Author's Note

🦅IT'S ABOUT THE WINGS.🦇

I first want to offer my thanks to all who are following and offering their support in this story, and I'm glad you've been enjoying it so far. Secondly, I am also grateful for the contribution and efforts made in the newest cover art, courtesy of dereturd and edCOM02.
Granted, the coloring might throw some off a little, and Murdock's no Pegasus in this tale, mind you, but it certainly makes for a very extravagant image. Especially that armored suit.

"Nice ears."
"They're horns."

Anyway, sorry about the ensued confusion. Guess edCOM02 and I just weren't aware of each other's work, just yet. Though I have seen some of his other Marvel/MLP crossover art. I hope you enjoy this next installment before. As always, any constructive critique is duly appreciated. So until next time, God Bless.

The First Crusader

"And when was this?"

"I'm not sure. Some time before you found me, and woke me up," the Unicorn stallion stammered to a worried Cadence, "I'm telling you, he came at me with that sleep-inducing spell just out of nowhere! Without any reason, whatsoever! I'm so, terribly sorry I lost them."

"It wasn't your fault, Sunburst," the rose Alicorn replied, "You were caught by surprise, is all. The Guards told us they never saw Midnight Rider leave his chambers either. Only sensing his magic being used before we alarmed them."

"Which means he also teleported to the Royal Chambers when we were all occupied," said Twilight, pacing intensely between the empty crib and bed. "But why would he abduct Shining and Flurry?!"

"We don't know yet," responded Starlight, offering a hoof for comfort, "But whatever reason it might be, we let our guards down, and Rider took full advantage of that."

"I say we track down this here, ungrateful little vermin and coral 'im!"

"That's just it, Applejack," said Cadence, "We have no way of tracing where his magic teleported him next with the others. Since it wasn't immediately before we found out."

"And trust me," said Twilight, "Even that is extremely difficult. That's why I made it one of Starlight's challenges as my student."

"Then how in tarnation is we going to find Shining and Flurry Heart?!"

"Your Highness," sharply announced Captain Sentry upon arrival, "I'm afraid I have some more bad news."

All looked on with even more unease as Cadence spoke, "What is it, Captain?"

"Come with me, and see for yourselves."

They had trotted or flew briskly down the hall, following the Pegasus' lead. Nopony was saying a word, given their greatly blown out anxiety. All they could do was tail the Captain, while he debriefed the Princesses on what else that happened.

"I started interviewing Guardponies in the palace to report anything suspicious, and make a timetable of events leading to the foalnapping. The two ponies posted at the dungeon stated they heard shouting inside, some time before or during."

"It's Daredevil," sharply stated Starlight, "He must've sensed it happening."

"Despite knowing the guards wouldn't respond to prisoners except by command," Twilight added, "He still made an effort to warn everypony."

Flash Sentry then regained their attention. "That's my assessment also, but when I went in to ask him what he knew..."

By then, they had reached down the dungeon's corridor. And stood before Matt's cell.

"...I found this." The rest gasped at the opened cage door, as well as its vacant space.

"He's gone," asked Applejack.

"And he's not the only one." Seeing a raised hoof from the Captain Sentry, all turned with greater gasps while eying the neighboring cell in the same way.

"Oh, no." Pling! Twilight Sparkle vanished in a blast of light and smoke, leaving the others wondering what she was doing. And then-POOF! Exactly where she last stood, the lavender mare held a red, metal bar in her fetlock. "This is Daredevil's."

"And what of it, Twi," said the Earth Pony.

"I found this in the Royal Armory," she answered shakily, "Where Tempest's Storm armor was being kept."

The First Crusader

He kept going. Faster and faster, with every puff of breath, and each flap of his wings. According to his unhappy partner after busting him out, the prick that took the two ponies left some sort of energy trail with the last two teleports. They were heading further south. Away from the glittering city of rocks, and the massive country of grassy plains and blizzard mountains it was a part of.

But with his flight speed and strangely attained aerodynamics from those small things, Frank had the advantage of greater momentum on his side like last time. Getting the intel from Red's super enhanced hearing and such, the man-turned-stallion acted as reconnaissance, and flew straight in that general direction. He knew that whoever did this could be useful to his cause in finding a way back. But that if he kept going at this on his own, he recognized that Daredevil would not be so far behind too. It was probably about time he took a hint and cooperated with him and those colorful horse-freaks. Otherwise, they promised to keep him here after capturing him for the trouble he caused. Red would be more than apt to get on his case, that was a sure thing. Less so, if he just went back to let the blind pony know what he had found and help.

And then there was the fact that this character they were chasing had nothing to do with taking the two out of their own world. Then they would have to waste more time rescuing that little girl and her injured dad, before getting back to focusing on that Pegasus Red made him lose. If only he could just find them, assess the situation, swoop down and knock that miserable punk's butt, Castle would not have to worry so much about having to work with Daredevil or any of those prissy horses of a different color.

As he glided back and flew with the racing, black-clad stallion, he spoke. "Spotted a big forest further up. About ten more klicks. There's a patch of busted down trees and craters at the very edge of it. Guess that friend of yours put up another hell of a fight over his girl."

"Any signs of where they're headed next," Daredevil huffed.

"A few green drops of something fresh left a kind of trail. Couldn't make much sense out of that, except maybe a sort of strange animal caught in the blasts. But then I saw another trail of red next to it. On the ground, like something hurt was being dragged. Small, but noticeable, heading east-southeast."

"Whoever it was didn't want too many ponies close by, nor have a response close to military settlements. Keeping an even greater distance from Canterlot southwest from here also."

"Take it this psycho wanted to lead the ponies close to the kid into some kind of trap for payback."

"Most likely, considering the intruder mentioned having dealt with them before the struggle. And given how unprepared he was for Shining's retalliation, he's getting desperate and sloppy. Doubtful the others would've pick on this trail sooner without us."

"Would've used our own time better though, if we hadn't gone up to get that black knock-off of yours.'

"Since you took my intel so quickly and found the damaged woods, I'd say we made well enough progress. And it helped to confirm I'd be needing this."

"Still, had to fly further back than I'd have had to. I'm sure of that."

"Just be grateful I never told them where you kept your lock-pick."

"You know, Red, sometimes I really don't know about you. I mean, why you making these calls? Beating me down one second, then giving me a get-out-o'-jail free card the next. First altar boy, and then rug rat."

But Daredevil gave no response to that. Instead he widened the girth of his stride and clomped his hooves viciously against the grass more so than earlier. With only half his red staff strapped to the belt around the black armor, the neon lenses hid the wild determination blazing inside as his nostrils flared, and teeth clenched. Taking that to mean small talk was over, Castle kept his pace even with the Crystal Pony next to him. If what Red was saying was right, and the kidnapper got so desperate and half-tailing it from that surprise skirmish, it was a safe bet their deadline was getting much closer to do something about it in time.

She heard the blasts. She felt the shakes in the ground. Even the smell of ash and smoke were carried swiftly her way, invading her snout and tongue. Knowing full well the dangers of taking off here and now to be spotted by any of her rivals, this had to have been the most inconvenient part of her expedition so far. She knew they had to have been close. She just knew it. So, to play it on the safe side, the mare wanted to keep as low a profile as a Pegasus could possibly have.

It was just the aggravating jaunt that she took as quietly as possible through the foliage she felt was so tedious, right now. Of course, she has had to endure a sprained hoof, dislocated wing, and fractured rib, even all at once to boot. But it was knowing she was still in prime condition to hone her skills to the fullest, yet not seeing any sense of risking her position being given away, then having to run due to that.

If only I had some way of knowing exactly what’s around me, she thought for the thousandth time while making this sojourn. Otherwise, wouldn’t have to worry about risking another air show like last time.

She could not resist huffing with amusement after remembering another Pegasus mare much like herself. Confident, borderline cocky, eager for fun and excitement in something dangerous to do, and never giving up. Had it not been that blue coat against her own tan hide, as well as that chromatic mane with her dark highlights, some would have sworn they were related in some way. Especially with those fiery maroon eyes they had in common also. Hearing about her recent enlistment among the Wonderbolt ranks added some sense of pride for that kindred spirit.

Enough of that, she muttered inwardly, Getting pretty close. Her nose nearly made her choke on the freshly charred trees and ground, but she kept herself from making too much noise. She lifted her pith helmet to wipe the sweat off her brow before approaching further. Reaching the outermost reaches of the forest, the mare gaped at the many craters that demolished any plant life that once there. A few patches of flame remained on the ground, scattered and dwindling from the lack of fuel immediately available to them. Just what in Tartarus could’ve hap-

“Guessing you’re the park ranger around here,” said a dry voice from the left flank. Hoof raised and wings outstretched, she turned her neck casually to face the stranger and see a steel-blue Pegasus facing her compass Cutie Mark. The charcoal flat top of his mane and copper eyes reflected whatever sunlight penetrated the shady woods he lurked in. “Was hoping you could give some directions.”

Eyeing the crossbow, which he held at the ready, as well as the gear strapped onto him, she surmised the stallion to be some type of mercenary with Royal Guard training and expertise. Instead of answering his question though, she asked him, “You caused all this?”

“Was starting to think the same about you,” he shrugged plainly, “You know what they say about first impressions.”

“That…you could tell by which way they want to face and meet? ‘Cause I’m getting that you’re one of those that look at a pony's Cutie Mark first. Sorry, but you're not my type."

“Sheesh, three seconds in and already you’re worse than Webs. Boss sent you here, Safari? Y’know, to tie up loose ends? Throw off the scent?”

“I work alone. Got the occasional partner or sidekick, but mostly I fly solo.”

“Yeah, got that going on too.”

“And like I just said, I’ve no idea what happened here, or who was involved.”

“Well, here’s finding out you need that partner or not. What’ve you got, Red.”

“So far, she’s telling the truth,” another stallion said directly above her, “And there’s still no one else in the vicinity here.”

Twitching her ear towards the sound gave told her that the accomplice perched silently on the nearest tree branch, but there was a lack of any purring from the low, even voice to indicate her feline nemesis was there. Seeing how terribly cornered she has become, the golden mare smirked, “Not sure what’s more important to ask first. Who you guys are, or what’s the big catch you're after.”

“A little kid and her dad had been taken by some total nut-job,” the Pegasus replied, “Made our way here, where we tracked them and the sleeze-bag down.”

“We were about to follow the blood trail ahead of you, before you so boldly charged over.” Hearing the soft pat of hooves onto dirt and grass, she took to the side and glanced at the other stranger who landed. As she exchanged side looks to her new pals, the mare could make out the slight, yellow sheen of Crystal Pony hide beneath the black armor. It reminded her of the Storm Creatures she met once. From the small, twin horns and neon blue eyeballs, down to the same colored icon of their kind, she wondered where he got one like it to fit him. The long, red bar he wielded was nothing she had ever seen before. But judging by the swiveled tip on the bottom, half of it was unscrewed and missing.

“Wait,” she spoke sharply, “You heard me coming? As in, you weren’t following me?”

“No,” said the Crystal Pony, “Wasn’t expecting someone to come back to the crime scene so soon, but you were puffing and muttering so loudly I could’ve found you easily at night.”

Shoot! Really got to work on my mumbling again. Keep forgetting they could be out loud.

“Enough gloating, Red. Let’s get back to business. So what brings you here, Safari, you don’t mind us asking?”

“I’m an explorer, case you haven't noticed. I go out looking for rare, old artifacts. Sometimes, even powerful ones with a lot of magic.”

“An archeologist then,” nodded Red. “So, you’ve been tracking down something in this area that might cause more than competition?”

“That’s the basic gist of it,” she tilted her head in answer, “And if there’s a foalnapping around here too, then that couldn’t be just a coincidence. And the closest to any civilization here is the Crystal Empire. Unless there’s a secluded hut nearby, I’m guessing you and your Pegasus friend came down from there.”

“More acquaintance than friend, but yes. And you’re right.” Seeing the two of them lower their respective guards slightly, the mare relaxed the tension from her own leg and wings also. The armored stallion then continued, “There’s a good chance that our case might be connected to your search.”

“Wait a sec,” said the Pegasus mercenary, “You’re suggesting we work with this lady?”

“Given her occupation, I’d say she has a better lay of the land than we do, which isn’t saying much. Even though she’s got a map in her clothing, neither of us know how to read it as well, nor be as familiar with the terrain. And despite my enhanced senses, they could only do so much in responding to threats on the fly, or something dangerous living close to us.”

“These woods have loads of wild plants and animals that could hurt you, if you’re not careful. Sure, it’s not the Everfree, but without knowing what to look for, you won’t last a week out here. Even together.”

“That explains you traveling light, then,” asked the soldier, "All by yourself?"

That prompted her to refute back. “I’ve memorized this forest like the back of my wings, have a clear sense of direction, and know how to pack efficiently while on the move. Also, I can collect a few loose items lying around to make something out of ‘em.”

“What, like MacGyver?”

Before she could ask, Red cut them off, “The point is, Frank, there’s a possibility that there are more involved in this than we thought. So, we need as much help as we can get, before anyone else can reach us in time.”

“Fine by me,” Frank sighed, “So long as one of us watches our backs with this one. Like Safari, herself, said. Timing’s just a little too close for my taste. And I’m sure you could use the extra backup to keep tabs on me.”

“Only so long as you make it necessary,” Red said in rebuttal.

“Okay,” she said curiously. Just then, the mare noted with slight amusement, “And hey, since you’re not using my name, I’m guessing you know little or nothing about me.”

“Nor should we,” blatantly stated Red, “And you most likely know nothing about us, either. So, until further notice, best we keep it that way.”

“Wow. And I thought I had trust issues before.” Pausing briefly in thought, she spoke on, “Look, maybe the ones you’re rescuing are need-to-know. Some high-bit noble, tourist prats who got themselves too self-important for their own good. Sure, I’m okay with that. And maybe you two don’t trust each other either. Just, all I’m asking for are a couple names shared between temporary partners. I mean, I, for one, don’t like to be called Safari the rest of the trip. And, it’s Daring Do by the way.”

“Daredevil,” spoke Red after pondering her words, “And he goes by Punisher.”

“Look, are we getting on the move now,” growled Frank, “or we just going to stand here in the woods all day?”

They had made their way through the thickening brambles and vines that were overlapping all over the place. This sure brought back a few boot camp memories.

“So, from the top lady. What exactly are you after?”

The Pegasus put her map back into her khaki shirt, then answered Frank. “It’s one of the hidden magic stones made by Clover the Clever called the Arcane Goblet. A drink from that cup would allow the user to detect a pony’s disturbed or unbalanced magic by way of their Cutie Mark.”

“It’s so special, then why hide it,” he persisted.

“Nopony can say, for sure,” she shrugged back, as they traveled onward. “Maybe it did something that made Clover want to steer clear of it, and everypony else. But it’s said to enable the pony drinking from it to gain insight to another’s problems, internal or external. Huh, wonder what Dash’s crusader friends would say about that.”

“Dash? As in Rainbow Dash,” asked Daredevil, “You’re familiar with her?”

“She helped me out a couple times. Her Element pals also pitched in once. Made me realize how two heads can be better than one. And to trust in others, now and then. Now that you mention it, your name rings a bell too. Aren’t you the pony who took Dash’s case a while back? And weren’t you there in Canterlot for that big invasion right after?”

“More, or less,” he answered.

“That explains the armor then. Must’ve got something like that Tempest pony I also heard about. Might come pretty useful here, soon. And what’s your frie- sorry, acquaintance’s story? Frank Punisher, or some other?”

“S’far as I’m concerned,” the Marine uttered, “Frank’s dead. And the world’s concern, for that matter.”

“We’re not long now,” stated the Crystal stallion, before the safari mare could ask further, “You said your next clue’s in some concealed cavern.”

“Under the tree roots, rocks and bushes, yeah. Very easy to miss, if you’re not looking carefully.”

“With this guy,” Castle said, “It’s anything but easy.”

“Yeah, right,” she nodded in recollection, “The blind lawyer who’s also some fighting ninja. The papers all over Equestria were talking about it, after the Festival. Some super, mystical, ancient, oriental training of the other senses?”

“To some extent,” he tilted his head, never facing her. “Take two steps to the left. Careful. I’m picking up some unusual energy inside.”

Eyeing the pith-wearing pony pull back a few vines and branches, the Punisher saw her look into a narrow gap between two boulders, leading downward.

“There’s nothing I can see down there,” she stated, “Not even a glow of a torch.”

“Let’s just tread lightly,” said Red, “I’ll take the lead, while you two watch our backs.”

“Got something to help us see, Safari?”

At her huffing response, he saw her remove a mining torchlight from her helmet, then strapped it on. “No matches?”

“A luminescent stone,” she snapped, tapping a hoof on it, “This isn’t the dark ages, you know.”

“Let’s agree to disagree,” shrugged the Punisher.

“Quietly,” whispered Daredevil, “Someone else might be down here?”

The beaming light from the helmet softly reflected off the tight walls and ceiling around them, while they made the steep climb inside. Not a sound was heard. Not even the drip of water on the rock. Completely dry, without any hint of algae or fungus. It was almost as if the whole place were a dead zone. All they had to go on was the few remaining red drops that hardened on the stone floor. Shortly after, they found themselves in the threshold of a wide chamber, which was just as empty as the tunnel.

“Guess you were right,” Safari sighed, “Somepony beat us to it.”

“No,” said Daredevil, “the energy’s still here. The same signature as the one who took them.”

“Sure about that,” asked Castle, “No sign of Rider being here at all, from what I can tell.”

“As I stated when we broke out, it wasn’t Midnight’s arcane signature. I’m positive it was another, despite it coming from that guarded chamber. This is…different, somehow. There’s also something else. Another discharge, but...more steady and constant, like a waterfall. Right in front of us.”

“Maybe it’s some kind of concealment spell,” the mare surmised, “Hiding whatever’s in here with a magical camouflage. But, looking at it from a different angle…”

Frank Castle observed her movements, as she slightly tilted her head and shuffled her hooves to the right. Then she exclaimed, “There!”

Seeing Red’s ears flatten from the wild echoes that followed, the Pegasus stallion mirrored the archeologist’s movements.

“Those echoes indicate a wider chasm than this,” said the Crystal stallion with gritted teeth. What Frank saw soon after was something so strange and disturbing, that it made him shut his eyelids and shake his head.

“Damn… well, that’s just trippy,” he groaned after taking a second glance. Sure enough, what first appeared to be the opposite wall of the room, was actually some kind of refraction of the glowing stone by a paper-thin wall. Only when stepping away from the entrance, were the ponies with vision able to see past the subtle barrier of illusion. But looking beyond it, deeper still, was a sight that really rocked his core. “Son of a…”

“It’s them,” softly exclaimed his colleague, as the blind pony stepped through and tilted his ears toward the disturbing sight. “I recognize their heartbeats. They’ve been left here.”

Whimpering in a corner to the left sat the pale pink filly surrounded by a lime green cage of lightning. Nearby was the badly bruised and smoked fur of her father, knocked out, and whose legs were stuck in some kind of green slime. A third captive, though, was fully awake and shaking like a stampede were close by. The unicorn's dark green eyes shifted wildly with worry to the three newcomers, with signs of a bad struggle that reddened and scraped his gray coat.

“So, is-is this what you had in mind, Counselor,” the scared pony stammered, while Daring Do went over to check on the teary-eyed filly. “Some way to intimidate me? Have me right where you want me?”

“Tell us what happened, Mister Rider,” said Daredevil.

“Puff, like you wouldn’t know,” spat Midnight, “First convincing me to put my sister and her foals under the hooves of the Prince’s guard to get me to cooperate, then staging an attack by the pony you said was coming after me, have me captured by…some Changeling you got working for you, and then seeing the Prince and his family in danger with me? Yeah, I’d say that’s really good work doing your best, Counselor!”

“I’d have known he’d be this big a loudmouth,” said Punisher, “I would’ve steered clear of him, from the start. Focus more on his cousin instead, you know.”

“Rest assured, Midnight Rider,” Daredevil offered, “I won’t ask you anymore questions. By all accounts, I don’t have that kind of authority in your case right now. Please know, also, that your family’s safe and more help’s on the way.”

"Yeah, like I'd ever believe you now."

“You said Changeling,” asked the tan Pegasus, “Any chance you got a good look?”

“You bet I did,” the grey Unicorn huffed back, “When that creature came back to her camp at the edge of the forest, I then tried to lash out at her and escape. I had an edge on her, and everything. Or, I thought I did. Turns out these two she captured she used as a shield on me, then blasted me when I hesitated. Got a good hit on her before, though.”

“Her,” Daring asked further, “As in, Chrysalis? The former, crazy ruler of the Changelings?”

“I guessed that was the obvious disguise she went for, considering the timing of it all after my protective custody.” Rider’s constant glare towards the armored Crystal Pony made the implications less than subtle. “And look, your loose-cannon Pegasus is here too.”

“Yeah, not exactly comfortable about this arrangement ourselves, pal,” the aforementioned stallion grunted, “‘Sides, think he’d rather work with you than me, any day.”

“I’ll just keep lookout,” stated the blind pony, “Make sure no one else comes before we get you all out. It’d also might make things less…intimidating for you down here, Mister Rider.”

“Oh, what? And leave me here with him!?”

“Look, buddy,” said Daring Do, as Daredevil made his quiet exit, “I’m getting that slime off you and the other one. So, hold still.”

As she made her way with a small vile of liquid in her shirt, she noticed the steel blue mercenary approache the caged infant. He seemed to coo and soothe her with a hushed, soft tone. While the application of the chemical weakened the grimy substance, Punisher seemed to gain the crying filly’s attention, whose cries gradually stopped. With the green goop sizzling into vapor from his freed horn, she told Midnight to use his magic to help free himself and Prince Shining Armor. Afterward, Daring Do asked if he had some way to discharge the magic field around the small princess. Saying it was how he managed to break free last time, he quickly dispelled the green lightning, which allowed for the Punisher to gently pick her up.

Sitting on his haunches, crossbow set calmly onto the ground, the Pegasus mare watched him rock Flurry Heart back and forth, back and forth.

“You sure you want to-”

“Shh,” she snapped, stopping Midnight from saying how worried he was about someone he heard to be ruthless in the same room. And with a foal, no less. “Just…wait for a sec.”

In doing so, Daring Do saw that the Alicorn infant was actually drying her eyes and tucking her quivering muzzle into his chest. But all the Punisher focused on, was keeping a calm, steady composure, while holding the filly firmly but gently. And with that, he began to recite some sort of nursery rhyme.

“One batch. Two Batch. Penny and Dime,

Put ‘em in the oven. Set the time.

‘Penny,’ said Dime, ‘What did you bake?’

Penny said back, ‘I baked Frosted Flakes!’

‘Say, Dime. What’s your small, tasty dish?’

‘My best tray of little Swede Fish!’

One batch. Two batch. Penny and Dime,

Check the clock. Watch the time.

‘What can we do,’ asked Dime, ‘to wait?’

Answered Penny, “We can set plates!”

‘But first, we need a table cloth!’

‘Check the closet with pretty moths!’

One batch. Two batch. Penny and Dime

Take a peak. See lemons and limes.

‘I like this cloth! Makes me thirsty!’

‘Set that before we drink first, see!’

‘But what if we spill some, Penny?’

‘Then I’ll wash it like Aunt Lenny!’

One batch. Two batch. Penny and Dime

Set the table, and then play mimes.

‘Guess what I am,’ Penny asked Dime.

‘I don’t know. No good playing mimes!’

Dime said, ‘What ‘bout hide ‘n go seek?’

‘Can’t leave. But stay and take a peak!’

One batch. Two batch. Penny and Dime.

Ding! ‘Hey, look at the oven!’ ‘It’s time!’

Penny’s flakes were toasty and black.

Dime’s fish were goopy, sticky. ‘Ack!’

‘What’s wrong with our oven, Penny?’

‘Don’t know! Let’s ask Papa Benny!’

One batch. Two batch. Penny and Dime

Ask Papa Ben. ‘One at a time!’

‘You first set it to bake, Penny.

Then Dime changed it,’ said Benny.

‘First it was right, then it got hot.

But enough for fish, it was not.’

One batch. Two batch. Penny and Dime

Take turns baking. One at a time.”

To say that Daring Do was surprised by the spectacle would be underselling it by a lot. There sat a tall, dark, rough and grim mercenary of a stallion sitting down and rocking the little princess to a cozy, deep, peaceful sleep. He only stayed still, and quiet throughout when he finished his storytelling. And at that, the tan Pegasus decided to make her way outside.

“Wait,” grunted the freed Unicorn, “You’re not leaving me with him, are you? And that other one outside?”

“Just follow their lead, and keep quiet,” she whispered back, “The less attention we gain here, the better. I’m going to check on the perimeter for a bit. Hang tight.”

Making her way back out the tunnel entrance, Daring found the blind Crystal Pony standing totally still, until he tilted his head with a flick of the ears. She decided to just stand a good few trots nearby, and stretched her wings to make ready for her overwatch.

“You should stay,” she heard Daredevil speak plainly, “Midnight Rider at least needs someone he can fully trust with Shining.”

“What, unlike some other ponies in this group? And what’s up with all that back in there, anyway?” Knowing how well the guy’s hearing was, she figured the stallion caught on to her question.

“More to us than meets the eye, and let’s leave it at that.”

“I don’t think so,” scoffed Daring Do, “In the short time we’ve met, I figured you two to be a lot more than you make yourselves out to be. But on the simple side, you both want the same thing, right? Getting the foalnapped filly and her dad back home in the Crystal Empire, safe and sound. Why don’t you trust each other all the way? And don’t tell me it’s complicated, ‘cause I used to think that way myself. Believe me, you two can get things done a whole lot better, if you tried it out. Or, you can just make this harder on yourselves, or even worse for you than it already is.”

“For now,” he sighed in response, “just keep a lookout for the abductor. I’m heading back to meet up with those tracking us down to help. I’m sure it won’t take too long.”

Without another chance to argue, she saw him gallop deep into the woods from where she remembered they came. Puffing at her dark-palleted mane in annoyance, the mare sat and looked on of the direction the golden pony darted off. Hope I wasn’t that bad, before.

He figured that idiot would go off and pull a stunt like that. Like himself, putting his own life on the line without any back-up. Not that it ever surprised him much. It was just one of those things he both respected the hell out of and got ticked off about the guy. Having Safari wrap her shirt around the little tike before reviving the dad, he helped tending to the injuries in whatever fashion he could before taking off after Red.

And the way he just ran out on them all, giving little Safari the excuse of meeting with the others, that was his give-away bluff. Thankfully, she caught on too. Frank realized what that crazy, idealistic stallion was trying to pull, and it certainly would not work for him. Given his newfound ability to cover ground more quickly, Red should not have had a head start. Only, if he did not have to worry about the thick foliage from the treetops. So, he had to dart back and forth from the beaten trail, darting through tree and bush and keeping an eye out for anything he might have missed, or if Red gave him the slip. After fifty yards out or so, Castle then back-tracked over the hidden cave in case his reluctant partner decided to do the same. Turned out trusting his gut on that hunch was the right way to go, because he noticed the fresh tracks of two different beings. One was most likely Red’s new pony prints, but the others seemed jagged and uneven for any kind of horse, or even animal that he knew.

What the… Swack! Poom! The noises up ahead kept him on edge and ready for anything, as he made for higher ground and cover among the branches. Stealthily getting into position, he readied his crossbow. With nothing to get away from his notice, he scanned the area onward. Whish-whack-BAM! “Oof!”

Steadily he lifted his weapon to take aim, while slowly raising a thick branch with his wing. The sight below him only surprised him for a bit. But the battle Red found himself in kept him focused enough to take the shot when he had it. Just to debilitate it at one of its limbs.

Daredevil kept the tall, black thing back, while it showed long fangs and a snakelike tongue. It went for a hover with its insect wings to bring its body of riddled holes into the brush further back. The buzzing zipped from one place to the next, making it harder for the Punisher to get a lock on his target. Hopefully he could take out one of its wing, as soon as- Whoosh! HISSS!

The black thing dove right at the gold pony, pouncing on its prey in a blur that Red was barely able to block. Those fangs just missed his throat, as his front hooves held his stick against its neck. Next came a green glow brightly from the jagged horn it had, which then engulfed itself on Daredevil. The venomous teeth were now getting closer, and closer. When he saw how the thing somehow made itself stronger, or Red weaker by the second, Punisher decided to take his shot. Pew-pang!

A green bubble suddenly appeared to ricochet the arrow he fired, the thing’s green, slit eyes lifted to meet Frank’s own in time. With another green flash heading his way, Castle dove out of the tree to pull off an evasive maneuver.

That was more than enough to distract the monster, when Daredevil unscrewed the bottom cap of his stick to bring out his line of cable. Smacking it in the face from the other tip, he rolled over to the side then jumped up on top to start wrapping the wire around it. First muzzling its snakelike jaw, then leaping over it again to send out more line over, then under, then around all four punctured limbs. Gagging and hissing as it thrashed around wildly, but restrained, Daredevil stood over its head on his hind legs, pulling his stick up against its neck again. The bright glow from its horn flickered back on, until it was stopped by the sudden bang from Red’s helmet against it.

“You finally made it,” he grunted out.

“And what, let you plan a trap with your new pals to arrest me too? No, thanks.”

As he landed in front of the freakish piece of waste, the steel blue Pegasus made eye contact with it again.

“You think thisss iss over,” it snarled in a female, distorted voice, “Your preciousss princesses can ssend their minionsss to do their work. But no prisson cell, no dungeon, can keep me from essscaping! I, Queen Chrysaliss of the Changlingsss, will soon have my revenge! You will leave me an opening, and make another missstake, as you did leaving that Rider pony open for the switch during last night’s attack!”

“We could stop you from ever delivering anymore threats,” gritted Daredevil, tightening his grip, “End you right here, right now. But that’s not up to us to decide. Although, he might have other plans.”

Eyeing the gold stallion suspiciously, Frank heard the thing start to stammer. “Y-you-but you wouldn’t dare!”

“Like I said, I wouldn't. But that’s his call to make too, if he wants it. And this time, I won’t stop him. Maybe if I trusted him more, last night wouldn’t have turned out so badly. Maybe we wouldn’t have been locked up, so you could slip past security. Stop you in time. We’ll never know. But I do know I haven’t made things easier by going after him all the time. I’ll let him choose, instead of getting in the way, making things worse for everyone else in the process. What do you think, Punisher? Want to keep her down?”

"No! No, WAIT!"The thing met Castle’s copper eyes again, terrified and panicking under Red’s still-tightening chokehold. "Aszzz I told your friend. I-I-I know who took that pessky cup! Th-They offered it to me in exchange for Midnight Rider, after they ssummoned me with ssome other magical amulet. That'ss how I knew about him!"
It started to shake and squirm even more so, when Frank raised his crossbow to aim again. "Pleasssse, merccy! I know where to meet them! W-Where they thought I would make the deal and not double-crossss them!"
His flat, stern expression showed nothing but resolve in his face. He knew what to do. “One batch.”
The bug-like animal started to whimper at his stone-cold grunt. "Pleassse.

“Two batch.” It then shut its tearing eyes.

“Penny and Dime.” Click. Pew!

BAAAAAAAANG!

After suddenly screeching in shock and pain, the injured Chrysalis sent off a massive blaze from her horn before Matt could act. His whole body was sent flying and smashing against a tree trunk, distorting his hearing to the point of a screaming ache that pulsated his skull. Scrambling and shaking back onto all fours, he felt his way to the direction his stick blasted out of his hooves, a ring emanating in his ears for much longer than he would like. Grateful it was not as powerful as Frank’s siren used to trap him, nor even as long, he gradually regained his equilibrium. And before his hearing could fully dissipate the prolonging bell, he sensed the breeze against a large, insect wing as it brushed against the forest floor upon landing.

“You alright,” he called out.

“Nothing I haven’t shaken off before,” grunted Frank’s response, as his hooves stomped onto the ground to rise back up. “What you think happened?”

“Judging by…the lack of any trace here,” he panted back, “must’ve teleported out of the direct vicinity. After recognizing that energy signature from the castle earlier, it’s the same creature who took them. And given how she just strengthened herself taking my own energy somehow, she might do that to heal herself. No telling when we’ll meet up with her again, unless she wants to.”

“What? Thought I should’ve taken that shot? Not save that thing for more questions? ‘Cause last I checked, you still don’t want any killings.”

“I don’t,” shrugged the Crystal stallion, “Just wanted to know how you’re doing, since she got back up.”

“Hey,” Frank scoffed, “knew you and me both have gone through worse crap, see. And I didn’t exactly help out with that whole thing last night either, anyway. But Jesus, if I didn’t know any better I’d say you were possessed again, with all that talk of letting me off scot free.”

“Figured I should give you as good a chance to decide whether or not to be better. And, one more thing.” Whop! Catching the scent of liquid iron touching the grass from Frank’s busted snout, he huffed, “That’s for blasphemy.”

“Heh,” the Pegasus stallion chuckled, “Still the altar boy, huh Red?”

“And don’t forget it either, jarhead.” At that, both shared a genuine, heartfelt laugh between themselves for probably the very first time. And with that, they simply chose to sit down and fully catch their breathe, facing one another.

"I remember coming home early, after my second tour," huffed Frank, "I walk through the door hoping to make a big, surprise entrance for everybody, when I saw my wife catching Junior with crayons all over the wall. Like a little da Vinci, Michelangelo or whatnot, those soldiers colored all over. I took him by the arm and went outside and said, 'What's the matter with you? What were you thinking?' He looked me in the eye and said, 'I'm the man of the house when you're gone, and I wanted to be like you. 'Cause soldiers always keep home safe.' Huff, just one of those times I wish I could say that's exactly right, you know. Now someday that guy we rescued back there's going to deal with that exact, same thing with his little girl. You realize that sometimes, you just can't save them all, Red. No matter how hard you try. Even at home, see."

"But that doesn't stop us anyway, right?"

"Heh. Yeah, right. As if I'm worth saving." After hanging his head low for some time, Matt raised it back to pick up Frank's voice again. "That, uh, that cowgirl pony from earlier got me wondering. Did you actually try to break free that night? When I shot Dino?"

"She said I might've taken that chance. But I didn't. It was one of those moments when I was too weak to even stay the course. Like a sea-faring warrior. I took that easy path, instead of challenging myself to be better. But my priest told me that, despite my ill intentions, deliberately willing death on you no matter the ends, I was still spared of actually committing the mortal sin. So I guess that, to some degree, I should thank you for it. But what do any of you think?"

Following the place of the heartbeats he picked up were the brushing of leaves and thumping of hooves on the ground.

"Recon that's a tough'n for any of us to make," came Applejack's voice, "But I do know both ya's making some headway. As strange and rough's your friendship might be."

"We're not friends," the Pegasus marine grunted, "More colleagues than anything else."

"Just a step in the right direction, at best," shrugged the blind Crystal stallion. Though he could detect the smug glances she and Twilight Sparkle were sharing, as when they did when he sensed a blazing source of energy from their direction when they arrived shortly before. And with that, he picked up on Twilight's engulfed energy levitating his second baton to him after using it to trace his arcane signature. Given her lack of presence, he surmised Cadence was with her family and Rider, having soldiers secure the area.

"I'd say even more than that," Starlight Glimmer's tone beamed, "I mean, come on. When's the last time you two ever actually laughed together?"

"Don't push it, lady," said Castle. "Still doesn't make us buddy-buddies now."

"Agree to disagree," smugly spoke Daring Do. "Anyway, looks like some other ponies were in that cave before Chrysalis brought the Prince and filly in there with Midnight. So I'm guessing somepony got Clover the Clever's goblet first."

"That's consistent with what she told us before escaping," said Daredevil, "That they wanted to offer it to her for Midnight Rider."

"I would imagine Chrysalis had something special planned for a relic that could trace the state of a pony's heart and identity by the mark possessed," Twilight stated, "But now that it's in Horizon's grasp, that leads me to wonder what he could do with that, as well as the Alicorn Amulet, which he most likely had utilized to find it?"

"Nothing bright and cheerful is my guess," said Frank. "Speaking of which, Red. You really keeping that knock-off outfit you got? Maybe change the eyes at least, you know. 'Cause the whole black and primary color look you got going on is worse than the boxing getup I saw in the ne-" PYUUUUUUUR!

He could not even make out the cause of that rupture, much less figure out what exactly it was, except maybe a void into nothingness. He could pick up nothing but the sudden shock of sound that would have knocked him away, if not for it drawing everything towards it via powerful force of wind. Barely able to shake off the vibrations from that violent ring, Matt Murdock joint his batons and sent one wired end wrapping around a tree. Tightly he held onto it, as he picked up on the shift in air from the winged ponies.

Twilight grabbed a hold of Glimmer, as her wings pushed against the torrent gusts pushing them into the vast abyss from behind. Seeing little progress made, due to Twilight's developing prowess, Glimmer sent them closer with a poof that got them near Murdock. Frank Castle got a hold of Applejack while Daring Do were striving to fly away from it, themselves. As they struggled to make their way toward the anchored stallion.

"Come on," Matt shouted, as the Alicorn and Unicorn both reached for his outstretched hooves, his teeth firmly gripped onto the non-chuck. Both took hold of each one, as they looked back to find Castle getting nearer and giving Applejack over to them. But Daring Do was trailing even further away.

"You got to be kidding me," grunted the marine. Just then, he stopped flapping and allowed himself to be pulled back, then took off again when he was directly behind the struggling mare. "Got way less experience with these things than you, you know!"

"Not everypony's," panted Daring, "military trained like you! Don't worry...I'll make it!"

"Maybe! But, just in case..." Castle then hooked onto Daring's belt a grappling rope, as he fired a tethered arrow from his crossbow. Striking the tree with a thwunk, the arrow's rope tightened as it kept Daring Do from being pulled any more. But as he said, he had far less use of flying than any Pegasus, especially while also sharpshooting.

"FRANK," was all Matt could muffle through gritted teeth. He sensed the lack of air shift from Castle's wings, who broke his concentration in using them. Before he could think of a way to act, Daredevil could no longer hear the marine's heartbeat, as it was pulled into the gaping worm hole. And before anyone knew it, it closed, causing them all to collapse and hit the ground beneath them. Boom! "Oof!" "Oh!" "Ow." "Whoa, Nelly!"

"Nng. Frank."