Okay so I needed an extra day to recooperate after that god awful torture. The initial day was hell until I got healed but apparently Celestia used some sort of pain numbing spell as well as perception altering. Lasted only a day and when AJ saw me she saw the damage and wondered what the hell happened. Yeah... Muscles still ached like hell, bruised and burned a bit from the shocking and the beatings... The only thing she managed to heal me with was the bloody cut up mouth. Well... Her doctor did while I was out. Fast acting stitches and even a good rinsing. But today I woke up early after Twilight gave me a good healing and a work over in her room. Anyways I left my car and keys at home yet I took my new suit case that straps to my back. Had three changes of clothes, charging cord for my phone, a journal and some writing instruments. I was wearing part of the uniform I stole. Boots, pants and jacket while I wore a bandana tied around my head and a Gems and Tulips tee. Even wore my harness holster with my gun snapped in. I had walked from the house to the train station stopping only once to get a bag of donuts and a drink. Took a piss in an alley because I had to go that bad. Once I got to the train station the train was already there. Gave the guy at the door my ticket and went to the end car. This was a car I had all to myself. Bed, a desk, fully stocked mini fridge and my own private restroom. Luna didnt pull out any stops... hopefully this is a nonstop train too but cant wish for everything. Speaking of Luna as I lied down in the bed my phone started to ring. I picked it up and put it to my ear. "Princess. Perfect timing." I said.

I heard Luna chuckle a bit. "I'm glad. I was actually just calling to see if you're awake in time to catch the train." She said. I rolled onto my side putting my phone on speaker. I just looked out to the town with the moonlight brightening the train car slightly.

"And then some... Might fall back asleep just to get some rest in..." I sighed. "...Kinda nervous to be honest... I've been far from home before but this is some place I havent experienced. Vanhoover... North, cold and apparently the place I'm going is dangerous... I know I'm tough but I also know I'm not immortal.... I act like I am at times but... shit.... Three murders this week and all from the place I'm going... Even texted Daring to just... make sure she wasnt one of them..."

"You'll be fine Ryder. When you get there, call me, leave a message if I'm not awake and see if you cant bring Daring to said hotel. I'll leave a note for Celestia to check my phone within the next eight hours. Sleep well General and remember to breathe."

"Dont worry... I'll only forget to breathe for maybe a minute or two along the way... nothing that will kill me. I'll talk with you later tonight Princess."

I hung up shoving my phone back into my pocket. I fell asleep for a bit only until the train sounded off its horn. Startled me a bit and I couldnt get back to sleep as we pulled away from the station. That was... what about a half hour? After that I got up from the bed, grabbed my bag and got my journal from it with a pen to write. Lucky me there was a desk light here. I only got the journal just to document thoughts and such. Always have a lot on my mind. I opened up that journal and sighed as I started to write.

'Day one of this journal... never wanted to do this but I'm making myself do it to clear my mind. I'm off to Vanhoover to meet with someone who's helping me uncover something strange that I went through... As if having a demonic dog as a pet or meeting the devil himself wasnt enough. But this was truly strange. When you give someone a guitar they dont know how to play they're supposed to strum a few strings, maybe a chord or two to act like they know what they're doing but that's not what happened to me. I was given a guitar and blasted a hole through a damn building almost like I had a powerful laser canon from my video games. I've chosen to not talk about it with anyone since then except for my contact. Not friends, not family, not even the guy who gave me the guitar or the Princesses. Somewhat afraid if this is all some sort of trap by someone who found out about what happened and wanted to harness the power for themselves. Wouldnt blame them but they'd get some sort of a surprise if they tried to put a blade to my neck or something. I'd let them get me as far as they could before I give them a hole in their gut without even pulling my gun. I've already had enough cuts and bruises for this week. I'll be documenting this trip and anything else in the future.'

Even if it was the first page I capped the pen and marked the page with said pen before setting the book back in my bags. I went over to the window and just watched as Ponyville faded into the early morning mist. I even opened the fridge and grabbed a soda only to sit at the desk sipping at it as we went. I went through four cans before I needed to use the toilet. Went through me fast. Only time I left the car was when the sun started rising. Went to the food car and grabbed more to eat. Hay burger and a soda before going back to my car and sleeping for a bit. This time I slept for a couple hours. As you can see not much happened this train ride. No calls, no texts, not even an email. I did have signal until we went in tunnels. Even stopped in Apploosa. Thought of finding Braeburn but we couldnt get off the train. Took the train all the way until I landed in Vanhoover. I stepped off the train with my bag on my back and holy hell I wish I had a beanie or a ushanka hat for myself. It was THAT cold. I could tell I wasnt in any part of Equestria I knew. Ponies just stared at me as I walked my way through the crowded station. They were wearing mostly expensive fur coats and studded jean jackets. As I stepped out into the street I could see buildings reaching high like Manehattan but there werent as many of them. Shops, small hotels and such lined the snow covered streets. As I walked down the steps something caught my eye. Black beauty of a car. Sports car, sleek, wheels were chained up but this thing was top of the line. "Admiring the wheels dude?" I hear a familiar voice ask. I nearly shit myself hearing that voice because when I looked up I saw a stallion dressed from head to toe in Lunar Republic blue. Black combat boots, the LR blue cargo pants, an insulated jacket and a ski mask.

I could tell he recognized me by the way he looked at me after I backed off the car. "Uh... Rouge... That you dude?" I asked. Sure enough he scrambled to get the mask off. It was Rouge. Grew his mane out a bit looks like too. He stood and saluted.

"G-General Ryder sir! I had no idea it was you!" I huffed.

"At ease. No formalities here. I'm off the clock here. Just coming out to meet someone." He looked to me grinning a bit.

"Ooh General getting some side tail without his lady knowing? What's she look like? She hot?" I huffed shaking my head.

"Not like that. Just meeting a friend here. Told me to head to a place called The Divide. You know it?" He hesitantly nodded looking a bit confused.

"Yeah... Why there though? Place is a shithole... Original owner kept it together but after he died it went down hill."

"Friend suggested it. You can just drop me there if you like." He shrugged slightly as he put his mask back on.

"Shift's pretty much almost over and I need a bite to eat. Let me radio in and then we'll go." I watched as he turned away and started walking down the road. But... I got insanely confused.

"...You mean... this ISNT your car?" I asked hurrying to his side.

"Nope." He replied shaking his head. "Always keep an eye out for the nicer cars of the city. Most of what's been stolen lately. I'm driving a personal vehicle that I convinced Celestia to let me use as a guard vehicle. Was hell trying to get into contact with her but she came to visit, we talked because I mentioned you, asked how you were but wouldnt give me information. Said you were going through something at the time. Wanna give me that update?" I shrugged as we moved from the street to the sidewalk.

"Well...." I started. "You already know what happened when I came back from the war. Wing chopped off and reunited with my sister and such." I extended my wings after taking off my bag a bit. "Princess' did an amazing job making it look so realistic." I quickly put my bag back on. "House burnt down, had to move in with my mare, sister had to get used to living on a farm, proposed to my wife, went to Manehattan to meet her uncle to get connections but i was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

"The attack?" I nodded.

"I dont know how many times I've cheated death and gave him the middle finger but I was in that building that got blown to hell and saved my little cousin in law in the process. Sweetest filly you could ever ask for."

"Really? You're shitting me!"

"If I'm shitting you you might as well expect me to also shit out one of those sports cars back there." He looked at me a bit shocked. "Dont ask how I survived because I dont know but apparently Pepper had to hike it out of town because she lost her shit and ended up in Apploosa where I saw her and convinced her to get some help with her stress issues. Cant say I've had a few of those as well but I've calmed down from that. Wanna hear about the wedding or you good for crazy?"

"Just full of surprises aint ya?" I gave a laugh and nodded before we got to his car. This one was another beautiful car. Muscle car, hatch back, exposed vent intake, chained tires but these things still looked amazing. Actually made to look like the chambers of a revolver.

"You know it. Could finish the story here or should I wait for the bar?" He opened the door for me and I tossed my bag in the back seat. Two doors like my ride.... Is it bad I wanna challenge him to a drag race at a local race track? ....I am turning into my father.... Anyways he closed the door and hurried around to the drivers seat. He huffed getting inside.

"Finish it up. Juicy details and all!" He grabbed a hand piece for the radio. I watched as he pressed the button on the handheld. "HQ come in. Rouge here, calling it a day. Code seven three echo." He released the button.

The radio just played static for a moment before a voice was heard. "Ten four rouge. Let the General know his heroism is always appreciated." I heard a guard say.

I huffed just giving him a smug smile. "The hell did you say when you got back?" I asked.

Rouge started the car up and the roar of the engine just made my toes curl. "Only the important stuff like the spy you shot dead in the middle of everyone." He replied backing up a bit and pulling away. "Maybe I fudged the story about you taking a bullet but it's still kinda true right? Shot, healed right up, somewhat stubborn as a mule trying to get up doing what you were meant to do." I rolled my eyes not believing his shit.

"Well you're glad I dont say much about your shit running off leaving me to freeze... Lucky I can let stuff like that go." He huffed.

"Still got regrets from that... hell I was worried when they hauled you off at the castle... could only watch as Celestia wheeled you away while Luna had to make sure that sister of yours was alright... Hell I was made to shoot back up that mountain with that truck and a bunch of others to haul those soldiers to Canterlot to get proper transport home. Didnt have time to give Pepper and Shadow that final farewell. You see them at all? I mean... yeah you saw Pepper but Shadow? How's he doing? Motherfucker was as quiet as anything..." I leaned back in my seat.

"He's doing good. Got a cushy job working up north with The Captain and his wife. Mostly for morale reasons but he's good. So you ready to hear about the wedding or not?"

"Talk away sir." Heh... I actually liked this version of Rouge better than the one I had to deal with at war....

"Well I was nervous for obvious reasons. Sweating, puking and shaking like hell. I was even so paranoid that the Princess' had to hire a bodyguard detail for my ass. Thought something was coming to screw up the wedding... Fears were right. Two of those bodyguards? Changelings. Fucking gassed the other guys, gassed me and I woke up in a sewer facing down the queen. Dumb bitch let me go to play a game of pain strip. Would've settled for strip poker but nah... this was better. I shoulder checked her into a wall and busted down a door just to start fighting my way through at least a hundred more of the drones! Shit had me fucked up for a few days before we could continue the wedding and you gotta know I cried like a bitch during that."

"Fuck man... Just a target for shit hitting the fan."

"Dont I know it? There have been times where I could swear there was a gun aimed at my head with someone ready to pull the trigger. Felt like that until I was reassured.... Like I just felt they took the finger off the trigger." He stopped at a light.

"Rough. Hell weeks after I left Canterlot that day we got home? I was afraid I'd have guards knocking at my door, ready to bust it down and take me in for running off so I guess I know how you feel." We turned down the road and he gunned it a bit. "Wanna know something funny? I catch drag racers with this thing. Funniest shit seeing the guy next to me rev his engine, speed off before I just light him up pulling him over down the block. Hell one time I walked up to the window the guy inside was looking at me laughing like it was a joke. Showed him my badge, asked for his license and stuff and he only coughed up the registration. Car came up stolen and the guy even tried getting off the hook by bribing me with the car and even wanted to pink slip the car!"

"Havent really been on the beat for a while. Mostly dealing with Princesses and such yknow? Mostly from my local princess... Always practicing magical spells she finds in books and the last one knocked me and her out only to think we managed to dimension hop. Strangest shit ever. Only gonna say one thing? I'd look sexy as a mare." He laughed as we turned another corner.

"Heh... need to see that to believe that!" Never gonna happen.

Anyhow we kept chatting for a while about stupid little things, listened to the radio and he even took me by some places that he thought I'd like. Places like a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, car museum and even a local game shop that sells the classic stuff. We pulled up to the bar maybe about a half hour later. Big Parking lot in front of a small building. The bar was nothing to shake a stick at but it had an old charm that I liked. Something out of the movies. Old tyme saloons, wagons everywhere... Cept in this case we have cars and trucks with motorbikes up front... Why motorbikes in this cold ass place I dont know... There was a good six to seven choppers in front. We parked across the way from them still being right in front. I zipped up my jacket as I got out making sure my gun didnt slip out of its holster on accident or that nobody panicked by seeing it. I had to even wait for Rouge to change his jacket because apparently ponies in this bar dont really like guards. Cant prove anything illegal goes on here when the patrons are on their best behavior... Anyways as we entered we saw the bikers who owned the bikes sitting at a long table. Leather everywhere you looked on em. Some even wore masks. Other than them not much other patrons. Only another stallion or to down on their luck. Bar tender was a female. Long sleeve, jeans and a rack that could kill me if she whipped em out. She smiled as me and Rogue sat at the bar, me just looking at all the different alcohols with a food window between shelves. "What can I get you boys?" She asked. Sounded like she smoked a pack a day. "House special is a rum n cola mixer." Rogue huffed.

"Just a beer for me. Cant do too much drinking. Gotta drive home. Manehattan Blitz. That and haysliders." The bartender looked to me.

"What about you?"

I huffed. "Haysliders for food. Whatcha got that's Apploosan? Only stuff I can drink." I said. She hummed writing a food order down.

"Got whiskey, cider and I definitely could whip up somethin' special..."

"Cider then. Oh and someone told me to say 'Time's Up, Drop Off' for a discount? That good?" She sighed a bit.

"Well whoever told you that heap of malarkey really got their monies worth if ya paid em... But just so you dont think you went through all that trouble for nothing I might's well give you boys a little break on the bill and only make you pay for the food. Just give me a moment to get your drinks together." I nodded leaning on the counter a bit.

Rogue looked over at me as the bartender went down to the other side of the bar. "Free drinks? Nice. That phrase one time only?" He asked.

I sighed. "Yeah unfortunately. Dont wanna get someone in trouble for that." I replied. "You use it I could find myself at the business end of a shotgun again. Dont want that...." He looked at me curiously.

"Again? What do you mean again?"

"Caught in a robbery. Worked in my local bakery with a friend for a little pocket money, ducked under the counter because this was after I was picked up after my parents murders and the owner of the place was out sick but came in and next thing you know there I am standing over the guy unconscious on the floor and the owners kids crying up stairs with my friend clinging to my feet after she pissed herself."

"Huh... rough... First you handle one, then knock someone out holding one. Hell you gotta show me what you do one of these days. Probably get the others together for a special training session."

"Maybe. I'd say for right now we just cut the talk about that stuff. Starting to get that feeling someone's listening." He nodded and pulled out his phone just starting to mess around with it.

I just kinda took note of everything. Had at least one of the bikers looking at me for a moment. The bartender came back a moment later with a few glasses in hand. Pints. Both even had napkins with them. She set our drinks down in front of us placing the napkins right next to our glasses and even tapped at mine a slight bit. "Two beers for you. Food should be out soon." She said. I gave a nod and took up my napkin slightly only to see some pen markings on it. I quickly took it and shoved it into my pocket before picking up my beer drinking it. Bitter with a very sweet apple tang. Appaloosan Cider is second to my wife's stuff... And I dont mean the second hand kind. Food came out soon after and it was good. Bit of hot sauce to give it a tang.

We ate, paid and got out fast. Didnt even stop for the bathroom. Didnt have to go anyways. Rogue huffed as we walked out. "Good lord... Didnt think I was that hungry." He said. He looked over at me as we slipped between the bikes. "Anywhere else you wanna head to? Should be a mall just down the way if I'm right."

I sighed stretching a bit. "Nah... Might wanna just grab my bags and walk. I'm well protected here." I said patting my side. He just smiled and shook his head.

"Packed and to the teeth.... Never would've suspected that at all." He took his keys out and unlocked the side door. "That all you got on you or are you prepared for war again?" I huffed as we got to the passenger door and opened it.

"Wasnt ready for that first one, not ready for another." I put the seat up grabbing my bag from the back. I looked to him as I set the seat back and shut the door. "Before I go, why dont you write your number down? I'll call you sometime eh?" He smiled and ran around to his side of the car before quickly grabbing a note pad and a pen before writing his number down. He ripped it out of the book and gave it to me. Gave him a fist bump and a quick hug before walking out of the parking lot. This next part? I had to lean on the building around the corner with the napkin in hand just to put it into my map app. Thirty Second street at a hotel building. Good ways away but nothing I couldnt handle.

Place looked okay from the previews I saw. Ended up walking in the cold for a while following the directions but what I came over to? Not what I expected. The building was a two story apartment. Keyword being was. The building I saw before me was just a burned out corpse of a building, windows boarded up, scorch marks and what not. Almost reminded me of my old house. Almost. I hummed and just looked around thinking about where else Daring would be. Not one place came to mind. Every other building was run down, decrepit and most were even boarded up. I'm actually glad I had my gun holstered still because I heard glass break behind me. I turned my attention to an alley quickly pocketing my phone before readying myself. Out of the shadows of the alley I see a homeless mare, scarf over her face and head, thick winter jacket and tight jeans and boots. "Woah there sonny didnt mean to startle ya." She said. Raspy even when masked behind the scarf. "You got any change perchance? Need to buy me a habanero hayburger and a glass of wine." I lowered my guard shaking my head making sure I heard that right. That answer sounded all too familiar.

"Daring? That you?" I whispered. The mare straightened her posture before coming closer. She pulled the scarf down and it was her. "...Jeez... Didnt think I'd be coming here to meet a homeless mare... Thought I'd be walking into a warm building and not a freezing alley way... How long have you been waiting out here?" She huffed.

"Longer than I'd like but I didnt think you'd be walking after the bartender tipped me off you were in town."

"Yeah. Told the bartender someone told me that for a discount and I actually got a discount."

"Huh... Awesome... Nice of her to do that. Now lets hurry up and get inside. I feel like I'm gonna end up pissing myself if we stay out here any longer... And I'm not taking any smug ass remarks about staying out here! I need this costume!" I rolled my eyes following her into the alley. She pushed on a brick in the wall and another section slid open. We hurried inside only to find a hallway made from metal and it even felt warm. "State of the art heating system hidden well within the confines of a dingy old building nobody dares enter or renovate for profit. I come here every time I need to research certain areas, plot out adventures and sometimes just find a place to be alone after a convention. Grabby nerds..." She continued to mumble as the brick door closed behind us sealing us inside. There were lights in the roof above us as we walked down a set of stairs deeper into the earth. Lasted a few minutes before coming into a bunker. The room we entered was somewhat large. Bed, TV and a library against the wall. There was a door leading to a hallway off the side with a few doors down said way. She lead me over to the bed and sat me down. Bed wasnt anything special. Matress with a warm blanket. "Here. Stay right here, make yourself comfortable. I'll be right back!"

I gave a nod and watched her hurry off towards the hall. I looked around the bed and grabbed a remote control which I aimed at the TV turning it on. Once the TV switched on I watched bit of a movie. Movie was an action movie. News cameras in third person watching two guys in between burning buildings fighting it out on rubble that was from one of the buildings. Even had a sniper in a chopper trying to pick off one of the guys. Spoilers: He ends up getting the other guy, blowing his arm off before the chopper gets hit with a rocket from a building across the way. Then I changed it to the news after the guys arm got blown off... forgot about the fountain of blood that happened. The news was showing a car chase along the freeway just outside the city. "Suspect is believed to be armed and dangerous. He is wanted for armed robbery and if you are seeing this chase happen in real time please get out of the way from pursuing guards." The male news caster said.

I kept changing the channel until I came up on cartoons. New stuff. Not the good old stuff. This one? Kid and his dog running around fighting monsters... remake of the better one. I couldnt even watch five minute of it before turning the TV off and getting up just to walk down the hall where Daring went. "Daring?" I called out. "You still in here?"

I heard a grunt and a groan come from a door at the end of the hall to my left. Closed door next to a partially opened one. "Y-Yeah... Just... Just got my costume off in time... I'm gonna be a while..." She called back. "Why dont you just... Go next door and wait for me in there! Just set your stuff down anywhere!" I sighed and went back to the main area setting my bags down before heading back down the hall. I opened the door at the end of the hall and was shocked. Inside there were maps, pictures, news papers, a few computer screens cycling through data and just string and pins COVERING everything on the walls. I even saw piles of trash of fast food wrappers sitting in the corner... At least this place had a bathroom otherwise I'd be smelling something other than old hayburgers and fries. Guess I just stood there for a few minutes because the bathroom door opened behind me. I turned around just as Daring was coming out in jeans, a tank top and her mane in a braid.

"What the hell have you been doing?! How long have you been down here?!" She pushed past me a bit.

"Well if you remember I got a call in Canterlot during our first meeting and I wrote it off as something extremely stupid and when I went to Las Pegasus holy shit my brain went wild after I left! I had to call my contact who's always trying to help me find new treasures and told him what I just witnessed and sent him the video of what went down. He did have a 'told you so' moment but I let him have it since I was a pain in the ass for not believing it... unlike the crazier stuff that I know exists..." She sat down in a chair in front of the computer screens. "I really should've done some cleaning up here but these were sleepless nights of old adventures, mostly to do planning on where I'm going, what preparations I'd need, how many days it would take and if I'd need to bring medicines or antidotes. Maybe even a splint or two. This is one of the spots where I plot out adventures if I hear about them."

"Well next time WARN ME BEFORE I THINK YOU'VE GONE OFF THE DEEP END!" She huffed turning towards the computer wiggling the mouse a bit... just a stupid screen saver.

"Apologies if I havent done any cleaning! I've only been here since I called you last. I had to go out disguised so I dont get mugged as AK Yearling and I had to dress up as someone who wouldnt get thrown out as soon as you walked in. Tried that once in Fillydelphia as a scruffy looking mare and I barely set foot inside before being thrown out by the manager. Put in a complaint and they were fired. Though I did dress up as someone else next time."

"What did you dress up as?"

"Not a vagrant that's for sure... Hid my wings under a jacket, mane hidden in a beanie and i had to get my yearling glasses. Dont wanna know what I had to do for my voice. I dont know and you definitely wouldnt know!" She clicked a few times on the screen. "Now come here. Best if I show you the research I've done." I huffed and carefully stepped around bits of trash and empty cans of beer and soda. I knelt down at her side just as she clicked an icon or two. "Alright... Since I left you with the Princess at Las Pegasus I've had to distract myself from worrying about you and I got right to work with this. You are doing okay after your heights scare?" I huffed as she typed out somethings in a text box.

"I'm doing okay... Well... If you count being in a helicopter with your own mother and a filly you saved from a burning building looking on before you were just pushed out 'okay'... Lucky that helped me get over my fear of heights even with it being rather scary as hell to where I needed a change of pants.... Sorry if that's a little too much." She chuckled a bit.

"It's fine. Still cant help but to think you soiled yourself when you found out who I really was and I dont have regrets about that. Maybe if we ever get our chance to soon we can have our fun on a cloud or perhaps something else?"

"What ever works... as long as I know you havent gone crazy... but we can worry about that later. Whats up with the research you did?" I watched as she clicked a few folders and opened up a locked file.

"Well I took a look at those runes that were burned into the floor before they were replaced and they seemed otherworldly but at the time I wasnt sure where from. One day I pulled a Twilight, read a few books and it was in an unfinished book from a grand adventurer even before me where I found part of the answer. Once one is found, another is bound to pop up somewhere along the destructive beam shot out. I've gotten access into a surveillance satellite via Princess Celestia and when I altered the time to get the recording I was surprised that you could see it from space." She pulled up an amazing picture of the feed. Full overhead view of Equestria from space. There was a beam of light that shot out towards the north east or something. "I've tracked this line from the origin- Las Pegasus- to where I believe the next artifact pops up... Somewhere in the Crystal empire... Though this is just a guess on my part because I really dont understand why turning into what you did at the origin point... Or what even caused that... I'll have to do a little more investigating and research to find out more." She minimized the picture of the video feed.

"So... We've run into a brick wall after we ran ten feet... right?" She sighed opening another file. This one was a snapshot of the video from my phone.

"That's a double edged answer." She replied. "It doesnt really mean we're stuck but if we were to go deeper down this rabbit hole and run a few tests, maybe find some way to translate the glyphs. But since giving you a guitar would send the entire city into a tizzy and no way to knock you out I suggest the latter option of translation." She pulled up the ring of Glyphs from above. "Lucky me, Princess Celestia forwarded some nice pictures of guard investigations into the 'generator explosion'. Clearest pictures I could get without being afraid of someone scaring the shit out of me by actually finding my identity whilst in disguise... I have to give her credit for keeping my secret... Even if she had known for quite a while..."

"To this day it still scares me with you being real and not just a book character. Think when I heard that I hit my head so hard I'm living some kind of fantasy in a coma... Though the glass I had shoved in my mouth the other day really made that apparent that I'm not..." She looked to me shocked. "Want the story? Or the short version?"

"Details PLEASE!" She pushed away from the desk and got up grabbing my hand before heading out into the living area before we sat on the bed. I sighed.

"Well get ready for it... It's quite a doozy..." She scooted me back on the bed and lied down on my lap. "Okay... So... As I'm going out the other day before you called me I see Celestia coming down the road in her truck, ready to drop my sister off with me yet I turned her away because I felt something was more off than my drunk wife puking over the side of the toilet- Again... too much information sorry- and Celestia does. But as I get into my car something knocks me out cold. What? I dont know until I come to with something that just takes my strength down and puts it to that of a five year old. Two guys come in, masked and ask me questions I dont even have the answers to. They think I'm lying so they hit me a few times. Again they ask me, I say the same thing... The glass was the worst part... Dude breaks a bottle on the ground, other guy grabs a big shard, shoves it into my mouth and punches me in the jaw a few times just to get my mouth all cut up. Again he asks me, nothing changes. Then comes the fun. Jumper cables, shocks the shit out of me almost literally. I end up with my heart racing, in so much pain but I didnt care... Wanna know why?"

"Why? Because you had your sister in mind which made you pull through?" I shook my head.

"Not really... Had a secret weapon but... If I show you, promise not to freak out?" She giggled a bit.

"Please... I'm not trying to be mean here but from all the horny animals I've seen, your 'secret weapon' doesnt compare." I just looked to her... kinda pissed and yet... curious. She blushed hard and smiled nervously. "P-Please continue! I'll uh... Tell you about that later...." I huffed.

"Well..." I continued. "That's not what I'm talking about. What I am talking about is a bit more... weird... Just... try to stay calm... okay?" She nodded. I looked to the hallway and whistled loudly. We waited for a moment before she just jumps into my arms hearing the wailing howl of Schrivechnya. Soon after that dog came running out only to stop at our feet.

"What the HELL?!" I shushed her as the spectre dog started to growl. I put a hand down.

"Easy there girl... she's friendly... Friendly..." Slowly the growling stopped and she sat down whimpering slightly. I nudged Daring off only for her to scoot back on the bed as I got off and pet the undead pooch. "This little girl came to help me... Oh god you would not have handled seeing the carnage she and I did... Bit through someones neck and even ripped out of someones gut like it was out of that one extra terrestrial movie." I stood up and snapped only for the dog to run towards the entrance and disappear. Daring scrambled to the edge of the bed and looked at me still scared.

"Holy shit... How did you...?" I shrugged.

"Dunno. That's a story for another day. As for now... Basically I fought through a facility of spec ops trained ponies and they just wanted me alive thank goodness. Dart guns and such. Only made it out because one of them I held hostage for a moment to get me some clothes and to help me out until we got topside. Almost didnt make it out but good thing they made dumbass one and moron two guard the entrance and let me take my car. Had to be hauled to Canterlot and the rest is history."

"...So... you were tortured... in an underground facility and... that weird dog saved you...?" I nodded. "...you... I... what..." I sat down and shushed her.

"I know... I could've died... That dog scared you and such... Just breathe." I held her head to my chest and she just started breathing deeply. "There we go.... You hungry at all? Wanna go get some food and take a walk? Seems like you need to get out there..." I nudged her off and got up. "C'mon. Go get dressed in something warm and presentable. Fast and easy. Promise! If you want I can spring for a nice hotel to relax in."

"That... That sounds nice actually... I actually know one hotel nearby that has a suite with a personal sauna. I've got a credit there for said suite for a couple days after the last time... Paid for the suite, got there on time, someone left it a mess and it took a few hours to clean up... they even took my bags thinking they were from the previous guest!"

"Worst fear I have is losing my luggage somewhere... Just get dressed, pack a bag, I'll be waiting outside okay?" She nodded and crawled off the bed. I went and grabbed my bags throwing them over my shoulder before walking down the hall towards the outside. Had to push a button and step outside as the wall slid out of the way. It closed up behind me and I walked out to the street side. Again I had to brave the cold. Just leaned against the wall, listening to the wind and watching the occasional car drive by.

Didnt wait out there long before pulling out my phone just to call Celestia. I tapped a few times on my phone before putting it up to my ear listening for the buzzing. After a moment she picked up. "Ah Ryder! Luna tells me you've needed to head out to Vanhoover! What are you doing there?" She asked.

"Well... I'm with Miss Yearling and we needed to discuss what happened in Las Pegasus you see and she tells me you had an idea for her new book?"

"Ah yes. I provided some information for her new 'book' and I'm waiting to see what comes of it. Now tell me, how is she at the moment?" I sighed crossing the alley taking a look as I went to the other side.

"She's in a hidey hole, says she's been here only a few days but... kinda worried it was more than that... I'm getting her out and to a nearby hotel that owes her one. Dunno which one but she says there's one with a personal suite sauna."

"Ooh! I know that one!" She replied. "Allow me to call the hotel, get you my penthouse suite to use! Sauna, spa, personal masseuse, comfortable bed and a lot of other amenities that you can find out for yourselves. I'll even have them keep her free room next time she comes back to use it. Anything else?" I glanced down the alleyway again just waiting anxiously for her.

"Requisition for transport perhaps? I dont have a vehicle and I ran into one of my old squadmates here who gave me a ride around here but... Kinda need to get her extracted and to that hotel quick. So many dangers. Hiding out in the slums and I'd rather not see her on the ground whether it be for her safety or otherwise..."

"Request granted. I'll send word to the local guard. Use your call signs and you should be good. Make sure you get the nearest crossroads or nearest food place or storefront so they pick you up in a timely manner. Am I understood General?"

"Yes Ma'am. I'll give you a few minutes to get the call out for the authorization. As for now I'll speak with you later if we have any updates."

"Stay safe General. Princess Celestia out." And like that she hung up allowing me to just go to my map app again just too look at what was around us. Stores, restaraunts, anywhere.... Though... the worst thing was the closest place here was The Divide... I huffed and looked around the area more. Nothing. I checked a grocery store where I thought it was, but when I looked up the hours it just said 'Closed Forever'... Made me kinda pissed. I waited a moment more just before looking up the number to the local guard post.

As I was about to call I heard the bricks move behind me as the door opened again. I looked down the alley just to see Daring come out wearing a thick coat that hid her wings, her A.K. Yearling glasses and a ushanka hat as well as combat pants and boots carrying a suitcase. Even had a scarf hiding her face. She sighed as she came to the entrance of the alley. "Alright ready. You have our transport on the way?" She asked.

"Unfortunately not yet. We might have to do a bit of walking and if you give me a minute to call, I'll carry your bags to our destination after." She sighed setting the suitcase down.

"Fine. Hurry."

I rolled my eyes as I started calling the local guard post. They answered fast. "Vanhoover Guard, what is your emergency?" I hear a monotone mare ask.

I huffed. "Delta Gamma forty two." I replied.

"Oh General. The princess said you'd be calling for transport. Anywhere in particular you need it to be?"

"I need to have a transport sent down to The Divide dive bar. I'm on my way with a high priority package and we need transport to a local hotel. Details will be provided upon pick up."

"Ten four sir. Transport will be there as soon as possible. Will that be all?"

"Yeah... Dont happen to have any spare winter headwear would ya? I might've forgotten to get one in my luggage. Black preferably."

"I think we can spare one for you sir. It'll be in with your transport as soon as we fill out the paperwork for it. Might take a little longer then."

"Fine fine. I'll be waiting at the pickup zone." And I just hung up before looking to Daring who didnt look happy. "...So uh... How you feel about walking?"

Daring huffed sliding her bags over to me. "I wont complain about that but a DIVE BAR?! You're kidding!" She said. I sighed picking her bags up like they were nothing.

"Yeah... Wish I was kidding but the Princess said to find a good safe place for pick up and that's the safest I can think of without hanging around outside an abandoned grocery store with who knows what inside!" I shoved my phone in my pocket before starting to walk off. "Come on. Faster we get there, faster our transport comes... hopefully..."

"And our transport is going to be late? What else are you gonna piss yourself too? Need a diaper change?" I blushed.

"You're lucky we're doing something important together... otherwise the research would be all for not." She huffed.

"Lucky... That's what I'd call it... We get stopped by anyone shady looking I'm running away leaving you to take care of them... Maybe try not to get into any trouble myself..."

"If we do manage to get held up it's gonna take them a split second to run when they see my special surprise!"

"So you're packing?"

"Yep and I got a gun too!" Snickered a bit here. Funny joke... yet only to me.

Daring just groaned at my lack of humor. Dont blame her. We passed a few blocks, saw a few cars drive by and I even started a little music while we were walking though Daring had pick of the songs as consolation for my screw up. Big Band music isnt actually that bad especially around Hearths Warming. When we got to the bar there was no guard truck anywhere. No bikes or even Rogue's car. Just a few in the parking lot. We went inside to get out of the cold. Daring shivered as we walked to a nearby booth. We sat down and huffed as I set the bags in the seat between us both relieved we were in warmth. The bartender was still here. She came from behind the bar and came right over to us smiling at me. "Well now. Back for more there? You bring everyone here like you're a regular today dontcha?" She asked. I huffed.

"Just getting in from the cold. Not used to the temperature here. Could you maybe set us up with something to drink maybe? Just a soda for me and what ever she'd like." The bartender wrote something down on an order sheet.

The bartender looked to Daring as she removed her scarf a bit. "A glass of white wine if you have it, otherwise just a lemonade." She said. I watched as the bartender scrawled out more onto her notepad.

"Alrighty... Cola for the gentleman and for the lady, a lemonade... Not many folks order wine here so we never order it." I gave her a nod as she tucked the pen she was using away before returning to the bar. Daring huffed when she was out of earshot.

"No wine... great... give them bits to stay quiet about something and you basically get nothing in return... why did I even think of this place for you to go to?"

I huffed leaning back in my seat. "Least likely place for someone to check because its too obvious?" I asked. She rolled her eyes at me.

"...I hate it when you're right... Lets just hope the hotel can give us some wine when we get there... Dying for that and something not cooked on a grill that was probably never cleaned today..." I huffed.

"I got food here earlier, I'm fine. Though now that you say that if I need to get up and I look panicked, let me go. You're just... worrying me a bit." She sighed.

"Well dont be... Dont think this place failed a health and safety check yet... If that 'A' on the window is to be believed...."

We ended up waiting in silence for a while. I had two drinks, she went through three before the driver came to get us. Blatant as all hell with winterized guard insignia jacket, badge in plain view and even weapon on his hip. Unicorn stallion. Came right up to us. "General sir. We're ready to go sir." He said saluting me.

I huffed. "Take the bags and the package, I still need to pay." I said getting out of the booth. He nodded and climbed in to grab my bag while Daring grabbed hers, dragging it over the table a bit. I walked up to the counter as they made their way out.

The bartender looked to me and smiled. "Well now leavin' already? I was getting ready to join ya in that booth its so slow!" She said. I took out my wallet sighing.

"Would've love to have ya to talk to but we gotta run." I whipped out my card and handed it to her. "Maybe next time I'll come with a lot more time than I got now."

The bartender gave a chuckle as she swiped my card, handed it back to me and let me sign the check and I went on my way. As I got outside the cold hit me hard from being in the warm again. Daring was leaning against the truck as the guard loaded our bags inside the back. Daring looked to me as I came into her view. She huffed. "About time! Any more and I'd be a fucking icicle!" She snapped. I huffed blowing past her just opening the door.

"Just get in. I dont have time for this." She just shook her head and just hopped in not even hesitating to grab the door and slam it shut behind her. I huffed opening up the front door getting in. Didnt even have the courtesy of trying to roll down the blocker. After the guard was done stuffing our suitcases in he came around and hopped in the drivers seat.

He looked over at me. "Know where we need to go sir?" He asked. I just slouched in my seat because i had no fucking clue and I was too pissed to even answer. I knocked on the blocker a few times before Daring rolled it down.

I heard her huff. "Dammit General what the fuck do you want!?" She snapped. The guard looked back.

"Uh... Ma'am I'm just trying to get you to your destination. Where to?" I heard her sigh.

"Oh my apologies sir!" She replied more in tone with 'A.K. Yearling' acting like she wasnt even yelling at me a moment ago. "We're heading to the Misty Morning hotel downtown. The one with the sauna's in the rooms. Now if that's all you need I need to decompress back here." The guard gave a thumbs up before she rolled the divider back up.

I looked to the guard. "You at least have the headwear i requested?" I asked. He hummed for a moment.

"Oh... That headwear..." He gave me a bit of a worried and scared face. "Yeah... may have forgotten that back at HQ... Need to run by and get it?" I huffed.

"No... Just get us to that god damn hotel and PLEASE tell me you have headphones for me to listen to music.... I'd've brought my own but they broke when my wife put my pants through the wash." He held up a finger, reached over and popped open the glove box where I saw a rolled up pair of earbuds.

"Feel free to use mine. Got a long ride to go." I didnt hesitate to grab them and plug them in to my phone shoving them in my ears and just play the loudest rock music I had on a playlist. Gems, Metallicolt, Mauzz, and a few other bands. Even some comedy bands. Listened to that playlist on shuffle for about forty five minutes before we pulled up to the hotel.

I gave a huff and rolled them up before putting them away. The guard hopped out of the truck even before I did. Though I was the one who had opened the door for Daring. She stepped out fixing her coat, stretching a bit as she stepped out of the way. "What a comfortable ride! I nearly fell asleep if it wasnt for the threat of ending up on the floor at some point." She said. She looked back at me. "Get my bags will you? I need to head in and get my room."

I huffed. "Our room! And allow me... You just get the bags with our friend there." I said. She just scowled at me. I just laughed as I quickly backed away and hurried to the entrance. I knew she was salty about that. I could almost hear her teeth grinding as I quickly dipped inside through the revolving door.

The place was nice. Tall brown building, red awnings above the door and the inside was pretty nice too. Wasnt too crazy about the carpets but it was nice. Blue carpets with diamond patterns in it, white tiles where there wasnt carpet and everyone that worked there was dressed up nicely. Suits and ties for the stallions and dresses for the mare. The mare at the desk smiled as I approached. "Welcome to the Misty Morning hotel! Here to rent a room?" She asked. I reached into my jacket taking out my badge flashing it to her.

"I'm General Ryder of the royal guard. Celestia phoned in earlier for access to her room?" She nodded checking a note pad.

"Yes sir! You and one other guest?"

"Yep. My guest tells me she even had a room as a credit to her. Will she keep that credit?" The mare nodded once more.

"Yes sir. Her spare room will still be given to her upon request. Just give me a moment, make sure everything is ready for you to enjoy!" I nodded.

"Alright give me a sec to get our bags from the truck and I'll be right back!" She smiled giving another nod before I ran out through the revolving door again.

As I came out to the street I saw a few bikers pass by as Daring was bending over, fixing things in her bag. The guard had my bags nearby as he helped her rearrange things. One biker actually stopped. Big guy. Just about Big Mac's build. Studded leather jacket, tight pants and even fingerless gloves. Fucker even had a mask on under his helmet. He leaned on his chopper handlebars most likely with the biggest shit eating grin under there just looking at Daring's backside. "OOOWHEE I might need to wipe off my goggles because i think that's a woman under there that stole my heart!" He said. I huffed coming in between him and Daring as she scoffed.

"Best keep moving if you wanna keep that bike!" I snapped. He laughed a bit and pushed me back away from Daring. The guard looked to me as I kept my balance with my wings. I just held up a hand.

"Beat it! You had your chance!" He replied. I cracked my neck a bit and came back over.

"So... That's how you wanna do it... eh? Why dont you call your boys back here?" He just looked at me and chucked a bit.

"Really? What're you gonna do? Take us all on?" I huffed.

"Nope. You might need to ask one of them for a ride if you dont get the fuck out of here right now!" I just stared him down. He just laughed like he thought I was joking. I rolled my shoulder a bit before grabbing him, throwing him off the bike backwards and before he had a chance to get up I lifted up that bike as if it were Scootaloo's scooters when she's grounded but wants to ride it. I stood over the guy looking down at him. "YOU WANNA RIDE OUTTA HERE ON THIS BIKE DONTCHA?! HUH ASSHOLE??" Oh god I wish I could've seen his face because he was scared shitless!"

"E-Easy! I was just kidding! P-P-Put the bike down dude!"

"I put this bike down, you RIDE! Not another word GOT ME?!" He nodded and quickly scrambled to his feet. I set the bike down and he hopped right on and just drove as fast as he could. I huffed and looked to Daring and the guard who just looked at me shocked. "So shall we head in?" Daring nodded and zipped up her stuff with things still messy. She picked her bag up and started rolling it inside. I looked to the guard as he grabbed my bag handing it to me, shaking a bit. "Uh... sorry about that... Just... dont go and file a report on that... kay? I'm kinda still in hot water with the princess about somethings... Maybe just... calm yourself down with something warm to drink... Should be fine from here."

The guard saluted. "Y-Yes sir! General sir! H-Have a nice stay!" He said. I started walking back around the truck after giving a nod.

Not long later I was in the elevator with Daring who just clung to me scared. "...I dont know HOW you did that but... please... do not do that again..." She said.

I stroked her mane a bit. "I wont. Promise..." I said. "Once we get up there, we go our separate ways for the time being and destress... both got things on our minds that need to be cleared out before things go any further okay?" She nodded. "Good... We agreed on something finally at least... Gonna be okay?" She nodded once more. "...Alright... Once we get up there just find a spot, breathe, I'll do the same.... okay?" This time she didnt answer.

That elevator ride took a few minutes to the top but it was a nonstop trip. Once we hit the top the door opened and we both scrambled out with our bags leaving them by the elevator door. We came out into a hallway that went to either side to a doorway of its own. Those led out to a beautiful penthouse. Few guards here and there, servants and such. The main area had a few couches, a large TV over an electronic fire place, stair case up to a second floor, door to my right that went to a dining room and kitchen, just next door was another door blocked by a couple guards. I dipped into the kitchen and sat at a semi large table before pulling my phone out. I gave a huff swiping through my texts just to come up on Applejack's texts. Last one she sent to me was 'come home now or else' from the other day when I was jumped. I hit the call button and put it on speaker laying it on the table. It was a quick answer. "There ya are Sugarcube!" I hear my wife's beautiful voice say as if she werent pissed off at me the other day. "I was wonderin' when you'd call! Lord knows I'd've called but didnt know if you were in the middle of a trainin' course or somethin." I sighed.

"That went by quickly. Few lessons on books they gave me. Gonna read em later tonight." I replied. "By the way I ran into someone. Ran into her during a little mall trip and I sure hope you know who I mean when I say she's a tad adventurous." She laughed a bit.

"Alright dont go crazy now with her! Dont wancha to scare her more than you did me the other day. Lord knows if I were any older my heart woulda gave out!"

"Well keep that beautiful heart a beatin' that sweet sound of love. I'll be on my way home after a couple days up here... Though I wish I had brought something more warm to wear."

I heard a stallion laugh. Big Mac. "I told ya you moron! But did ya listen? Nope!" He said. I picked up my phone and huffed getting up.

"Big Mac leave the room and take any fillies out with ya! I need to speak with AJ privately! Dont make me let something slip and you know I will!" I heard him growl a bit through the phone before fading out.

Applejack sighed a moment after. "There sugarcube. He's gone." She said. "Y'all alright? Ya sound like you got somethin' on your mind." I leaned against the wall.

"Yeah... Princess gave us her suite to use in a hotel but before this we were at each others throats... not me and the princess but... me and my guest... we havent seen each other since me and the guys were meeting with Gems. Apparently she saw what was going on and needed to investigate even with the patrols of guards. Brought her back to her hotel after she nearly pissed herself when Celestia caught her, and I feel like she's just been hiding herself away and just going crazy with this thing... I know that's what she does on the norm but... It kinda worries me that shes gonna be hiding away for a while and lose her mind... Trust me when I say lack of contact with anyone affects your mind." She hummed.

"Yeah... That and lacka sleep... I still remember I was working the farm one day, Big Mac was held up in bed and Twilight found me takin' a nap in the dirt... Even accidentally made everypony at the bake sale sick when I made some cupcakes with Pinkie." I huffed.

"I actually could go for a cupcake right now... I'll buy one later but right now... There's more to worry about."

"Yeah... Food comes after you eat in this case sugarcube... Maybe I can talk to her? Ya mind?"

"Gimme a sec... I'm not sure if she wants to talk about it or not but... well worth the try..." I walked right out into the open area. "Damn... Lucky me getting this job.... Cushy spot with a princess too..." I stopped looking to a guard just to the right of the door. "You see where my companion went?" He nodded and just pointed upstairs. I gave him a nod and hurried for the stairs. "Every day I look at these places I get into I just think I shouldnt be here... Like I just dont deserve this lifestyle..."

"Butcha do sugarcube. My big strong baby bein' a big scary General with the Princess in his pocket with favors left and right. Maybe after I have a chat with her I'll have you send a few pics."

"Uh... AJ I dont know if she's gonna be okay with that..." I said blushing looking around at the top of the stairs. Few doors up and down the hall, each with guards in between. There was a big door right at the top of the stairs, most likely the Princess' room. I started walking to the left towards a few other doors.

"Aint what I meant buuuuut maybe I can see if I cant make Dash jealous.... Maybe see if I cant get her worked up some. Pinkie challenged Rarity and Dash to a week of no touchin' themselves and the rest of us can play dirty if we want. Twilight's already been working up Rarity with Fluttershy and boy was it a doozy. Didnt know Fluttershy liked public displays... And that Twilight allowed it. Pinkie is the only one who cant interfere with things. Gilda's even working with me on this and well... they didnt say I could bring out some outside help. Work your tongue and see what you can get."

"Well one thing I can hope to get is laid."

"Pervert... gawk at my ass when ya come home then you'll REALLY get laid."

"Well whos the one asking for some nudes to get her friends to masturbate? Call me a pervert now!"

"Pervert." I huffed as she snickered. I stopped at the first door.

I gave it a quick knock and waited a moment. The door opened and there was Daring half naked standing in a prep room for the sauna inside. I think it was a sauna because I felt the heat but then again... she was just in her underwear... Black laced bra and panties. "Something you need help with General?" She asked. I held up my phone and pushed my way in.

"Darin' it's Applejack. Need to talk with ya sugarcube." Daring looked to me and I nodded before bringing her over to a nearby bench where all Daring's clothes were.

"Sure Applejack uh... what is it you wanna talk about? If it's about sleeping with Ryder I wouldnt worry about him hurting me."

"Well... It aint that sugarcube... Boy wouldnt hurt you at all if he knew what Twilight and Dash would do to him. I just wanted to talk with ya about... well you... My sugarcube tells me he's a bit worried that you're just stressin' yourself out, secluding yourself more than normal. When Ryder's worried most of the time he's got the right to be. I just hope you know what youre getting yourself into." Daring looked to me and huffed.

"...Well... I guess I cant pin him for a fool... He met me in my bunker out here in Vanhoover and... Well... I lied straight to his face... I wasnt there for a few days... I've been there for weeks... probably months researching into late nights, parading around as a homeless mare just to meet with contacts, get cheap food and still keep an image as a high society writer who enjoys fine dining and such... If it werent for Ryder showing up I felt this research would be my own demise whether it be from lack of sleep or breaking into something I know nothing about..." I brought Daring in for a hug and she held on tight.

"Alright so... ya aint there for a guard thing are ya sugarcube...?"

I rolled my eyes a bit. "I am AJ. I just found Daring on accident and figured out what she's been up to." I said crossing my fingers hoping she bought it. She hummed.

"Well... Alright but I'm gonna have Twilight quiz ya when you get back to tell me you aint lyin! Now I gotta go Ry. You have fun with Daring and call me again if'n you feel something's wrong. Love you."

"Love you too AJ. Later!" I hung up without giving her another word before I looked to Daring who had her head buried into my shoulder. I sighed. "...See... I knew something was wrong... I saw where you were, what you showed me... It's not good for you to distance yourself like this. I'd know. When I went out to war I stayed in my room for a few days, giving orders through someone else. That night my second in command came in and talked me to sleep, even made sure I felt comfortable."

Daring looked up at me with tears in her eyes. "R-Really?" She asked. I nodded.

"Yeah... She saw how distraught I was being away from my family, the ones I cared about and those who cared about me.... I was afraid I'd do something stupid and it'd end up with me coming home in a box... but when I told her everything i've been through up until that point she told me there was a reason to keep going... that being my family... and those around me... it's not good locking yourself up in your room with little to no contact with anyone... Maybe after this... I get you dressed up like Yearling and take you to visit Twilight. Maybe we even get that research you did out of that bunker and into a part of her castle?" She sniffled a bit.

"I... guess that's okay but... I... I might need to see if Twilight will allow me to put that in a room somewhere safe from hackers and such. Secure network and everything."

"Well you can ask her when we get there. For now... why dont we just relax i this sauna...? Get nice and steamy... then... we go find somewhere to cuddle after.... What'd'ya say?" She climbed up a bit just to kiss me on the cheek before bringing herself up to my ear, her breast pushing up against my cheek.

"I was thinking the couch... but bending me over a bench to rail me would be better..." I shuttered as she slid a hand from my chest to my crotch, fondling me through my pants. I nudge her away and slowly start to strip down to my underwear, tossing each article of clothing to the side before letting Daring take the honors. She knelt down in front of me as she pulled my boxers down and got a gander of what she wanted. She kissed the shaft, balls to tip before putting her mouth around the tip as she started to suck. She fondled me as she started swallowing my shaft going deeper and deeper before momentarily coming back up for air. She looked to me. "There's the treasure I want... the treasure I CRAVE!" She stood up taking her panties off and slowly unhooking her bra letting her tits bounce freely. "...Wanna take that treasure and put it in the cave it belongs?"

"Well... First answer me this... lava tube or empty cavern?" She snickered a bit.

"I'm not in heat if that's what you're asking... Now lets bury that treasure." She tossed aside our underwear before dragging me into the sauna room. There was a hot rock pit in the middle with a water bucket near it and a bench big enough for us to lay on together and still have room. I lied down just to have her straddle me, teasing her sopping wet cunt with my dick. She slowly eased herself onto it and I honestly forgot how tight she was. She shuttered having her wings extend, shaking with anticipation. She started to ride me slowly, taking every inch, every feeling of pleasure in stride with moans like music bouncing off the darkened walls. I rested one hand on her hip as I started to thrust more, going deeper. Oh the face she made when her eyes rolled back into her head, gasping as it gently kissed her womb.

"Oh yeah Daring... that treasure is as good as yours if you know what the password to the door is...." She panted like a dog, as the sweat dripped from her brow from the heat of the room. I almost couldnt feel the difference between temperatures. She was just a little bit hotter inside. "Go on... I'm waiting for that password...." I dont think she cared about that. I nudged her off me before getting off the bench, picking her up and getting her over to the wall. I pinned her onto the wall and just went to town thrusting into her just watching her tits just flop around, listening to her moans. The look of pleasure on her face was a beautiful sight as I felt her cum multiple times. "You want me to give you the treasure willingly? You're gonna have to speak up, tell me you want it!" She wanted to talk so badly but her words got jumbled up in her squeaks of pleasure. She was even drooling a bit too. I was getting close fast feeling her cunt tighten around my cock. She wrapped her legs around me, held on to my shoulders as I took one hand and just started pinching her nipples. She spat out a little bit, clearing her throat.

"G-GIVE ME THE TREASURE! PLANT IT RIGHT INSIDE YOUR CUNT CAVE!" I snorted pinning her to the wall thrusting faster and faster before I grunted, exploding not being able to handle the pleasure anymore as I pumped load after load into her. I pulled out of her and slowly lowered her to the ground as my legs started shaking. She nudged me back onto the floor and crawled onto me kissing me on the cheek. "Sweet... Celestia... I missed that... You alright there? Dont think you've ever gone that hard.... You think the others will be okay cleaning our mess up?"

"I sure hope so..." I said. "...I think... I think someone's gonna have to help me to a bench or something... somewhere cooler definitely..." She sighed getting up.

"You just wait right here then. I'll go clean myself up then I'll go get someone to help you out of here. Just try to get in a comfortable position and I'll try not to leak your spunk when I walk. Kay?" I nodded and braced her as she got herself up. I dragged myself over to the bench we were fucking on and sat up against it. Guess we both needed a bit of stress relief. I sat there for a few minutes in the warm moist atmosphere until a few guards came in, picked me up and helped me back to my clothes where Daring helped me clean myself up as well as herself before dressing us back up in our bare essentials before we were escorted to a bedroom where we cuddled up together. We spent the next few days relaxing, planning out meetings to catch up on things with the research she was doing. Even called up Twilight and she was... more than excited to say the least to have Daring in and around her castle and she's having a room outfitted with sound proofing and giving it its own secure internet signal that she's only gonna have access to with a VPN to outsource the data. Even is gonna get a pinpad that changes the number set up so nobody guesses the password and Daring will even give me the password if she's made a breakthrough. Even if she requests me to be with her for a nice spa session or if she wants to head out with the princess so... may be more often than anything I think.

Next Chapter: Dog Days Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 26 Minutes