1

With Chrysalis's threat ringing about, everyone was in a stunned silence. Some, like Twilight, panicked and tried to find ways around the threat. Others, like Starlight, were trying to come up with a plan. They didn't know that they were being watched by a figure who already had a plan.

Moving back to White Tail Castle, the figure went straight to her cabinet and pulled up a secret panel, revealing a strange looking device. The figure gave it a soft smile and adjusted it on her right front hoof.

“Time to re-don my old and forgotten past time of costumed fighting,” The figure chuckled.

Moving into the light, the figure had the same color coat as Celestia, with a flame mane, flame shaped irises and armor similar to Nightmare Moon. She brought her front left hoof up and slid something into the device before shouting something and was enveloped in a bright light. When it died away, she was in a costume unlike any seen before.

The main part of the costume was a camouflage brown color. The joints were of a black and flexible material. The helmet was designed around that of a Brown Recluse Spider. Tucked away under a cape was a collapsible bow and quiver of arrows.

“Feels good,” she said. “Now, all I need are some others who don't mind this at all. Nightmare'll try and outdo me somehow. She is older by six months after all and can't stand being shown up by the sun.”

As she sat there, thinking, several names crept into her mindscape and due to the helmet hiding her face, no pony saw her mouth curl into a winner's smile. Demorphing, she made her way to the main office, where she wrote out letters to the lucky ponies. Once they were fully written, signed, sealed and stamped, she called in her guards.

“Make sure these get delivered by the end of the day,” she said. “And if they ask what they are, tell them that it's information that will pertain to them getting a secondary and more profitable job.”

“Yes, Ma'am,” they said.

The guards left, after making sure they had the addresses right. The pony sat there, smiling. A few minutes later, her secretary came in.

“Madam Daybreaker, I have a reply from Feather Bangs,” the Secretary said.

“Do tell, Quill Scratch,” Daybreaker said.

“He's written in reply to say that he's turning down the job,” Quill Scratch said.

“May I ask why?” Daybreaker asked.

“He said that he's already got a profitable job and a house and is happy as is,” Quill Scratch said.

Daybreaker sighed softly. At least she had 15 others to choose from. All she had to do was hope and wait for the others to reply. The next reply, from a pony called Silver Script, accepted. Daybreaker smiled at this and wrote him to set up an appointment time. As that was being attended to, Quill Scratch appeared with more replies. Fourteen more yes's and one more no. Daybreaker was setting up appointments, which were all at the same time.

“This should be easy,” Daybreaker said.

“Easy?” Quill Scratch asked

“Yes,” Daybreaker replied.

The secretary merely raised a brow and walked away. Daybreaker sat, looking over all the Riders that she had picked out. The riders were the most powerful, yet the most flexible and most powerful as a unit. She gave a small chuckle.

That night, Nightmare came back with her Coltfriend, Sombra, King of the Crystal Empire. The two gave the younger sister a welcoming glance. As they sat down, a guard came up and asked for Daybreaker. She excused herself and went down to meet the ponies who replied to her letters.

“Welcome,” She greeted.

“Thank you,” said one of the ponies, a thestral.

“Can I ask, why are we all here at the same time?” A unicorn asked.

“You'll see, Cold Front,” replied Daybreaker. “Can I ask you to wait in my office? I'll have a chef send in dinner, since I assume you have not eaten. Many of you had to travel great distances and the food on the train or chariot isn't exactly stomach pleasing.”

They agreed. Another guard showed them to her office as Daybreaker made for the kitchen to tell them the dinner order for the guests. One thing about Daybreaker-She can't stand any pony going hungry or eating a subpar meal. It drove her up a tree.

Once that was attended to, she returned to dinner. The trio ate in silence. Once they finished, Daybreaker cleaned up and then went to her office while her older sister and her coltfriend went off to Nightmare's room for future planning.

Daybreaker entered her office and shut the door.

“Hello,” a Thestral said.

“Evening, Silverlight Star,” Daybreaker said.

“You offered us a job?” Silverlight asked.

“Yes,” came the reply.

“May we ask as to what this job is?” Silver Script asked.

“It's a simple job-be superheroes,” Daybreaker said. “Everything shall be explained in due time.”

They agreed and a guard showed them to their quarters, which was hidden under two security doors. The quarters themselves was a communal one, but was made to be as inviting as a house room.

“She doesn't skimp on the décor,” Silverlight said.

“Thank you, Captain Obvious,” came the reply.

The others had to agree with his point. However, they didn't know that they had stepped into something much greater.

2

A few days after the recruits arrived at the castle, Daybreaker was down with them, talking about their new jobs.

“So that's it?” asked Silver Script. “Beat Chrysalis and her monsters?”

“Yes. But due to the nature of these monsters, you will be better equipped to deal with them,” Daybreaker replied.

“Ah,” replied Coco Crusoe.

Daybreaker nodded.

Just then, they heard the sounds of someone running towards them and panting heavy. Bursting in to the room was a Royal Pegasus Guard, covered in something stringy and white.

“What happened?” Daybreaker asked the guard.

“A spider creature's attacking,” she replied.

“What's it doing?” Daybreaker asked.

“It's capturing colts and fillies,” the guard said.

“For what purpose?” Daybreaker demanded, now sounding ready to go out into battle.

“The monster said it's for her boss,” the guard replied. “Something about creating the perfect army.”

Daybreaker growled.

“Time to move out!” she barked.

Her crew looked confused.

“We don't have anything,” Comet Tail pointed out.

Daybreaker flung open a drawer and 15 strange looking devices popped up and she called each forward to claim their respective device. Once they were all ready, Daybreaker showed them how to morph. As she finished, she stood there in a strange costume. The main part of the costume was a camouflage brown color. The joints were of a black and flexible material. The helmet was designed around that of a Brown Recluse Spider. Tucked away under a cape was a collapsible bow and quiver of arrows.

“Wow. What are you?” Sunny Smiles asked.

“Kamen Rider Recluse Archer,” came the reply.

“And we're all these...Common Riders?” Cold Front asked.

“Yes,” came the reply.

They morphed and charged out, unaware that someone was watching them.

“This ought to be fun,” the figure said and slipped into the shadows.

Meanwhile the gang of Kamen Riders arrived to see the monster terrorizing ponies. It was firing webs, which snared around his victim, then he yanked them into some sort of cage like structure on his back.

“Stop right there,” Kamen Rider Recluse Archer snapped. “You stand no right to carry out this gross misdeed.”

“Shut up, you pathetic excuses,” the monster snarled.

Kamen Rider Knight, not standing for any rudeness, drew his weapon and prepared to fight. The others followed suit. As the monster readied itself to fight, something struck the cage on it's back and the captured ponies ran free.

“NO!” the monster screeched.

The team took that to their advantage and began attacking it, doing mass amounts of damage before Kamen Rider Tiger finished the monster off. As the dust and monster pieces settled, the Riders on the ground swore they saw another Rider residing on the rooftop before it disappeared.

“Back to base,” Kamen Rider Recluse Archer said.

Meanwhile, in a castle in the deepest reaches of the MacIntosh Mountains, a group of ponies were hiding out in the rec room, some with pool cues and playing a hard game of “Slop”.

“Wonder if their leader's on to us?”

"Doubt it, but you never know, Sweetie Belle.”

3

Back at the main castle, Daybreaker was puzzling out what she saw. Things seemed to make no sense. She was the only one that knew the Kamen Riders existed. So, these mysterious Kamen Riders should be an impossibility, but there they were, in full flesh.

“There can't be a spy,” Daybreaker said. “No body knows this castle even exists.”

As she tried to desperately puzzle out the question, Comet Tail walked passed with Snowlight Star.

“You said you know something?”

“Yes, about these new Kamen Riders,” Comet Tail said. “It seems someone else knows about them, but who, no one knows.”

Daybreaker cocked an ear and listened in. The name “Leon” was batted around a few times. She raised a brow.

“Celestia's cousin? What's he got to do with this?” She mused.

Taking up her calendar, she found she could do a little spying of her own during her down time before the next major royal court. Taking to the shadows, she listened and got information about another castle in the MacIntosh Mountains. Once the rest of the information was gleamed, she disappeared.

Finding the castle, deep in the mountains, Daybreaker stayed silent and in the shadows. Listening to the ponies in the castle, she got more information than she bargained for.

“Berry Punch?!” she thought. “How in the world does she know about these Kamen Riders?!”

"Daybreaker made her way back to her castle, unaware of another pony entering the castle.

“Princess Sterling,” Apple Bloom said, bowing.

“No need to bow,” Princess Sterling said.

The team nodded.

“How was your first time as Kamen Riders?” she asked.

“It was exhilarating,” Sweetie Belle said.

“Good,” Princess Sterling said. “You will need to get used to doing this as well as school work for those in class. Sadly, I can't grant those in school any time away.”

“That's fine,” Scootaloo added. “It'll prove we're getting an education and not skiving off to do things like trespass or get drunk.”

Princess Sterling giggled sweetly and laid out their next move. Meanwhile, Daybreaker was trying to find a way to outwit the team. Should this become a trend, she'd soon find herself under a mountain of stress.

“This is great,” she muttered darkly.

“What's great?”

Daybreaker turned.

“Oh, hello Cadence. What brings you down from the Crystal Empire?” Daybreaker quizzed.

“Holiday,” Cadence said. “Doctor's orders.”

“I see,” Daybreaker said.

“What's with the confused look?” the Love Princess asked.

“Oh, something that I find confusing,” Daybreaker replied.

“Do tell,” Cadence said.

“It's confidential, your grace,” Daybreaker returned.

“Is it about the....” Cadence lowered her voice, “...The Kamen Riders”

Daybreaker turned and stared.

“How do you know?” Daybreaker asked.

“It's something I've looked into, as has Shining Armor, so we can protect those we care about,” Cadence said. “That Chrysalis is starting to get under my wings.”

“That's....” Daybreaker broke off. “...Come back to the castle and we can discuss in private.”

The two made their way back to Daybreaker's castle. Once inside and the door shut and they were in Daybreaker's private office, Cadence explained her plans.

“That's a reasonable request,” Daybreaker mused. “But there is a slight snag.”

“And that is?” Cadence demanded.

“Your a Princess and the head of the Crystal Empire,” Daybreaker pointed out. “Your needed there, as is Shining Armor. Do you think your guards or any of the royals are going to approve? What would your Aunts say?”

Cadence sighed, in a defeated manner.

“Your right,” Cadence said, feeling beat. “Back to being the “Damsel in need of saving”.”

Daybreaker closed her eyes and sat back. She began to consider the situation from Cadence's point of view. At last, she smirked.

“Cadence, we can make something work out,” Daybreaker said. “I'd want to protect my family if I was in your place.”

Cadence smiled and the two Alicorns went about making plans.

4

All the light things that had happened earlier in the Kamen Riders careers was going to come to a screeching halt. Daybreaker had started training Cadence and Shining Armor into being Kamen Riders.

Cadence became Kamen Rider Crystal Blade. Her costume was a dull crystal blue with the same black leather jacket that was underneath the armor. Resting by her right side was a bow and on her left side was a quiver of arrows. The helmet was a deep crystal blue with a gold band around the face plate. Around the top of the front hoofboots was a thin, faded pink band while around top of the rear hoofboots was a faded glass brown band.

Her movements were clumsy at first, as Cadence hadn't been in any form of armor before and her use of weapons was even more clumsy. She kept tripping and falling over while trying to aim, only to have the arrow go through a window or get stuck in a pillow cushion or stuck in a block of cheese.

“Cadence, take a breath and focus your center of balance,” Daybreaker said. “Being a Kamen Rider isn't as easy as I make it out to be. I did the same things as you before I got to be skilled.”

Kamen Rider Crystal Blade nodded, then stopped and after finding her stance, she was able to maneuver with more of a balance and grace then before. Her aim was still a little scattered and she kept treating the bow as a spear.

“You want the bow a leg's length away from you, as it's easier to control,” Daybreaker said.

Kamen Rider Crystal Blade nodded again and put the advice into use. She found an almost instantaneous return, able to not only control the bow, but to listen in on the situation happening to her left while she focused on the target in front of her.

On her left, Shining Armor was being trained. His Kamen Rider suit was the same as his Royal Guard's armor, without the gold trim, and in it's place, a faded bronze. The face plate was trimmed with a dull silverish red color. He carried a sword and a small dagger.

His movements were much more catlike and silent, which was no surprise seeing as he's a Captain of the Royal Guard. The armor didn't even slow him down and his aim was more precise, having trained with swords his entire life.

“Impressive,” Coco Crusoe said. “Very.”

“He's been a guard his whole life,” Silver Scrip pointed out.

“Oh,” Coco said, feeling a bit stupid.

Kamen Rider Crystal Shields chuckled.

“Not every pony knows that fact,” he told Coco Crusoe and Silver Script.

“I see,” came the reply.

Kamen Rider Crystal Shields nodded and continued his training. Daybreaker, glancing over, saw something that gave her pause. Kamen Rider Crystal Shields was altering each move as the training dummies came up. He made each move count as he changed direction for the location of each dummy.

“Such skill,” muttered Cold Front.

“No need to be bitter,” Winterlight Star said.

“And why not?” Cold Front demanded. “Look at his skills!”

“Remember, he was in the guard,” Winterlight pointed out.

Cold Front grunted.

“We're a team,” Daybreaker said. “While he is strong, he still has weaknesses that you can cover.”

Cold Front raised a brow.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Each Kamen Rider has strengths and weaknesses. We all have to play to each others strengths and cover each others weaknesses. Kamen Rider Crystal Shields is not only a combat oriented Kamen Rider, but a defense based Rider. However, he does have a weakness, his left and right flanks, which are exposed to direct attacks. When defending, he's a sitting duck.”

“So we cover his exposed sides with our skills?” Cold Front asked.

“Yes. We are a literal Team Fortress,” Daybreaker said, smiling.

“Should we start cross training?” asked Comet Tail.

“That isn't a bad idea,” Kamen Rider Crystal Shield said. “Learn each others strengths and weaknesses to combat more effectively.”

The others agreed. Daybreaker showed them down to the training room and after they had morphed, they set up for a simulated battle. The monster that was selected was a tree monster brought to life from a dead tree.

“Ready?” Kamen Rider Crystal Blade asked.

A resounding “YES” filled the air. Kamen Rider Crystal Shield placed up a shield in time to deflect a thorn whip from the whip and that gave Kamen Rider Ixa time to ready his weapon and fire two rounds, which the monster deflected.

“You have got to be kidding!” he groaned, readying another round.

“They'll deflect as many attacks as they can,” Kamen Rider Recluse Archer. “Monsters aren't as stupid as the common pony makes them out to be.”

“Great,” came a reply.

Kamen Rider Knight and Kamen Rider Ghost readied their weapons and fired off several blasts, which managed to not only stun it, but weaken it enough to allow Kamen Rider Crystal Blade to fire the finishing blow. As they finished off that monster, another appeared. This monster was an old stuffed bunny brought to life.

“If this is a simulation, I look forward to stomping whatever Chrysalis brings our way,” Kamen Rider Dark Slasher said, drawing her sword and slashing hard at the monster.

The monster responded by knocking her backward. Kamen Rider Recluse Archer fired an arrow behind the flying Rider. The arrow burst into a spider web, which caught Kamen Rider Dark Slasher and rolled her gently to the ground.

“Thanks,” Kamen Rider Dark Slasher replied, jumping back into the battle.

This time, the finishing blow was dealt by Kamen Rider Kaixa. As that monster went down, a load of grunt monsters came up and started attacking.

“Divide and Conquer!” Kamen Rider Killer yelled.

The team divided and each of the eighteen Rider took down 5 grunt monsters each before they turned to help their ally to the left. As they finished, the team demorphed and the simulation shut down.

“That....was....exhilarating,” panted Strawberry Cream.

“It...was,” Shining Armor said, struggling for breath.

“This is what we may face,” Daybreaker told them. “This isn't your Power Ponies or whatever the fancy newfangled superhero thing is this week.”

“Agreed,” Sunny Smiles said.

“Right, now take a break, grab something cold to drink and come back,” Daybreaker told them. “We maybe needed at any moment.”

They hurried off and each downed several glasses of ice water, sufficiently cooling them and giving them a renewed energy. As they came back into the main room, two guards came in to make a report saying that nothing new had been going on.

“Thank you,” Daybreaker said, sending them on their way.

The group relaxed for a few milliseconds before another guard came in.

“A report,” he said. “A Moth looking creature has appeared.”

“And what is it doing?” Daybreaker asked.

“It's looking for specific ponies,” The guard said. “Something about creating a “Shadow Rider” team....”

“Enough,” Daybreaker said. “Go and bet inspected for any signs of injury.”

The guard hurried away, a slight limp in his gait.

“What's a “Shadow Rider”?” Cadence asked.

“Evil versions of us,” Daybreaker said.

“Weaker?” asked a hopeful Golden Glory.

“Stronger,” Daybreaker replied, crushing Golden Glory's hope.

“I see,” Shining Armor said.

“However, something about the guard's tone and actions doesn't add up,” Cold Front pointed out. “Notice, he didn't limp hurrying in, he wasn't short of breath or in any way excited, let alone showing signs of being attacked.”

“He could have gotten out without being targeted and kept his composure and have the limp affect him after the report,” Silverlight Star pointed out.

“Then why was he smiling?” Cold Front countered.

“That's a good point,” Cadence said.

They tried to make sense of what was going on with the guard.

“You don't think he's working for the enemy,” Bright Bulb suggested.

“He could be,” Parasol said.

“If I trust him, he wouldn't betray the trust,” Daybreaker pointed out.

“Maybe he knows more than he's letting on,” Silver Script suggested.

“True,” Sunny Smiles agreed.

Another guard hurried in.

“I have another report,” the guard panted.

“Please tell,” Daybreaker said.

“We've gotten in reports of another monster attacking Maretropolis,” the guard reported.

“Do you know what the monster is?” Daybreaker asked.

“No,” the guard replied. “There's no further information, as those who have seen it have disappeared.”

“That is troubling,” Daybreaker said.

As he left, a large cloud plume showed itself from Van Hoover. Daybreaker and her team rolled out.

“Leave us hope that we don't run into any more mysteries,” Kamen Rider Ghost said.

The others agreed and continued on. Soon, they arrived, just in time to witness the monster being destroyed. They looked over to see two groups of Kamen Riders standing there, looking over the town before disappearing.

“STOP!” Kamen Rider Recluse Archer shouted.

They didn't. Kamen Rider Tiger tackled one of the retreating Riders and pinned the Rider down.

“Who are you?” Kamen Rider Tiger growled.

“That's confidential information,” the pinned Kamen Rider said, knocking Kamen Rider Tiger away.

Jumping up, the two engaged in battle. The unknown Rider threw the first punch. Kamen Rider Tiger dodged and swept the hooves out from under the Rider, which turned that into a spinning kick. Kamen Rider Tiger used that to turn it against the attacker.

“Good show,” the mysterious Rider said, in a taunting manner.

Kamen Rider Tiger merely growled and pounced. The mysterious Rider dodged and jumped into the shadows, disappearing from sight.

“Nuts,” Kamen Rider Tiger hissed.

Returning to the team, he gave a full report to them.

“This is most intriguing,” Kamen Rider Recluse Archer said.

“If only we could catch one of them,” Kamen Rider Ixa said. “Then we could get information out of them.”

“Only after getting around the “Confidential” information that they spout,” Kamen Rider Tiger said.

The others agreed. However that would be more difficult than first thought.

5

“I can't stand these new Kamen Riders,” Coco Crusoe grumbled.

He had come in from another monster call and was sore. Once again, a member of the other Kamen Rider team had swooped in and destroyed the monster and proceeded to fight Coco Crusoe, while he was suited up as Kamen Rider Papillon and promptly beat him.

“They do their usual shtick?” Bright Bulb asked.

“Yeah,” came the reply. “If we had a way to capture one, we could bargain.”

“That's not a good idea,” Daybreaker said, entering with a mug in her faded gold aura. “It would paint us as the villains to this team. We want them on our side.”

“However,” mused Shining Armor. “Capturing one, presumably their leader, might yield some answers, and possibly an alliance.”

“That's not a bad idea,” Daybreaker said.

“One question,” Cadence asked. “How do you propose to capture them? No offense Daybreaker, but the webs in Kamen Rider Recluse Archer are easily counterable by the enemy.”

“I know,” Daybreaker said. “I'm also stumped.”

“Could some form of a spider themed Kamen Rider, with special web based attacks work?” Strawberry Cream asked.

“It could, but if my webs are to be believed, said Spider themed Kamen Rider would either have to have some kind of backpack prison that can nullify their powers, or have webs that are stronger than mine,” Daybreaker said.

The others agreed.

“Now for the next question-who would be the best pony to talk with?” Sunny Smiles asked.

None of them had the answer. They tried to wrack their brains as another monster call. This monster was a large flower monster that was turning ponies into it's minions.

“Hopefully, we won't see them there at that monster,” he said.

It might have been better had he said nothing. When they arrived, they saw the other team there, taking down the monster, effortlessly and freeing the captives. As the group left, one, presumably their leader stayed behind.

“You were better off not tangling with this,” the mysterious Kamen Rider said.

He then left, leaving the team seething. When they returned, Golden Glory exploded.

“The cheek!” she spluttered. “Telling us we should have never done this! What do they know! We're the best of the best!”

“There's no need to get bent out of shape over their words,” Cadence said.

“It's the fact they beat us to our enemies,” Winterlight Star sighed. “This is our, what, sixth monster we've lost to them?”

“True,” Daybreaker said.

“It's almost like there's no competition,” Bright Bulb added.

“That's where we can turn it to our favor,” Shining Armor said, catching them by surprise.

“How so?” Daybreaker asked.

“I have a firm plan in place,” the Crystal Prince said. “Here's what we'll do.”

He outlined his plan. Daybreaker smiled when he finished.

“That's brilliant,” she said. “We'll implement it as soon as we can.”

Their chance came sooner than expected. Another monster call came in. This time the “Monster” wasn't a monster but an unknown figure, believed to be a Shadow Rider.

The team hopped out and while Kamen Rider Tiger went to deal with the “Shadow Rider”, the others prepared to deal with the unwelcome visitors. The strategic placement gave the rest of the team a view of the surrounding area.

As for Kamen Rider Tiger and the “Shadow Rider”, which was a Clone Rider of Kamen Rider Ghost. Clone Rider Ghost threw the first punch, which Kamen Rider Tiger dodged and turned his own momentum into a spinning kick, which caught Clone Rider Ghost off guard and sent him flying into a tree. Clone Rider Ghost then tried to use the tree as a form of leverage against Kamen Rider Tiger, but to no avail.

Kamen Rider Tiger was much too fast, able to get in jabs, punches and a few kicks. Clone Rider Ghost did all he could to dodge, but wasn't lucky and Kamen Rider Tiger got the finishing blow. The Clone Rider began to dissolve and leave behind a strange looking vial like device. Working quick, once the Clone Rider was fully dissolved, Kamen Rider Tiger grabbed the vial like device and tucked it away.

“Not so fast.”

He turned to see one of the Mystery Kamen Riders standing there.

“Give it over, and we will leave you in peace,” the Mystery Kamen Rider said.

“Not a chance,” Kamen Rider Tiger replied. “This time, I need to run tests on this.”

The Mystery Kamen Rider snarled, “Very well. We offered you an easy way out and you refused it. Time to take that device....by force.”

Kamen Rider Tiger was ready to fight. The Mystery Kamen Rider charged him. Kamen Rider Tiger dodged and delivered a kick to the back of the Mystery Kamen Rider, sending the Rider into the ground. The Rider jumped up and threw a surprise punch, knocking Kamen Rider Tiger for six. Gathering his bearings, two more Mystery Kamen Riders came.

“Let's dance,” Kamen Rider Tiger chuckled.

He dodged their attacks and weapons, using the same tricks he used before to provide him extra time and even extra leverage and began to give the Mystery Riders a taste of their own doings. Once they were sufficiently beaten, the Kamen Rider Team under Kamen Rider Recluse Archer disappeared back to their base, leaving the Mystery Team to seethe.

“Back to base,” said one of the Mystery Riders.

“Yes, sir,” came the reply and they made their way back to the castle in the MacIntosh Mountains.

When they returned, they made for the recreation room to vent once they had demorphed.

“Those little so and so!” snarled an Alicorn.

He looked almost exactly like Blueblood, with the exception of the wings and his brown eyes and his levelheadedness. However, he was showing signs of irritation.

“Beating us!” he snorted. “We're superior!”

“Calm down, Leon,” Princess Sterling said. “We all have days where we lose the upper hoof in battle.”

“But,” a midnight blue pegasus put in. “What now?”

“Patience, Night Glider,” Princess Sterling smiled. “I have a plan.”

With that, the team listened to her plan. By the time she finished, they were smiling the ever famous “Cock Sure” smile.

Meanwhile at the White Tail Castle, Daybreaker was looking over the device that Kamen Rider Tiger captured. Running it through her computer, the vial contained......nothing of substance, just the remains of the defeated Clone Rider.

“Troubling,” she said to no pony in particular.

Moving to a more advanced computer, she got results. The vial itself contained the evidence she was after. It showed it was part of Chrysalis's overall plot, creating Clone Riders to aide her monsters in taking over and exacting her revenge. Daybreaker chuckled.

“Oh, Chrys, your so predictable it hurts. You've yet to fully understand the power they have and use it properly.”

Putting the vial into a secret safe, she then turned to the device and ran it through her computers, raising a brow in an amused bemusement.

“Interesting, very interesting,” she said.

Walking out, she looked over at her team.

“I have some news,” she said.

“Oh?” Silver Script asked.

“Yes,” Daybreaker said. “It's regarding the device captured.”

The group turned to face their speaker.

“The device that came with the vial was another Rider Morpher,” Daybreaker said.

“Question,” Comet Tail quizzed. “How did Chrysalis get her hooves on that?”

“I don't know,” Daybreaker said.

“So, what Rider is this?” Cold Front asked.

“Kamen Rider Iceberg,” Daybreaker said.

“Okay, don't you think it's a little convenient that we got a Rider Morpher a short while after we got a Prince and Princess as Riders?” Sunny Smiles asked.

“It is a coincidence, but it can't be overlooked,” Daybreaker said.

“That's true,” Shining Armor concurred.

As they talked and put forth tons of theories, a normal pony burst in. He was red in the face, panting hard and sweating. He looked to be covered in something.

“Help.....giant.....moth......stealing.....” the pony panted, trying desperately to get his breath.

Daybreaker summoned a glass of ice cold water and had him take sips. The red disappeared from his face, allowing his natural soft teal color to reclaim it's dominance.

“Tell me your name,” Daybreaker said.

“Ocean Wave,” he said. “Pegasus, resident of Baltimare.”

“I see,” Daybreaker said. “Now, tell us what sent you here in such a state of panic.”

“There's a giant moth looking creature at Baltimare, capturing and terrorizing citizens in the name of Chrysalis,” Ocean Wave said. “He locked onto me, classifying me as a level 10, or Maximum threat. Said something about my calling.”

Daybreaker noted down the information, then had her best medics look after him. She turned to her team, who were already to go.

“Move out,” Daybreaker said.

With a quick nod and a flash of light, they charged out, as their respective Rider Counterparts. Arriving, they saw not only a moth creature, but three spider creatures.

“Coincidence? I think not.” Kamen Rider Recluse Archer thought.

They charged in, almost expecting the Mystery Riders to appear. However, after fifteen minutes in combat and not seeing them appear, the team took the opportunity. Kamen Rider Tiger and Kamen Rider Crystal Shields took down the moth creature while Kamen Rider Crystal Blade and Kamen Rider Recluse Archer tackled the Black Widow Spider Monster. The rest of the team split up and team A tackled the Spitting Spider Monster while team B tackled the Gold Orb Weaver Spider Monster.

The fights were over fast, as the monsters had no ways to counter the onslaught of attacks from the Riders. Kamen Rider Crystal Shields set up a dome like shield around the crumbling monsters, preventing their remains leaving back to Chrysalis's lair. The others waited and once the monsters were completely dissolved, in their places were vials and Rider Morphers.

Kamen Rider Ghost collected the devices and placed them in a special pouch. As he did, he spotted a strange morpher off the stage of battle. Grabbing it, he stuck it in the pouch, then rejoined the group and they returned to their base. Once inside, Kamen Rider Recluse Archer took the morphers from Kamen Rider Ghost, then gave them the order to demorph and relax.

“Do you guys think this is all a big dish of coincidences?” Comet Tail asked. “First, we get a new Rider Morpher, then four monsters drop four new morphers and there happens to be a fifth morpher nearby.”

“It's more than a coincidence,” Shining Armor said. “It has to be a guide somehow.”

“A....guide?” Strawberry Cream asked.

“Think about it,” the Crystal Prince said. “We had trouble with those Mysterious Kamen Riders. They've been besting all the monsters we've been called out to handle. We end up fighting them and losing, and they disappear. All of a sudden, five monsters appear and six Rider Morphers appear. From the way Daybreaker acted, these have capture based powers that we need, so some pony or some thing is leading us to best them at their own game.”

“But who'd want to help us?” Comet Tail asked.

“I don't know,” Shining Armor said.

As they pondered, Daybreaker came in. She seemed to have a puzzled look across her face.

“You okay?” Cold Front asked.

“Confused,” came the reply. “These monsters are actually Kamen Riders. The Moth Creature is Kamen Rider Silkmoth. The Black Widow Spider Creature is Kamen Rider Black Hour. The Spitting Spider Monster is Kamen Rider Silk Trap. The Golden Orb Weaver Spider Monster is Kamen Rider Orb Flash. The random morpher is Kamen Rider Arachnus. Whoever knows our trouble lead us to them.”

“Your starting to sound like Shining Armor, who's saying the same things,” Coco Crusoe said.

“It seems he's on to something,” Daybreaker said. “Because this is all nicely laid out for us.”

“Good point,” Bright Bulb conceded.

They sat back and tried to puzzle things out. Suddenly Shining Armor leaned forward.

“I have a theory,” he said at last.

“Oh?” Daybreaker said. “What is it?”

“That there's a massive “coincidence” we're not seeing,” he said. “We have five insect based Riders and they're all specific to a type of spider or moth, which seemed odd, but what if it wasn't just an odd coincidence, but a planned move to include those who study those specific insects.”

“I see,” Cadence said.

Daybreaker paused and began to look over it. After what felt like an eternity, but was only 45 minutes, she sat forward.

“Seems Shining Armor's onto something,” Daybreaker said.

“But now....who are these surprise Riders going to have as counterparts?” Winterlight Star asked.

“As Shining Armor stated, those who studied those specific insects,” Daybreaker said. “However, finding them will be difficult, as they're spread out.”

“Why don't we take the morphers and see who they bond to?” Silverlight Star suggested, hopefully.

“That's a bad idea,” Daybreaker said. “Chrysalis will be watching to find them and take them hostage.”

“Great,” Coco Crusoe grumbled.

“Maybe there's another way to find them,” Comet Tail suggested.

“What could that other way be?” Cadence asked.

“Figure out the locations of these insects, the post us in three groups of two and three groups of three,” Comet Tail. “Seeing as there are fifteen of us and six of them.”

“Good point,” Daybreaker said. “Right. Leave us group up and move out. And morph only when pushed to extremes.”

“Right you are,” the group said and split up.

Using maps, compasses and location spells, they made their way to each of the four sights, while the other groups split off and began investigating and hunting around for the other two. Winterlight Star and Bright Bulb were going back to the castle as something seemed odd within the walls.

“I almost feel like this is one of those wild goose chases,” Bright Bulb said. “There's no way this can be possible. I mean, we're all together, right?”

“Don't discount this wild goose chase,” Winterlight Star said. “Sometimes, these yield interesting results.”

“You talk like you've done this before,” Bright Bulb said, raising a brow.

“Well, when you work around castles, in armor that's no different to what we're doing, you pick up a few traits and tricks,” came the reply.

No more was said as they reached the castle. Once inside, they began looking everywhere. Ages of searching turned up.....nothing.

“Come on!” Bright Bulb hissed, exasperated. “This shouldn't be this hard!”

Winterlight Star chuckled and proceeded to peer under the couch.

“You really think that who we're looking for's gonna be under a couch?” Bright Bulb asked, incredulously. “He turn into a mouse?”

“When your to look everywhere, you look everywhere,” Winterlight Star said.

Bright Bulb groaned in agitation and they began to look in all the odd places-closets, boiler rooms, etcetera. After another round of finding nothing, they looked at each other.

“Think our guest might be one of the characters we're looking for?” Winterlight Star asked.

“He might be, but it's a long shot,” Bright Bulb said.

The two split up. Winterlight Star got the morpher ready while Bright Bulb went down to find their guest, in one of the many guest rooms.

“Can you come with me?” Bright Bulb asked Ocean Current.

“May I ask why?” Ocean current asked. “Your queen want to throw me out after all that happened?”

“No,” came the reply. “Your needed for something else.”

Ocean Current raised a brow, but followed Bright Bulb up to the meeting room. There, they found Winterlight Star waiting. On the table were the morphers. They watched and waited. One began to glow a soft ocean blue. Ocean Current walked over to the table and the ice blue morpher seemed to glow brighter and brighter.

“Check one off,” Bright Bulb said.

Winterlight Star waited.

Once the acquaintance process was finished, Winterlight Star showed Ocean Current how to morph. Ocean Current followed suit and when the lights died down, in Ocean Current's place stood a Kamen Rider.

The rider had a deep purplish blue leather jacket. The armor was a dull ice blue, with white trim. The main helmet was a frosted blue color. All the other details were of a frosted white color. Winterlight noticed a sabre of some kind tucked away.

“Wow,” was all the new Rider said.

“Yes,” said Bright Bulb. “Welcome to the team, Kamen Rider Iceberg.”

He nodded. Meanwhile, out in the farthest corner of the Van Hoover Woods, Silverlight Star and Silver Script were waiting near a large Silkmoth colony.

“Can I complain?” Silver Script asked.

“No,” Silverlight Star said. “We have to do this.”

They waited in the shadows of the trees for what felt like ages. As the sun reached the midday point, the two noticed a glimmer coming towards them.

“Is that...a Crystal Pony?” Silverlight Star asked.

“Looks like it,” Silver Script said. “But what's a Crystal Pony doing all the way out here?”

“I wish I knew,” came the reply.

They watched as he pulled out a note book and proceeded to write down what could only be described as observations. The two waited until he seemed to be done. As he moved deeper into the colony, they moved from behind the trees.

“Hello there,” Silver Script said.

“May I ask what you're doing here?” the Crystal pony asked.

“We have a fascination with Silkmoths,” Silverlight Star said.

“I see,” came the reply. “Yet I have never seen you here before.”

“We only discovered this colony a week ago,” Silverlight continued.

“Considering Silkmoths don't live in colonies and I raised them to live in a colony myself,” the Crystal Pony said.

Had they been found out? All they could do was carry on with the conversation, which turned out to be a stalemate. Every time they would ask the Crystal pony a question, he would fire back with one of his own. It went on for two hours, 30 minutes and 48 seconds. The only reason it ended was that Silverlight and the Crystal Pony, who introduced himself as Night Knight, had a love for murder mystery novels. Silver Script couldn't believe it, but there it was.

“Now, can you come back with us?” Silverlight asked.

“Why?” Night Knight asked.

“We have something for you,” Silverlight said. “Something you'll enjoy.”

Night Knight agreed, but with a moment of hesitation. He wasn't sure if this “Thing” he'd enjoy was something good or something bad. Following them back to the White Tail Castle, Silver Script took Night Knight to the room where the morphers were waiting.

“Now what?” Night Knight asked.

“We're going to have you walk to the table and then go from there,” Silverlight Said.

Night Knight walked cautiously up to the table, unsure what to make of it. As he stopped at the table, a morpher started rattling. Silver Script gently moved him towards the lit up morpher. Being given the nod, Night Knight picked up the morpher and placed it on his front left hoof.

“Now follow my movements,” Silver Script said.

Night Knight watched the flurry of movements with a keen eye and repeated them. Night Knight was soon enveloped in a leaf green light. As it died down, yet another rider appeared.

This rider had a dark brownish maroon leather jacket. The armor was a blackish leaf green color with yellowish-green trim. The design of the armor itself was based around the Luna Silkmoth. The helmet was the same yellowish-green color. The face plate was trimmed with a faded brownish red color.

“Okay, either you guys are playing a joke, or this is something I don't know,” the new Rider said.

“You were destined to be a superhero called a Kamen Rider. Your superhero identity is Kamen Rider Silkmoth,” Silver Script said.

“I see,” Kamen Rider Silkmoth said.

Silver Script checked him off as Shining Armor and Sunny Smiles arrived with another Crystal Pony.

“This is interesting,” Silver Script said.

“Agreed,” Shining Armor said.

The new arrival looked at the four superheros. He raised a brow.

“I heard you had superheros, but geez, this is a bit too far,” he said.

“No,” said Shining Armor. “We have a need for as many Superheros as possible to handle issues that arise.”

“Ah,” he said.

The pony introduced himself as Crystal Beau. The process for finding the morpher was the same as was the morphing process.

In Crystal Beau's place stood a Kamen Rider. A maroonish red leather jack sat under mirror spider themed armor. The darkened purples and reds helped to aide in camouflage. The helmet was a darkened green color with darkened brown lining around the face plate.

“So who am I now?” came the question.

“In that suit, your Kamen Rider Arachnus,” Shining Armor said.

“Something interesting that I notice, neither Kamen Rider Arachnus or Kamen Rider Iceberg have weapons,” Sunny Smiles said.

“Oh, that means their attacks are more magic based,” Winterlight Star said. “Which is to be expected.”

They nodded. Meanwhile Cadence, Daybreaker and Supernova Star were out in an Orb Weaver Spiders' nesting grounds.

“Why do ponies find spiders helpful?” Cadence asked.

“It's obvious,” Superstar Nova said. “They can scare your enemy.”

“That's not it,” Daybreaker said. “Time to devolve into a simple lesson. Spiders are useful for hunting out and taking care of harmful insects.”

“Ah,” Cadence said.

Daybreaker nodded and the trio turned their attention back to the path leading up to the nest. Walking towards them was another Crystal pony. He was a sand yellow color and had a spring in his step.

“Sand Arrow?” Cadence asked. “I knew he liked to study, but this is new.”

“Don't always believe what you see,” Daybreaker chuckled.

They watched Sand Arrow write down his observations and even other notes. Just before he left, Daybreaker walked forward, being careful to not disturb the webs or crush any spiders.

“Hello there,” Daybreaker said, startling him.

“Who's there?!” he demanded.

“It's Daybreaker,” Daybreaker introduced.

“Oh, you,” Sand Arrow hissed. “What do you want?”

Daybreaker was taken aback by his sudden shift.

“Have I done something to insult you?” she asked.

“You intrude on something I hold sacred!” he spat, his resentment being made known.

Daybreaker held up a hoof, trying to smooth the situation.

“I came, not to intrude, but to give you something that you can use for your studies,” Daybreaker said.

Sand Arrow raised a brow, but kept his guard up.

“What sort of something?” he asked.

“I assume you would rather we talk in private,” she said. “You wouldn't want your enemy to know what you are doing.”

Sand Arrow nodded. Daybreaker lead him to base and once the two were in her office, she smiled over at him.

“Sand Arrow, let's cut straight to the chase-I have here a device to give you the powers of the spiders you were studying so intently. I trust this should interest you,” she said.

“It should, but what purpose would it serve besides my studies?” he asked, wary of her wording.

“Simple, it would also provide a valuable service in keeping our very lands safe, while keeping secret from Celestia and Luna,” Daybreaker said.

Sand Arrow gave Daybreaker such a dirty look.

“I'd never keep a secret from any royalty,” he said. “And this service is something they have a right to know.”

“And interfere with our duties?” Daybreaker asked.

Sand Arrow wanted to argue, but Daybreaker beat him to the punch.

“Besides, we have royals working here,” she pointed out.

“Which royals?” he asked.

“Cadence and Shining Armor,” came the reply.

It seemed that sold him. After a few more questions, Sand Arrow agreed to her proposal. Daybreaker then reached down, into a drawer in her desk and pulled out the device. She set the device on the desk and let him inspect it.

“This little device carries all the powers of a Orb Weaver Spider?” he asked.

“Yes,” she said.

He examined it a bit more.

“How do I access this new power?” he asked.

Daybreaker helped him to understand the access process. When that was finished, in Sand Arrow's place stood a new Rider.

Like the others, he had a black leather underjacket. However, the armor was themed around the Eriophora species of Orb Web Spider. The armor was mostly brown with splotches of white, black and gray to assist with blending in with the environment and making it hard for potential villains and even the citizens to find him. The trim was that of a faded yellow, simulating sunlight being strained through leaves and tree branches.

“I didn't expect this!” came the startled yelp.

“Of course not,” Daybreaker said. “But you'll grow into the powers in due time, Kamen Rider Orb Flash.”

He nodded. Daybreaker hoped the rest would come in due time.

Author's Notes:

Sorry for the delay. I was writing this and in realizing that I had six new Riders, I decided to break this into two parts. Next part will be the last new Riders and a confrontation between the two teams and Chrysalis.

6

Things weren't going to go as smoothly as Daybreaker hoped. Princess Sterling's team got wind of the new Riders.

“They're going to beat us now,” Night Glider grumbled. “New Riders, new powers....we're going to be made the fools.”

“Not necessarily,” Princess Sterling said. “You see, we're going to interrupt them.”

“How?” Sugar Grape asked.

“It's simple,” the Princess said. “We nab the last ones they're waiting for.”

“How so?” Apple Bloom asked. “It's not like they're going to willingly come along.”

“You are going to divert them away from their paths,” Sterling said.

“But wouldn't that technically put us in the enemy category?” Scootaloo asked.

“It would, but if we don't, they'll stop us,” Sterling said.

The rest of the team nodded. Just then, another Alicorn Princess walked in.

“Ah, Gold Lily,” Night Glider said. “How nice of you to drop in.”

“Indeed, but....” Gold Lily began.

“But?” Sterling asked.

“But I have found something out, or more like some things found me,” she replied, producing six morphers.

“Odd,” Scootaloo said.

“Is it?” Sweetie Belle asked. “If we think rationally, we're meant to have these new riders, to balance out everything, despite us being short by two members.”

“I see,” Gold Lily said.

“However, if we do divert their last two members here, we may miss out on getting riders who work here specifically,” Sweetie Belle continued.

“Seems like a fair point,” Gold Lily said.

“Also, I've heard a rumor that a horror themed Kamen Rider team has been started up, however, we haven't found any solid proof one way or the other,” Sweetie Belle said.

“Interesting,” said Sterling. “However, if it can't be proved, then why would we need to know it?”

“Let's just say we can use that to get further ahead,” Sweetie Belle said.

They were confused, so she elaborated.

“If we have another team under our belt that the “Enemy” team doesn't know about, then we can get the upper hoof in battle,” Sweetie Belle said.

“That's an interesting idea, but should this prove to be a fast fading cloud, then what?” Leon asked.

“We then move forward,” Sweetie Belle. “Just file that under “P” for “Phantom Idea”.”

They nodded and made preparations. This time, they wasted no time in getting organized. Once ready, and each team armed with one of the six Kamen Rider Morphers, they dispersed from the castle on their tasks.

“Think this will blow up on us?” Night Glider asked.

“No,” Sweetie Belle. “With two Princesses and a Prince running the team, we've got it.”

What none of them could have predicted was something blowing up in Chrysalis's face.

A Changeling Queen under Chrysalis's rule started making plans. She pulled a small group of seven loyal “Drones”. How she despised the word.

“Demeaning,” she growled. “They're just as much their own pony as we are queens.”

Now, the group of eight were straight up outcasts of the hive for one little aspect-they were in love with the older and more classic horror films that had been shown. Black and White horror, with more psychological twists than a current generation novel.

While the drones had been out, scouting for a new hideout for their “Base”, the “Rogue” Queen would disguise herself as a common pony and watch The two teams fight with the monsters. She noticed that the monsters were playing on the fears of the common ponies, but neither team had these Riders who preyed on the fears of the monsters.

“Can't they see that everyone and everything has a fear?” One changeling asked.

“Don't be hasty, Silver Shadow,” the queen said.

“But Queen Moorland Mist, surely you can't let this blindness go on!” Silver Shadow yelped.

“I can,” she said. “Their blindness is our advantage.”

No more was said between them and the seven Changelings soon settled into a cave just outside the Crystal Empire, but within the magical border, where they were sheltered from the bitter cold.

“Welcome home,” Moorland Mist said.

The rest of the team grumbled about it. She shot them a dirty look.

“It's better than nothing,” she snapped at them.

“That's what Chrysalis said many times,” they retorted.

“I'm not like her!” Moorland Mist shot back.

The group stared each other down. The queen wasn't going to let them ride roughshot all over her as if she was milktoast. They weren't going to settle for some junky cavern.

The staring was reaching it's “Climax” (Them giving in) when a voice broke through their thoughts.

“Who's in there?”

They stopped, out of fear. Had they been found out? Was there a spy?

Queen Moorland Mist quickly readied a stick as a weapon. Walking into their makeshift hive were four guards, and a pegasus, who wore a trench coat and fedora hat. The pegasus wore a knowing smile.

“Ah, so this is the mysterious noises in the night,” he said.

“Indeed,” one of the guards said. “What shall we do with them? The cells?”

“No,” the pegasus told the guards. “Instead, what we shall do is leave them alone. There's no need to cause unwarranted ill feelings.”

They nodded. The pegasus continued.

“Instead, we shall offer our services to them,” he told the guards.

“We can't!” the guards said.

“Who's your standing captain?” The pegasus replied.

“You, sir,” the guards replied.

“Excellent,” the pegasus replied. “Shining Armor gave me the reigns and told me to do as I see fit and make judgment calls while he's out.”

The guards grumbled about that before recalling the agreement.

“Good,” the pegasus said.

Queen Moorland Mist eyed up the pegasus. Cedar Brown coat, dull pine green mane and smoky gray eyes. One thing she noticed was how he chose his words.

“Never saw that before,” she mused.

He smiled over at her.

“Never saw any pony choose their words?” he asked.

“No,” she said. “It was always action first.”

“As they say in the worlds of fiction “Direct action beats common sense”,” he said.

She chuckled. As she finished, four more guards and four Changeling guards appeared.

“Ah, so it seems reinforcements have arrived,” the pegasus said. “It's about time to introduce myself. I am Pipe Glass, Duke of the house of Clue.”

“Ah,” Moorland Mist said. “I've heard of them.......didn't they once.....”

“....Bust a changeling out of a false charge? Yeah. That was my case and you, madam, were my first client.”

“Convenient,” one of the Changeling guards muttered.

“Tell me,” one of the Alicorn guards replied. “It's like he's always one step ahead.”

“That's because I am,” came the blunt reply.

“You a cop?” one of the changelings asked.

“Private detective,” he replied. “Good one at that.”

“How good?” one of the unicorn guards demanded.

He stopped and closed his eyes. Everypony there waited a good forty-five minutes before he smiled and simply stated, “When Princess Luna hires me while in the dream realm.”

“She must have a few screws loose,” another changeling muttered.

Everypony, with the exception of Pipe Glass, shot her a dirty look.

“Come now, must we be so harsh of a statement that rings true across all ranks?” he asked.

“Come again, sir?” one of the Pegasus guards asked.

“We all have “A few loose screws” at times,” Pipe said. “Must we look down when she makes such a statement that can be applied across all of us? Even Celestia admits she's had her fair share of loose screws.”

Every pony there agreed, with chuckles and a few snarky remarks. Once the remarks and quips were finished, Pipe Glass invited everypony there back to his office for a warm building, food and drinks.

“While that's kind of you, we'll stay here,” Moorland Mist said.

“Suffering?” he asked.

Moorland Mist conceded that they could do with something warm to drink and eat. While emotions are all well and good for a changeling, they still need regular food. He smiled and lead them to a large office complex.

“Your office is the whole building?!” Moorland Mist asked, incredulous.

“Nope, it's on the fifth floor,” Pipe Glass said.

He lead them in and once they had crammed themselves into the do it yourself elevator, they rode it up to the fifth floor and he lead them down the hall to his office, a corner building with massive one way windows.

“Wow,” they said.

“Yes,” he said.

Once the door was shut, another of the Alicorn guards cast a soundproofing spell. Once that was done, he looked at them.

“Ever heard of superheroes?” he asked them all.

“Well, Power Ponies,” one of the guards said.

He nodded.

“Chrysalis has awoken a new brand of heroes here. And until one of them can be contacted for an interview, you eight would be seen as a break off threat to the land of Equestria,” Pipe said.

“Oh,” Moorland Mist said.

“Yeah,” said Pipe Glass.

“So what?” Another member of the hive asked.

“We wait and see,” Pip said.

The new hive sighed, defeated. Meanwhile, the new recruits for Princess Sterling and Princess Gold Lily's team were working out as well as trying to thread a spinning needle. Unlike Daybreaker's team, they were more abrupt and forceful.

Such an event passed between Inky Rose and Berry punch. They had found her in a rose garden, helping Roseluck tend to some new sprouts. After chasing Roseluck away, they proceeded to abruptly drag Inky Rose away, telling her that she was wanted and not even explaining it that well to her. She managed to break free.

“You can't just drag me away without a warrant,” she hissed.

“Our leader wants you, now,” Berry snarled. “Your coming whether you like it or not.”

Inky Rose stayed back and the two proceeded to argue and eventually trade blows. It was only after Leon came to smooth things over that Inky Rose came with them. Of course, this lead to....

“You are on probation,” Princess Sterling told Berry Punch. “Your abrasiveness was unprovoked and uncalled for.”

“With all due respect, it's the only manner to approach such as Inky Rose,” Berry said.

“I've studied Daybreaker's method and she's gotten her team bigger than ours because she knows how to treat them,” Princess Sterling replied bluntly. “She has Cornicle working for her, and he's a Changeling.”

Berry stayed quiet.

“And how did she get Cornicle to come over to her? By offering him a job that feeds his hobby, not by being an abrasive bully.”

Berry said no more and duly accepted her punishment. Just then, they heard a thud, and the sounds of something being shoved through the door. Leon went to investigate and returned with a letter in his silverish cream aura.

“No return address,” he said.

Princess Sterling opened it and pulled out a folded paper. Unfolding the paper, inside, was a coin and the words “Find the Buzz”.

“Find the buzz?” She said aloud. “What does that mean?”

“I don't...wait....look!”

They watched the coin come to life. It lifted itself off the paper and flashed several images of cages, with Luna, Celestia, their guards and two of the elements locked inside, battered and feeble.

“Move out,” Sterling said, once the slideshow of anger finished.

The team suited up and moved out. As for Daybreaker's team, they had received the same slideshow and were moving out.

“Be ready for a fight,” Kamen Rider Recluse Archer warned her team.

They responded with a confirming “Aye” and hurried on.

Meanwhile, in a castle on an island off the southeastern coast, a large and imposing Changeling Queen sat, a smirk that would make the most wicked of ponies crawl away in fear.

“Yes, come. I shall be waiting myself,” she teased.

Just then, a drone hurried in.

“I have a report, my queen!” he called out, as he hurried up to her throne.

“Make your report, Drone 45447,” she said.

“Queen Moorland Mist has taken her followers and fifteen of your secret project devices,” he said.

“How did she manage that?” Chrysalis demanded, her eyes narrowing in a fashion that could end the very world.

“That's what's under investigation,” Drone 45447 said. “We believe she may have had an inside changeling from a now defunct hive do the job and vanish.”

“FIND THEM AT ONCE!” she bellowed, breaking the nearby table.

The drone hurried out. Watching the events were several pairs of eyes. When the action died down, they made their way to a secret room.

“We make a break for it when the heroes come,” one said. “Then we find Queen Moorland Mist and present her with these devices. We'll stick it to Chrysalis once and for all. Treat us like slaves will she? I don't think so.”

Outside, drones and guards scurried around frantically, trying to find the rogues and the missing devices. To break up the monotony of the buzzing, the sounds of steel crashing against stone, glass and wood filled the air.

Outside of the room, Chrysalis stood, facing the army of Riders. She was smiling like an ambassador from Tartarus.

“Welcome, welcome,” she said. “I've been expecting you.”

“Let them go!” barked Kamen Rider Tiger.

“I would, but I need some gambling chips,” Chrysalis smiled. “After all, royals must play poker with innocent lives.”

The Kamen Riders growled. Chrysalis smiled again.

“I am willing to part with....one.....of the royals,” she said. “At my discretion, of course.”

“Your discretion!” snarled Kamen Rider Whirlwind.

“Yes, my discretion. After all, my word is worth more,” Chrysalis taunted sweetly. “It hurts, doesn't it?”

“What hurts,” Kamen Rider Shield Blade mocked sweetly. “is your arrogance.”

Chrysalis went red with fury.

“You dare mock me?!” she snarled.

Just then, two guards burst in.

“The prisoners have vanished!” one called out.

“WHAT?!” Chrysalis shrieked.

“They're gone! Vanished!” the other replied.

“HOW?!” she bellowed.

“It was an inside job!” the first one said.

Chrysalis snarled.

“Very well!” she spat. “You win this round. But be warned, I will have my day!”

She vanished in a flurry of flames and magic. Kamen Rider Recluse Archer turned to Kamen Rider Cloak.

“Come,” she said. “We have much to discuss.”

He nodded, and gestured for his team to follow her team. They would have balked, but understanding that there were hostages, it wasn't the time or place to balk about teaming up. The journey back to the Castle in the White Tail Woods was silent, but filled with tension.

Once inside and the door shut, every pony there demorphed.

“It seems,” Daybreaker said, breaking through the silence. “We are forced into working as a team, despite our....preferences.”

“You can say that,” Leon replied. “But we don't know how every pony here fig....wait....why is Cadence here, and with her husband no less?”

Daybreaker gave Leon's team the five minute catch-up. After finishing, Leon gave it thought. Every pony waited.

“I hate to admit having failure,” he said. “But there is much to gain from teaming up as a branch team, while also staying as our own team.”

“That makes sense,” Daybreaker said. “Also, don't be afraid to ask for help.”

“And let my pride crash down?” he asked.

“He who is afraid of asking for help is afraid of growing,” Daybreaker said.

“True,” Princess Sterling said. “Now, what is next on the docket?”

“A plan,” Daybreaker said. “If they get recaptured, I'm afraid of what Chrysalis will do to them.”

“But we have another mystery on our plate,” Cadence said. “The drones talking about an inside job.”

“You're right. That takes priority,” Leon said.

What they were in for, none of them could have anticipated or even conceivably thought up.

7

While that was going on, Queen Moorland Mist and her followers were making a new hive, which was surrounded by a middle class suburb in the Crystal Empire, but wasn't too far from Pipe Glass's office. The guards helped make sure they weren't hassled. However, things would change.

It was the middle of the day and Pipe Glass was in the middle of writing a report when he was interrupted by a knock. Bidding enter, he watched as eight large Changelings came in.

“We're looking for Queen Moorland Mist,” one said.

“And why is that?” Pipe asked, his muscles tightening in readiness.

“We performed a bag job,” another said. “Stole something Chrysalis wants and bad.”

“And we want Moorland to have it,” A third added.

“I see. Leave it with me and I'll...” he began.

They shook their heads.

“No, it has to be delivered personally,” the first one said.

“She's under my protection,” Pipe said. “If you want that delivered, I'll be the one to deliver it.”

They tried to argue, but to no avail. He wasn't going to back down on being at her defense. They weren't going to accept “No” as an answer. Finally, they sighed.

“You know those Superheroes that are running around?” the eighth asked.

“Yes,” Pipe said. “What have they to do with you?”

“Well, this bag job were devices for Chrysalis to make her own team,” she continued. “Her plan was to destroy the originals and use these “Superheroes” to take over Equestria. We don't want her to have it, so we're giving it to a better queen.”

“I see,” the detective said.

“So can you bend your rule?” she asked him, trying to use her charm.

“Hahahahahha....no,” he said.

“Shut down,” said the seventh.

“Shut up, Firewall,” the eighth snarled.

“Now, now Cannon Fuse,” Firewall teased. “No need to blow your short fuse.”

“I'll give you short fuse,” Cannon Fuse retorted, drawing her hoof back.

The sixth member of their little eight changeling entourage jumped between them and took two punches to the eyes, sending him reeling backwards into a window. The six layer plexiglass window buckled, but didn't break

“Alright, stop with the schoolhouse brawls,” Pipe said.

Cannon Fuse and Firewall gave each other the most over the top filly and foal pouty face. Pipe Glass chuckled and looked over at the sixth member.

“You okay?”

“I'm fine,” he said.

“Name, please?” Pipe asked.

“Oak Twine,” he said.

“Ah,” Pipe replied.

Oak stood up and after a quick inspection, was found to be only bruised and just slightly shaken, but not severely injured.

“So what are these Superhero things?” asked one of the guards.

“Kamen Riders,” Cannon Fuse said.

“What?” asked another guard.

“They're the superheroes you see running around and trashing monsters,” Firewall said.

“Oh? Well, we haven't seen them,” another guard said.

“You wouldn't, as they come out when needed,” Oak said.

“Fair point,” the others said.

After some more discussions, and a few more jabs, Cannon Fuse looked over at the leader.

“Storm Forge, do us all a huge favor after your little quip about me being more dangerous than a cannon, take and swipe Celestia's lifetime supply of cakes and jump in a blast furnace,” she retorted.

Pipe got her to calm down and take a breather, before speaking.

“I can arrange a private interview with her,” he told them. “However, It will be here, and at a prearranged time.”

“Alright,” Storm Forge huffed, admitting defeated.

Meanwhile, in the White Tail Castle, Cold Front was sulking in the rec room, with a pool cue.

“What's got under your coat?” Bright Bulb asked.

“That other team being here,” Cold Front hissed.

“That's all?” Bright Bulb asked. “I don't see why that's under your coat.”

“That Leon, first and foremost, being Celestia's cousin, acts all superior,” Cold Front snarled.

“So do you, in case you've forgotten,” Bright Bulb countered. “Just yesterday, you were telling Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash's siblings to give up trying to help their sisters. You said, “Your too young to be superheroing, go back to school”.”

“It's the truth,” Cold Front retorted.

“One, calm down; two, this is what Chrysalis wants,” Bright Bulb said. “Think about it. Look at how she turned Celestia and Shining Armor against Twilight.”

“That bears no matter on the issue,” Cold Front retorted.

“It does,” Bright Bulb said. “Can I ask...why are you fighting against Chrysalis?”

“To protect my land! Duh!” Cold Front snorted.

“While I am fighting for my land....I'm fighting for my daughter,” Bright Bulb said. “She's terminally ill and doctors can't save her.”

Cold Front stopped his seething. He was seeing some pony who he was arguing with in a new and broken light.

“You know...your little admission brought out why I'm fighting. I'm fighting for my family,” Cold Front said.

Bright Bulb smiled.

“It brings out the best and worst in us,” Bright Bulb said. “Daybreaker said that when this is all over, we can clash ideologies.”

“Sounds good,” Cold Front said.

“Sitting on emotions, even when Changelings aren't present, isn't a good idea. It's a volcano waiting to erupt,” Bright Bulb said.

“Quick question, isn't there a TV show based around us?” Cold Front asked.

“Yes,” Bright Bulb said. “You want to know why we don't clash like the TV versions of us, right?”

“Yes,” Cold Front said.

“The answer is simple-Reality doesn't have rules to follow,” Bright Bulb chuckled. “We are Kamen Riders, but we aren't following the cliches because Daybreaker's the boss.”

“Yes, but it's strange. She letting us do our own thing when it comes to smaller monsters, but when it's Chrysalis, we work together,” Cold Front said.

“Simple,” Bright Bulb said. “She wants us to live up to the cliches of the TV show, while doing our work.”

“Fair enough,” Cold Front said.

“Something else that's curious is...aren't we subverting expectations of our “Fans”?” Cold Front asked after a five minute silence.

“Think like this, everyone in the show has different ideologies and often clash over many things and struggle to work together at times and that causes separation, what have we done here?” Bright Bulb asked.

“Brought in royals,” Cold Front.

“We came together from different positions over a common thread,” Bright Bulb said. “You'd be surprised how, even if you don't want to make friends and go solo, many things you have in common.”

“That's what Daybreaker is working with,” Bright Bulb said. “The ties that bind are stronger than friendships.”

Cold Front chuckled, “True.”

The dinner gong went off and they walked down the hall.

“Also, don't let Leon get under your coat,” Bright Bulb said. “He's trying to get you riled up because he gets his jollies seeing any of us up in arms.”

Cold Front laughed.

“Shall we call ourselves Colleagues outside of the castle?” Cold Front asked. “So we can keep the illusion up.”

“Of course,” Bright Bulb said. “It'll make all the clown acting we have to do a lot easier.”

The two chuckled. Arriving, they saw the table only half full of Riders.

“What happened here?” Cold Front asked.

“They're out fighting monsters,” Daybreaker said.

“Ah,” Bright Bulb said.

“And it's odd,” she continued. “The monster is a giant spider/bee hybrid.”

“Great, Chrysalis is hybridizing enemies,” Silver Script said.

“It's not a monster created by Chrysalis,” Daybreaker said. “Not her style.”

“Then who'd create....?” Cold Front asked, then stopped. “You don't think we have another Changeling Queen to fight.”

“I don't know,” Daybreaker said. “If it is, we're in way over our heads.”

“Well, now what?” Princess Sterling asked.

“All we can do...wait for a report,” Daybreaker said.

The others nodded. It was another hour before the rest returned for dinner.

“A report,” Kamen Rider Ocean Current said. “The Monster was a fusion created by a character who goes by the name Gold Diamond.”

Princess Gold Lily raised a brow.

“Who's Gold Diamond?” she asked.

“A rich scientist,” Kamen Rider Ocean Current said. “He's been hired by a mysterious figure to create hybrid monsters.”

“More fun,” Sweetie Belle huffed. “Can't we just deal with one villain at a time?”

“Unfortunately not,” Daybreaker said. “Dealing with one enemy at a time would allow the others to run roughshot over us.”

There was a collective groan.

“Enjoy the dinner tonight and we'll cross that bridge when we come to that,” Daybreaker said.

They agreed and set to work on the vegetable omelets laid before them. The atmosphere was subdued and afterward, a full report was given.

“I see,” Daybreaker said, once the report was finished. “We'll have to take extra care now that we're dealing with something more.”

They agreed.

Meanwhile, Pipe Glass was paying Moorland Mist's hive a visit, with the devices. She came out, using a towel to dry her mane.

“Sorry, I just got out of the bath,” she said, gasping. “I had to rush it.”

“There was no need,” grumbled one of her hivelings. “He'd have waited for you. Being clean presents a better image.”

“Watch it, Silver Mistwisp,” Moorland told her.

Silver Mistwisp chuckled.

“Anyway, what's up Pipe?” Moorland asked.

“A delivery,” he said.

“Of what?”

“Superhero devices,” Pipe Glass said.

8

Moorland Mist blinked as see watched the seven members of her new hive transform into Horror themed Kamen Riders.

“Woah,” she said.

“Yes, but there are a total of 15. There's seven before us. If you and I join in, that'll be nine,” Pipe Glass said.

“But that leaves six Riders without counterparts,” Moorland said.

“I know, but....where do we look?” he asked.

“What about the guards? I mean, imagine one Alicorn, Unicorn, Pegasus and Earth Pony Royal guard as Kamen Riders.”

“Ah, I see,” Pipe said.

“And from there, we can recruit common ponies,” Moorland Mist said.

“Sounds good,” Pipe said, tapping his chin thoughtfully.

She reached over and pulled his hoof down.

“Can I admit something to you?” she asked.

“Shoot,” Pipe Glass said.

“I've been feeling slightly light hearted around you....and according to Firewall, I've been lovestruck,” she said.

“Ah...so your in love with me?” he asked.

“Yes,” Moorland Mist said.

He smiled softly. They kissed and then made their way to the planning room, where they drew up plans for their team.

“Something I want to do...Keep them separate from that Daybreaker character,” Moorland said.

“May I ask why?” Pipe asked.

“It's that her team's already big and adding us in would only inflate egos,” Moorland said.

Pipe smiled softly again and leaned in.

“Is it because you want an identity and are afraid you'd lose it by joining them?” he whispered.

“Yes,” she replied, looking down.

“It's understandable. Your a new queen with the world's tiniest Changeling Hive,” he said.

"Yes,” she said. “And I have no way to control them....They just treat me like the enemy,” she sighed.

“All teams do it,” Pipe said.

He stopped and opened the door. Looking out, he saw a plant that wasn't there before. He chuckled.

“Alright, show yourself,” he said.

The plant faded away to reveal Staff Sergeant Cobalt Girder, a colbalt blue Alicorn with a cream orange mane color and a unique set of eye colors-a faded orange left iris and a faded black right iris. He wore Royal Crystal Empire crystal blue and gold lined armor, which made him stand out like a sore horn in a crowd of civilians. His cutie mark was a stack of girders.

“How'd you know?” the guard asked.

“Your too obvious,” Pipe Glass deadpanned.

“Dang,” the guard muttered.

Pipe Glass merely grunted. He'd been trying to get the Unicorn and Alicorn guards to be less obvious, with ill success. They kept taking up disguises that were too easy to spot, so it was a “complete surprise” to every pony when they kept getting found out.

“If your to be any kind of hero, you need to be less obvious,” Pipe said.

“Funny,” Cobalt Girder snorted.

“I'm being serious. We need to be as subtle as a soft breeze,” Pipe replied.

Cobalt grunted and made several snide remarks, before a dagger glare from Moorland Mist shut him up.

“Pipe's right,” she said. “We're pretty much on our own and with no large team, going against Daybreaker is like an egg going against a tornado.”

“So this is going to be impossible,” Cobalt huffed.

“Not exactly impossible, but close,” Moorland replied.

Cobalt said no more. Pipe turned to him.

“Can you send in Corporal Trestle Beam, Warrant Officer Friction Strike and Lieutenant Slag Blast?” Pipe asked. “Be sure your with them as well.”

Cobalt nodded and hurried out. Moorland and Pipe turned back to face each other. Now that they were alone, they could sit back and think.

“So, how are we going to find these two last Kamen Riders?” Moorland asked.

“I don't know,” Pipe said. “I would say “The Power of Love” but that's too ridiculous.”

She chuckled.

“That would be something,” she said.

They chuckled softly as the office door opened and in stepped three guards.

One was an unicorn. Soft earth brown coat, faded lime green mane. Her eyes were a faded lemon yellow color. She wore the same Royal Crystal Empire crystal blue and gold lined armor, as did the other two Cobalt found. Her Cutie Mark is that of of a riveted Trestle

The second one was a pegasus. Faded Turquoise coat with a faded teal mane. Dark lilac eyes and the same armor. Her Cutie Mark was that of Sledge hammer striking metal.

The last one was an Earth Pony. Dull orange coat with a black and yellow striped mane. She had darkened molten orange eyes. Her cutie mark was that of a steel gray channel with hot slag pouring into a vat. She also wore the same armor as the other two being ushered in.

“Ah, good to see you,” Pipe Glass said. “Now, what I'm going to tell you is confidential and once you are offered the job and accept, you can never back out.”

“And if we don't join?” Slag Blast asked.

“Then you'd be stuck in your dead end positions,” Pipe Glass said.

They just gave him dirty looks. He chuckled softly and closed his eyes. They talked amongst themselves. At long last, Cobalt Girder turned to Pipe Glass.

“We accept, but on one condition, this Superheroing job doesn't affect our ability to get dates,” he said.

Pipe Glass chuckled.

“I set the rules,” he said. “However, your concern has been duly noted.”

They nodded. He pushed four devices across to them. They picked them up and looked them over, curiously.

“These,” Pipe Glass said. “Are your hero devices.”

“Ah,” Cobalt Girder replied.

They examined them.

“What are these devices?” Friction Strike asked.

“He just said your superhero devices,” replied Moorland.

“Well, can we get specifics?” Trestle Beam asked.

“In a minute,” Moorland said.

No more was said and the four guards left, leaving the two lovers alone.

“Now, what do you want to do, dear?” Moorland asked.

“Try to find the last two,” Pipe Glass said.

“How?” Moorland asked.

“I don't know,” he said.

They sat there, trying to reason everything out.

“Interviews?” Moorland asked.

“That might yield nothing,” Pipe replied.

“Morpher sensing?” she suggested.

“That'll give the enemy a target,” he replied.

“Asking the morphers?” she suggested again.

“That might work, in a comic,” he replied.

“I know one thing, ponynapping them is out,” she said.

“Same. We don't want to build a bad reputation,” he said.

“So.....now what?” She asked.

“I wish I kn....” Pipe began, but was stopped when the two devices began to act strangely.

Images began flashing rapidly across the small screens until they stopped on two.

“Thorax and his brother, Zeitgeist,” Moorland said.

“Want me to fetch them?” Pipe asked.

“Yes, please,” Moorland said.

Pipe walked out of the office. However, he suddenly realized that he had no way to find either changeling. Instead of sighing, he went out looking for them. However, a certain Night timer was going to find out.