder?" I heard Shining say.

"Yeah? What's going on here calling this early?" Yeah I'm not one to talk there. Shut up. I heard him huff a bit.

"Sorry but.... I'm here in Ponyville and I need to see you down at the castle. It's important. And no before you ask there wont be any news crews to ask about that crash. Celestia is going to handle that-" I heard him get slapped as clear as the daylight that was now peaking through the window.

Then I hear the phone kinda rumble a bit on the other end. "Ryder?" I hear a familiar voice say.

"Yes princess?" Yeah... it was Princess Luna. She sounded a tad tired but still pretty much awake.

"I apologize for that rude interuption but Shining doesnt control what happens with the media about that plane crash. But we really do need you to come to the castle in Ponyville. There is a surprise for you that's long overdue. You're welcome to come pick it up at any time but we want to see you soon!" Okay I didnt know if it were a trap set by Shining to get me to speak to the press about the war and the crash or if it were a ploy to get me to get my stuff from the castle. Yeah... like I know where to put that stuff here... Attic or something probably but I havent seen it yet.

"Alright I'll try and get there soon. Just let me get dressed and I'll be there." I looked to Applejack who was just getting out of her PJ's. "Hopefully we can get a little food there..."

"I'll ask Twilight if we can make Shining make us a meal once you get here. Let's hope that smack didnt do anything to his motorskills...." She laughed a bit. I couldnt help but have a chuckle as well. "Anyways I'll see you soon Ryder." She just hung up on me not giving me time to answer.

Applejack looked to me as she tossed a Metallicolt semi longsleeve to me. It was a black and red one with their logo on it. I put it on just as Applejack put her jeans on. "Well I guess we know we got somewhere to be and somethin' to do." She said. She looked to me as I got my pants up. "Y'think everyone else knows about your house other than Dash and Rarity? I know neither of us told em.... maybe they were told after they tried visitin' or somethin'...."

I sighed as I walked over to the window. Just saw dust kicked up on the road outside. "Well... we might as well get ready fast and get walking." I said. "Big Mac just left I think... and you know that four wheeler wont hold both of us." Tried it before. Rode around the orchard for just a few minutes and I end up getting clotheslined by a tree getting the wind knocked out of me at the worst. That was just way before the war and just a couple weeks after the murders. She huffed.

"Walking is probably best anyways. If anyone is still sleeping at this time it's best not to wake him. I aint kididn' when I say Dash wanted to slap me because Celestia called her phone in the middle of the night. She was pissed beyond belief. I almost wanted to climb on top of her face and drown her in my own brand of 'cider'." I huffed.

"I'm surprised you two slept in the same bed knowing she pisses her bed still." She laughed a bit grabbing her boots from under the bed.

"Had somethin' to help protect me there. Told her if she did wet my bed I'd go and tie her up out in the orchard in a diaper and make her sit there the whole day until work was done and all she'd get is water out of a rabbits water bottle." I honestly didnt wanna laugh but I did as I went for my shoes.

"Probably should've anyways. I'd've loved to have something to have to blackmail her when I got home... But hey.... I've got a few other means I guess..." She looked to me as I started tying my shoes.

"Well let's save them. Otherwise we dont have anythin' to use against her if she pisses us off. Now hurry. Aint gonna be good if we're more late than we're gonna be." I nodded and just tied my shoes the best I could. After that we had a good walk out of the orchard. We both picked an apple off the trees that were juicy and ripe. I bit into mine and jeez it was like I bit into a water balloon of sweetness. Even had a few drips go down my chin. Actually by the time we got to the end of the road I finished my apple and tossed the core back into the trees. AJ say's its good for seeds to spread and grow. Anyways we walked on for a good while... Well... until we reached around my street which was about twenty minutes after we left. I started to see the paws again but... my vision was normal for some reason. No voice either. We were just at the other side of the street just looking up at the castle which still was quite a ways away. The paw prints were being burned into the concrete going towards my street. I looked to AJ.

"Hey uh... AJ?" I said. She looked at me. I was slightly nervous. I didnt wanna just walk away on her and I just couldnt tell her what was going on with the paws at all.

"Yeah sugarcube?" She asked. I glanced at my street a bit. She sighed. "Alright... just go on... I'll meetya on the other side... you dont come within five minutes I'm calling Twilight and havin' some guards come down here and get us.... Might have to put you in cuffs if you're cryin'..." She just pushed me a bit towards the street. "Just go. I'll do what I do when the time comes!" I smiled and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before just rushing across the street. Not even a car anywhere near. Not even parked. Anyways I followed the paw prints across the street and down the sidewalk before my house came into view. My heart sunk seeing it burnt out and taped off. I was surprised they didnt take it down yet to rebuild. I kept following the paws to the door just walking as if nothing were wrong. Just as if I wanted to see the house one last time before just moving. The door was shut but broken open in a few places. I looked around behind me just feeling as if someone were watching me. I couldnt help but rush to the side of the house and fly into my busted out window. I landed in front of my bed which lied in ashes. Things still smelt of soot. My TV was melted and destroyed totally, my drawers were mostly burnt. Even opened them to try and find salvagable clothes. Nothing. Not even my favorite Gems n Tulips shirt. That thing was cut in half by the flames that ate it. I walked over to my closet and opened it. The doors fell off and fell towards me. I kept them from hitting the ground too hard. My entire closet was also torched. But... I saw an ember near a safe. It was a gun safe that I got before I ran off just to make sure Big Mac didnt find my gun and take it because his got sent to evidence about the night of the murders. I crouched down and just yanked it out a foot or two. I even turned the dial.

"...Huh... still works....I wonder...." I started to input the combination humming along to the opening of Sweet Foal Of Mine. 4. 22. 26. I always hum a tune if I need to remember a password or something. It's worked a bit. Anyways I turned the little handle and it opened right up. "Huh... weatherproof and fireproof I guess...Wonder if it's still here...." I opened the door wide and reached inside. There I pulled my holstered pistol still looking good as ever. I even pulled it out and cocked it. No ammo in it though. I always stopped off at the castle to get it because I was afraid I'd go and hurt myself sleepwalking. Anyways I shoved the gun back in its holster and saw the paws again out of the corner of my eye. This time they went outside my door. I carefully opened my door and walked out. My heart sank even more seeing the entire bottom floor gone. Couch was a pile of ash, TV was melted to the partial media center and all the movies were just plastic on the floor. But the paws just went down the hall to Scootaloo's room. I walked over there and nudged the door open. It creaked open and I started to tear up. Things in my sisters room were just hard to look at... I tried not thinking about it but.... I couldnt help it this time. Scootaloo's bed was destroyed as mine was, her dresser was falling apart. Didnt see a spot of clothing anywhere for her. Her room was damaged all to hell and I know I didnt do anything to save one thing.... My mind went onto what would've happened if I had Scootaloo at home. One of us would probably get hurt because I would've flew out, set my games down, flew back in and ran out with Scootaloo. One of us would've either gotten a few burns or sent to the hospital because of smoke inhalation. The paws lead to a little drawing that was mostly in tact. It was one she made for me before I left for the war and never took. It was burnt along the edges but I saw the picture still. It was me and her sitting on a cloud with the rainbow falls in the background. Even said 'I love you big brother' on it.

I grabbed it and folded it up carefully before putting it in my pocket. I looked around seeing if the paws were around. I didnt see any. Even when I looked up and down the hall. I sniffled trying to keep it together as I walked down the stairs carefully. Each step creaked telling me if anymore weight was added. I hit the ground floor and just looked at everything. I saw the most damage around the window and the couch. All the electrical items were either melted or destroyed only left with a skeleton of what it was. The couch was burnt to where you could see the old springs inside. TV was melted and in half. Dunno what halved it but... it still hurt to see it. Everything just hurt me to an extent. I just looked at the gun at my side. Wondered if things would still go this way if I didnt become a guard. But where would I have been? I wouldnt have worked in Sugar Cube Corner or at Sweet Apple Acres with AJ and Big Mac. I mean... they would've taken me regardless but... what would've happened then? Would Scootaloo get hurt trying to climb a tree? If she didnt show me she knew how to fly I probably would've had to take her to and from cloudsdale just to keep her safe. Now I can see that we can just go see the weather institute and the wonderbolts perform up close too. But... Enough about that. That's when I just opened the door just to have it fall off the hinge. The 'Do Not Enter' tape was broken and strewn across the floor. I just walked out and sat down on the front step starting to cry. I cried for a little bit before I had a truck drive up to the curb. I just looked up at it and saw Big Mac's truck with AJ standing in the back looking a bit worried. Big Mac got out and hurried over to me just helping me up. "...Here we are... Lucky you my sister didnt call Luna...." He said just taking my hand starting to walk to the truck. "We wantcha to forget about this place.... we wanna see ya happy and not hurt like this.... I was glad to catch AJ walkin' this way.... told me ya came this way to see the house but... we might have to tell ya to stay away from this place... we dont wanna have you get hurt by what ever's inside and we dont wanna have ya hurt emotionally... got me?" He opened the door and sat me in the truck.

"...H-how can I not be emotionally hurt...? I cant forget about this place... I know I cant come back here but... why cant I just come by and see it?" He huffed just starting to buckle me in.

"Because we're afraid you're gonna go and do something stupid.... I aint willin' to lose my best friend here.... AJ aint losin' a boyfriend and Celestia aint even lettin' her general go easy neither... Just sit back and just keep calm. No point in wakin' up and going down for a nap immedately afterwards...." Which I've done before. I was so tired one day I basically went to my living room and passed out. Again. The night before I think I was on a movie binge. Watched a series of time travel movies that were just AWESOME. Is it bad I wanna time travel one day? Anyways I just sat there and took it as he strapped me into the front seat. Applejack reached through the little window in the back window and rested her hand on my shoulder. I just kinda nuzzled her hand. Couldnt do much else than that.

Once Big Mac got back in the truck he turned on the radio. It was one of the power ballads that Gems did. I dont remember the name but it was one of their firsts. I do however remember Gash standing in the rain playing his guitar just slamming out a solo. It was just about half way when it came on and when it ended it just went into something by Tumbling Rocks. This was hippie era stuff I was also into. Shine it White i think the name of the song was. Anyways i just stared out the windows as we drove. Passed by a lot of stuff that just made me wanna keep bawling but... I just kept it in after the first song. Each landmark i saw just got me more down. All but the school where i knew my sister was, happy as can be with her friends... On the way I saw the treebrary ruins being cleared out, sugarcube corner and even a park i used to play as a kid... It felt like hours before we arrived at the castle. There were guard trucks everywhere. Five guards at the door even. We were waved into the garage by Shining Armor in full uniform. Golden armor and helmet but the rest was casual. I looked over at Big Mac who even slowed down for Shining to hop in the back. Applejack even helped him from what i saw out of the corner of my eye. She came to the back window. "Hey sugarcube.... You feelin' alright now?" She asked. I almost didnt answer. Just an unsure nod. "Well... if ya need to I'm right beside ya the whole way..."

Big Mac unhooked me and got out. I opened the door being a bit mindful of the guard truck next to us. As much as I wanted to destroy something to see if it would make me feel better I couldnt do anything with what was around. Not any guard trucks, not anything of my best friends and sure as hell nothing of the castle. Shining hopped out of the back taking his helmet off and holding it at his side giving me a little worried smile. "Hey there bud... you alright here?" He asked. I shrugged. He hugged me. "Dont worry... I've got ya.... anything you need Cadence and I are a phone call away." He pulled me into the open putting an arm over my shoulder. "How's about we take a little walk deeper into the lot? Got something to show you." I just kinda pushed away from him and walked towards a wall leaning against it. He approached as I hung my head taking my gun off my side. "...I see that thing's still good.... You uh... you want me to hold onto it for you?"

I looked to him and just handed it over without hesitating. I sniffled a bit. Applejack and Big Mac just looked on at us. I waved them away and they just went back and sat in the bed of the truck. That's when I looked to Shining. "...why is it when I do something good the consequences come and bite me in the ass....?" I asked. "....First it was move back home and try to make it nice with my parents only to have them killed and now its me coming home after surviving a plane crash as a war hero only to be forced out of my own house by a fire..." Shining huffed.

"You catch a break sometimes but... this stuff is only the worst of it. It cant get anywhere as worse as the fire. I promise you if something else happens that's bad I'll.... I'll...." He looked around. "I'll have Celestia, Luna and Cadence and even my own sister take turns on punching me in the stomach multiple times! I wont even hesitate if you want to kick me where the sun doesnt shine!" I whimpered hugging myself.

"....Let's face it... I'm a magnet for bad luck..." I looked away. "....I dont know whats next but... I just wanna be happy.... I dont wanna have to worry about my sister... I dont wanna see her in anymore pain from losing things she loves.... if I'm next... what's gonna stop it from happening? Nothing..." Shining hummed and just wiped a few tears away.

"...I think I see what's going on here...." I looked at him confused.

"...You do?" He nodded.

"Yeah... that plane crash has you scared you're gonna die... that and the fire.... is that it....?" I thought for a moment and looked at my prosthetic wing. Honestly I still felt the pain when they had to cut it off... when I MADE them cut it off... I can honestly say while I was laid up in Canterlot I screamed waking up because of a nightmare... I was lucky Luna was just right down the hall... she shut me right up and just sat there until I calmed down... that nightmare was about the plane crash but... we just didnt make it... I remember part of it though... waking up and seeing everything on me but my head cut off.... my friends burning around me and the last thing I saw before waking up was an engine falling on top of me. "....You're afraid to die and leave your sister with nothing left.... you've seen her go through so much and now that your house is gone you're afraid youre going to go next.... Am I right or wrong here...." I nodded. Tears started to pour from my eyes. I sobbed slightly before hugging him. He hugged me back. "...There we go.... hit the tap right and here come the water works.... You want Applejack or Big Mac over here...?" I didnt answer. He just waved them both over.

Applejack hurried over and replaced Shining on hugging me. She shushed me as Big Mac and Shining went around the corner. "....Aww sugarcube.... C'mon just let it all out..." She said. "....After this we are gettin' you a drink.... I dont wanna have you do this but.. you're hurtin' and maybe a few drinks is enough to forget everythin...."

I sniffled pushing away before just falling to my hands and knees. "...N-no.... I'm not gonna drink... not with my job or Scootaloo at risk..." I said. I crawled for a few feet before Big Mac and Shining stood me up and dusted me off.

Big Mac huffed. "I swear this better not be another 'apocalypse scare' thing...." He said. "...Last time I helped ya through that you nearly bit through my favorite shirt trying to get back to your 'safe zone'...." Yeah this happened. Apparently between the time i became a guard and went off to war Celestia pulled THE worst prank I've encountered. She fooled me into thinking she was gonna end the world and I ended up shitting my pants, twice, and I barricaded myself in my room for three days. When I got out of my room Celestia apologized, had me power washed and I had to go through a bit of mental therapy with Luna. Surprisingly she made my mind better and even took me to see a Gems n Tulips concert. It made me feel better but... eh... may have wet my bed after that for a few days. I did end up being diapered every time I went to sleep after that until I was dry. Anywho I hugged Shining.

AJ walked over to us. "What's that supposed ta mean Big Mac?" She asked. "Someone scare him with that again?"

Shining shook his head as he consoled me. "Nah... But it's somewhat like that...." He said. "...Think about what he's been through thus far... Counting everything from the murder to his house burning down there were multiple chances he could've died.... his attempt at the shooting range, the shot that crippled him during the war and even the plane crash coming home.... Dont you see that he's scared he might die?" I heard Applejack gasp. Big Mac just stayed silent. "Yeah... I havent seen him cry since his parents were murdered... I didnt even wanna hear that he was shot or that he was in a plane crash... I actually thought he was dead when Luna screamed it in my face but... to see him beaten and wingless in a hospital bed alive... I just didnt wanna believe it..." I could hear the weakness in his voice. "....After this... is it... is it alright if I just... hang out with Ryder? Alone? I just need some time with him..." Applejack sighed.

"...Yeah I guess.... He and I can always do what ever at any time...." She sounded a bit hesitant. But... truthful. I could feel AJ rest her hand on my back brushing the feathers of my still good wing. It felt nice but... I still cried a bit.

Maybe after a few minutes I was still a bit teary eyed. I was holding hands with AJ and had Shining having an arm over my shoulder. Big Mac just walked ahead of us deeper into the garage. It was only about three floors down before we met with Princess Luna, Cadence and Twilight. We all bowed in respect to them. Luna wore jeans, an old Tumbling Rocks teeshirt and some canvas sneakers. Cadence wore a pink and white dress and high heels. Twilight was wearing something formal at least but still lax. She wore a long sleeve deep purple button up with dark blue jeans and high heels. Each princess had their wings spread beautifully. Luna used her magic and stood me up and nudging me forward. She stepped forward and hugged me. "There's the hero!" She said. I smiled and hugged back. She looked me in the face and wiped a tear from my eye. "Hast thou been crying?" I nodded a bit. "Well what ever pains thee I know thy shall be okay.... You're gonna be okay...."

Twilight came over and just extended my prosthetic wing a bit. "Jeez... this thing looks uncomfortable... But at least you're still flying... I think..." She said. She spun me around and looked me in the eye. "You can still fly cant you?"

Applejack got between me and Twilight pushing me back into Luna's arms. "Twi! Exnay on the ly-flay?" She said.

I huffed. "AJ you know I can still fly! I dont mind answering that question!" I said. I looked back to Luna. "You and I can talk later about me crying... Now uh... why did you call me here?"

Luna smiled and nudged me back a few feet. "Well... Two things." She said. "First off... we want to thank you for your services as a guard and serving for Equestria. You've fought for safety here at home and you've fought for our rights and others rights in a war we were afraid we'd lose you in." She glanced over at Cadence.

Cadence smiled. "Look at you. You're back and ready for anything." She said. "Your efforts are greatly rewarded by our subjects and us alike."

Twilight blushed a bit and looked to me. "We might've gone as far as getting you gifts to express our gratitude for your work for the royal and UFG both. When we call you're always there to help. Adult and filly alike we express our thanks in different ways but it always comes out the same." Each princess took a hand of the other. Luna grabbed Cadence's and mine and Twilight the same.

They all looked at me and brought me in for a hug. "Thank you Ryder for all you've done!" They all said in unison. I felt a warm sensation between us all. A heart warming sensation. Nothing wet. At least I hoped not.

I smiled hugging all of them. "Thank you but all this isnt necessary!" I said. "I aim to fix problems, lives and knicknacks of all shapes and sizes even if i have to sacrifice something to make it happen... even if it is my duty to do so or not." The princesses broke the hug and backed away. Each had a smile on her face.

Luna took my hand. "Well would you at least accept your gifts from us? I know one gift you'd love to see!" She said. "I checked on it every day since it was requested and even had to test it a few times just to make sure it wasnt tampered with! I just wanted you to see it in prime condition!" She lead me over to a blocked off spot with nothing sitting on either side of the spot. She left me a few yards away as she went up to the blocked off spot. It was just with a large curtain suspended by little birds. Fluttershy must've trained them. Anyways she looked to me just being weary of the birds above her. "Alright... Are you ready General Ryder?" I gave a nod getting a bit excited. She looked to the birds. "Alright now lovelies! Part the curtain and lets see what's behind it!" I watched as the birds just dropped the curtain and flew off. Shining and the others actually had to duck out of the way just in case some 'bombs' dropped. I looked back only to see MY 'Dominator' as one of THE most badass cars in all of the games I had. My car was just all out awesome. It was pitch black, red metal flaking giving off an evil glow in the light, Not only that it had the logo of the side I usually take in the game on the side. The logo was just a red and black tribal bird thing. It was the logo of the Clan of the Blood Crow. I loved it. I got a closer look at my car and the inside was just a blood red interior. Red leather seating, chain steering wheel and black leather on the dash board.

"...This is... I just..." I looked to Luna and almost tackled her hugging her. She laughed a bit as Big Mac and AJ came over to take a look at the car.

"I can tell you're speechless! Did I do well?" I nodded just laughing my ass off at this awesome sight. I was laughing more than Dash at her own jokes. She laughed and nudged me away. "Alright alright simmer down! You've got a few more things to go! You can come back to this car in a little while!"

Twilight pulled me away. "Come on Ryder." She said taking my hand as Cadence and Shining pulled Applejack and Big Mac away from my car. "I've got Spike upstairs making us pancakes! And you havent eaten yet I know!" We all just started walking to the nearest elevator. I took a few deep breaths and just started to calm down. But as we neared the elevator the paws appeared again. This time going outside. I couldnt pull away at all. My vision blurred as we entered the elevator and when the doors closed my hearing went. I braced myself against Shining before we started going up. He looked to me trying to say something but I couldnt hear. Everyone looked to me as I grew weaker and weaker before ultimately passing out.

As I sat in the darkness I heard his voice. "...you're supposed to follow the paws... no matter what...." The voice said. I knew it was him though... I knew it was Celestia and Luna's father. "...As I said I'm trying to help in a way... follow and things will be better... Let this be a warning...." I couldnt answer. If I could I'd chew him up and spit him out.... If I knew how to get to him besides through Celestia and killing myself in some ritual I'd rip his fucking head off.

Anyways when I awoke I found myself in a hospital robe inside Princess Twilight's medbay. The curtains I had were Wonderbolts themed. I couldnt help but think this either had something to do with Dash or some kid she had to give a bed to for some sort of treatment. I looked down at myself and just saw me with no pants. Just boxers and my shirt. I looked around and saw my pants, shoes and socks all sitting on a chair with a note taped to the back. I slowly got up feeling kinda weak. I was thirsty as all hell. When I hobbled over to the note I took it as I swatted my shoes off my pants and onto the ground. I looked at it in my right as I grabbed my pants with my left.

'Sugarcube...

I hope you wake up and see this... Sorry we couldnt be there after ya passed out. Twilight just told us to go home and eat

breakfast while ya rested... Now I aint sayin' its your fault this was ruined but... it just put a damper on today... I'd've letcha have a

day with Shining and Big Mac just to let me spend some time with Twilight and the other princesses.... Just... please call me once ya

get up n see this. Either that or just find Shinin' and have him tell us.... whichever ya want is alright as long as I know in the end

you're alright... Soon to be back in your arms and with all the love I can give ya...

AJ

P.S.: I might've found somethin' that just made me almost cry whilst makin' ya comfortable on the bed... I see now why ya went back to your place... trying to... old memories...'

That last part had a lot of scribble marks. I think she made random refferences to the fire somehow... rekindle, fire up, and junk like that... I crumpled the note up and shoved it into my pocket before I slipped my pants on and just sat in the chair. I stared at the curtain where it parted. I didnt wanna get up because I was scared. I didnt even know if there were any paws anywhere and I didnt wanna move. I felt for my pockets and found my phone sitting very awkwardly in my pocket. I grabbed it and just swiped through my apps. Three pages of games I dont play much. I tapped on my contacts app when I found it. Applejack was the first one. I tapped her name and hit a little chat bubble icon next to it. Took me to a text chat between her and I. I just texted her that I'm up. Nothing more. Right as I put my phone away I hear a set of heels walking towards me. When the curtains opened I saw Princess Cadence looking a it worried but then when she saw me she gave a sigh of relief. "You're awake... you scared us when you went down..." She said. She came over and just hugged me. "Shining and Big Mac had to carry you here. I wanted to keep Applejack from worrying so I had Twilight send her home. You saw the note right?" I nodded.

I sighed. "...Is Luna still here?" I asked. She nodded into my shoulder before breaking the hug. "You mind bringing her here or at least take me somewhere I can meet her alone?" She nodded.

"Get your shoes on and follow me. I'll text her and tell her to meet us in one of the bedrooms. I'll leave you two so you can talk about what ever. You trust each other that way dont you?" I nodded. "Alright now... hurry please." I nodded and grabbed my shoes as she just turned about and walked out of the curtain. Put my shoes on and just got out of there. After a while we came to Twilight's bedroom. Shining was standing out front checking his phone. He looked to me and smiled but just as he was about to say something Cadence just stopped him and whispered into his ear. Shining huffed and nodded. He walked off and Cadence looked to me. "Alright... You'll be okay right? It's just going to be a little talk?" I nodded.

"Do i seem extremely pissed off to you?" She shook her head. "If I were I'd've told you to just leave me alone. Now uh... thanks for leading me here.... I just dont wanna be rude here."

"Oh its fine Ryder. I know how you are. Shining has experienced too much from you its all he talks about. Other than work of course..." She huffed. "Well... dont keep Luna waiting. I actually still need to get your gift from the dining hall when I get a chance. Contact Shining when you're done okay?" I nodded and went to the door. I knocked on the door and opened it slightly poking my head in.

"Princess Luna? Are you here?" The room echoed slightly.

I heard a door open inside and shut. "Ah Ryder! You're awake!" I heard her say. "Come in! Let's chat!" I slipped inside closing the door. Princess Twilight's room was dimly lit with the curtains shut. There were three shelves on either side of the window all loaded with books of all sorts. How she could move to this after her home was destroyed? I dont know. But at least I know how she feels. Moving somewhere new after your previous home with all of your memories in it was destroyed before your very eyes. Twilight's bed sat against the wall right next to the bathroom and a few nightstands. Luna was just at the side of the bed sitting down. This time she looked a tad tired and she wore a violet night gown but all around happy to see me.

"Oh... I see you're just about to get to sleep here soon... Do you want me to talk with you later?" She shook her head.

"Oh no no come and talk with me!" She patted the bed next to her. "Come and sit down! I dont think I've gotten a chance to sit with you or even hug you since you got back!" I walked over smiling and just sat down on the foot of the bed. She just scooted over and hugged me tight. "I swear you gave me a heart attack when the plane crashed... I thought you were dead... I screamed at mother, I screamed at father and even Shining Armor... I almost told Scootaloo before you showed up... Mother knows how she would've reacted...." I sighed leaning onto her.

"...She cried knowing the house burnt down... but.... I'm not here to talk about that stuff here...." I broke the hug and stood up. "...I... I want to pull a favor...After this I owe you what ever you want... A preordered game or a new console or what ever you need...." She stood up and turned me back around looking me in the eye.

"What is thy favor General? Just say it and get it over with... I can tell thou are pained by what ever it is." I averted my gaze.

"...I... I want to speak with your father.... alone...." She looked to me scared and confused.

"...What ever for? Surely you must need me at your side at least! Is this about Berrie again? There is no need to worry about her any more!" I tried holding back as much as I could. But I broke. Hard.

"DAMMIT JUST TAKE ME TO HIM!" The good thing here is I didnt push her. I just startled her and had her back up.

"O-okay Ryder just calm down! I want to help you here and I shall! But know I will come in with you to see him... I'll just go off to another room or wait outside until you return but I better see you return without a curse or something!" With her knowledge I wasnt cursed but to mine? I was as cursed as an ancient tome written by her father himself. I sighed and just averted my gaze.

"...sorry i just... I'm pissed off and your father is someone I need to yell at..." She looked at me confused.

"Why do you need to yell at him?" I looked to her. She didnt need me to say more. "R-right right. To the underworld we go but... please... dont yell again..." I hugged her.

"...If i yell it's only gonna be at someone who deserves it... you dont deserve it... I'm sorry..." She pushed me away.

"Apology accepted... Now stand back and cover your eyes." I nodded and turned away covering my eyes with my arm. I heard the magical sounds of Luna when she drew out a door. I only found it when I opened my eyes. It glowed slightly but it died down. Looked regal as it was dark. She looked to me and reached for my hand. I took it and gripped it tight. She huffed. "You sure you dont need me there with you?" I huffed.

"...Well... yes and no here... yes because... I'm kinda afraid your father is gonna hurt me in some way and no because... what I need to say is secret..." She huffed.

"What ever it is my father has you under his foot.... and if passing out is any indication of what's to come he's going to hear it from me!" She didnt even knock before just opening the door.

When we entered it was just the same ol' dark castle. We were now walking down a torch lit hallway. Oh the torches were a nice touch... even though I wanted to grab one and stick it up the ass of the owner of this place. But I wanted to be nice for Luna's sake... and for my own life I guess... Anyways we walked all the way until we saw him in the throne room. He shot us a smile as we bowed in respect to him reluctantly. He stood up revealing he was in full armor. Looking ready for a fight or something. "Ah... if it isnt my little Luna and her General..." He said. His voice echoed but i could still hear it in his voice. It being a smug 'I'm not hiding anything' voice. "Tell me... what brings you two here?" Luna stepped forth.

"Father my general would wish to speak with you about things that are happening... I'm willing to believe they're your fault from what he's been through... He is pretty steamed from what he's said... Care to explain?" He laughed a bit.

"Explain what? The fact that I'm using him like a pawn? He owes me... a lot and this is how I give it up for him..."

I growled and flew up to him getting in his face. "HOW THE FUCK DO I OWE YOU?!" I yelled. "MY GOD DAMN HOUSE IS IN ASHES, I ALMOST DIED IN A PLANE CRASH AND I'M FOLLOWING SOME FUCKING GHOST DOG TO FIND THINGS IN DANGEROUS PLACES! DONT TELL ME I FUCKING OWE YOU!" He grabbed me by the neck and threw me to the floor. Luna caught me just an inch before i hit with her magic.

"You owe me because your sister is more favored by the mother of the heavens.... Gifts, chances to see your parents, the multiple times she has seen a celebrity and spent time with them! If I cant affect her with you being away I might as well lower her spirits with you getting everything I can throw at you... just be lucky I havent thrown anything extremely deadly at you..."

"So what was the fucking plane crash? HUH?!" He huffed and pinched my lips shut with his magic.

"That crash could've been worse... I could've caused the doors to malfunction... I could've had terrorists hide amongst your ranks and suicide bomb it into the ground. Instead I only took two lives. The pilots. Your death was narrowly missed... if anything your path would've been obstructed or upon landing i could've had debris fall right on top of you."

Luna growled. "Father! Release him now!" She snapped. He did just that and released my lips. Felt weird. "I demand this tomfoolery stop at once! You've done enough to him!" He huffed stepping down to our level. He even knelt down getting in our faces.

"Fine... Since this little rat disobeyed the 'no telling anyone about the paws' dealy he can tell EVERYONE he wants about them.... Everyone who knows wont have anything happen to them... You might have something mild happen... but you will have a chance that something extremely bad will happen... its small but it will happen whether you want it or not... A taste of what is to happen...." He stood me up with his magic and just kicked me back down. Foot to chest and I definitely flew a few feet. I landed and heard my metal wing scratch the ground.

"FATHER!" Luna snapped as she rushed to my side. I growled as she stood me back up.

I limped towards him. My whole body was sore. The wind actually left my body but I regained it quickly. "...You... Oh if I come down here when I die I'm putting up the biggest fight anyone ever seen down here... I will break my restraints and beat your ass into restraints!" I snapped. "And just know...." I reeled back and decked him in the face with a good punch. "...That is for EVERYTHING you did wrong to my little sister... I heard about the earth quake and the attack... those were your doing... and dont deny it." Luna grabbed my hand and pulled me away.

"Come on... lets go.... we need to get away from assholes and get you doing something relaxing and serene.." She looked back at her father. "AND LETS HOPE SOMEONE LEARNS SOME MANNERS TOWARDS WAR HEROES!" She just helped me out of the underworld and closed the door up before we sat down on the bed. She whimpered a bit hugging me. "...How could he be so vile...? He just... How has he hurt you?" I huffed.

"He does all the bad things that happen doesnt he...?" Luna nodded. "Well.. think of everything bad that's happened to me.... He's done al of it... The worst was when I was away..."

".... He's been at it for a while with you I take it.... Why does he take interest in you?" I sighed getting up.

"...I dont know... Let me just take a walk around the castle.... think about this.... I'll let you know where those paws take me... And I hope your father got the message I dont like being messed with...."

Luna nodded and sighed scooting back into the bed and lying down. She was obviously extremely tired. I was just gonna let her sleep. But when I left the room... I just regretted hitting him... what the hell have I done?