Bound by a book.

*Clang!*

>A heavy caliber sniper round crashes against the steel wall next to you as you duck behind it.

>'Why the hell did the higher ups think that you wouldn't need a full sized gun for this mission?'

>'And why the hell did they sent you to this camp in the middle of god knows where, just to steal a book.'

>Patting your hidden breast pocket, you feel the book there and sigh.

>The ghillie suit was great for getting in, but now that you had been spotted, you stick out like a sore thumb.

>Heavy footsteps approach rapidly, and you draw your combat knife, the only usable weapon you have. Your silenced Usp.45 having ran out of bullets long ago.

>In your other hand, you grab the book.

>'Heck, maybe it will keep them from firing.'

>'Well, if I'm going to die, I might as well know what I was stealing.'

>Flipping open the book, you immediately notice the hieroglyphic looking script.

>As you read it, the symbols begin moving, crawling up your hands and arms.

>In surprise, you try and throw the book away, but you're completely immobilized.

>You feel the letters crawling over the last of your body, before they all flare white, blinding you.

>After a moment, your vision clears, and you regain control of your body.

>Your first reaction is to immediately throw the book on the ground, where it bounces slightly, and you notice something odd.

>The pages are all blank.

>Kneeling, you use your knife to flip a few pages and they’re all the same, blank.

>Flipping it closed, you can tell it's the same book by its blue bound cover.

>Nothing on the cover, spine or back.

>Gingerly picking it up, nothing happens, so you stow it back in it’s pocket.

>Looking around, you are stumped as to where you are, beside the forest.

>The trees are different compared to any you have seen before.

>Sunlight begins fading, and you put on your night vision enhancing goggles.

>Immediately, you begin to search for somewhere to set up camp, when interrupted by a female scream for help.

>'I can camp later; for now, duty calls.'

>You easily weave between trees, as you sprint in the direction the scream came from.

>A light source glows ahead, and you lower your goggles to your neck.

>Slowing your approach, you sink next to a bush, and crawl forward.

>The light turns out to be a campfire in the middle of some sort of tribal encampment.

>The tribals themselves appear to be small zebras?  Striped ponies maybe?

>To the side is another pony: a tan coated one, bound to a pole with ropes

>One of the huts opens, and out walks a zebra with a large headdress, more than likely the chieftain.

>It approaches the bound pony; the rest of the tribe in tow.

>C"Tan one, you are to be sacrificed to the Forest God."

>T"Then just do it already, instead of leaving me tied up here."

>C"You outsiders are so ignorant it's infuriating. First, we must perform the marking ritual to let the Forest God know you are sacrificed by my tribe."

>Your knife is in hand, and you begin creeping forward.

>T"What is this "marking ritual"?"

>C"Ah, it is simple. You'll be mounted by all the tribe’s stallions, and they will fill you up with their seed."

>This triggers an immediate response from you, and you stand up, grabbing the nearest armed zebra.

>Slitting its throat in one swift motion, you make sure to pull its head back, so the blood fountains over the others.

>The zebras all look at you and scream; the Chieftain yelling "Bush Demon!"

>You roar ferociously at the zebras, causing them to panic and run as you make your way over to the bound pony, who is shaking in fear.

>Her eyes are on your knife as you approach, and as soon as you're next to her, she begins fighting her bindings.

>The zebras have all vanished into the woods, so you kneel down in front of her, sheathing your knife and holding out your hands.

"Don't worry, I don't intend to hurt you. You can call me Anonymous, or Anon for short, I guess."

>T"I might be more willing to talk to the monster who just killed a zebra if it untied me."

>With a sigh, you undo the knots, and coil up the rope.

>The pony flexes her wings...

>'Guess I missed them, she must be a Pegasus or something.  Must have been some serious mumbo jumbo in that book. It's taken me to a land of talking mythical equines.'

>D"I suppose I should thank you. My name is Daring Do, adventurer extraordinaire."

"I'm called Anonymous, and I suppose I would be a spy, an assassin, or thief, depending on the job."

>She walks around you a moment, before asking, "What exactly are you? I've seen a lot of species in my travels, and I've never seen anything like you."

"I'm a human. Haven't you seen one before?"

>Daring flies up to your face, and looks closely at you.

>"There's no way you are human.  They're usually pinkish or brown. And like a hairless monkey not a plant beast like you. Not to mention they died of thousands of years ago, before the birth of the current princesses; Celestia and Luna."

>You laugh for a moment.

"Trust me, I am human. I can prove it later, but for now, we should leave before the zebras get back."

>"Fine, just let me grab a torch first."

"No, it would just reveal our movements. Stick close to me, and I will lead."

>She looks at you skeptically for a moment, but nods and you both make your way into the jungle.

>Pulling up your goggles, the night time scenery becomes visible, and you start moving.

>Daring follows behind as best she can, but you hear her uttering faint curses as she stumbles on roots and such.

>Turning back you reach down and pick her up, carrying her in a similar manner to a large dog.

>"Hey! I was fine on my own."

"No, you weren't. You were making enough noise to wake the dead. This way, we will be able to move faster."

>If it weren't for the fact that you can't see colors will wearing the goggles, you would notice the blush on Daring's cheeks.

>"Fine. How much further till we can set up camp?"

>Closing your eyes, you listen and pick up the faint sounds of the creek.

"Here should be fine. I'm assuming you can fly with those wings?"

>"Duh, why else would I have them?"

"Just asking so I don't have to carry you as I climb into the tree to sleep."

>"You're going to sleep in a tree?"

"And so are you, unless you want to sleep with all the bugs on the ground."

>You see her shudder a bit, and you smile.

>"Fine."

>Scaling the tree is no problem, and Daring flies up next to you.

>Once you're both "comfortable" she looks over at you.

>"How are you going to prove you're human?"

"Tomorrow. For tonight, we sleep."

>Pulling your goggles down onto your neck, you rest your hand on your knife and enter the soldiers state of mind that lets you sleep anywhere.

 

 

>Even with the time shift in this world, your body wakes you minutes before sunrise.

>A few branches over, you see Daring slowly rising as well.

"Hey, Daring, Time to get moving."

>D"*Yawn* Yeah, I know. Gotta move before they start searching."

"I guess like you're smarter than you look."

>She glares at you, and you smile under your face cover.

>D"They only caught me because they put traps up all over the tomb I was exploring."

>Dropping from the low branch, you bend and absorb the impact as you touch down.

"Which way is it to the nearest town?" you ask, watching as she flies down off her branch.

>D"Why? I still didn't finish the tomb, we can't go back so soon. I would be a laughing stock."

"Well, if we don't go back, you will be a starved corpse, since I'm pretty sure they took everything you had when they captured you."

>D"That doesn't matter, it's pride. Without it, I'm just another pegasus."

>Pulling a cigarette from the metal carton you carry, you light it with a flick of your lighter before pulling down your face cover.

>Taking a long draw, you let the smoke burn away some of the annoyance you feel at this stubborn pegasus, before letting it out.

"Well, your other option is to take your stuff back from the zebras."

>D"Of course that's what we're going to do. Besides, they have my hat, and I can't let them get away with that."

"We nothing. I'm heading to the nearest town. You can do what you want."

>Finishing the last of your cigarette, you grind the tip against your knife before stuffing the butt in one of your suit’s many pockets.

"Good luck getting your stuff back," you say, turning in the direction you heard water from last night.

>Her hooves grab your shoulder, pulling you back.

>D"You can't just leave me here! You saved me, and now you have to finish the job."

"What job? I'm not being paid by you. In fact, I have some other important information to find, like how to get back so I CAN get paid."

>She looks around, trying to find something to keep you here.

>D"Fine, you want to be paid, I'll pay you for your services when I get the treasure and sell it."

>Eyeing her up, you sigh.

"Forty percent, and you've got my services.

>D"FORTY PERCENT! No way. Twenty five percent."

"I'm not the one who's needing help," you say with a shrug, before starting to walk away.

>She looks back in the direction of the zebra camp, and says, "Fine, how's thirty-five percent?"

"Hmmmnnn... It'll do. Now, If we are going back to get your stuff, we are going to need to use stealth, my specialty."

>D"You're a big, green plant thing, how are you supposed to be sneaky?"

"I already told you, I'm not a plant thing, I'm a human."

>D"And I told you to prove it."

>Pulling off your hood, you partially detach the suit, revealing your under clothes and skin.

>D"So you are a human! No way, that's totally awesome!" she exclaims, looking at you from a bunch of angles.

"You done, or do you not want your stuff back?"

>Coming to an instant stop, she hovers in front of you, barely flapping her wings.

>D"Right, so what's the plan? Stealthily set the tents on fire to distract them? You sneak up and scare them so I can grab my things?"

"You wait here while I get your stuff."

>She gives a groan, dropping to the ground.

>D"Oh come on, you don't think I can do it? I've snuck past enchanted statue guardians, a couple zebras are nothing."

>Reflexively reaching for another cigarette, you stop yourself, settling instead to clench a fist.

"This isn't up for debate. You hired me, and I'm going to do my job. Now sit back and wait," you snap.

>D"Fine..."

>Pulling your mask back up, you start off back towards the zebra village.

>In the daylight, it is easier to find your way, and as the sounds of people, or rather zebras are heard, you start slowing and lowering yourself.

>By the time you reach the edge of the village, you are prone on the ground, scootching along like creeping vines.

>Crawling into the bush you were in last night, you take a few minutes to observe the inhabitants.

>They are all apprehensive, always eyeing the woods, and after what you did, they have every reason to be.

>After a spotting the chieftain exit a tent, you start edging around the camp.

>The chieftain's tent is near an edge, meaning your job is much easier.

"Alright, time to get to work."

>Edging into the open, you burst sprint across the small distance between the trees and the tent.

>Freezing the moment you touch the canvas, you strain to hear any sort of reaction from any of the zebras.

>With not a stray peep to be heard, you pull up the bottom of the tent and slip inside.

>Knife at the ready, you focus on adjusting to the dim light inside the tent.

>Inside is about what you'd expect from a tribal from Africa, tiki masks and totems, powders and potions.

>One thing sticks out, a leather looking backpack and a hat.

>Grabbing these, you slide back under the tent wall, and run straight to the woods.

>Again, you pause to listen for any changes, but your presence here remains undetected.

>Crawling low, you blend into the greenery and make your way back to where you left Daring Do.

>Bringing out your portable binocular, you scan for the pegasus, and see her looking rather bored on a log.

>Sneaking up behind her, you grab hold around her neck, making her jump and spread her wings in panic.

"You need to be more aware of your surroundings," you say, letting go.

>D"Celestia damn it. Anonymous, what the buck was that?"

"Like I said, you need to be more perceptive. What if I was one of the zebras? You'd be right back where you started, or possibly worse."

>Pushing you away, she flits back and asks, "Where's my stuff?"

>Tossing her the bag and hat, you see her quickly dig inside, pulling out a green vest and putting it on.

>D"Good, they didn't mess with it."

>Flipping the hat onto her head, she gives you a cocky smile, before saying "I'm ready to go, lets get to the tomb."

"Yeah, let’s go," you sigh as you cross your arms.

>You watch as she pulls a map and a compass from her bag, laying them on the ground.

>D"Let's see... If that is here, and..."

>While you relax against the log, she works with the map, before rolling it up.

>As she loads it into her bag, she says, "It's this way to the tomb," while indicating a direction.

>Enthusiastically tugging at your suit, she starts dragging you along.

"*Sigh* I'm going, you crazy magic pony pegasus thing."

>She punches you in the shoulder, before flying ahead.

>D"Whatever, you extinct monkey plant monster."

 

~~~~~

 

"Hey, Twilight, how's it going?" you ask, floating into the library.

>The purple unicorn looks up from her list, and over at you.

>"Hello Rainbow Dash, what brings you here today?"

"Just returning this Daring Do book, and wondering when the next is coming out."

>Twilight levitates away the book as you pull it from your saddlebag, setting it on a shelf.

>"I know, the author really left us on a good cliffhanger, with that zebra trap."

"Yeah, I wonder how she's gonna get out of this one?"

>"If you're not doing anything, do you want to talk about it while I finish cataloging the books here? I'm nearly done so it shouldn't be long."

>Looking over at the clock, you nod.

"Sure. How about we head to Sugarcube corner for lunch after, since it's getting close to that time."

>For a while, you and Twilight share your favourite parts of the book, as well as little things that irked you.

"Man, I swear, they keep mentioning those extinct things, humans, but they never do anything with it. I bet it's leading up to something big."

>"I don't know, Dash. Even with the descriptions, it seems like they just want some sort of background filler for a lot of these tombs."

>She suddenly stops checking the shelf, instead focusing on her list.

>"This isn't right, there shouldn't be a book here..."

>She pulls out a blue bound book with nothing on it.

>Opening it, her brow furrows.

>"Dash, you might want to see this."

>Flying over, you look into the book, and what lies within catches your eye immediately.

"Is this... the next Daring Do book?"

>"I don't know, let me read it."

>"Ropes snapping around her wings and legs, Daring found herself yanked to the ground."

>"'Foolish outsider,' the Zebra laughs, 'you think you can enter our territory like that, Hah!'"

>"The ropes tighten, and more are wrapped around her, beyond even her skill to escape."

"Oh wow, I think this is!"

>The two of you continue reading, intent on the unfolding story.

>"Her horrendous fate seemingly sealed, Daring looks around, for anything that might save her."

>"A sudden cry goes out, and at the edge of the forest, one of the guard zebras is dropped, its throat ripped out by a tall plant looking monster."

>"The creature lets out a tremendous roar, sending the zebras running to the four winds."

>"It stalks towards her, its massive form moving slowly, but deliberately."

>"'Do not worry, I don't intend to hurt you.' it says in a deep male voice 'You can call me Anonymous, or Anon for short, I guess.'"

>"'I might be more willing to talk to the thing that just mercilessly killed a zebra if it untied me,' she says, eyeing it up."

>"The thing undoes the rope with its fingered hands, coiling it up."

>"'I suppose I should thank you. My name is Daring Do, adventurer extraordinaire.' she says as she stretches her stiff wings."

>"The thing stands tall, putting away the rope, 'I'm called Anonymous, and I suppose I would be a spy, an assassin, or thief, depending on the job.'"

"Oh man, I did NOT see that coming!"

>Twilight reads on, and you are spellbound by this new development.

>"Stumbling in the darkness, Daring does her best to follow this 'human', even though he moves as if it was broad daylight."

>"He suddenly stops, turns around and picks her up, much to her surprise."

>"She can't help but blush, since it's been since childhood that she has been carried, or even been in close contact with anyp0ny, even if it's not a pony."

>"'I was doing just fine' she huffs, and Anonymous replies with 'No, you weren't. You were making enough noise to wake the dead. This way we will be able to move faster.'"

>"After a short walk, he stops, and looks to a tree for rest."

"Aw man, I wonder if he's gonna be a sidekick for her next adventure."

>"I'm curious as well, lets keep going," Twilight says, before flipping the page.

>"Huh...? There's nothing here? It shouldn't be..."

"Aw, just when it it was getting good..."

>"I'll keep an eye on this book, perhaps it is somep0ny's fanfiction or something."

"Alright, well, let's head for lunch."

>Stowing the book in a saddlebag, Twilight follows you outside and into Ponyville.

 

Chapter 2

 

 

"Damn it Daring, are you sure it's this way? We've been walking for hours."

>"Of course it's this way, I was there before, I just got brought really far back by the zebras."

"How would you know? All these trees look the same, and it's not like a GPS or any of my normal tools will work."

>Turning back to you, she gives you an annoyed stare.

>"Look, I know where I'm going, even if you are lost without this GPS thing."

>She takes to the air, flying higher than the trees to get a look around.

>"Ah! There it is!" she exclaims, tilting down into a dive, quickly vanishing from sight.

"Oh, come on..." you sigh, before trudging after the mare.

>Forcing through the thick green foliage, you try to keep an eye on Daring Do, who's flying overhead.

>"Hurry up, we're almost there!" she calls down before taking off in a tan and grey streak.

>After a bit more struggling, you finally break out of the trees and vines and into what looks like a ruined courtyard.

>"The entrance is hidden here. Follow me," Daring calls, slipping behind a crumbling pillar.

>Crossing the overgrown flagstone grounds, you duck around the same pillar as your current employer.

>Part of the ground is missing here, cavernous darkness the only thing visible below.

>"Come on Anonymous, we gotta get through here before the zebras decide to come back."

"Don't get your panties in a knot, I'm coming."

>"I can't tell if that's an insult, so I'll just assume it isn't. Now come on, I'm not paying you to lag behind."

>Dropping down into the hole, it takes a moment to adjust to the dim lighting.

>A long, torch-lit hallway stretches both in front and behind you, Daring visible in one direction.

>"Keep an eye out for traps, those zebras left tons down here."

"I know what to look out for, I'm not a rookie, remember?"

>"Pffft, you've probably never done an actual tomb raid, have you?"

"No, but I've snuck through enough booby trapped camps to know not to fall for any sort of trap."

>Giving you a questioning look, she sighs and turns down the tunnel.

>"I'm not even going to ask."

>Walking along the hallway, you notice it has a faint curve to it, and that all the torches line the side opposite the curve.

>Ahead of you, Daring slows down, and you speed up to catch up to her.

>"This is where I was caught. They had a really fine net across the hall, and I didn't see it."

>Gingerly reaching forward, you advance until you feel fine, but strong cords against your palm.

"Yeah, it's still here. How did you get caught in this though? Were you running or something?"

>"Hey, you'd be running too if you were being chased by half a dozen angry zebras with spears!"

"No, I wouldn't." Taking your knife from its sheath, you start cutting the lines. "I would have killed them with my knife and pistol, or bare hands, if need be."

>With the way clear, you gesture through as Daring rolls her eyes.

>"So quick to resort to violence... No wonder your kind went extinct thousands of years ago."

"In your world, maybe. In mine, we're the only sentient species and we live pretty much everywhere on the planet."

>Sliding through the net after Daring, you continue on slowly, all of this new territory for her.

>Half an hour passes, walking down the path and the only thing you notice is the curve is slowly getting sharper.

>"Wow, how long is this path?"

"If my guess is correct, pretty long. I'm sure you've noticed the curve in the wall."

>"Yeah. Wait... this whole thing is a giant spiral! They made it so it would take forever to get to the middle."

"And it probably means that there is some sort of shortcut through a wall somewhere."

>Rapping your knuckles on the wall, Daring does the same with a hoof.

>No matter where you tap, it sounds out with a sort of hollow echo.

"It sounds hollow here."

>"Here as well!" she replies from several feet away.

>Stepping back, you stare at the wall, one hand scratching your chin.

"I wonder..."

>Shifting your weight, you give the wall a solid kick, dust and dirt falling from the roof.

>"What are you doing! You’re going to bring this whole place down on us!"

"If we cut through, I think we can jump through a couple loops, till we get closer to the middle."

>"I get that, but you don't go bucking the wall."

"Fine, I'll remove them by hand."

>Digging in your pockets, you pull out what tools you still have: Your knife and gun, barely half a pound of C4 and a few remote detonators. Ten cigarettes, your lighter and a pen make up the contents of the last few pockets.

>The book is still in its place and your enhancement goggles are around your neck.

"Ugh, I really don't want to dull my knife like this, but it's our only safe option."

>"Hey, think of it like this: when we get out with the treasure, you'll be able to buy dozens of new knifes."

>With a sigh, you put everything back, and turn to the wall, knife in hand.

>The first few strikes leave you surprised as the mortar between the blocks crumble with almost no effort.

>Working one block loose, you carefully work it out.

>After the first, it's a simple means to weaken and remove enough to make a hole large enough for you.

>"Hey, what kind of knife is that? I've never seen one remain so sharp after cutting through mortar like that."

"It's just a tempered steel knife, standard issue."

>"Steel?"

"Don't tell me... What do you use for your tools? Iron? Copper? Bronze?"

>"Flint and gold mostly. Only rich ponies can afford iron and bronze."

>Letting out a sigh, you shake your head and climb through the hole.

"I'm not going to question how one of the rarer metals from my home is so common here, or why you use what is essentially one of the softest metal available for your tools."

>"So what do you use?"

"Steel, mainly, though we do use copper, silver and gold for some things."

>"Again with this steel, how do you get it?" she asks as you start on the second wall.

"It's just extremely refined iron, or something like that, I don't know the specifics."

>"So what about silver and gold, what do you use those for?"

"Look, I can answer these questions later. Now, can you please be quiet while I cut us through?"

>She huffs, before sitting down, letting you work in silence.

>The next two walls open quickly, and the curve has become quite pronounced.

"What do you think, Daring? Should we cut through again, or should we try and walk around?"

>"Why not both? I can walk around, while you cut through and we can see which is faster. It'll also show how close we are to the middle."

"Not a bad idea. Alright, lets go."

>She starts off down the direction of the center, and you start digging into the weak mortar between the bricks.

>About halfway into the wall, you hear something bouncing down the empty halls.

>Voices.

>Multiple voices coming from behind you.

>Speeding up your progress, you quickly cut through, and Daring comes around the bend at just the same moment.

"We might have a problem. Sounds like someone else is trying to get to the middle of this tomb, and they aren't far behind us."

>"Buck, I bet it's Lord Richtor and his cronies. I bet he even paid the zebras to stop me."

"Want me to 'stop' him, boss? I'll only up your charge to forty percent."

>For barely a moment, you can see her considering it, but she shakes her head.

>"No, I couldn't stand being an accomplice to murder."

"It's not murder if it's an 'accident', and trust me, I'm skilled in this kind of thing."

>"The answer is still no. Let's just get moving."

>Following after her, you start sprinting around the spirals, sand and dirt send flying by your steps.

>There are sudden shouts from down the cut tunnel, hastening your speed.

>The spiral grows ever tighter, and suddenly there is a sharp turn into a small hall.

>Bursting down the hall, you skid to a halt, just in front of a black hole in the floor.

"Shit, what now, Daring?"

>She drops down, her wings letting her glide into the darkness.

"Of course..."

>Pulling up your night vision enhancement goggles, you stare down into the darkness a moment, looking for some way down.

>The drop isn't huge, maybe a good thirty feet to the floor.

>Taking the goggles off, you grab the rope you took from the zebras and tie one end around a torch bracket.

>Going down, hand over hand, you feel the bracket creak and shift, and just before you reach the end of the rope, it comes loose, dropping you about eight feet to the sandy ground.

>Daring is already a ways ahead, and from above, you hear the voices again, closer this time.

>Stomping out the smoldering torch, you run after her, pulling your goggles back up again.

>You're able to get a faint idea of what the surroundings look like before you are run down another tunnel.

>The room you left was similar to a entryway in a castle, except underground.

>To your left and right, stone statues of rearing ponies line the hall, causing you some unease.

"Fuck, Daring, you gotta slow down," you mutter under your breath, ticked off at being left behind.

>The hallway nears an end, the room ahead lit in a faint, red light.

>A shadow sits in the doorway, an appendage motioning you to come.

>"We got a problem here, Anonymous."

>Entering the room, you are inclined to agree.

>A wide chasm blocks your path, the red light turning out to be a river of molten lava.

"I don't think we have any way for me to cross. You go on ahead, I'll wait for the guys following to make a way for me."

>"How? There's no way they are going to agree to make a bridge for you or anything."

"They don't have to. I hide here, and after they cross, I follow after."

>Her skepticism shows, and the sounds from behind you start getting closer.

"Or, I could just get rid of them, take their stuff and get across."

>"No, I think you can wait for them to cross. Just, try and find a way to pass them and catch up to me."

>She takes to the air, and you take to the wall, curling up.

>With a glance back at you, she vanishes across the chasm, and into the rooms beyond.

>Several minutes pass, and a group of ponies enter the room.

>The head stallion, a blue coated unicorn with a brown mane, looks at the gap in displeasure.

>"This temple must have been made by pegasii, with all these advantages they get. At this rate, Daring will get hold of the treasure before us."

>One of the others, a non-descript pony asks, "So, how do we get across boss?"

>"You have the rope, correct?"

>A long rope comes out of the ponys pack, and the unicorn, who you assume to be Lord Richtor, moves over to it.

>The rope starts glowing, along with his horn and it starts moving, attaching to the far side.

>"Now, we cross carefully."

>One of his thug ponys starts across, and after a minute, he is across.

>Richtor and the other thug follow immediately after, and you are alone in the room again, but this time, with a way across.

>A check to make sure nothing will fall out, and you take hold of the rope.

>Worming your way across, you can't help but feel nervous, certain death looming below.

>Reaching the other side, you pull yourself up, looking back over the chasm.

"I better get paid damn well for this."

>Darkness settling back in as you proceed down the tunnel, you opt to pull up your goggles, which only marginally help.

>Running as fast, but silently as possible, you pay little attention to the carvings on the walls.

>Underfoot, a panel lets out a small click, and you dive to the ground, a barrage of arrows flying overhead.

"Damn it, stupid tomb traps."

>Getting back to your feet, you start running again, faint sounds coming from in front of you.

>Slowing as you approach, you start picking up words here and there.

>"... Miss Do,... Map..."

>There is a light ahead, the doorway partly blocked by who you assume are the thugs.

>Crouching slightly, you close in on the thugs.

>Maybe fifteen feet behind the thugs, you can see into the room, and at the far end is Daring, surrounded by a glowing bubble.

>"I'm going to have to decline your offer, since you obviously are at the disadvantage here."

>With a laugh, Richtor, calls back "I thought you were smarter than this, Miss Do. We have you cornered, you cannot escape. At least, not unless you agree to my terms."

>"I'm not the one in the bad position, since I'm not surrounded and alone."

>Rushing forward, you take hold of both thugs heads and swing them together, making them crumple into an unconscious heap.

>You can't help but smile as Richtor turns to look at you, absolute horror forming.

>"You're just lucky I'm not letting my demon kill things. At least, for now."

>Richtor does the only thing he can do, which is faint and fall over.

>The bubble fades, and Daring flaps over.

>"Took you long enough, Anonymous."

"You're just lucky I made it in time."

>"Whatever."

>She starts digging in Richtor’s bags, before pulling out a few scraps of parchment.

>"Aha, I knew he'd bring it."

"What's that?"

>"Part of the map to the fabled lost human city."

"Okay, so what about the treasure? A piece of paper isn't going to pay me."

>She gestures behind her, where you see a stone box with symbols and several holes on it.

>"Well, if you can unlock that, there might be something inside. I hate leaving any treasures behind, but without the right tools, only unicorns can open those."

>Stepping over to it, you analyze the holes, four of them in the shape of a square, each an inch from the other.

"So, do you have any idea how these work?"

>"There's four buttons, one in each hole and you have to press them in the right order. The other problem is it's hard to hit the buttons, since they're at weird angles."

"Is that so. Let see, four buttons, twenty four combinations, shouldn't be too hard."

>Index and ring fingers from each hands into the holes, you start probing around for the buttons.

>Left ring and right index find the buttons, so you pull out and adjust your hands.

>Now, your right thumb and index fingers are in the right side, and your left middle and pinkie are in the left.

>Some more probing, and you find all the buttons.

"Now, how do I reset if I get the order wrong?"

>"It's automatic. Just, hurry up, I don't know how much time we have here."

>Pushing in the first combination, nothing happens, and ten seconds later, there is a click as it resets.

>Seven more combinations, and there is a different click, and the top cracks open.

>Pulling your fingers out of the holes, you peer inside the box, Daring flying over as well.

>"Aw yeah! This is some high quality stuff!"

>She pulls out a bronze pony helmet, as well as some coins and a knife.

"Well, You got your treasure, now we gotta go and sell this so you can pay me."

>Just as you are about to close the box, you see something in the bottom, mixed in with some sand and dust.

>Reaching in, you brush the dirt aside, and your jaw almost drops.

>Quickly palming what you found, you shut the box and slide your hands into your pockets.

>"What's up, did you find anything?"

"Nah, I just thought I saw something. Let's get out of here."

>Walking past the unconscious ponies, you pause a moment.

"I have to ask, what was with that bubble thing?"

>"It was magic, duh. You didn't know unicorns can use magic?"

>You don't respond, instead pulling a cigarette from the case and light it up.

>Walking down the path back, you let the life shortening smoke calm you down, Daring sprinting to catch up.

>"Hey, what is that? You lit one before, and another now."

"Cigarette, helps me calm down."

>"Why? There's been nothing wrong."

"There's been more wrong in the past two days or so then I have dealt with in the last two years."

>She opens her mouth to say something, but is stops when you finish the cigarette and flick the butt into the lava chasm.

>"I'll go ahead a bit."

>Crossing the chasm and heading into the darkness, Daring goes on ahead again, and you start across the tensioned rope.

>Hand over hand, you cross, dropping down on the other side, and starting after your employer.

>Down the statue hall, and to the room with the hole in the roof.

>Rather thoughtfully, she has already taken the rope and hooked it up to the room above, and is waiting on your level.

>Or the rope was left behind by Richtor and his thugs.

>Either way works for you.

>"Lets get out of here."

"Do you think you could help hold the rope at the top? Last time, it snapped the bracket out."

>"Don't worry, I checked it. It'll be able to hold even you."

>Scaling the rope takes a little work, since it's not knotted in any way to ease climbing.

"Stupid magic for climbing ropes and shit." you mutter to yourself, inching your way up.

>Pulling yourself up the ledge and into the spiraling tunnel, you look at the rope.

>"Just leave it, it's not like they will be waking up anytime soon."

"Whatever, boss."

>"That's right, I am your boss right now, and you have to do what I want you to."

"Not really. I have to help you get the treasure and get out. That was our contract, nothing more."

>With a disappointed huff, she heads into the spiraling tunnel, you following behind.

>As you squeeze through the holes, Daring speaks up.

>"Hey, once your job with me is done, what do you plan on doing?"

"I'm probably going to the nearest big city, or the capital, if possible. Find out if I can locate a way home, or if not, look for work."

>"Since I'm headed to Canterlot, the place with the best marketplace for these things, and the capital, why don't we go together."

"Well, I'm only getting paid once you sell this stuff, so I don't see that I have a choice."

>"You should also remember, your kind is extinct here, so if a human just starts walking around, things aren't going to work out well."

"So you're saying I have to rely on you to get anything done?"

>"No, just... well, kinda. If I can get you in to see the princess or somep0ny important, and they give you immunity or some other form of safety, you should be fine on your own afterwards."

>Back in the hallway, you can see the last of the sunlight fading through the hole in the ceiling.

"I guess having some safety in a strange land is always a good thing. I suppose we can work together a bit longer."

>She helps pull you up through the hole, and the two of you are soon off to find a hidden place to set up camp for the night.

>Hidden in a tree, the last bits of sunlight fading and Daring asleep on her branch, you reach into your pocket and pull out your loot.

"There's no way..."

>In your hand, you hold a pair of bullets, .45 caliber by the looks of it.

>Ejecting the magazine from your pistol, you carefully slide the bullets in.

>They fit perfectly.

"Fucking magic."

>Clicking the magazine back into place, you chamber the first round by pulling back the slide.

>Slightly better armed now, you feel safer as you drift to sleep as well.

 

~~~~~

 

>Sunlight pours into your cloud house, waking you within moments of dawn.

"*Yawn* Why do you have to raise the sun so early, Celestia?" you groan, shaking out your cyan wings.

>Trundling downstairs, you head for the kitchen to eat.

>Munching on a piece of toast, you mind starts to wander to the dreams you had last night.

>Awesome, action packed scenes of Daring, yourself and this plant/human thing, Anonymous.

"That would be so cool, but it'll never happen. It's just a story, after all."

>Not having any work today, you head straight for your couch and flop down.

>The most recent Daring Do book sits on your coffee table, but it doesn’t draw your interest.

"Buck, I wonder who wrote that start, it was really good."

"If I found them, I'd get them to write more."

>Mulling over who might have been writing that, you miss the first couple knocks at your door.

>"HEY RAINBOW! OPEN UP!" Twilights excited voice calls in, shaking you from your thoughts.

"Geez Twi, with you calling like that, I'd almost guess that Celestia disowned you as her student," you say, trotting over and opening the door.

>The moment the door opens, your face is assaulted by a glowing purple book.

>"Look! There's more now!"

>Pushing it back, you can quite clearly see Chapter 2 written in bold text at the top of the page.

"Why didn't you say so! Lets get started!"

>Quickly flying behind her, you start shoving her towards your couch, before shooting to the kitchen.

"Snacks, snacks... Ah, here we go!"

>Pulling out a bag of hay chips, you dash back to the couch and drop in next to Twilight.

>"Don't worry, I haven't read ahead, I know how much you want to read this as well."

"Well, don't keep me waiting, lets get reading!"

>Twilight lets out a small laugh, and you turn to her, confused.

"What?"

>"You sounded just like an *snicker* egghead just then."

>Giving her your coldest stare, it only lasts a moment before you realize how true her statement is.

"Ha ha, I guess you're right."

>Flipping open the book, Twilight finds the start of chapter 2, and starts reading.

>"The early morning sunlight cuts through the trees, helping to rouse her, along with Anonymous's voice."

>"'Yeah, I know. Gotta get moving before they start searching' she mutters, rubbing sleep from her eyes."

>"'You're smarter than you look.' is Anonymous's quick reply."

"Wow, a little full of himself, isn't he?"

>"Reminds me a bit of you, Dash."

"Whatever, keep reading."

>"Anonymous pulls a strange white and yellow tube from a small metal box, and lights the end on fire with another metal thing."

>"'Well, your other option is to take your stuff back from the zebras.'"

>"This throws Daring for a bit of a loop. On one hoof, she could likely succeed in getting her stuff back, but on the other hoof, if she was caught..."

>"'Of course that's what we're going to do.' Daring exclaims 'Besides, they have my hat, and I can't let them get away with that.'"

>"Turning away, Anonymous starts walking, 'We nothing. I'm heading to the nearest town. You can do what you want.'"

>"In the blink of an eye, she grabs his shoulders and pulls him back 'You can't just leave me here! You saved me, and now you have to finish the job.'"

"I dunno, this is starting to sound a little out of character for Daring Do."

>"Not really. She realized she needs help, and so she is trying to get Anonymous to help."

"Hmmnnn, I dunno. Still seems a little fishy to me."

>"Lets just keep going."

>"Behind the crumbling column, the entrance to the depths remain, and she takes the lead, Anonymous following behind."

>"Reaching the barely visible net, she lets Anonymous catch up."

>"As he feels the net, he says, 'How did you get caught in this though? Were you running or something?'"

>"'Hey, you'd be running too if you were being chased by half a dozen angry zebras with spears.'"

>"'No, I wouldn't,' he pulls a knife from inside his planty mass and starts cutting the lines, 'I would have killed them with my knife and pistol, or bare hands, if need be.'"

"Ugh, they are taking humans soooo out of character," you groan, rolling your eyes.

>"I'm not so sure, Dash. You have to remember, they portrayed this guy as a thief, an assassin and a spy. I'm pretty sure he would act like that in such a situation."

"I just hope nothing happens to Daring. I've seen far too many fan fictions that have something horrible and stupid to Daring just for the sake of making a story more emotional."

>Twilight gives a faintly sheepish grin, before turning back to the book.

>"Rushing down the hallway, Daring comes out into the treasure room, a small light bearing down on a small stand."

>"Under a glass dome, lies a scrap of paper covered in a strange material, just like the others."

>"As she picks it up, a bubble forms around her, and a sneering voice comes from the hallway."

>"'Miss Do, if you would be so kind as to relinquish the map fragment, we can solve this without violence.'"

>"Slowly turning, Daring rolls her eyes at the stallion, 'Lord Richtor, you should know by now that I don’t give things up so easy.'"

"Oh great, this scum bag again. Can't they create some sort of new villain?"

>"You're looking at him too shallow, Dash. He's actually interesting if you look at his back-story and interactions without prejudice."

"You look at it your way, Twilight, I'll look at it my own way."

>Twilight turns back to the book and continues.

>"Her gaze continually focusing on the blackness behind them, Daring spots the shadows move, and she smiles."

>"'I'm going to have to decline your offer, since you obviously are at the disadvantage here.'"

>"With a laugh, Richtor, calls back 'I thought you were smarter than this, miss Do. We have you cornered, you cannot escape. At least, not unless you agree to my terms.'"

>"'I'm not the one in the bad position, since I'm not surrounded and alone.'"

>"In a feat of strength, Anonymous knocks out both thugs with a single movement, crashing their heads together."

>"Richtor faints, seeing the imposing form of Anonymous standing over him, and his containment spell fades."

"Hah, serves that jerk right."

>"I don't think I would faint, seeing a giant plant thing."

"You're an Element of Harmony, only Fluttershy would be afraid of something like that."

>"Well, I suppose with what she said, I can see how he might faint, but aren't adventures supposed to be braver."

"He's not a real adventurer like Daring."

>Reading through the rest of the chapter, you and Twilight finish up the chips and discuss much more about Anonymous.

>"Well, hopefully there will be more tomorrow, so we can do this every day."

"Yeah, though I wonder why only one chapter appears at a time?"

>"Magic, maybe? According to Star Swirl, there are countless different..."

"Blah blah, cut to the point."

>"This book might be recording something happening as it happens in another dimension."

"So Daring Do is real?"

>"Maybe, like I said, it's a possibility."

"Hey, do you think, maybe... you could..."

>"No Dash, I'm not finding a way to send you to that world, even if it exists."

>Letting out a sigh, you lean back, staring at the ceiling.

"That would be so cool..."

 

Chapter 3

 

>Faint cursing and stumbling rouses you from your light sleep and you pull up your night vision enhancing goggles, the world coming into view.

>A bright spot in the distance marks who you guess is Richtor and his thugs, struggling in the darkness.

>Watching the light approach, you pull your pistol from its holster.

>About a hundred feet away, the light stops, but the sound of an approaching pony doesn't.

>A smaller glow approaches with this pony, barely visible, even enhanced.

>Minutes tick by, but your vigilance never fades, and soon the light reveals, as you suspected, Richtor.

"Stop where you are, state your business or leave, or you may find yourself with a hole in the head."

>Obviously startled by your sudden statement, he stumbles back a step, before looking in your direction.

>"I came to speak with you, Demon. I wish to purchase your services."

"Is that so. Find me when my current contract is done, and we may be able to make a deal."

>"Can't you just break your contract with her, and work for me?"

"No, it's bad for business. Breaking a contract and leaving on a bad note just make future business more difficult."

>He starts suddenly digging in his bag, and you cock the hammer back with an audible click.

>The sound makes him freeze, and rightly so.

"If I were you, I'd walk away slowly. I'm not supposed to kill, but I have few reservations for doing it."

>"Fair enough. I just wish to leave you with this. If you want work, come to this party of mine and I will gladly contract you."

>He drops a paper envelope and starts walking away, the glow of his magic traveling towards the larger torch glow.

>Dropping from your branch, you crouch and roll to absorb the impact as well as muffle the sound with your suit.

>Putting away your pistol and pulling out your knife, you gingerly tap the letter checking for any sort of trap.

>When nothing happens, you pick it up and stow it away in a pocket before climbing back up your tree.

>You watch the light for several minutes, watching its movement, or lack thereof in this case, until it goes out, and you finally get to sleep again.

 

>Just like yesterday, your body wakes you moments before dawn, and you stretch out the stiffness with a few soft pops.

>Daring rises as well, stretching like a cat.

"Which way is it to town, Daring? I'm just about out of rations, and I'd rather not have to hunt around here, not knowing what is sentient."

>"Hold you humans, lemme check my map."

"Hold your...' giving a sigh, you shake your head and drop down from the tree.

>Daring follows soon after, rolling up her map.

>"We have to go that way," she points back towards the ruins, and right across where Richtor set up camp, "and from the ruins, it should be a straight trip back to town."

"One problem with that. Richtor is that way; I saw him and his goons setting up camp."

>"How? When?"

"With my eyes, last night."

>"I figured that out myself, I was... Whatever, lets just go. I'm not going to question your strange human powers."

>Taking to the air, she starts on a curve that will lead around Richtor's camp and end at the ruins.

>Following close behind in the brush, you keep a constant eye out for any signs of trouble or lunch, the last of your rations going to breakfast.

>For being this deep in a forest, it is alarmingly quiet, not even the songs of birds to break the monotonous sounds of leaves rustling in the breeze.

>Passing within a hundred feet of where Richtor set up camp, you can hear the sound of them getting ready to leave as well.

"Looks like we have to move," you mutter yourself, picking up the pace.

>Overhead, you see Daring start to fall behind, and you give a whistle to get her attention.

>She swoops in low, and just as she gets within quiet talking range, there come excited cries from Richtor's camp.

"Damn it, looks like they heard. We need to move, fast."

>"Well it was your idea to call me down."

"Whatever, we can argue this later, for now, we have to move."

>"Argue what later? It's obviously your fault."

"Just shut up and fly."

>With an audible huff, she picks up the pace, and you speed up as well, rushing to the ruins.

>Entering the open, you grab hold of Daring and drag her into the entrance of the ruins.

>"What the mpphggh," she snaps before you cover her mouth with a hand.

>Hidden in the shadows, you carefully peek around the corner, Daring held tight to your body.

>After only a moment, Richtor and his thugs arrive, before reorienting.

>"This way, boys, we can't let her get too far, or else."

>Without any delay, they take off again in the direction of town, as far as you can guess.

>Another minute's wait, and you let go of Daring, who flaps up to your face.

>"What's wrong with you? Why did you let them get ahead of us?"

"This is a game of cat and mouse, or should I say, we are being hunted, and they are hunting us.

In this situation, since we are being hunted, isn't it advantageous to be in the position of the hunter?"

>"I have no clue what you are talking about."

"They are looking for us ahead of them. We are behind them now. They have no way to keep tabs on us, but we can easily track them."

>A hoof on her chin, Daring lands to think, "Okay, I kinda get it, but won't he realize we aren't ahead of him when he reaches town?"

"Well, we don't have to go to town, do we? Just get on the train to this Canterplace, and we're fine, right?"

>"Just what are you suggesting?"

"Ever jumped onto a moving train?"

 

>"This is wrong! This is so very wrong!" Daring exclaims, running alongside you after the train.

>With a leap, you grab the rail on the caboose, hauling yourself up onto the train.

"Come on Daring, haven't you always wanted to do something like this?"

>"No, since I'm not crazy like you!" she snaps back, jumping on as well.

"I love doing that. It makes me feel like an action hero from the movies, even though my job is a bit more real than what they do."

>"You... I don't know what I'm going to do with you. One moment you are a super serious spy hunter, and the next, you are like a foal, acting like their hero."

"Hey, just because my job is a little grim at times doesn't mean I can't have fun doing it. Would you still be an adventurer if you hated doing it?"

>She chooses not to respond, and you start climbing onto the roof of the train, much to her confusion.

>"Why..."

"It's the last place anyone looks, since it's so blatantly obvious; and besides, even if they do see me, I'll just look like a loose branch or something that got caught on the train."

>Shaking her head, Daring lays down on the back railing as you reach the roof and hunker down.

>There is plenty to hold on to, and the train isn't moving extremely fast so the wind is tolerable, meaning you have no problems sticking on.

>For added safety, you tie a rope off to a metal eye on the train, and the other end around your waist.

>Several hours pass as the train rumbles along its track, heading towards what you can only describe as a castle designed by little girls hanging off the side of a mountain.

>Your presence has definitely been noted; as you have seen a few ponies stick their heads out to check the train.

>Daring, by hook or by crook, has somehow managed to avoid detection, and is currently napping away, hat pulled down over her eyes.

>Tilting up to travel the slope of the mountain, the train shows no signs of slowing, and you can only chalk it up to being magic.

>Signs of civilization start showing and you start looking for somewhere to get off.

>A faint hissing starts coming from the train as it slows, a station clearly visible ahead.

>It's design is a mix of old west shaping, combined with a more modern paint job, so it matches the surroundings.

>The best part is that there's an overhang to shade the ponies waiting for the train, and it looks strong enough to hold your weight.

>Undoing the rope, you prepare to dismount the moment the train stops.

>The hissing reaches a climax, before shutting off as the train comes to a full stop.

>Leaping the small gap between train and overhang, you wince as you land with a loud thump; each step towards the roof the station accompanied by another.

>On the relative safety of the station roof, you quickly search for a way down, while remaining hidden from view.

>Dropping down into a back alley, you hear an all too familiar voice pass by.

>"You check all the cars, correct?" Richtor asks, presumably directed at one of his henchmen.

>"Yea, there was no sign of that pegasus, or the demon."

>"Very well, just keep an eye out for them, I have an important job I wish to hire that demon for."

>The voices move on, but his words remain.

"If it's an important job; that means it'll pay well."

>Thoughts of a fat paycheque float in your head as you search for Daring Do, who should be off the train by now.

>"Hey, Demon, watcha lookin for?"

>Spinning around, you come face to face with Daring, who is sporting a rather arrogant smile.

"Damn it, you realized something bad may have happened to you if I wasn't actively looking for you."

>"Oh yes, mister big scary plant human."

"You've seen what I can do, so I don't know why you are antagonizing me."

>"Because I can. You won't get paid without me, and you won't be safe without me."

"If I get rid of you, I get all the profits. Also, I'm wanted by so many countries back home, another one on the list is like a drop in the bucket."

>A small scrunch appears on her nose, and she says, "You're no fun."

"I'm not paid to be fun, or at least, not normally."

>"Uh..."

"Lets just go."

>"But we can't. We have to find some way to get you to see Celestia without causing a massive panic first."

"You have a place we can stay here, right? We just go there first, you arrange the meeting, and then I can come after, or they can come there or whatever."

>"That, that just might work. Follow me, my place is this way."

>Without a second thought, Daring takes off into the streets, not considering that you can't follow.

"Ugh, what is it with all my employers being completely oblivious recently..."

>Doing the only thing that comes to mind, you scale the nearest building, and sight Daring's path.

"Looks like I'm going to have to do this the hard way..."

>Taking a momentary step back, you run straight at the next building, vaulting across the rooftops.

>Jumping from rooftop to rooftop, you move as effectively as you can, but you know you are seen.

>Why else would there be faint screams and running hooves.

"Maybe there is some famous pony in town... Ah who am I kidding, I need to hide, and fast."

>Looking around, you realize your second problem.

>How the fuck are you going to hide as a giant plant?

"Sometimes, I hate this suit..."

>Dropping down from the roof of the building you are on, you climb a tree in what you assume to be a back yard.

"How short sighted can you get, Daring," you curse under your breath, awkwardly wedged into the upper branches of the tree.

>For the second time today, you try to nap, but you are interrupted rather quickly.

>"Um, mister plant monster, could you maybe get out of my tree?"

>Looking down, you see a pony looking up at you, both fear and anger in their eyes.

"Ugh, this plan is getting better and better..." you say inaudibly

"Don't try anything, don't call the cops or whatever you ponies have, and I will leave and no one will get hurt, okay?"

>With a small thump, you hit the ground, and look over at the pony.

>Besides looking terrified to high hell, they show no signs of running.

>With a running start, you hop a fence, and continue along behind the houses.

>Your brief run comes to an end though, as a high stone wall blocks your path, unless you want to walk on the streets.

"Guess there's only one way to go now, and that's up..."

>The wall, while solidly built, also has large gaps between the bricks, making the possibility of scaling it acceptable.

>Knife in one hand, you probe the mortar, and it proves to be just as weak as the stuff in the tomb.

>For the second time it far too short a time, your knife is being used for a purpose far aside from what it is supposed to be used for.

>Scaling the wall, you can't help but feel like an action hero again, sneaking into a highly guarded base.

>Little did you know how accurate that statement was.

>Reaching the top, you struggle to maintain your grip as you drop over the other side.

>There is a roof not to far below this side, and you drop down, rolling to try and minimize the thump.

>It works, but not well enough.

>Before you can plan your next move, swarms of armored ponies come streaming out of the building, several pegasii taking to the air to block off any escape routes.

"This day just keeps getting better and better..."

>Looking all around, you search for some way past, but all the exits are fairly well guarded.

>Two rounds, a knife, and not a lot of hope.

>"S..Stay where you are, monster." One of the ponies says, approaching slowly.

"I seek no quarrel with you or your kind, I seek only to find the one who summoned me. Let me pass, and none shall be harmed."

>The pony who addressed you looks around, as if seeking some kind of answer from a superior.

"If you refuse, well..."

>Taking a step forward, several shift back uncomfortably.

>"Don't back down men. This thing is bluffing, there is no way it is a demon or any other kind of summon."

>A unicorn with more advanced armor steps forward, puffing his chest out.

>The appearance of this pony stirs a little confidence into the others, and you slowly reach for your pistol.

"Are you willing to risk your life on that? From here, I could kill you in a second."

>"It's bluffing, nothing is that fast."

>In a fluid motion, you draw, aim and fire, one of your two rounds punching a hole clean through his ear.

"If you don't let me go, the next is through your head.

>Your words hang in the air, all the ponies stunned, including the captain; that is, until the pain hits.

>He drops to the ground, grabbing his injured ear and screaming bloody murder, several other ponies rushing to his side.

>This time, when you step forward, all the ponies give you a wide berth, moving out of your path.

>You encounter no resistance as you step out the main gate and into the streets, where you promptly let out a sigh of relief.

>The street is much less populated in this area, and only a few notice your presence before you vanish into the alleyways.

>After a little traveling, you find a park as the sun starts to set, and you find another tree to hide in.

"I should never have agreed to help Daring Do..."

>Just before you can fall asleep, you hear a familiar voice calling out, "Anonymous? Are you around?"

>For a moment, you are tempted to do nothing, but you've come this far, so you might as well finish and get paid.

"Yeah, I'm here."

>"Dude, what the buck have you been doing? I've been hearing rumors about there being a monster in town since we got here, and just now there was a bunch of guards announcing that the summoner of a plant demon is supposed to find it and get rid of it."

>With a smirk, you reach out and tip her hat off her head.

"So, did you go off bragging how you were the summoner? Or would that hurt your image?"

>"That would probably get me arrested. I heard you used some crazy magic to almost kill the captain as a warning. What were you doing?"

"I was trying to follow you and stay out of sight, but how was I supposed to do that when you wandered through the busy streets?"

>"Aren't you supposed to be good with this kind of thing, sneaking around and what not."

"I can do that in human towns, sure, but if you didn't notice, I stick out horribly here."

>"No, I hadn't noticed," she replies, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Sarcasm won't get you anywhere with me, so stuff it and let's go. I'm getting tired of hiding."

>She awkwardly scuffs a hoof on the ground, before saying, "There's a bit of a problem with that. She isn't available today or tomorrow, since she has a party to attend."

"Let me guess, a party hosted by Richtor?" you ask, scooping her hat up and setting it back on her head.

>"How did you...?"

"The same way I nearly killed the guard captain. Magic."

>With a look of disbelief, she sighs before turning and starting away.

>"Whatever, lets just get going. Come on, my place is this way."

>Following her through the now darkening streets, she sticks to back alleys this time, actually letting you move unimpeded.

>That, and almost every pony you see runs away.

>Well, things could be worse...

>"Hey, you. Demon. I have a score to settle with you."

"Fuck."

>Turning around, you face the rather pissed off looking pony guard captain.

"Let me guess, you want a hole in your other ear to balance it off?"

>"Ha ha, very funny. Boys, surround them."

"Any restrictions, boss?" you ask Daring, who has backed against you.

>"Protect me, try and avoid killing, you know, the usual."

>With a grin hidden under your facemask, you run and vault the first pony, and before he can react, you spin and deliver a hard kick right in the groin.

>His reaction makes even you wince, and just to be safe, you give him a few more kicks in the same spot.

>The captain and his other guards are stunned, once again, and as you start towards the next one, they start backing away.

>This time though, they don't run, but group up, letting Daring move behind you again.

>"That was just wrong, but feel free to deal with the rest of them like that; if you want."

"You hear that boys, I hope none of you want to reproduce again."

>All of them glance nervously between each other and at the twitching stallion on the ground, before running away, leaving the captain alone.

"Now as for you, I think you should run while I'm still willing to forgive and forget."

>"You'll regret this!" He yells as he turns tail and runs.

>Turning your attention back to the unconscious but twitching pony, you lift him onto your shoulders.

"Where's the nearest safe place to drop him off?"

>"You did THAT to him, and you are concerned for his safety? I doubt I will ever understand you."

"Not helping."

>"It's this way. We can drop him off at a guard post on the way to my place."

>Groaning slightly under the weight of the guard, you trudge along after Daring, and at the guard station, you drop him off without detection.

>The rest of the trip is quiet, and you soon arrive at a small mansion near the castle.

"Don't tell me you live here..."

>"Yeah, why? I've made so much money doing adventuring, I could retire if I wanted, but I keep adventuring because I love it."

"I get that, but why the huge house? With your kind of work, you must not get much time here."

>"That may be true, but if you have to spend every night in trees or tents, your performance starts to suffer."

>Giving a stretch, you hear your bones creak a bit, and nod in agreement.

"It's been awhile for me too. Can't wait to hit the hay in a real bed."

>Opening the main door, she waves around.

>"Welcome to my mansion. Bathroom is on the second floor, second door from the right. Your room for tonight is at the end of the hall."

"Alright. I'll probably see you in the morning."

>"Probably?"

"No guarantees. This world is filled with so much magic and mumbo jumbo, I wouldn't be surprised if I got sent right back home tonight."

>"Again, I doubt I will ever understand you, but whatever, see you in the morning."

>Heading straight for the room, you ignore the faint grumbles of your stomach and strip down before flopping out on the bed.

>For the first time in days, you don't have to worry about something coming in the night, and can actually get a good, deep night's sleep.

 

~~~~~

 

>Having finished your weather duties, you sit on a small cloud and debate what to do.

>On one hoof, the weather is perfect for training, almost no stray breezes or strange updrafts.

>While on the other hoof, the book may have updated, meaning you can had to Twilight's place, since it's her turn to host.

>"Rainbow, are you up there?" Twilight's voice calls out, and you lean back, looking over the edge of the cloud.

"Hey, Twilight, what's up?"

>"Are you ready for todays chapter? I didn't read it, but if yesterday was any measure, we might get to see what happens when Anonymous enters a town."

"Yeah I'm ready, just give me a few minutes to get some practice in, and I'll be right over."

>With a nod, she heads back to her house, and you start your pre-flight stretches.

>As you work loose your muscles, you think to yourself, 'I wonder if Daring does stretches like this? What about Anonymous, does he stretch? Does he watch Daring stretch?'

>A naughty image flashes in your head, and you lose your footing mid stretch, flopping onto your belly.

"Uh... did I just think that..."

"There's no way Daring would, I mean, I'm not that kind of fan that wants her to..."

>And yet, the image returns, Daring face down, plot up, just like you when stretching, and her tail waving aside at Anonymous.

>Shaking your head to try and clear it, you try and take off, but your wings just stick out, stiff.

"Stupid wingboners..."

>With a little coaxing and a few mild curses, you get your wings back down and ready to fly.

>Taking to the air, your wings don't quite respond perfectly, some of the stiffness remaining.

"Looks like I won't be getting any practice in today," you sigh, angling down towards Twilight's house.

>A perfect landing, and you trot inside, ignoring the 'closed for lunch' sign on the door.

>Twilight quickly closes and shoves aside a notebook as you enter, hiding it away.

>"Hey Rainbow, you're early. You usually take at least ten minutes to do practice, but it's hardly been five."

"Something came up that stopped me. It's not a big deal though, I can just practice later."

>"Alright. Do you want to read this time, or should I keep reading like usual?"

"You should read, your better with the words than I am."

>"I guess that's true, but you should try sometime. Who knows, you might like doing it."

>From on the table, she levitates the now familiar blue book, and opens it.

>"Let's see... Ah, here we are."

>"Daring's dreams that night are filled with strange voices, saying things that make no sense."

>"'Make a deal. A bad note. Few reservations. Contract you.'"

>"As she shakes herself awake, she finds Anonymous awake already, once again."

>"Stretching to help loosen up, she hears him ask 'Which way is it to town, Daring?'"

"Oh great, just some boring filler."

>"I disagree Dash, those voices probably mean something. Maybe Anonymous met somep0ny during the night, and her mind let her hear snippets."

"Who would Anonymous meet with? The only other ponies out there are... You don't think he's a traitor, do you?"

>"Something tells me no because of the way he has acted. He shows little knowledge that is common in Equestria, so something may have brought him there suddenly."

"Well, let's continue and see."

>"Reaching the ruins in moments, Daring swoops down, only to be suddenly grabbed and dragged behind a column by Anonymous."

>"Struggling to free herself, she quiets as Rictor and his goons appear, and after they head for the town, Anonymous releases her."

>"'What's wrong with you? Why did you let them get ahead of us?'"

>"Anonymous turns a dangerous looking smile on her, 'This is a game of cat and mouse, or should I say, we are being hunted, and they are hunting us. In this situation, since we are being hunted, isn't it advantageous to be in the position of the hunter?'"

>"'I have no clue what you are talking about.'"

>"'They are looking for us ahead of them. We are behind them now. They have no way to keep tabs on us, but we can easily track them.'"

>After some contemplation, Daring says, "Okay, I kinda get it, but won't he realize we aren't ahead of him when he reaches town?"

>""Well, we don't have to go to town, do we? Just get on the train to this Canterplace, and we're fine, right?'"

>"'Just what are you suggesting?'"

>"Again, he gives her that dangerous looking smile, 'Ever jumped onto a moving train?'"

"Are they seriously going to do that!?"

>"I think so. Surprisingly, this is actually a first for Daring, she's never been on the outside of a moving train."

"Well, it's strange, that's for sure; then again, this whole book is strange."

>"You can say that again, now where were we..."

>"Searching around the building for Anonymous, Daring finds him in the back alley, searching as well.

>"'Hey Daring, lets get going.'"

>"'But we can't. We have to find some way to get you to see Celestia without causing a massive panic first.' she replies, and Anonymous nods before resting a hand on his chin."

>"'You have a place we can stay here, right? We just go there first, you arrange the meeting, and then I can come after, or they can come there or whatever.'"

>"'That, that just might work,' Daring says, seeing the logic in his solution, 'Follow me, my place is this way.'"

>"Taking to the streets, Daring forgets that Anonymous can't follow her just long enough that when she heads back, he is already gone."

>"For over an hour, she searches, with no sign of him except a rumor that started about fifteen minutes into her search."

>"Apparently, there was a monster roaming the city, heading straight for the castle."

>"Just as she is about to give up and head for home, guards call for attention at many of the street corners."

>"What they say shocks her, but at the same time, she isn't truly surprised."

>"Their message goes 'To the summoner of the plant demon, please find and deal with it immediately.'"

>"Several ponies start asking questions, and Daring edges closer to listen in."

>"'What happened? Why is there a demon in the city?' these are the common questions, and the answers vary."

>"'It injured one of the guards. It injured an innocent pony. It attacked the captain. Nop0ny knows how it got in or why'"

>"With this new information, Daring renews her search."

>"The sun just having set, she finally finds him in a park."

"Wait, before we read the next part, what do you think happened?"

>Setting the book down, Twilight places a hoof on her chin as she thinks.

"I don't think anything the guards said is true, or at least, not entirely. Anonymous may be portrayed as kind if violent, but I don't think he'd attack unprovoked."

>"That's kind of what I was thinking, but I think Anonymous did end up attacking somep0ny, but it was probably self defence or provocation."

>"There's no reason for the guards to be spreading this information otherwise, unless there was some sort of threat to everyp0ny."

>Picking up the book again, she starts up where she left off.

>"As they near her house, a voice calls out, 'Hey, you. Demon. I have a score to settle with you.'"

>"Turning around, Anonymous and Daring turn to face the rather pissed off looking pony guard captain."

>"'Fuck,' Anonymous curses, before smirking a bit.

>"'Let me guess, you want a hole in your other ear to balance it off?'"

>"Taking a close look, Daring can see a bandage wrapped around one of the captains ears."

>"'Ha ha, very funny. Boys, surround them.'"

>"'Any restrictions, boss?' Anonymous asks as she backs against him."

>"'Protect me, try and avoid killing, you know, the usual.'"

>"His facemask contorts as he grins, and he  runs and vaults the first pony before he spinning and delivering a hard kick right in the groin.

>"Everypony winces, and you can only watch as Anonymous gives him a few more kicks in the same spot."

"That's just...

>"I know..."

>Both of you shudder, before reading on.

>"Opening the front door to her mansion, Daring motions Anonymous inside."

>"'Bathroom is on the second floor, second door from the right. Your room for tonight is at the end of the hall.'"

>"'Alright. I'll probably see you in the morning,' he replies, starting up the stairs."

>"'Probably?'"

>"'No guarantees. This world is filled with so much magic and mumbo jumbo, I wouldn't be surprised if I got sent right back home tonight.'"

>"'Again, I doubt I will ever understand you, but whatever, see you in the morning.'"

>"Heading to her room, Daring thinks on what Anonymous said, as well as everything that happened today."

>"With a tired sigh, she strips off her vest and hat before jumping into her cushy cloud bed and drifting to sleep."

>Flipping to the next page, Twilight finds it blank and sets the book down.

>"That was pretty interesting, but I have the feeling it was more of a setup chapter."

"I agree. It could have used more action, maybe if it had covered Anonymous's side of things it would have been better, but still..."

>"What happened with the captain, I wonder? Anonymous said he used some kind of magic, but not many spells are able to get past a captains shielding spells."

"TWilight, you better not be thinking that your brother is the captain in the book. Not only does the one in the book speak different, if he was there, wouldn't that mean you are there as well?"

>"I suppose you're right... Still, I wonder if they will show anything about the spell."

"They probably will. I'm only guessing, but with another piece of the map to the city of the humans, the may encounter some dangerous things, and Anonymous will have to use his magic to defeat them."

"You won't be able to learn the spell though, or at least, I don't think you will be able to, since the book is supposed to be only teen rated, and a spell like that would be stored in forbidden areas."

>"I wonder if Celestia has the spell..."

"Why don't you ask her? I need to get going anyways, if I want to get some practice in today."

>"Bye Dash, see you tomorrow."

"Cya," you say, stepping out the door, ready to spend the rest of the day practicing.