The Generals Sister

by Shizuo35

Month 1: Day 16: A Scare From A Thousand Miles (Big Mac's POV)

Author's Note:

I thought this chapter could've used a little perspective away from Scootaloo and Celestia. Back in Ponyville just away from the royal life. Gotta see how others are affected by Ryder's call to duty.

Big MacIntosh here just scared outta my britches... I'm serious. Woke up from a nightmare stark nude. Kicked right outta my sweats and boxers. The thing that scared me was a nightmare... A nightmare about Ryder. I dreamt I was dragged into war to be in his platoon. I went into a trench with him armed with nothin' but a revolver but it turned all hellish when a zombie came up from the ground and bit Ryder's arm. I had to shoot the undead freak and my own friend... That aint what scared me but what did was... it was the ending where I had to put down my own sisters... I blame that zombie movie I watched on my own last night while AJ had to take Rarity home. She was at our place for a while I had to look after her while AJ drove our sisters up to Canterlot in Ryder's car. She hasn't left the keys where I can touch em. The day Ryder said he was getting the hell outta here for the war he asked me to take his car but AJ swoops right in and steals the keys. She actually cried hard in the back seat until she passed out. I had to carry her in to her room like Applebloom. Anyways right now I'm sitting on my bed with a can of beer in my hand. Don't worry I'm dressed. I just got into a tank top and a pair of swim shorts. Even got a pair of slippers on to walk out in the orchard. I got up from my bed sipping my beer and went out into the hall. Before I went down stairs I heard a loud thud coming from AJ's room. I found her sitting in the corner with her covers just almost all the way off her bed. "Sis?" I said setting my beer down as I knelt next to her. "...Y'all okay sis? What's gotcha cryin?"

Applejack just hugged me shaking like a leaf. I could swear she was freezing cold. She was sweaty and smellin' of apple juice and I aint talkin the drinkin' kind. "....G-god... I just... I just had the worst dream...." She said. "...Damn... Sh-shinin' came to our door n...." She didnt wanna say the next part. I had an idea though. I sighed and shushed her.

"...Sis... C'mon just get yourself cleaned up n meet me downstairs... Kinda wanna take a walk get my mind clear... You gonna be okay with that?" She nodded into my shoulder and wiped her eyes after I broke the hug and grabbed my beer. Why beer? Well... It's been a while since I had a drink and I normally drank with Ryder. Doing this makes me feel kinda better. Not because of the inebriation but... I just wanted to feel like he was sitting around here somewhere. Anywho I ended up waiting for about fifteen minutes. That was my full can of beer and a can of soda from a twelve pack I keep for Ryder. Senor Salt. AJ's kinda allergic to it but she's only affected when she drinks it. Her throat closes up but when Ry drinks it and kisses her its just a mild cough. We found out that allergy completely by accident. It was summer, Applebloom was maybe about a year old and granny just gives her a soda and turns out it's that soda. She comes to us all red in the face and we just called an ambulance just in time. Granny thought the place we got the soda from was poisoned but nope an allergic reaction that coulda taken her life. Now we're just lucky to get a shot for that. Shoot am I off track again? Sorry if I am but I'm just trying to keep my mind off the nightmare. Applejack came back downstairs dressed in a pair of basket ball shorts Dash gave her and a tank top. It was an old black one and I think Ryder gave it to her. I think. Anyways she looked at me embarrassed from what she'd done.

"....Why you up....? That was too fast for you to be in your room..." She sniffled wiping her eyes. I sighed.

"...You aint the only one woken by a nightmare that involved that boy... That zombie movie I watched the other night corrupted my brain... Couldn't help but mix that with another thing... I somehow got into that war and one of them zombie's bit Ry and... I just...."

"Yeah... I know what you gotta do if somepony gets bit... So... You wanna grab the flashlight and start walkin? I don't wanna be lost out there and forced to sleep on the ground!" I gave a nod as I got up from the table. I went and dug into one of the drawers in the kitchen and pulled out a guard flashlight. Shining gave it to me as a gift because they got new lights. Big ol' LED lights. This one I had was one they used to beat someone with if they had an excuse to. Now I use it to look for something outta place and beat who ever threatened us. Anywho we just walked out onto the road. Made it easy. You get lost on that thing you're basically saying to everyone 'momma dropped me on my head so much I cant walk a line to a house!' I glanced over at AJ as we walked to the gate. The light shown her face just barely. This damn thing was so bright. She was just looking up at the stars over head.

"...Anything on your mind sis?" She gave a nod and grabbed my hand.

"...You think... Granny's looking over us...?" I looked up as we stopped at the main road.

"...Dunno sis... She could be.... Either that or she's just having a chat with momma n daddy... A nice old friendly chat with them..." She grabbed my chin and turned my head giving my neck a slight crack. My damn bed's stiff alright? It's how I like it.

"Big Mac... You think we can.... do it for ol' times sake...? Been a while since we had done it after granny went..." OKAY I know what you're thinkin' and it aint that! She was talking about prayer. When Granny first got me and my sisters she had us pray that momma and daddy made it up to meet pappy up at the pearly gates. When Granny went we did the same thing for her and even had little Applebloom do it... weren't much fun seein' both my sister's cryin' their eyes out but... We did pray anyways... I gave a smile that I thought might've been covered up by darkness.

"...Sis... Of course we can do that... When we get inside just get on up to my room after you're sure everything's off in your room... Okay?" She gave me a nod and we started back towards the house. I actually put my arm over her shoulder and held her against my side. After we got in I got into my room after letting AJ to hers and just got back in my PJ's leaving my undershirt on. Had a pair of sweats I was wearing right at the foot of my bed but I didn't care much to put em on after i woke up. Applejack got into some PJ's from when she goes over to sleep at Twilight's or even Fluttershy's and to be honest I had Ryder here and I went to check on him in AJ's bed and found him jerking off in one of AJ's panties but I never did a thing to stop him. Just played it off like I thought he was sleepin'. Anyways AJ's PJ's. They were green with a bunch of little red apples on em. She looked at me just as we got to our knees on the side of my bed and closed our eyes, bowing our heads and folding our hands. "...Sis... you do the honors... You always got something nice to say..."

"...Oh mother in heaven... we humbly pray to pass on a message to our parents and grand mother... We pray that our parents drive us away from bad things and onto a good path... we aint wishin' to move from here... we just want to be happy... healthy... and to have a good wellbeing amongst everyone.... Let them know we miss em very much... and... if it aint much to ask... please... keep my sugarcube safe durin' the war... I aint willin' to see his sister here without her brother.... In you with we trust our lives now and after... amen..." I honestly almost couldn't hold myself together... just thinkin' about momma n daddy... Granny... I gotta say i missed em all... I didn't even open my eyes as I teared up and held my sobs best i could. Little ones escaped but... Aj helped me up and hugged me. "...It's alright... Go on and let it out...." I did... I just broke down and cried. She lied in bed with me after turning the light off and we passed out.

I ended up plunging into another dream. This one was different. I was working on the orchard on a sunny day. AJ and Applebloom were getting the apples into buckets while I carried em over to the truck. That was how I got em over to Pinkie since she always asked to help making Apple pies, fritters, even a bit of caramel apples. Anyways just as I was bringing a real heavy bucket of Apples to my truck i get myself a deluge of rain on me. Rains so hard I immediately start sinking into mud. I wanted to call for AJ and Applebloom but they were already just running inside the house. I drop my bucket and try pulling myself out but it's too deep for me to even try. I looked to the road seein' a little flash of light and you know what I see? A car barreling towards me. I aint talking no guard truck or a van. I'm talking about Ryder's car. He calls it the Dominator or what have you. That thing drifts all the way around me, slinging mud and water everywhere. It stops square in front of me blocking the road with the drivers side door facing me. Out steps Ryder looking just... Insane... Like something messed him up. More than what I watched him do with Berrie. He was just in a ripped tank top and digital camo pants with filthy looking combat boots. His mane was a mess. He pulls a damn revolver to my face and that causes me to wake up but... What i hear and feel is a total different story.... I hear my phone going off and I pick it up to only see Rainbow Dash on the screen. I pick it up and put it up to my ear answering it. "Big Mac! Hey! Thank Celestia you picked up!" Dash said.

I huffed and took a peek under my sheets only to blush seeing a huge damn stain under both me and AJ with stains running down on which ever side we were laying on. "...What's going on? AB doin' okay over there...?" I asked whispering. "How's Scoot doing?" Yeah I was just worried bout Ry's sister more than me waking up all soggy.

"Scoot's doing great! She's already up and walking with a bit of help from Applebloom actually. Of course I'm the one that's gotta clean her up and yadda yadda yadda." She was really poking at something. "Did AJ leave her phone inside again? I tried calling but she never picked up and she answers on the third try usually." Yeah... Calling asking for my sister.

"...She's just cooking breakfast is all... we were lookin' for it late last night and I said i'd try and buy her a new one today... Listen I gotta go. She's got the pancakes already for us. Give AB a hug from us!" Yeah... a real big one after you got nailed with a couple hundreds of water balloons. I didn't give time before hanging up and laying it back on my nightstand. I had to shake AJ awake she was so out of it! "AJ! AJ wake up we got a problem!"

Applejack sits up with a snap and nearly nails me in the face giving a bit of a scream. "W-WHAT?! IS RYDER HURT? IS SCOOT OKAY?!" She asked panicked. I shook my head blushing and threw the covers off us swallowing the tiny speck of pride i had left.

She looks down and we both say "...We wet the bed...." I know! Them damn nightmares finally scared the piss out of us but we didn't know why. Were we scared about losing each other? Was I scared about my friend going insane and killing me? These were questions I had to ask someone else but who would we talk to about spilling the warm apple cider in the bed?

That we actually had an idea but... it'd kinda be hard. We ended up getting into the shower together- yeah real nice seeing your damn sister naked in a shower- not caring about it since we wanted to clean up fast. I had to go back in my room, strip my bed, lay the mattress on its side against the wall. We were just so embarrassed by our woopsie we just sat silent in the living room, me on my recliner and AJ lying on the couch. TV wasn't even on. That bad. Well... It was quiet until AJ spoke up. "...Big Mac...?" She said. "...You uh.... you aint gonna make me sleep like Ryder when he became a guard are ya...? I mean... I aint gonna fight if ya gotta... I don't wanna wake up like that again..."

I gave a sigh. "...If I do.... y'aint gonna laugh at me if I pad up as well?" I asked. She shook her head. Gave a teeny smile. "...Good but... Where we gonna go if it aint here...? I aint wanting AB to come home in a guard truck only to see us asleep in the same bed wearing something to keep us from wetting the bed... Don't want rumors to spread out there in Ponyville... You know our sister blabs to her friends about what we're doin... Need I remind you about Rarity knowing about you walking out in the living room in the buff?" She rolled her eyes.

"Don't remind me!" Yeah... AB went to Sweetie Belles and was talking about that and that night we went to see Rarity for dinner. Told us she had been working on something all day so I ended up cooking dinner. Four cheese lasagna with a bit of tofu mixed in with the veggie sauce I used. Dash gave a pack for us to eat from Gilda and ... weren't half bad. Rarity didn't even notice but was okay with it when we told her. Anyways what AJ ended up getting at the end of that dinner was a pair of long underwear like my pappy wore to bed. We all had a laugh about it but AJ took em and actually wore em. Told Rarity she did and didn't like it. Told her that too but it seemed to have grown on her until they got messed up in the wash somehow. Hint: I put a bit too much bleach to clean em. Tore em right up along with some of my shirts. Even one of my favorites. It was a band tee that Ryder got me. Y'ever hear of the Tumblin' Rocks? Love em half to death. "...You hear anything from Applebloom or Dash?" I sighed.

"AB nah... Dash yeah... Talked to her before I had to wake you up. By the way you might wanna get your phone and act like you found it under your bed on silent mode. Just tell her somethin' she'll believe and if she asks how breakfast went tell her you burned a few pancakes." She gave a nod and got up before hurrying over to the stairs. She left me downstairs thinking to myself. Thinking about how to get adult padding without being looked on as some incontinent stallion. I aint putting AJ through that embarrassment either. When we were younger I had to walk AJ to the park so she could play with Ryder and Dash. She ends up being the same way she woke up. Wet. Ends up running to a bush and I gotta chase her down into. I had her go into a bathroom with Dash to get cleaned up while me and Ryder had to run off towards his place so his father could bring a towel and rush her back here to get her changed. Then I'm thinking... Last time Pinkie was over here I snagged a peek at her changing into PJ's on accident and she was wearing that padding herself. That's when I look up to the banister. "Hey AJ? Maybe you wanna get in the truck and we can head out to Sugarcube Corner for a bit of time with Pinkie? You gotta give Ry's car a break. Thing aint gonna last long if it runs outta gas. I promise next time we take it out we can grab some gas for it!" She came to the banister just giving me a thumbs up as she dragged her hamper out stuffed with her smelly sheets and her phone between her ear and shoulder. We just left her laundry there and hopped in the truck after she had to bring it around behind the house just in case some moron wanted to take it. They know it's the generals car. Mess with it and you're done. I cant imagine what'd happen but it'd be brutal.

Anyways I ran us down to Sugarcube Corner which surprisingly was closed today. Pinkie was there alone apparently. She still gave us something to munch on. I had a donut with sprinkles, AJ just had herself a little thing of almond cookies. They're good. Tried em before. Anyways Pinkie brought us upstairs away from the main area and went into her room. Pinkie was wearing a tight blue shirt and a cheerleaders skirt. She actually looked kinda cute in it. "Thanks for coming guys! I was gonna call you guys to come over anyways!" She said. "The Cakes left me here alone while they closed up shop and went out for the day. I called Dash but she and Fluttershy are still out in Canterlot and Twilight is with Rarity doing things out in Fillydelphia!" I sighed.

"Well we're glad to spend time with ya n all but... we actually come here on private business..." I blushed a bit averting my gaze.

Applejack sat down with Pinkie on her bed blushing as well. "Yeah... uh... Last night we had a few nightmares about Ryder and... Well we just cant stop thinkin' about em..." She said. "We were wonderin' if... if you had any tips for us to stay dry and calm during the night...?" She blushed hard just gripping her friends hands. Pinkie looked to me confused. Was she this oblivious to our problem? Well... Only when she's hiding something herself.

"Please Pinkie? It aint easy talkin' about this stuff with anyone but... we just want some help... With uh..." I looked to AJ just wanting to come out with it. She gave a nod and hugged Pinkie tearing up. "...Well... We... we kinda wet the bed... We DID wet the bed... aint proud of ourselves one bit and... its cuz of a few nightmares we had about Ryder... we haven't seen him in a while and we kinda miss him... Aint a damn thing we can do for communication..."

I couldn't help but shed a tear from my embarrassment. Pinkie took a bit of a deep breath and held AJ close. "...Well.... I can help you with getting something off your mind..." She said. "....I'd help with staying dry but I-I just don't have anything!" I sat down on the bed just on the other side of Pinkie.

"....Pinkie... We're friends here... We told you something and we know you're gonna keep a secret... Now... I'm gonna tell you something I knew and kept a secret for a long time... I don't want you to fret... I don't wantcha to go and be mad at us... Think you can do that....?" She gave a nod and I hugged her and my sister. "...Well.... one of the last times you stayed at the orchard I didn't realize you were in AJ's room changing into your PJ's and... Well... I know you're wearing them padded panties...." She gasped and whimpered right into my ear. "....I.... I hid that as long as I can and just knowing about it makes me feel bad.... Even ask AJ... I didn't even tell her..."

Pinkie looked to AJ getting kinda teary eyed. "... Pinkie... With honesty as my element I cant lie..." She said. "....He said nothing... I didn't know until now.... You uh... You wanna come with me and Big Mac to get em? Please?" Pinkie gave a nod and we just took a bit of time to calm down and a bit of a toilet break before we climbed into the truck. AJ almost had to hide in the back because she had to be between me and Pinkie's plump bum. But she stuck it out until we went to the store. Pinkie was kind enough to go in for us and get the ones she gets. Apparently they're big ol' baby diapers.... Aint what I expected but it helps to keep ourselves from piddlin'. Anyways I gave a sigh having AJ put her legs up and feet out the window.

"Alright Pinkie we're gonna make a stop off at home and drop these things off. If it aint too much to ask we're gonna be swapping cars. A teeny bit cramped in here with three adult ponies. I feel like I'm taking up most of the space here." Yeah... I'm taking the space up.

Pinkie gave a smile. "Sure! Sounds fine with me!" She said. "Rarity said I should go on a diet but I don't feel like I gained that much weight! You guys think I should start working out?"

Applejack huffed as we went towards the outskirts of town. "If you want I'd be able to go out on a jog with ya any time. Just call me up and I'll be at Sugarcube Corner so we got somewhere to start." She said. "I think Twilight can get you a gym membership if ya ask her next time you see her. Promise you we can take a few breaks when we do it but only at specific land marks! You think you can work with that?"

"Yeah! I don't mind! Dash would just rush me like she does when she wants a cup of juice when she runs to Sugarcube Corner." Dash is impatient. She once snuck into our place before Cider day and nabbed a mug of cider and I can tell when we lost ourselves a bit of profit just by picking up the barrel. And when I find a gigantic mug still half full of cider and the mare sleepin' near the damn thing. Oh god AJ punished her by forcing her to make each and every batch after that with me. Wasn't even allowed to take a sip of it. I had you-know-who rig up a little thing for her to wear so she could drink some damn water the whole time. Worked real well and ended up having him rig up one for me. Now I use it watching the hoofball game. Beer, cider, soda or what ever. Depends how I'm feeling. Anyways we went over to home and I managed to snag the keys from AJ for Ryder's car and we just decided to take a calming drive away from Ponyville.

Applejack sat in the passenger seat just staring out the window while listening to the radio. Pinkie was lying down in the back just screwin' around on her phone. I gave a sigh just looking in the rear view mirror at Ponyville. "....Y'know it's feeling good driving out here like this..." I said. "....This was a good idea... I'm thinkin' we shoulda done this sooner." Pinkie giggled a bit.

"Always good to be taking a drive on the country side rain or shine! You know I actually got lost out here once on complete accident! I ended up coming back with a bunch of pictures on my phone from this! Maybe later I can show you everything! I made a slide show of all the pictures I took!"

"That many huh? Should be a good drive then." I glanced over at my sis. She hadn't broken her gaze from out the window since we left the orchard. "You alright over there sis? Havent said anything for a while."

Applejack just looked back at me for a second before just staring into the window again. "Yeah I'm fine." She said with a bit of hesitancy. "Aint a thing wrong. Just been thinkin' a bit."

"Thinkin' about what?" Applejack shrugged.

"Stuff."

"Stuff?"

"Eeyup. Just stuff."

"You gonna say what kinda stuff or am I just gonna be looking for a needle in a haystack?"

"Can a mare just think about something and not be questioned for it?! I got nothin' to hide!"

"Then just say what you're thinkin'! I'm kinda wondering if you're mad at me for something! Don't make me drop your ass back off at home and drive by myself! You know I'll do that!" That always gets her. Especially when you've got her boyfriends car keys. He's actually lucky I took his keys and not AJ. When he showed up she was asleep. I let him in and he just gave her a little kiss before just running out almost crying. She almost tossed the keys but ended up lying in the back seat for a couple hours. Applejack sighed and looked back out the window.

"...Alright fine! Its just... It's just the dream I had last night that made me leak... I dreamt me n Ry were uh... havin' our fun and he just up and has a heart attack... right in the middle of it... I just... I tried getting him up n runnin' again but.... when he did he just started to beat the snot outta me... like I was hurtin' him and like he was trying to protect himself.... Ended up tossing me out the window into a damn pool.... I actually thought I fainted and he dragged me back in... That's why I fell outta bed... thought he would've been right there ready to smack my ass again....." She started to whimper a bit just rubbing her eyes keeping any tears from escaping. Pinkie sat up and wrapped her arms around her. I sighed and lowered the music. All that was playing was Ryder's Gems CD. Radio barely has anything good on. Still glad I paid for that stuff. He forgave me for tossin' his ass out.

"....Oh... Sorry sis... maybe you n I should just pull over somewhere, take a deep breath of fresh air and calm down... I didn't mean to snap atcha... I just don't like it when ya keep anything from me... I really don't mind if you wanna talk while I'm in the bath but please knock alright?" She gave me a nod as she held Pinkie's arms against her. I managed to reach over and put my hand on her shoulder. We drove on for a little while more until we came on to the road to a local casino. All the casino is, is just a little farm house filled with slots, roulette tables and card tables. Anyways we pulled over to a little field and got out of the car. Left Pinkie inside because she thought we just needed some brother and sister time. On the field we saw nothing but wheat blocked off by a fence. There was a tree just right next to where we parked. Applejack hugged me as we sat under that tree. All we heard was the wind and the rustlin' of the leaves. But I couldn't help but just stare down at the road at something. It was colorful but small. Not a toy but something else. AJ looked up at me.

"Got your eye on somethin' Big Mac?" I gave a nod. "Whatcha see? Somethin' in the clouds? Some flowers?"

"I aint sure what it is but... I'm as curious as a cat to a dangling string or something."

"Well? Why don't we go check? Pinkie can watch the car." I gave a shrug. Pinkie's out for a ride and we could just use a walk and stretch our legs. We actually walked the way we did last night. Holding hands. We just felt that good. As we got closer I noticed something about the thing.

Green poster paper nailed to a wooden stand with the picture of a stallion in military garb on. I knelt down next to it examining it closer. Candles around it were just little glass jars, metal tins and there were even words on the poster paper. It was a memorial. A memorial to a militant who was struck down by a drunk driver just about a week ago. A few thoughts came to my head. Not good ones at all. In the picture all I saw was Ryder. I thought of Ryder coming home, he and I going out to celebrate his homecoming and just gets slammed into by a tank! I don't know why a tank but it was my damn thoughts! Next thing you know it Applejack was walking me back to the car. I was actually in tears. Pinkie pushed the side door open allowing AJ sit me in the passenger seat. "What happened?! Is he okay AJ?" Pinkie asked. Applejack shrugged.

"I don't know! We just started lookin' at this little memorial for someone and he just started cryin'! Think you can squeeze up and pull the lever to pop the trunk? Ryder always has a blanket in the trunk! I just think Big Mac needs sleep!" Hell I think I did need sleep. We were up late last night and did have a rude wake up call. I didn't even have an answer before AJ came back and covered me with a big ol soft blanket and buckled me up. Even put my chair back. Pinkie just shushed me and I actually just nodded off. While I slept I started to dream again.

This time the dream was me sitting in a bar just having a drink with Ryder. He gave me a smile as we were just staring at the TV up above the bar as we sipped from mugs. He had a Clippersville ale while I had myself a Logging Lager. They make it a good twenty miles outside of Baltimare. What they do is smoke hops with hickory like they would with tofu or jerky for griffons. It's actually made by griffons but we can trust it. Tastes of wonders. Anyways he gave a smile as he set the mug down. "...Thanks for taking me out for drinks man." He said giving his wings a stretch. "I really missed this... Couldn't get a sip of this good stuff back in the barracks. Closest thing I was to alcohol was having it disinfect wounds, clean parts for the guns I had to put together and even get a few toilets disinfected... Word to the wise make sure the damn toilet never grimes up. Disgusting more than moldy apples with maggots with dog crap on it."

I gave a sigh as one of the teams of a baseball game just hit a homerun. "Noted Ry..." I replied. "Listen man.... AJ and I kinda wanted you to maybe... Maybe come with us when we head out to the beach. Get a bit of time to relax and spend time with AJ... I might even look the other way if you wanna take her into one of the changing stalls and fool around. I'm sure Dash can handle Scoot and AB for the day." He blushed.

"...Jeez dude I uh... I don't really know what to say... Maybe we should just keep naughty play in the bedroom... I don't trust the doors on those things. I could lock em but somehow they open right up... don't want a kid accidentally walking in and seeing that just I climax...." We both shivered. "But other than that I'd love to come." I actually laughed. With how the dream was going I was just wanting to relax and stay here for a while. I was expecting Luna to waltz in to join us.

Although this weren't a dream. It was a nightmare. Almost like a lawnmower that hasn't been turned on. Calm now but the tornado didn't even touch down. Just as I got up to use the toilet (and SO glad I didn't actually use the can) a few windows break and the door is kicked in by none other than the guard all dressed in swat uniforms. Shining, the only one in plain guard attire rushed in brandishing only a pistol. He walks up and aims the gun at me while all the others aim an SMG at us. All the patrons in the bar just cleared out. All except for a bartender that brought us some hayburgers. Didn't even question anything. Or freak out. "Ryder! You're under arrest for desertion!" He snapped. "Come with us peacefully or you will be shot!"

I got into Shining's face. "Shinin'! War's over! He cant be in trouble for desertion!" I said. "Cool your jets and put the gun down! We aint wanting to start any trouble!" He gave me no mind. Just aimed the gun over my shoulder. I looked back at Ryder and all I see is him just enjoying his burger and mine! I didn't care for that as much as his life. I looked back at Shining. "Come on call off your men! It aint worth it!" He pushed me back into my chair and walked up to Ryder putting the gun to his head. Another guard put a blindfold over my eyes and a gun shot rings out waking me up yelling! I was back in Ryder's car driving... somewhere... Applejack was still in the drivers seat and Pinkie was just held up in the corner looking a bit freaked out by me.

Applejack sighed and turned up the radio a bit actually having it on a country station. "Relax you two the car only backfired!" She said. "Thing probably needs a new filter in it!" She glanced over at me. "You alright there? You were movin' about too much!" I huffed.

"...Little dream scare is all... I aint soaking or anything.... At least I hope I aint...." I stripped the blanket off me and tossed it in the back and thank goodness I was dry. That's why I was glad I didn't use the can. I sighed looked out the window. I recognized some of this stuff but I couldn't figure out where we were. "AJ are we lost or something?" She sighed.

"Nah we aint lost there Big Mac. Just making a bit of a detour since you're talkin' in your sleep! You were talking about you-know-who n' Shinin' doing something and maybe things turned bad from how you woke up." I blushed a bit. Never in my life would I have heard someone say something about me chatting it up in my sleep. I took a little breath and crossed my arms.

"...So... Where we headed? Anywhere particular?"

Applejack looked in the rearview mirror at Pinkie who was just fixing herself up and leaning forward. "Well while you were asleep I got a call from Dash and she invited us to go to Canterlot for dinner!" She said. "Even AJ had a little chat with Princess Celestia and she agreed to let you two speak with Ryder. That should clear up those scary dreams you've been getting to make you pee your pants!" She giggled as Applejack and I were blushing hard! I wanted to take the wheel so AJ would turn about and slap her but we held back.

"Yeah... so... I'm glad to do that but uh..."

"What? Are you afraid of nodding off and peeing yourself again?" I gave a slight nod. "Don't worry! I know where to get you some padding! I texted Rarity and told her I was going underwear shopping for you guys because both of you-"

"I swear if you told her we were wetting our selves..."

"No silly! I just asked for your waist size! I just told her you were missing underwear because some of it got torn up in your washing machine!" Well she did think of a good lie. Our washing machine has a lose fitting churning mechanism and somehow it always chews up my damn drawers. Even Ryder couldn't fix it that's how bad it is. If a fixing pony cant fix something what the hell is his cutie mark for? "I know of a shop in Canterlot that sells single disposables just in case of possible potty accidents!"

I sighed and looked out the window until we stopped off at a gas station to refill the tank, empty our fluids and get some snacks to hold us over and the trip took about an hour. Saw some nice things. Deer grazin' near a lake. A few places that looked like it would be good for camping if we ever wanted to. Even saw myself a good view of Cloudsdale. I actually wanted to head out and see Cloudsdale when I was a little colt. Same problem as every other earth pony and unicorn around. We cant even set foot on them damn clouds yet there are little seats right under their stadium where the Wonderbolts preform. Make it an experience for everypony. Even got some stuff down below the main city just for folk like me to come around. Shops to get some Wonderbolts merch, restaurants, stuff like that. Not to mention the gorgeous Rainbow Falls. I make a joke to Ryder about how his cousin was made. Guy jerks it into the falls, five minutes later a little filly comes out just covered in the rainbow waters. Go to wash her off and find clothes she accepts Ry's aunt and uncle as her parents even took on a little rainbow pride if you get what I'm saying. Anyways we pulled up to the castle where we see a guard standing with Dash and Scootaloo. Dash wearing a lose fitting Wonderbolts tee and a pair of sweat pants looking like she hadn't really bothered getting dressed and Scoot looking the same way except plain. AJ lets me out of the car because she has to do that shopping with Pinkie. Just as they drive off Dash picks Scootaloo up and they come up to me with smiles on their faces. "Hey Big Mac!" Scoot says. "Thanks for letting Applebloom come and help take care of me!"

I couldnt help but smile and take her into my arms. "Hey you were feelin' bad and I couldn't think of your friends seein' you hurt!" I said. "Good to see you feeling better. Dash doing a good job with you?" She gave a nod.

"She's helping me work out my wings! I feel like by the time Ryder gets back he and I are going to be flying!"

I gave a laugh. Not a laugh that was 'you aint doing that stuff' laugh. A laugh that just forced me to smile and said I believe it. Rainbow Dash came and got the filly from my arms. "You feeling okay big guy?" She asked. "Sounded a bit unsure of yourself this morning when I called you. That and your story didn't match up with AJ's." Ah hell... What could've slipped my mind? Honesty did.

I sighed. "Alright what'd she say?" I asked. She looked to the guard and handed Scootaloo over to him.

"Here take her back inside. We'll be up when my friends get back." The guard nodded and went through the gate inside. Dash looked back to me and waited a moment. "Well... She told me something about not sleeping well but don't worry. Not saying anything about your little accidents!" She laughed and poked at my stomach. I just slapped her hands away.

"Dash! You still piss the bed too!" Her laughing suddenly stopped and she just looked at me scared as all hell.

"Wh-wh-who told you that?!" I just wish I could've pissed myself on the way over here.

"....A-AJ told me... Don't worry I didn't do anything... My mouth was shut until now I-if that makes ya feel any better..." She came up and winds up and slaps me across the face. I sighed and held my cheek as she just cries into my chest having nowhere else to go. "...Alright I guess I deserved that but... what I said aint even justified... I'm just having a bad day is all... You gonna be okay?" She gave me a nod into my chest sniffling.

"...Yeah... I just... I just didn't get much sleep... Scoot just woke me up... Just wet and crying... I stayed up all night because she was scared about a nightmare.... She thought someone was coming to kidnap her and I promised to keep anyone from getting to her... stayed up half the night until I passed out on the floor. Only slept for about an hour until Celestia tripped over me... I spent the whole day wired on an energy drink Luna gave me... didn't have the time to nap because I was helping the little squirt around all day..." I sighed and picked Dash up letting her onto my back. She just wrapped her arms around me and piggy backed me. Kinda felt bad for her.

"...C'mon... lets just get you back inside... AJ and Pinkie'll get in... Just gotta have the guard waiting for em..." She wiped her eyes and sniffled a bit as she kept herself from falling off my back. Her head might be thick sometimes but nothin' worse than a few bruises. As we walked up to the castle doors it opened up and out came Fluttershy and a guard. Fluttershy had her mane up in a ponytail. She wore a minty green tank top along with black sweat pants. I looked to the guard. "Wait out front for as dark green hotrod. Got a few more that went off to do a little shopping alright? Make sure it's a blonde maned earth pony mare and a pink party pony inside!" He gave me a nod knowing I was good somehow. Either seeing the mare on my back or probably getting orders from Celestia.

Fluttershy rested her hand on Dash's back who actually looked like she was nodding off. "Oh my... I had a feeling something like this would happen..." She said. "...I kept telling her to go to sleep but she is so stubborn! Hopefully she'll listen to me next time..." I huffed.

"...Hopefully everyone bites their tongue before spoutin' off too... she might beat someone if she aint in a great mood... You mind showing me to her bed? Kinda weird feeling for me..."

"Not used to it with AJ or Applebloom?" I shook my head. "Oh well not even when you guys were younger?" I thought a moment.

"...Well... Only time I remember AJ doing this was when we were younger but... aint gonna go much into detail... Just far back enough when granny was with us.... AJ and I were sleeping over at Ry's house and AJ fell asleep on the couch. Brought her up to what was a guest room then... Been so long with AJ just being up in bed before passing out..." Fluttershy gave a bit of a smile.

"Well... maybe I can wear AJ out after dinner just for you to do that." I just gave a sigh hearing Dash just start snoring. Fluttershy climbed a few steps as we started up the stairs and kissed Dash. Just made her cuddle up to me, gripping me tighter. I just followed Fluttershy up to Princess Celestia's room. Huge bed against the wall, small bed with drawings pinned to the wall near the window and a bed in the corner with a few bags sitting at the foot of the bed. I managed to pry Dash off of me and lie her in the bed before going to look at the drawings over Scootaloo's bed I'm thinking.

I actually was right with my guess. Little sketch of Ryder right on one of the pictures. Fluttershy just stared at me as I picked up the wolf plush from Scootaloo's bed. I heard the door open up and set it back down thinking it was only a guard but no. Not even close to a guard. I turn around only to see Princess Celestia herself. I just drop to my knee and bow my head nearly punching myself in the chest. She approaches me giving a sigh. "...It's about time she got to sleep." She said. She looked to me as I stood up. "Thank you for carrying her up here Big MacIntosh. I found her this morning looking as if she hadn't slept a wink until that moment."

I huffed. "...Yeah she told me..." I said. "...Uh Princess...? Any chance I can talk with you princess....? I kinda got somethin' to vent...." She gave me a confused look as I just blushed.

"Couldnt your sister help with that?" I shook my head. "Why not? Is she not trustworthy?" I sighed and just walked past her hanging my head a bit. She followed me out into the hall and rested her hand on my shoulder. "Are things just that bad you cant talk with Applejack about it?"

"....Well.... she and I are basically on the same side of the coin... I know dreams aint your department but we've actually been having nightmares about Ryder... mine involving someone getting hurt or killed and.... well.... don't laugh but... we just didn't wake up dry after walking outside late last night..."

"Big Mac I'm going to be honest here. Not any of us here are perfect. I've gotten up one morning and a guard startled me before I managed to go and use the toilet but luckily I was protected. Scootaloo doesn't do well if she's the only one protected from accidents. I assure you Ryder is fine. You're going to be fine as well." I looked to her stopping.

"How do you know he's fine?! How would I know he's fine?!" Tears came to my eyes. "...I wanna speak with him... I wanna make sure he aint hurt! I wanna make sure he can come home to my sister in one piece and not have him leave her because of the lack of contact! That boy spent almost every waking moment with my sister and I aint willin' to see neither of em hurt!" I end up sobbing lightly trying to keep myself from getting anymore worse. She sighed and dropped a tissue box onto me with her magic.

"....Alright I know how you feel at the moment but I'm only going to do this once for both you and your sister. Anymore interaction will have to be done through Luna and you're going to have to be pretty lucky on it! Do I make myself clear?" I nodded.

"...Sorry for snapping like that princess..."

"Look it's fine.... I know you aren't used to not seeing Ryder at all and it's hard for everyone. I've even got a call from Twilight saying she was scared after Scootaloo's first few days here. She had been scared about a possible kidnapping when we were out in public. I told her no one dared rush me. Scootaloo knows what I'm capable of even against my own guards because she had a guard almost choke her out! The guard who did it is still under medical treatment from his injuries. He will await for Ryder's return for an extended punishment. Now lets wait for Applejack to get here. In the mean time why don't we get something to drink so you can calm down?" I gave a nod and she had a guard bring me a beer. Even she had one.

It wasnt bad at the moment because she told me Applebloom was with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo playing games in her TV room. IT's only bad when they're around because you always think it could sit in their little minds and they could drink one themselves. I'd tan AB's behind, put her in a jail cell for a few nights so she could see how scary it is. Been in one when I was younger. Cold and small. Anyways we went into her computer room, I started to mess around on this one gaming website doing a multiplayer gang thing. I was already on it myself. Owned about a fourth of the map with my gang. Ryder's apart of this but he just screws with everyone and somehow manages getting away from my best guys. Little sneak. Anyways in that time she was chatting with Ryder who was surprisingly up at this time of night where he is. Applejack showed up with a bag of some honey roasted seeds. "Well there you are you two!" She said. Celestia looked to her and AJ quickly bowed to her before coming back up and tossing my seeds. I just held em as I logged off my game. "So what's the plan Celestia if you don't mind me asking. I aint lookin' at dinner and a sleep over only am I?" Celestia stood up just as I did.

"Well... Your brother here started whining about your problems so I had someone wake Luna and have her wake Ryder. I'm giving you two some time to vent to him and know he's okay. But this is going to be the only time I'm allowing it. Other times Luna would help you but only if you're lucky enough to get her to help. I would do this for you every month but I don't want the enemy to figure it out that he has a connection and video link home. Please try and keep it short and sweet okay?" AJ and I both gave a nod and she sat back down in her chair at her computer. She started up the call and let it buzz for a few moments. She had us move off to the side. Within a second after we moved Ryder's face appeared on screen and he looked like hell. He looked tired, he looked sick, and maybe a bit hungry. I don't know. "I apologize for having you woken up. Are war efforts going well?" He gave a yawn and nodded before sipping from a little cup of water. "Well that's good. Keep on it. Anyways I have a few guests here who have a bit of a problem with you being away but they know this will be the only time they will be able to talk with you through me. Please try and make it quick. You should be back in bed and well rested alright?"

Ryder gave a slight nod. "Of course Princess." He said. "...I actually appreciate being woken up... Nearly messed myself. Damn food was tasting funny and gave me a bit of food poisoning... Anywho... Maybe let your guest speak with me?"

Celestia nodded and got up letting me and AJ sit down. She sat in my lap and he just got the biggest dumbass grin on his face. "Hey there sugarcube!" AJ said. "I miss you! Please come home soon! Got a big gift waiting for you in my room!" I rolled my eyes knowing what my chores were gonna be that day... and the big heap of foalsitting for both families out of the house. She sighed. "....That aint all I had to tell you but... Maybe we should hear what Big Mac has to say before I say anything else..." Ryder smiled.

"Big Mac you SOB... you better be taking care of my car! I come home find that you wrecked it some how I'm killing you!" My heart dropped and I shoved Applejack out of my lap and onto the ground when I tried running. "WOAH WOAH! I'm kidding! Calm down dude! What's got you so scared of me?" Applejack hopped back up and put me in a head lock.

"I was gonna let the big baby here talk but since he shoved my ass down I might as well tell you he's been wetting his bed and has to be put in diapers tonight!"

I tried prying her off me but I couldn't. I grunted. "HEY I AINT THE ONLY ONE HERE AJ YOU PISSED THE BED TOO!" I snapped. She gasped.

"YOU SON OF A BITCH! ALL THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO GO ON YOU WHY THE HELL DID YOU SAY ANYTHING?!" She tackled me and tipped the chair on to the floor and we struggled with each other until we were pried apart by Celestia.

Celestia looked to both of us. "Both of you! Stop this immediately or I will have you removed from my castle and sent home!" She snapped. "Now Applejack your brother has had what sounds like a sleepless night and you already had your chance to say something. I want you to go out of here and find Fluttershy. We must get everyone ready for dinner." She looked to me. "Big Mac you should tell Ryder about your dreams you've been having. It might help clear your mind." She set us both down and I went back to the chair and picked it up. AJ looked up at her.

"But what about my mind? I got a few problems too!"

"You don't get to have your mind cleared by Ryder for shoving blame onto him! If you're lucky it will be cleared on its own! Luna will not set foot into your dreams for a week. That is your punishment! Now go!"

Applejack nodded and hung her head leaving the room. I looked back to the computer and rubbed my neck. "...Sorry you saw and heard that Ry..." I said. "... me and AJ were wetting the bed and... I just freaked out because of a nightmare where you either killed me or got killed yourself... I don't know what kinda stuff is going on there and it's really freaking me out... I don't know if one day you're gonna be done in or something..."

Ryder sighed. "Big Mac this place I'm in is miles away from any thing." He said. "I'll be fine. The worst that could happen here is lack of sleep and a scraped knee for me. Either that or I break a holosight. Things will be alright. Now look... I actually got something I want you to do for me with AJ and I'm sorry if this is gonna get you in trouble but... when you get back to Ponyville I want you to uh... maybe... see if AJ could have a few pics ready for me..." He blushed harder than I did. "...Just ask... don't push it alright?" I gave him a smile and a nod. "Alright Big Mac... Hug AJ for me, tell her I miss her... And uh..." He averted his gaze for a moment and looked back but I could tell he wasn't looking at me. "...Princess? Can you... maybe... give me and Big Mac a little privacy for what I have to ask of him...?" I looked up at the princess and she gave a nod. I even moved the chair so he could watch Celestia walk herself out of the room. I get back in front of the computer and he takes a deep breath. "You ready...?"

"...Yeah...? You aint gonna ask me to help you get off are ya?" He shook his head. "Good. I aint doing that even for unofficial kin..."

"Wouldnt think of it bro..... What I kinda want you to do is... maybe see if you can get AJ to uh... pose in a diaper for me..." I gave him a slightly confused look. "...I know what you're thinking but... I was kinda thinking on the can the other day and..... just kinda... got me to relax more than I should've... Again... ask her.... don't push it.... Miss you man. Now... Give Scootaloo a kiss goodnight from me... I'm just gonna get back to bed... Night..."

"Night Ry... come back soon alright but-"

"I get it not before the war is over... you aren't the only one who had that kinda dream bro... Luna actually tried showing me that dream when you woke up... I promise... I'll be fine... now get on out of here... have fun in Canterlot..." I gave him a smile and nodded and saluted him playfully before he ended the call.

I got up, went to my computer and logged off my stuff. I grabbed my beer and walked out of the room. Just across the hall I find Applejack sitting with Princess Celestia. My sis was in tears. Felt bad for her. She got up and hugged me. "...Big Mac... I-I'm sorry I acted the way I did..." She said. "...Just.... I just didn't want Ry to up n leave me... for knowing I couldn't hold my cider..."

I sighed and hugged her. "....AJ he aint gonna leave for that...." I said. "...Why you think someone who has accidents would leave someone else for having accidents?" She shrugged. "Well... There might be a few things he wanted me to ask you somethings for when after he gets back. He promised me he's coming back alright..." I looked to Celestia as she got up. "...I think it might be time to eat.... Don't wanna drag it on for too long. Getting hungry." She gave a nod and teleported away. Guess she didn't really know where we would be but we'd find it even if we had to ask a guard. Anyways I looked to AJ. "...There... I actually wanted to be alone for.... what Ryder wanted me to ask you... He wanted you to have uh...." Oh holy crap its awkward asking your sister for nude pictures for her boyfriend.... "...Well... He kinda wants some pictures of... you... can probably tell what he wants there but... this one just makes me question him... He also wants you to model what uh.... what we're wearing tonight... I aint gonna let you wear them alone...." AJ blushed and averted her gaze.

"....Well... I guess I could do that... and... thanks big brother..." We stayed for dinner, had a room that we shared so AB wouldn't see us.... I said goodnight to Scootaloo just like I should've for Ryder, told her he loves her and misses her.... Celestia even had me put a diaper on her. Aint what I wanted to do but I got a smile seeing Scoot a bit happy. Dash was just completely out of it. Found her snoozing away with Fluttershy after dinner. That night I slept awkwardly but soundly next to AJ all padded up. Actually woke up to her whimpering and held her close even as she uh... wet herself... Didn't like it but I got her to stay quiet. Guessin' all should be quiet for me and AJ from here on out... hopefully... That's it from me but... I still aint gonna be comfortable with Ry's car but... maybe I could just sit in Ry's place every now and then. Have myself a little good karma for watching his place, helping with keeping it in shape, make sure all his belongings are there. Might even snag some of his stuff and keep it at my place... Gotta think on it but not for too long. Eh... I'm sure Celestia would let me at least do it right?