It was about a few hours later after Daring had left Canterlot with Dash, Scootaloo and the princesses. She now sat half naked on a bed inside a dimly lit but shiny coated room. She looked around at the purplish walls and the blue flooring. The wooden bed and the fancy dressers and end tables by the walls. Even a red sequence dress hanging on a hook near the door along with khaki shorts, survival vest, forest camo shirt and pith helmet sitting along side it as well as a purse sitting on a chair nearby. She sighed lying back on the bed. "...Ryder.... Why cant you be here to give me good luck, a kiss and... maybe a back rub...?" She asked the empty room. "...You gave me confidence to tell you who I was but.... I had to under dire circumstances.... Here.... the circumstances are just panic attacks waiting to happen and me only to wake up on the floor or in a hospital because I fainted...." A knock came to the door. She huffed just rolling to her side. "Come in but... If it's a guard please disregard what I said and go away.... I'm not decent!"

A slight laugh was heard. "Well... I'm no guard but... you did end up borrowing one from me..." A familiar mare said. Daring sat up and saw a familiar purple alicorn wearing a dark blue dress and silver stars all across the chest like a sash. She even wore high heels almost the same shade as the dress. Daring smiled sitting up as her friend, Princess Twilight Sparkle enter the room and close the door behind her. Twilight sighed as Daring sprang up and hugged her. "...You doing alright in here?" The mare sighed.

"I dont quite know Twilight...." She replied breaking the hug. "My heart is telling me to do this but.... My brain is saying to not even go out there.... even giving me a list of complications that can arise..... I'd ask for a confidence booster but he's back in a military infirmary...." She went to the door and grabbed the pith helmet looking into it. "...Who I am is a shock even to you once you found out and.... honestly if I knew you were the alicorn princess of friendship I would've been nicer but.... I've been secluded so long before that, hiding amongst everypony.... I think you actually might've became a princess during my fourth book when I was in Saddle Arabia." Twilight sighed taking the adventurer mares outfit in her magic and held it up to her chest.

"I might not be Ryder but... you can do this. When I was younger right around when your first book was published and you signed it for me.... I was so nervous I broke down and cried.... I was so scared to even say anything because I didnt want to embarrass myself but... I did somehow...." Daring looked to Twilight seeing her blush.

"I think I remember that... you were with your mother werent you? Velvet right?" Twilight nodded. "Ah a fellow writer. She helped me with starting up the Daring Do series... I told her I wanted to write but I had no Idea what I was doing... That's where my pen name came to be. Your mother helped me become a successful writer..." Twilight smilled.

"...My mom always read me bed time stories when she wasnt busy with her love novels.... She always had me read with her on some of my little filly books. Are you familiar with Little Rosey?"

"The little rose who was afraid to open up because she thought nobody would like her....."

"Yeah... if I remember this right Rosey was in a floral section of a store. One night while she was asleep she was taken away from everyone she knew and woke up in a new flower bed. The other flowers were friendly but she didnt want to speak with them. A Lily spoke with her seeing she was afraid of introducing herself in such a new area it reminded her of the same thing she went through when she was just a seedling. The old oak tree that stood next to the flower bed when Lily was first planted gave her a lot of help to open up. Kind gifts, friendly words of advice and even little bees that tickled her giving her a smile after a rainy day. But once that oak tree was cut down she was alone and new flowers came in. She introduced herself to all the flowers she could until that one little flower came to her. Do you know who that flower was?" Daring looked to Twilight taking the outfit off the hanger.

"Rosey?" She replied. Twilight shook her head.

"Nope. That flower is you. I'm that Lily that is helping you and my oak tree? Celestia of course. She helped me become confident and taught me friends are the best things to have even if someone needs a little push just to get them to meet em. How else do you think I have all my friends here?" Daring smiled brightly.

"...Because that little flower needs to open up and make friends with everyone. And they help each other in some ways. Like this...." Twilight hugged the pegasus mare giggling slightly. Her giggling slowly died down before she sighed.

"Hey uh... Daring....?"

"Yes Twilight?" She looked back at her backing away a bit.

"...Can I.... Can I do something real quick? I just...." Daring shushed her. She saw it in her eyes she knew what she wanted. Daring leaned in and kissed Twilight on the lips passionately making her blush hard but sigh in ecstasy. She broke the kiss and shuttered. "Oh... wow.... I...." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening her eyes yet again. "....Thank you...."

"Anything for you Twilight. ...I did need to make it up to you about my books somehow. Maybe if things go well later we might settle on something nonphysical but perhaps dream based hm?" Twilight blushed as her wings extended quickly and her horn gave a quick spurt of magic. She gave a quick yelp covering her horn and setting her wings back into place. Daring snickered a bit and hugged Twilight. "It's okay... This is between us and only us." Twilight sniffled a bit.

"Th-thanks Daring.... Let's just pretend this didnt happen... please....?" Daring nodded kissing Twilight on the cheek before releasing her and letting her go out the door. It didnt take her long to get into her first outfit but she couldnt help but admire her unique look in her books. Even extended her wings making sure she was able to move around without any restrictions. She slipped the pith helmet in her purse and looked to the dress. It was nice looking and glistened in the little light of the room. She sighed taking it in hand.

"...Once I put you on there isnt any turning back.... and this is just a one way road ready for me to drive down it...." She got it from the bottom and started to slip into it. She felt the clothing underneath thin to a near disappearance. She even felt her wings just disappear off her back but... something felt as if she were missing it. What she was missing it was unknown. She hummed as she grabbed her purse and opened the door. When she opened the door she saw Twilight standing just across the hall with her trademark hat and red rimmed glasses. Her hat looked brand new. Pure white with a red ribbon tied into a bow near the top and her glasses looked fairly polished. Twilight blushed a bit holding them out.

"Here. I asked Rarity to fix these up for you. A guard turned these in here for evidence because they thought you had disappeared somewhere but Celestia called me and told me where you were.... I just thought I'd have these refreshed for you." Daring smiled as she took her hat and glasses putting them on.

"You wanted to keep part of me didnt you?" Twilight blushed hard. "Ah well... you'll get these back after we're done here. Now clean your face up and lets get ready here. You've got dried tear marks and a little drool on your cheek." Twilight blushed a bit more before using her magic to make a little hand towel appear. She quickly wiped down her face a bit before poofing it away.

"Forever moist hand towel. I used a hydration spell on it and I'm glad I did. I was only going to use it for testing but there was a flaw in the spell that just made it last for a while. No mold, no mushrooms or anything. And unless it was put through a washing machine it would be dirty and the logic in that still confounds me. Also glad I didnt use that on anyone... they probably would've been sweating up a storm and may look like they've gone and wet themselves before hopping in a pool." She took a quick breath and looked Daring in the eyes. "Alright... Enough stalling. Lets go." Daring nodded and started off down the hall. It felt so weird being in her persona of A.K. Yearling after what had happened to her. What she had seen also. She sighed a bit.

"....Lets just get this stuff over with.... I love the dress Rarity made but I just.... I feel.... I feel like this is just a nightmare night costume and I'm just way out of season for it." Twilight looked over.

"Well think of it this way: You're cosplaying." Daring gave a confused look. "Basically think of it as a play and you're a character who just roams the crowds. I've done this before while dressed as Starswirl the Bearded and honestly first time I did it I was scared to do it. I slowly warmed up to the idea but i stuck with it when I found my foal sitter wearing a Starswirl The Bearded costume as well. She was kind of embarrassed when I found out with my brother. But she felt better when he said she looked cute when she blushed." She snickered a bit and sighed. "Good times... good times...." Daring hummed a bit looking at herself.

"...I mean... My acting as A.K. Yearling is spot on and nobody can even tell its actually me unless they already know..." She looked to Twilight as they stopped at door with guards on either side. "I just wish I could continue this persona.... but after this I dont know what will become of me...." Twilight smiled and rested a wing on Daring's back.

"You'll still be you but... I think A.K. Yearling should only come out in case of special moments like if you need inspiration to write something or if you get bored. I mean... I sometimes dress up as Starswirl to practice my spells sometimes and its kinda fun to do when nobody is around. Then there are times where that Starswirl convention isnt going on and-" Just then the door opened a bit and a guard slipped out. He was a unicorn guard who looked like he had things thrown at him and such.

The guard cleared his throat a bit. "P-Princess I'm sorry to say this but those Daring Do fan-clubbers got a little too rowdy at the door!" He said. "I had to have many of them sent out and the others didnt want to stay because their friend got booted out and it wouldnt be the same without them so now all we have is the camera crew who are ready and waiting." Twilight sighed looking to Daring who looked relieved yet kinda sad.

"Well at least they wont be a danger to me and my guest here. Those camera crew ponies actually might have a good view. Dont want any one to get in the way or wave to the cameras and stuff making it seem like a big joke."

"We've almost made a few arrests for assault on an officer but all they did was throw little paper balls and stuff. Highly childish but still something that shouldnt be done." He huffed. Twilight sighed a bit patting the guard on the back.

"That's good you held back. No arrests on over excited fans with an obsession with a book. Now just go take a break or something. You look like you need it." He sighed and nodded.

"Thank you princess! I-I might need a little nap to recharge a bit..." Twilight nudged the guard away a bit.

"Its fine go take an hour nap and come back refreshed." He nodded and just kept walking. Twilight huffed and looked to Daring. "Well there's a factor I didnt account for... Good thing it got resolved before we got in. You ready?"

Daring took a deep breath and sighed. She even shuttered slightly. "Yeah... I'm.... I'm ready...." She said. She looked around a bit. "Wait... You said Rainbow Dash would be here with us right?" Twilight gasped a bit.

"Oh right.... Well since we had Scootaloo with us she had to watch her. But dont worry I'm gonna be here. I'll have the camera crew interview me and her afterwards for it. You can just join Celestia later with Scootaloo to speak with Ryder and check up on him." She gave a slight smile having her heart race.

"...I do hope he's watching... Now lets go and get this over with before I end up doing something lewd again." Twilight nodded pretending that she hadnt heard what she said. She turned to the door and opened it up revealing a fairly large room. There were seats lining row after row nearly reaching the back of the room. At most ten rows from what Daring could see but fairly big, wooden and cloth seats. There was a podium set up at the front end of the room with a few seats on either side and a Ponyville and Equestrian flag hung behind it. There was even a wireless microphone on a mini stand on the podium. There was a team of five ponies sitting near the front row but way away from a camera dead center of the room. Two unicorn mare were sitting off to the side with headphones looking at a lap top making sure of the sound quality, one pegasus stallion was stood behind the camera and two other ponies, one earth pony mare and the other pegasus stallion sitting behind another camera just off to the side. They all wore a similar uniform. Black teeshirt with a news station logo either on the back or chest. Daring's heart sunk as she approached the podium with her purse clutched tightly at the handles. Twilight stood at the side of her just resting her wing on her back.

One of the mares at the computer got up and approached Daring and Twilight. Her mane was a deep red and her coat a dark orange. "Hello there Princess. Miss Yearling." She said bowing slightly. "We're nearly done with everything here. Sound check is good, so no echoes off the walls and the cameras are perfect. Do we have any questions before we get started?" Daring swallowed a bit.

"Th-this is going on live TV isnt it?" The mare nodded. "Alright... I might need a second to collect myself and ready up for this... is that alright?"

"Yeah just fine! Just tell us when you're ready and we'll fire the cameras right up." Daring nodded before looking to Twilight who seemed a bit worried.

"Twilight I need Dash here right now! Only you to fall back on about this isnt going to go over well. I dont care if Scootaloo is in here having to sit back and be quiet... I need that mare in here now and i mean RIGHT now!"

Twilight sighed pulling her phone out of thin air with her magic. "Alright alright just take some deep breaths. I'll have Dash get a few bottles of water for us alright?" She said. Daring nodded and sat down in one of the chairs taking deep breath after deep breath. She sat there for a few minutes breathing in and out. Twilight sighed as she came over to the nervous mare. "Okay Dash is right down the hall and yes she is coming with Scootaloo. A small problem though...." Daring looked to Twilight a bit worried. "So... Apparently some guards were talking because they heard about how Ryder got injured and.... well... she got scared and wet herself... in other words Dash is gonna have to hold on to her if you dont mind it." Daring let out a little aw.

"Poor thing.... of course I dont mind I feel so bad for her! Just.... have the camera crew not get her on camera as much or interview her. I dont want her crying again and I dont want to have Ryder smack someone when he gets back!" Twilight nodded and went back to the mares at the computers. She watched as Twilight sat next to them. She couldnt really hear what was being said but the mare seemed to have understood.

It wasnt long later before Rainbow Dash came in wearing a long rainbow dress with white frills near the chest looking as if it resembled the Cloudsdale rainbow falls. She had Scootaloo next to her who wore baggy jeans, sneakers and a blue hoodie with the Wonderbolts logo on the back. Dash sighed as Scootaloo hugged Daring tight. Daring just patted her back hugging her. "Sorry I'm late. Just needed to swap outfits for me and squirt here." She said. "You alright to go now?" Daring nodded slightly. She looked to Scootaloo and nudged her back a bit.

"Here... lets get you a chair so you can sit next to Dash. We're gonna be on TV soon.... Just... if you need to just take Dash's hand or Twillight's hand... I might mention you-know-who a few times but I want you to be strong.... Show your brother you're strong. He'll be watching."

Scootaloo whimpered slightly. "....W-we'll get to talk to him wont we...?" She asked. Daring nodded.

"Yes but afterwards...." She looked to Dash. "Grab her a chair and sit her between you and Twilight. Okay?" Dash nodded and went for the audience chairs. She grabbed one in between the cameras and moved it over by Twilight's chair before moving hers over to the other side.

Daring readied herself at the podium taking a deep breath as Twilight, Scootaloo and Dash sat down in their chairs and one of the unicorn mares approached. "All ready Miss Yearling?" She asked. Daring nodded.

"Yes. When ever you're ready with the cameras." The mare nodded and went back to the seats next to the cameras.

"Alright we're live in five, four, three, two..." She mouthed one and instantly Daring's eyes locked onto the camera direct middle of the room that had a red light on the side. She took a deep breath and sighed away from the mic but leaned in slightly.

"Hello there. I am A.K. Yearling, author of the Daring Do series. As many of you know just recently I was involved in a shooting in a Canterlot book store. An armed assailant shot at me but he missed thanks to a guard who was off duty at the time. This stallion hid me away out of the country for a while and yes it may seem like a risk that I'm talking about this live but.... it isnt anymore. I don't know what the guards have said regarding myself and the attack but if anything my word is truth over theirs. After that I had a few dark thoughts that I wont mention but you might have an idea. I was afraid of other assailants coming for me if I either went back home, or to my room in a local hotel which you probably heard was evacuated because of a supposed bomb threat. Granted it was only for safety for others. I had no knowledge if the assailant was spying on me every step I took or if he was tasked to shoot me by another or if he had planned this." She glanced over at Twilight and Dash as they both held tight to Scootaloo's hands. "My friends here were worried but were glad to see me return." She looked back to the camera. "But... they were looking at someone that wasnt A.K. Yearling at all....." She removed her hat handing it to Dash before pulling a little lace on the side of the dress loosening it to where it slipped off revealing her adventurers outfit before she dug into her purse fishing out the pith helmet. She sighed looking at the cameras once more. "But... This is who they were actually looking at." She extended her wings and grabbed the microphone off the stand before stepping away from the podium modeling the outfit. "...Yes I know what you're thinking... 'she's a fraud, she's just an actor' or even 'she's just a mare pulled off the floor of a comic convention who was wearing this outfit' but.... What you are looking at is what you thought was a fictional character. I am not A.K. Yearling. That was but a pen name hiding who I really was. I am actually... Daring Do. To prove it on book five I met up with Rainbow Dash here while her and her friends were roaming a forest near my old home where I go every now and then to hide away. I'm not revealing the location but whilst I was there with a golden ring that held mystical powers I was attacked by Ahuizotl and his goons. Now you're thinking I'm crazy or something but he is... or rather was real.... it might sound like he's a figment of my imagination but... in reality he's... he's dead.... The guard that saved me at the book store accompanied me to retrieve a sword out in Bullvainia. That sword is the Sword of the Gollahan. Ahuizotl got the sword using the guard to pull it.... he did some research and somehow found out he was related to the prince that once wielded it. How he figured that I have no clue but... Ahui had him hypnotized and... Well... I'll stop there because most of that will be in the last ever book of the Daring Do series. It will still go under A.K. Yearling but you will know who really did write it and know a first person experience." She teared up slightly. "I've.... I've held my secret in for years and it feels just so good to let it out like that...."

Twilight and Dash got up as she sobbed a bit breaking down. Twilight took the mic as Dash hugged Daring going over to the door. Twilight looked to the camera's with the mic ready. "Princess Twilight here. Yes what she said is true." She said. "The guard, the sword, the book and even my friends involvement in her last book. I've been a fan of hers since I was just a little filly and I always wished Daring Do was real but when I did find out I didnt know whether to scream, cry or disregard what I saw but... it felt good knowing something like that happened. If any of you have your doubts my General- the stallion injured- he will vouch for me, for her and even a few other ponies. Celestia herself included! Now might be the time to sign off. Interviews will come later hopefully." The lights on the cameras just blinked off leaving the ponies behind all the tech shocked. Twilight huffed as she set the microphone back on the stand. "You guys take how ever much time you need for all this to sink in. My friend and I will return later but right now more important matters to attend to." She looked to Scootaloo who was still in her seat. "Come along Scootaloo."

Scootaloo nodded and hopped from her chair before hurrying to the princesses side taking her hand. They hurried out the door following Dash and Daring. They now walked down the hall with Daring sobbing uncontrollably. Dash rested her wing on Daring's back. "Hey... its alright.... it's okay....." She said. "Everyone has to believe you about that!"

Daring sniffled as they went off into a library. It was double the size the room they were in before. Maybe tripled. Book cases touched the ceiling and there was a rolling ladder on the wall. A desk sat dead center of the room. "....I... I know they will...." She said. "....But... it just.... it feels just like a very.... VERY....heavy weight was lifted off my shoulders.... and... it just feels so good..." She sobbed a bit more as her friends sat her at the desk. Scootaloo couldnt help but climb into Daring's lap and hug her. Daring couldn't help but embrace the filly lovingly. "Oh.... thank you Scootaloo... Y-you're so young but.... I feel you have a big heart...."

Scootaloo smiled at Daring as she wiped tears away from the mares eyes. "Well... My big brother always told me to be nice to everyone because I don't know what they're going through...." She said. She looked to Twilight. "...Speaking of my big brother... is there any way we can talk to him now?"

Twilight sighed taking her phone out. "I suppose so. Celestia gave me a direct line to Ryder's friend in Bullvania." She said. "I'll call him and check if Ryder's available to talk but for right now just start calming her down. Alright?" Scootaloo nodded hugging the sniffling mare. She walked away phone in hand leaving Scootaloo and Dash at Daring's side.

Daring sniffled looking at Dash. Dash just smiled at her. "...So... A.K. Yearling is gone now huh....?" She asked. Daring nodded. "...kinda feels weird to even say... I kinda just wanna keep saying it but... I don't know how that's gonna affect me or you... but it sure is gonna make me wanna cry...."

Daring huffed. "...Crying is something that I wouldnt even stop for you...." She said. "....Y-you wish to cry over who is now a fictional character go ahead... I dont wish to even cry about what was but what will be...." Dash took Scootaloo from Daring's arms and set her on the floor before going back to the rainbow maned mare squeezing her.

"NO! A.K. YEARLING WASN'T A FICTIONAL CHARACTER! SHE WAS- YOU WERE...." Dash fell silent as tears came to her eyes. Daring stood up and hugged Dash resting her head on her shoulder just rubbing her back.

"....Just let it all out.... I'm here for you...." Just then Dash started to sob uncontrollably. Scootaloo couldn't help but hug the mares the best she could. "....I must admit she was just a fictional character to me but... to you she was real enough for you to see, talk to and not think of anyone else when you were up close.... You're right to say she was real... I made her real enough as ponies around Equestria and beyond read my books made me. Granted some had weird fantasies, I.E. your cousin, but that didn't make me any less real on either side of the wall that divided the real me from the false me." She sniffed a bit. "...Please accept my apology... if a punishment is in order I'll go through with it but it has to be within reason...." Dash sniffled and looked to Daring.

"....I.... I...."

Suddenly they jumped hearing Twilight yell. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU LOST HIM?!" She yelled. Everyone looked to Twilight who was just looking scared and mad at the same time. "HOW IN THE HELL CAN YOU LOSE A STALLION WHO WAS RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU?!"

Daring broke away from Dash sitting her and Scootaloo on the chair before rushing over to Twilight. "What's wrong? Why are you yelling?" She asked. Twilight handed her the phone breathing heavily. She put it up to her ear. "Hello?"

Heavy panting was heard on the other side. "He just... he just.... FUCK!" A stallion said. Daring immediately recognized the voice.

"Wolf? Wolf is that you? C'mon man breathe!" She heard him yelp a bit.

"Daring?! Sweet fucking Celestia.... Put Twilight back on the phone! Ya cant hear this!" Daring looked to Twilight. She was pacing back and forth just holding her now messy mane.

"Just tell me... Princess is having a little panic attack at the moment..." She heard Ember huff.

"Alright but you're not gonna like what ya hear...." He took a deep breath. "...Ryder was fully healed by the medicine we gave him. We noticed a few side effects taking place such as enhanced strength, high speed hands, increase in stamina and appetite. But... we may have pushed him a little too far into testing. He wanted to stop and eat after we gave him some weights to lift so we could see the limits of how high he can bench... almost three hundred pounds. We said we wanted to do a few more things to test him but he just... he got angry and.... I swear he wanted to hold anyone and everyone down... maybe even rip their heads off... He even flipped over a truck with his bare hands.... I turned away for one second when my men tried going for him but when i turned back he was gone. It's either he flew off so fast we didn't hear or see him or he somehow became an alicorn and teleported out... My money is on his flying...." Daring took a deep breath to keep her from shaking.

"....You... have got to be fucking kidding me...." She put her hand on her face. "...How do you lose a stallion? In what I assume is broad daylight....?"

"I ALREADY FUCKIN' TOLD YA! ARE YA DAFT?!"

"Look, stop talking to me, find him and.... FOR CELESTIA'S SAKE JUST FIND HIM BEFORE I COME BACK THERE AND SHOVE MY FOOT UP YOUR-" She looked to Scootaloo who cuddled closely to Dash. "...Just find him NOW!" She hung up the phone and gave it back to Twilight. She went back over to Dash and Scootaloo smiling nervously. "So... who's up for some ice cream?"

Scootaloo just stared at her. Just emotionless. Dash grabbed Scootaloo and held her tight, face to chest. "...Three.... Two... One..." Dash counted. Suddenly the filly screamed loudly into Dash's chest before breaking into loud sobs. Daring just froze up as Twilight ran over and used her magic creating a sound proof barrier around Dash and her cousin and even giving Dash some earmuffs.

Twilight grabbed Daring's arm and held her tight. She couldnt help but just pry her off and run. Daring just flung the door open and just ran out of the library down the hall. Twilight followed her out. "DARING WAIT!" She yelled. The pegasus mare ignored her and just kept running. Her heart sank as tears welled up in her eyes. She dodged around guards, corners and even a few random carts. After a minute or so she ducked into a room and hid against the wall waiting for Twilight to run by.

As Twilight did run by she looked around in the room. There was a large screen on the wall with six recliner chairs in front of the room, three on either side. She noticed a colorful maned alicorn sitting in one of the chairs. Celestia. She ran over to Celestia and broke down crying jumping right on to her. Celestia jumped a bit as she embraced the crying mare. "Daring?! What are you doing here? Why are you crying?!" She asked. Daring didnt answer. Just sobbed. "Well now I know those arent tears letting me know you've chickened out of your interview. I was watching the entire thing! Not to mention it's been a bit since it ended with Twilight.... Why cry now?"

Daring sniffled and just cuddled up to Celestia almost like a child. "...I just... I.... I..." She stammered. Celestia sighed and shushed her.

"...Calm down... take a breath.... please?" Daring nodded slightly and started taking deep breaths. She still sobbed but still breathed heavily.

Just then they heard footsteps come in. "Celestia? Is everything okay?" A familiar voice asked. Daring glanced up a bit and saw Twilight's mane and horn slightly. "I cant seem to find Daring. Is she in here or is that just you crying?" Celestia winked at Daring and looked back.

"Daring isnt in here Twilight. Now run along and have one of the guards get a quick meal ready." Daring noticed Celestia's subtle glances back at her. Twilight glanced over slightly seeing Daring still crying a bit into Celestia's shoulder and sighed.

"Alright. I'll just leave her be where ever she is... she seemed a bit hurt from what she heard on the phone and just ran off somewhere.... I guess maybe some food will just bring her out of hiding...." Celestia nodded and went back to hugging Daring as Twilight teleported away.

"....There.... There's one thing we know... something you heard on the phone made you cry.... May I ask what it was?"

Daring sniffled and shuttered a bit. "....I... T-Twilight... she was talking with Wolf.... Ember.... and... he t-told her and... me that.... th-they lost Ry-Ryder..." She said. Celestia gasped a bit.

"How did they lose him? Did they walk him somewhere and just leave his wheel chair brakes off? He probably rolled off to look at Wolf's car collection!"

"...No.... He just.... Wolf said he flew off somewhere... they just... they dont know where he is.... they.... they turned their backs for a second and he just.... he was just gone...." Celestia sighed.

"...That medicine must have given him powers that even I had no clue about.... that drug was only designed for Luna and I.... And my mother and father.... but it was needed for his return...." She held Daring close. "....Where ever he is they'll find him and bring him home...." Daring sniffled.

"...I just.... I.... I just hope so... I m-m-made his sister cry... she just... she overheard the conversation and.... just put two and two together.... just hearing her scream.... i knew... I knew there wasnt bringing her away from that crying.... when it was m-my fault for bringing him out there...."

"....but it was my fault for even allowing such a thing.... I could've easily said no but.... did you not see how happy he was with you...? Before knowing the truth he was depressed.... The few days before you even held that book signing Luna found him crying in the media room... She asked what was wrong and he just said he was stressed out from the non stop work. That's how he got the day off for the signing but... what actually happened was that Lazer fellow you got fired before leaving just blackmailed him about some... personal problems Ryder had. I wont say what but apparently Lazer took many items from the General. Even his prized collection of Daring Do books, all signed by you. The book he just got from you was either one to replace what was lost or a new addition he never had but it seemed to mean a lot to him.... Might make something better knowing he's going to be in his own book like his cousin." Daring wiped a tear from her eye.

"...I guess this book isnt over yet.... something interesting may come around but.... I want them to find Ryder so he can see the finished product first..." Celestia used her magic and stood Daring up just hugging the crying mare.

"That's a good way to see it... just keep thinking that way and everything will be alright." Daring sniffled and wiped her eyes.

"...I-I'll try but.... it's just... I feel like there's.... something I should be able to do to just... make up for taking your guard... a filly's brother.... breaking him and nearly killing him.... i just...." Celestia shushed her.

"...He did what he was trained to do.... protect at any cost.... he has been hit by cars, shot at and even beaten up... all at the expense of keeping the streets safer for his sister whom he cares so much about.... I understand that she's emotional about his disappearance but... she needs at least something to keep her happy and that is you... You already know what you can do for me and that is make that filly happy again until we find her brother. That's a joint happiness job for you to do to make it up to both of us... but... try to forgive yourself for this. It sounds like you're fighting more of yourself than you are anything else... If you need I can set something up a little later but right now... it might be good for you to find Dash and Scootaloo to do what ever you can.... In the mean time i'll go find Twilight and 'stumble' upon you speaking with Dash somewhere. Maybe the dining room if you need a soda or something to calm you down. Okay?" Daring nodded before breaking the hug and letting Daring go on her way.

Daring just hung her head, hugging herself as she left the room. She heard Celestia teleport out of the room behind her but didnt even acknowledge it. She was left alone with her thoughts on where Ryder could be. Drowning in the ocean, on top of a sky scraper ready to end it all or even hidden away inside that military base with a gun to his head.... The possibilities were endless. She wandered all around until she came upon the kitchen where she raided the fridge and took a soda or two sitting at the dining table just off to the side. Small table, extremely smaller than Canterlot's dining hall table. Eight chairs around a circular table. Some marked with cutie marks Daring had recognized. Applejack's, Rainbow Dash's and even Twilight's. She sat down in Applejack's probably trying to feel as if she knew how Applejack felt. She just cracked open a soda and knocked it back. She sat there with what felt like hours or even days to her. In reality it was only a few minutes. In that time Twilight ran in with Celestia trailing behind her. Twilight looked scared yet relieved seeing her hero just hiding her face as she sipped on a soda. "Daring! There you are!" She said hugging the mare. "Do you know how big this castle is?! It took me fourteen bedrooms, six bathrooms and the dining room to find you! I even had Dash help me and she's trying to calm the generals sister down!"

Daring sighed averting her gaze. "...I'm sorry princess.... I just..." She said just giving a huff not being able to find the words to look for. Twilight pulled up a chair next to her.

"...I get it... you're just going through some emotions.... I'm here to help... honestly... what ever you want I'm here to make it happen.... just speak to me...."

Celestia pulled another chair up on the other side of Daring. "I'm here for you as well Daring. Anything you desire for bringing my general out on a grand adventure he had no plan on going on ever!" She said. "Just tell us what it is you would like and its done! Though uh... certain things are off limits so... just a forewarning!"

Daring sipped at her drink and just stared at the can. Just generic cola. Redish can with 'cola' written in cursive across it. "....I just... I want someone to find Ryder and verify that he is safe...." She said. "....I might not be one to hold relationships like this but... his life was in jeopardy as much as mine was... maybe even more when Ahuizotl had him hypnotized.... I just dont know what I would've done if instead of having the gun trained on me he made him turn the gun on himself..."

Twilight sighed. "...He told you he was hypnotized once before right?" She asked. "...During that book where we intervened you smacked him up a few times and he just gained his memory back and snapped back to normal... it was hard telling him it was just a dream but... I needed to wipe at least a day away from his mind because of him seeing you fight along side Rainbow Dash... Even had to make everyone of my friends swear to not speak to him about this issue... Sure all of this is a shock to him meeting you before but... it was for the best to keep your identity safe. Even from someone who might have a little mental ammo for all of us... his cousin being the biggest target." Daring huffed and chugged the rest of the soda feeling a tad better. She looked to Twilight.

"...He did tell me that.... I didnt know what to do with that information but... I'm glad I didnt leave him when he told me... I feel like he would've been just a destroyed shell of a stallion and I'd probably be a corpse on the floor... Grim I know but... it would've been true...." She glanced over at Celestia. "....Can I ask a favor please....?"

Celestia smiled. "What is your favor Daring? Does it have to do with Ryder?" She asked. She nodded hesitantly.

"...In a way yes..." She looked back at the unopened can of soda. "...instead of you giving the command to look for him over the horizon may I....? You can clear it if you want but... I want to give the order..." Celestia held a hand up and used her magic making a walkie talkie appear in her hand. Military khaki green box, holes drilled in top and bottom and a few buttons on the side.

"For you yes. Just before you say anything say the phrase 'Tango Foxtrot Delta twenty two'. It means princess cleared the command and call. Now whenever you're ready." Daring smiled and nodded. Daring pressed the buttons on the side after taking a deep breath.

"...Tango foxtrot delta twenty two. To all forces along the coast looking towards Steurope please keep an eye out for the general and radio in if anything is seen. If you cant radio in just tell them the general is heading somewhere and please... describe which way he's going. Do not intervene unless needed! No lethal force is permitted against the general if he resorts to violence... No questions about this call just do as you're told." She let go of the buttons and handed the radio back to Celestia who made it just disappear. "Was that alright?" She looked to Celestia.

"That was perfect. We dont know how strong Ryder is with that medicine but we dont know how strong or how much damage he would do. He might even be in a violent state after what Wolf said and if anyone does intervene they might get insanely injured or even killed... Even when he's marked as no deadly force permitted if my guards are threatened they might open fire for their safety..." Daring sighed.

"Should've added if they needed to use violence they should use nonlethal methods..." She cracked open the can of soda. "Well... at least I feel a little better... knowing that they might find Ryder and... just..." She grunted crushing the can and just shoved it back spilling it all over the table.

Twilight sighed as Daring lied her head on the table just mere inches from a growing puddle. "....Maybe you need to get out for a while. Take your mind off him." She said ripping off a few paper towels from a roll on the counter. "I'll send you out with guards and Celestia and some bits to do what ever you want. Buy clothes, food or just even supplies you need to write your new book up. I know going back to where ever your home is probably isnt a good option knowing someone could just follow you if you took off in a chopper... If anything I can just send some friends to there and grab what you need.... uh...." She averted her gaze for a moment hearing the mare whimper. "...Maybe you should just go to Sweet Apple Acres... I'm not gonna make this any harder than I already am..."

Daring sighed getting up with Celestia. "....Maybe it's for the best...." She said. "Longer I hang around its just gonna be a matter of time before Rainbow Dash kicks my ass for making her little cousin cry about her big brother... Probably would make her cry herself sick if ever she saw me.... I dont want that...." She started walking towards the door. "...When you need me I'll just be waiting out here for an escort out..." As she stepped outside she went to the right of the door and leaned against the wall before sliding down only to sit and hug her legs.

After maybe a few minutes of listening to mumbles, ripping paper towels and the squirt of a bottle of cleaner Celestia and Twilight both came out sporting sorry looking frowns. They both helped her up and held her hands as they started walking down the hallway. Daring ad a dejavu moment from when she first met Ryder and they were walking around Canterlot after the shooting, both hand in hand and just scared for each others comfort. She blanked out for a little while thinking of how many other ways this adventure could've started or ended. Assassin being successful in his mission and striking her down where she sat with all her fans around to watch the execution take place. Ryder being late to stop him and falling to his knees only to put a few bullets between the assassins eyes in utter revenge. As she pondered she next found another story playing out. A story about an assassin who shoots a loved one of a stallion now bent on revenge. She couldnt think of anything more before being snapped out of a hypnotic like trance being Twilight nudging her just in the back seat of a guard truck. Celestia tapped her shoulder forcing her to look over to her left. Just out the window behind the princess she saw apple trees lining the road. "Daring? Are you alright? You didnt say anything since we left the castle!" She said. Daring rubbed her tired eyes a bit.

"Oh sorry... I just got lost in my mind... actually thought of a new book to write having the Daring Do series be done and over with... I'm gonna have to write down a concept draft while hiding out but I dont want my knowledge of this adventure be tossed into the rubbish." She looked back to Twilight. "Twilight I'm going to write down where my home is and I want you and your friends to go and grab my typewriter and a couple stacks of my paper to go with it as well as some ink just in case my keys decide to run dry. Just... bring everyone BUT Dash and Applejack. I need to speak with AJ and Dash has her own matters to attend to. If the need arises I'll contact you through Applejack's phone and I'll capitalize words that start with D so you know its me talking. That is just in case anyone happens to 'find' a princesses phone 'lying around'."

Twilight hummed averting her gaze noticing the truck starting to slow down. "Sounds like a plan there." She replied. She looked back to Daring. "Just tell Applejack what to type and what to capitalize when needed. Heck even try words that just have that letter in them."

"I'll do what ever I can while I'm here.... maybe a quick nap might do me well before I start writing... hopefully I can get a room alone to work in peace... Though I just need a little inspiration to even start writing..." She looked to Celestia. "Would you be able to get me an MP3 with some credits to buy some music?"

Celestia smiled and nodded. "For you I will get you the best and say... what hundred credits towards songs?" She asked.

"What ever you give me I shall pay it back. It's only right I do that though."

Celestia rested her hand on her shoulder. "Do anything you wish. If it brings you happiness feel free to do it. I gave Applejack my contact information just in case I get word on you-know-who but... please try and keep your mind off him... Those tear marks arent going to look nice on a new book... possible smudged ink isnt good either trust me..." She blushed a bit glancing at Twilight. They all stayed silent before pulling up to the house. Daring cleared her throat as she moved to the door.

"Well uh.... I'll just say that was a water glass mishap and be on my way.... You two just get on with what you need to do okay?" Neither mare answered Daring as she exited the car. They were just meeting each others gaze blushing a bit. Daring turned back into the car and hummed. "Well... I just realized I dont have my bags with my clothes.... Anyway someone can deliver them here?" Again neither mare gave an answer. Just stared at each other blushing. That's when she closed the door and went to the front side passenger door and knocked on the window. The guard inside rolled the window down. "Uh... If you can have someone deliver my clothes here. I might spend the rest of my time in here until Ryder returns... The mare inside could have some comfort for me.... And... please snap those two out of what ever trance they're in. I dont want them to realize they let me down because i didnt get what they promised!"

The guard smiled a bit. "Sure thing Miss Do." He said. "And... I might be a little sad that the series is over but... it brings me and probably so many others joy to know that you're the real deal. Any chance I can meet up for an autograph after getting your things ma'am?" Daring smiled.

"I'd say no in these kinds of situations but... I suppose i'd be able to spare a moment for that to thank you for bringing my stuff here and.... please... dont pull a general and steal my underwear like he did. Otherwise there goes the autograph okay?" The guard nodded a bit. "Good. Now lets get a move on. Tell Twilight I'll contact her later. I need to get in the house now before someone decides to adventure down here trying to get a little action with a camera and a phone bringing everyone else here because they saw me." The guard nodded again and saluted a bit before rolling up the window and driving off with the rest of a motorcade. Daring turned to the house and sighed looking at the rustic barn-like structure. "...Farm house.... to think this is somehow where it all started.... a barn and an escape tunnel away from Ahuizotl..." She sighed and started to the door. "...Time to face the music of a mare torn away from her ex...."

As she approached the door it creaked open about a few inches. Then a few feet revealing Applejack looking tired from crying. Mane a mess, stains on a white tank top and grey sweats. Looked a little frilly around the waist but she didnt seem to care that it was showing. Daring opened her arms and Applejack just rushed her in a few feet only to hug her. "...D-darin'...." She said weakly. Almost sounded as if she were about to cry. Daring shushed her friend.

"...He's okay... Everythings fine now...." She replied. "...Are you alright...? You dont seem like yourself...." She broke the hug with Applejack and walked inside hand in hand with the mare after closing the door behind them. They sat on the couch and leaned back almost cuddling.

"...F-f-fuck no I aint alright...." She looked to a mess of tissues and a package of adult diapers sitting on the coffee table in front of them. "...Since I saw Ryder again I've j-just been gettin' feelin's goin' about if i made the right choice letting him go like that... Once I heard he got hurt.... it... it just killed my mood.... I was happier than a dog with a few treats... Now I'm actin' like Rarity when nothin' goes my way.... 'cept I havent eaten much other than a few saltines.... almost cant keep those down..." She coughed slightly groaning. "...Oh... shit that hurt....." Daring just rubbed her friends back.

"Sorry this is happening to you... I just... I wanted things to go smoothly and he was the only way I could... he didnt know what he was getting himself into with the supernatural but gunfights... sure he knew what he was doing... but that didnt stop him from being nearly decapitated by the sword he pulled..." She lied down almost bringing her feet up onto the couch. The only thing stopping it was Applejack's legs. "....All you need is a warm cup of tea, some stomach soothing medicine and a nice nap.... I know I could use one and maybe with someone to cuddle. Sound good?" Applejack nodded weakly and looked over the couch.

"Big Mac! Can ya help me to my room please?"

A grunt from the other room was heard and the creaking of bed springs. Daring helped Applejack sit up and even wiped a bit of snot away that was dripping from her friends nostril. Just as she got up Big Mac came out of a closed door just to the right of the stairs wearing a tank top and a pair of sweat pants. He looked a bit tired as well but still had a little smile on his face. "Oh hey Darin'... Didnt hear ya come in... You doing okay?" He asked picking his sister up letting his sister wrap her arms around his neck.

Daring sighed as she started for the stairs. "Yeah... Just gonna lay low here for a while if that's okay..." She replied. "I figure its the most remote area around Ponyville that can hide me from any crazed fans.... I dont mean to stake my claim here but... it was the first place I came to in my crazy firefight filled adventure.... Only place far enough to not freak any citizens out thinking there was a fucking crash...."

Big Mac huffed starting to follow her up the stairs. "Ya did freak us out though.... never thought it'd be you and that fool ya brought with ya..." He said. "...I still feel bad that we had to do what we did even though he came here on such circumstances... I think I kinda owe it to him to protect you after the way we treated him when he first arrived... Kinda glad i didnt get my shotgun.... we'd be dealing with a whole other problem...." Daring opened the door to Applejack's room letting the stallion go inside with the now sleepy mare holding on to him.

"...Ever since that battle where I blew some fucks heads off I've just... I wanted to fire a gun again.... pistol, rifle or even shotgun... I dont care which but.... I just wanna do it just in case I ever need to defend myself... Now that my secret is out there some ponies might be looking to just kill me because they're mad about something or want to take something by force..." She averted her gaze sitting down on the edge of the bed as Big Mac pulled back the covers on the other side of the bed slipping his sister into bed. ".... I... I should stop thinking about this before i freak out..." She looked back at Big Mac as he started to tuck his sister in. "... Do you have any...?" The stallion smiled knowing what she was referring to.

"Yeah.... Got one on for her sake and she's got one on just in case she doesnt make it. Ya need one?" Daring hesitantly nodded. "Alright just lie down and I'll be right back. If ya need I can put one on ya while you sleep. That sound good or you wanna do it yourself?" She huffed and started to undress.

"Guess you're not gonna be the only other stallion who has seen me almost naked...I just need some rest... But do listen for Celestia and Twilight while i'm sleeping okay? I've requested a few things to be brought here to start my book..." Big Mac just stopped at the door looking back at the mare now stripped to her underwear.

"Look. I got ya here. You're gonna live here like ya were born into our family and I'll protect ya like ya were. Best I can do to make it up to the stallion that aint here... Now just get your rest. I'll be back in a bit to pad ya up and tuck ya in." Daring blushed and nodded before just resting her head on the pillow and closing her eyes. She couldnt help but wonder where Ryder was and if he was okay. That worry soon dissipated when Applejack rolled over and cuddled up to the adventurer mare. As long as she had someone to cuddle up to she was okay.