It was late at night at Twilight's castle. Daring was up walking around the halls pondering what this adventure could hold for her. As she walked a unicorn guard noticed her from his post. He rested his rifle on the shoulder and gave a smile to Daring as she passed. "Excited for your trip Miss Yearling?" He asked following her.

Daring gave a smile. "Yeah... Even more excited I get to see Metallicolt with Ryder!" She replied. "You know where that rock station is outside of Ponyville?" She looked to the guard he gave a nod. "Well... Do you think you'd be able to take me and Ryder to pick the tickets up please?"

The guard sighed. "Sure Miss Yearling!" He said. "Ryder should be able to find me. Just ask him to find Jet."

Daring gave a thumbs up before stopping. "Sure thing. Um... Do you happen to have a phone and Princess Luna's number?" She asked. "She's one that helped me with getting this adventure off the ground."

The guard nodded and reached into his pocket. "Speaking about getting off the ground... You're a Pegasus aren't you?" He asked. Daring nodded turning the phone on and tapping a bit at the screen. "Well... How do you get off the ground? Pegasus can fly but the pegasai here only use the planes and choppers for the princesses!"

Daring handed the phone back. "Needs a code." She said. "And.... Well I do fly I just... My thing just got busted..."

The guard tapped in the code and handed the phone back. "Thing? What thing?" He asked. "Twilight's friend Rainbow Dash is a Pegasus. She's the one that clears the clouds around here. Never seen what ever you're talking about."

Daring pulled up Luna's contact and knelt down raising a pant leg and slipping her boot off. She had an ankle bracelet on with a button that looked like it got gummed up with something sticky. "This ankle bracelet lets me fly but I dropped my gum and didn't realize this thing got busted until I tried clicking my heels together. It's how I activate it. Surprised that didn't break it." She said. She stood up and pressed the call button on the guards phone before putting it to her ear. "Well now let me have a bit of a chat with Luna before I tell you more okay?" The guard nodded and backed up towards the wall.

The phone buzzed in her ear for a few moments. The it clicked. "Princess Luna isn't here at the moment and wont be able to take your call. Please leave a message at the beep." A colt said. Must've been another guard.

The beep came to Daring's ear and she gave a laugh. "Hey Luna. A.K. Yearling here..." She said. "I just wanted to say thank you for letting me browse your royal library. I'm calling from a mister Jet's phone by the way. Just... Maybe try and give Princess Twilight a call or something I cant really control how somepony reaches me. Thanks again!" She took the phone from her ear and tapped a few icons before the call ended and she handed the phone back to him. "Thanks. If Luna calls tell her I went back to bed. I gotta at least try and get some sleep. Oh and by the way... Only call me Miss Yearling in front of civilians please. When I'm with Ryder, Princess Twilight, Princess Luna or Celestia just call me Daring..." She smiled and started off again.

Over in Ryder's room with his sister he was sitting at his computer almost wide awake. Scootaloo slept soundly on the bed behind him. The light from the computer revealed he did have clothes on. "...Cant believe tomorrow is the big day..." He said to himself as he typed up an email. The email he typed up was of course replying to his friends earlier email. He was replying to the fact of being caught with Daring out in public. He sighed and sent the email off. "...I'm living a dream... This dream is a reality..." He got up from his chair and looked at his sister in the bed. "...You're probably gonna be sitting pretty for a while... Even after I'm back..."

A knock came to the door. He walked over and opened it a bit poking his head out. There was Daring looking wide awake. He smiled and opened the door. "...You cant sleep either I take it." Daring said hugging her coltfriend.

Ryder sighed and nodded bringing her inside. "I'm a bit giddy about tomorrow... Cant help but just love life right now." He said going to the computer shutting it off. "A free hotel, a free ride in Princess Celestia's jet and... Free tickets to a Metallicolt... Too bad I gotta go back to work for the princess after this..."

Daring grabbed his hand and took him out of the room closing the door behind him. "Why didn't you tell me you had to go back to work?" She asked leaning him against the wall. "Cant you even ask for any more time off?"

Ryder shook his head starting to walk down the hall. "...Wish I could but I'm a royal guard. I protect ponies of high importance!" He said. "I don't work for a day, the princess could be shot, I could be blamed for not being there, I get fired, I come back here, live on the fucking streets and probably trying to scrape up enough money to eat for a day."

Daring hurried up along his side and grabbed his hand shushing him. "Look Ryder that probably wont come to that." She said. "Princess Twilight has your sister here, she can probably find you work with someone only IF she doesn't rehire you- which I doubt you'll be fired from this job since you already have done a really great job at busting criminals, communicating with a..... Uh... Saving your sister from a rapist father...."

Ryder stopped and looked at her. "What was that?" He asked.

"What's what?" Daring asked becoming a bit nervous. She smiled a bit.

Ryder studied her face a bit. "...You are hiding something..." He said. "Tell me! What was that you said about communicating with someone?" Daring averted her gaze a bit. "Daaaaring! C'mon you know what I can do to get it outta you!" He reached out and tickled Daring's side getting her to snort a bit. He continued tickling her till she started to giggle.

Daring fell to her knees and then backwards with Ryder still tickling her. "S-STOP! Please!" She said through her laughs. Ryder kept tickling her. Suddenly Daring wound up a bit and punched Ryder where the sun don't shine making his voice go up an octave and having him fall to his side with his hands between his legs. "Shit! I am so sorry!" She got up and helped him to his knees.

Ryder groaned a bit standing up. "...I-its fine!" He said. "....It w-was my fault... I shoulda listened..." He started to hobble down the hallway with the help of the wall.

Daring went to his side and got under his arm. "...Jeez you are so lucky I didn't squeeze.... That probably would make you sound like me..." She said. "...Lets just head back to your sisters room so you can climb in bed with her... I need to get to sleep too so we can fly okay... Uh... Speaking of flying... You're a Pegasus aren't you?" Ryder nodded taking a few deep breaths. "...You have one of those things that give you wings right?"

Ryder stopped leaning against the wall again. "....Yeah... It's in the shop being fixed... Stupid thing fucking broke when I fell from the balcony when I was drunk." He said. "Why you ask?"

Daring got him moving yet again. "Well... I've got mine just around my ankle..." She said. "I just accidentally dropped my gum in it one time and the button got stuck and it shorted out. Is there any way we could get new ones from Shining at all?"

Ryder thought for a moment as he grasped a door knob. "...Probably..." He said not breathing heavily any more. "...Mine's been in the shop too long and I think the fucker's gonna charge me more than I actually make..." He looked to Daring as he opened the door. "Help me in?" Daring nodded and followed him in sideways through the door. "...Anyways... I'll just ask Shining tomorrow morning before we get out of here..."

Daring helped him over to the bed and helped him get undressed before tucking him in like a mother. "Well it might be good for you to get those." She said. "If we ever have to dive from a building away from Ahuizotl or some stupid lunatic I wanna be able to save myself from a fall before I end my series with 'Daring Do and The Ring of The Zantolines'! That's the one that got me off the radar since your cousin found me. When I'm with you I honestly do not give a single care in the world!"

Ryder yawned a bit. "...Do you think Ahuizotl really is going to follow us?" He asked. "...I kinda wanna meet him but then again I don't want him following us..."

Daring smiled and laughed a bit. "You gotta know he's gonna follow us. Who knows he could be in the castle right now!" She said. Ryder gave a bit of a yelp but Daring shushed him. "Kidding! I'm kidding if he were in the castle the guards probably would've gotten him by now... Probably..." She sighed and kissed his forehead. "Now you get to sleep young man! Ahui might getcha!"

Just as she stood up and tried walking away Ryder grabbed her arm holding her there. "...Can you... Stay in here with me Daring...?" He asked scared. "...Y-yknow... Just for Scootaloo... She wouldn't wanna wake up to Ahuizotl in her face..."

Daring sighed. "Fine. Just let me get into my shorts back in my room." She said tugging her arm back. "If I were you i'd stay here... If I remember right you're still in your manties... Those guards would seem relentless on making fun of you."

Ryder gave a whimpering 'Mmhm' before Daring went to the door. "...H-hurry back!" Ryder said. Daring gave a nod as she hurried out into the hall just going a few doors down.

One had the door opened just a crack with a little dimly lit nightlight against the wall. The other one looked like it had a glimmering spell. Daring stopped and hummed looking at the door opened a crack. Slowly she crept to it and opened it slowly. She saw a shadow run to hide inside of the room. She flipped on the light and saw a white little unicorn filly sitting at the wall. She had a curly pink and purple mane. She looked a bit scared. "....Y-you aren't a guard..." The filly said.

Daring smiled a bit approaching her. "I wish I was." She said. "Something worrying you?"

The filly nodded. "...I wanted a glass of water..." She said. "...I just don't wanna go out and be tossed out by a guard..."

Daring reached out. "Why don't you come with me?" She asked. "I could help you get your water." The filly nodded and hesitantly grasped Daring's hand. "...There we go... You seem like you'd be friends with Ryder's sister right?"

The filly nodded again. "...She's a good friend of mine..." She said as they went to the door. "....M-my name is Sweetie Belle...."

"I'm A.K. Yearling. You've read my books haven't you?" Daring asked walking down the hall with her. Sweetie Belle nodded. "Ryder is escorting me to a vacation in Steurope to get me inspiration for my next book." As they walked down the hall they approached a guard. "Excuse me?"

The guard looked to her. "Yes Miss Yearling?" He said.

Daring nudged Sweetie Belle a bit. "This little filly here is a friend of Ryder's sister. She needs a glass of water yet she's a bit shy." Daring said. "Can you take her and show her you aren't that scary?"

The guard smiled a bit. He looked to Sweetie Belle and reached his hand out. "Come on! I wont hurt you!" He said softly. "I'm here to protect you and I wouldn't be here if I hurt little fillies like you would I?" Sweetie Belle hesitantly reached and grasped the guards hand. "There we go! Now come on. Lets go get that glass of water you want."

Daring released Sweetie Belle's other hand and let her walk off. Sweetie looked back. "Good night miss yearling!" She called out.

Daring smiled and waved at Sweetie Belle before going the opposite way down the hall. She hurried her footing going past Ryder's room and Sweetie Belle's room before opening the door to her room just doors down from Sweetie's. She closed her door behind her and flipped the light on. She went to her bed where her bag was. She unzipped it and brought out a few items of clothing. She took a shirt out and a little tape recorder fell out with a sticky note on it that said 'Play me'. She hummed and picked it up. "...What the hell is this....?" She asked herself.

Daring clicked the button and a bit of music started to play. Eerie music. "....Well well.... Seems you're heading to Steurope..." The recording said.

Daring gasped. "....A-Ahuizotl....?" She said shocked.

The voice on the recorder was Ahuizotl. Her treasure hunting rival. "...Be lucky you have a guard with you... otherwise I would kill you while you slept!" Ahuizotl's recording said. "...You better stick close to that guard of yours because this might be your last trek... Oh  and... Check your bag again... I've left a little surprise... See you soon!..." Ahuizotl started to laugh just before the recording cut out. Daring dropped the recorder onto the bed and dug through her bag again. She pulled up a shirt and a black thing fell out. A spider. Taranchula. Big. Hairy. and GROSS! Daring dropped her shirt and let out a scream backing up towards the wall.

A few guards ran in along with Ryder who was wrapped up in the blanket he and his sister would've shared. "What the fuck is going on here?!" Ryder asked scared. Daring quickly went to him and pointed to the bed. He saw the taranchula and yelped holding Daring close. "KILL IT KILL IT!" He buried his head into  Daring's shoulder as she did him.

The guards ran to the bed and knocked the spider onto the floor. One of the guards was a unicorn so he used his magic to pick the hairy thing up. He quickly hurried out of the room with the other guard on his tail. Daring looked up. "...I-is it gone...?" She asked. She looked to the bed and everything else and gave a relieved sigh. "...Its gone... Thank god a second longer I'd be sitting in a fucking puddle... Again..."

Ryder looked up and blushed a bit. "...Nearly gave me a heart attack.... I hate those creepy things..." He said.

Daring looked to Ryder. "...You... have Arachnophobia too?" She asked. Ryder nodded blushing more. "Uh... Can you sit down please? I found something that... Well... It just surprised me and trust me it is NOT another spider!"

Ryder nodded and broke the embrace. He went and sat down on the bed. Daring ran up and grabbed the recorder. She pressed play on it and let play out for him. As the message ended Ryder sat in shock. "...Th-that's... Ah.... Ah..." He said just hesitating.

Daring sighed setting the recorder aside. "....Yep... Ahuizotl left that in MY bag..." She said. "...How did he get it here...? How did he even get in...?" She shuttered. "...Ryder just... Go back to your sister's room... I'll get a cup of coffee and just... I don't know go read a book or something... I'll sleep on the plane."

Ryder gave a nod and got back up from the bed. He walked out into the hallway and back to his room where he saw Scootaloo lying there shivering a bit. The stallion unwrapped the sheets he was wrapped in and covered his sister again before going to the door closing it and going back to the bed. "...Why did it have to be friggen Ahuizotl....?" He asked himself cuddling up to his sister.

As Ryder slept he started to dream. It wasn't really a dream but just a little room where he sat in thought. The room he sat in had windows that went out into a purple world. They didn't look like they opened. Ryder sat in a folding chair and just stared at a chalk board with 'AHUIZOTL' written in big powdery white letters. A door behind Ryder opened up making him look back. There he saw Princess Luna coming in looking a bit worried. "Judging by the board and the look on your face Daring just encountered something about Ahuizotl." She said.

Ryder nodded looking back at the black board. "...Daring found a recording saying Ahuizotl knows I'm with her..." He said. "Also said I'd better stay close to her. I gotta stay strapped at all times no matter what... Ahui even comes around us I'm gunning his ass down..."

Luna made a chair appear next to Ryder using her magic. She sat in it and rested a hand on his shoulder. "Ryder this is a kids book." She said. "Sure it's had a few close combat moments and a few traps but gun play is not in the nature of this story!"

Ryder looked to Luna standing up. "Ahuizotl threatened to kill her while she slept! I have to do this!" He said. "Having Daring die is like having a fucking princess die! In other words its my fault if she dies and my fault if you, celestia or twilight dies! Leaving out Cadence because she has Shining. You understand where I'm coming from don't you?"

Luna nodded. "Okay Ryder... Use a gun to protect Daring. If Ahuizotl brings guns you have the right to shoot at him." She said. "The only gun you use is a pistol. I'll give a call to your friend 'Wolf' as you call him and tell him to give you an M1911 or a Magnum. Any bigger than a pistol and you can consider yourself suspended with a pay cut."

Ryder sighed. "Fine. No shotguns, no assault rifles, no SMG's not even an MG." He said. "But.... Can I use a glock? It's semi-auto and auto. Might fire fast but its more accurate than the Mac-10."

Luna shook her head. "I will not allow it!" She snapped. "If you use something other than a semi-automatic or revolver you will be demoted. Am I understood?"

Ryder stood in attention and saluted. "Yes princess." He said. "Now uh... Is AJ dreaming or something...? I kinda.... well... I want to ask a favor of her...."

The princess rolled her eyes still annoyed. "I shall connect your dreams but make it quick." She said. "A filly in Manehattan is having problems and I REALLY need to help."

Luna got up from her seat and closed her eyes. Her horn glowed and her stained glass wings appeared again. The whole room started to waver and fade into an outdoor area. It became the orchard. It looked mid morning with dew still on the trees and the fog sat in thin a thin layer. Ryder and Luna walked through the apple trees going to where they heard a bit of music playing. It sounded of country music. It slowly faded but it definitely got a bit louder. Soon they came up on the house. The music had faded away and now came the sounds of the nature itself. A bit of sniffling could be heard. "LUNAAA!" Someone yelled.

Luna blushed and covered her face. "....Shit.... Not THIS dream...." She said.

Ryder face palmed. "...You don't mean THAT dream..." He replied sounding a bit scared.

"I'm afraid so!" Luna replied. "Lets just... Hurry give her a quick hug, ask her the favor and lets go out QUICK!" Ryder nodded and they ran into the house as fast as they could.

Inside the house they saw Applejack curled up on the couch crying a bit. Luna sat with her and hugged her shushing her. "...God dammit Luna..." The sobbing mare said. "...This was the only dream where I could remember mom n pop...."

Luna sighed. "...I'm terribly sorry AJ... I didn't realize this was about your parents if they hadn't have died..." She said. "...Besides... I brought someone to ask of something." She looked over at Ryder who looked a bit regretful. "Ryder go on and ask your question!"

Ryder cleared his throat. "Applejack..." He said. "First off I'm so sorry I interrupted the dream. I didn't know and I really know your parents meant a lot along with granny smith... Now what I really need to ask... Can you check up on Scoot every day? Please? Daring got a message from Ahuizotl and since he said 'You better keep that guard with you if you want to live.' or something in that nature!"

Applejack sighed. "Ry... Y'know I'll do anything for that filly..." She said. "...She's as much as my family now that your... Jack ass of a father is going to the hooskow..."

Ryder hung his head. "...Well... That's the child friendly version..." He said. "...What's really happening... He's gonna get killed off.... Didn't even hesitate saying he killed mom... And... Didn't I already t-tell you this...?" Applejack shrugged sniffling still. He sighed. "Luna... Just wake me and AJ up... It might be about time anyways...."

Luna sighed. "Alright Ryder... And... Tell Daring I'm sorry I couldn't return her call. I was busy when she called." She replied. Ryder nodded as Luna and Applejack broke the hug.  The night princess got up and closed her eyes having her horn glow again. Her wings appeared and everything faded away.

Ryder now sat in darkness. He heard a blunt buzzing sound. As he opened his eyes a bright light came from the desk. He rubbed his eyes and got up from the bed. The cold floor made him wish he had socks on as he went over to the desk. There on the desk he saw a phone. His very own phone. An image of Princess Cadence was on the screen. He picked it up and slid his thumb across the screen. "...Hello?" He said softly noticing his sister still asleep in the bed.

A giggle was heard. "Courtesy of Shining Armor!" A mare on the other side said. "If you took any longer this probably would've been the fourth to fifth time I've called you! Oh and by the way... You do know who I am don't you?"

Ryder gave a bit of a laugh. "Cadence if you wanted me to guess you shouldn't have put your contact photo as yourself." He replied. "Oh and... Thanks Cadence... I'm sure Shining persuaded you to do this for me... Give him a high five and a hug for me."

A rustling was heard through the speaker. "Why don't you just come out here and give me one yourself!" Someone else said. Shining.

Ryder smiled a bit. "Just give me a minute to put my pants on and i'll come out." He replied going to his pile of clothes. He took the phone from his ear and set it on the bed.

As he got his pants up he fell onto the bed nudging Scootaloo a bit. She gave a bit of a groan as she woke up. She opened her eyes and sat up looking towards Ryder as he got dressed. "...Ryder...?" She said still tired. "...Is it morning already...?"

Ryder gave her a smile as he got his shirt on. "Yeah Scoot! You sleep okay last night?" He asked. Scootaloo nodded rubbing her eyes as she got out of the bed.  "Well... Got some good news and bad news. Good news is we can spend a bit of time together before I leave. Bad news is Applejack is going to come and check on you. More good news is I now have a phone!"

Scootaloo looked back and Ryder picked the phone back up before shoving it in his pocket. "Awesome!" She said giving a smile. "Where's mine? I wanna call you where ever you are!"

Ryder sighed. "Scoot if I'm sneaking around somewhere I don't wanna get a call from you giving away my position!" He said. "You've been over to Button Mash's house right?" Scootaloo nodded hesitantly. "Well he plays spy games. Spies have to be quiet or else they get caught. You don't want me to get caught do you?" Scootaloo sighed and shook her head. "See? I'll call you up. If a guard answers I'll get him to get me to Twilight. She'll let me talk with you okay?" Scootaloo nodded. "Alright now lets get dressed. Need to get breakfast."

Not too long later Ryder was walking with Scootaloo, Shining Armor and Princess Cadence down the hall. Ryder held Scootaloo's hand. "I'm very glad you like your new phone!" Cadence said. "Shining picked it out and I paid for it. I've paid a pretty penny for the service to never run out. Service doesn't go. You don't have to pay. Think of it as a gift for your sister to hear your voice when you cant be around."

Ryder laughed a bit pulling his sister up and putting her on his shoulders. "Yeah I hear ya!" He said. "This is just... This is grounds for something to pay back with some good deeds. Anytime you guys need me to do something I'll be more than happy to help with it!"

Shining gave a laugh. "Ryder you do more than enough to help us out." He said. "We should probably get this little filly a few things to keep her happy while she's here. Cadence wont let a little filly cry if she's watching them or not!"

Cadence sighed as they stopped at the dining hall door. "Very true Shining." She said. "Any colt and filly that need cheering up I will do anything I can to make them happy! And with your sister I might be able to help Twilight care for her."

Shining helped Ryder get Scootaloo off his shoulders. "I'm sure a princess of your power can make my sister beyond happy." Ryder said. "Now lets get some food. Starving!"

Shining nodded and opened up the doors. Inside Twilight sat at the end of the table with Applebloom and Sweetie Belle still in their pajamas on either side of her. Each filly had a bowl of cereal and a glass of chocolate milk in front of them. Twilight smiled as Scootaloo ran up and took a seat near Applebloom. "There's all the crusaders and some hungry guards." She said. "Cadence you mind getting Shining to cook?"

Shining  gave a chuckle. "Fine fine! I'll make those pancakes you always had me make when you were little!" He said going to the door of the kitchen.

Twilight gave a giggle. So did Cadence. "Twilight you must tell me how you get your brother to do these things!" Cadence said.

Twilight sighed letting her laughter die away. "He does anything I want. Always has since we were little!" She replied. She looked to Ryder. "You guys sleep well last night? Daring told me she found a HUGE spider in her bag."

Ryder shivered a bit. "It really was big." He replied. "Damn thing really had my heart going. Oh and speaking of Daring where is she?"

Twilight sipped from a glass of orange juice. "My guards found her passed out in my study reading a book." She said. "They tried waking you up but you just look like you were having a dream and didn't wanna wake you."

The stallion gave a bit of a grunt. "Woulda been a good thing." He said. "I was just in thought about freaking Ahuizotl. Son of a gun freaks me out!"

The purple princess gave a hum and stood up. "Ryder can you follow me for a quick sec? It takes a bit for Shining to make those pancakes." She said. Ryder nodded and got up from his chair. He waited till Twilight was at his side and walked with her to the door. Once outside she closed the door and faced Ryder taking a deep breath. "My advice is be careful around Ahuizotl... Those guards even told me about the recording Daring found. Threatening to kill her while she slept. A few guards have been in her room and outside of her room to keep an eye on her."

Ryder gave a sigh. "...I cant really leave her alone at all.... Not to mention Luna only wants me to be armed with a pistol if I get into a fire fight with his henchponies." He said. "I need to be armed with an SMG or something. Fast fire, can get a silencer put on it along with a sight, a bigger clip... You know what I mean don't you?"

Twilight nodded. "Yes I do." She said. "But this book is supposed to be for kids, and teenagers..." She hummed averting her gaze a bit. "...But then again this could be her last book... I could possibly give you permission to let you carry a bigger weapon but... The noise a bigger gun could make when you walk... Not to mention if you need to fit in small places... I don't think an M60 can be that mobile... Or an AK-74u for that matter... Of course what do I know about guns? I'm just a princess!"

Ryder hummed looking at twilight making her blush a bit. "I'm assuming you learn about a few guns when you get bored don't you?" He asked. Twilight nodded a bit. "You ever shoot one just in case you get caught without your guards?"

Twilight nodded again and blushed more. "Celestia told me I should keep a concealed weapon on me at all times." She said. "When courting a stallion and he tries forcing himself on me I get pepper spray... If I'm walking around town and I get held at gunpoint I could pretend i'm getting my bit's and pull the pin on a flash bang before tossing it to him and hiding behind what ever I can."

The guard stallion sighed crossing his arms. "Say you don't have those and someone manages to... I don't know kill the guards going into your room..." He said. "What would you do then? No flashbangs, no pepper spray." Twilight sat silent thinking. "What you need is something that could wound or even kill. You might be frightened at first but it gets easier each time."

Twilght sighed. "...Celestia said if I killed someone I could be pinned for murder or be blamed for something bigger..." She said.

Ryder would have responded but a yell came from down the hall. They both looked down the hall and saw a guard running towards them. "RYDER! TWILIGHT! IT'S DARING! SHE ISNT IN HER ROOM!" He said.

Ryder grabbed the guard. "I THOUGHT SOMEPONY WAS WATCHING HER!" He snapped.

The guard flinched. "I-I just.... Walked away to use the bathroom!" He said. "A-another guard should've been in there to watch her!"

The guard's superior threw him to the side and started running down the hall. Twilight ran after him as fast as she could. Guards were in the open door of Daring's room looking worried. "DAMMIT YOU GUYS WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED?!" Ryder yelled.

The guards looked at him and stood in attention. "S-sir! We just got here! We have no clue what happened!" They said saluting.

Ryder grunted and pushed them both aside. The room looked still tidy other than a pile of clothing on the bed along with the recorder. Twilight grunted coming inside. "Dammit... This is on MY head..." She said.

Ryder looked back at her. "What do you mean?" He asked still a bit scared.

The princess sighed. "My guards must have put her in another room..." She said turning away. "It's on MY head because they're MY guards... She's gonna wake up and just flip out knowing she isn't in her room!"

Ryder sighed and hugged her. "No worries lets just go find her." He said. "Please try and be happy for when we get back to the dining hall? Scootaloo and her friends wouldn't like to see you crying. Neither would Cadence or your brother!"

Twilight sighed. "...I'm not gonna cry..." She said pushing him off. "I'll cheer myself up when we find her... Now lets just get going. You've got a plane to catch."

They both went out into the hall and split up. A guard went with Twilight and another went with Ryder. They searched the rooms for about ten minutes until they met up just outside the last room they didn't check. Ryder panted bending over. "...Find anything...?" He asked.

Twilight huffed a bit and wiped her brow. "No... Nothing..." She said. "...This is the last bedroom in the entire castle... Why I have so many rooms in this castle is beyond my knowledge..."

Ryder readied up on the door like he was about to do a raid on a drug deal or something. He counted to three in his head and opened the door running into the room. It was empty. As clean as all the others. Not even a trace of someone staying there. "...Fuck..." Ryder said dropping to his knees. "...hope Ahuizotl didn't get her..."

Twilight came in and picked Ryder up. "Ahuizotl couldnt get in here." She said. "Call me a worrywart but after you guys got here yesterday I took one look at Daring and thought 'Adventure.' After you guys dropped me off here with Pinkie and Scootaloo I enchanted this castle so only my guards, daring and my friends could get in. There must be someone on the inside that could've planted that recording."

Ryder shrugged her off. "Is there anywhere safer they could've gotten her?" He asked.

The purple alicorn thought for a moment. "...She could be down below in my safe-room just in case a castle lock down is in order..." She said. She looked to Ryder. "I'll check down there. You go back to the table and get to eating. Shining always saves some if i'm not up yet."

Ryder nodded and hurried back out of the room and down the hall. It didn't take long for him to get back to the doors of the dining hall. He leaned on the wall catching his breath to make sure he didn't seem like he took a jog around the castle. As his breathing slowed he took a deep breath and fully caught his breath. He opened the door fixing his clothes and stopped in his tracks. There sitting where he sat was Daring eating a hayburger. "DARING!" He said darting inside.

Daring got up wiping her mouth as she set her burger down. She hugged him. "Jeez I was wondering where you were!" She said. "I remember being in Twilight's study but only for about an hours worth after you went back to bed. Woke up to a bit of talk caused by Cadence and Shining armor."

Ryder sighed not even loosening his grip as he looked into her eyes. "You scared the living you-know-what outta me!" He said censoring his words for his sister and her friends. "I didn't find you in your room after I woke up! I even went to check on you!"

Daring gave a chuckle as she pried his arms off him. "I was in the kitchen since five in the morning!" She said. "I was trying to make you a special breakfast before we head out!"

Ryder blushed a bit and smiled nervously. "Well... What were you making me?" He asked.

Daring turned to the kitchen door and gave a whistle. Not even a moment later a chef came out pushing a cart with a tray on it. She turned back to Ryder. "Well... It's not much of breakfast but more of a challenge..." She said giving a grin. "If I remember correctly somepony said you had a challenger when I had my habanero peppers with my hayburger... Question is... How hot can you go?" She grinned and sat down.

Ryder sat down next to Daring just as the chef came around the table with the tray. He set it between Ryder and Daring. "I say we both have to wait and see!" He said. "How about we make this interesting?"

Daring stopped the chef from taking the cover off the tray. "You mean who pays for the first meal in Steurope?" She said. Ryder grinned and nodded. "...How about we up the challenge? Both of us drinks a mixture of blended peppers in some pickle juice. First one to finish doesn't have to pay for the meal!" She extended her hand.

Ryder grasped her hand and shook it. "You are SOOO on!" He said. He looked to the chef. "Blend up the hot peppers and the pickle juice and bring em out here please!" The chef nodded.

Daring released the chefs arm and he set the tray down and taking off the cover revealing four plates of pancakes with chocolate chips baked into it. "Here is your breakfast mares and gentlecolts!" The chef said grabbing two plates. Ryder grabbed one plate setting it in front of himself. The chef placed a plate in front of Scootaloo, Cadence and where Twilight should be sat. He quickly grabbed the tray again went back to the cart pulling it back into the kitchen.

Ryder licked his lips picking up a fork and knife and started to dig into his food. As he ate the door opened back up and Twilight came in looking a bit scared. He noticed the purple princess at the corner of his eye and swallowed what he had. "There you are Twilight!" He said.

Twilight looked to Ryder and saw Daring next to him continuing to eat her Hayburger. She gasped and rushed to her. "There you are!" Twilight said. "Ryder and I have been looking EVERYWHERE for you!"

Daring swallowed what she had in her mouth. "I am VERY sorry I panicked you like that Princess!" She said. "I was in my room after I fell asleep! I saw no guards when I went out to try and create a challenge for me and Ryder before we went off!"

Twilight sighed going back to her seat. "All that matters is you're here..." She said. "After breakfast and your challenge we can go pick up your tickets. Don't wanna forget those do we?"

Ryder gave a sigh finishing the pancakes. "Yeah can't forget those!" He said leaning back in his chair. "Lets just hurry up and get those spice smoothies! I'm itchin' to take that challenge!"

Daring, Cadence, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and Twilight gave Ryder a weird look as he wiped up a chocolate chip stuck to the plate. "I wouldn't be surprised at my brothers appetite!" Scootaloo called out. "He's a real pig when it comes to eating! He once ate a pizza by himself!"

Ryder blushed and looked over at his sister. "Scoot! You know that was only because I hadn't eaten all day!" He snapped. "Besides I only eat properly when I'm with Luna and Celestia!"

Twilight sighed looking down at her plate. "You might still keep your job if you eat properly with Me and Cadence in your presence..." She said.

The kitchen doors opened and out came Shining looking a bit weirded out by the multicolored drinks he carried. "Okay... Kinda expecting it was Ryder who ordered these..." He said walking around the table. He set both drinks between Ryder and Daring. "... Ryder I swear you need to cut back on what ever you're drinking because this is the craziest thing you have fucking thought of."

Ryder sighed. "This wasn't due to my drinking!" He snapped. "I haven't sipped any booze since we got here yesterday morning!"

"This was pretty much my idea Shining." Daring said grabbing a glass. "I wanted to challenge Ryder, we got a spicy cocktail each, first one to finish doesn't pay for our first meal in Steurope." She looked to Ryder. "So you ready to pay up big boy?"

Ryder grinned grabbing his glass. "Prepare to eat your words with that meal! You're the one who pays!" He replied. "On my go... 1...2... GO!" At the same time they brought the glass to their lips and started to chug. Everyone averted their gaze as they started emptying their glasses. About half way down both Ryder and Daring gagged and dropped their glasses not thinking about their free hands to cover their mouths trying not to spit anything out.

Shining jumped back at the breaking glass. "Sonova... Now there's no telling who won AND there's broken glass and barefooted fillies!" He said. "You two don't move, I'll get you something to wash the spice away and get someone to clean this stuff up!" Ryder groaned and nodded.

As Shining walked away Twilight sighed. "This is why I try to keep shenanigans like that at Sweet Apple Acres with Dash and AJ!" She said. "I'm okay with Applejack and Dash doing this stuff to see who can do it better but with a famous writer slash adventurer and one of the royal guard?! You should be lucky that your sister needs you to take care of her now because I could take your badge, your weapons AND your armor just like that!" She huffed with everypony looking at her.

Scootaloo whimpered a bit with her lip quivering. Quickly Cadence used her magic to create a heart that popped over Scootaloo instantly calming her. She gave a sigh as Shining hugged his sister. "...That was a close one..." Cadence said. She looked to Twilight. "You need to calm yourself Twi. I wouldn't want Princess Celestia coming in hearing you say something like that especially with little fillies around."

Twilight hung her head a bit sighing. "Sorry... Just a bit on edge still from thinking Daring was missing..." She said. "...Ryder... Daring... Just get your drinks from the kitchen and just go to the helipad to get lifted out of here... I'll be up with Scootaloo so she can see you off..." Ryder and Daring nodded a bit and stood from their seats still being weary of the glass shards at their feet. Despite wearing shoes they stepped over the glass and went around the table. Ryder shot a bit of a teary smile to his sister. Not really sure if it was the burning sensation in his throat or the fact that he was going to miss her.

A little while later Ryder and Daring sat near the helipad with Cadence's Helicopter behind them. They drank what looked to be bottles of juice. "...That was a fucking dumb idea..." Daring said. "...Peppers blended... What were we thinking...?"

Ryder sniffled. "...We weren't..." He said. "...Maybe Celestia can get a few Pegasus guards to fly... I'm not even feeling too good and if I gotta hurl while we fly it isn't gonna be good..." He drank from the juice bottle again.

Daring's stomach gurgled. "... It better have a good bathroom... My stomach hasn't taken so much spice in one sitting..." She said. "...Doesn't that phone of yours have Celestia's number or something...?"

Ryder dug into his pocket and pulled his phone out and turned it on. He tapped at the screen a few times before pulling the contacts. "...AJ, Big Mac... Braeburn? Why is his number in here...?" He said. "...Blueblood, Cadence... Ah here. Celestia!" He tapped the call button and gave a burp. "...Ah shit... Daring can you check the chopper for some air sickness bags...?" Daring nodded and grabbed the phone from Ryder seeing his face turn a bit green. "...Those pancakes plus that cocktail.... NEVER again...."

Daring put the phone up to her ear and got up. The phone buzzed in her ear as she walked over to the chopper and climbed in. She looked to a metal medical kit attached to the chopper wall. She pinned the phone on her shoulder a bit as she tried opening the medkit. The buzzing stopped and the phone clicked. "Hello? Ryder is this you? I've been waiting for a call all morning!" Someone said. Princess Celestia.

"Celestia, Daring." Daring said stilly trying to figure out how to open the blasted bandage box. "Ryder cant fly. I made a stupid decision that's making him puke. By the way would you happen to know where the air sickness bags are in this damn helicopter?"

Daring heard Celestia give a sigh. "At least he had good intention to at least listen to said decision..." She said. "...Anyways I can give up his flying position to a few other guards... Kinda was planning on it and for those Air sickness bags they should be in the medkit above one of the seats. Push in and slide it down. Everything is held in by straps."

Daring looked over to Ryder who had his mouth covered. "Thanks. Right now he isn't really looking too good... Shining's gonna have to help keep him inside the chopper.... Possibly awake if needed..." She said into the phone as she pressed down on to the medkit lid. It slid down with ease and she grabbed a white paper bag lined with plastic. "One second princess!" She looked over to Ryder. "Ry! Come get the bag and get strapped in!" Ryder gave a nod before getting up and hobbling over to the chopper.

Not too long later Daring sat back near the chopper. Ryder was slumped over in his seat in the chopper holding the bag still looking a bit green in the face. Shining came from the tower with Scootaloo walking with Cadence and Twilight holding her hands. Daring stood up smiling at the four ponies as they approached. "Here to say some goodbyes?" She asked.

Twilight sighed picking Scootaloo up. "Yeah... Cant let Scoot go and cry because she didn't say goodbye to her brother." She said.

Daring gave a bit of a sigh. "Wouldn't want him to cry about missing his sister but he probably will being the softie he really is." She replied. She reached over. "C'mon. Lets see Ry. Just be careful. He's not feeling too good still."

Scootaloo reached towards Daring and jumped into her arms. Daring set the filly down by her side and grabbed her hand walking with her over to the chopper door. Scoot couldn't even wait before darting for the chopper door hopping in and hugging her brother. "...Bye Ryder..." She said squeezing her brother a bit. "...I'll miss you... Please call me when you get there... I don't want you to get hurt..."

Ryder sighed a bit wrapping his arms around his sister as his eyes swelled up with tears. "...That aint gonna happen unless I'm protecting you..." He said. "...Be good for Princess Twilight and her guards... Applejack and Big Mac will check on you and give me an update on what's going on with you and just so you don't hurt yourself..." He gagged a bit and pushed Scootaloo away. Daring quickly grabbed her and they both faced away just as Ryder blew chunks into the air sickness bag.

Shining and Twilight turned away looking as if they were going to get sick as well. "...Jeez that's gross..." Shining said rubbing his throat. "I should get them to Canterlot...  Longer he stays here hurling the longer I have to clean it."

Daring looked to Shining. "Is there anyway you can make a quick pass over the radio station?" She asked. "I have tickets I need to pick up TODAY!"

Shining looked to her. "...Sure but... You do realize we'll have to land to pick you back up right?" He said.

Daring blushed a bit. "Sorry about this but... I really needed to get one of these incase of a quick escape..." She said kneeling down. She pulled up her pantleg to reveal the metal ankle bracelet with the button on it. It looked shiny and new. "...I had a few guards bring me and Ryder one and they only brought one for me..."

Ryder spat into the bag. "...N-no worries..." He said sounding a bit weak. "...Someone seemed to have slipped it onto my leg while I slept..." He lifted up his pantleg revealing the same thing.

Daring sighed climbing in to the chopper as Twilight got Scootaloo out. "There... That's perfect... Don't have to worry about it." She said. She looked to Twilight. "It was great seeing you again Twilight. Again sorry about the broken glasses. Scootaloo it was good meeting you too. I'll keep your brother in check and make sure he calls you okay?" Scootaloo nodded smiling a bit.

Just before Daring closed the chopper doors Scootaloo called out to her brother. "BYE RYDER!" She yelled. Ryder waved to his sister as Shining started up the chopper blades. Scootaloo teared up a bit and hugged Twilight before backing away with Twilight as the chopper started to lift off.

Twilight felt the filly's grip tighten. She looked down and picked Scootaloo up seeing tears starting to stream down her cheeks. The chopper started off towards the outskirts of ponyville and Twilight just waited until the sound was minimal before shushing Scoot. "...C'mon Scoot don't cry... I don't like it when my brother leaves either..." She said. "...Cadence is still down stairs. Maybe we can get your friends and take them out to an amusement park or something. Want that?" Scootaloo nodded a bit and hugged her again.

A little while later in the chopper Ryder was looking tired. The bag of his puke was sitting on his lap with the top rolled up. "You feeling better Ry?" Daring asked into her headset. Ryder nodded a bit. "Good. Just take a nap and I'll dispose of that once we get over the station."

"How you guys doing back there?" Shining asked.

Daring looked back behind her into the cockpit. "There anything in here that Ryder could drink to keep his fluids up?" She asked.

Shining pushed a button and a little creak was heard. "Cadence always has this thing stocked." He said. "A drawer should've opened up right next to ya Ryder!"

Daring looked over at Ryder who was just out of it. There was a bit of a protrusion in between Ryder and the other empty seat. Daring unbuckled herself and opened the drawer. It was filled with water bottles, sodas, and a few alcoholic drinks. Daring grabbed a soda finding it was a root beer. It was cold like it was in a refrigerator. "He's out but it might need a bit of a kickstart once we get to Canterlot." She said sitting back down. She looked back into the cock pit. "You got anywhere you can hold this for Ryder?" Shining nodded and reached back grabbing the bottle.

"Perfect timing too!" Shining said. "We're right over the station. Get down and back up safely. I'll make a few passes until you can get back up here!" Daring gave a nod taking her headset off handing it to Shining. She opened the door away from Ryder after grabbing the air sickness bag. Taking a few deep breaths she threw the bag out before readying herself. She made a T shape with her body and leaned forward falling from the chopper.

Daring dove down seeing a building with a radio tower just behind it. The wind swept her mane back as she fell just looking down at everything. Suddenly she clicked her heels together and in a flash of light her wings appeared. The feathers sat thickly held against her back. She opened them up and whipped upright almost as if she was parachuting. It took a few minutes to land she was up so high. When she landed her wings disappeared and she gave a sigh. "...I've missed that so much..." She said fixing her mane before walking towards the building.

As she walked to the building a stallion came out wearing a tie-dye shirt and denim jeans. He basically looked like a hippie. He gave a smile seeing Daring. "Ah A.K. Yearlin' I presume." He said having a slight accent. "I heard you were the one who got those Metallicolt tickets along with free passes to a hotel in Clippersville!"

Daring smiled. "Yup. Wouldn't have expected it would ya?" She asked. The colt shook his head. "It's not really a custom for a mare of my nature and of my occupation to listen to calming music. Now uh... Can you show me where I can pick those up?" The colt nodded again and opened the door for her. She entered and the stallion followed her closely.

After a half hour or so Shining, Ryder and Daring were just landing at Canterlot. Ryder was awake and sipping from his bottle of soda. He was still a bit tired but wide awake enough to know what he was doing. Shining got out of the cock pit and opened the door. As Ryder and Daring stepped out they saw Princess Celestia approaching them along with a guard at her side with two suitcases. "Ah welcome back Miss Do, Ryder." Celestia said.

Daring gave a smile. "Glad to be back after hell in a hand basket during a few sleepy moments, a near mess with a gun, a bit of vomit and... Well... Other things." She said. "The few good things were  luck with a radio station 'guess the song' thing, a forgiving mare and a bit of a punishment for this one for screwing around with Prince Blueblood."

Celestia chuckled. "Ah Blueblood... He really does enjoy toying with the guard..." She said. "I actually would've let it slide. Blueblood really had a crush on Ryder but he knew he'd never chase his tail. Never thought he'd actually do that. BUT since he did I've gone and had someone pack your bags each with a little something to aid you on your journey and your adventure." The guard walked over and sat the suitcases next to Ryder and Daring. "No worries they're all packed with your clothes. Daring i assume you found your duffel bag at Twilight's castle?"

Daring sighed a bit. "...And left it there... Fuck..." She said hanging her head a bit. "But...Did you notice anything unusual about it when you got it there?"

Celestia thought for a bit. "...I did find it opened a bit. I assumed you let that sit that way." She said.

Ryder looked to Celestia. "...She found a recording from Ahuizotl informing us about his knowledge about me." He said. Celestia gasped. "Not to mention a huge fucking spider.... GOD i fucking hate those things..." He shivered and brought Daring closer as she picked up both suitcases.

Celestia stamped her foot a bit. "I knew there was something weird about this!" She said. "That is why i had guards EVERYWHERE around the jet. Just to make sure no pony messed with it! I've gone to everyone of my guards this morning and they all said no pony had messed with any part of it!" She gave a laugh and a grin. "You'll be flying out in style! Pegasi guards flying, a catered lunch, a fully stocked bar WITH a bartender. Also your surprises are in the jet on the bar. I just put them in so nopony would be a snoop and look through them. Shining! Take them to the jet now!"

Shining stood in attention and saluted. "Yes ma'am!" He said. He took one of the suitcases from Daring and walked with both Ryder and Daring away from the helipad. They soon came to the jet where Daring took the suitcase again. Ryder stepped in first disappearing inside. Daring stepped in after. "Daring!" Daring looked back at Shining setting the suitcases down. "Good luck out there. Keep Ryder in check and please make sure he still has his phone on him at all times."  Daring nodded and went in pulling the stairs up closing it.

Shining stepped back seeing Ryder and Daring in the windows looking down at him. He waved at Ryder and Daring still backing up as the jet pulled away turning down the runway. Soon it pulled away just as Celestia walked up. "Shining." She said startling him. He looked back at her. "Sorry for scaring you but I need to ask if you think they'll go and encounter Ahuizotl after that tape they found."

Shining shrugged. "I don't know but... Hopefully if they do they'll come back safe." He said. He turned back looking at the jet now in air. "Even if Ryder gets injured one way or another and he comes back he has to for Scootaloo's sake."

To be continued...