Originally this was gonna be something different, something more easy to write. Had to take a break because I ran into a block. I'm still in a block on that but I'll put it in a later chapter. As for this I had to ask an admin if this was okay to do and considering it doesnt happen in the fic itself it is talked about and I must warn you THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS TOPIC AND MAY MAKE YOU HIGHLY UNCOMFORTABLE BECAUSE OF SAID TOPIC. TURN BACK NOW WHILE YOU CAN!

We're still in the Crystal Empire and things are admittedly better after I went to town on Shining Armor. Even better? He got me out to their field for the Equestria Games and even gave me a chance to show off my strength and toss a few tires. And I'm not talking about the wheels on my car. I'm talking wheels on large construction vehicles or monster trucks. I grabbed one and picked it up like I was working out and got bored of that quickly. Guess who just propped it up, climbed inside and just started fucking around wheeling it about the field and along the track before seeing how far I could throw it? Yeah I got out of that thing Shining just knew I was a kid in a stallions body. Speaking of that... Well... a kid... Applebloom revealed something to us that was... serious... Early this morning I had to be woken up by a guard who had to lead me down to Applebloom's room. I was dressed in slippers that Shining let me borrow, silk pajamas from Celestia and I'm not gonna lie I was suuuuper tired. I had to walk with a soda in my hand just barely keeping me awake. The guard in front of me was a bat pony wearing silver armor. He glanced back at me. "I apologize again for waking you sir but this is something that was requested." He said.

I gave a hefty yawn. "...It's fine... better me than waking the Princess after yesterday..." I said. "You know if she uh...."

"Yes sir. We had to ask the Prince about that stuff but... It was necessary for this. Supplies for this should be waiting for you." I stretched out my wings as I sipped from my soda. My mouth felt sticky, even as I tried to loosen it up with a drink... wasnt even anything good... Cadence' seltzer waters... Tasted like shit but it was something. When we got to Applebloom's room I heard her crying inside with another guard standing at the open door. The guard saluted the other. I didnt give acknowledgement in that exchange I was that tired. The guard at the door started walking away as the guard I was with turned to me. "Alright sir. Here we are. You alright from here or would you need someone to help you when things are done?" I handed him my soda sighing.

"Yeah... Be on standby if I need to get carried back... Could nod off anytime now..." He nodded allowing me to walk up to the door and knock. "Applebloom. It's Ryder. Can I come in?" I listened closely. All I heard were her sobs. "Applebloom I'm coming in."

As I tried to open the door more I felt it get forced back into me. The inside was dimly lit by a nightlight on a "NO! DONT COME IN PLEASE!" My little sister in law yelled.

"Applebloom! Come on let me in! Everything's alright I'll clean you up, no guards will say anything! Please just let me in, get you changed and get you to AJ's room! What ever nightmare you had wont happen its okay!" Applebloom cried harder as she tried forcing the door shut more. I huffed and reached one arm behind the door grabbing at Applebloom's arm before giving her a good tug to the side away from the door before pushing it open. She beat on my arm, trying to get away, even tried biting me but I didnt let her get close. Her pajamas were soaked, from her chest down. She was wearing a teeshirt and basket ball shorts. Even reeked of urine. I grabbed both her arms forcing them to her side as the tears poured from her tired eyes. "Applebloom it's okay... It's okay... It's okay you're gonna be fine... You wanna get in bed with your sister?"

"NO! NO!" I shook my head and huffed putting taking her hand and leading her to an area where the guards set up a little changing area with a little laundry bag for the wet clothes and even a complimentary set of Crystal Empire PJ's. These might've been pink but I would've worn em if they were in my size. They were made of a comfortable material, with little monograms on the pant legs and the breast of the shirt. Folded nearby was a towel with a diaper on top and a bottle of powder a few inches away with a box of wipes next to it. I set the powder and the diaper aside as I released Applebloom's hand.

"C'mon bloom.... Get undressed and dry off... You'll be fine... She's not gonna hurt you!" I said with a yawn. She sniffled as I handed her the towel.

"...A-Are ya sure it's even AJ you're taking me to...? What if she's that changelin'!?" I sighed helping her out of her bottoms.

"Still on about Rocky? She's nice. If I tell you something can you at least TRY to trust her?" She didnt answer. Just wrapped the towel around her before gripping the ends together covering herself while lifting one arm over her head. "Look... You remember when I came out here before I proposed to your sister?" I lifted one side of her shirt over her head being weary of the stain she had made on it. She gripped the other hand on the towel keeping it in place as she released the other hand allowing me to toss the wet shirt aside. "Well... When I came out here Rocky and another changeling tried hurting me very bad... Not only physically but... Other ways I dont think I can explain without your sister to... help... ya know?" She sniffled.

"A-Ah'm a big girl... I aint no baby!"

"I know I know but... Well... Lets just say I'm not comfortable even explaining this to you even with your sister present... but Rocky... She stopped the other changeling from hurting me and I saved her from being sent away because... well... she was hiding around the base in the war, watching me like a spy... didnt hurt me, didnt do anything to threaten me or the base... Just helped me in any way, shape or form... And I mean that quite literally. It took some getting used to but... Shining and Princess Cadence let her stay and if she were a problem with them they wouldnt have kept her around... Cant you PLEASE trust her?" She whimpered as she dried herself off. I could just see more tears welling up in her eyes but... As I looked into her face I could sense something was wrong... I've seen a stare like this before but I couldnt place it. Though... I wrote it off as just both of us being tired, her being deep in thought because she stayed silent for a few moments before letting me get the towel back and laying it down.

"...I... I can try...." She replied. "Just... Can ya be there with me when I do...? Maybe with... a little protection?" I gave her a smile.

"Yeah... I'll pad you up beforehand and we can get Princess Cadence to help okay?" She nodded. "Good. Lie down and lets get this done and over with. I dont want you getting a rash because I didnt wipe you down enough. She said nothing as she yawned and lied down on the makeshift mat. After a few I got her changed into a fresh diaper, dressed her up in the pajamas and carried her all the way back to Applejack's room. She was sharing a room with Scootaloo while I got my own room a few doors down.

I almost didnt make it to my room again before my walking slowed. Luckily I made it to my room before passing out completely- even on my bed. I slept soundly until my phones alarm went off. I had to get out of bed just to walk over to the dresser to turn it off. Loud, annoying alarms really get you up. Especially when you have Pinkie doing the same noise over and over for a minute straight. Yeah I had to explain that to AJ the first few times it woke her up WHEN I KNOW I SET IT TO A LATER TIME! Anyways after I shut my alarm off I quickly got dressed in boots, my jeans, black long sleeve with a Metallicolt logo on the chest. Even combed my mane a bit before walking out just to see a unicorn guard who saluted me. I saluted back. "Sir. Princess Cadence requests your presence in the dining hall!" He said. I stretched and cracked my stiff neck before looking to him.

"Yeah lead on. Dont know my way around here still..." I replied. The guard turned and started walking and I followed behind him scrolling through texts. Last text I got was from Dash.

There was a picture of her bike with the front tire gone and a few parts laying on the ground in her garage. The text with it read 'Ry can you PLEASE help me fix my bike?' I huffed and activated voice text.

"Dash, I thought AJ told you NOT to go fucking around with your bike until we got back! We're still gonna be a week out of town. You're gonna have to wait until we get back!" I sent it off just as the guard looked back at me. "Cousin doesnt know how to fix her own damn bike, cant bring it to the garage because they overcharge to shit on motorbikes and since our other friend is out of town she thinks I'll drop everything I'm doing to help her fix it."

The guard snickered a bit. "Very unfortunate. Same thing happens when my buddy keeps asking me to fix his cable- which the idiot keeps unplugging from his wall." He replied. "And when I'm at work or out shopping or something, he expects me to come there right away and plug it back in- even complains that it's too hard even when I show him how to do it." Just then my phone pinged me with a quick rev of a sports bike. Dash suggested it, not me.

I looked back at my phone at her texts. 'Well can I at least use your car while its still here in town?' She asked. 'I need to head over to Fluttershy's and she's too busy with animals to come get me!'

I huffed putting voice text on. "Text Twilight then. I'm not letting you use my car and get it impounded by your habit of racing!" I said. "And dont think about saying to Twilight that I authorized you to drive my car while I'm not in town! Just stop texting me, wait till I get home and I'll fix it up. You know the usual fee. You want something different, tell me and we can negotiate."

After that I put my phone away as we started nearing the dining hall. The guard stopped at the door and allowed me to go in seeing everyone at the far end of the table, talking amongst themselves yet no food in front of them. The only one who wasnt with them was Rocky who sat closest to the door. She looked up and smiled at me. "Good morning Ryder! Are you doing well today?" She asked. I nodded. "That's good. It seems someone is still afraid of me I'm sorry to say." She glanced back at the group at the other end of the table, most still in their pajamas. I sighed resting my hand on her shoulder as she turned back.

"It's alright. That should change later if you're up for it. I might be able to get Cadence in on it to aid in this." Rocky smiled brightly, her green eyes just gleaming.

"Would you please? I cant get near that filly without her hiding from me... All I want is to be friends."

"I know you do. Now just wait here. Gonna get the Princess okay?" She nodded and I went towards the front of the room. Princess Cadence and Shining sat at the head of the table both wearing something other than PJ's. Shining was wearing a plain white teeshirt, some jeans and a pair of sneakers while his wife was wearing her lovely gown, pink and gold, hearts hidden in the gold inlays.

Cadence smiled as I approached. "Ryder thank you for joining us!" She said. "Come sit and order something!" I smiled.

"I'll do that in a moment Princess but I have something I'd like to talk to you about if you have a moment."

"Of course. Something you can say here or does it need to be alone?" I did think for a moment but it wasnt much of a thought.

"Well... I really feel bad that Applebloom and Rocky dont get along so I wanna at least try to show her that Rocky can be trusted." I looked up at Applebloom who was sitting between Big Mac and Applejack, talking with her siblings. "She was in your wedding right? Applebloom?" Cadence looked over at the filly.

"Yeah... Poor thing got cornered by those mean changelings... probably why she got so scared of changelings. She was saved by her sister and the guards while the princess' and I handled Chrysalis and the other changelings. I made sure they were alright and she seemed fine after that. Sure it wasnt your wedding where it was only you trapped with the Changelings but it was an experience nonetheless." She looked back to me. "After breakfast I'll take Rocky to my bed chambers and you can bring Applebloom and we'll sit them down, have them bring lights on things. Dont have to make them hug, we arent gonna lock them in, we're gonna sit right by them, have them talk and maybe nudge em along if things are too quiet. Good?" I nodded. "Good. Now take a seat anywhere you'd like. Maybe go sit with Rocky so she doesnt feel so alone down there." I nodded again and just went back to Rocky sitting next to her.

Breakfast didnt matter because not much happened... not unless you count Shining and Soarin starting an arm wrestling match that Shining won, then going against Big Mac, still winning then losing... to Applejack. I stayed out because either the table would be broken or my friends arms would be broken. Didnt want that. After breakfast though I got Applebloom out of her pajama's into a fresh diaper and into some better clothes. Jeans, a teeshirt and a hoodie. Didnt bother putting shoes on her. As we walked she kinda looked at me worried. "...Y-You aint mad at me from last night are ya...?" She asked.

I smiled as I let her climb over my shoulders and onto my back where I gripped her with my wings. "Nah. I got that you were scared and nothing was gonna make you budge but you cant go trying to push someone out who's trying to help." I said. "You remember what we talked about last night before I put you back to bed?"

"...Somethin' about that da-" She stopped herself. "Something about that changelin' y'all trust?"

"Yeah... We're gonna meet her and Cadence in the Princess' bedroom. I'll be right there but I want you to talk, let us know why you're scared about the Changelings. From what I know you were cornered by them... I totally get that feeling... cornered, no way to escape... When I came out here to learn how to propose the right way i was hit with something that knocked me out, only to wake up, tied up... Didnt have anything to help me other than Rocky... She was there with their leader, Chrysalis and... I'm not gonna say how but... I'm not gonna tell you how but I was nearly turned into an eggsack... or... something that helped make the eggs..." She looked at me scared but... more like she was serious.

"I aint a baby but... I do know how babies are made. Miss Cheerilee taught us that stuff..." I kinda blushed a bit.

"Well... Yeah... Though... It was kind of a one sided thing.... I didnt want any of it yet Chrysalis wanted it to happen... Rocky managed to distract Chrysalis long enough for Shining to break in, cut me loose and even though that whole thing would've ruined my feel for changelings I felt Rocky was different. She's kind of a sensitive soul as well. She was happy to help me the whole time I was here... I even talked with her after the wedding and Rocky... She was kinda hurt by you, giving her the cold shoulder.... She still kinda is uneasy.... Scootaloo treats her like everyone else but you push her away...." She tightened her grip. Even a whimper escaped from her mouth. I glanced back at her as we turned a corner. "You good there 'Bloom?" She nodded into my neck. "Got something to say?"

"Can... can we just get to the Princess's room before I do say anythin....?" She sounded hesitant almost. Her voice weakened slightly as if she were hiding something... I noticed this time but I didnt say anything.

We walked on for a while, mostly in silence other than the occasional whimper from the filly. All I could do at those moments was just pat at her arm around my neck humming a song. Wasnt much of a song. Just a simple tune. Soon we came up on the room of Shining and Princess Cadence. Cadence was stood outside still wearing her gown. She smiled seeing us. "There we are!" She said. "I hope there wasnt any trouble for you at all bringing this cutie here." She reached around me tickling Applebloom slightly getting a snort out of her.

I gave a little snicker myself letting her off my back. "Yeah it was kinda painless. She insisted on going into the bathroom to clean herself up and uh... go more but other than that it was painless." I said. "Rocky inside?" Cadence nodded as she took Appleblooms hand. The filly looked a bit uneasy.

"Yep. She's sitting inside, bracing herself for harsh words from her..." She nodded towards Applebloom. "She told me Applebloom said some very mean things to her, calling her a freak even." I glanced at the filly now hiding her face.

"How long ago did this happen?"

"It happened while you and Shining were out the other day. I had someone bring the girls up for something warm to drink, snacks and a nap if needed and Applebloom ran into her getting scared and calling her a freak before running off. Happened on a bathroom run if I'm remembering that right..." She looked down at Applebloom. "Now when we go in there you are going to apologize to Rocky and be nice. No swearing, no hitting, no screaming and if any of that happens Applejack will hear about it and I'll see if she would allow me to order a grounding. Understood?" I looked down at Applebloom again... the look on her face had no emotion. She just stared off to the side, eyes kinda dipping back into her head. Now this time I questioned it. I knelt down and rested a hand on her shoulder snapping her out of her trance. She jumped gasping before heavily breathing.

"Are you alright there Applebloom?" She started to nod hesitantly before she stopped and shook her head. "What's wrong? Not feeling well?" I held the back of my hand to her forehead as the color drained from her face. "Just.... Hold up a hand if I hit the nail on the head alright? You feeling nauseous? Sniffles? Aches? Nervous? Scared?" He held up her hand hesitantly.... she shook as she did. "Breathe Applebloom.... You're okay..."

I saw the tears well up in her eyes. She started shaking her head just hugging herself with one arm. Her free hand gripped Cadence's tightly.... "...N-No...." She said almost softly. "...No I'm not...." A sob escaped as she said that. I looked up at Cadence who met my gaze before lowering herself to Applebloom's level.

"Can you tell us what's wrong? If not me then the princess?" I could see how hesitant she was. Choked up with her sobs, her tears streaming down her cheeks and just the way she shook and shuttered. She looked me in the eye before looking to the princess then back to me. "It's okay... Nobody is gonna be mad one way or the other. Just say what you want to who ever you want... Maybe its something AJ or Big Mac can help with?" Again she hesitated looking at both Cadence and I, making me... very worried... worried like she was hiding something. I just sighed. "Alright... Let me go find your sister and I'll be right back... Just breathe." I stood up as Cadence picked her up putting her head on her shoulder.

Didnt take me long to find Applejack. She was just in her room getting ready. Caught her literally with her pants down, helped her get dressed in her boots, skinny jeans and a red flannel shirt. Did it fast and stayed calm. When we were finished we started out of the room. "So," She started. "Applebloom getting along with our new friend?" She looked to me taking my hand.

"Well... She didnt get in yet I dont think... She seemed kinda... hesitant on going in... didnt even wanna say anything or scream.... like... almost like we were forcing her to do it. The strange thing is she isnt saying that she doesnt wanna do it. She's just... being silent.... When I asked if she was alright she just said that she wasnt..." Applejack hummed slightly.

"Really? She said that?" I nodded. "Huh... that's... strange... You even went through a symptom check didntcha?" Again I nodded. "What did that turn up?"

"Scared mostly... look on her face confirmed it and... I... kinda feel uneasy that I know that look... Like it was something I had..."

"That stare after you got back from the war after the plane crash? Just staring blankly somewhere, not even responding until someone nudged you?" I nodded and she just got scared. That was when she took her hand back before running off down the hall. I ran after her and ran in front of her just motioning her to follow me. We ran weaving through the halls, narrowly running into guards who barely flinched.

We ran for a while before we ended up almost literally running into Cadence. I had to take flight just to narrowly miss her while Applejack had to go into a wall to cushion herself. Cadence barely moved from where I left her. She was leaning against the wall with just a shocked and sickened look on her face. She was giving that same face Applebloom gave except she looked even more pale. I landed quickly and hurried up to the princess nudging her. She looked to me almost as if she was about to be sick. "Ryder... Applejack I... I... Oh sweet Celestia this is gonna be hard to say..." She said.

"Breathe and just say it sugarcube.... Ya look like hell... Sorry to say..." Applejack replied. Cadence closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths albeit shaky. I breathed in sync with her almost as if she were going into labor. We breathed together until she opened her eyes again and looked at Applejack.

"...Y-Your sister... I just... I dont know how it slipped past for so long but.... I feel so bad...."

"What? What happened to my baby sister?" Cadence looked away as a single tear streamed down her face.

"....She... my wedding... that's how she got so afraid of Changelings.... most of everyone there was but... she was one of the very unlucky ones...." She looked back at my wife. "...Apparently... one of those changelings that cornered her just.... molested her..." Both Applejack and I froze. I looked to Applejack and she just lost all color before just falling to her knees, shuttering violently.

Me? I left both i the hall as I barged into the Princesses room. Large bed in the middle of the room, balcony off to the right, wardrobes, on either side of the room with even some dressers. On the bed? Applebloom cuddling with Rocky, Rocky looking insanely worried. Only reason I could tell this was Rocky was she was turned into the female version of Shadow. Applebloom was digging her face into the mares shoulder. I just joined in on their embrace hearing Applebloom quietly sobbing. Rocky looked to me. "...Ryder... I...." She said.

I huffed meeting her gaze. "It's okay... it's not your fault..." I said. "...I just... I wish we had known sooner rather than later.... then we could've avoided this..." I looked to Applebloom. "...Everything's gonna be okay... Aj's here.... I'm here too..."

Just as I turned back to call for Applejack I saw her looking red in the face, angry and looking for blood. "GET AWAY FROM HER YOU CHANGELIN' MOTHER FUCKER!" She yelled. I quickly got between them grabbing my wife's arms holding them to her side. She knew not to kick me or hit me in any way knowing how I get when I'm assaulted personally. She met my gaze. "Ryder. Let. Me. GO!"

"Nope. Not gonna happen. I do? I might be tending to open wounds on either side plus a few hurt feelings and I'm sure your sister needs you NOT under arrest for assault." I looked back at the door to see Princess Cadence just covering her mouth looking scared as she peered around the corner. "Cadence. I could use your magic in here to calm her down." She nodded and came rushing in already charging her horn before shooting out a heart that popped just over our heads, the pink mist shrouding us, making her take a deep breath and me giggle slightly. Wasnt the best reaction for the moment but its involuntary when someone is already calm. I looked back at Applejack. "Alright now listen... You need to be CIVIL about this. No hitting, no yelling and dont say anything bad to Rocky. She didnt do ANYTHING to her... At least I hope not but... I'm willing to believe not... Otherwise I might not be here as a physical entity.... Promise me you'll be nice while I run and get Big Mac over here... He's more a part of this than I wanna be...."

Applejack huffed. "Alright... I just... Sorry I over reacted... this just.... it pisses me off... to hear one of my own family was deflowered like that..." She said starting to tear up. I kissed her forehead.

"It's okay... I know.... Now stay here... make sure your sister knows she's alright..." She nodded and as soon as I let go she went and sat on the bed with her hand on her sisters back. I just watched for a moment before starting for the door taking Cadence' hand having her follow. We stopped just outside the door. I looked to her. "This isnt your fault. You might be sorry it happened at your wedding but it's not your fault..."

Cadence sniffled a bit. "...I... I just wish there could've been some more protections for the fillies.... they were my flower girls..." She said. "....I want you to.... reveal this information to your sister but.... I just..." She averted her gaze. "...I cant.... I cant help but wonder if something like this happened to the other children roaming the wedding grounds.... if Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle are hiding these things as well...." She met my eyes again. "...Go gather the others... I think Big Mac said he was gonna be with everyone else in the entertainment room. Just hurry, get them... please talk with your sister... I can call Rarity later and ask her if I can talk with her sister." I nodded and just started running as fast as my mind did.

I felt like I was going through a maze thinking if Scootaloo were hiding something from me... I'm pretty sure she would've been in the same spot Applebloom is... Scared of Rocky, wetting herself at the mention of changelings... Though from what I've learned as a guard, not everyone is gonna react the same way to something like this happening to them... One of the mares I got to know out at war, she was a great guard until she was ambushed during a welfare check. Walked away alive but bruised, bloody in places and... she wasnt right.... Nearly got discharged by getting aggressive with another mare.... Just tried to fill the void from that moment that was taken from her. Then there's cases like Applebloom... they dont say anything until the problem gnaws at them and only reveals it long after its said and done. Repression of memories. The worst? Being broken over it, thinking you're not pure, that you're gonna be through it again and slowly lose your mind until you're up on the edge of a bridge, at the end of a noose and such... Mostly with a kid barely even a year old in some cases... Anyways when I got to the entertainment room I stopped outside, took a breath feeling myself starting to get mad. I saw Big Mac inside with Scootaloo drawing in the corner, Shining and Soarin who were on the couch watching a movie on TV. Soarin and Shining were in guard fatigues, Shining's being Canterlot white pants and a shirt, gold stripe running down the outer leg, Soarin wearing something close to his wonderbolts colors but obviously guard- or old guard like my uniforms were. Big Mac and Scootaloo were both still wearing their pajamas. Scoot was wearing the ones she got from Princess Celestia, the silk ones and Big Mac in sweats, socks and a long sleeve. Soarin looked up at me as I entered. "There he is! Everything going alright with Applebloom?" He asked.

I stayed silent for a moment, taking a deep breath. "Big Mac. Soarin. I need you two to head to Princess Cadence' room." I said monotone. "Shining... I need you here with me...." Shining just nodded as Big Mac set a crayon down and Soarin turned off the TV before joining my brother in law. Neither of them questioned me as they passed going out into the hall. I went over and sat down on the couch next to Shining only to look to my sister who was still drawing away. "Scootaloo. Can you come here for a moment please? I need to speak with you."

My sister glanced up for a moment before setting her crayons down and hurrying over to me, her little feet slapping the floor as she came ever so closer. "Whatcha need Ryder? Do you need me to help Applebloom see how Rocky is nice?" She asked. I sighed shaking my head.

"No... It's... It's not that... things are fine with them but... I have a serious question to ask you...." I.... Kinda choked up here... I'm not good about talking about anything sexual with kids. My sister OR Applebloom... but this was just harder than a bat about to hit me over the head. I turned to Shining and pulled him close to whisper into his ear. "...Can... Can you ask her about a code 21 Theta?"

Shining looked to me curiously before I gestured to Scootaloo. He looked to Scootaloo and huffed. "Well since... he isnt comfortable about this obviously I guess it falls to me..." He said. He looked Scootaloo in the eye. "...Well... Do you know what to do if someone... touches you inappropriately?"

My sister tilted her head. "Yeah... Fight to get away, tell an adult or a guard... Why?" She asked.

I huffed. "Well... I just.... At Shining's wedding when the Changelings attacked... do you know what happened with you and your friends?" I asked. I could see her in thought as she looked around the room as if she were looking in her brain for the answers. She found them fast.

"When the Changelings attacked I ran to mommy and daddy with Sweetie Belle... Guards got us to a nearby restaurant to hide but I didnt know where Applebloom went. She was okay when we found her after. Big Mac had her with a bunch of guards."

"Nothing happened to you directly?" She shook her head. "Okay... Now... I want you to go out there, find the nearest guard and ask him to take you to Princess Cadence room... Your sister in law needs you badly right now...." Without question she hopped up and ran out of the room only leaving me and Shining left. I hung my head staring at the table.

Shining hummed. "Is everything alright dude....? Why did you have me ask about a sexual assault? and then ask about my wedding?" He asked. I looked to him. Just stared him blank in the eye.

"Because Applebloom was molested by a changeling during your wedding when she got separated from her friends... Now you see why I do the things I do as a guard when things get violent. Not only because I want to keep the streets safe for my sister but so she doesnt end up on the news as a victim of a molestation, rape or something worse!" He looked at me shocked. Even took a double take, cleaned his ear out and looked to me again.

"Tell me I heard that right.... A changeling.... at my wedding... grabbed Applebloom and...." Before he finished I nodded and he just slumped back in his seat. "....sweet Celestia... I... I feel so bad... She's still a filly... I just... I hope she hasnt forced her new fillyfriend to do anything she didnt want..."

"I sure hope not either... might investigate into that later but... I'm sure I would've heard something at this point... Is it bad I actually wanna find the damn nest of Changelings and destroy it? Maybe rip a few of them apart just to show them how angry I feel?" Shining leaned forward a bit.

"Well... it's good you're being so calm about it... Learning from your past?" I didnt answer. Just shrugged. "Well what ever it is you're doing just keep it up. I'll have a few tires sent to the field so you can do what ever with them.... Just... You wanna get back to Applebloom?" I glanced at him.

"No... Not yet... I... I need to make a call real quick..." He nodded and got up patting me on the shoulder before teleporting out of the room. There was a part of me just screaming to destroy something. I felt it but I didnt wanna let it out. I shuttered as I took my phone from my pocket and started going through my contacts stopping on Celestia's.

I called and put it on speaker. I listened to each buzz only hearing it as a scream or a cry from another victim needing help... though I didnt know where those cries were... those soon silenced as the phone clicked. "Ryder... I hope you're not calling to yell at me about what happened... I already had enough from Cadence and my sister..." I heard Celestia say. I huffed.

"Princess... I need you and Luna out here fast.... There... Something happened and... I...well... I need guidance on how to handle this...."

"What occurred for me and my sister to need to be present for out there?" I looked at the TV. Then the door. Then to where Scootaloo was when she was drawing. I stood up and just walked over to the table. "Ryder? Come on talk to me... I hope you're not freaking out again..."

"I... I dont know if I am or not.... I've... never felt like this before...." I replied sitting down in the small seat. The picture Scootaloo was working on was another one of me and her flying with Mama Spitfire and Dash. Even had Applejack, Applebloom and Big Mac cheering us on from a hill. "It's just... Applebloom revealed to me something rather dark... something I just... I dont know what to do about in this situation...."

"Look... I swear what ever happened it didnt involve me and if you're only luring me there to arrest me-"

"PRINCESS! I'm NOT blaming you!" I snapped. "Changelings.... Fucking Changelings did... at Shining's wedding."

"NO! D-Did she really get.... violated by those creatures?" I didnt reply. "Ryder. I'll be there as fast as I can. I'll wake my sister, pack a few bags and we'll be there before nightfall. We've got a direct rail line to the Crystal Empire. And Ryder..."

"Yes?"

"Breathe. I understand that feeling.... Wanting to do more than anything to right the wrong that had been done.... I get it... I totally understand... There's nothing more that can be done other than being there for Applebloom..."

"But... There has to be..."

"There isnt... Those changelings are somewhere yes but finding them? It's a task that's fruitless... This many years out, that many changelings to find who knows which one of them did it... And destroying the hive isnt gonna make things better... Now go be with her. I dont wish to discuss this any longer. See you soon."

And like that she hung up leaving me in silence. Though what she said made me pissed... I got up shoving my phone back into my pocket. I walked out into the hall and just hung my head as I walked. Then my phone rang. I pulled it out only to see Big Mac's contact. I huffed and answered. As I put it up to my ear all I heard was crying... both from mares and stallions alike. "Ryder ya damn idiot WHERE ARE YOU?!" I heard Big Mac ask. "You better get back over here before I beat your sorry ass for not saving my sister!" He didnt even give me time to answer him before hanging up.

I started to run as I shoved my phone back into my pocket. More confused than scared. Didnt he know I barely knew about what happened until now? Sure I was at Shining's wedding but I was helping get my own ass to safety and help the others. I took a few turns from where I came from in the castle but... something didnt seem right... I just kept running, starting to hear screams of those I knew... Scootaloo, Applejack and Sweetie Belle were the loudest. I kept running through the endless halls until I came upon two large doors of the Princess' throne room. I opened the door only to unleash a hive of changelings, their wings buzzing around me, their prying eyes staring me down and in front of me... Chrysalis with the lower half of a spider sitting in a web sticking to the wall. Though that only lasted for a moment before I felt myself getting backhanded by a changeling only to snap out of what ever trance I was in only to see Shining Armor standing over me as I was still sat on the couch in the entertainment area. "Ryder? Ryder you alright there?" He asked checking my eyes. My cheek stung badly like he had just applied a hot iron to my cheek, my breathing being the heaviest it has ever been. "C'mon Ryder talk to me! Dont make me slap you again!"

I nudged him away from me getting up. He tried sitting me back down but I just walked over to the wall, leaning on it and slowly sliding down. "...I... No... No this cant be real I dont believe any of this is real!" I said. He came over and knelt down next to me slowly.

"Easy there Ryder.... You're freaking out again... Just breathe Ryder you're okay..." I looked over at him hesitantly. "Need a hand or you good? Maybe a drink?" I nodded before he sat next to me and looked to the door. "NEED A GUARD IN HERE!" We waited for a moment before a guard came in before standing at our feet saluting. "Get us some drinks. Lemonades or something warm, preferably warm vanilla for the general here." The guard nodded and ran back out before Shining looked back to me. "C'mon... You're alright just breathe.... You sent me away and I just come back after ten minutes and I just see you here, zoned out like you were watching tv but there was nothing on." I did breathe in deeply... As I shakily let it out he wrapped an arm around me. "There we go... just keep breathing..." I did as I was told and just kept breathing, each breath getting easier to take and let out.

After a while our drinks came back and Shining took me back over to the couch. I hesitantly followed with him actually pulling on my arm. We sat down and sipped at our warm drinks. My vanilla drink had whipped cream and sprinkles on it... Made me feel a bit better. As I set my drink down on the coffee table I saw something out of the corner of my eye. I looked over only to see Rocky coming in to the room with Cadence at her side... Though I dont know what happened here but I quickly hopped the couch and hid behind Shining who immediately set his drink down with his magic before turning to me. Again my breathing got heavy as both Rocky and Cadence came around the couch worried. Almost autonomously I scurried away from Rocky causing her to stop and look on at me worried. Cadence came over and knelt down next to me causing me to cower. "Oh dear... not you too...." She said. "Ryder come on you were fine when you got here.... Nobody's gonna hurt you...." She looked to Shining. "Shining dear? Can you take Rocky outside please? I need to deal with him for a moment..." I kinda felt bad when I saw Rocky just hang her head, looking as if she were about to cry as Shining took her hand leading her out of the room before Cadence looked back at me. "Alright... she's gone but I hope this isnt gonna be a permanent thing for you... Dont go getting all mean to her now... she did save your life after all..."

I sniffled starting to tear up. "...Sh-She did but... I... I'm in the same boat as Applebloom... " I mumbled. "...I... I'm just in shock... that... THAT... happened to Applebloom... and... and it happened to me too.... any longer in their clutches and... she'd be on missing posters everywhere.... and me? I'd be an exploded bloody mess on the floor..."

"Yes... I suppose it could've been that way wouldnt it...?"

"...I-I should've known something was wrong when... when you were yelling at Shining..." She sighed.

"Dont you worry about that... Twilight didnt figure it out either until we told her when we were trying to get clearance into the airport. She started panicking trying to call you and by that time I guess you had gotten ambushed. Gave them enough time to set the entire castle on lockdown and even fooled our test.... since then we've refined it. The questions pertaining to me and Shining are more personal than anything. Can I tell you something though?" I nodded. "...Ever since we took Rocky in as an ally... I've had my worries, Shining his and even the guards... The few days after you left I expected her to attack me and do the same thing... but when she had sat down with me and Shining she was crying... apologizing for all the scares caused, all the torment towards the ones she cared about... mostly about you since she showed us who she was during the war... she changed because the way you were to her... the way you led her to be, the care you've shown... sure it was a free source of love but she took that as a sign of a better life away from chrysalis... I mean she left her drone to get killed except for the one thing she didnt account for... you... standing in the way of my guards, guns at the ready to neutralize the threat of the changeling menace."

"...But-"

"But nothing Ryder!" She snapped. "I know what that 'but' was gonna be followed by... the question was there anything you could've done? As much as anyone else. Not much. You and Applebloom were targets... If we went back in time and you were still a guard during my wedding with the memories altered you probably still wouldnt have gotten to Applebloom as fast as they did... If you were put into Shining's body only to realize your friend- you- were fooled by changelings and kidnapped you wouldnt be able to run as fast as he did to help you. It's sad I know but... There's nothing more that we could've done in your situation. All we can do now is just help you... You know it's traumatic for everyone but I do know what you're going through. Remember the other day?"

How could I not? Crying princess, wife thinks I'm cheating on her to avoid sex... that talk... I whimpered slightly as I leaned on the Princess. She shushed me, hugging me. "Cadence? Can we come back in now?" I heard Shining ask.

"Yes Shining. Bring Rocky in and sit her down next to Ryder. He needs us right now..." I looked up and saw Shining walking back in with Rocky in tow. He sat her down next to me and I immediately latched on breaking down. She hugged me back also starting to cry.

I sniffled coughing a bit. "...I... I'm sorry... I'm so sorry...." I said.

Rocky sniffled clutching me tight enough to almost pull my feathers out. "...I... It's okay... I forgive you... you didnt mean it..." She said. "...Please... dont make me feel like I'm still part of the problem..."

I didnt wanna... that wasnt me... That's not who I am... I am not judgmental... am I? I just held Rocky close. Cadence and Shining had to pry us apart and help us to the room where Applebloom was. I can honestly say we brought her in on our sad embrace, all being victims of abuse... mental, physical... or otherwise. Soon after that happened I remember Rocky being pulled away just to hug with Shining... Left me and Applebloom in the bed alone. I saw Applejack and Big Mac hugging off to the side yet neither of them said anything to us or about us... or that I heard. Before we knew it we both fell asleep only to appear next to each other in a dark stony dreamscape. Our manes were a mess and we were wearing nothing but rags... Hell I was wearing a potato sack as pants. Something out of my video games (yes I may play too much of them). Applebloom latched onto me as we looked around in the darkness. "R-Ryder.... Wh-What's goin' on...?" She asked.

I brought her up onto my back clutching her with my wings... and just in time too since we heard a sigh that scared both of us. "I believe I can answer that Applebloom." We heard a familiar voice said. We looked around only to see Princess Luna in her royal gown manifesting from the darkness. "You fell asleep and I'm here to help you two." Applebloom hid a bit as she came closer. "I understand there's trust issues for what you two went through... especially with your still somewhat of a surprise resident. It's no surprise Changelings violated you... the love hungry ones seem to do anything for their next meal, even force it by any means necessary. Most hide their presence and do unspeakable things like they did to you... Perhaps why some of these cases end up being thrown away. They never find the pony who did it or someone innocent was thrown away. Only ways to be sure are to delve deep into their psyche, either the way I am right now or through hypnosis. Some come out lies when they said they were never near their victims... others came out and said they did it."

Applebloom hid her face from view of the Princess. "...What are you gonna do with us though?" I asked. She sighed making a bench appear in front of us.

"I came to aide you in forgetting this horrible tragedy you were both involved in... Applebloom more than you Ryder... I say this because the last time i poked around in your brain... I found some locked memories... strangest thing is I'm not sure how they've gotten there... some I've seen many times over... Perhaps its best we see those another time though... for right now... You and Applebloom just go spend time with one another... I'll be by to see you off when waking you up."

"But... may I ask a favor Princess...? Could you possibly... connect us with.... our loved ones so we're distracted....? Doesnt matter who but... I just...." She smiled.

"I get it... mother and father to help forget the bad things.... Should I just tell my mother what you two went through or could you muster up the strength to tell her yourselves?" I looked back at Applebloom worried... She met my gaze with tears in her eyes. We looked back to Luna and didnt say a thing. "Okay.... I get it. It's okay if you dont feel clean as you are to admit it happened... a lot of victims stay in silence as we know with Applebloom. Cover your eyes you two." I nodded and brought Applebloom from my back and held her face to my chest hiding her eyes. I closed my eyes shut just before things started changing. When I opened my eyes I saw the endless plains of clouds before me. I nudged Applebloom just as some clouds started to form a small pillar, just above how tall Celestia is. As I brought the filly down onto the floor the clouds slowly went down leaving Heavens Light standing before us, mane in a braid and wearing a pure white dress.

Applebloom clung to my leg almost hiding from the intimidating ruler of the high realm. Heaven smiled. "Well now... This isnt your little sister General..." She said. "What are you doing here with her....? Unless...." She gasped looking to her daughter. Luna huffed.

"Dont worry mother. Nothing happened to her. If something did... he wouldnt be in this kind of mood I can tell you that... nor would I be in my mood for that matter." She sighed almost collapsing.

"My apologies... i... I've had too many young lives lost thus far this year.... what child leaves home only to leave their school in body bags..." Another school shooting... Too many parents leave their gun cabinets open or just leave their guns where kids can get them... Either they're bullied into suicide or they're bullied until they get sent to prison with a body count. Anywho Heaven took a few deep breaths calming herself and steadying her nerves. "So... What are you here for?" Luna grabbed my hand giving a sigh as she caressed my palm.

"Well mother... news has come up from Cadence' wedding and well... Apparently little Applebloom here was violated by a changeling... same with her brother in law when he tried to get lessons on proposing to his wife... They just need some family time while I do what I need to."

"My goodness you poor things of course they can see their loved ones!" She replied to her daughter, hugging us. She looked to Luna. "You just get started. I'll gather their families together and keep them content." Luna nodded joining in on the hug for a moment before breaking away before disappearing. After her daughter left I looked to Heavens light who backed off a bit. "You want me to bring you both together to one set of parents? Are you comfortable being split up?"

I looked down at Applebloom. She just still hid her face against my leg. I sighed looking to the alicorn before us. "Just take us both to her parents first... Take it slow at first...." I said. She nodded and took my hand as I took my sister in laws. We walked together until a door sprang up out of the clouds before us.

Heaven knocked on the door and we waited a moment. I could feel Applebloom's grip loosen slightly. As the door opened to reveal her mother, Pear Butter, Applebloom quickly broke away starting to cry again. I just let her go, knowing she needed her mother. Pear was wearing off white jeans and a tank top. She was surprised by her youngest daughter rushing her that she didnt even have time to acknowledge us. "Applebloom? What in granny's good name are you doing here sweet heart?" She asked. She turned back into the room. "Bright Mac get over here! Applebloom's here and she needs her daddy!" I looked to Heaven and she was just waiting for an opportunity to tell them the disheartening news. Yet it still choked her up. I looked back to see both Appleblooms parents both hugging her.

Her father, Bright Mac looked up at us. He was wearing similar off white jeans, boots, teeshirt and his cowboy hat. "Ryder? Ryder why the hell is my daughter crying?!" He asked. I couldnt answer.

Heaven got between me and him. "It's not his fault here!" She said. "Please point no aggression towards him since he is in the same boat your daughter is in!" He broke away from his family letting his wife pick up Applebloom.

"Then just why aint he in tears like my baby girl?! Huh?! Answer me that!"

I quickly got between Heaven and the enraged stallion before us. "BECAUSE WE DONT ALL HANDLE IT THE SAME WAY!" I snapped. "The way you handle it is different than the way your wife handles it... And me? I'm just trying to be strong for your daughters sake... I'm the guard in this situation that handles these sorts of cases to comfort victims of sexual assault... The way you're yelling at me, makes me think I'm the one who did it but I'M NOT!" Tears started welling up in my eyes as he looked on in shock. I could see him clench his fist before reeling back to deck me but I blocked it. He didnt even give me time before rushing me and pinning me.

"YOU MOTHERFUCKER YOU LET THIS HAPPEN TO HER! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT MY FAMILY FROM SHIT LIKE THIS!" I quickly threw him off before going to Heavens side hiding away from him.

Bright Mac tried getting up once more and rushing me but was stopped by Heavens magical hold. "That's ENOUGH!" She snapped. "As I said it ISNT his fault. From what I can collect from this this happened years before he became my daughters protectors. His explanation of the minds is true. Your daughter didnt say anything not only because she barricaded it from her mind, she didnt know who she could trust when it happened. Your son in law, who I need to remind you is a royal guard now, protecting her at this very moment, aiding her in every way he can. He didnt know of this until recently and he tried repressing those memories as well but he had broken in similar fashion. Albeit knowing he told somepony about his troubles early on the memories still haunted him. I expect you to apologize." I hesitantly broke away from Heavens light as she released my father in law. He staggered to his feet, looking me dead in the eye.

"I... I'm sorry son... I just... parents dont like hearing this kinda stuff... y'know...? I got a feelin' yours aint gonna take this news well either.... better than us taking this..." He held his arms open for a hug. I hesitated a bit but I hugged him anyways. He broke the hug and brought me over to his wife and daughter as they hugged each other tight. He looked back at Heavens light as I helped the mares over to the couch. "Miss Light... Could you bring the boys parents here? I aint sure how my daughter would react if he werent here with her..." Heaven nodded before walking away from the door.

As he turned back inside I turned my attention to Applebloom who was sobbing into her mothers shoulder. Pear Butter kissed her forehead. "...Dont you cry little one... mama's here..." She said. "No matter what you're still my little girl... even if someone did something unspeakable... I just... I cant believe someone did somethin' so bad to ya... taking away your innocence like that.... How did something like this even happen...?" She looked to me as I wiped the tears from her daughters eyes.

I huffed. "...Happened at a wedding she was a part of... we got attacked by changelings...." I said. "Changelings are... well... Basically think of how movie makeup works. A pony can turn into a monster in the blink of an eye... things feed off love as well... They got her separated from everyone else and did the deed... Me? I guess I got off easy but... it still hurts nonetheless. I got knocked out by being suffocated almost... Woke up to find myself stripped down, tied up and got gassed after that before being forced upon.... this is a feeling I dont ever want to put the mare I married through... By my own hand or other... Violence isnt in my nature but.... it is needed if things go awry... I just have someone else to help calm me if I get angry..."

Bright Mac sat down next to me. "I know that feelin'... My beautiful wife and I got married just before Big Mac was born..." He said. "...Leading up to the wedding my family still didnt give us the time of day at points... told me that she's not looking for love... looking for something else just to pin me for something... didnt believe a word of it... Hell her parents tried to get me arrested for somethin horrid... Told em I knocked her up and beat her... No bruises anywhere on her body... Even asked to see her uh... unmentionable side.... Make sure there werent any forced damage. I get off with my tail in tact and go on to marry her. Though in that time I got so full of rage I just couldnt take it.... I talked with her about it and she went and let me find a friend to roughhouse with before I came back home. It's.... Kinda strange our daughter picked that up and applies it to your relationship."

"...Still glad she lets me do that... I'd never forgive myself if I hurt her or anyone in my family..." I hung my head a bit still feeling as if I had let down my family by not doing anything at the time of... but the words spoken by Cadence and Shining rang out in my head still. Nothing I could've done. Fate doesnt work in my favor all the time... If I were put in others shoes the outcome would be the same.... These questions rang in my mind for a while until my parents came in.

Dad came in first rushing over to me. He was wearing white shorts and a matching button up while mom was wearing a white sun dress. "Ryder! Ryder are you okay?" Dad asked. I couldnt answer.

Mom pulled me close hugging me and resting my head on her shoulder. "Ryder sweetie please talk to us..." She said. "You're alright... mommy's here... You're okay...." I whimpered a bit before actually starting to cry again.

It didnt take long for me to start bawling. "MOMMY!" I cried. I just sat and cried there for a while after. Applebloom went back first while I spent a little more time with my passed on loved ones. They consoled me the whole time, Heaven came in and helped as well... After I had calmed down I had to say goodbye again before Luna brought me back into a dream scape alone.

I sat there in my dreamscape on a chair with Luna sitting on the arm of it. "Feeling better now General?" She asked. I shrugged. "The pain will subside soon... I promise you this... is there anything I can do to help you ignore that pain?"

"Not really... But... Thank you Princess.... But... I have a favor if you will...." She nudged me over and sat with me, cuddling up to me.

"Anything for you General." I sighed nudging her off slightly.

"Is there... is there any way you can tell me if Gilda is asleep at the moment...? I wanna talk with her...." She nodded and started thinking.

"Well... I feel she's drifting in and out of sleep at the moment... Cant really do anything here... too weak to sustain even one of us. She must not feel comfortable where ever she is. Where is she exactly?" I huffed.

"Griffonstone visiting family... Left and I have barely heard from her since then... I even had to use Shining as a stress ball so to speak.... Still rather would've had her than him in this situation." She nodded into my shoulder a bit.

"I understand. She's the only one you know can take the abuse and likes it. With someone else you're afraid of putting them through trauma if they agree to what they're getting into. Correct?" I nodded. "Would you still go through this action if you're feeling mad after I conclude this treatment?"

"Well yeah... If Applejack wants to make love and I'm too angry from what ever happened that day I dont want to hurt her.... I'd rather have her bend me over than me bend her over if that were my only option." I looked away from her. "Why dont you just finish up... I wanna wake up soon... sorry If I'm being rude princess..." I looked over to her just to see her smile and nod before getting up. I watched as she slowly disappeared leaving me alone. As I was left there I started drawing shapes in my mind. Mostly of Applejack and Gilda, both stark naked. Not even a twitch from me that I felt. I sighed. "They both feel some sort of abuse from me.... Neglect for Applejack... my rage for Gilda... I dont deserve them.... They dont deserve to take this from me... I love them both.... but I put them through so much worry or pain... I shouldnt put them through that... but what else can I do? I cant cut one off... Nor can I cut both off... I just...." I watched as they faded from view only to hang my head after.

After a while of sitting in the dark alone Luna came back and sent me to wake up. When I woke up I was alone. No Applebloom, no Applejack, no Shining. Not even Cadence or Rocky. I wasnt shoved into a diaper but I had to piss so badly. I got up from the bed and left the room. Wasnt even a guard outside the room letting me know where my family was. I ended up getting to the nearest bathroom to relieve myself and then I just went downstairs after grabbing my jacket. When I got outside the sun had gone down. The fog was thick, air cold and all you could see in the streets were the lights shining down as far as they could. There were a few guards at the door that I just gave a nod to before walking out a little bit. As I stared out at the city. I turned around only to get hit with a snow ball. It stunned me a bit. I brushed the snow away from my face and it was like it was supposed to be something of a status effect for me because when I turned around to chase the shit that hit me with it I froze completely. Why? There standing off to the side with her bags at her side was Gilda. She was giving me the stupidest smile. She was wearing her leather jacket and a red scarf with her blue jeans and her motorcycle boots. I couldnt help but rush over to her and hug her, lifting her up in the air before planting the biggest kiss on her. She laughed a bit pushing herself out of my arms to fly herself. "Jeez dweeb I'm gone for how long and you already miss me that much?" She asked. I nodded hugging her legs a bit. "Well be lucky I'm even here at all. Got a call when I landed in Fillydelphia and was told to come out here just for you." I smiled a bit as we both landed.

"Well... Guess I have someone to thank... You wanna put your stuff up and go grab a coffee or something?" She grabbed her bags and huffed.

"Yeah but I'd say we just sit around. Too dark and too cold." She pointed to the road. "Not only that but because your sisters seems a bit tired." I looked to the road only to see my family, Shining and Cadence all walking together. Applejack was dressed in her boots, jeans, a fuzzy looking coat and her cowboy hat. She had Scootaloo in her arms. She was wearing her snow clothes that Celestia got her. Big Mac was right next to them holding Applebloom. Big Mac was wearing his jeans, work boots and his heavy winterized jacket I got him for his birthday. Hundred and forty bits. Leather and fuzz on the inside. Applebloom looked happier than earlier but she still looked tired. She was wearing jeans, snow boots and her jacket and a beanie. Shining and Cadence were both wearing thick winter clothing as well, Shining more of guard attire being a jacket he like the one I got, jeans and his boots, Cadence wearing a parka, jeans and snow boots.

I set my sights on Cadence and Shining yet... they pointed me to Applejack. I went over and hugged my wife and my sister before giving Applejack a kiss. "Dont have to say anything there Sugarcube... I can tell you're grateful for this..." She said. "After you passed out I just had to do something to make ya smile.... Cadence told me what happened for you before you proposed and what we went through was just nothing compared to your predicament... N' hearin' it happenin' to my baby sister? I honestly wanted to rip somepony's head off. Shinin' took me to hit a sand bag a few times, while Cadence and Rocky just watched over you... Even had to take Big Mac with me just to make sure he didnt do nothin' he'd regret." She looked over to her brother who was making sure his sister was happy. "Hell... He nearly blamed you with how horny you get but I know you'd never do that shit. Not to your sister, not to mine, not even to me..." She nudged me away from her. "Here. Why dont you check on Applebloom? I'm gonna see what Gilda's gonna do for the rest of the time we're here." I nodded and went over to Big Mac and Applebloom.

Big Mac smiled at me as I came closer. "There he is. You good now?" He asked. I nodded. "Good. Aint gonna lie you scared the living hell outta me! Hell Soarin' passed out hearin' what happened." He looked up at the castle. "Probably should check on him, see if he's alright." He handed Applebloom over to me and she came to me without a fuss before looking back at Shining. "Shinin' you wanna head up with me to check on Soarin?" Shining nodded before joining my brother in law as they hurried for the door.

I looked to Applebloom as I hiked her up onto my arm. "You comfortable?" I asked. The filly nodded into my shoulder. "Good... You feeling better from earlier?" Again she nodded. "Good... Dont like seeing you that way... Dont even like it when you hold that kind of information from us... Anything bad happens you just come to us or any adult... We dont like seeing you hurting like that... Okay?" She nodded once more just as Cadence came over to us.

I smiled at the Princess. "There... Both of you are looking better." She said. "Luna and Celestia should be here soon if you wanna wait up." I looked to Applejack and Gilda just as Scootalo hurried away from them going towards the door. "Something the matter Ryder?" I looked back blushing.

"Well... Uh... Not... really but... can I just... have a moment please? I'll come right back." Cadence nodded and took Applebloom from my arms.

I hurried over to Applejack only to have her smile. "Alright perfect timing!" She said. "I know you're a might curious on what's going on but I got the idea to ask about using the honeymoon suite in the castle for a bit for some fun and you can do what ever after with who ever. Neither of us will even bat an eye if you wanna just relax by your lonesome." I smiled a bit sighing.

"Good to know but... Can I just... say something to you two?" Applejack and Gilda looked to each other a bit worried.

Gilda looked back to me. "Sure dweeb but... I hope this isnt anything bad..." She said. "Is it anything bad? Do I need to walk away before some tears come?" I didnt say anything. Not even a nod or a shake of the head.

"Gil... I know you like it when I get rough but... I just feel like you get too much of it at times... Like... i know its something that you wanna help me with but... It's like I'm almost giving you too much attention as opposed to AJ." I looked over to Applejack. "And you... I'm sorry if I'm neglecting our relationship and our own love making by using her as a punching bag for my dick. I dont want you to get hurt like that but... I feel like I'm just too angry too often to even touch you anymore... I even know you'd like foals at one point but... I'm uncomfortable with it being any time soon but... we can talk, have set goals and see what can get done before we decide what we do... I just... I wanna just give you more time with me and not the me that's pissed off beyond knowing what he's doing..."

Gilda and Applejack looked to each other and then looked back at me smiling. "Well... Good to know your thoughts on this sugarcube." AJ said. "But you know I dont mind you doing these things with Gilda. If it helps you it helps. We might be able to work on something and still balance this out just nicely. If we can get Gilda to calm you down on a night I wanna make love... Maybe we can get her in on it just for a little eye candy to keep you sane... maybe help me bend ya over to give you what you need... Might do that tonight or tomorrow night if you want..."

I blushed hard as they both hugged me yet... Gilda wasnt so subtle when she grabbed my crotch. She laughed a bit. "Big boy doesnt need to say any words if he's hiding this from us...." She said. She backed off a little and slapped my face a bit. "Go throw yourself in the snow to cool off lover boy. I think the Princess still wants you back over by her and I dont think she'd wanna see you with a stiffy in the presence of a filly." She looked over at Applejack. "Who I really hope is okay after hearing what she had gone through." Applejack smiled.

"She is but... lets just leave him to is own devices... He'll get himself straightened out for the princesses." She took Gilda's hand as she grabbed her things before I just watched them walking away, swaying their hips they way I LOVE it. Even to tease me I saw Gilda kiss Applejack on the cheek.

After they went inside I just took a moment, started breathing and thought of the worst think I could to get myself to cool down. Granny smith naked. And it works... just... ask Big Mac. Asshole described it to me when he had to help her change clothes at some point. Anywho I walked back to Cadence and got Applebloom from her. "Better now General?" Cadence asked. I nodded. "Good. For the rest of your stay I'll watch your sisters while you go have your fun. Dont be afraid to run a question by me if you need anything okay?"

I nodded getting Applebloom comfortable on my back. "Yes ma'am." I replied. "How long before the Princess' arrive?" She made a little pocket watch appear. Golden one, with the jewel of a heart on it, shining pink still with all the snow and darkness around us.

"Shant be long. Perhaps a little while longer before they arrive by train. Want to walk out there? I'll buy us something warm to drink along the way. Perhaps a warm tea for you General?" I nodded giving a smile. "That's said then. Lets go give the Princess' their welcome party." And just like that we were out into the cold on our own. To cut this short we met Luna and Celestia at the train station after about a half hour and we walked back with them... okay maybe I rode on Celestia's back while Luna stayed with Luna basically both asking how we were, what we've been up to here and how we were enjoying the stay. We got back to the castle soon after, sat down, had a nice meal and then I just went to have a little video game time with Shining, Luna and Big Mac. Scary how good Luna is at our favorite war game. I even had my presets! Yet I still got killed the most. Once or twice was a nuke ending when we couldnt even get a shot off on Luna before we were brained. Though it made me smile when we decided to take a break I saw Applebloom and Rocky sitting together drawing pictures. Dinner had a few snags when I had to talk Shining and Soarin out of having a shot drinking contest. Soarin it was easy to deter because of Scootaloo but Shining? Once Soarin backed out he challenged me and when I declined he challenged Big Mac. At that point I went to Cadence and she just told him if he did he's not welcome in the bed with her. Long story short he's on the couch and he's getting the Big Mac treatment with no coffee, not even on request. Applejack got the girls that night leaving me to snuggle with Gilda a bit with a second Gilda behind me.... Holy shit you should've seen Gilda's face when Rocky turned into her. She was so confused at first but she did like what she saw.... hell so did I. But yeah... weird trip from beginning to end.