You know today was honestly a great day. Got to visit with Babs and she was so happy to see me when she got over to the orchard. We were all working outside. Applebloom and Scootaloo were throwing around a ball near the house playing with Winona. Scootaloo was wearing her wonderbolts shirt she got for her brithday, a pair of jeans and her sneakers, applebloom was wearing her overalls and a teeshirt. I was near the house keeping an eye on them while still doing my side of the work. Applejack and Big Mac were deeper into the orchard having their work there. I was wearing my work pants, a short sleeved shirt and a ball cap from Mama Spitfire. I get a lot of stuff from her even though I say we dont need this stuff.... Guess she really feels bad about giving me up. I had just picked a few apples from the tree above me and put them in the bucket next to me. Applejack taught me how a ripe apple has a certain sheen to it even when its in the morning dew. I huffed looking over to Applebloom and Scootaloo. "Girls! C'mon over and grab yourselves an Apple!" I called out. Applebloom grabbed the ball from Winona and ran over with her sister at her side. So weird to say when referring to Scootaloo and Applebloom.

I watched as the fillies each grabbed a fresh apple and grabbed the spray bottle I had kept on the ground. They each sprayed their apples off before taking bites from them. AJ just gives me the bottle just in case I want a snack while I'm working... though she does stress that I stop to eat. Otherwise she thinks I'm gonna contaminate the batch. Yeah... I'm not saying I would do that stuff. I really dont want to contaminate the batch, end up getting ponies sick. "You picked us some mighty fine Apples Ry!" Applebloom said swallowing her bite. "Juicy as.... Heck just so juicy I cant even compare it to anythin!" I chuckled.

"Yeah... Blame your sister for teaching me these things... Not much of a farmer but... Guess your family can get anyone to farm if taught enough..." I looked to Scootaloo. "Yours good too Scoot?" Scootaloo nodded taking another bite. "Good. Why dont you girls get inside for a bit. Relax a bit in there."

They both nodded and took Winona back into the house. I resumed work for about ten minutes picking apples, putting them in the bucket until it was full. I brought it over to the side of the house where they had a few tables set out. There were already a few buckets done. Four to be exact... two were mine as of when I sat the bucket down. I walked around the back and entered the laundry room and came out right next to Big Mac's room. I went to the kitchen and grabbed a soda. I cracked it open and walked back over to the couch and sat with the girls to watch cartoons. I used to love this cartoon as a kid and I'm surprised they still air. Thee colts, ate candy, played pranks against each other and even the other kids on the block. Favorite one. Didnt watch it for long here because I ended up getting a phone call. I got up and went behind the couch to answer. Saw it was from a private number... To be honest I know I shouldnt answer these but... I like messing with pranksters. I slid the green icon and put the phone up to my ear. "Ryder? You there?" A familiar voice said. I smiled.

"Uncle Orange! Good to hear from ya."

"Good to hear you too but uh... Listen... You and the family at home at all?"

"Yeah why?"

"Well... I'm calling from my chauffeured limo. We're still looking for a place to live and Babs doesnt seem to like staying in the hotel room so I hope it's okay that I get her dropped off there."

"Well... Yeah that's fine. Gotta at least let Applejack know alright?"

"That's fine. We're... About a mile out from the orchard. Think you'd be able to meet us at the entrance? I do not want this limo dirty!"

"Yeah. I'll be there waiting. See you soon."

I hung up without a word more. I looked back to the fillies on the couch. Scootaloo was looking back. "So what did Applebloom's uncle want? Need you to fix something for him?" She asked

"Nope. Babs is coming over. She's gonna be here soon so talk it over who's room she has to share with."

"Well she's gotta stay with Applebloom this time. She was with me last time!"

Applebloom looked over. "But she wet my bed the first time she was there! That's why she went to your room!" The other little filly snapped.

I huffed. "You two dont fight. Now I'm gonna go find AJ, tell her this. I hear anymore about fighting or see any bruises on each other someone's grounded." I said sternly. "I'll be back... try not to kill each other...." I walked out the door back out into the heat, my soda in hand. I looked to my phone and started to form a text to Applejack. 'AJ, done with my work for right now, we have Babs coming and... Surprised your uncle didnt call you first... gonna wait by the gate for her.'

I waited a bit as I walked down the dusty path until my phone pinged. I checked the texts. 'Yeah... strange he contacted you and not me... probably knew it was a work day.' She said. 'Why dont you just take a break for the rest of the day. Spend time with Babs and the girls. Big Mac and I can finish up. Babs is probably bouncin' up and down in her seat waitin' to see you!' I sighed texting back.

'Probably. I hope she's actually doing better this time... You think she's gonna need her diapers again this time?'

'Wouldnt hurt to ask her father when you see em. Dont wanna have a remake of last time....'

'I know. Girls were arguing about Babs needing to stay in one of their rooms this time... nearly got into a fight about it.'

'Yeah... aint her fault she was scared half to death... you were right there with her... Maybe could see if Big Mac would take the couch, let you and Babs take his bed?'

'As long as we're both padded and I dont have to pay for a new mattress for Mac.... Thing has enough piss stains from while I was away!'

'Just get out there and wait before I make you do my section...'

I huffed shaking my head as I started nearing the road. I sat up on the fence and just waited. Took my cap off, wiping the sweat from my brow before resetting my cap on backwards this time. I looked up and down the road, watching cars pass. Saw a few sports cars, some muscle and some work vehicles. Took a few minutes to see the limo coming down the road. It was a pretty standard one. A bit long but it was short enough to be driven easily. Basically think of a fancy four door vehicle no longer than my car just with the seating section of a second welded in place. And... smoothed out a bit. Obviously. It stopped in front of the gate and I got up from the fence walking over. The driver jumped out and went around to the side door and I just stood there waiting as he opened it. Out stepped Uncle Orange in a nice suit. Black wingtip shoes, black suit pants, matching jacket, a little orange pin on the lapel and a sleek tie. His mane was slicked back and he gave a smile. "Morning there Ryder. Didnt think I'd see you dressed like that..." He said. "Thought you'd've been dressed in something more... metal headed beatnick..."

I chuckled. "Style doesnt make the stallion in some cases." I said. "You seem a bit overdressed for this place. What's the occasion?"

"Oh the wife and I are meeting another broker out in Fillydelphia for a penthouse deal. Babs doesnt wanna stay in the hotel or even come with us out there. Apologies if this is just a little inconvenience."

"C'mon you know its not an inconvenience... Always happy to help that filly out when she needs it." I kinda glanced in. "Speaking of Babs is she okay in there?" He sighed stepping aside. I saw better. She was inside laying down dressed in jeans, sneakers looking tired but struggling to stay awake. She had her bag under her head as a pillow.

"Yeah... Had another nightmare last night... refused to go back to bed... thought she was up high again..."

"Alright if I get her?"

"I suppose. Let me get in there, sit her up so you can come around the other side and grab her. She has had a few accidents lately... trying to keep her clothes dry... sometimes a leak, others nothing and the rare deluge...." He looked in at her. "Might need a change soon... You can handle that cant you?" He looked back to me. I nodded. "I know what you're thinkin' Ryder... its strange changing a filly you know barely anything about who isnt even your closest family... Trust me when I say I've had to do that from time to time, thinking this would go wrong somehow, for the kid to say something bad that never happened just because the kid didnt like you."

"Heard about that. Kid was being watched by a babysitter and just because the guy took the ball away from him he had to go straight to his mother, complain a bit about a sore butt, weird tasting drinks and that guy was hauled to jail. Dude cant live it down at all after being proven innocent... Still branded as a predator."

"Yeah... but I trust you... you've played father to your sister since she was orphaned and even changed my niece when needed... Just get her inside, change her into some of her pajamas and put her down for a nap." I nodded and just started going around the car as Uncle Orange got back in. I opened the door and watched as he sat her up and handed me her stuff. I reached in and grabbed her. She just latched onto me nuzzling me happy. "There we go... Just go to sleep and Ryder will protect you...." He looked to me getting back in his position. "I know you're gonna take good care of my baby girl... I'll be calling later to talk to her. You just get in there and relax. Kay?"

"Yes sir. You get on out there. Talk with you soon." He smiled a bit nodding before I closed the door and walked back around as the driver got back in.

I waited a moment just to watch him drive away. I turned and started walking back to the house. She groaned a little. I shushed her. "...B-but daddy I wanna... pet the.... puppy..." She mumbled. I smiled sighing.

"The puppy isnt going anywhere sweetie... you'll be able to pet her after your nap...."

"But.... Nuh naaah....p..."

"Good fillies need naps... you're a good filly right?"

"Am... good... filly...." She tightened her grip on me and sighed a bit. I let out a silent chuckle. As I walked I saw Applejack leaning on the fence just smiling away. I gave her a small yet silent shush. I beckoned her to follow me to the house.

I watched as she hopped the fence and came to my side. She huffed. "Look at that... Adorable!" She whispered. "Aint you happy you saved this little filly?" I gave a nod as we started to approach the door. She quickly unlocked it and went in shushing Applebloom and Scootaloo who were still on the couch watching more cartoons. Applebloom muted the TV as Scootaloo watched me bring Babs upstairs to mine and AJ's room. I had to lie down just to get Babs off me. Once she let go of me I had to pull up quick just to see her sprawl out. I sighed looking to Applejack. "Girl's heavier than our sisters aint she?"

I nodded a bit. "Yeah... My chain is still holding strong... I... I'm still afraid I'm just gonna... lose it... rip someone apart..." I said. I looked to Babs. "...I mean... what would happen if someone broke in and I ripped them apart scarring our sisters....? what if I needed to save them from a kidnapper and just-" She slapped me across the face and grabbed me.

"Ryder... I want you to stop thinkin' like that... unless its absolutely necessary... You're not gonna be ripping anyone apart... You put up a fight with him, use that bat, double team him with Big Mac... Just please... dont draw blood unless its needed and even then no torn body parts!" Just then Babs started whimpering curling up. We both went back to the side of the bed and I rested my hand on Babs chest. She grabbed a hold on my arm holding tight to it. I shushed her as Applejack started stroking her mane.

I saw a tear in her eye. "...R-Ryder... they're back... d-dont let them hurt me..." She said.

I looked to Applejack then back at Babs. "Dont worry... I'm not gonna let them get you...." I said. "Take this! And that! And some of these!"

Applejack couldnt help but warmly smile. "Dont worry girl I gotcha too." She said. "These guys aint got nothin' on your family sugarcube! I got this one if you got the others Ry!" I could tell her dream was becoming better as we fought that imaginary fight. Her grip was loosening more and more, her pained expression slowly vanishing. When she barely had a grip on me I pulled my arm back and started drying her tears. Applejack sighed. "Should probably get her changed... You wanna or should I? Only say because this girl smells like she needs to drink more water..." I huffed.

"I guess I could... Maybe lay down for a nap afterwards..."

"Well... You have put out a good days work... plus you've been working your tail off these past couple weeks... i say you've earned the rest of the day to yourself." I smiled and reached over giving her a kiss on the cheek. I had to go get the diapers and make it a quick change before she decided to leak. She was wearing one of her pull on diapers. Cute and pink with hearts. I think this was another Cadence foal care brand she has. Apparently being a foal sitter for years you learn a lot of things. She was soaked. I had to get her shoes off, her pants off, diaper her after wiping her down, powdering her, rediapering her because I got the tapes backwards, diaper myself just in case she felt self conscious about that. I had to diaper myself on the floor at the foot of the bed just sweating, hoping Babs didnt wake up, crawl to the foot of the bed and see me half naked diapering myself.

After I was done I climbed into bed and lied with her falling asleep. As I slept- as always- I fell into a dreamscape. This one was just a generic field, nothing but grass as far as the eye could see. A shadow passed over me. I looked up to see Princess Luna coming in for a landing. She was wearing sweat pants and a tank top as well as some sneakers. "Hello General. How art thou feeling today?" She asked.

I smiled looking out into the field. "Actually feeling good today. Got Babs here at the orchard. Guess she had a rough night last night." I said. "Fell asleep in my arms on the way back from her fathers limo and I'm in bed with her for a nap.... Guess she's still having bad nightmares."

"Thought I felt a disturbance in her dreams. What say we take a look?" I nodded and she took my hand. We started walking forward and eventually things started to turn burnt, dusty. Buildings sprouted up from the ground around us, some barely making it a few feet in the air before crumbling down. Few weird things here and there like some fires coming from the sprouting buildings. Soon we had a building sprout up from under us. Things formed around us and we were surprisingly stable as this thing shot straight up. As everything settled I could see it was the Penthouse Babs use to live in. Everything was burnt, the elevator was broken and I could hear crying. It was soft crying but we could hear it. Luna looked around and hummed. "So... this is what her home looked like before the bombs went off..." I looked to her confused as we climbed the steps.

"I swear you already were here... Babs told me you were here and scared a colt into confessing something."

"I was but he saw me at the door, confessed and was grounded for months... I didnt come inside even though I was invited. Thought Applejack's uncle needed some time with his daughter. Perhaps I could contact him somehow, make it up to him and sit down for some tea perhaps while the fillies go off and play."

"Sounds good but right now he's off to Fillydelphia for a house out there since this one went down." When we reached the top of the stairs I grabbed Luna's hand feeling my chest tighten a bit.

"Oh? Memories rushing back?" I nodded. "Breathe general... Deep breaths..." She looked into the broken hallway. Few doors had rubble in front of them. "Babs? Babs sweetie come on out! It's only me and Ryder! We're only here to help!"

"C'mon Babs its okay! Bad ponies are gone now!" I looked around. Even to where her room was. Door was opened a crack. I broke away from Luna and approached the door carefully opening it. Inside I saw Babs on her bed looking a little worse for wear. She was bruised on her arms, her clothes were dirty and torn, a leg of her jeans was burnt and her mane was a mess with tears running down her cheeks.

Babs got up from the bed and rushed me jumping into my arms hugging me. "...I wanna go home... I'm scared..." She said. I shushed her.

"Dont worry Babs... I gotcha.... your dad is going to find you a new home soon...."

"BUT I DONT WANT A NEW HOME! I WANT MY HOME!"

Luna huffed as she entered. "Babs dont yell please..." She said joining in on our little hug. "Your father means well and he's trying all he can to get you that new home... Even if your old home could be rebuilt you'd still be scared like this..."

"...I-I'm fine... I swear...."

"Really now? So if I were to say... Change the scenery to a cliff overlooking a river or a cloud above the Rainbow Falls in cloudsdale you'd be fine?" She gave a hesitant nod looking to Luna. I pried her off and set her at my side taking her hand. We watched as everything changed around us. I saw the form of the Falls start to come together and a cloud formed under us and we shot up in the air. Babs just clung to me and screamed her head off.

"DOWNDOWNDOWN I WANNA GO DOWN TOO HIGH PLEASE LET ME DOWN!" We stopped and the cloud went back down to the ground as the filly started crying. I grabbed onto her and hugged her tight. As we landed on the ground Luna sighed.

"Sorry I had to do that Babs but you really shouldnt lie to a princess... especially one who just wants to help you...."

I huffed feeling a warm spot on my leg. "Welp... that made her piss herself...." I said as a stain was forming on my pants like I was pissing myself. "Babs you're okay... Gotcha down from there..."

Luna sighed drying our clothes up. Babs just looked up at me. "I... I just wanna go home...." She said.

"But where is home for you? Hotel right now right?" She nodded. "...Still too high up for you?" She nodded again. "...Alright... what if I could talk to your dad? See if you cant get a place closer to the ground? Maybe closer to your friends?"

"...P... please...?"

"I will... I dont like seeing you cry or having to be diapered up... fillies like you dont need this every day... Can I tell you something Babs?" She nodded. I pried her off and sat on a nearby rock. "Not long before we were involved in your home being destroyed I was involved in a plane crash.... nearly died because of it.... it honestly scared to the point where I couldnt teach Scootaloo how to fly.... Could barely get myself a few feet off the ground without screaming or sometimes having an accident... Even embarrassed myself in front of Princess Luna here and got yelled at by her sister after I met A.K. Yearling- really nice mare by the by- but... I've got someone that helped me through my fear of heights... someone who I trusted with helping me get over my fear.... only because they helped me face it.... If you trust me... can I take you somewhere to help with your fears?"

"Wh-where is it....?"

"If you can be a big girl about it I can tell you... just know that it's gonna be up a bit high... I can bring Scootaloo and Applebloom with us if you want..."

"Can Princess Luna come with us too...?"

Luna huffed sitting with me. "I would but I cant... I can still do my job while I'm asleep... Right now I'm in bed..." She said. "I know of who he's talking about though.... Though... perhaps I could wake up for long enough to talk with my sister... see if we can have something arranged..."

I sighed. "Princess you just sleep. I'll talk with her.... I think I know what you're talking about here." I said. "...Probably a good time to wake us up to get changed."

"That's a good idea. Dont wanna wake up with a rash again do we General?" I blushed as Babs gave a little snicker. I shook my head rustling the mane of Babs. "Alright. Get up, get cleaned. Speak with you soon?" I nodded. She used her magic and made Babs wake up first. Filly just faded away. That's when Luna picked me up, kissed me on the cheek and sighed. "Look at you... being a good friend for such a scared filly... I hope her father understands what she's going through and doesnt disregard it..."

"I'll see to it he understands. He just has to for his little girl... Now uh... change time?" Luna nodded and used her magic to wake me up. Everything faded and all I saw was darkness. Though I did hear something. Heard the sound of muffled talking. The air felt heavy and warm. I opened my eyes and found myself in the bed alone. Someone closed the curtains but it was still bright out. I grabbed my phone and looked at the time. Just was out for a few hours.

I got up and changed out of my soiled and sweaty wears and into some dry new clothes. This time I wore a pair of dark jean shorts and a black teeshirt. I opened the door and walked out to hear Applejack's sweet voice coming from downstairs. "And you're sure you're gonna be okay going without diapers today Babs?" I heard her ask. "Didnt seem to be the driest filly around..."

I heard a few snickers as Babs huffed. "I dont need em after that!" She said. "It was one accident! I dont need them!"

I sighed as I started down the stairs seeing the three fillies on the couch and Applejack in the kitchen sipping on cider. "After the little nightmare you had I think it might be a good idea for you to be padded Babs..." I said. "Saves your pants, my seats and probably more embarrassment. Gonna make a few calls if you dont mind."

I started to walk outside and I heard Applejack huff. "Sugarcube wait!" She said. I just continued outside leaving the door open a bit knowing she'd just follow. As I stepped closer to the edge of the trees I heard Applejack close the door. "Dammit Ryder what's going on! Why're you demanding she still wear her diapers?" I looked back at Applejack as I pulled my phone out.

"Look I wanna help her get over her fear of heights... Not to mention see if I cant get her dad to get closer to the ground... maybe closer to us?"

"Look you saw it first hand before the attack! He's as stubborn as a mule even with your trust. I tried to suggest him that he didnt have the authority to take over the farm because momma and daddy died... Kept telling me he needed to take it over, didnt think about leaving it for us... I only convinced him when granny started yellin' at him, told Big Mac to toss him off the property and told me to make sure he didnt come back... I gave him a good kick in the ass and just told him he aint welcome here... Probably why he had you meet him at the gate..." I leaned against a tree and she sat on a fence bar. "He's happy to see us, to see we aint like how your uncle and aunt were with your parents before they were killed... Just acts like he'd be treading on hallowed ground... Aint wrong when my parents are buried near a tree out there... Was a bit hard to find a spot for em but... they're buried just north here... in about a half hour where our farm meets my grandpappy's old farm... they pretty much brought the apples together... without them... neither of us would be here today... To him? He doesnt wanna anger mama or daddy... stepping on the grounds they birthed with their own two hands, ones my daddy built that house with, ones that my mama basically planted the seeds that grew these trees and picked them apples for..." I got off the tree and approached my wife as she teared up. "...I just dont think he's gonna listen... not to you... not to me... He's just scared of being too infatuated with this place... scared to be involved with us, hurting my mama and daddy in the after life by taking this place for himself...."

"He cares about his daughter a lot, if he says anything about this place then I'll assure him if he came and talked it'd be fine. Being close to here might put him at ease..."

"...Okay but... I'll give you that chance... Convince him the best you can... but know when to cut your losses..." I hugged her.

"You wanna go visit them...? Maybe give em a prayer to give us strength?" She nodded and I got her up off the fence and put her on my shoulders. Even gave her my phone. "Here. Text Big Mac, maybe Scootaloo, tell em we'll be back." I could feel her nod. Heard her sniffle a bit. "It's okay... they mean a lot to you... Dont you wanna see your little cousin happy? To see she isnt gonna have to be scared of heights or being away from a safe place? Think... I can see about suggesting them a good spot to put a home on. Something big enough for them to feel good but somewhere they can feel safe. Short enough distance for Babs to come visit, you to see your uncle... Maybe enough to make a bond stronger."

"...I... I guess so... I just... what if my uncle just has buying out the farm on his mind the whole time he's out here...? It's gonna kill me if he tries to take away his brothers farm... Daddy never wanted to be rich... just be happy working the farm.... Earnin' it more than having it..."

"I get it... Just breathe... direct me okay?" She nodded and just told me to head up from the back door of the house. After a while we did manage to come to the end of the orchard... To be honest I've never been up this far in the orchard. Mac usually handles this end. Saw a fence blocking with a few trees from the other orchard- a pear orchard- on this side of the fence and apple trees on the other. Right in front of us? A few trees twisting around each other. One was a pear tree, the other an apple. The branches intertwined with each other and just the sight could nearly make it seem it was just one big tree. There was a plaque on the tree. I set Applejack down and knelt down to read it. "...Here lies Pear Butter and Bright Mac- lovers from a feud that ended in something beautiful. May they rest in peace..." I looked up at Applejack. She was just looking on the grave with tears still in her eyes. I stood up and took her hand.

"Mama... Daddy... it's... it's your hard workin' apple bite... I hope you can hear me... my husband is tryin' to get Uncle Orange to not be stubborn as heck.... Y'all know how he is... We need him to understand the care we have for him... for your niece... even for us... we... we need your strength to back us to get the message across to him..."

"If not falling on your ears dear inlaws... let word flow through the mother of the heavens unto your ears... we ask for strength in this time of need... strength to give out words of care and safety... Help us please... In your name we pray..." And like that we felt something... hands on our shoulders yet nobody was there. Yet we knew they were there. Felt a chill on my spine but it barely made me shiver. We just looked to each other and understood they were there. We hugged each other and just walked over to a nearby tree to cuddle a bit. Applejack gave a sigh.

"To be honest... that felt nice... guess they heard us..." She patted my leg. "Why dont you get that phone out and do those calls... I'm gonna... I'm gonna need a moment to pay my respects while I'm here...." I nodded and watched as she got up and walked back over to the tree giving it a hug.

I pulled out my phone and started going through my contacts. I came up on Mama Spitfire's contact first. I sighed hitting the call button and putting it on speaker. I was hearing the buzzing before a click moments after. "Ryyyyder? Is that my little baby boy calling?" I heard my mother say.

I blushed a bit giving a huff. "You're lucky AJ's not listening..." I said.

"What's going on Ryder? Need a little time with mommy?"

"Yeah but... I actually have a favor to ask... its... its a little thing like what Soarin did with me... But with a filly I saved...." She gave a little aw.

"You saved a filly? Are you able to talk about that?"

"Are.... are you sure you wanna hear about it?"

"Is it that bad?"

"Kinda... but... Its what caused her to be afraid of heights... gets too scared... has an accident..."

"She sounds like mama's baby boy... She a little toughy as well?"

"Mooooom!" I blushed more hiding my face from Applejack who still wasnt even paying attention. Mama Spitfire gave a laugh and sighed.

"Sorry Ryry... it's just I havent seen you for a while and I kinda miss you.... I've been actually worried since the wedding..."

"Well I'm fine ma... But... This filly... I wanna get her on something to show her heights arent scary... sos long as she's careful..."

"How badly scared is she? I mean... other than the accidents?"

"Screaming, crying... the usual... even clinging to who evers around for comfort... She had a nightmare and clung to me tight during a nap earlier."

"Huh... that is something... Pegasus?"

"Earth pony. Just about Scootaloo's age. Little older."

"Ah... This isnt gonna be easy... We have a net to catch some of the pegasus foals being taught flying and the safety of it... Might be good to just hold her up there but get her padded... Dont want any accidents like your sisters last time she was here..."

"I'm trying to get her padded for the ride up here... It's... kinda understood why right?"

"Yeah... Coming up here when afraid of heights isnt gonna be good for anyone...."

"Um... Maybe something else? Something that I could pay out of pocket for?" She sighed.

"Yes Ryder I'll have a flight suit ready for you when you get here. Soarin kept telling me to get something special for you and even I thought about it. This is gonna cost you about fifty bits... Lowest I can go because we keep giving you and your sister stuff...."

"I know you do it out of love... The others should understand right?"

"They do but... I just... is it too much just to say sorry for abandoning you?"

"A bit... its appreciated though... just to know you still love me after all these years..."

"...Never stopped thinking about you since I joined the Wonderbolts... Love you my little soldier boy..."

"Love you too Ma... See you soon."

"See you soon. Oh and Ryder?"

"Yeah ma?"

I heard a laugh from... Soarin. "YOU'RE ON SPEAKER DUDE!" He called out. He laughed more with a few other stallions... probably Thunderlane and a recruit. That was just before mom hung up. I blushed hard and got up.

Applejack looked to me as I walked over. "'s wrong? Mama got her baby boy all embarrassed?" She asked. I nodded. "And she's okay with bringing Babs up there?" I nodded again. "Good there... Gonna be alright driving up there yourself?"

I sighed. "Yeah but... I just want this to be something I can help her with... Babs is a great girl... I... I just..." I said kinda choking up.

"You got that bond with her of being a survivor of a tragedy... She's gonna take your hand and just hold on tight when we go up there... I can drive if you wanna make her feel comfortable on the ride up."

"Sure... That sounds alright... Do you... do you think you can just go ask her to diaper up please? Maybe see if one of the girls will too?"

"Sure..." She replied smiling. "Y'all gonna be good to take a breather here if I go back to the house?"

"Yeah... I got another call I need to make..."

"Alright just dont take too long. I'm actually gonna call my uncle, tell him you had some business up in Cloudsdale and you gotta take Babs. If he dont believe that I'll tell him it's something with the Wonderbolts. He still doubts it? Send him a picture of you and your mother."

"Might do that anyways... Just get going please. This one's kind of a surprise."

"Hope its a good one sugarcube." I smiled and just watched as she ran off. I looked to my phone again and immediately went to my contacts and down to Princess Celestia's contact info.

As I called her I flew up and sat on a cloud overlooking the divide between Apple farm and Pear farm. I listened to the buzzing of my phone before I heard a click. "Ah General. Just who I wanted to talk to!" She said. "Listen I need you to come to the castle later. I need you to fix a few things on my personal transport. The doors refuse to lock even when pressing the buttons, I may have spilled a drink on something and broke the window. Doesnt roll up, doesnt roll down and it came off the track. Guess it needs a little bit of a tune up too... Are you able to do that?"

I gave a huff. "I'll do it but I need to ask a favor in return." I said.

"Sure. Anything. Just need it fixed before I go out again. I can give you an updated list on a few other cars we need fixed after you're done!"

"Fine but this is a favor i need... and its one where you can see your favorite filly?"

"Ryder that is no favor! Seeing Scootaloo is a treat! If you're asking for a sleep over for her and her friends its done! Oooh this is gonna be very good!"

"Good... I'm bringing along Applebloom and Babs since she's here. I could ask if Sweetie Belle could come but I'm not sure..."

"The more the merrier Ryder. Bring Rarity as well!"

"Sounds good just... hold work until tomorrow maybe? I'm making a stop first at the WBTF with the girls for something... Maybe if things dont work out there we can arrange something there if possible... Like... how you assured Scootaloo heights arent scary?"

"Helicopter ride for... Babs right?"

"Yeah... Guessing Luna told you she was still afraid of heights?"

"Woke up, called me, told me, fell back asleep during the call."

"And I told her not to do that... But... yeah... I'm just... I'm worried for her.... Afraid that he dad is gonna get a penthouse again and scare her into becoming incontinent.... Be made fun of as the filly who wets herself when she's up high... Even be unable to sleep because she's so scared... I had to bring her inside the house on my arm as she clung to me still sleeping and I had to nap with her just to keep her calm! I'm happy to keep her calm but... I know I cant be there for the rest of her life..."

"Ryder... You better not be saying what i think you're saying... or thinking for that matter..."

"I'm not saying or thinking anything there Princess... Just like you learn things in Luna's absence... Scootaloo is gonna learn stuff while I'm away and same with Babs... But not only am I gonna help her with her fear of heights I'm gonna convince her father to get a place closer to the ground... closer to Ponyville to see her friends, family... be in a safer area than a big city..." Celestia sighed.

"Some cities have a bad reputation... Where are they going?"

"Her father is in Fillydelphia right now trying get a deal on a home there."

"Ah... This is one I stress for the safety of a filly... That ring you discovered with kidnapped fillies was there. Still are others out there and that's where more kidnappings happen than anywhere in Equestria. For Ikkebuckero there's a lot of gang activity, Manehattan has robberies and Canterlot has breakins."

"Exactly why I wanna get Babs out here. To keep her away from the freaks that fuck little fillies..."

"Alright... if you need help with that just dont hesitate to let me know."

"If it comes to that... I will..."

"Get to what you need General. I'll see you later." She hung up and I just stared at everything beyond the farms. I turned around towards the apple farm and started flying towards the house shoving my phone in my pocket. I flew through a few clouds just because I felt like it. Got my clothes a little wet but these were alright. Not much to completely soak me but just enough to get my clothes damp. Kinda like... Like dew on my car. You noticed it, you just dont care that its there. I landed outside the house after about ten minutes. Kinda easier when you arent carrying your crying wife... even when after you destroyed all these cars and what not and had a princess put extra enchantments on your already enchanted chain. And weaving in and out of trees.... and... trying to focus while trying to comfort your crying wife... and trying to keep an eye out for dog shit... Winona just loves to shit out where nobody ever is...

I landed just outside the house and started inside. As I went in I saw Big Mac in the kitchen washing some dishes. He looked to me as I leaned on the counter. "Seems like AJ was excited for something." He said. "What'd you end up doing?"

I huffed. "Maybe I got a chance to do something good for this family." I said. "Good break time and maybe its a good time to take a drive somewhere important."

"You aint going out with Applejack on a date are you?"

"That can come later but no." I got closer to him. "Me, AJ and the girls are heading up to Cloudsdale to visit my mom then to Canterlot for a sleep over. Cloudsdale mostly for Babs sake because... do you wanna see her scared of heights if she has to go climbing or something?"

"Hard seeing you scared of flying, even harder to see family afraid of these silly things like them spiders you're afraid of!"

"Hey you know those things are eight legged demons that need to die!"

"Even them little ones that crawl up your walls and you waking up to em...." I shivered a bit feeling my feathers frizz up.

"Would you stop that! I hate those things! I'm glad there arent any in the skies otherwise I'd be leaving yellow clouds!" He chuckled.

"Heh... better start wearing diapers before you start flying in the end of winter this year. Fluttershy predicts the balloon spiders fly over Ponyville in the wind... better keep your windows closed and your car covered... maybe hope they dont come around a work day." I shivered more just twitching around a bit.

"What the fuck dude?! Are you trying to scare me into pissing myself while flying?!" He chuckled.

"Maybe... Just try and face your fears if you're trying to make her face her fears." I looked around and listened. Only heard Applejack murmuring upstairs before looking back at Big Mac.

"You're lucky she's upstairs. For all she knows we're just going out somewhere far off."

"This girl's probably gonna piss her pants when you're trying to do that. At least show her you can conquer your fear of spiders. Use it as something to show her she's as strong as you are for standing up to what you're afraid of."

"...Look... I've got a few things before that... that is absolutely the last thing I should do... But know you're welcome to come with us. Either that or you can go to Fluttershy's because we may have to take two vehicles and I know we dont wanna do that..."

"Alright. Might pack up and see Flutters. Needs some company over there. Good to take Winona over there too so she can play with the other dogs Shy's got."

"Well... I'd say get packing because we might need to leave quickly." He nodded and shut the water off as I left the kitchen. He ducked into his room as I was going upstairs and stopped at my door. I knocked hearing Applejack inside. "AJ? Safe to come in?"

I heard a little rustling inside. "Not yet. Girls are being a bit stubborn!" She said.

"C'mon girls just do it. Nobody wants to be in trouble do they?" I heard some grumbling and sighs.

"Heh... that got em... Just give me a sec and let me help em. I'll call for ya when they're ready."

And to be honest they were ready fast. Had everyone pack a bag, use the bathroom- yes despite the diapers each filly is wearing... Y'know just for support for Babs- and even think of what everyone wants to eat at McHoovians. Yeah we made a quick stop before running up there. Took an hour to drive out there. AJ told me that her uncle was okay with taking Babs up to Cloudsdale. As we drove I heard Babs sigh. "We almost there? I'm getting bored." She said.

I glanced in the rear view and smiled as we got off the freeway. "Nearly there. You excited at all?" I asked.

"Where are we going?" I looked to Applejack.

"Should we tell her?"

Applejack sighed. "I suppose so. No use in hiding it now that we're this far out!" She said. I looked back in the mirror.

"Well... I pulled a few strings and we're taking everypony to see the Wonderbolts at their training facility. After that we get to have a sleep over with Princess Celestia!"

Every filly in the back had a look of surprise, Babs' being the happiest. "Y-You mean I'm gonna MEET The Wonderbolts?!" She asked.

"Yeah! You're gonna meet Soarin', Thunderlane, even Mama Spitfire! You're gonna love em!" I saw the look in Babs eyes turn from surprised to confused.

"Wait... 'Mama' Spitfire? I thought you and Scootaloo didnt have parents..."

"Well... I went to Las Pegasus with Spitfire not too long ago and I guess she got results of a blood test and it was revealed I was her son... She came back with me and adopted Scootaloo... It still kinda feels weird to this day calling her my mother... OUR Mother..."

Scootaloo chuckled a bit. "It's funny when I told the other kids at school that I have Spitfire as a mom they didnt believe me until she came with Ryder to pick me up! Should've seen their faces!" She said.

Babs looked to Scootaloo. "I am SO jealous.... You're a lucky filly for having a mom that awesome!" She said. "But... Arent we gonna be up high...? They're... in Cloudsdale right?"

I sighed hearing her voice weaken a bit. "Yeah but dont worry. Your feet will still be on something solid. Just breathe Babs... You'll be okay..." I said. "If you want, I can stop the car, swap places with AJ and I can hold your hand when we go up there. That good or you gonna be good?"

"P-Please...?" I gave a nod and pulled over to the side of the road. Me and AJ got out and walked around to the other side. I had to get Applebloom to sit in front while I climbed in and took Babs' hand. When the doors were all closed and we were all in our spots Babs leaned on me as we started off again. She looked up at me worried. "Y... You arent... g-gonna let me fall are you...?"

"No I'm not... Nobody there is gonna let you fall.... Just gotta be a big girl okay...?" She nodded. "Good... Just breathe... We're gonna be okay... You're gonna be okay..." Applejack turned the radio up as Babs hugged me. Was a ballad from Gems. Great one too. The rest of the drive was maybe about ten minutes. We climbed the hill to the WBTF. Babs just clung to me tightly and with her head in my chest. I shushed her as Scootaloo rested a hand on her back. As we entered the training facility we saw Soarin and Spitfire waiting for us near the parking lot. We parked and got out. Scootaloo ran right up to Spitfire hugging her. Spitfire was wearing her Jumpsuit with her goggles on her head. Soarin was wearing jeans and a gems teeshirt as well as combat boots. I got out with Babs in my arms who was just shuttering. Couldnt tell if she was scared or nervous until we got up to the duo. She dug her face into my shoulder. Nervous. "Ma, Soarin, I'd like you to meet Babs. She's kinda a little shy here."

Both Mama Spitfire and Soarin gave a caring aw. "Well hey there Babs... No need to be scared here, we dont bite!" He said. I gave her a little nudge.

"Babs. C'mon say hi!" She hesitantly brought her head off my shoulder and looked to Soarin. She had tears in her eyes. Soarin approached and lowered himself to her eye line.

"Hey hey... no tears... everything's okay here... You're alright...." He wiped her tears away and grabbed her from my arms. I gotta say it hurt having her go from me to him. But the way she hugged him was cute. I couldnt help but give a chuckle seeing her nuzzle up to him.

Mama Spitfire came over to me as Applejack, Scootaloo and Applebloom joined Babs and Soarin. I smiled as she hugged me. "My little boy doing good helping such cute little fillies!" She said. "But can we please at least sit and talk about what happened? Soarin heard that part in our call earlier and he's gotten me curious."

I huffed. "Ma... its..." I said looking away.

"It cant be that bad! Cant you just tell mommy what's wrong? We can go somewhere more private if its not intended for the ears of fillies." I looked back to Mama Spitfire.

"Well... It's not that but... I just dont feel comfortable talking about it..."

"Oh come now... You know it would help to talk! Are you sure you dont want to sit down and talk? Maybe over a drink to make you feel better?" I shrugged my mother off and backed away.

"I said I dont want to talk about it! Now lets just get somewhere we can just relax! It's been a long drive." I turned around and started following everyone into the office. Mom trailed a bit behind. We walked from the office in the back towards the tarmac and the mess hall and barracks. As we entered in to the mess hall everyone broke off from one another, Scootaloo, Applebloom and Applejack went off towards a few tables, Soarin still had Babs and I didnt know where mom went. I walked over to Soarin and Babs. I looked to Soarin. "Dude? Mind if I have a word with you please?"

Soarin gave me a smile and looked to Babs setting her down. "You run on back with your friends." He said. "Just gotta take care of something first before we go out and do something okay?" Babs nodded and hugged him happily before swapping to me hugging my legs tight before running off towards AJ and the girls. He looked back to me. "What's going on dude?" I didnt answer. Just beckoned him more towards the kitchen area. He followed kinda worried... he knew what went on here... I knew too but I didnt pay any mind to it. It's the past. Learn from mistakes. I sat up on a table in between prep stations. He sat next to me. "Okay... something is definitely wrong... You only wanna talk alone when something is wrong..." I huffed.

"My mother is prying into what happened with me and the filly... I really dont want to talk about it... why cant she understand that?"

"Mothers dude. I remember when my mom found a package I ordered. She asked what was in it, never told her, didnt want her to know what I got because it was her birthday present. Yours? I know what you went through... it was traumatic.... caused some survivors guilt... You dont want to talk about it, afraid it would spark something deep inside you that you didnt want to ignite..." I sighed.

"....Yeah... yet... I dont think she understands... Even knows why I brought Babs here... she went through the same thing I did... yet... shes going through it differently.... Saw everything differently..." I got up and peeked around the corner from where we were. Saw out to where Babs was talking with everyone. "She's a little filly... like my sister... they both went through something traumatic... my sister saw our parents after they were murdered... she was afraid to be alone... Babs? She doesnt like getting high up because of what happened in Manehattan..." I looked back at Soarin. "One reason why you had to come back for me even..." Soarin rested a hand on my shoulder.

"Got us behind you dude... Its not the best to keep that stuff in but... with your mom? She'd freak out badly hearing you were in that..."

"Exactly why I wanna keep it that way... Knowing how my wife was when I told her I wanna be in the guard.... she's probably gonna be ten times worse since I'm her son.... She lost me once by giving me up but having her know I nearly died? She's gonna just yell at me, plead with me to bail out of the guard...."

"Heck... My mom didnt even want me in the guard or even in the Wonderbolts... She was scared I'd get hurt so its understandable. But she knows I can take care of myself. Your mom? She hasnt seen you since she gave birth to you. Didnt think you'd be anywhere near her... Lucky you were in the right spot at the right time.... She wants you to be safe, she wants you to stay tough and just keep being her little boy..." I sighed.

"Yeah..." I looked to him. "You wanna get some water for the girls, maybe a harness or two? Gotta get two of em off the ground somehow. That is if one of em will at least try..." He gave a nod and we walked back out into the sitting area. He broke off and went towards the door as I went to the girls at the table. Applejack was on one end with Scootaloo in the middle of her and Babs with Applebloom on an adjacent table. "Alright everypony. We got a little thing going here. I had a talk with Soarin and he's gonna set up a little course for some of us but... I kinda have to admit something..." I looked to Babs and sat down at the end of the table right across from her. "Babs... You trust me right?"

Babs looked to Applejack confused. AJ shrugged before Babs looked back at me. "Yeah... Why?" She asked. I huffed.

"Well... Please dont hate me for this Babs but... I talked with my mom and I... I wanna help you overcome your fear of heights..." I could see in her eyes that she didnt like that.

"B-But... I-I'm good on the ground! Cant be afraid of high places if I'm on the ground!"

"Babs... I'm only wanting to do this just in case I cant talk your dad out of getting some place to build closer to Ponyville... I want you to be happy where you are... Not afraid of how high you are... Just please... trust me..."

Babs kinda whimpered a bit grabbing her arms holding herself. Applejack sighed. "Ryder might be able to talk the armor off a guard but you know your father can be a bit stubborn." My wife said. "He wont go too high... If it's too high just tell him to go down. You at least got to go up a bit without screaming... Or crying... Make Ryder happy he brought you up here for at least trying..."

Babs averted her gaze and thought for a moment. I could tell it was deep thought. I reached my hand out, just offering some comfort in all of this. She looked to it, the thought still deep into her mind. She hesitantly brought her hand from her arm reaching out. She grabbed my hand and looked to me. "Okay but... you... you wont let me fall will you?" She asked.

I sighed giving a smile. "No I wont Babs... You arent gonna fall and if you do I'll be there to catch you!" I said. "Now c'mon. We gotta get ready here." I let go of her hand and got up meeting her on the other side as she got up. I picked her up and put her on my back gripping her with my wings.

As we left I just kinda got that rush in me like I was doing something right. I set the filly back down outside and grabbed her hand and we just walked together. But that's when I started thinking.... putting scenarios together... You know it's bad when I do that right? What's worse is we passed the spot where I fainted after Scootaloo nearly fell of the cloud. I saw that plain as day in front of me. I just took a deep breath and tried calming myself. Just looked to Babs as we walked. Calmed me more seeing her smile albeit nervous. "Ryder wait up!" I hear someone call out. I looked back and saw Scootaloo racing towards us with Applebloom at her heels. I saw Applejack just walking leisurely behind them. "Ryder! Can we fly with you guys too?" I sighed.

"Yeah. I'll talk to Soarin, see if we can get you two in the air... Maybe you should go find Mama Spitfire, see if she'll come along." Scootaloo nodded just fluttering her wings before just zooming off! Faltered a bit but she's doing better with her flying. Applejack just smiled as she watched Scootaloo buzz right past her and head towards the buildings we just came from.

Applejack, Applebloom, Babs and I kept walking until we found Soarin and Thunderlane setting up a small course to fly through at the end of the tarmac with a safety net below. Thunderlane was wearing a wonderbolts jump suit as well. Soarin flew down to us after he set up a cloud ring. He landed and Babs just clutched me tight. "Alright almost ready with the steady flight course." He said. "You all ready here?"

"Just about. Scoot's getting our mother. See if she wants to fly around with us... Nooot to mention a few jealous fillies who also wanna fly around too." I glanced at Applebloom who was just hiding behind Applejack. She does know she has no reason to be nervous... Anyways Soarin smiled.

"Lucky for you I accounted for that. One more harness and a safety net just in case someone doesnt stay in the air." Babs whimpered a bit. He looked to Babs and knelt down. "Dont worry. This should only be for Scootaloo just in case. You'll be tied tight with Ryder so you dont have anything to worry about. Just breathe, you'll be fine...." He stood back up and looked at me. "Lets get you all prepped and in the air." He took Babs hand and started leading us to a nearby shed. This had a lot of random equipment including the harnesses for us. Other things they had were flags, a few balls to throw around in the air for trust exercises and a few first aid kits completely stocked with medical supplies. Just in case of any injuries. He got me fitted with my harness. Went around my chest, over my shoulders and around my crotch and waist. Somewhat similar to Babs except I had the clips on that helped fasten the other harness- Babs' harness- to mine.

As we left the small shed we saw Mama Spitfire and Scootaloo walking over in the distance. Thunderlane was talking with Applejack and Applebloom. At this moment I had Babs strapped to my chest. I was hugging her kinda. She just held my arms against her. As we walked up Applejack smiled as Thunderlane and Applebloom went over to Soarin who whistled. "Look at you two! That is so adorable!" Applejack said. "Ry you look like you're carrying a little baby! Sorry Babs but... Can I just say how proud I am of you being a big girl about this?" I looked down at Babs. She was covering her face embarrassed.

I kinda gave a chuckle. "Yeah Babs.... You are being a big girl about this..." I said.

"Yeah... your daddy's gonna be real proud of you for doing this." Applejack hugged us both, kissing her cousin on the forehead. It was kinda cute. We had to wait for a bit just to get into the air. Applebloom and Thunderlane went up flawlessly. Applebloom didnt even make any noise. Scootaloo and Spitfire flew up and it was cute just seeing her fly around with her new mother... glad she agreed to adopt her... But when it was our turn we had a little issue...

I tried flying up a bit but Babs just grabbed my hand and gripped it tight. This wasnt the 'I trust you to keep me safe' tight. It was the 'holy shit stop this now' tight. I shushed her and held her close as I started flapping my wings. She whimpered a bit as we flew over the ground about a few feet. I shushed her and slowly started going higher. She was breathing like she was supposed to to keep herself calm but it was starting to get irregular. I started flying into the course along side Soarin who was just overseeing things, keeping the fillies content. He flew off ahead of me to where Thunderlane and Applebloom were. Babs whimpered a bit and looked up at me. "R-Ryder! Can we get down now? I... I cant do this!" She said.

I huffed glancing down at her. "Babs just at least hold on a few more minutes please?" I asked. "You're gonna be fine! Just breathe."

"...I... I cant! I... This isnt funny! Please let me down!"

"Babs come on just breathe! Do you feel like you're gonna have an accident? Just go if you need to! I wont be mad it's fine!"

"No no no no no no! DOWN! NOW PLEASE!" That's when she started struggling. Hitting me, throwing her head into me, screaming and thrashing. That's when I had to come down. As I came down she just started bawling badly. I landed on the ground and Applejack rushed over as I sat down. She helped me unlatch Babs from me and the filly went right into her arms.

I just sat there watching as Babs held Applejack tight as she tried to console her. I kinda felt bad for Babs... For even going higher and scaring her like that... Applejack shushed the filly in her arms. "There there... I gotcha now... You're okay...." She said. Babs sniffled.

"...P-Please... Dont do that again! That was... was scary!" I kinda hung my head as she came over with the crying filly in her arms.

"Here.... Go on to Ryder..." I hesitantly reached out for her... It... it really hurt when she just clung back to AJ.

"...N-No... He... He's mean... he... he scared me... didnt wanna let me down..."

No joke... that made me tear up a bit. "Babs... I... I'm sorry... I'm just..." I said hesitating. "...Please... forgive me.... I should've listened!" Babs cried into Applejack's shoulder more.

My wife gave a sigh. "...Babs sweetie you're making Ryder cry... He did this for you to help you get rid of your fear..." She said. "...Cant you at least be nice to him for at least trying?" Babs kinda looked up, her face red and tears just streaming from her eyes.

Babs sniffled a bit looking to me. "...Y-You arent... you arent gonna take me back up there.... are you?" She asked. I shook my head. "W-Well... Okay... I... I forgive you..." Applejack put her down and she came right back over to me hugging me again.... Though that hug didnt last long... She gagged a few times and spewed all over me... Applejack and I had to choke back what we felt coming up and she had to flag down Soarin to help us.

As he landed he looked a bit grossed out. "Aw man not another one!" He said pulling the sniffling sick filly away and helping me up. You dont even wanna know what she ate... or how warm it felt... "Motion sickness caused by a few turns too sharp... Doesnt look the case here but... close enough I guess...." He loosened the harness a bit and helped me out of it. He looked to Applejack throwing the harness aside. "You wanna take her to get her changed? Think she leaked a bit when she puked...." I looked to Babs. Sure enough she had a wet spot right on her thigh. Accident times two. Applejack nodded and took Babs hand and started walking with her back to the office. Soarin looked to me. "You need to change out of these clothes and into some new ones... Got any?"

I nodded. "Yeah but... I talked with my mom earlier and she said I could buy a jumpsuit from you guys. I'll even pay full price for it to make up for some of the other things I got from you guys." I said. He nodded and walked with me back to the barracks.

Probably about twenty minutes later after a quick strip and shower I was clothed back up. Soarin gave me a pair of basketball shorts and a tank top i could wear under the jumpsuit so it wouldnt chafe. Black shorts and tank, tight fitting blue and yellow jumpsuit with a set of goggles and mask. The suit and mask were made from a tough material. Fabric like but stretchy and tough. Stretchy because... well... gotta get it on somehow. Tough just in case of crashes or you clip something. Even has built in boots. Anyways I had my mane slicked back and tied down. I walked out into the bunk area and saw Soarin with Applejack and Babs, Babs dressed into some Wonderbolt pajamas with the brim of a fresh diaper poking up over the waist of the pants. Filly looked tired as she shivered a bit in Applejack's arms, looking as if she were refusing sleep. I walked over and knelt down. "Y'see? There he is... right as rain..." Applejack said looking to Babs. They both looked to me but Babs just cuddled up to AJ getting all comfortable. "Poor thing's scared... She thought you were mad when she got sick on ya...."

I gave a hefty sigh and patted Babs on her back. "It's okay... I'm not mad... not the first time I've gotten sick on here..." I said. "You gonna be okay?" The filly in my arms nodded hesitantly. "Alright... I'm not sure if youre gonna be up for another round for that but... we can try another time... I just wanna at least try to talk to your dad... make sure he gets a place close to the ground... This isnt how I like seeing you... scared you're gonna fall... Now... I'm gonna call your dad up and try to convince him he needs a better place than a penthouse for you... You think you can calm down enough to take a nap?" Applejack brushed Babs mane out of her vision. Her eyes were red and her forehead was dripping with sweat.

"I can sit in here with ya sugarcube... You're gonna be fine... Want me to sing ya to sleep sugarcube? Might make you feel better...." I handed Babs back over to Applejack.

"Go on... Just tell AJ if you need anything okay? Nap well Babs..." I got up and left with Soarin.

As we walked back outside I looked to where we were flying around. Saw everyone else still out there. Mama Spitfire and Scootaloo still flying around, Applebloom and Thunderlane were sitting off to the side talking or something. Couldnt see from this distance. That's when Soarin rested a hand on my shoulder. "Well... At least you tried dude... Maybe give her some incentive next time like I did to you." He said. "I know it's something you dont wanna do but... you might have to...."

"Might have to... it's just.... Now I gotta call her father, talk to him... Big Mac and Applejack say that he's a stubborn one... doesnt like being pushed to do something he doesnt wanna...."

"Sounds like another stallion I knew. Didnt like taking orders, didnt want suggestions. Always thought he was in the right when he did things. Got booted out faster than me flying. Made sure that he didnt get a chance at getting back in to the Wonderbolts. Got real salty after that. Threatened to sue us, did, failed."

"Well... hopefully he learned he's not gonna get everything he wants... And I hope Applejack's Uncle doesnt sue me after I tell him what happened..."

"Dude you're fine. It's normal for someone scared of heights to be like that... You remember that dont you?"

"How can I not remember the time I shit myself when that truck backfired or wet myself when I accidentally looked down." He laughed a bit.

"Exactly. It's understandable." He looked to the flight area and back at me. "Hey I'm gonna go check if everyones okay over there. You gonna be good here?" I nodded and he just flew off. I went back inside and went to the wall where all my stuff was sitting that wasnt covered in puke. Applejack was still in the cot laying down with Babs. I grabbed my phone from my stuff and walked right back out before flying up to the roof. I sat there and huffed going through my contacts before finding uncle oranges contact. Hesitated on it. But i had to.

I put the phone on speaker and just lied back listening to the buzzing. After a moment it clicked. "Ah Ryder. Glad you called. I was just about to check up on how Babs was!" I hear him say.

I huffed. "Well she's uh... She's okay now but we did have a bit of a problem with her..." I said.

"Really now? What happened?"

"Well she... She got sick and had a little accident. Changed her and lied her down to rest. Probably had a bad lunch... either that or overate and got too excited. But she's fine. Applejack's with her laying down."

"Ah well that's good... girl needs her rest... Where are you at right now if I may ask?"

"I'm with AJ and the girls at the Wonderbolts Training Facility. Babs seemed kinda nervous coming up here and... Well I think she's kind of afraid of heights after what she's been through..."

"Oh... Oh my... Might explain her accidents...."

"You gotta think of what she's been through... I'm worried for her as much as you are... Maybe more considering I was with her when it happened... But this is something I wanted to talk with you about... mainly the reason I called... What are you gonna do if this is a permanent thing for her? She gets scared going up into what ever penthouse you get in what ever building you go to? Another diaper needs changing to the point where she's incontinent again or being laughed at by the friends she made? Maybe you darken the windows, make it seem like she's on the ground. What happens if she does get a glimpse of how high she is? She could faint, she could go through anxiety attacks.... even at her age she can still suffer from a heart attack that she might not recover from...."

"So... what are you saying?"

"What I'm saying is.... maybe start thinking lower to the ground... There are some families out in Ponyville who own mansions and even beach houses. I'd even give up time as a guard to lay down the foundation to build you guys a new house.... Just to see you guys happy..." I heard nothing but silence for a moment. I sat up and looked around again. "I know this is news for you to think about... but... it's no rush... I'll give you time to think about it... talk it over with your wife... maybe some family too. Call me later... Or text... Just think on it.... please Uncle Orange...." Again. I heard nothing. I hung up and just got up flying back over to the flight area.

When I landed I saw Mama Spitfire and Scootaloo land over by Thunderlane, Applebloom and Soarin. Scootaloo ran right over for me as Spitfire joined the others. "Ryder! I was flying so well! Did you see? Did you see?" She asked. I smiled and picked her up.

"Yeah I saw... Had to get Babs on the ground... Maybe you should take Applebloom and Mama Spitfire to check on her... Might make her feel better for her to know you're there for her." Scootaloo nodded and went back for Applebloom and Mama Spitfire.

She came back and ran by with Applebloom holding her hand with Mama Spitfire coming behind her. She looked at me and gave a smile. "Look at you! Mommy's little speedster!" She said. I blushed seeing Soarin and Thunderlane laughing over her shoulder as she hugged me. I kinda gently nudged her off.

"Maaa! Not in front of them!" She giggled a bit.

"Oh alright but know I think you look so cute in that jumpsuit! Just be nice to the boys there. Mama's gotta check on that little filly you were flying with." I nodded and watched her walk away before looking back to Soarin and Thunderlane still snickering.

"Alright. Enough laughing you two! That's an order! Pretty sure your mothers did that to you too!"

That shut both of them up. Soarin gave a sigh and looked to Thunderlane. "Why dont you get to the messhall and start getting some food ready for a quick snack for everyone. Maybe something light if that filly in the bunks doesnt get her nap." Soarin said. Thunderlane nodded and just got out of his harness before flying off towards the mess hall. Soarin looked back at me and huffed. "Well other than uh... Babs was it?" I nodded. "Ah... Well other than her no more accidents thank goodness. You good too?" I nodded. "Good. Call go well?"

"I guess you could say that... It kinda.... Dropped off to the end of it but... hopefully my uncle in law gets the message..."

"Dont worry... he should if you're so worried about his daughter. Maybe I could lend a hand if you have any questions?"

"Good idea... Had my own experience with it but... help is appreciated."

"Glad to help my guard friend. Now c'mon. Get something to eat while we can." I gave a nod and started following him towards the hangars again. As we walked I sighed just looking to Soarin.

"Do you think she could just... stay afraid? Maybe just... no matter how much we try... she's not gonna recover from it?" He glanced over at me.

"This was what I thought when you could barely get off the ground... You have got to keep trying and trying until you break through... I know there were times where you got up so far before going back down because you got scared. Same thing with the next time you tried... only time after that was the time that got you up higher when that truck backfired. Others when I offered great things for you... But I'm glad we're passed that and onto becoming great friends." I gave a smile.

"Yeah... Glad about that too.... But... say I do the same thing you did... give her a height goal, tempt her with a gift... what should I tempt her with that she cant already get with her fathers money?"

"Well you got me and your mom, Princesses could help if you talked with them. Maaaaybe if she's not doing anything I could ask Sparkplug if she's good to do a meet and greet with a filly... Maybe have her talk the others into it... Maybe promise her tickets to an upcoming show or a sleepover. Your call."

I smiled and gave a nod. We only had a few PB&J sandwiches. Babs was still awake struggling to keep her eyes open but she ate to get something in her stomach. I sat with her and made sure she was calming down. After that I kinda tried my hand at seeing if she would sleep and she did... Though she was on my chest and I couldnt move so.... decided to nap with her. To be honest it was cute but still kinda troubling knowing why she was like this. But I was glad she was comfortable. Even cuter she apparently snores! Little snorts here and there but it's just so adorable! We're just gonna keep trying on this.

Next Chapter: The Favor Estimated time remaining: 8 Hours, 29 Minutes