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// Month 2: Night 13: A Weird Request Part 2 (Ryder's POV) 
// Story: The Generals Sister 
// by Shizuo35 
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	My leg is killing me.... Almost quite literally...  I was shot a few days ago and I'm pretty much bed ridden. Nothing to do except type up some random things. I'm making a little story about my war time as a general but I'm changing so many names. The only thing I'm keeping the same is the country names, and the princesses names. Yet with how the war's going (and with negotiations they do its pretty amazing.) this war is going to go by quickly. We are getting it in our favor with bombing runs and maybe one half of a napalm run. Had to distract for a retreat to the north.  West we got a sixty mile advancement, east is ours besides some of the north. We're gonna work on a choke point somewhere but I havent exactly figured out where. Anyways as I typed I looked to my computers battery life and it was just about ten percent. I managed to save it and shut my computer off. I looked over to a medic that was helping a little incident colt. He trained in the heat for a while too long and had to be dragged here. All good though. "Excuse me?" I said. The medic looked to me as he rested an ice pack on the stallions head. "Can you go put my computer on its charger? I think I need some rest."

The medic stallion smiled and saluted me. "I'll get to it sir. You just go ahead and rest. I'll have your usual juice ready for later." He said. I gave a nod and pushed the tray holding my computer on it away from me before lying my bed back into a comfortable position before I just fell asleep. It was late yet I couldnt tell what time it was. Sure I could've seen on my computer but I think it was running Equestrian time. I think.

Anyways as I slept I instantly fell into a dreamscape. Kinda had a scary dream the other night. Scoot was kidnapped and I could swear who ever took her just.... violated her.... But Princess Luna said I was tripping on pain killers. Yeah those things made me fly without flapping my wings. This dreamscape was near blank just because of a little desk and chair like a class room. I would've went over and sat in it but someone decided to take my seat.Princess Luna.  She smiled at me kicking back in the chair. She was wearing her usual dress. Blue dress, white trimmings here and there but darker towards the brim of the dress. I didnt want to say it but I could nearly see her panties. I swear they were purple. "Well... You feeling a bit more down to earth tonight Ryder?" She asked. I nodded giving a quick bow. "Well are you ready to complete thy quest? I'm sorry we had to cut it short... That cherries juice went right through me and I needed to check with your sister... She had a nightmare about you...." 

I gave a sigh plopping down on a couch. "...She isnt freaked out by it is she?" I asked. Luna shook her head. "Well... Good... I tried calling earlier but Celestia didnt answer and my medics arent letting me use any writing utensils fearing I could hurt myself or that idiot who shot me.  Is there any chance you can get either Celestia to contact me via video message or send a letter? Possibly a new supply drop with more paper and ink? I ran out and someone gave me a fountain pen they never used because they never even had ink. I could definitely use something like that...." Luna smiled and stood up from the desk fixing her clothes. 

"I wont tell Celestia this but I will send my own version of your parchment. It'll be enchanted just like my sisters and it will have my Cutie Mark on it. You can tear it and it is sent straight to me. I've had it tested. And about your sister.... She's actually on a train with my sister and your marefriend. It's stuck between Ponyville and Appleoosa. I can even say they're safe. I have a guards chopper  circling just to make sure things arent going wrong with that. I've even established a connection with Big MacIntosh so just in case things do go south he can get your sister off the train and somewhere safe." I sighed a bit. I kinda tensed up when she said the train was stuck between Ponyville and Appleoosa.... but I wanna say the medic gave me more pain killers just so I probably just started to freak out a bit for being all floaty.

"...Alright... Big Mac is strong... He's good under pressure as well." I huffed and sat up. "Perhaps we should  just get on with the dream. I want to do more..." I could see Luna think for a moment after giving a slight nod. 

"Just give me a moment.... I need to see where we were with everything." She stood up making the desk fade away as she started to pace. She was mumbling to herself. I couldnt make out what she was saying but I knew she was recapping the alternate dream sequence from the other night. All I could think of with that dream sequence had in it. A wall, Luna and Celestia separated by it, me as an Earth Pony in a gang and Scootaloo just being cared for by Princess Celestia herself. "Ah yes yes we were sitting down for a meal with Celestia and Scootaloo but my sister went off to talk with Scootaloo's tutor and her brother and... I might have a thought of who it is."

"Well good... I  feel as if I know as well... Hope we're having the same idea on who they are... Twilight and Shining right?" Luna gave a nod. "Ah... Well  for a second there i thought it was my middle school tutor and my teacher... They are harsh when you forget your homework one time or are late by the minute. The librarian (A.k.a my tutor) let me borrow a book and a minute after the bell I had to pay a five dollar fine for the book even if I had it and my teacher would just take five minutes of the class waiting for me to either pull out my homework or just say I didnt do it. There were nights I know I did it but sometimes it just disappears inside a binder WHERE I KNOW I DID IT! Either that or it was mostly a dream. Dunno. "But enough chit chat about this. Lets do this but... maybe just a while after the meal. I dont want it to seem like we disappeared. Probably make something up." She huffed slightly.

"Well we might not be able to make something up. What she's doing is going to think we up and disappeared like spirits. I'll start it off where we were and skip accordingly if you wish. Though if I do skip it it really might reset everything like you didnt save your game before shutting the console off. Dont want that now do we?" Ugh I am dying to game right now... The last game I played (possibly until the last possible moment) was Alley Brawlers. Even after Luna first came to my dreams I've been trying to get the perfect ladder trophy. I really hope Big Mac didnt  screw anything up with that... or beat it before I could... I'll kill him if he did. Well... Game. Not real life. Dont wanna lose my job. 

"Alright. Just start it! I dont want you to wet yourself or get annoyed by your diaper rash." I could tell I got her but I'd probably get a quick beating (either in a sparring match or game) when I get back home. She gave me a nod and put us back in the dining room of the alternate Equestria. The Celestian side. Everything was frozen just right. Celestia just about to walk away and Scootaloo smiling just as I left her and just about to dig in to some food. Luna grabbed me by the shoulders and sat me in the seat I was in before donning her mask and her cloak. I was even put into what I was wearing in the dream the other night.

"Alright you sit here and I'll sit on the other side where I was. Anything you want to do just give me the 'halt' hand signal first alright. That is only if I'm on the other side of the room. Otherwise you just tell me up close to stop things. I dont have any problem with that. And if you feel as if you might have an accident I can stop it just so we can have someone over there clean you up. Speaking of which anyone say anything about that over there? I can send word for who ever to start cleaning the barracks if they had made fun of you. Promise me you wont wet yourself?" 

"Well..." Yeah there was no way I could promise or anything because... I just DID wet myself. The stain  on my pants leaked to the floor as I just gave a little sigh. The medics said I could get up and use a wheel chair today but some idiot thought 'oh this is a great target to use for mortar fire'. Worst part was it was a really old wheel chair and I allowed it to be used. I was going to order some new medical supplies from either an allied country next to us or have some more stuff in a supply drop. Yeah guess which one I was supposed to do after I authorized it.....? Call. In. A SUPPLY DROP! Anyways  Luna sighed and used her magic to dry up my pants and clean the puddle under me.

"Well at least i dont have to worry about you wetting your pants during the traveling throughout the dream. Though if you feel the need to go again give me a warning and I'll freeze things so you can but please try and be somewhere it will just stain and not cause a possible slipping hazard for our dream selves." I nodded. "Alright. Lets get this over with." 

I watched as Luna hurried to the other side of the table and sit in her seat. Not even a moment later things started up. Celestia had given me a smile before going to the door. Luna flinched a bit as she even smiled to her. She got to the door and looked back at us. "Mr. Wrench sir might I trust you to bring Scootaloo to me after she is done?" She asked. "I should be inside the tutors room. She can show you where to go. I feel like I want to introduce you and Miss X to her tutor and her brother. They're both nice and they would just love to see her in a good mood thanks to you. Dont worry about either of them being frightened about your sudden appearance in here but my trust in you is theirs as well." 

I smiled and nodded just before she left the doorway. I looked back at Scootaloo who was just happily eating away at her salad. "...You know you're lucky to have someone like her..." I said. "She's so sweet and nice enough to care for you.... I wish i had someone like her take care of me when my parents... yknow...." I sighed hanging my head.

Scootaloo swallowed her food. "...Well where did you go? You couldnt have lived by yourself!" She said. I sighed putting my hand on the table right in front of her.

"....I dont know if i should really tell you... I dont want to ruin your mood..." She smiled and set her fork down before climbing under my arm and into my lap. 

"Dont worry... You made me smile by telling me I might have a daddy out there so maybe I can make you smile." I gave a simple smile. 

"...Well alright.... If you just get a bit sad from what I say you can ask me to stop.... I'll listen dont worry...." She hugged me.

"I'm here for you Mr. Wrench.... just go on and say it. I'm sure Miss X might help out as well." I hesitantly hugged her taking a breath.

"Well... Alright... I'll tell you..." I took another deep breath sighing. "....After my parents died i thought I had no where to go and no way to feed myself.... I had a friend of mine bring me into her home.... she was nice to me for a while but.... I had to do something that I never thought I'd have to do... she was... she lost her mind and attacked me... I could've called someone to have her taken out but... She got too dangerous... came at me with a knife and...." I couldnt finish it. My mind went back to that night yet only to have it done a very different way.

"...You had to protect yourself and just... kill her didnt you...?" I looked at her a bit shocked as a tear scrolled down my cheek. "...You can  tell me.... Celestia supports protecting yourself if you're ever attacked. I've done it before but not to that extent. I had to knock someone out just because they tried taking my toys. I did get in trouble with the caretaker in the orphanage but the guard that came to take me to a juvenile detention center but he said i was allowed to do that and maybe a few days after that Celestia came and got me."

"...Well... I guess you got me... I had to kill her... apparently she had to take medicine but she hadnt taken it for a while.... Had to get her against the wall and.... You know the last words she said to me? She said that she loved me and... I even thought of just releasing her but... I had to... I had to just... cut her throat...." I squeezed her slightly as I whimpered a bit. Scootaloo hugged me while Luna looked on from under her mask. I couldnt tell how she was feeling about this but she looked as if she were hesitating to get up. Yet she did and slowly walked around the table resting a hand on my shoulder. 

"....Looks like Miss X is actually getting close to me....  She must feel bad for you as well...." I looked up at Luna and rested my hand on hers while still hugging Scootaloo in my other arm.

"Yeah... I guess she is..." I went and sat Scootaloo back on her chair sniffling. "...Here... You just keep eating... I need to talk with Miss X alone.... We'll be right back okay?" Scootaloo gave us a nod and I got up with Luna gripping to me tight knowing I was going to break hard.

Before we left the room she froze the dream around us. "Ryder I really hope you arent going to start freaking out...." She said. "Thy mind is fragile with you far from home and in your injured state you really might do something you'd regret.... PLEASE dont do anything to yourself! Not even wet yourself on accident or purpose! Dont even mess yourself otherwise someone is getting a certain privilege taken away..." She's threatening to take every game she has either gotten me, or  is going to get me and destroy them in front of my face. AND CONSOLES as well! EVEN THE ONE I ALREADY OWN! That means I have to use my own money, on my own time, to buy each game, each console (if she forgets about the hard drive I hooked up to my C-Sphere that holds literally every save game. I've got games on there that I havent even played for probably years.) and probably all the DLC again.... At least I hope I dont have to buy that again.... 50 bits of Alley Brawlers DLC. I sighed hugging her.

"...I'll be fine princess.... The only time I do something is if Scootaloo goes before me.... Dark I know but... I just love her too much to see her body just in a casket before I'm shoved into one...." She huffed and squeezed me tight. 

"...Rarity has the same feeling about Sweetie Belle... After the attempted kidnapping at the school Rarity approached me the day after and said she is too afraid to lose her sister.... She even wanted her own sister to be there just to hear it....  Both Sweetie and I tried talking her out of it but she didnt want to budge from it.... If she falls her element will be given to a friend just as generous as herself... You and a few others would be the candidates but... who knows who would be the most generous.... Do you wish to just continue on with this or shall we just wait until your tears stop?" I thought for a moment as I sat down near the wall.

"....Just.... Keep it going...If a guard finds us I'll tell him but... Just warn me by grabbing on to me alright...?" Luna gave a nod and sat with me as we just  as she just started up the dream again. 

We had sat there for a few minutes. I cried into Luna's shoulder leaving a slight stain on her cloak but it was barely noticeable from far off. Boy did I miss being able to embrace someone.... Sure I've had to hug another guard here but they cant do it like Luna, Celestia, Scootaloo, AJ.... I seriously miss AJ... I had a nap this morning and I dreamt I went home to AJ only to find her being double penetrated by either Shining Armor and... Maybe Fluttershy with a dick or -sigh-.... Gilda and Big Mac. Not sure why I think of my best friend plowing his sister and along side a griffon who is just a jackass to everyone but.... I gotta say if AJ can let me we are having a threesome with Gilda.  Anyways I cried for probably a good few minutes. Luna consoled me the entire time. She used a hankie to wipe my tears and keep my nose clean. But just as I was starting to calm down Luna latched onto me holding me close. I looked up and saw Celestia walking down the hall with both Twilight and Shining Armor at her side. Twilight wasnt an alicorn princess. She was just a unicorn. Its amazing on what small differences in someones appearance can make. Anyways Twilight was wearing a blue dress with her mane up in a bun and Shining wore a suit of armor. Not like the original Equestrian armor. I mean full on silver metal armor suit, looking impenetrable for anything. Gun, blade, falling dense and sharp debris. Anything that probably could kill with just my armor alone wouldnt kill him in one shot unless there was an opening. As they approached I stood up and wiped my eyes away. "Ah there you two are! I thought you were going to be inside the dining room with Scootaloo!" She said. She looked to me as Miss X backed off a few feet still silent. "Is something wrong? Does somebody need a hug?" I gave a hesitant nod. Before I could even open my arms for the hug Celestia, Shining and Twilight all hugged me from each side. Why it felt so nice was that I knew they would do this for me. Twilight even used a spell on me to calm me and.... It was real magic... Not like a thing 'all in the mind' but... Like Princess Cadence's magic. I took a deep breath and sighed as my sobs subsided.  They each released me and gave a smile. "There we are.... You feel better now?" I nodded wiping my eyes again making sure I wasnt going to just have another tear roll down my cheek.

"Yes... Thank you Celestia... and....?" I asked like I had no clue who the ponies at her side were. She smiled.

"Mr. Wrench I'd like you to meet Twilight Sparkle, Scootaloo's tutor and Shining Armor, the head of my guards. I only keep him close just to see Scootaloo is safe at all times. She has nightmares about that night still... I dont blame her for being scared for all this time."

Shining smiled at me and put his hand out. "Nice to meet you sir!" He said. "I hear you got that filly to smile! The guards around here have been trying to do it for a while with little to no luck!" 

I shook his hand gripping it firmly and professionally before looking to Twilight. "Even I've tried things that my foal sitter once did with me when I was younger but even that didnt work!" She said. "Gifts I have given her for her good grades and good behavior but nothing has gotten her to give the slightest smile. Not even a slight smirk! You sir have the honor of getting what ever you need from me!"

I smiled. "Well... You dont have to miss. I'm happy to do this free of charge." I said. "Just seeing a smiling child is payment enough... I feel as if... I just have a connection to kids that just... It just gives me that spark to just give myself a smile. Any of you just like the feeling of something you said to a kid just to have them smile at you and even hug you?" I saw both Shining and Twilight look to each other, Shining giving his... what I hope is his sister in this world.... a smile. That's when Twilight looked back at me.

"Well... I guess I can say I've given someone that feeling before. It's nice on both sides." My heart sank slightly as I heard Luna yawn behind me gathering everypony's attention. Then Twilight looked to Celestia. "Perhaps we should put Mr. Wrench and his companion in a bedroom for a little nap time. Somepony seems a tad tired." She gestured to Luna rubbing her eyes under her mask. I had a feeling she wasnt tired but just a bit misty eyed. I sighed.

"No naps needed with me but.... Miss X might need a little lie down but I'm fine..." I walked over to Luna and grasped her hand gently before looking back to Celestia, Twilight and Shining. "Perhaps you can lead us to a room? I want to make sure Miss X doesnt fall asleep in the halls. I've had her in my personal abode and she nodded right off standing up and just lied down on the floor. Had to drag her to my bedroom and lie her there."

Celestia gave a smile looking to Shining. "I'm sure my head guard can do that." She said before looking to Twilight. "Twilight and I will go visit with Scootaloo and make sure she's doing alright. Would you be staying with Miss X or would you like to wander about and take time for yourself? I can be very sure she wont be bothered while she naps." I looked to Luna just curious. She leaned slightly on to me. I looked back to Celestia.

"I'll be there until she falls asleep but under no circumstances is anyone besides me is to enter the room. Do I have an understanding?" I got a nod from everyone and a salute from Shining. I wanted to salute right back but hiding myself would be easier if i didnt. 

"Alright then. I guess we have our priorities in order. You hurry along now. Dont want anypony collapsing due to fatigue!" I nodded putting Luna's arm over my shoulder. Celestia and Twilight just teleported out leaving me and Luna alone with Shining. 

Shining turned around in his clanging armor just looking back at us. "Follow up. The room I'm taking you to is a highly protective room. Cant be hurt on the inside and nobody can get in except me and Celestia. I'll let you see it so you know where it is and just so you know I'll be standing guard at the door so if anything happens to Miss X you can blame me! Even if she gets up and hits her knee against something I'll be to blame." I honestly didnt like what I heard but I couldnt just leave it out there like that.

"Honestly... the way you said to blame you for what ever happens to her makes me think something might happen to her.... Getting me a little worried...." He gasped and grunted stamping his foot making his armor just rattle. 

"My apologies sir. My tongue hasnt given any right answers as of late.... A few days ago I was taking Scootaloo to her room but she was crying and screaming and I swear she busted my ear drum with one scream... Got me a bit weird when speaking. But... If she hurts herself in the room I'll take the blame and if someone manages to strong arm their way into the room and we cant stop them I am to take the full blame as well. But rest assured she will be safe!"  I sighed having what was a heavy load off my mind.

"Well... That's better.... I guess.... But... I want someone to check in periodically to make sure she still asleep but under no circumstances are you to approach her. Only I am allowed to approach her. Understood?" Shining gave me a nod as we turned down another hallway. This time going in to the large home away from the outside. We cut through a sitting room and went to a book shelf. 

"Okay... if I have to go somewhere and do something that Celestia has ordered me to do I'll show you the code to get in to here." He grabbed at a few books and pulled them out slightly only for them to set themselves back in. A red book at the top, a dictionary four shelves down, two books in the middle (first black and the other blue) and the last one was a science book. After that a handle came out from the side of the shelf and he yanked it opening the shelf like a door revealing a safe room. There was a large soft bed sitting in there with some sort of homely feel to it. Lights kicked on as soon as we stepped in.  I looked back at Shining who just stood at the door. 

"Would you give us a few minutes? I need to speak with Miss X alone. Close me in here if you want. I'll knock or something to let you know I'm wanting out." Shining gave a nod and pushed the door closed giving a loud locking sound. I didnt even hear that on the outside of this. It's probably soundproof as hell. Anyways I looked to Luna. "You alright princess? You want to stop this or do you wish to keep going? I'll be fine with either." 

Luna yawned and sniffled at the same time. "...I'm... I'm sorry... Its just... It pains me to see my sister and I ripped apart... same with you and your sister... and please... dont get me started on Twilight being just a simple unicorn..." She said sobbing softly at parts. I hugged her and sighed.

"...Hey its fine... why else do you think I'm taking you here away from everything.... Cant you watch over me from here? Less chance for trouble and less chance for someone ending up in a crossfire. I can say you just would like to stay in here and make sure i'm okay? I can say you want to be left in here but maybe have Scootaloo bring you a meal or something if you get hungry in the dreams. You do get hungry dream walking dont you?" She gave a nod as I sat her down on the bed. "Well... if you get hungry here you must get tired as well. Just lie down and rest. I'll be back. If you wake up just... maybe have Scootaloo help you out since she thinks you trust her. Maybe give yourself a pad of paper and a pen if you need to communicate. No speaking to frighten her, or give anyone suspicions. Would that work with you?" Luna carefully climbed under the covers giving a slight hum. 

"....Would be fine.... I just.... I want you to stay safe... Try not to be in any trouble but if trouble does find you and I see it I'll shut it down..." She held out her hand and had a little watch appear in her palm. "Here.... take this and if things get too hairy for your tastes just push the buttons and it'll stop things and bring me right to you.... Now... Leave me to rest...." I gave a nod taking the watch and putting it on my wrist. Just as she lied down I started tucking her in.

"...Before I go.... If I do get hit or something in this dream would I wake up and have you tossed out of the dream or would there be a little trouble with this?" She yawned shifting under her covers. 

"....If thy should get injured worse than a slight punch to the arm you will wake up and I will be forced out.... Thy shall be fine and if I remember correctly I started this dream walk on my bed..... I should be tossed back into bed if you awaken before I have you do..." She lied her head down on the bed and she was just out of it. I walked back over to the door and gave it a good few hits. Loud against the hard wood of the bookshelf. Might've been some explosion proof metal too. I dunno. 

I waited there for a moment and the door unlocked. I brute forced it on my own and just as there was enough room for me to squeeze through I was grabbed and thrown to the floor getting my arms pinned as I got a knee in my back. I could only look back enough to see the door to the safe room get kicked closed. "...You sly son of a bitch... I have no clue how you got over that wall but you're going right back there!" I hear Shining snap. I'd reach my watch but knowing a guard he could think you're going for a weapon. 

I struggled a bit just to get a better look back at him. "Dude... What the hell are you talking about?" I asked acting stupid. "Why are you attacking me? I didnt do anything wrong!" Shining huffed patting me down thoroughly. 

"Bull shit.... You're part of a gang... One that has either murdered or robbed... Even trafficked illegally made furniture pieces with drugs hidden inside. Now talk. Tell me how you've gotten over that wall!"

"....Sir I swear I dont know what you're talking about! You must have me confused with somepony else! But... how do you get over on the other side of the wall??" He froze up and loosened his grip slightly before standing me up and pinning me against the wall. 

"...Look... I'll let you go but.... I want NOBODY to hear about this.... I get questioned you and I are both going down you got me? I let you go. You dont strike me. We're fine. Got it?" I gave a nod as calm as possible. 

"Promise. Its just between us. Now just let me go..... We can just pretend this never happened. Just count to three with me and you release. Alright?" Shining gave a nod. 

We both took a deep breath. "...One... Two... Three...." We both counted. At the count of three he released me and I got up. I looked to him only to see him just glancing at the book shelf worried about who was on the other side. I sighed just going to the wall. 

"You see? I'm not here to hurt you. If I was something could've been done already. Might not have been fast enough to do something but maybe sneaky stuff but you seem trained to take down anyone for anything." 

Shining huffed as he made sure the door was closed. "Snuck up on you didnt I? This armor is built strong but the crazy thing is its double layered." He said. "Top layer helps with blocking damage from weapons. I take that layer off and I'm stealthy as a ninja. I move slow enough with the top layer on its all the same." He looked over at me. "You wanna tell me who that is in the safe room? If me attacking you for knowing someone who looks like you being on the other side of the wall I can keep this secret!" I huffed.

"That's classified. She is only to be known as Miss X. I had my chat with her in there and she tells me she's beginning to trust the filly. She is only to enter but guards stay outside. Same with Celestia. Understood?" Shining froze for a moment looking at the book case. I think he was wondering whether or not to barge in and check under Luna's mask. He just.... He looked that curious.  He looked to me.

"....I want to say no but... there's something about you that makes me think you're part of Celestia's guard...  You didnt fight.... You were calm... You just.... You even knew I'd let go if you promised not to hit me...  If you ran I'd have every guard after you but... you're still here.... Talking with me nonetheless..." I sighed.

"Lets just say someone close trained me personally. He was a great friend of mine and I'd consider him a partner if I ever lost him. But enough about my life.... What say you and I go somewhere private after informing Celestia of our guest and her decision?"

"No armor and we are each patted down for weapons at the door?" I gave a nod.

"Agreed. And... If you can change into something that isnt.... that.... I might feel a little safer and comfortable..." He looked down at himself and then at me in my clothes. 

"Fine... No weapons, no armor.... Just so we trust each other we both walk as one. Side by side. Got me?" I nodded. 

At the same time we started walking side by side. No guards noticed us and we never ran into Celestia. Of course I was panicking slightly on our way but it wasnt enough to make me puke or wake up thankfully. Definitely felt sick but I'm just hoping its gonna stay down. I had a hayburger for dinner. Told the medics it was by order of Celestia via Email but surprise: It wasnt. Just had it plain. Nothing to distrub my rest or my stomach. Anyways he had a guard watch me as he went inside his personal room I guess. I just sat outside the room with the guard just staring at me. Not with anger but... he looked curious. "So..." He started. "You're that 'Mr. Wrench' Celestia keeps talking about. Right?" I didnt give a verbal answer. Just nodded. "Aint you supposed to be with Miss X or somethin'?" Yeah.... He had an accent. "Where's she at? She aint hurt is she?" 

I huffed. "Sir. Can you not ask about her? I dont want to report you for trying to pry info out on my client." I said. "I can tell your superior and he'll tell Celestia about  this and some disciplinary action might be taken... Who knows?" He averted his gaze in thought for a moment.  He looked back to me after his eyes widened slightly. 

"...Yeah... losing my job isnt an option.... Not when I have a wife and kids at home... Kids need food in their mouths and the wife wants a new outfit she's been eyeing at the shop... Birthday's coming soon and if I cant get that for her she's gonna think I dont love her..." I huffed starting to think about AJ. Her birthday isnt until October like mine but the thing is she's a little older than I am. Big Mac by a couple years but AJ is just a few weeks. Even with it being so early I couldnt help but think of my blonde apple bottom baby.... The way her mane was tied up in her ponytail, her beautiful legs and.... Well.... Everything else about her. Some I cant even say without getting a stiffy because I'd be seeing it a lot when I closed my eyes.  I sighed.

"....Y'know.... I left a mare back home and my little sister.... The filly here reminds me so much of them both... sweet.... caring and..... all around the best... I wish I could just see them again...."  I brought my legs up and hugged them feeling a little depressed. I wish I could hug them both. The guard looked at me.

"Huh.... Wouldnt be able to tell from you.... Didnt know you had someone.... thought Miss X would've been your one and only from the way you've been treating her..." I sighed.

"....Nah.... She trusts me but..... Not to get in her trousers.... Trust me if i did that she'd fire me and facing my own mare and my sister after that.... Its basically saying 'sorry but I lost my job and you guys are okay with it' when they just wanna cut your balls off and shove em down your own throat...." I'd rather fly up and sit on a cloud just to have my wings taped to my body and then get pushed off struggling to get the tape off to save myself than to piss AJ off and tell Scootaloo I lost my job thanks to me going to town on a princess. Well... For Scootaloo the story would be cleaner. For her it'd be I lost my job because I didnt do something right away. AJ's is that and the day that happens is when I ask Big Mac to tie me to his truck and drive me through town. In my boxers. Probably tarred and feathered as well. Anyways  the guard looked back at the door hearing the knob jiggle a bit. He sighed stepping aside now standing right next to Shining's door.

"I'd get up.  Make it seem like you dont have something on your mind. You're gonna be questioned and forced to tell what ever is on your mind. Even your deepest regrets.... Trust me I'd know...." I gave a nod. I knew how Shining was. Before the war I had hung out with him and Cadence. He had me all armored up  but we were still relaxed. I actually let Scootaloo sleep over at Rarity's for a few days while me and Shining took Cadence to Las Pegasus for the weekend. Problem? I fell asleep on the ride over there and Shining slaps me awake. Even pried the truth out of me that I went to bed late the night before. Fell asleep at.... I dont know two in the morning? I blame my games.

Anyways I got up and fixed my clothes just as the door opened up revealing Shining Armor in casual clothing. Well... For this world.... He basically wore a pair of black dress pants with black dress shoes, long sleeve white dress shirt and a shining blue vest with his cutie mark on the right chest. He looked to me fixing a button. "Alright. Feel better now Wrench?" He asked me. I gave a slight nod. Didnt even say anything. I had to mention Applejack and my baby sister.... Are they okay?  Does my little sister need a change during her sleep? These are questions I silently asked myself but.... I probably should've waited. Wanna know why? Shining rests his hand on my shoulder and pushes me around a corner holding me gently against the wall. "Sir? Are you alright? You seem... You seem kinda down..." 

I sighed hanging my head. "...Yeah.... That guard at your door.... He just.... He asked if i had family somewhere and... I do.... I just have a sister and a marefriend at home...." I replied. "....They're all i have.... Well... Miss X as well... She's a client but.... I've known her so long she feels like family...." Shining sighed.

"...I know how you feel. Even though I've got my little sister here with me, I feel Celestia is family as well since I've been working with her for so long. You need a little time to splash some water on your face? Calm down a bit?" I gave a nod feeling myself tear up slightly. "Alright bud.... Bathroom's around here so once we find it just get inside and splash some water on your face. I'll lead you to it and wait outside just for you. Okay?" I gave a nod wiping a tear from my eye. He walked me towards a few doors and opened one up for me just nudging me inside. I looked back at him just before he shut the door. 

"...Your guard.... he said you'd give me a hard time.... just for having something on my mind...." Shining huffed.

"Normally I would but.... You're a guest here. Only guards get that treatment and... Honestly if you get me to trust you not to attack I can be lenient on you like this.... I mean.... Why shouldnt I be for someone who misses his little sister and his marefriend? You must've been away from em for a while anyways..... Right?" I hesitantly nodded.

"....Just about two months.... I left my sister in tears.... My marefriend didnt even get to say good bye to me.... she was sleeping when I left....." I teared up more but before he could say more I pushed him out and closed the door and doing my little hand signal. I even tested it by tossing a fucking toilet paper square in the air only to have it freeze  half way up. "LUNAAAAA" I cried out just as I broke down. 

In that instant I sat down on the toilet hiding my face she appeared in her mask and cloak. She knelt down and checked my arms and legs like I'd feel anything. "What's wrong?!" She asked panicked. "Are you hurt? Is anything hurting?" I pushed her off not trying to be rude but.... Just because she was kinda being stupid and well... she just woke up if I remember right...

"....Yes I am..... I'm not hurt physically but... I'm.... I ..... I want to see AJ and Scootaloo....  I miss them..."  I rubbed my eyes sobbing more feeling like a little bitch... Well... that's what my squad would call me.... that's what Big Mac would call me. Luna got up and sighed making her cloak and mask disappear.

"....Okay I'll let that push go and.... yeah... I'll let you see them.... Just take a deep breath and calm down." I nodded and buried my head into her shoulder just took a deep breath. One wasnt enough so..... I took a few more.... then I just lost all count of them.... Every few breaths I let a hard sob escape that I couldnt help but.... I could feel myself calming down. Maybe about a minute after that I heard Luna's magical sound working on something.... She changed the scene around us and the sounds.... I heard.... laughter... a familiar laughter from.... who I havent seen in a while.... Scootaloo. Luna brought my head up off her shoulder and looked me in the eye wiping away my tears. "...Here..... You go and spend time with your sister.... I'll go grab AJ for you okay?" I nodded and looked around a bit after she stepped away. I was sitting on a bench at a local park in Ponyville. But.... Surrounding us was a field of flowers. I looked around but.... I couldnt see Scootaloo anywhere.... I saw a door opened up with Sweet Apple Acres through it but nothing else. But.... That's when I looked up.... Scootaloo was flying dressed in the cutest Wonderbolts costume I've seen. It was basically a trainee's uniform which I've seen Dash in. Short sleeved and a pair of goggles.  Scootaloo wore a pair of shorts with it and some blue sneakers. 

"Scootaloo!" I call out startling her a bit. Well... at the worst time. She stopped flapping her wings and fell. I quickly sprang up and snagged her from the air. Didnt even scream a bit. "Gotcha! I gotcha Scoot....."

Scootaloo looked at me a bit shocked but scared. "R...Ryder? What just.... What just happened....?" She asked. This must've been one of her lucid dreams. She feels that it's real but..... I guess I broke that illusion. She just got scared and blacked out for a second.

".....You were..... You were flying but.... Look are you okay sis....?" She started to breathe heavily and started to tear up a bit. She nodded and buried her head into my shoulder. She just sobbed a bit. "...Its okay.... It's only a dream.... You're okay.... There is no danger...." I looked around and saw a door leading towards Sweet Apple Acres. I knew this because.... Well Large barn door and  it was wide open in the middle of the field. I saw Apple trees and the Apple home.  I held Scootaloo close as I ran towards and in to the door just going towards the house. As I drew closer to the house I heard a bit of music but... I couldnt see Luna anywhere. "PRINCESS? AJ? ANYONE!" 

I waited a moment hearing the music stop. Couldnt tell what it was but.... sounded like an acoustic guitar. Anyways the music stopped and I heard flapping wings and boots hitting the dirt. The sounds got a bit louder as I see a shadow over me and my sweet special somepony running towards me wearing my favorite outfit of hers she wore before she got a bit pissed off at me. She was wearing a red sports bra and jean shorts that allowed her g-string panties to sit high on her hips.... I'm so hitting that hard when I get home.... TMI but... Yeah. "Sugarcube!" AJ said hugging me and Scootaloo. 

I hugged her back as Luna landed next to us. "There.... Don't know why I didnt think of calling for AJ...." She said as I buckled down bringing  AJ and Scoot with me. "Alright Ryder.... Go on and say what ever you need to them... I'm going to pick myself an apple from the tree.... Waiting that long for you has made be a little hungry and i missed my first meal... Very hungry..." I gave a nod as i broke my embrace with my marefriend and my sister. Applejack looked to Luna just picking me up and taking my baby sister from me. I know she doesnt like being called my 'baby sister' but... She is. 

"We're gonna be inside the house if ya need us.... But... Anythin' you need to do before we go in or is that gonna be just like normal?" Luna snapped her fingers and enveloped her hand before pointing to the door having the magic shoot at it like a gun. The door glowed slightly once it hit.

"Alright you guys just head on inside. Replicated right from everyone's memories. Just call for me if you need anything!" We didnt answer but she knew we would. Applejack set Scootaloo down between me and her and we each took one of her hands. As we approached the door Applejack looked at me.

"Jeez Ry... You been cryin' at all? Looks fresh too..."

I sighed slightly. Didnt even meet her gaze. Just looked at Scootaloo. "....Yeah... I was crying...." I said as we went inside. I looked around and.... It was like I was home. Like... We were all together which made me feel so much better. We both let Scootaloo go just before sitting on the couch. 

"Sugarcube.... Why were y'cryin? You aint hurting are ya....?" I looked to her tearing up as Scootaloo climbed into my lap. 

"....I.... I am...." I said whimpering slightly. I looked to Scootaloo hugging her. She just looked back at me a bit worried. "....I just... I miss you guys... I miss hugging you guys, talking with you face to face and..... Just being around you guys...." I clenched my eyes shut and whimpered more having tears just start pouring down my cheeks. 

Scootaloo turned and hugged me a long with Applejack. "....We miss you too Ryder...." My little sister said. "....Me and AJ couldnt shut up about you on the train ride to Appleoosa... We talked a lot about you to Celestia... She tried changing the subject but we just wanted to talk and talk about you..." I could hear her voice weaken. I opened my eyes and sniffled just to see Scootaloo tearing up a bit. 

"....Scoot.... I know you love me that much but... why hurt yourself by talking about me? Why do something that makes you cry...?"

Applejack sighed leaning onto me. "....That ya can blame on me...." She said. "Celestia followed me into the food car when I said I was gonna get a drink and well.... Maybe I got somethin' a little heavy just to wipe a bad dream from my mind but... I ended up swapping to something lighter thanks to her.... I was gonna drink myself into a mess but.... Kinda glad i didnt.... Wouldnt be making much sense outta anythin' I'm sayin now would I?" I shook my head before she nuzzled me. She looked to Scootaloo. "....N' this lil filly here.... Hell if i werent allowed to see her you bet I'd be hunkered down somewhere just hiding away trying to believe things are normal as ever...." I let a sob escape.

"....God I love you two.... You're the only ones keeping me alive out here.... anything happened to you two I... I wouldnt know what to do....." I held them close kissing AJ on the lips before giving my sister a kiss on the forehead. But... A thought came to my mind. A dark one but... something I needed to say... I looked to AJ and then to Scootaloo. "...Scoot... You wanna go find Princess Luna please? I wanna have a little alone time with Applejack.... okay?" Scootaloo nodded and kissed me on the cheek before hopping out of my arms and rushing out taking off with her little wings. Applejack looked to me a bit worried. 

"....Somethin' on your mind sugarcube? Wanna see anything here? That why you sent Scoot away?" I shook my head. 

"...I don't want to risk it... besides... its best for me to wait for all that when I get home so it isnt distracting me during the day... but... there is something on my mind... There's been something on my mind since you yelled at me last i saw you before i left...  I...." I averted my gaze. "....the night you yelled at me.... I was about to slash my arms up... but... I couldnt.... Scootaloo would see my arm all bloody and she would have to call Shining and tell him I'm all suicidal again.... and... I was just so hurt.... I felt as if i lost all trust and all your love..." Applejack sniffled a bit tearing up. 

"...I regret yelling at you Ry.... It was just an apple you destroyed... something I can always grow again and again but you.... I cant grow another you unless you seeded my orchard...." She blushed. "...But... I can never yell atcha again... I ever do just... You got the go ahead to slap some sense into me..."

"....I cant and I wont do that.... not with my job as it is... I stop that stuff... not cause more of it...." I looked away as I moved around lying my head on her lap. "...I hit you, your friends and my cousin will just beat my ass for that.... your brother might know the truth but.... they wont believe him, you or me...."  She sighed. 

"You're right.... Nailin' me with a hook aint gonna fix my mouth.... That's what my daddy would've done.... Only smacked us because we talked back or we just did something we aint supposed to do...." She whimpered a bit. I saw tears in her eyes. I sat up and looked her in the eyes just wiping her tears away. 

"....Okay AJ... Here's what I want you to do.... Tomorrow when you wake up.... I'll have a little gift waiting for you and your family... I'll ask Luna to okay it with Celestia and... I'll request it to be done and I'll do anything to pay it back.... Okay?" Applejack nodded. I suddenly winced a bit feeling a little pain in my leg. My wound was hurting. The medic's must've gotten a bad case to forget me for a moment. "...G-go get Luna for me....  have her send Scootaloo and you elsewhere... I need to wake up but... not before putting in the request..." Applejack nodded and got up sprinting out before having a chance to say anything.

I lied back down on the couch and within a moment Luna came rushing in. "Ryder? What's wrong? Is your leg hurting you now?" She asked me. I nodded as she closed the door with her magic. "I must allow you to wake up then. We shall continue this excursion in a week and I would suggest sending a letter to my sister when you can." She got her fingers ready to snap and make everything disappear but I sat up quickly.

"WAIT!" I snapped. "Wait wait wait! Princess.... I have something I will do ANYTHING for... Will you PLEASE do this for me....?" She gave a nod. "....Okay..." I grunted for a moment feeling the pain grow a bit. "....I... I want to request AJ and her family to.... AH.... visit with their parents....  Text or call Celestia.... Let her know what I said... and with everything that I would do to repay her.... and you.... Anything you need.... It's yours.... New consoles, new games.... ANYTHING...." I groaned a bit again and Luna grabbed me. 

"...For you I shall do this... And the favor you owe me... I will call for it when the time comes. Understood?" I gave a nod breathing hard. "...I'll even see to it that Celestia holds your favor until your return... She may disregard my words but.... She'll inform you. Now... You need to wake up and get your meds. You need them.... Shall I inform AJ?" I shook my head. "Okay I wont... be safe and be smart General..." I gave a nod and in a moment everything was black and I heard a beeping. 

When I opened my eyes I felt my leg pulsing. It hurt quite a bit. I looked around and only saw my heart rate machines going and my IV completely drained in the dimmed lights. I groaned slightly just as I heard someone walking by. My curtains opened and a stallion came in as I clenched my eyes. "Pain killers wearing off general?" The stallion asked. Yeah... Medic by the call sign of Halo. Good name for a friggen doctor right? 

I grunted. "...Yeah..." I said. "...Can we please get me numbed again....? It hurts like hell...." The medic  gave a sound of agreement. 

"Sure. Just let me replace your fluids and get the medication ready. Just try to relax and take a few deep breaths. I'll be back in a moment..." He quickly left me alone as I took a few deep breaths but... I just... I think I just fell back asleep. I dont remember him coming back in, I dont remember anything else other than what I went through while sleeping. Well... Until next time I guess.... Ow...