It was about an hour later and Daring and Ryder were sitting down for a meal inside Princess Celestia's private jet. Inside was almost overly decorated. The bar sat more towards the back stocked full with alcohol. The bar tender behind it was a unicorn mare dressed up in a vest, dress shirt and bow tie with a black skirt. There were a few stools attached to the bar with a curtain past it. Ryder and Daring both ate what looked to be tofu cubes. Ryder's looked like it was doused in some fruit juice. "...I never liked tofu..." He said giving a grossed out face. "...Soy never tasted right for me..."

Daring hummed a bit before swallowing a bite she took. "Well at least its organic huh?" She said. Ryder nodded a bit. "You know you don't have to eat this. You could've ordered something else. We are in Princess Celestia's private jet after all."

Ryder sighed a bit. "Sorry I just feel like since I'm with you I shouldn't be such a little foal being picky with my food..." He said. "...Not to mention my mom always tried to get me to eat this when I was younger... My dad... Actually told me when I got home that mommy had choked on tofu since she ate it a lot..."

Daring reached across the table and grabbed Ryder's hand seeing tears in his eyes. "...Ryder look you don't need to eat this if it reminds you of your mother..." She said. "I only eat this because... On an undocumented adventure to griffon territory Ahuizotl had held me captive and forced me to dine on... Meat... I've had cravings for it but I knew I couldn't ever eat it again... I went to a therapist telling them a friend forced me to eat it while they were on drugs...." Tears starting coming into her eyes. "...I just... I just couldn't help but just eat this every now and then to soothe the cravings..."

Ryder got up and went around the table standing Daring up and hugging her. "...Daring c'mon calm down..." He said. "...It's all okay... I can eat tofu without thinking of my mother and... You can at least try to have one memory to replace the memories of Ahui making you eat that wretched meat. Maybe a drink can help calm your nerves... Want it?" Daring nodded sniffling. Ryder took her hand and walked her over to the bar sitting down with her. "Two shots. Tequila."

The bartender nodded and reached under the bar bringing up two shot glasses simultaneously bringing a tequila bottle and pouring it into each glass. "I'll leave the bottle for her." She said nodding towards Daring. "She looks like drinking away her pain could help."

Ryder hesitantly nodded a bit just as Daring took her shot. Ryder took his and held it up. "...Here's to the adventure!" He said. At the same time they both drank the shot.

Daring sighed setting the glass down. "...Maybe you should make something that could help with the taste of blood... Make it a surprise so we have no clue what we're drinking..." She said. She thought for a moment. "...Wait... Didn't Princess Celestia leave something here for us?"

The bartender smiled a bit. "Almost forgot about that didn't you?" She asked ducking under the bar. She brought up two boxes. Each marked for the pony they were for. 'A.K. Yearling' was written on a big red box and 'Ryder' on a white one. "Well go on and open them up while i get your drinks ready."

Ryder smiled and took his box as Daring did the same. He looked to his marefriend. "Go on open yours first. I get stuff from Celestia on my birthday and around Hearth's Warming." Ryder said.

Daring smiled and nodded before opening the lid. She dug inside where there was all wrapping paper stuffed inside. She ended up pulling out a pocket knife and a leather belt with a holster on it looking as if it were for a gun yet it had a note in it. "...What's this...?" She asked taking the note from it. She unrolled it and opened it up.

'Dear Miss Yearling,

Brings back memories doesn't it? I do remember before you were a book writer you wrote for a column under this pen name. Anyways my sister told me that Ryder would be armed with a pistol protecting you on this adventure. Might as well have your own gun you know? I've had an arms expert camouflage this to make it look like an ordinary belt to anyone outside of you, and the guard. The weapon that is slipped into the holster is made to disappear. This note was making the holster visible to the bartender if you had opened it at the bar. Now that it's out and you're reading it the holster disappeared. Ryder will get one upon his arrival to the militant base just outside of Clippersville along with a revolver, snub nose.... or at least that's what Wolf is telling me... Wolf and Ryder go way back by the way. Wolf and Ryder were once friends inside of Canterlot but once Wolf had gotten transferred they've kept in touch through Email.

Princess Celestia

PS: Dont tell my sister i told you this but Ryder is getting the keys to a mobile Armory just incase you get in any tight squeezes. It's made to look as if it were just a normal Van. The outside might look 'vintage' as you would put it but the inside is supped to high hell with the latest tech!'

Ryder whistled sounding impressed. "Nice!" He said. "Still gotta get you to shoot something just in case we're cornered and I cant get to my sidearm in time."

Daring gave a bit of a laugh looking back at him. "You open yours now. I trust this will be gold compared to mine." She said standing up. As Ryder dug into the box Daring got her belt on with the holster. She hooked the pocket knife to the belt as well.

Ryder pulled an even smaller box from inside looking as if it contained a necklace of some sort. He opened this box as well and there was a folded up piece of paper containing something else. Ryder took it out and opened it up having a card fall from it and into the box below. "Lets see here..." He said clearing his throat. "'Dear Ryder. I have given you you're own bank account and slipped some money into it. Fourty thousand bits are in this account but don't be stupid and go crazy spending it. Act like a tourist spending it on some souvenirs or meals. One thing's for sure you can probably buy something for Scootaloo. If you mail it back just send it by military postal. It could help by doing it like that. By the way...'" He continued to read it mumbling it under his breath.

Daring looked at the credit card and hummed. "Nice nice!" She said sitting back at the bar. "Well I guess we have something to get excited about once we land... Speaking of landing..." She looked to the bartender who was shaking up a cocktail. "How long until we land?"

The bartending mare stopped shaking the cocktail stuff before setting two martini glasses. "I'd say about two to three hours." She said. "Trust me when the Princess goes out of Equestria like this I pretty much make her what I call a Sunshine Shot. Orange Juice with a half ounce of vodka. Every hour I make her that. It's enough to know the passage of time yet not enough to get her off her nut. Trust me I've set a drink limit. She's had a moment where she was so drunk she actually got a guard pulled into her sleeping area and... Ugh... What I heard was NOT princess like..." She blushed hard as she poured the drinks.

Daring blushed a bit. "...You think she'd mind if me and Ryder used it?" She asked. "...I promise it wont be that much."

The bartender sighed. "...She wouldn't mind but when you do leave your drinks here please." She said. "She took her drink back there and when I walked in she was giving the poor guy a reach around. He looked scarred. Never saw a guy like that since when I was working for a bar a few years before I started working for the princess."

Daring and Ryder both nodded and chugged their martinis before both of them got up from the bar. Ryder walked towards the curtain and went through with Daring behind them. Inside they saw a big lounge area with a bed big enough for Princess Celestia to sleep in. The covers looked of that of a civilian's. Daring gave a sigh sitting on the bed. "...You thinkin' what I'm thinkin' Ryder?" She asked.

Ryder grinned. "You mean have a bit of a nuzzle in bed?" He replied.

Daring nodded and took her shirt off. "Get a bit of a twist in it!" She said. "You guess a few of my questions right and I lose a bit of clothing each time. You ready for this?" Ryder just stared at Daring's chest covered by a bra. She looked down a bit and saw his pants tenting a bit. "I'll take this as a yes!" She grabbed Ryder's crotch a bit making him yelp a bit. He quickly backed away and sat on a nearby chair. "Alrighty... First question... When did the first Daring Do book come out?"

Ryder thought for a bit. He hummed but just kept staring at his marefriend's chest. "Maybe a hint?" He asked.

Daring sighed bringing his head up. "I don't think so... And by the way... Eyes up or else I start pinching!" She said. Ryder gave her a puppy dog face. Daring rolled her eyes. "Fine ONE hint! But that's it! It was around the late eighties to early ninties."

Ryder bit his lip a bit. "... 1987...?" He said a bit confused.

Daring chuckled and kicked her boots off and took her socks off. "I'll give you a freebie here since I probably haven't done a good job with washing my socks..." She said giving a bit of a blush. "Next question... How old do you think I am? The grey mane doesn't mean I'm in my late fifties or sixties. I'm below that line!"

Ryder leaned back. "Easy. You're 39." He said. "Grey mane came from a shock when you were younger from an electrical socket when you were plugging in a chord you didn't realize was frayed. ...By the way... What is your natural mane color?"

Daring unbuckled the belt she had just put on and slipped off her pants now sitting in her underwear. "My natural mane color is a darker black." She said. "I swore it was coming back but shades seem to fool you... Final question so you can get the good stuff... Ahuizotl first crossed me where?"

This was a toughy for Ryder. He never heard of this before her first book. "...Just a question... Is it before your first book?" He asked.

Daring giggled a bit. "I'm kidding you know my first encounter was in my first book!" She said starting to unhook her bra. "I nearly got you there didn't I?"

The guard stallion sighed. "That you did..." He said. "So close... I nearly fried my brain thinking if I knew that." Just as Daring tossed her bra aside he got up. "You wanna have a few questions about me or should I just take it all off?"

Daring got on the bed more and onto her hands and knees pulling her panties down mooning him now. "Just lose it and fuck me!" She snapped sounding really horny. Ryder flung his clothes off as if they were tear away. Now he only sat in his manties with his cock coming out of the top. "...Lose those too you look like a femboy!" Ryder sighed and took his manties off now letting his 'blue balls' hang free.

Ryder grinned and got onto the bed starting to tease Daring's ass and pussy with the tip. She moaned a bit. "Which hole do I get baby?" He asked.

Daring grabbed his cock and started to rub her own marehood. "Just remember to pull out.... And go slow... It still is my first time there..." She said grinning.

Ryder grabbed her flank but stopped having his stomach gurgle. "...Uh.... D-daring... You remember where the bathroom was...?" He asked sounding hesitant. "...That tofu isn't agreeing with my stomach..."

Daring stammered thinking. "It should be here somewhere!" She said. "Just get your pants on and find it!" She rolled off the bed and helped her coltfriend up simultaneously getting her underwear on. "It's either that tofu or those pepper smoothies from earlier... No risks to take here!"

Ryder got his manties on and just ran out feeling his stomach gurgle more. He ran up to the bartender who looked away. "Bathroom?" He asked.

The bartender pointed up the plane further and Ryder darted away. Daring ran out in her pants and bra following Ryder. She slid across the table now cleared of food and went to a door just as Ryder went inside of it. "Ryder? Is everything okay with you?!" She asked a bit scared.

Ryder groaned. "...Its the peppers... God it burns..." He said.

Daring sighed. "Just stay in there and we'll save the dirty play for the hotel." She said. "No body should feel bad here. Tofu and peppers do not mix trust me! ...Speaking of which I hope I don't need a toilet... My stomach is strong but sometimes breaks after a bad mixture..." She looked over to the bartender. "You got any ginger ale over there?"

The bartender mare gave a nod and reached under the bar tossing over a can of ginger ale. "By the way he did leave his card here. It fell on the ground when you guys left the bar." She said.

Daring hurried over and grabbed the card from off of the bar. "Shit that would NOT have been good." She said shoving it in her pocket. "Thank you so much for telling us about that.... If we got off the plane and he went looking for the card we probably would've been fucked..."

The bartender smiled. "Well I've worked for a princess." She said. "Anything I find that doesn't belong to me goes directly to princess celestia or the guard with her. Besides if I did take that Ryder would have me fired as fast as that GT he crashed... Surprised he was even licensed to drive."

Daring tilted her head grabbing the martini already made for her. "Ryder crashed a GT?" She asked sipping the martini.

The mare nodded. "Yep. Saw it with my own eyes." She replied. "Princess Celestia got notified that Shining had given Ryder a job after his heart was broken and he was driving his GT that also damaged his flight cuff. I was right outside when Ryder pulled up but before he stepped out he put it in neutral instead of park. That thing rolled down the road and it ended up crashing into a street light. The light fell and it crushed it."

Daring gave a whistle before downing the rest of the martini. "Didn't think he had that much cash for a GT." She said cracking the can of ginger ale open. "Did he restore it or something?"

The bathroom door opened and Ryder came out giving a sigh. "Wolf got it fixed up for me." He said coming over to the bar. "My friend who we're meeting in Clippersville is an engineer. He makes everything that can help with the guard. That GT I had... Keyword 'had'... was a product of his. He made it for me to remember him before he went off to become the leader of the Steuropean Guard. That thing got wrecked and I could swear I was about to kill myself... Thank Celestia for my sister eh?"

Daring sighed as well nuzzling him. "Yeah without you your sister would have been done worse and worse..." She said. "Not to mention I wouldn't have any protection with my next book... If I had a next book. I mean... If you hadn't come to my door I'd still probably be sitting in my kitchen eating nothing but peanut butter sandwiches."

Ryder hugged her and gave her a kiss. "C'mon you two relax now!" The bartender said. "Besides a meal left unfinished does mean some room left in your stomachs!" She pushed them over towards the table and pulled a note pad. "Just tell me your order, I'll get the stewardess to get it right up!"

Daring gave a smile sitting down. "...How about something to share like a cake?" She said looking to Ryder. Ryder gave a nod not even breaking his gaze. "Any flavor sound good to you Ryder?"

The bartender mare just wrote something down on the note pad. "I'll just bring a chocolate cake for you love birds." She said. "It's almost all Celestia has on this flying hotel room."

Just as she walked away Ryder's phone started to ring. He reached into his pocket and he pulled his phone seeing Shining's picture on the screen. "...Wait is it safe to answer a call on a plane like this...?" He asked sounding hesitant. He looked to Daring. She shrugged. "...Shit... It could be about Scootaloo... But then again it could be a test to see if I remember what to do in a fucking plane.... AND i don't..."

Daring got up from her seat. "Don't answer until I get a straight answer from the bartender." She said. Ryder nodded looking a bit worried at his phone. Daring went to a side curtain and found the bartender behind it talking with another mare  dressed almost the same as her. "Um excuse me?"

Both mares looked to her. "Can we help you?" The bartender asked.

Daring nodded. "Ryder is getting a call from Shining armor and... Well it's got him worried for his sister." She said. "Would he be able to answer it or is that a bad idea?"

The bartending mare looked to the stewardess. "Is it good to use a phone on a plane...?" She asked sounding hesitant. The stewardess shrugged unsure herself. "Maybe one of us should go ask the pilots... They should know."

Daring stepped aside just as the bartender slipped out. Daring followed and went back to the table. Ryder sat looking at his phone which was still ringing with the same picture on it. Shining, sticking his tongue out with a middle finger raised. "Alright Ry the bartender's asking the pilot." She said sitting down. "Just... Don't worry and keep waiting until the bartender gets back..."

Ryder hesitantly nodded. He rested a hand on Daring's lap and moved towards her crotch. She wanted to slap it away but she could feel Ryder shaking. The bartender hurried back in from the front of the plane. "Ryder!" She said. "The pilot says go ahead and use your phone."

Ryder quickly snatched his phone up and hit the green phone button quickly putting it up to his ear. "Shining? Dude what the fuck is wrong? I see you calling and i am freaking out!" He said frantically.

A sigh came from the phone. "Ryder your sister wanted me to call you just because she was worried." Shining said. "I know you're in flight and you just left the country but you should always answer. I was getting a bit worried when you didn't pick up for a minute..."

Ryder sighed relieved. "Where's Scoot? Let me talk to her!" He said. "...Let me talk with my little sister...."

"Alright give me a second." Shining said. He heard a little scratch and then a few voices. Shining's could be heard a bit. "Scoot! I got him c'mon he wants to talk with you!"

Not even a second later there were a few beeps from buttons being pressed and then some breathing. "Ryder? Y-you there?" Someone said. It was Scootaloo. She sounded like she was about to cry.

Ryder smiled a bit. "Yeah... I'm here... I'm okay. Just haven't landed yet. Should be another hour before i do." He said. "You doing okay over there sis?"

Scootaloo whimpered a bit. "...N-not really..." She said. "...I... I found Daring's bag and a little radio thingy... I listened to it thinking there was going to be music but... It... It just scared me..."

Ryder shushed her. "Scoot don't worry I'll be okay... And... Can you tell Shining he should've taken that tape player as some evidence or something?" He said. "...By the way... When i come back I'll have a present for you okay?"

He heard Scootaloo sniffle and the shuffling of something going across the phones mic. "And she's off to Cadence...." Shining said through the phone. "She just handed the phone to me and ended up running off towards Cadence ready to cry..."

Ryder growled a bit. "Shining I thought somepony would've taken care of that... I would've but I needed to stay with my sister." He said. "Take that recording, put it somewhere where no body can find it and listen to it... It is EVIDENCE! A threat made by Ahuizotl against Daring and myself. Do you understand?"

"Yes i do understand and it has already been done I took it back after Scootaloo had already listened to it." Shining said. "Now just enjoy the flight. You should be landing soon since you've been gone for... I don't know an hour and a half?" Ryder and Shining both hung their phones up. Ryder shoved his phone in his pocket just as the Stewardess came and put two slices of chocolate cake in front of Daring and Ryder.

About an hour later the jet landed. Ryder was looking out of a window at the side of the plane where he saw a line of guard's and one blue stallion smoking a cigar with an oil stain on his cheek. He stood there with black armor on. He puffed away at his cigar staring at the jet. Daring tapped on Ryder's shoulder startling him a bit. He looked back at her and saw her in a dress wearing her red glasses. She held both her suitcase and Ryder's. Ryder stood and took his suitcase giving a smile. "You ready for this?" Daring asked.

Ryder nodded and walked to the door of the plane. He opened it up letting the stairs drop. He walked down the stairs and stepped to the side for Daring to step down. The blue stallion approached them slowly. Ryder grinned and set his suit case down. Suddenly Ryder darted at the stallion and tried punching him. The stallion stopped the punch and flipped him onto his back on the ground. "Gotcha!" The colt said. "Y'still haven't learned not to ambush me!" He had an accent almost strong enough to not be understood.

Ryder blushed a bit and stood back up. "...Damn... Thought I could get you this time..." He said. "Still haven't changed a bit there wolf. Damn things have yet to kill you!"

Wolf gave a laugh. "Aye! Ya gotta know when to celebrate and when it's completely necessary!" He said. "Now for instance is a time fer celebration! Tell me how's that car I gave ya?"

Ryder sighed. "Cant lie... She was a beauty..." He said. "...Poor thing took a pole to the fender and then down the middle..."

Wolf took the cigar from his mouth. "Showin' this little lady here a good time?" He said pointing to Daring. "Didn't tell me y'had AK Yearlin' under them sheets while ya slept!"

Daring approached. "You assume i'd get in the same bed as this... Drunken ruffian?" She said. "I'm only traveling with him for protection. Not some two bit whore for him to rut into the night." She fixed her glasses and gave Ryder a wink.

Ryder huffed. "Miss Yearling I do realize I'm here for your protection but please save the bitterness for the hotel staff!" He said. He winked as well.

Wolf sighed and released Ryder. "Hope y'got coats. Weather calls fer a bit of snow tomorrow." He said. "Lucky y'can get a free car but... Might wanna let that free car go to another. We got some armored trucks and from what y'told me some protection could be used."

Ryder nodded. "Yes sir." He said. "Armored SUV's will help with traction, with any gunfights I could get into somehow and... Maybe hook me up with a pistol? Luna says I can ONLY have a pistol to protect Miss Yearling from those kidnappers I keep hearing about."

Wolf gave a grin. "Have I got the thing for you then..." He said. "Come! Follow me and we'll getcha armed and ready." The blue stallion turned around towards the militants behind him who stepped aside. Behind them was a jeep looking as if it were from an earlier war. Ryder grabbed his suit case along with Daring's to act gentlecolt like. "Just put yer bags right in the back of ol' Nessie here. I fixed her up with a V8 engine. Works like new or even better. I can never tell."

Ryder put both suitcases into the back of the jeep and went to the side door opening it for Daring. She gave a grunt and averted her gaze. The stallion accompanying her sighed hopping into the back. "Alright I gotta call Shining up let him know I made it here okay." He said taking his phone from his pocket. He clicked the screen on and tapped at the screen a few times pulling up the contacts. He scrolled to Cadence's number and tapped 'call'.

Ryder put the phone up to his ear and listened to the buzzing just staring back at the jet. The phone clicked. "Ah there you are Ryder!" Someone said. Cadence. "Was your flight enjoyable?"

The stallion gave a sigh. "...Not really Cadence... All I had in there was fucking tofu and it tasted like shit." He said. "That call during my flight had me scared shitless for my sister. It's nothing against you or Shining but I'm ready to blame someone for making my sister scared. I blame who ever left that tape." He gave a whistle just under the sound of the motor.

Cadence gave a sigh. "You're lucky we could get her calmed. Shining took them to an amusement park with his sister." She said. "I just stayed behind in Twilight's castle to relax in her spa with my son Blueblood. Don't tell Shining he's mine please he shouldn't know about this. It's why he lives with Celestia."

Ryder gave a smile. "Well you know I wont." He said. "I called you because Shining has a tendency to losing his phone where ever he sleeps. Speaking of Shining can you tell him I called once he gets back? I need Scootaloo to know I landed okay."

The princess on the other side of the phone gave a giggle. "Alright then I'll let her know." She said. "And... Thanks for giving Blueblood a good bucking in that spa here... Why he comes here to use a spa I have no idea...."

Ryder shivered a bit. "...I'd tell you but you might've wished I hadn't." He said looking at the front of the jeep. They were slowing up at what looked to be a work shop. "Alright now I gotta get going. Armory in sight and you wouldn't be able to hear me. Armory and shooting range right next to each other."

"Alright you be careful now." Cadence said. "Before you go I persuaded Celestia to put direct pay on that card of yours. Your paycheck will be added to what ever total you have left from what Celestia has given to you. And... Also add half what she added." Ryder's jaw dropped. "Close your mouth or you might as well eat flies! Now just get into that armory, eat something and don't worry about your sister. Everything will be fine here." Cadence hung up on Ryder who was still a bit in shock. He shook his head and shoved his phone back into his pocket as Daring and Wolf stepped out of the jeep.

Ryder hopped out and followed Wolf into the armory. "Alright Ryder now that you're off the phone let me tell ya what I got for ya." Wolf said. "I've been testing out a few designs for shotguns. So far... Most of them have not passed testing." He opened the door to the armory and guns were everywhere. Crates marked with what guns were inside them. AK-47, M-16, SPAS-12, even a G-18's, M1911's and Skorpion's. Ryder and Daring followed wolf over to an open pile of scrap. Wolf reached in pulling out guns. "I've tried everything from making a SPAS fully automatic, giving a sniper the ability to shoot slug rounds and even just incendiary rounds to a fuckin' Lever Action!" He pulled up a repeater shotgun with the barrel blown out and the rest burn up. "The few that passed testing were immediately broken or stolen by a gang in town.. Don't ask me how they did it but.... It's just really embarrassing..."

Ryder huffed. "How much you wanna bet I can get them back for you if I was given the location of their hide out?" He asked. "I just need armor, some guns and some back up to at least give me a shot at getting those guns back."

Daring looked to Ryder. "And just what do you think you're going to do with me? I'm not going to sit around a hotel and wait to be kidnapped!" She snapped. "You set me up in some armor, give me a weapon, some ear plugs and maybe a mask to hide my identity so nopony sees me."

Ryder looked back at Daring. "Miss Yearling you know I cant let you in any danger like that!" He said. "You'd pretty much have to be in juggernaut armor for you to be safe. Not to mention if you were injured MY head would be on the chopping block! Not to mention I'd probably be blamed for an author of your stature with that much fame, dying in Steurope. Who knows I could be sitting with my sister one day and a car drives up and all you hear is just BANG BANG BANG and either ME or MY SISTER OR BOTH OF US DEAD! Would you want to see me and my sister at the pearly gates holding hands after you died?" Daring shook her head hesitantly.

Wolf grabbed Ryder and pulled him back. "Alright we'll do it yer way Ryder. I'll be at yer side in this and we'll get a few of my best colts on it." He said. "As for A.K. Yearling my men will keep an eye on her. She'll remain here at the base in my private quarters. It'll have everything she would need. Food, water, a place to nap if needed even a TV if she gets bored."

Daring gave a sigh. "Fine but I have the right to fight back if any of your men try making a move. Agreed?" She said. "I don't want to be alone in the room and take a nap only to wake up to being nude and someone fondling my breasts, my marehood or even looking into some stupid moron's ass."

Wolf held up a finger before going around the box and looking into another box. He reached in and pulled a Taser. He turned it on which made a loud cracking and ticking. After he turned it off he tossed it to Daring. "There. Should be enough to get them good." He said going back over to Ryder. "I'll get ALL of my men informed you are in my quarters. Also... You can keep that just incase this one here makes a move as well." He nudged Ryder who blushed a bit and laughed.

Ryder met Daring's gaze. She shot him a grin and a laughed. "Celestia would be GLAD to hear the second in command had done anything to me." She said. "If he touched me I'd be the first back to Canterlot leaving him here to hide in shame as he waits for his precious job to be terminated leaving him somewhere to sulk and wallow in his own filth!"

Ryder hung his head a bit. "Well... I hope it doesn't come to me losing my job over violating a lady such as yourself." He said. "Wolf may I speak with Miss Yearling alone?" Wolf nodded and went towards the door. He looked back at Ryder who snapped and pointed out. Wolf turned away and went all the way out. Ryder looked to Daring. "Look I know you're playing your role but... This is actually hurting me..."

Daring sighed. "Look I just don't want to be left alone here." She whispered. "Not with Ahuizotl creeping up on us. If you can put off the raid for tomorrow so we can at least settle in AND if I can train myself with a gun we can both help take everything back and look for that sword. You still remember that don't you?"

Ryder nodded. "Yes I remember but you need to be protected at all costs." He whispered back. "Besides, using a gun would blow your cover, I'd lose another marefriend and go home with a heavy anvil hanging on my head. That anvil will either get me fired, killed or have my sister go without a home!"

Daring grabbed Ryder's wrist. "I have no clue what that last one has to do with this but you should know I can defend myself." She said. "Have your friend there take us to our hotel, and leave us until tomorrow morning!"

Ryder nodded and grabbed his marefriends hand. "Wolf! We need to get to a hotel. Jet lag has Miss Yearling tired." He called out. By the time he stepped out of the armory Wolf was already closing the armory doors. Ryder opened up the jeep door and sat Daring who was acting tired now. "We're gonna need to hold off on the raid until tomorrow. I'll contact you later with what we need to do." Wolf nodded and hopped into the jeep before driving off with Ryder in the back.

Hours later Ryder and Daring were in their hotel room suite. It was a nice room with two beds. A flat screen TV hung on the wall. A desk sat against the wall near a balcony. Daring sat there looking at Ryder who was walking back and forth. "C'mon Ryder I said I was sorry!" She said. "I cant just say 'Oh hey I'm actually Daring Do and all my books are of what I usually do in my fuckin life!' Ponies will start talking, secrets get out and I could even have some stupid kid coming up behind me and hiding in some crate or even have Ahuizotl kidnap him!"

Ryder sat down on the bed. "Well I cant have you follow me into that hide out." He said. "One stray bullet and you could be dead." He reached back and grabbed the remote control. "...Surprise this hotel gives us access to the remote..." He pushed the button turning on the TV.

The stallion flipped it to a news channel with a head line saying: 'Gang overtakes warehouse, cops outnumbered.' "The local gang known as the 'Manehattan Mafia' has taken over a warehouse storing items meant to be shipped everywhere around the world." A mare said. "The police department would go in but they are out gunned, out numbered and are too busy paying for damage caused in last weeks firefight in the museum."

Ryder muted the TV and paused the picture. "Look at this shit its unbelievable!" He snapped. "The longer these guys stay here the more money is lost due to some businesses all over!"

Daring stood up and looked at the warehouse. It had a building in the distance looking as if it were just half a mile away. "What if I provide sniper fire?" She asked. "I can be set up on a building far enough away to where I wont be shot at and to where I can help with everything."

Ryder looked at the TV closely. "...That might actually work..." He said. "If we can get you trained with a sniper to get precise shots we can get that warehouse and the weapons back for wolf."

Daring sat on the bed. "Well I have used a Fifty Cal. Barrett before." She said. "Very powerful sniper. Can blow through a lot of thin walls."

Her coltfriend gave a laugh. "Pretty and dangerous." He said blushing a bit. "Maybe you wanna finish what we started in the plane?" He grinned giving Daring bedroom eyes.

Daring gave a smile. "Well I suppose I do owe it to you after I was being a bit of an ungrateful bitch towards you." She said averting her gaze. "Perhaps you should punish me?" She looked back and pulled him onto the bed. He landed on top of her and rolled so she was on top. She lied across his lap and pulled her pants down a bit giving Ryder a good view of her panties. "Spank your bad marefriend! Don't be afraid to make it sting!"

Ryder just stared at her ass blushing hard. His stallionhood throbbed pushing up against Daring's stomach. He panted almost drooling when suddenly he fainted falling over. He woke up in the hotel room later. He saw Daring standing over him with his phone in hand. "...D-daring...?" He said weakly trying to sit up.

Daring lied him back down shushing him. "Stay down... You're weak from malnutrition..." She said. "You tossed your breakfast, that tofu doesn't do much and we haven't eaten for a few hours. Oh by the way... Shining called and I answered for you. Said you were taking a nap."

Ryder gave a smile. "...Thanks... Uh... How long was I out?" He asked.

Daring sat on the bed stroking his cheek. "About 45 minutes." She replied. "I called room service to bring up some water and a few hayburgers. They should be here in a bit." She averted her gaze a bit. "...By the way.... I.... May have given you a hand job while you were out."

Ryder blushed. "...Felt bad about all the inconveniences huh...?" He asked. Daring nodded blushing hard. "...Maybe we just eat and go to bed.... If I zonk out before you I want you to call and tell Scoot I said good night."

Daring nodded and kissed Ryder on the forehead. Not too long later Daring had Ryder sat up at the end of the bed. They drank some waters and munched on different style hayburgers. Ryder had fries piled on the burger with cheese on it. Daring had hers in slider form with onions on it. Daring looked over after swallowing a bite of one of her three sliders. "You feeling better Ry?" She asked. Ryder nodded as he took a bite of his hayburger. "Well I guess we both needed something in our stomachs. While you were out I kinda lost my breakfast thanks to that horrid cocktail... This is the only food that we've had all day other than that shitty tofu on the plane... You probably kept that down while I just lost it all."

Ryder set the half of his hayburger down and grabbed the glass of water. "Better we eat this and feel good and alert for tomorrow." He said. "Gotta have you on that sniper position wide awake. I really don't wanna go in there without any cover. You already have an idea what could happen." He sipped his water getting a few good gulps in before setting it down.

Daring gave a smile setting her hayburger down. "Yeah I do know what could but wont happen because of my overwatch." She said. "My shoulder might be sore but my shots wont miss. My advice is wear something on your sleeve or something so I'd know where you are. Don't want to accidentally shoot you instead of some guy who you're in a tussle with."

Ryder sighed a bit. "I'll see what I can do in that department." He said. "I've done a bit of thinking and if you're seen something might be spilled about your true identity. My idea is to wear a mask or something. I'll make sure its cool and that it doesn't frizz that mane of yours." He picked his burger back up and took another bite. "Maybe as an extra precaution you could have another sniper helping you with to take down any other heat. And... I guess while we're on our way back over no radio either. That asshole at the ponyville radio station plays Kindness for Tirek every day just to spite me... Not sure if he has any friends here to fuck with me either."

Daring sighed a bit. "...I really want that mission to go smoothly." She said. "...What happened back in Equestria makes me think my luck wasn't just like picking the ace of spades from a deck of cards... It was like...tossing a rock from the plane and trying to get it into a two inch hole you dug on the ground... Maybe not even that." She lied back on the bed looking over at Ryder. "And you... How the fuck did you- one of MILLIONS of fans of my books- get wrapped up into my adventures and the chance of a family member being in a previous book! Do you know how many calculations would be used to determine that? It would be astronomical!"

Ryder shook his head and lied back as well. "...To be honest Princess Luna sent me to get you..." He said. "...I was supposed to go alone but since you're an alias playing treasure hunter Celestia had me bring that no good jackass... Theres a reason why I hate him.... and its not just cuz of the shit that he's done being my partner and all but... He actually used to be a bully to me... Fourteen years old I was going out with my best friend... She was as adventurous as you are or at least she thought.... She stumbled onto an old time capsule that somepony forgot about. Brought it to my place and it had a lot of cool things in it... Had an old dagger in it that she gave me. One day I was just out buying a sheathe for it just in case and the bastard steals it from me... To this day he has it AND the sheathe... Wouldn't be surprised if he's trying to sell it after losing his fucking job..." Tears came to his eyes.

Daring rolled a bit and cuddled him shushing him too. "...Ryder c'mon... You're gonna have something better than a stupid dagger and I don't mean one of my books!" She said before she kissed him on the lips. She broke the kiss and saw him give a smile. "You good now?" Ryder nodded a bit. "Good now lets finish our hayburgers and get to bed. Big day tomorrow!" She got up and helped Ryder up. Daring reached and grabbed the remote changing the channel to what looked like a show about the Royal guards on the force. A familiar stallion was seen running after a crook in what looked like Manehattan. Daring looked over at Ryder who was blushing hard with his mouth hanging half open. "Something you wanna tell me before we get to the good part?"

Ryder swallowed what he had in his mouth and laughed a bit. "...Well that episode was a surprise to me too after I ended up getting hammered that same night..." He said. "I just hope no one here recognizes me while we're here..."

Daring picked her drink up. "Same here..." She said before sipping from her glass.

The next morning they were just getting ready over at the military base. Ryder was getting a mask on as he got into some tactical urban camo pants. Daring got into a similar outfit but she wore a hood with hers. Wolf came in in the same get up. Except for the mask which he had in his hand along with the duffel bag. "Ah you two look ready!" He said setting the duffel bag down. "Ryder I've got something special in here just for you! Something I designed and made way before you even got here. Was thinking about sending this as a birthday gift but hey why not today?" He knelt down and unzipped it half way before standing back up and backing away.

Ryder knelt down and unzipped the rest of it. He pulled out what looked to be three shotguns in almost a revolver like contraption. He cocked it and it shifted to the next shotgun. He hummed as he cocked it again. "...Seems more of a collectors thing..." He said. "How the hell do I load this? Does it even shoot?" He looked down the sights. "...Seems accurate if i'm shooting slugs..." He pulled the trigger getting a click out of it. "...Firing mechanism works..."

Wolf took the gun. "Okay it's only a prototype but it does fire!" He said putting it back in the duffel bag. "I'll have this thing shipped to Equestria. I'll work on another design make it more efficient." He sighed throwing the duffel bag over his shoulder. "You guys get to the armory, get your weaponry and meet up by the armored car. We're moving out soon and Miss Yearling, I've arranged for a chopper to take you to that building you told me about. We should arrive there at around the same time so you should have enough time to get ready before we breach. Take out any tangos you can see. Outside, windows anywhere you see the tangoes. I'll have Ryder tie a bandana somewhere so you know where he is."

Daring nodded. "Yes sir. Thank you sir." She said. She looked to Ryder. "You're all ready to go aren't you? I want this to be done and over with before something bad does happen... I've got a deep feeling in my gut...."

Ryder sighed and finished tying his boot. "Don't worry everything is gonna go without a hitch!" He said standing back up and patting the mare on her back. "After that we're coming back here to grab me a gun to protect you with!"

Wolf chuckled a bit. "No worries just take the side arm you go in with." He said. "We've got plenty. Might have a little something just for ya! Just follow up. I actually need to get my weapons too." Ryder and Daring nodded before following Wolf out.

A little while later they each came from a hangar with a truck outside with a turret on it. A guard stood outside the door leaving room for Ryder to get in and take control of the gun. Ryder came out with an AK--74U and a Desert Eagle in a holster. Daring, A Dragunov sniper fit with a variable zoom scope and a muzzle brake. Wolf a P90 with a holosight. Just before Ryder hopped in he gave Daring a quick kiss. Ryder looked to Wolf who looked shocked. "Ah bite me that might me the last time I'd be able to do that!" He snapped. "Say a word to anyone and I could spill everything I have on you!"

Wolf nodded and waited as Ryder climbed in. He looked to Daring. "Ma'am. Your chopper is ready and waiting on the helipad." He said. "A jeep should be around to pick you up any minute now but you will get there in time."

Daring nodded and let her sniper hang by a strap. Not long later she was in a chopper flying over Clippersville. She sat on a mini gun placement at the side. Her sniper lied behind her still on the strap. A guard nudged her. She looked over and he handed her an ear piece. She took it and put it in her ear before putting on her mask on. "There.. You can hear me right?" The guard said. Daring nodded. "Good! You'll be able to hear everyone else and communicate with the others. Go on try it out!"

Before she had time to say anything a familiar voice came to her ear. "Miss Yearling I hope you know what you're doing with that sniper of yours!" Someone said. It was Ryder. "Anyways I'm wearing a blue bandana around my neck. The chopper should drop you at that building we discussed before. Wolf gave the coordinates to said building. The chopper will aid in a distraction just so the gang members don't notice us blowing the wall with C4. Stay safe. Ryder out."

Daring looked to the guard again. "You ever fire one of these things?" She asked pointing to the Mini gun.

"Yeah!" The guard said. "It's fitted with explosive rounds so it'll do more to what ever we're shooting at. But we aren't allowed to let civies shoot em. You're lucky Ryder vouches for you to use that sniper! Hope you're a good shot!"

Daring cocked it as the chopper hovered over a building. "I'm no good shot..." She said. "I'm a damn great shot!"

The guard smiled a bit. "Alright get out there." He said having the chopper land on the building. "Little tip, confirm you have visual on the allies before shooting."

"YEAH!" Ryder yelled making the guard and Daring jump. "I don't wanna get my head blown off just because you don't know where I am!" Daring sighed. "Sorry for the yelling. I'm just pumped.

The grey maned mare hopped out onto the building with her sniper in hand. "You better be sorry." She said going prone. "You at the objective yet?" She looked through the scope and scanned the city scape.

"Almost there." Ryder said. "Hold on one second. MOVE MOVE GET TO COVER JUST RUN AWAY GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Just then the truck carrying Ryder and the other guards screeched to a stop in front on the warehouse.

"Ah Got you in my sights!" She said before scanning the rest of the building. There were windows boarded up. Not even any broken out windows. "Ah shit... I cant see anything. I have no visuals on any tangoes. You're on your own, sorry." Just then she saw two C4 explosives stick just below a long boarded up window. "Clearing away? What a gentlecolt. Lets hurry I wanna light these suckers up." She kept her sights trained on the guards with charges set on the wall. Everyone took cover behind the truck.

"This is gonna be loud!" Ryder said. "Brace yourselves because FIRE IN THE MOTHER FUCKING HOLE!" Suddenly a big explosion rang out throwing up a cloud of dust from what Daring saw. Over with Ryder rubble and dust rained down with the sound of a lot of guys yelling. Ryder was in the truck when he set the charges off. He quickly got back on the gun and turned it to a hole and spooled up the mini gun before shooting a few rounds off inside. "GO GO GO!" He hopped out of the gun placement and took his AK-74u rushing in with his squad. A few sniper shots rang out just as he entered the building. Dazed earth ponies and unicorns all armed with some sort of weapon. He fired a few shots taking out three stallions. Some bodies fell off a balcony. The guards who followed Ryder in kept firing at everything around him.

Gunfire erupted from what looked to be an office area. Wolf, Ryder and the other guards took cover behind a few shipping containers. Wolf pulled a flash bang and pulled the pin before chucking it to where the gun fire was coming from. It went off and some of the gun fire stopped. "Advance!" Wolf called out. "Ryder cover fire!" Ryder came from the corner and started firing everywhere like a maniac. "GO GO WHILE YOU HAVE THE CHANCE!" Wolf and the guards advanced on the door to said room. One guard tossed in a concussion grenade. It went off and they entered firing a few times. Wolf tossed a frag grenade up into the balcony office door. That exploded and all gunfire stopped. Ryder and wolf went in with the rest of the guards.

The office had corpses near the windows and behind desks. A door was still closed but riddled with bullet holes from the fire fight. Guards got on either side of the door while Ryder and Wolf put their guns into holsters on their back before taking their handguns out and cocking them. "Leader in there?" Ryder asked his friend. Wolf nodded. "I'll knock!" Suddenly Ryder kicked open the door and aimed his gun at a stallion who already had his hands up. "Grab him, get him out of here!" A few guards moved in and Ryder put his handgun away in the holster and turned around.

Suddenly Wolf cracked him across the face knocking him to the ground and holding him at gunpoint. "You even move I make it seem like an accidental discharge." He said after hitting his earpiece turning it off. "Say anything and I send you both home in bags!" Ryder nodded. "....Do you think what I do is a fucking joke? That what I make for you is some sort of novelty toy?" Ryder shook his head. "First... It was that car I gave you... You crashed it... Now this weapon I'm still letting you go home with? I worked hard on BOTH and for what? Just to have it trashed?"

Ryder was going to answer but a muffle in his ear piece got him silent. Over with Daring she was staring down none other than Ahuizotl. He had a grin on his face and a snake skin boot on Daring's chest. He wore a leather jacket and khaki pants. He had Daring's sniper in his tail which had a hand at the end. His black hair was slicked back and glistening in the sun. "...My my... Military work Daring?" He said. He bent down and plucked her ear piece. He held it near his mouth looking at it. "...You should've listened to my message... 'Stay close to that guard'.... Does that mean anything to you?" He threw the sniper off the edge of the building and threw the earpiece to the ground giving it a good smash with his other foot.

Daring grunted in pain as her rib cage was crushed under his boot and the Kevlar she wore. "...You bastard... How- how did you find me?" She asked.

Ahuizotl laughed and brought Daring up holding her by her arms. "Well... I have my men everywhere..." He said. "...One being at that radio station in Ponyville... A few servants in the castles... I told each one SPECIFICALLY not to engage.... Now... I've told you how I did it... Now..." He used his tail to take Daring's pistol and drop the clip causing a a few bullets to fall out. He kicked it away and dropped the gun. "...Say goodbye to your beloved treasured sword and say HELLO TO THE NEW KING!" He threw Daring off the building.

It all went in slow motion. Daring falling. Ahuizotl's laugh, Ryder having a gun in his face with his friend at the trigger. Just about half way down the building Daring grinned and clicked her heels having her wings appear. She quickly caught herself and started for the building. Ahuizotl noticed and picked up the gun and aimed it. She could hear one gunshot and had the bullet whizz by her head. She dive bombed the streets. Her grin turned to absolute fear as a few more shots were fired. The bullets still missed. One actually hit Daring's mane flowing in the wind narrowly missing her head. She quickly dropped below the building roof getting out of range of her attacker. She ran up to the hole in the building having her wings disappear. "RYDER!" She called out going into the shot up warehouse still dusty and a bit smokey from the explosives. She pushed past guards and shoved some to the ground. She saw Wolf with the gun in Ryder's face. She stopped. "RYDER!"

Wolf looked back and Ryder acted quickly knocking the gun out of his hand and springing up to his feet giving him a few good slugs to his jaw. He fell to the floor dazed. "Stay down, keep the gun where it is or I will shoot you!" He said. Wolf hesitantly nodded. Ryder looked to Daring who just hugged him shaking. "What's wrong Daring? Who was that on the com?" He looked to Wolf who looked confused. "Shut the fuck up about this or I make it look like an accident." Wolf nodded.

Daring looked up just as her boyfriend looked back. "...I-it was Ahuizotl..." She said starting to tear up. "He... He nearly killed me.... He wants us BOTH dead!"

Ryder's heart dropped. "...Fuck... He wasn't kidding..." He said. He looked to Wolf holding her close. "You get the weapons, we get the fuck out of here! And why are you keeping that fuck alive? We don't need him anymore!"

Wolf stood up and spit blood from his mouth. "We need him alive to find and raid other gang hideouts." He said. "We've already called for back up to look for the weapons and to take him back. Grab any guards not holding him and get the fuck out of here. I'd even check out of that hotel if I were you. No telling if who ever's after you could have it trapped!"

Ryder pushed Daring away and nudged her so she would go out of the room. "Then the guards come with us, and disable any traps that could lead to civilian casualties and I do not want that on my record!" He snapped. "That room is under my name so nopony knows that's where the famous A.K. Yearling is staying. Unless you want my good name AND good nature accepting the gifts you give me to be tarnished go ahead and let some fucking bellhop die!" Wolf stayed quiet. "You and I are going to talk later. Any of your men want to touch me for doing that to you, you might as well say I actually got you that time!" He grinned and just walked out of the room. The grin died down as he took Daring who was in full blown tears under his arm. "Those who wanna wait for another truck stay here. Ones that are free to help ON ME! I'll fill you in on what needs to be done." A few guards broke off of the suspect and followed Ryder. Wolf and two other guards were left.

Not long later Daring was passed out in the back seat cuddling up to Ryder. Ryder felt bad for her and was even scared himself. There were three guards with him. Two in the front seats. One on the gun. Daring was lying on the seat just inches under the gun. One guard in the front looked back at Ryder. "General? Sir?" He said. Ryder looked up at him. "Why are we going to your hotel again?"

Ryder sighed. "There's someone here who wants me and Miss Yearling here dead." He said. "I'm afraid he could have trapped the room we were staying in."

The driver looked back at him. "Sir is it necessary to keep referring to her as Miss Yearling?" He said. "We all heard the voice on the comms. And just before you had arrived we were told of the message and threat left at that Princess of Friendship's castle. Captain Shining told us and told us to not mention her real identity. We understand clearly sir."

Ryder rolled his eyes. "Of course Shining..." He said to himself. "Anyways yes this is Daring Do and Yes it's Ahuizotl trying to kill her. We need to get up to room 324 and make sure no traps are in the room. No betties under the bed, no claymores at the door, trip wires on the toilet or C4 wired to buttons on the remote. Am I clear on it? Check that room for any possible OR impossible weapon placements!"

"Yes sir general!" The two stallions in the front seats said.

Ryder sighed looking down at Daring. "I'll keep her in here." He said. "Two go in, evacuate the rooms next to and above an below. One stays here with me make sure no one- and I mean NO ONE knows about her! Get some towels from the hotel to cover her or something to block the windows!"

The driver glanced back at them. "I'll handle Daring Detail!" He said. "Ace! Vandal! You guys get into the hotel and take trap duty!" They stopped directly in front of the hotel. Daring didn't even stir.

"Alright everyone know their assignments?" Ryder asked.

"Yes sir!" Each stallion said.

"Good! Now get moving and hurry!" The stallion snapped. "There's no telling if Ahuizotl is around here ready for an ambush! I'm gonna call home, make sure they know what the hell is going on." The three stallions nodded and jumped out of the truck rushing to the hotel door. Ryder carefully picked Daring's head up digging into his pocket. He pulled out his phone and started dialing numbers FAST. He grunted and went to the contacts quickly scrolling to Princess Celestia's contact number hitting the call button putting it to his ear. "C'mon c'mon pick up pick up!"

The phone buzzed in his ear a few times before getting a click. "Hello? Ryder?" Someone said. Didn't sound like Princess Celestia. "Ryder aren't you supposed to be on vacation with a little author of your books?"

Ryder looked at the screen for a second. He didn't call Princess Celestia. He called Princess CADENCE! "Ah shit! Cadence I'm sorry!" He said. "I'm worried so much right now I cant even see straight! I meant to call Princess Celestia not you! Is Scootaloo doing okay over there?"

Cadence sighed. "Yeah she's fine." She said. "Right now I'm with Twilight watching them out here at the park. And yes Shining is here too. Do you want to talk to your sister or Shining?"

A guard returned with a few towels. Ryder opened the door to grab them. "Let me talk with Shining." He said draping the towels in the door. He gave one to the other guard and pointed to the other door before closing the door. In that time Cadence handed her phone over to Shining. "Yo Shining! You better be watching my sister CLOSELY! We just got attacked here!"

Shining mumbled something away from the phone. "Yeah Ryder I'm watching her." He said. "If you need I can give extra security to ensure her safety. Is anyone hurt over there?"

Ryder sighed looking into the rear view mirror. He saw he had a black eye. "Other than a black eye and a few bruises I'm fine." He said. "Might not be from Ahuizotl but... Hell it hurt.... Anyways I'll call you later. I wanna get back to base for either a drink or to get some shut eye... This day has barely started and I am already tired and ready to be wasted..."

A grunt came over the phone. "My advice is just get some sleep." Shining said. "Let the drinking come from a victory. I want you vigilant. My sister will have you executed for EVERYONE to watch because you let an author die! And her favorite one at that!" A scream came from the distance on the other side of the phone. Shining sighed. "First off I'm sorry second... I gotta go... Your sister heard me and she's crying now... I might as well just go see if  Big Macintosh has a place where I can sleep... See ya..."

Ryder sighed as the phone went silent. He looked down at Daring who looked a bit flushed with dried tears running down her cheeks. He stroked her cheek before looking back to his phone and making sure he was dialing the right number this time. Now he was calling Princess Celestia. He put it up to his ear and within seconds a click was heard. "Princess Celestia? It's Ryder..." He said hanging his head a bit.

The phone muffled and shuffled in the sounds on the other side. "Ryder! Thank you for calling me!" Princess Celestia said. "I'm seeing a news report about your friend Wolf saying you took down a cartel with his help. Great job!"

"Yeah but... At what cost...?" Ryder asked. "Daring was attacked by you know who... and if you don't it was Ahuizotl...." Tears built up in his eyes. "She came to me in tears... She's lying on my lap passed out... Our hotel room could even be bugged and trapped... If Ahuizotl knew Daring could fly... We'd have guns to our heads and we'd probably be coming home in wooden boxes... Or a bloody burlap sack..." He sniffled and sobbed softly hiding his eyes.

"Ryder... Are you crying?" Celestia asked. "Ryder I know you're scared but... You wanted to do this! You're one of the best guards I have in my personal protection! If you come home in one piece and call me without crying your eyes out I'll give you your elite armor. The one that Shining has. Can you stay strong for me, your sister AND Daring? Please?"

Ryder wiped his eyes. "...Y-yes princess...." He said. He heard a little mumbling. "Princess? ...A-are you there?"

"Oh sorry Ryder!" Celestia said coming back to the phone. "I've just been informed your old partner whom I fired was trespassing and he was armed with an old knife. He claimed he was trying to give it back to you but we need to know if it is yours. Looks like something off of an old semi auto rifle..."

Ryder thought to himself. 'M-my dagger...? He's returning it...?' He thought. "...Y-yes Princess that is mine. Can... Can you put it up in my quarters please? I want someone who I trust to put it in there...."

Celestia laughed a bit. "Yes Ryder." She said. "Consider this something we both keep secret. Now call me in the morning. I have a meeting to get to. See you soon general."

"You too Princess." Ryder replied. He hung up and held his phone on his lap. He looked down at Daring and stroked her cheek.

Daring jumped a bit with a slight scream. She panted sitting up as far as she could. "....fuck...." She said sighing. "...Where am I...?" She looked up to Ryder. "Where are we?" Ryder sniffled and grabbed the towel blowing his nose with it. Daring scooted up more and sat on her boyfriends lap. "...Have you been crying...?"

Ryder nodded. "...Yes..." He said. "....I'm just scared that I'm not going to be in time to take a bullet for you... And.... I'm just scared of not being able to make it back home with you...."

Daring wiped his tears away shushing him. "...You will make it back home with me.... Both of us alive..." She said. "If not for me and the princess but your little sister.... If you didn't come back with me I'd have no idea on what to say to her... Now calm down..."

Ryder sniffled and nuzzled Daring kissing her. The guards came back and notified Ryder he was checked out, they had his luggage as long with Daring's. They even looked through it just in case there was any triggered explosives. Thank goodness none. It was a quiet ride back to the base. Ryder even passed out nuzzling Daring, holding her close. Only woke up for a little bit to get to a bed in private quarters. Wolf's private quarters. And something tells me this wont be the last time Ahuizotl will be in the mix.