I know my sugarcube aint been right since the war but this is ridiculous. He had the apples to forget our anniversary! I swear when I kicked him out yesterday I wanted to rope him back in just do rip em off and throw em back on the tree. But I didnt. I just watched his car just rush right down the road away from my pissed off ass. Didnt like it but he tried to apologize I give ya that much. Anyways I went to bed pissed off. Yelled at Big Mac before dinner. Lucky us Celestia dropped by to pick Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle up for a sleep over at the summer mansion. Glad she did. Scootaloo gave a huff when her brother ran off. Glad I know when to bite my tongue when its got to do with a filly. Learned that mistake when Applebloom was a baby. Granny swore one day and next thing you know my sisters first word was a colorful one. Why do I do that? Cuz ya never know what someone's gonna say even if it is someone younger than you. Anyways I went to bed last night mad outta my gourd. Actually had Big Mac pad me up and cuff me to the bed just in case I started swinging in my sleep. I got a habit of doing that. He slept in my bed just to keep me company but not only did he cuff me he wrapped me like a habanero corn horn. Think of it like a hay taco or burrito except its twisted to a horn shape. This was the part that just made me wanna scream. I woke up still wrapped up and sweating. I could barely move and Big Mac was nowhere to be found. "BIG MAC YOU BETTER NOT BE SLEEPIN' IN YOUR BED NOW!" I yelled. No answer. "BIG MAC ANSWER ME!" Oh was I lucky I was wearing a diaper and a tank top. The diaper only because A: I feel like this is gonna help me calm my ass down and B: Sometimes I gotta get up in the middle of the night and use the can so I dont wake up in a puddle like my idiot colfriend did after he was made a guard....I forgave him for that but any other accidents are totally on him.

I struggled a bit and fell outta bed rolling around with the blanket. Unrolled myself just fine but my cuffs got caught on the sheets and gave me a bit of traction. Fell out and hit hard. Damn near knocked the wind outta myself. Lucky me I got up and started grabbing for where I thought the cuff key was. Nope. Not on the damn nightstand or the other one, or my dresser. Not even the damn windowsill but I did see a sight at the window sill. Big Mac walking inside wearing sweat pants and a hoodie to keep himself warm while we slept. We did use my blanket afterall. On the road i did see a guard truck driving away. Wasnt Ryder. He'd stay and try and talk to me. This one drove off. I just sat back on the bed and looked at the door for a moment hearing my brothers heavy feet thump up the stairs. When he opened the door he froze just having an envelope in his hand. He smiled nervously. "Oh.... Hey sis.... You uh... you sleep well?" He asked.

"I dont know. How do you think I slept?" I showed him the cuffs and glared at him. He sighed and flicked the envelope towards me. It landed almost on my lap.

"Just hang on a sec and let me get the key. Hid it in your nightstand just in case you wiggled out during a nightmare and went to find him for something he did in a dream." I sighed as he went to his side of the bed and dug into the nightstand pulling out the key. He knelt down on the bed as I glanced at the envelope. Not even marked. No sticker, stamp or anything.

"The fuck is that?" He sighed as he kinda struggled with my cuffs slightly.

"Somethin' a guard gave me. Didnt say shit when he did and I asked everything I could to get him to tell me what it is! Knocked on our door, handed it to me and fucked right off. I was expecting to have him say something about those flimflam brothers are tryin' to sue us for our cider makin'." And yeah they've tried doin' that a few times. Failed each time and I thought the last time was gonna be the last time. Hopefully it is or else I gotta send my own type of form back with a guard to deliver... Anywho Big Mac unlocked one of my cuffs. I felt I was free there and grabbed for the letter.

"Well... somethin' aint sitting right with me about this... A guard just comes up, hands this to you and leaves? He aint gonna say what it is?" Big Mac shrugged as he undid my other cuff. Good lord my wrists were a bit on the sore side but hey its somethin. I sighed as I lied back... Guess I realized then I did have an accident while I slept. Might've gone while trying to struggle and look for the key.... These things are so absorbent and I guess if Ryder needs to really relax he needs it to be absorbent otherwise there's another puddle. Did I already say somethin' about that? Eh.... Dunno... Anyways I glanced at my brother blushing a bit. "Y'wanna change me real quick? I kinda wanna just dig into this and see what all this is about."

As much as he didnt wanna he had to. He huffed as I opened the envelope. Honestly i was scared kinda expecting to see either a subpoena to appear in a court or something about a death in the family.... yet the guard would've said something about it unless this was a newbie recruit. Otherwise it's delivered by the mail mare... Hell Babs sent me a package and I still havent gotten it... Should invite her for a stay here soon but now aint the time to say that. I opened up the envelope and pulled out a sheet of paper marked with my cutie mark. I unfolded it to see a letter typed up. Something short but it had me a bit curious. 'Applejack. This should be the start of a fun trip. Go to the place where youd get aid if you broke your hip.' Really? An easy riddle like this?

Big Mac huffed as he finished up and walked over to a corner facing it like he was Applebloom in time out. "Alright i'm finished. Now get some damn clothes on." He said. "I know I did it with Applebloom but you're a full grown mare and times have changed since then."

I huffed getting up and heading over to my drawers right quick. Grabbed a pair of panties, jeans and a flannel shirt. "Well sorry about that Big Mac. You wanted me to calm down thats what Ry does to calm down!" I said. "Besides you just could've said no and I would've just called you to help me to the bathroom. Would you rather me take a shit and have you wipe my ass after?" My brother shook his head as I got my panties on. "Good because its better that than me screaming my head off telling you i'm either about to piss myself or shit in the bed! Now real question here is do ya wanna accompany me today? I mean... Tomorrow is a buckin' day and today is just a rest day after processin'." He looked back at me hesitantly making sure I was covered.

"Where the hell ya think youre even gonna go? Got nowhere to go since Sugar Cube Corner is closed!" I pointed to the note on the bed.

"Read that. Maybe it'll help see what we're doin' here." He walked over to the bed and grabbed the note looking at it like the print were smaller than the hairs on a shaved cat.

"Really? Who ever gave this to us wants us to go to the hospital? I swear if who ever this is thinks we're family to em, we aint givin them anythin'." I sighed getting my pants on.

"Big Mac... Sometimes I think Ryder is smarter than you... Doesnt this seem at all familiar to ya?" He shook his head. "Remember when it was your birthday a couple years before granny passed? She helped me and AB put together a scavenger hunt?" I swear he looked to me like I was spouting nonsense. I huffed. "It was the same day you ended up faintin' and hittin' your head on the ground after we lead you all around Ponyville and ran you outta juice at Ryder's apartment?" He gave a nod and huffed realizing that. Doctor did say it'd affect his memory some. He hummed.

"Well.... I guess I could go... otherwise I'd be doing something with that stallion you booted." He set the note back on my bed and went for the door. "Just meet me downstairs in a bit. Pretty sure you got a few things to do yourself like make sure Celestia knows we're gonna be busy today so she dont try and drop AB off thinkin' we're home. Wanna make that call? Or you want me to?" I sighed buttoning my pants up and walked over to my side of the bed grabbing my phone off the charger before tossing it to him. "Alright no words for this..." I kinda smiled as he left my room letting me get dressed in peace. To be honest it aint the first time we've gone and seen each others stuff. Accidentally walked in on him giving himself a hand. Glad it wasnt AB. Hell I used to strut about the house naked to spite him.

Anyways not long later I was sitting in the passenger seat of the family truck. Big Mac was now wearing his jeans, work boots and a white tee shirt and his jean jacket. He didnt have the radio on because apparently the antenna is fucked up by the storm we had after the attack with Celestia and she had to run out here to stay with Twilight. That storm took a lot from us in profit but we made up for it. Wondering why we havent asked Ryder to fix the antenna to it yet. Anywho as we drove down the road I pulled out my phone and looked to my texts. I did have a few notifications from my voicemail about Ryder. Nothing I'd wanna listen to. But there was something in me that wanted to call him up and see if he'd answer... I went and tapped on my 'missed calls' notification and it brought up calls from Ryder and Dash and a few unknown ones. I tapped on one of Ryder's and it started to call him back. I put it on speaker shushing Big Mac. It went straight to voicemail after one buzz. "Hey you've got Ryder. Cant answer right now but you leave a message and I'll get back to you later." I heard his voice say. It followed a beep but I couldnt even say anything. Big Mac huffed.

"Hey Ry its Mac. Forgot to charge my phone during the night and we're on our way out. AJ still aint wanting to talk to you but I'm willin. If you want text or call AJ's phone. I'll be hanging onto it" I huffed and rolled my eyes as he said that. "Hopefully we'll get to see ya soon. Talk to ya later." I tapped at my phone a bit and sent the message off before stuffing my phone back in my pocket. Big Mac glanced at me before I looked out the window towards Canterlot. "Somethin' tells me you regret kickin' him out huh? I mean why else would you call him and not say anything?"

I sighed. "Big Mac shut up before I put your ass outside tonight." I said. "I dont feel sorry for booting him after forgetting our one year anniversary. Do you know how important that is to us? Me especially?" He sighed.

"Yeah I do know. But do-"

"Well you know how mad I am with him! Think of how pissed you were with the truck knowing he destroyed it! That's how I felt. And what I'm still feelin'!"

"But do you remember I slowly started to forgive him because he was honest with us? Hell you forgave him right away and why was that?" I sighed.

"Because he was honest but he got booted from his apartment and was thrown into his parents house." He looked at me like I needed to do something there but I had no idea what he wanted. "Just shut up and get us to that damn hospital before you're going to be the one in it." He huffed and just drove the rest of the way.

When we got to the hospital I hopped out of the truck and ran in to the hospital. Cars and trucks were just traversing the parking lot making it almost impossible for us to find a spot. Might as well just get out at the entrance to the hospital. Not the ER part. Got in trouble for that when we had to take Applebloom in for a check up and accidentally got taken to the wrong entrance. When I got inside I looked around trying to find where another clue was. Only thing that stood out to me was a unicorn guard leaning against the wall clad in his golden uniform. He gave a little smile as I approached. "Perfect timing." He said. "You must be the Generals marefriend." I smiled a bit.

"Well that I am. The big baby got ya doin' this for him?" He gave a little chuckle.

"Yeah but if you're going to ask where he is I'm not at liberty to say. Why? That's a secret." I sighed.

"Fine. I'll let him just disappear among the ponyfolk until this thing is over... It does have an end right?" He nodded. "Alright then so what's your clue?" He held up a finger before making a piece of paper appear out of thin air. He unfolded it and hummed reading it.

"Go find my cousin to who has the next clue for something in town that requires two. Dont expect this to be easy and fun. She's been thinking about taking you on a run." I huffed shaking my head.

"Dammit... and I thought this was gonna be something easy... Not a run with Dash..." I looked to the guard. "Does it at least say where she is?" He looked at the letter again.

"Well... Kind of... It doesnt specifically say where but it does give a hint if its needed. The hint is 'old trees new adventures'... Not sure what that means but you can get it from here cant you?" He handed me the note and I looked at it thinking. I gave him a hesitant nod before going back outside where Big Mac had the truck waiting.

I hopped in and showed him the note. He looked to me. "You arent gonna get that next clue so easy. This is Dash we're talkin' about. Not Fluttershy or Pinkie so she's got something planned." He said. "Do you wanna call Dash up to find where she's at? Or you just wanna go by the clue?"

I looked at the clue and kinda shook my head. "I swear he thinks I'm stupid...." I said. "Old trees and new adventures? I swear he's making it too easy for me. Not to mention I can handle any challenge Dash has. She's just a hot head who gets over confident about what she can do. And the hint? Just hit the old library Twilight used to live in. It was an old tree and thats where a new adventure started for some of us." I swear when Tirek came and kidnapped everyone we were scared. I still remember being trapped in a cage seeing Fluttershy and Dash holding each other close thinking they were about to die. Pinkie was curled up in a corner scared, Rarity and I were uh.... Lets say we were trying to keep our sanity without being noticed by anyone else. Kinda sad that we just accepted that fact. Anyways Big Mac huffed.

"Well its your scavenger hunt. I'm just along for the ride." He glanced over at me as we started off. "...You'll chip in for gas right? This aint gonna be good if the truck dies half way between point A and point B." I sighed.

"O'course. I aint that much of an idiot to let our only form of transportation run outta gas. Ry took his car and I wish we could've taken his keys and have Twilgiht send a guard to pick him up... Too late for that now...." I looked at my phone. "For now lets just hurry. Longer this takes the more I can yell at Ryder and I dont really feel like yelling if he's got this all set up for me... Wish he had numbered this shit so I dont have to wonder how many of these there are..."

My big brother didnt say anything after that. Now on our way all we could do was be alone with our thoughts. I had a few thoughts. Some about Ryder and others about a few other friends... Like Pinkie... Wondering how she managed to get away with closing up early yesterday. I went there thinking she'd let me sleep over but guess she had other plans. Exactly why I needed Big Mac in bed with me. A to keep me from wetting myself, B to keep from hurting myself or him and C.... Well just so I knew someone was there with me. Anyways it didnt take long to get to the ruins of the old Treebrary. Surprised they didnt come through and clear it out like they did to Ryder's old place... Still kinda scary that he woke up just as everything was catching fire... And you'd think he would have a fire extinguisher around being a guard and all... Dont they gotta abide by some safety thing? Well... Hopefully nothing sparks around the orchard... again.... When we arrived at the ruins there I saw Dash just sitting on a low lying cloud she plucked from the sky. The burnt marks of the now rotting landmark of town made me shutter. Dash hopped off the cloud and landed in front of me. She was wearing red running shorts and a white tee shirt as well as her running shoes. She smiled a bit. "Took ya long enough AJ!" She said. "I've been waiting forever for you! Where were you?" I huffed.

"Dash I've only been up for an hour and I havent even eaten breakfast yet. What the hell are you doing out here dressed like that? Aint you even cold?" She shook her head.

"Hell no! The cold keeps me going as fast as ever! You ready for your challenge for the clue?"

"And the challenge is?" She took a minute to think about it. Her stomach growled a bit and she blushed. "Well?"

"Uh.... Maybe get me a protein drink from the shop before I do my run? Cant really go on without breakfast now can we?" I gave a smirk and shook my head.

"Nope! That we cant really do. If I get you this can I bypass the physical stuff considerin' I'll probably overheat within two minutes of the run?" She gave a nod. "Alright... Brand and size?"

To be honest this part was kinda boring which I really shouldnt explain. Otherwise someone here'd be falling asleep. She ended up giving me the clue anyways without any challenge. Kinda glad because I just wasnt feeling up to taking anyones shit today. I sat in the truck just looking at the clue. Big Mac glanced at me as we ate the donuts I bought because I had a feeling Sugarcube corner was still closed. He swallowed a bit. "What's the clue say sis?" He asked before tipping a bottle of milk to his mouth. To be honest I was so hungry I didnt even wanna answer. Had a full donut stuck in my mouth.I did have a bottle of juice to help washing it down but when I did I gave a slight cough giving it to him. He looked at it as I tried catching my breath a bit. He hummed. "A party of one isnt much fun. Go to the place where it houses the sun!" He looked back to me setting the note on my lap. "....Are we seriously heading out to Canterlot?" I shook my head getting another drink in.

"Not there. Celestia had a safe house built after she was attacked at Canterlot. She had it made just outside of Ponyville just in case Scootaloo needed a little time with friends or if we needed to come get her if Ryder uh...." I stopped myself. Didnt wanna think about it even though he is home. My brother rested a hand on my shoulder.

"Well that aint gonna be any time soon sis. Nopony we know is gonna go any time soon...." I dont know why but that just gave me a chill. I took a deep breath.

"...Y-yea.... you're right... Just start heading out to the edge of town.. I'll direct ya if you get lost..." I took my phone up and looked to it just to see a text from Celestia.

The text read: 'Just got a text from Dash telling me you've got her clue. Mine will be.... Fun but kinda hard at the same time. I just hope you're in for a few games. Perhaps we can have a little something more to eat other than donuts. Yes Dash told me about that and I want you to be properly nourished before your challenge here. See you soon.' I got a little smile from that.

Honestly just knowing I was about to see my little sister and her friends and Princess Celestia herself. I know i had this option when Scoot was with her but.... I almost never did because I feel like I'd be taking advantage. Wouldnt feel good. When we got to the mini mansion we were brought inside the gate and parked along side a few guard trucks. How weird it felt to be in a place like this. There were guards at the door who opened them up when me and Big Mac got close. When we entered there we saw Princess Celestia standing alone in the middle of the foyer. She was wearing jeans that would put my ass to shame and a short sleeve Manehattan shirt. Just showed the Manehattan skyline with a large half an Apple on one of the sky scrapers. Marked where my Uncle's business was. Got family all over the place dealing with a lot of Apples and some oranges from my uncles side but we seem to sell a lot. Enough on that. We knelt down bowing in respect to her. As we rose we smiled to her. "Welcome Applejack. Big MacIntosh." She said. "Welcome to my Summer Home. Your sister is with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle in the entertainment room. They've already eaten and we will join them in a moment. For now why dont we go into the dining hall and get you something to eat? I've taken the liberty of asking your sister what you'd like to eat for breakfast and she just told me pancakes. Is that alright?" Big Mac and I nodded before following the princess to the dining hall. I stopped at the door right behind my brother. I looked to the small-ish table and looked to the princess. She glanced at me. "Is everything okay Applejack?"

I huffed. "...May I speak with ya princess?" I asked averting my gaze. "....Something aint sitting right and.... It's kinda buggin' me...."

Big Mac looked up at me. "You wanna talk with me sis?" He asked. I shook my head as the princess came to my side.

I ended up walking out with her having a hand on my shoulder. "Come AJ. Let's head to my quarters so we dont have any prying ears..." She said. "...I feel this is something that needs privacy." I gave a nod as her hand moved from my shoulder to my hand. She held it all the way up the stairs and when we were at her door. There was a guard standing there in between the doors. She looked to him. "Go and watch the steps. Nopony is to come upstairs. If the fillies try coming up stop them gently. I dont want anyone being knocked down the stairs again." She looked to me as the guard hurried off to the stairs. "No worries. Another guard just got startled when another dropped something upstairs. Before he got to the top he tumbled back down. No injuries but he was dazed and a bit startled by it. Lucky that armor they wear is sturdy. Now maybe we get inside and have a chat?" I nodded and she opened the door nudging me in. She followed me in and closed the door behind us. I just went over to the bed and hopped up on the side. She came over and sat next to me. "Alright now Applejack... what's going on...?"

I sighed a little. "....You think Ryder still loves me....?" I asked. "....He just.... He doesnt normally forget things like this but.... I cant even think of a reason why he'd forget..." Celestia sighed.

"Of course he does AJ. Why else would he do this for you?" I shrugged.

"...Dunno... maybe its so he can fuck someone else behind my back...? Distract me for long enough to get laid by a different mare....? Hell I know he's done it with Gilda but he uses her for stress.... He does stuff to her that he'd hate to do to me.... I let him get away with it only to have him come back to me stress free and full of cuddles...." I looked towards a door at the side of the room. "....Do ya... do ya think he left me for Gilda and didnt say nothin...?"

"Applejack... Dont think like this. Besides... Just as a hint for the next clue Gilda is the next one you have to visit. The location is in the clue I have and I cant give it to you now otherwise Ryder would be a bit disappointed in me and you for not even having that much fun a long the way.... I know this is something you wouldnt wish to hear but... After his plane crash he had his squad chop his wing off not caring how much pain he was in from his hard landing.... Not only did he risk bleeding out, he risked freezing to death on top of a mountain just to get back to you and Scootaloo.... If he didnt love you why else would he do something like that?" I had to think for a moment. Why else would he have that metal wing? All I know is he was in a plane crash... Never told me he was the one who lopped off his wing... Lord when I saw him in that hospital bed I thought I saw a ghost but... it felt good to hold him close... I looked to Celestia.

"...I guess you're right.... I just kinda feel bad that I kicked him out.... I cant even get a hold of him with my phone.... Even Big Mac cant even get him to answer." She sighed standing up.

"I'd let you use my phone but he gave me specific instructions not to let anyone contact him. Twilight might have him on duty, his phone may have died or he might just be working hard on something that he needs his total focus on. I never asked what it is but I will give him that privacy. I suggest you do the same AJ..." I sighed hanging my head and wiping my eyes a bit. Kinda teared up.

"Well... Alright... But this aint gonna be good if i have to at least tell him someone wasnt at their post or I failed what ever challenge y'all had...."

"Speaking of the challenge why dont we downgrade it hm?" I looked to her curious as to what she meant. She took my hand and got me off the bed walking to the door. "Well we were going to have you try and beat Scootaloo's Bass Villain high score on the hardest difficulty but why dont we just make it a game of hide and seek? He did say i could change the challenge or let you have the clue if it was too hard."

"...Sounds good I guess.... Now can we get somethin' to eat princess? My stomach aint gonna be workin' with me if I'm gonna be runnin' around trying to find a few fillies.... Trust me when I say working the orchard on an empty stomach is my enemy." Yeah sure I had donuts but... it aint much... Those things were almost hollow chocolate shell. That's how light those things were. Celestia nodded and opened up the door just giving me a little heart warming hug. Skipping the meal because... well nothing much to talk about. Just gave both me and Mac a bowl of cereal to eat. Nothing much but it was something filling. After breakfast Celestia brought me and Big Mac to the entertainment room where we saw Scootaloo -wearing her Gems n Tulips gear from after her little private concert-, Applebloom -who was wearing her overalls and her white teeshirt and boots- and Sweetie Belle -wearing a white dress and black regal shoes (typical Rarity dressin' her like that....)- playing their game. Applebloom on the drums, Scoot on the bass and Sweetie Belle on guitar. They were playin' some Gems n Tulips song. Dunno what but I find Ryder whistlin' it every now and then. We just let them finish off their song before Celestia turned the console off.

"Alright now you three we've got a job to do here but we do have a little change here."

Scootaloo came and hugged me as well as Applebloom. Scoot squeezed kinda tight but its a bit expected. "What's gonna change princess?" Sweetie asked. Big Mac took Applebloom and sat in a chair with her on his lap. I just stood there with Scoot.

"Well first off we arent going to have Applejack try and beat Scootaloo's high score. And on the hardest difficulty? She doesnt know how to even play that game!" She looked to me. "Do you?" I shook my head a bit. I only like being around it listinin' to what ever Big Mac is playing. Ryder plays but he hasnt touched it for a while. Too busy I think. Celestia looked back to the fillies. "Instead of that I have a bit of a better idea. Just so she doesnt have to work her fingers to the bone trying to figure out what button to push at what time we're going to play a quick game of hide and seek. I know its something a bit odd but.... Well... a tad childish but its as much as we can do to keep progression on her quest for clues. Is that alright with you?"

I glanced at each of the fillies. They all looked to each other. "Well..." Applebloom started. "...No offense sis but... I dont think you'dve gotten five seconds into the song she chose for you to play..."

Scootaloo sighed a bit. "Yeah.... Paradise Island is kind of a hard song in the beginning..." She said. "My score wasnt even breaking the nine thousand mark..." She kinda pushed away from me but still stayed close. "But Hide and seek sounds fun! And... Think I can get a word with Applejack alone princess....?"

Celestia gave a nod and I looked to my brother. He got up with Applebloom and went to the door with her waiting for Sweetie Belle. Celestia looked to me. "I'll make sure they hide before you're done but I'd give Scootaloo a minute to hide before you go looking... And just so you dont cheat I'm going to take a walk with Big Mac and inform the guards to not give away any location to where they are and not aide them in hiding so we dont have any cloaking spells or little non flying fillies getting to high places.... They bring em up high you have my permission to sue them for endangering them. Even Rarity does but I wont say anything to her unless it does happen."

"Princess..." Celestia looked down at Scootaloo who kinda gave her a sad face. Celestia gave a bit of a hesitant smile and nodded before just leaving the room with everypony else.

I went and sat down with her right near the screen. "...Alright Scoot what's gotcha down?" I asked. The filly sat in my lap kinda cuddling up with me.

"...Well... it just... it kinda hurt me when you kicked Ryder out the other night.... I had to climb into bed with Applebloom to help me sleep but.... that's only because I needed him that night...." I sighed...

"It's alright that you climbed in bed with her... I guess I might've scared ya both when I was yellin... Should've just came in and apologized but... You know that he made me very mad by forgetting our anniversary... you might know how your parents anniversary was to them... I even bet if your dad ever forgot your mom probably woulda chewed him out.... and yknow... I'm actually glad you came to talk with me about this.... It's kind of giving me a bit of a smile after the mornin' I've had.... Just be sure to come to me at any time if you need to... Besides dont you have a cellphone you can use to call me or Ry?" She sighed giving a bit of a smile.

"Yeah but... Ryder told me that his phone was going to be off the whole morning so nopony would bother him. Kinda sounded a bit tired... must want a long nap or something." I sighed.

"Yeah probably... Now why dont you get to hiding? I aint getting anywhere until I find you three... Got me?" She nodded. "Alright now get to it. I'm sure we'll let you stay with Princess Celestia tonight but I'll send Big Mac to pick you up in the morning." I watched as my coltfriends sister ran off. To be honest since the incident I've felt she's kinda my lil sister as well but... Its kinda awkward to say it considerin' I'm sleepin' with her brother. Anyways she ran off leaving me to sit there. I waited three or four minutes letting them all get settled.

I got up and huffed stepping out the door. Almost immediately I was stopped by a pegasus guard. Red mane, orange coat. He saluted me. "My name is Private Firebird. Celestia asked me to tell you that the fillies are all in place. Two are outside and one is inside." He said. "If you need anything while you're looking just come find me and just so you know-" I sighed.

"Sorry there sir but... I got a feelin' I know what you're gonna say.... No telling where them fillies are and the next clue..." He thought for a moment.

"Yeah pretty much. Good luck on finding everypony. I'll be at the bottom of the steps if you need me." I gave a nod and thought for a moment about where to look. Should I start with the outside or inside? I decided on the outside first. Stood outside the door and looked around.

"Alright... Now where are ya hidin'..." I asked myself. I looked where we parked around a guard hut and the guard trucks. "Nah... No filly would go there... too many guards to intimidate and possibly give away their location... not to mention the guard hut is kinda restricted area. Guards cant be distracted now I know this from Ry. Distracted guards dont do their work and mess shit up. I kept looking around. Saw nothing at the other side across from the hut or parking. More guard trucks with guards watching em. I dont even think the Princess would even allow one of the fillies to hide in one. If they did it might be a bit of trouble if a few of them get called out. Dont wanna accidentally kidnap a filly now do they? Anywho i walked around the corner to my left and looked towards the back. Saw a pagoda with Big Mac and Celestia sitting having a little chat. Looked kinda good seein' them just having a nice chat. My big brother smilin' away as Celestia was telling him what ever it was that was making him smile.

As I approached I caught his eye. He glanced over at me. Celestia did as well. "And thus the game starts!" The princess said. "Was Scootaloo okay? What did she say to you? Was it anything about me and what I said or something?" I sighed going and sitting on the bench with my brother.

"Nah. She didnt say anything about you so dont worry. She just told me she kinda needed her brother right after i kicked him out.... Kinda guilt trippin' me into trying to bring him back earlier. I would but he aint gonna answer any call. Not even from his own sister I bet." Celestia gave a little aw.

"I'm sorry you even had to do that... You were mad and he didnt say anything or give any gifts to your anniversary. Big Mac and I were just talking about that." She used her magic a bit. I noticed but I didnt see anything float around or glow. "But I must say you're in for a bit of a surprise later. Wont be spoiling it but you will see when the time comes. But as for now as a little 'sorry' gift, though i must say sorry in advanced." She closed her eyes a bit and took a deep breath before I hear a familiar soundin' little gasp. I looked over at one of the poles holding this thing up... not much of a pole as it is a stone column holding up a tiled shade from the sun. I got up and walked over to almost the very corner of the compound and just hiding behind one of the poles i see my lil sister Applebloom just hiding away holding her mouth shut and looking the complete opposite direction rubbing the back of her head.

I went and tapped her shoulder before she just turns around jumping scared. She sighs and stomps her foot. "That aint fair someone pulled my hair!" She said. "I want a redo on hidin'!"

I huffed and tried my damned hardest not to laugh. "Now Applebloom I caught you fair and square! That means no hiding again!" I snapped. "Now sit down with your brother while I find your friends." I leaned in a bit. "Give ya an extra five bits in your allowance this week if ya give me a hint where one of em is!" She shook her head.

"After that I aint tellin' you a thing! Not for five bits, not even for ten or twenty neither!" Stubborn little.... Well I am proud she stood her own ground there and didnt break.

"Alright now just get with your brother. I'll find em on my own." I nudged her along and she begrudgingly sat down by Princess Celestia just a bit ticked but showing she forgave her because I assume she overheard the conversation we had. I looked to the trucks again before looking over to the other corner... which had a maze....

Celestia gave a little chuckle. "Are you admiring the new maze I had installed not too long ago?" She asked. "I'd becareful if I were you. It's a magical maze and I gave a hand drawn map to a filly I guarantee is hiding in there. Yes I spoiled her hiding spot but without the map it might be a bit harsh." I huffed.

"Shouldnt be that hard. Our cousins made a corn maze that I had to spend the night in because I couldnt find my way out on Nightmare night."

Big Mac huffed. "You passed out while panicking while you were drunk. Found you near the entrance!" He said. He looked to Applebloom. "I swear if you ever drink a sip of beer your butt's gonna be as red as mine!" I shook my head as i started walking towards the maze.

"Big Mac dont you go scarin' her! Now shut up and let me get on with this." I didnt hear anything from him after that. I hurried over to the maze and took a look at the entrance compared to the wall behind it. Twenty, thirty feet from here. I huffed. "This cant be that bad." I walked in and immediately came to a fork in the path. Left or right? I looked both way and saw just walls covered in leaves on either side. There was just a wall just about the size of each openin' give or take a few inches. I went to the opening on the left and when I saw an openin' to my right I went that way but.... I was confused as hell because I swear I was lookin' back at Celestia and Big Mac.

I saw Celestia shake her head and get up. Just braced myself knowing she was just gonna teleport over here. Sure enough she did and right in front of me almost throwing me off balance she was snickering a bit. "Having fun AJ?" She asked. "My magical maze must already have you confused. I have it to where everyone shorter than the walls cant tell where they're going. Its a safety mechanism just in case someone breaks in to here and they try to run. That's only if they can bypass my guards and the organic force field around the top. I did make a map just in case I was out here and I needed to hide. You arent even able to get through without a map. So it's going to be trial and error until you find Sweetie Belle." I huffed.

"....You have got to be kidding me..... This aint fair!" I snapped. "I swear we agreed on no magic and this right here is some magic! It's either you tell that filly in there to go hide inside somewhere or I can give this up telling Ryder he can go fuck himself!" She held my mouth shut with her magic.

"Considering I gave you a freebie with your little sister I deem this fair.... And I'd watch your mouth around these fillies... I dont think my general or Rarity would like it if their sisters were swearing or if you gave up on this entirely.... Now its either you play or I send you home and inform Twilight that 'the trail went cold' because you were being an unfair sport. Do you understand Aj?" I silently growled but gave a thumbs up considerin' I couldnt nod for shit. She released me and I didnt say another word. "I'll give you a hint on the first few turns. THATS IT! I am just about done with you even though you've only just started!"

"Princess.... I appreciate you changing this challenge for me but I got half a mind to just leave outta here! I know you mean well but magic is somethin' too far! That's like Twilight turnin' me into an inanimate object and askin' me to move my ass to the other side of a baseball field! Now please .... Just give me the clue or have whoever in there move before I do leave." She gave me a pissed off look. I gave one right back. I could tell she was lookin' at me long and hard, thinkin' about whether or not to give me the clue or let me walk. She huffed.

"Just get out if you're going to ruin this. I've given you enough of a clue with Gilda." She huffed turning away. "SWEETIE BELLE! Come on out! Game's over!" I huffed. I didnt like it that i did this but I wasnt going to go through a magic maze that brings me back to the start each wrong turn.

I turned around and there was Sweetie Belle coming out looking a bit hurt by me. She glared at me and just kept walkin'. I started walking to Big Mac as he got up letting Sweetie Belle and Applebloom join Princess Celestia. As I approached him he held his arms out. Not like he was gonna give me a hug. "What gives Sis? Why'd the princess just tell me to just get out and find Gilda?" He asked. "You have some serious explainin' to do and if it dont make any sense you're on your own!"

I rolled my eyes and dragged him back to the maze. "Go to the right and see if you can find your way to the center." I said. He looked at me weird. I knew this was the right way to go for the first turn but I wanted to see how long it was before he came right back out to my ass. "Just get in there and try and make it before I go shovin' your ass in! Now get in there!" He kinda flinched knowin' how mad I was. He went in there and not a minute later he came out the left side lookin' confused as all hell seeing me there. He even went back the other way thinkin' he'd missed a turn and I couldnt help but smile and laugh a bit. He looked to me.

"What the hell just happened?! I could swear i turned right and.... I just came out here to you!" I huffed grabbing his hand and walking with him.

"Ya see? That's a bit unfair aint it? She's tellin' me to get to the center of it and I have no clue what I'm doin'!" I huffed a bit as we rounded the corner to the side of the summer home. "You look me in the face and tell me that's fair! Tell me that's fair to do!" He looked to me and he just couldnt say shit. "Ya see? Unfair right there! Next time Celestia asks us for somethin' she's gotta go through Ryder for that. Now c'mon. We gotta at least apologize to the girls before we get going. Sweetie seemed kinda mad at me...."

We turned the corner and there we had Private Firebird appraoach looking a bit worried. "My apologies that the game didnt go to your liking but we have a little situation inside that requires your aide." He said.

"Well what are ya waitin' for? Just lead us in already!" He gave a nod and ran with us towards the front door.

As we entered there at the top of the stairs we see Celestia pacing around hearing Applebloom and Sweetie Belle callin' out for Scootaloo. Celestia looked to us as we started climbing the steps. "What are you two still doing here?! I thought I told you to leave!" She snapped.

"Not until we know what the hay is going on! Why are these two knockin' on Scoot's door?" I pointed to my sister and Sweetie Belle who were just poundin' on the door calling for their friend. The princess huffed.

"All because you gave up she locked herself in the room and we dont even have any lockpicks in the building! I've tried both my room's side and this side and neither will open! I even lost the key during that damned earthquake!" I huffed and looked to Big Mac.

"Get AB and Sweetie away from the door. I got an idea but it's gonna hurt a bit." He nodded and went for the fillies. I looked back to Celestia. "Princess I swear if this works I'm paying the cost to replace that door or the repairs to what broke!" I went and pulled Big Mac to the other side of the hall. "SCOOT! YOU BETTER OPEN THAT DOOR RIGHT NOW YOUNG LADY! RYDER AINT GONNA LIKE IT IF I GOTTA GROUND YA AND TAN YOUR HIDE AS WELL! YOU GOT TO THE COUNT OF THREE!" We waited a moment and listened. No answer. "ONE! TWO! THREE!" Together me and Big Mac rushed the door and bashed it with our shoulders. We got stunned a bit but this is something we could do. We backed up again and hit it again. It gave a bit. I looked to Big Mac hearing Scoot scream a bit on the other side. "Kick it open Big Mac!" And of course I didnt let him do it alone. At the same time we both kicked the door and it flung right open. I saw Scootaloo hide under her bed as the door hit the wall. I went for her and just dragged her out. She kicked and screamed trying to get away from me but I didnt give. I looked to the door. "BIG MAC! HELP ME WITH HER! CELESTIA YOU KEEP THEM FILLIES AWAY FOR A BIT!"

Big Mac rushed in and slammed the door. He grabbed Scootaloo from me and sat with her on her bed placing her on his lap. She instantly started bawlin' as I got up and fixed my mane. "LET ME GO!" She snapped. "JUST GET OUT OF HERE! I DONT WANT YOU HERE!" I grabbed that fillies face and had her look at me. I didnt like it but it needed to be done.

"Scoot, what the hell are you doing?! Lockin' the door on a princess, guards and your friends? What's this all about?!" She sniffled a bit.

"Why do you care? You obviously hate the game!" I huffed.

"Is that what this is about? You just locked yourself in here because Celestia cheated? Why are ya mad about-" She swung and cracked me in the jaw after she slipped Big Mac's grip somehow. I held my jaw a bit as she yelled at me.

"I DONT CARE ABOUT THE GAME! I JUST WANTED YOU TO GET THE CLUE SO YOU CAN SEE RYDER BUT YOU DONT FUCKING CARE ABOUT HIM!" I grabbed her mouth and held it shut.

"One... I do care, I was just mad at Celestia and Two, YOURE GROUNDED FOR LANGUAGE! Absolutely no fun from here on out and I'll make sure AB keeps an eye on you! She tells me you did somethin' that aint sittin' around this room or eating with them downstairs in the dining room I'm getting a bar of soap and I'm gonna wash your mouth out got me?" She nodded starting to cry more. "Be glad I dont tan your ass right here and now! Ry'd kill me if he heard I smacked you!" I looked to Big Mac. "Let her go. She's gonna think about what she did. We're gonna tell Ryder what she did and said and we're gonna see what he's got for her." Big Mac let her go and set her on the bed next to him right as she started screaming. We left the room and closed the door behind us. I didnt break the handle or lock. The latch hook on the door had small screws and this thing just came right off with a few hits. Hurt like hell but we got it open. I looked to Celestia as Big Mac took the fillies aside.

Celestia looked to me a bit mad and kinda scared. "What did you do?! Why did she have her door locked?!" She asked. I huffed.

"Okay I know it sounds bad but she thinks I hate Ryder. Guess she overheard what we were talkin' about outside.... Now you know I didnt mean what I said about Ry dont ya?" She nodded. "Well long story short here, Scoot is grounded for spoutin' off with language she shouldnt be usin' and until we get her back and into Ry's arms she is to have no fun and I'm havin' Applebloom rat anyone here out. I aint threatenin' anyone here but I aint gonna like it if we gotta lay some rules down with the fillies that some guards here gotta enforce. And we both know Ryder can get that done. Understand me?" Even though she hated the idea she sighed.

"Understood. I'll be sure that your sister doesnt need to be involved and I'll even be sure that we dont need to set rules for guards to follow while your little sisters are here...."

"Alright. Now we're leavin. No need to worry about us anymore." She nodded and just walked over to the door and walked inside Scoot's room.

It wasnt even long after that we were driving down the road. Now before we left we had Celestia give the okay to Dash to let us know where Gilda was. Gave us the address but she didnt wanna say the name of the place. Didnt know why but we went lookin' for it. Had my phone's GPS look for it. Big Mac looked over at me as we turned down a street going right past Twilight's castle. I was just starin' out the window pissed off outta my gourd. "Sis.... I really think we gotta talk..." He said. "You've been a bit pissy lately and not the way Ryder likes it." I huffed and looked at him.

"In what way am I pissy?" He turned down a road going south.

"Well you yelled at me this mornin' telling me to get you outta that trap I had ya in. Sure I wasnt in the room but that dont mean I dont got my own needs to attend to here. And last night while we were eating you were getting a little mad when the remote control for the TV didnt change the channel. You had it turned the wrong way but i was afraid if I told ya you'd gut me with that knife ya had!" I rolled my eyes.

"Alright so I'm impatient with a few things big whoop! But I'm still putting blame on Ryder for putting me in that mood!" He huffed.

"I already know where we're going. When we get there I hope Gilda doesnt do anything to make you even more pissed. Otherwise Ry'd kill to get tickets to see you two duke it out in a mud pit." I blushed.

"Really BIg Mac?!" I snapped looking over at him. "Just for that I might just kick you out so you can go sleep at Fluttershy's so I can stay with Rarity! She'd say things about me being unladylike but that is just making me sound like im some god damn whore!" He huffed.

"Alright I didnt mean it like that but you know Ry'd want it. I just dont want you to snap at somepony and end up getting arrested because you two started a brawl. Ry wouldnt like that. He's been in a cell himself and I can tell you when Shining and I met him outside the precinct and he looked like hell if i've ever seen it. He just hated it in there and I'm sure you'd hate it too." I huffed. It aint like I havent imagined being left in a cell before. I even asked Ry after he got out and... after we were done that day he told me about what he was doing in that cell.. no sleep, little food because of his stomach and he just felt at home in my arms. Texted Big Mac that he should wake us up in a while. He did but.... I just when back to sleep there. Didnt eat dinner that night but.... I was just full up with from lunch that day and... maybe a bit of somethin' else....

Anyways when we got to where we were headin'.... A grave yard surprisingly... We just sat in the lot just kinda gawkin' at the graves and the all around eerie scenery. Pegasai started moving the clouds in on the drive over. Neither of us said anything. I dont know about Big Mac but... something felt off about this place... like... we were being watched from everywhere. We only got startled out of it by Gilda who knocked on our window scaring us half to death. She was at my window knocking a few times. She was wearing her leather jacket, jeans and her biker boots. Her bike must've been somewhere that wasnt this lot. Either that or she had a car or somethin. Anyways we stepped out of the truck. I looked to Gilda. She just hugged me as Big Mac came around. "You might've kicked that dweeb out but I seriously am sorry that Celestia kicked you out!" She said. "I know it wasnt meant to go that way but I promise mine is going to be an easy one for you. There were meant to be more but I did get a call from Twilight telling me to tell you this is gonna be the last stop before you head out. Got a storm coming and this one is supposed to be as bad as the last one!" I sighed knowing what that meant. Applebloom climbing into my bed- or probably Big Mac's in this case considerin' I'm not sure what is gonna happen- and we've gotta both the truck and my fourwheeler somewhere away from the trees so we dont get em damaged more than they are. Radio antenna busted on the truck, tire or two popped on my fourwheeler but from an unrelated matter.

Before I start to ramble I sighed. "Well thank goodness...." I said. "...And here I thought that boy was gonna set more shit out for us to step in. What do you got for us here? Hope it aint a race like Dash did.... She's just lucky she let us go when we got her some food." Gilda grinned a bit.

"Well Dash is a bit of a pushover when her stomach is empty. I'm not. I've been out here all day and all I've had is a hayburger that I warmed up and that was at five in the morning! I'd go for something to eat in a bit but I'd probably get lazy and forget what I was doing in the first place and something tells me you'd've drove around town aimlessly until you either gave up or ran out of gas." Honestly we would've done either. "What I'm gonna do here is have you two on a scavenger hunt. I've hidden stuff around that Ryder left at Dash's. Celestia even had the guards contacted to let me put some stuff around and even told them about how you're going to collect them. One asked why I was doing it and I said it was a bit of payback. Sorry." I sighed shoving my hands in my pockets.

"It's fine. Guess I deserved this." I looked to Big Mac. "Any restrictions with this buffoon?" I looked back to Gilda pointing to Big Mac. She looked to him.

"....Well.... Yes and no.... He's gonna be able to help but he isnt gonna come with you." She reached into her jacket and took out a few walkie talkies and gave me one. "He's gonna stick with me and we're gonna feed you lot numbers to where you're gonna find what Ryder left. We'll have you go through lot A first. Four items total and you start when you get inside. You get a few minutes to stretch so dont go cramping up on me." Some advice i could take if i'm gonna be runnin' about. I took one of the walkie talkies and started towards the graveyard. I swear this place had something against me... It felt so eerie as i trudged on alone. I stopped near a bench at the opening of a branching path. A signpost sat in the middle with signs pointing all over the place. Seven lot areas. Most of them got A through D. Only one that didnt was lot three. A to B.

I did stretch my legs kinda looking around a bit uneasy. I saw a few guards patrolling the areas around makin' sure nopony was doing anythin' illegal. After maybe five minutes of checkin' my surroundin's I got my first call. "Sis? Ya ready for the first lot?" I hear Big Mac ask.

I huffed bringing the thing up to my mouth and pressin' the button. "Yeah... Just hurry this up... I feel like one of these damn graves is gonna open up and a zombie's gonna bite my head clean off!" I said.

"Alright... Dont say that again... You know what happened after that damn zombie movie I watched alone!" How could I forget? "...First lot is Lot 6. Gilda is allowing me a hint per lot so I'm gonna try the best I can. This one is in Lot A or C. Shouldnt be too hard to find the item though." I looked to the sign and started towards lot 6. Didnt take but a few minutes. The separate lot parts were pretty big but still small enough for me to look through without getting lost. Had maybe fifteen or twenty headstones of every size and shape. I checked top and bottom of Lot 6C but I went over to A finding nothing. I even walked through B just to make sure they werent messing around. When I got to A i saw a green camo garment flying in the breeze hanging on a cross headstone. I went over and sure enough this was Ry's giant onsie... Once i saw him in this thing I just couldnt help but laugh and just cuddle him while he sucked on my breast.... Big Baby is right. I pressed the button and brought the walkie to my mouth.

"Alright. Found Ry's onsie.... How'd he leave this thing at Dash's place?" I let the button go and look around at the graves. I still didnt like how creepy this place was.

I heard a bit of static before a sigh. "Yeah the dweeb went in for a diaper change and we had to wash it because he decided to act like a baby who hadnt finished wetting himself. You ready for the next lot?" I huffed pressing the button again slinging the onsie over my shoulder.

"As ready as ever. Where to next?"

I heard Big Mac cough a bit as I released the button. "Alright... Next lot is lot number two. This part I'm gonna give ya a lot section because the item is gonna be a bit smaller than the clothing. Lot part you're going to is section B."

I looked for a sign. Lot 2B was a good ways away.... I went and jogged... I think west from where I was and north a bit. Couldnt tell it was so damn cloudy. But lets just assume I was facing north looking from the service home. I reached the lot and started looking around. They said it was small but how small I didnt know how small was small. I jumped a bit hearing static come from my walkie after a few minutes of looking around. "Okay.... Sorry about this AJ but we're moving on here. You look confused and there's a good reason behind that." I heard Gilda say. "Guard came up to me and gave me the thing. Said someone tried to steal it. He's having other guards patrol the areas where the other items are. Nothing else has gone missing. This one was Ryder's Metallicolt coin. He and Dash snuck out in the middle of the night and went to find this.... Somehow this thing was still intact from the fire. Actually had to get into a lockbox the guard had for him. Surprisingly they found quite a bit of intact stuff. Most of it he took back with him. Others he left behind. I'd ask him about it when you see him. But yeah."

I huffed. "Well that gives me a bit of relief...." I said. "Where to next?"

"Head to lot 1D. Another small one but this one is gonna be easier to find than a coin. Little bigger than a bottle cap to a three liter soda bottle." I hummed a bit trying to think of what it was. Lucky for me this one was close to me. Just maybe a couple yards across the way. I went and looked through the tomb stones and just a little silvery glint caught my eye. Werent the brightest of glints but it caught my eye nonetheless. Just like a freshly polished mirror. It was a wrapper to a candy bar my sugarcube just loves to munch on when I aint lookin.

"That other thing aint a Slypers Candybar now is it?" I heard Gilda laugh after I released the button.

"Damn that was quick. That was supposed to be a lucky wrapper but the contest was long over and he couldnt redeem it. Last one is gonna be on you to find. I've sent your brother in. Find him, find the next clue. No hints this time!" I shook my head just shoving the walkie in my chest pocket. I looked around from where I was.

"Alright... Where the hay are ya Big Mac... Aint no use if I dont have your keys...." I had to walk around each lot checking behind every tall and fat headstone. Damn brother of mine aint the easiest to hide but somehow the hardest to find when it came to hide and seek. When we were younger just after Ma n' Pa passed Big Mac, Ry, Dash and I would all play hide n seek. To make a long story short that asshat hid in a tree blendin' in with all the apples.... Cant believe he stripped down to his underwear too.... If it werent wrong I'd've loved to see Big Mac's ass become as red as a sunburnt crab.

I did end up finding him after... oh fifteen or twenty minutes of checking lots. I checked every damn one of them except for three. That's where I found him. Lot 3B. He was just staring at a few of the tomb stones so I snuck up behind him. He sighed. "Sis... I know you're there..." He said sounding a bit down. I huffed getting a bit disappointed.

"Dammit... How'd ya know I was there?" I came up along side him just kinda turning him to me. He looked like he'd just seen a damn soap opera where a little filly ended up gettin' lost.

"I just knew you were there.... Boot kinda scuffed the ground a ways away but... got the last item right here..." He held up his hand and opened it slightly dropping a still gripped the chain. I saw what looked to be a dog tag on the end of it... with my cutie mark on it.... and Dash's but... what was it doing here? I took it in hand and just looked at it closer. Scootaloo's colors, my cutie mark and Dash's with RUSH on the other side of it.

"This is Ry's huh...?" He nodded. "How'd he end up leaving it at Dash's place?"

"...Dash took it from him saying it was cool and he just didnt get it back... Gilda took it and hid it. She wanted to get it to Ry but never found the time until today..." He took it and hung it around my neck. Had to take the chain apart to do it. I looked at it as he took his hands away from my neck.

"There..... Guess we're all ready to go?" He shook his head hesitantly. "Why aint you ready to go?" He sighed turning back to the headstones he was looking at.

"...I just... I just thought I'd come up here... pay my respects to the fallen..." I looked at him confused and then to the graves... My heart just stopped like someone turned the damn TV off. What I saw on those graves gave me chills... These graves he was looking at were the graves of my sugarcubes parents... Date of death matching just the other day....

"Wh.... what....? Why didnt he... Why didnt you...?" I couldnt form a sentence my mind was so full of emotion. He grabbed my hand and pulled me in for a hug.

"....I was gonna tell you every chance i got but any time I wanted to mention Ryder I'd've done it but you were mad outta your mind... He would've told ya but he couldnt go and say anything because you didnt answer and hung my phone up every time I went to talk to him... Guess it was all the emotional trauma that went on through out the time between then and now just blocked it out... that and maybe a few smacks to the head but... you just didnt know..." I did... I did know but I didnt want to think of it... the night that happened, he got arrested and I almost died... If it werent for his rage he would've lost more than his little sister.... Just there all these damn memories came flooding back... the shotgun blasts, the screams of both Ryder and Scootaloo, seeing Ry get hauled off and that sister of his just bawling her lil heart out over her dead parents... It just hurt me so much seeing that... I ended up bawling right then and there in Big Mac's arms.... He had to pick me right up and sling me over his shoulder.

I could feel him rushing around doing what ever. We stopped for a moment as he tried to fix me a bit getting me back into position to where I hugged him again. Just then I heard Gilda yell. "GET HER IN! I'LL FOLLOW!"

Only then I felt myself just land in the truck's seat and I was bound to it, arms stuck to my sides with the seatbelt, and I just couldnt bring myself together. I dont remember much from the ride but we ended up getting over to the castle where Big Mac AND Gilda had to get me up the stairs. Big Mac had my top, Gil' had my legs. I almost passed out but Gilda just kept pinching my legs. We stopped about half way up the stairs on a little plateau. Gilda whispered something in my brothers ear as they both set me down. Next thing you know I see Big Mac just run up the stairs. Gilda sat next to me and just held me close shushing me. I sniffled. "...Wh-...why was i such an asshole to my-my sugarc-c-cube....?" I asked. "...H-he must hate me.... I kicked him out.... on... th-the date his parents died...." Gilda shushed me wiping tears from my eyes.

"...The dweeb doesnt hate you... this is something that happens.... When I tried to off myself a few years back.... Dash and Ryder helped me down from it all.... A year later I started to cry and didnt know why... turns out the mind blocks traumatic things and from what Dash tells me you nearly got yourself shot.... When we see that dweeb of yours.... Just make it worth the apology... He worked hard... Not on this stupid scavenger hunt but... You'll see..." She sat there with me just keeping me awake.

It took maybe a few minutes to get Twilight... She came down with Big Mac. She was wearing her pajamas still. Probably just a lazy day but she did look a tad tired. She picked me up and hugged me. "...I'm sorry for the wild goose chase...." She said. "....We just needed the time to get something special set up..." She looked back at Big Mac and Gilda. "You two can either stay or go... Got a feeling you might know what will happen...." Gilda sighed.

"I'll stay. Got a feeling you might need to diaper her up as well as him and you may need a foal sitter... I can do it." Gilda looked to Big Mac. "Just get out of here. If anything comes up I'll contact you." My big brother nodded and gave me a quick hug and a kiss on the forehead before handing me off to Gilda and Twilight and going downstairs. They each got under one of my arms and helped me up the stairs. "Alright... AJ look at me and dont take your eyes off me until Twilight says so. Okay?" I nodded as we took our first few steps up the stairs. I admit it was awkward making eye contact with her the whole way up but she pinched me every time I was about to nod off. Twice I nearly did. But that was it. We came to a flat area but they still helped me walk around. I faltered here and there almost tripping over my own boots. I was just that out of it. Mix of emotions, fatigue, not looking where I'm going. After a minute we came through a door. Saw the door jam and we had to go in sideways, Gilda going in last.

I heard Twilight sigh as we straightened out. "Alright AJ... I'm gonna step away." She said. "I'm gonna have Gilda step away too but dont take your eyes off her but dont look away just yet." I could feel her step out from under my arm. "...Careful.... Big Mac told me you were crying quite a bit and I'm not sure if you're okay to stand but... just try and stay balanced... If you need to just grab on to one of us. We arent far from you." Gilda sighed and backed away a few feet. My legs felt shaky and my stomach felt like it was gonna twist itself outta control but I just took a deep breath and calmed myself. I even gained my balance but I still felt uneasy. "Okay.... AJ... I'm going to count to three.... and you're going to face forward." I could hear somethin' just rustle a bit. Nothing giving away anything but just a little whisper. Couldnt tell what was going on though. "Alright... one... two.... two and a half.... two and three quarters...." Gilda grunted a bit staring past me.

"Dont let the girl wait! Get it done already!" I heard Twilight huff.

"Fine! Three!" Just then I looked forward and what I saw just made me froze. There in front of me I saw Rarity kinda struggling to keep my obviously tired coltfriend upright. Rarity and Ryder both looked tired, Ryder more so. Rarity was wearing some feetie pajamas that I assume she borrowed from Pinkie. And even though Ry was tired he still looked good dressed in a suit, holding a bouquet of roses. I couldnt help but rush him, snatch the bouquet from him and hugging him. Rarity just dumped his flank off on me but I'm strong enough to hold him upright.

I had to give the bouquet to Twilight just to hold while I kissed him. I broke the kiss and looked to his tired eyes. "...Ry... I... I wanna say I'm sorry for bootin' ya..." I said. "....I just... I didnt know what was going through your mind... You were distracted with something that I only recently remembered..." I glanced back at Gilda. "...I did have some help remembering it but... I just needed someone to give me a swift reality check to know that I was the one in the wrong..." I looked back to him. "I should've just asked what was going through that brain of yours but... I didnt...." Ryder kinda groaned a bit. I looked over to Twilight. "Uh.... Got a spell that can give him just a little jolt of energy? Maybe wake him up a little?" Twilight sighed setting the bouquet aside.

"I'm gonna have to pass for this one AJ... He didnt want it so I'm not gonna give it to him... He stayed up a good portion of the night with Pinkie setting this all up... Rarity and I had to help him into his suit and we've been waiting here for hours... I think it's best if you just take him into a room and let him sleep."

"...If ya can help me get him to my personal quarters I promise I can get us a mares night out and I'm buyin'!" She thought for a moment.

"I'm gonna have to say no to that because the last time we did something like that Fluttershy had a bit too much and woke up in her bed upside down and naked. She didnt know what she did that night and she was afraid she did something bad after she blacked out but...." I kinda faltered a bit as Ryder just went a bit more limp. He leaned on me kinda babbling a bit. Couldnt make out what he was saying but I just looked to Twilight. She rolled her eyes trailing off on what she said and used her magic on him. She lifted him off of me and I swear she hit him with a jolt of electricity.

Ryder grunted and twitched a bit as he suddenly became more awake. He looked at Twilight blushing a bit. "...Uh... Thanks Princess..." He said giving a bit of a yawn. He looked to me and hugged me again. "...And AJ... I forgive you for doing that.... I didnt say anything and you didnt remember... we're both at fault there.... I just..." He averted his gaze. "...I didnt mention it because I didnt want Scootaloo to hear, have her remember and we just start crying and..... It would ruin the mood for the day..."

I sighed taking his hand and starting to the door. "....well... just lettin' ya know now that Scoot didnt need you to mention it..." I said. "...I think she knew it was around that time... She told me earlier right before I got booted out of Celestia's summer home for complaining about a challenge... Told me she needed you before I kicked you out but... she was afraid to say anything thinkin' I'd go off on her so she climbed into bed with Applebloom..." Ryder looked to me a bit shocked as we went down the hall. I glanced behind us and saw Gilda followin'.

"Wait you got booted out of Celestia's summer home for the challenge? What did she do over there?" I huffed looking forward.

"She was gonna do a round of that Bass Villain thing and have me try to beat Scootaloo's high score but changed it to a game of hide n seek with the fillies and she had Sweetie Belle hiding in a damn magical maze! You ask Big Mac and he's gonna say that was bullshit!" He huffed.

"Yeah definitely sounds like some BS!" He glanced at me. "Maybe we go back over there soon, apologize and maybe see if we might be able to take a little trip up to the Crystal Empire to visit Shining and Cadence. Twilight tells me they've got a little new thing they wanna try and well... she may wanna head up there soon with you and the girls anyways so... Up to you if you wanna do it." I rolled my eyes laughing a bit.

"I guess its all fine here. Just as long as things aint gonna get crazy." We stopped at the door to my personal room here. Always use it when we sleep over here... and yeah this is the same room where we stayed when Ry went and pissed the bed. Couldnt remember if it happened before or after he became a guard. All I know is was he was embarrassed but it was good we had another room to share even if it was in separate beds. Anywho I looked to Gilda. "Speaking of crazy why dont I just give ya an apology gift?" I beckoned Gilda closer. She blushed hard as she approached. Ryder just blushed as hard if not harder. "Say Gilda.... You wanna maybe help me give this boy a show before he goes to town on our asses? I figured since we both have something he likes and he's had such a stressful time away from the house... Might as well right?"

Gilda gave Ryder bedroom eyes and licked her beak. "...Been a while since he and I had a little rough fun...." She said. We both looked to him. He was blushing so hard he actually started to sweat a bit. We both grabbed an arm and opened the door up. We dragged him to the bed tossed him on and just closed the door up. Lucky me I got a light dimmer switch for those nights I had Ry over and I couldnt sleep.... She had me read a damn book in case i didnt sleep. Anyways once that door was closed Gilda and I started strippin' each other for him. He just couldnt take his eyes off of us as we dropped each others clothes on the floor around us until we were topless and holdin' each others hips. I could see Ry's pants just getting tighter and tighter. I knew what would put him over the edge. I grinned looking at Gilda and then just without hesitation just tongue kissed her. She didnt even have to think about doing it right back, grabbing my flank. I just heard Ry's pants just unzip and get tossed onto the floor.

We both looked over to him and there he was just stark naked with a hard on. We both walked over to the bed and dropped our panties right there and I couldnt help but toss mine right onto his face. He just tossed them right off as Gilda climbed onto the bed and straddled his face. She gave a grin telling me 'Let me get him all primed for ya' without even saying a word. She even deep throated him like she didnt even have a gag reflex. He just gasped a bit shocked. Admitting this now but I cant do anything like what she did without coughing up a lung. "G-GILDA!" He yelled. "....Oh Gil... P-please...dont stop...."

I gave a little chuckle going to the side of the bed in his view. "She's gotta stop sometime sugarcube..." I said. "...Gotta get ready for this!" I spread my legs a bit giving him a good view of my apple pie before I started to prep myself for him. He couldnt take his eyes off me then. Didnt even try when Gilda forced his head back to lickin' position. Ooh I gotta say I dug deep preppin' myself for him. Felt like heaven as I did it. Even caught Gilda taking a few glances. Once I was primed and ready i just pulled Gilda up from my stallions tree and mounted it myself. "Keep at her Sugarcube... think of her as my Anniversary gift for you!" I teased myself trying to guide him to the good spot and when I felt him pop right in I swear i was gonna scream it felt so good. I just started riding like I didnt have a care in the world. Gilda couldnt help but just bring me in for a kiss. I swear this was some spell Twi used just for me to do this but... I knew it was me doing it all on my own.... I just lost track of time as Gilda and I just squeezed each others assets. And as much as I know Ry would've loved it if i let lose some apple juice onto him I didnt have anythin' in the keg. Hell I even slapped Gil's ass before we both just came. I dont know what compelled me to do this but I just rode until I got filled to the brim with his spunk. Felt each spurt between each slam down onto him. When I was done Gilda climbed off the bed letting me just fall on top of him letting his dick just slump on out. I even felt that cream just start oozing out of me but I didnt care. He and I just shared a kiss before Gilda and I just cuddled up next to him on either side. I was however woken up for a moment my someone just giving me a good cleaning out. Didnt really wanna fully wake up but who ever did it must've had the stomach to do it... Wont even ask around. Dont wanna make anyone feel awkward. Now that this day is outta the way... Might as well rest and cuddle with my sugarcube....