It's been a bit since we've set out. Few days trekking across Equestria. We got a bit sidetracked yesterday because of a storm and it hasnt stopped yet. We've ducked into a small roadside inn for the night hoping the rain would let up. Innkeeper was nice, old but secretive. Told me barely anyone comes here anyways but they still do. Though I couldnt help but sit in my bed, looking at the moonlit rain drops cascading down the windows, remembering what had happened long ago during a storm. Thunder rolled and it startled me making me dart from my bed to my mothers. She woke right up as I started whimpering. "Daring? Daring honey what's wrong? Is my baby girl afraid of thunder?" She asked. I nodded. "It's okay... it wont hurt you... Just a loud sound." She sat up and hugged me. "....Come to mama... I'm here for ya... What's got you scared of the thunder? I dont remember my brave little girl being scared of thunder..."

I lied down next to my mother curling up tight. "...Y-You werent there when it happened... That's right..." I said softly. I saw the lightning flash and I held onto mother tight who even braced herself with me. A crack of thunder followed maybe five seconds after. Five miles away from being in the eye of the storm. I looked to my mother who knew what my worried look meant. She picked me up and walked with me over to the toilet for me to go. I did tell her I had that accident when my wings were molting. Worst embarrassment I've ever felt but she thought it was cute... I didnt correct her there. She did give me a little tease telling me I go out into wilderness to use trees and bushes as toilets and that I'm embarrassed about wetting the bed. Not everyone urinates where they sleep unless diapered and I havent touched diapers since I was... well...potty trained at five.... When I was done we went back to our beds and sat on mine looking out the window.

"What has happened that made you so scared Daring? Before my departure you'd be sleeping through the night... thunder or no thunder..." I whimpered a bit.

"This was after my birthday... Years after you left... Even after my little accident..." But this was even after Ahuizotl. Since Ahuizotl never let many see him other than his 'goons' that are survival specialists live with him and even go get supplies. One had actually come to us and asked us if we would accompany them in a camping trip. This was just after the gardeners death so we were still a tad grief stricken. None of us could even go into the room which we had converted shortly after. Ditzy thought it would've been haunted... I thought there was a nest of spiders there. Doctor always went in there for his studies. I wish I could've kept that home as a home because this would've been the best spot for my treasures and such. Didnt because we were forced from it when I started my book series. I left, then Ditzy and the doctor did. Though I didnt know until recently Ditzy married the doctor.

Where to begin though? I guess I was in our room just sitting on the bed reading Jade Singer's first ever book. She and I are great friends actually though... she only knows me through my pen name. I'm not gonna lie when I say that her books inspired me to write. I sat there on my bed flipping through the pages before hearing a knock at the door. "Daring? You in there?" I hear The Doctor ask.

I glanced up at the door from my book. "Come in Doc. Just doing a little reading here." I said. The door opened and in he came right to my bedside.

"Daring we have a visitor downstairs. Say's Ahuizotl sent him and he checks out and needs everyone downstairs. By the by a new shipment of epipens came in and I'm keeping some in my office and in case of emergency I'm also giving one to Ahuizotl when he's with us and I think I'm giving that to him soon."

"Considering the stallion he sent?" I glanced up at him after bookmarking my page. He nodded. "Considering he saved my flank from his own actions- which I still know is accidental- I guess he can have one if we ever do what we're doing." I grabbed my book and pinned it under my wings getting up from my bed.

"Good you still trust him. Could've sworn you were gonna turn around on him and say he actually tried to poison you."

"Well not everyone knows about my allergies. Cant blame them if I accidentally have a reaction."

I followed the Doctor outside my room and followed him downstairs where we saw Ditzy sipping on a juice box at the bottom of the stairs and a stallion dressed in military like fatigues I've seen some off duty guards wear. We got to the bottom of the stairs and sat down next to Ditzy who just leaned on me nuzzling me a bit. The stallion in front of us smiled. "Alright is that everyone Doc?" He asked.

The Doctor smiled back. "Yes sir. All accounted for." He said.

"Well my boss said there was another here but uh... We'll let him stay back and watch the house." Yeah... The gardener. I hugged Ditzy making sure she stayed strong. "But anyways my boss would like to invite you three to visit his campsite in the middle of Everfree forest for a training exercise in a survival situation. Food, water and tents will be provided but techniques on finding food and boiling water to purify it will be taught to those who wish to learn. Other than that this will be a standard camping trip. Personal effects may be brought, hygienic things are necessary and it is advised you bring something warm to wear. It's gonna be cold later tonight and there's a chance of rain over the net few days. Waterproof bags will be distributed for your things if you plan on bringing anything. It is unknown at the time if this rain will be harsh or light but in the event of a possible flash flood- which will be in the event of harsh rainy conditions- the exercise will be called off and all parties will be escorted home or to the nearest inn to get out of the rain."

Now at the time all I cared about was reading, relaxing and trying to figure out where I wanted to work so our fortune didnt dwindle as much. Was thinking librarian at the time since I loved reading so much. Though... it was more well deserved for the Princess in ponyville now... even though she got the place destroyed. Wasnt her fault. It's scary facing down a demonic centaur attacking you only to steal your cutie mark magic. Ditzy giggled a bit like Clear Cut wasnt mentioned. "Yays! Camping trips! I want smores!" She said.

The Doctor smiled brightly. "Gladly! Anything for an old friend!" He said. "Two for three and Daring has the pull to make it a full three for three!"

They all looked to me and I sighed a bit. "Fine... I'll go but I wanna stay reading my book." I replied taking my book from my back showing it to the stallion before us. "Hope Ahuizotl is alright with that."

The guard shrugged and huffed. "Alright now does anyone have any questions?" He asked. The Doctor raised his hoof like he was in class.

The stallion pointed to him. "Those tents we'd be staying in. Are they going to keep us dry in the event it does start raining while we sleep?" He asked.

"Tents are created from a thick and waterproof material to prevent tears, less than average temperatures and keep all creepy crawlies out. They're even raised up a few inches just to keep even small rodents crawling across the ground. First aid kits are on standby for injuries, allergy meds to keep severe reactions at bay until we get proper medical attention." The doctor looked at me.

"Good thing we've got your epi pens. No strawberries or south equestrian agave nectar for you." South Equestrian Agave Nectar. That was the plant I am severely allergic to. We had to narrow it down to the exact protein in it and it was hard to do because I didnt wanna get a needle test. Doc understood and just gave me the benefit of the doubt and just said it was the entire plant. I itch when I get touched with strawberries but the plant it comes from is alright. Still not touching it though.

"Anymore questions from the ladies?"

I looked to him. "What are the foods we're gonna have. As you heard I've got some allergies that get fairly severe." I said.

"Plenty of food including a lot of canned vegetables and fruits. Once we get there I'll separate everything that includes anything with strawberries or SE Agave Nectar." ...Yeah he actually said it like that. "Rations will be split evenly among everyone. And yes we will have stuff for smores!" Ditzy laughed clapping her hooves together. Didnt know if that were true or not at that time. "Now if there are no more questions we need to head out now. Gather everything you need and be back down here ASAP." We all nodded and Ditzy and I took off from our seats before heading to our room. Each of us grabbed a warm jacket. I had one that dad kept aside for when it was cold. Thick military style jacket. He always had an eye for the classics. Ran his kitchen just as tight as an army regiment. Even grabbed a small duffel for everyones stuff. My book, everyones toothbrushes and tooth paste and even a brush for mine and Ditzy's mane.

After a quick bite to eat we set out through Ponyville. I dont think I ever got a chance to properly say thank you to Ahui at this point because I remember looking all over the place for gifts and such for him. I've even contemplated getting him a machete but I say I've thanked him enough with companionship. It took us a while to go through Everfree. The stallion leading us slashed through bushes and brambles with a sugar cane machete. Cut through a palm frond- which I was surprised grew there- like butter. We did learn a few things along the way. Some poisonous plants, plants that are safe to eat, some berries that we could even eat. Red and Yellow kill a fellow but Purple and Blue are good for you. Heh... strawberries fit into that there rhyme. Also wild blueberries taste really good. After about forty five minutes of trekking through the forest we came on a campsite. Three large tents in a line, four other stallions working out what went where and even setting up a fire pit. One of the tents unzipped and out stepped Ahuizotl stretching in that weird cat way. Yes we know he was a cursed panther. Told us at this point in time. He smiled seeing us. "Ah welcome everyone! Welcome welcome! Glad you could join me!" He said.

I sighed a bit. "Thanks for the invite. Wasnt really planning anything but that changed real quick." I said hugging him. Ditzy hugged him next. She was wearing a pink hooded coat that made her look like a cute wall-eyed dragon and last but not least, The Doctor. He was wearing just a zip up weatherproof jacket. Thick enough to stay warm and keep water and wind from penetrating.

The Doctor laughed a bit as Ahuizotl went over and grabbed a bottle of water from a nearby crate. "Always good to learn something new." He said. "Who knows? Some of us might use it one day." Honestly this should've clicked with me. But no. I wanted to just read my book and kick back. "Ahui why dont you show us around? Give us a rundown on where things are and if needed where we should uh... go if needed." Ahui smiled.

"Well tents are right here, Center one is mine, one on the right is for my aides and the one on the left is for you three. Sleeping bags are provided. Latrine is anywhere outside the camp but make sure when you do go make sure to either bury it or use something nobody will walk through. I've been using a hole to the east." He pointed back from where we came but a little to the right. "Feel free to dig holes around mine. Each tent will be equipped with a lantern just in case of a late night call of nature." He pointed to our right. "Here we have food being portioned out." He pulled me in close. "And yes I told them of your allergies to South Equestrian Agave and strawberries. You'll have an alternate choice to choose from and for you we have canned tofu beans, some creamed corn, tomato soup and beats both diced and whole for vegetables and for fruits we have cups of apple sauce, mango chunks, pears, grape jam that I made myself and we've even picked up a loaf of bread and crackers. We have all the dried goods held inside of a moisture proof container inside the aides tent and if you ask nicely they might just make you a sandwich or two if you're hungry."

I wasnt really hungry but... something I did eat was making a resurgence. I buckled a bit and looked to Ahuizotl. "Yeah great but um... You wanna... take this stuff and give me something to clean with?" I asked. "...Something aint sitting right and I gotta go... NOW..." He gave me a slight smile and took my duffel with his tail hand and snapped with one of his other hands only to have an aide come running up to give me a roll of TP. I took it and booked it into the trees back from where we came. I went deep in there and... well... it was uncomfortable for me to go out in the open... especially a forest where- at the time- I was afraid something would just crawl up there. Yeah... I hated going to the bathroom in nature. Only because either the doctor or the nanny caught me in the forest after lunch 'watering the plants' as a little filly.

I didnt have time to dig a hole but I made sure it was nowhere someone would track some mud. Bush by a tree. Bramble covered bush too. I had rushed back after cleaning myself because I was actually pretty scared of what ever was in here... went back to camp and kinda felt bad. Just felt drained. I didnt know where Ditzy, The Doctor or Ahuizotl were but an aide came up. It's not important to tell them apart. Yes they are individuals, yes they all dress differently but i can never remember their names. The aide gave me a bottle of seltzer water. "Here drink this. Should settle your stomach." He said. "Do you need something in your stomach too? Might help if you eat something."

"Please?" He happily nodded and went for the food crates. "I'm gonna go... lie down for a bit." I went for my tent and climbed in laying down in the center of the tent. Nice little tent. Warm and cozy. I cracked open the bottle and sipped from it before capping it back up and setting it aside. The aide brought me food and I just spent how ever much time reading that book.

Back to today I couldnt bring myself to tell anymore of the story before I started slurring my words. The rain outside had calmed down to where the thunder didnt happen anymore. Rain still pelted the window though. My mother shushed me and lied me down in bed. "Daring sweetie we should at least try to go to bed..." She said. "...You've been up too long... we've got more to do tomorrow... faster we get to bed the more ground we cover..."

I whimpered a bit looking up at my mother. "...But..." I said. She huffed.

"Daring no buts. Bed time now. We can finish this story up tomorrow during breakfast." She covered me up before going back to her bed. I couldnt muster the strength to stay awake. Passed right out.

As I slept I found myself in the darkness. I felt like I was just adrift in the void nowhere to fly, no where to land. Though as I floated a cobblestone path formed under me and I landed upon it gently. I trotted along and just saw a park starting to form. Trees, benches and even a little play area. At that play area I saw Princess Luna and at her side was the two little foals I've come to know and love. Cilantro and Spearmint. Luna smiled as the two kids rushed off their swing set and hugged me. "Seems I dont have to make someone promise not to tell anypony.... I assume they already know your real identity?" Luna asked as I brought Spearmint onto my back.

I smiled at Luna. "Yeah... Found out when I was showing them my real home." I replied. I looked to Cilantro. "Speaking of which how are you two doing? Everyone being nice to you?"

Cilantro sighed. "Yeah but the teacher of our class just took my sisters toy you gave her." He said. I looked back at Spearmint who was just hiding her face.

"Spearmint? You got Mr. Bunbun taken away?"

The filly whimpered a bit. "...I... I didnt mean to..." She said. "...H-He was in my bags.... one of the others took him out and started playing with him and got him taken away... I tried telling the teacher it was mine but she didnt listen... my daddy wont even get him back for me.... Says I'm too old for that toy..." I huffed.

"Well your father needs to lighten up and learn nobody grows up that fast." I looked to Luna. "Perhaps you could contact Twilight in town to help get it back for her. Consider it a favor." The princess hummed as she took Spearmint in her magic bringing the filly onto her back now.

Spearmint just cuddled up to her. "I suppose I could have her help but... what if the teacher doesnt do anything?" She asked.

"Then we make something up, tell the father to be a father. Maybe do it as a wellfare check. Concerned citizen or what have you."

"Ah yes but... I've heard this father of theirs isnt the... kindest since their mother um... went to sleep... perhaps someone should look into things... I can volunteer for that if you wish." I hummed a bit pacing in the sandbox housing the playtime instruments.

"Seems like a good idea but... use it only as a last resort." She smiled.

"Right. Do you wanna say a few words before I send these two back to sleep?" I nodded as Cilantro and Spearmint came to my side.

I looked to them and just smiled warmly to them. "Are you gonna be by to visit Daring?" Cilantro asked.

I nodded and pulled them both in for a hug. "Yes I will but right now I'm out of town at the moment." I said. "But... I have a favor to ask both of you... My niece Dinky is going through a tough time right now since her mother is very sick. What I want you to do is be there for Dinky. She's very worried for her mother just as I am. You can do that for me right?"

Spearmint wiped her eyes a bit still feeling bad that she lost the toy that I gave her... Hope that little shit who took it from her and got it taken away got grounded... "Y-Yes ma'am..." She said hesitantly. I focused on her.

"Spearmint dont you worry... I'm not mad.... not even the slightest." I said releasing her brother. "You're a big girl right now but you have to stay strong without Mr. Bunbun until you get him back. Alright?"

"...O-Okay..."

"Good... Now go see Princess Luna so she can send you back. I'll be sure to contact you as soon as I come back to town. Promise."

"Super duper sibling promise?" I couldnt help but chuckle a bit rolling my eyes.

"Super duper sibling promise. You just give it your all and I'll be checking up on you and Mr. Bunbun." She couldnt help but just hug me happily. It lasted for a good moment before she joined her brother at Princess Luna's side. Though... my emotions left me as they faded away leaving only Luna before me.

Princess Luna walked over to me as I just hung my head. "Art thou sad that thine foal friends are gone?" She asked. I shook my head. "What is the matter then Daring?" I sighed as she sat next to me.

"...I'm just... I'm very worried about my sister... that and it was raining here... brought some bad memories..."

"Oh... My apologies... seems troublesome when rain brings something like that around... Perhaps I ask what this memory is?" I stayed silent. Just dug my head into her chest. "Ah... I see... Something very sensitive... Have you told anyone about it?"

"My mother... She knows but... I couldnt finish telling it to her before I passed out." The Princess rested a wing on my back.

"Hopefully it's not another bedwetting story." I blushed looking up at her. "Dont worry. Just because I picked your brains while you were dreaming the other night doesnt mean I'll tell all your little secrets. But just know a time or two Celestia called me into her room to help her change her sheets because of one of my pets scurried into her room and found itself on her pillow. Scared her outright and lets just say my little pet became no more of a nuisance to her or you... and certainly not to our General. He despises those things!" I laughed a bit.

"Seems your general and I have much in common."

"Yes he is one to scream even seeing the littlest of spiders but he does enjoy your books. Perhaps I can ask a favor you sign a few for him?" I shrugged.

"Why not? Seems like a fair trade as a favor to me. As long as I know where that little bunny is I'm content."

"Well... Perhaps I can talk to Rarity and see if she can take a special order for a replica of said toy you gave to little Spearmint. She seemed quite fond of it. Yours from when you were her age?"

"And Ditzy's. I gave it to her after she had her little accident that made her look the way she does." I hung my head again. "...I was kind of surprised to find that toy under my bed when I gave it to Spearmint... she seemed so happy getting it... reminded me of... well... me..." I blushed a bit smiling. Luna smiled and laughed a bit.

"Ah yes... Perhaps you could do something for me not as a favor but.... maybe an order if you're willing to take it?"

"As if I have a choice... what is it Princess?" I looked to her curiously.

"I want you to follow your own word. Follow the things you said for Spearmint to follow. To be strong for your sister. Knowing if she was at your side seeing you scared of the thunder she'd want to hug you and lay with you in bed to keep you safe. Make your memories your 'Mr. Bunbun.'" She kinda snickered a bit at the mention of my beloved companion. I let it slide because I went deep in thought. I've done fine without him for a long time... yet the thought of a replica of him sat in my mind. I didnt tell her this but I have trouble sleeping in my own home at times. Sometimes its because I stay up late writing my last book, other times its because ... Well I'm not sure... one is definitely the storms that come around rarely. "Daring? Little lost in there?" Luna startled me causing me to jump a bit. I looked to her and smiled.

"Yeah... I guess I can do that... If she can be brave without Mr. Bunbun... I can too!" Luna smiled brightly.

"Good. Now wake up and get back to your story but be strong about it."

I nodded and hugged the Princess. She hugged back before I felt her fade away. When I awoke I was alone in bed and tired but nothing a little stretching couldnt fix. Woke me up a bit and I hit the bathroom to fix my mane, my wings and my tail before heading out. I found my mother in a dining room downstairs. Nothing special. Decor looked like it was made with tools and hoofwork, around four tables, eight chairs and not much else. Mother was sitting at one of the tables enjoying a cup of tea with a cup even set out for me. Mother looked up at me and smiled. "There you are sleepy head! You sleep okay sweetums? No accidents if I go back in there?" She asked. I blushed hard. She giggled. "Kidding kidding! I'm just joking so just sit down and drink some tea. We can rest but not for long!"

I sat down and poured myself some tea. Hot brown liquid poured from the spout and... It seemed... Off. I looked to mother. "Mother... What kind of tea is this?" I asked. She sighed as she set her cup down.

"It's a special blend. Foal Mountain Frozen leaf warm tea, sweetened with a south Equestrian..." She stopped herself.

"...I'm gonna get coffee before you lose two daughters..." I nudged the cup away from me and got up. I looked around for a moment trying to pinpoint a kitchen or small cart with coffee stuff on it. There was a door just to the right of where I came in. I went right for it and just huffed. I didnt think this was intentional with my mother trying to poison me. Then again... She only knows my strawberry allergy. At least I think she knows about the agave allergy.

The old mare was in the kitchen making pancakes. She looked up and noticed me. "Good morning miss!" She said. This old mare had her grey mane, cyan coat and her cutie mark was a tidy looking home from the outside. "Did you come to make a request?" I nodded.

"Yeah um... You see... That tea that was made for my mother has South Equestrian Agave in it and I'm deathly allergic to it. Perhaps I could get a cup of coffee or something please?" The mare nodded.

"But of course dear! I'll even bring out some jam and toast."

"Grape jam if you will. Strawberries are an allergy too."

The mare nodded and I went back out to my mother sitting with her once more. She looked to me as she set down her cup. "So uh... You okay to continue that story at all?" She asked. "Do you even remember where you left off?"

I nodded and just tried remembering where we did leave off. Last thing I remember I was laying down due to a stomach ache. I was deep into my book. At this point I was snacking on dried fruit chips and that seltzer water. The book was entrancing me, word for word, letter for letter and all that punctuation in between. I admit i felt a little better getting something into my stomach. After about fifteen minutes or so of reading Ahuizotl and the others came back to camp. "And that's actually one of the most dangerous plants that grows here!" I hear Ahui say.

I heard the doctor huff. "I dont know how you memorize all these crazy dangerous flora!" He said. "I can barely memorize what experiments I've completed and ones I've abandoned." There was silence for a moment. "Excuse me but has the other mare that was with us returned yet?"

Again I heard nothing. "Yeah she went and lied down with a few snacks." I heard an aide tell him. "Seemed alright and didnt look sick but did she eat anything before coming out here?"

"I'm sure she ate something. Sandwich i think." At this point I blushed because my appetite had gone down and I neglected to say I didnt eat much of that sandwich he made me. Daisy sandwich, rest thrown away after I ate half. Night before was a bowl of soup and I may have spiked it with pepper sauce. I do like my food spicy at times.

"Well the way she ran made it seem like something else ran too. If I were you I'd let her relax for awhile longer and regather her strength."

"At least let me check on her and make sure she's alright. She's pretty much under my care at home anyways."

"Feel free but i'd let her relax." I rolled my eyes hearing hooves trot closer before the tent unzipped and the doctor hopped in. He smiled as I popped another chip into my mouth.

"Feeling better at all Daring?"

I nodded. "Yeah... Wasnt expecting all that..." I replied swallowing the chip and popping another into my mouth.

"Well it sounds like we either need to change your diet or something. Tell me did it burn a bit when you went? Was it solid? Could you go back and bring me back a sample?"

"Doc... I'm fine... just leave me be please!"

"Now Daring I have to determine if being out here is going to be alright for you! It's cold and the rain is on its way so I gotta know if-"

"Doc... I'm FINE! Just dont worry about me! I'm a big girl I can handle myself!" He huffed.

"Well... okay but... if you start sniffling and sneezing I'm taking you straight home and putting you in bed!"

"You're not gonna hear much from me if you leave this tent and me alone! Please? I just want to relax!" He just looked at me in silence, then sighed.

"Alright I'll leave you to it but I do expect you to be out here roasting marshmallows with your sister! I've even made sure these ones didnt include that agave!" Yeah not many things I eat do but he has the need to check everything considering my recent allergy attack at this point. Even thinks I'm gonna find something like that to off myself with he was just that paranoid! I watched as he stepped out of the tent and closed it up a bit.

I ended up closing that book right up before setting the chips and my seltzer aside before climbing into my bag to nap for a bit. I could hear everyone talking outside though. I heard Ditzy sigh. "Sissy Daring okay?" She asked. The doctor sighed.

"Yeah she's fine... just a bit uncomfortable but she's eating. I'd just stay away for now and let her rest."

I heard someone unzip another tent. "Well if anyone wants it my tent is open for a nap if anyone needs it." Ahuizotl said. "It didnt seem like Daring is willing to share at the moment."

"We can sleep later. I'm just wanting to keep going with exploration around camp. See if I cant find anything to study while I'm here."

"Ditzy are you alright to still walk around? Or would you wish to rest here and have a snack?"

I could hear Ditzy laugh which made me smile a bit. "Snacks please!" I heard her say. She was always such a hungry one Ditzy... Ate just about anything the doctor put in front of her. At least she didnt eat anything bad... at least from what I knew.

"I do suppose it's time for lunch anyways. Come now lets eat. You too Doctor!"

There I heard nothing but silence until about an hour later. Rustling of bushes and a low growl. "TIGER!" I heard one of the aides yell out and I just got up faster than anything. I unzipped the tent flap and there it was creeping into the camp having his gaze affixed onto one of the aides who was cowering behind the bench covered in knocked over food stuffs. The other aides were trying to get around it to either run or attack it. One tried attacking it with a machete which it slashed at, knocking it out of the aides hoof having it fly and land towards the tent. I quickly grabbed it and stepped out charging at the large cat. I lopped its tail right off and bucked it. I was sure I was imagining this because I had drawn blood on a wild animal and bucked it. I was sure it would slash back at me but... no... no it didnt. I turned back only to see it starting to run away, the tail still twitching and oozing blood on the ground and the blade that I held dripping with blood and... a tuft of its tail fur! I was shocked. I dropped the bloodied blade to the ground yet still acted like I held it as the aides cheered. The targeted aide grabbed a hold of me hugging me while the others started securing the perimeter.

I collapsed onto him feeling very weak from knowing i hurt an animal. Only reason I felt this way was because when Ditzy and I were younger I accidentally stepped on a baby bird that fell from a nest and it died. I was so distraught I'd vow to at least help the creatures of the forest and woodlands. Either that or leave them be. The aides had sat me down by the fire and gave me my seltzer and such and just calmed me down. I just stared at the fire, the crackling colors and burning embers just hypnotizing me. I only snapped out of it when I heard one of the other aides call out. "They're back!" They said. I looked up to see Ahuizotl coming back with Ditzy and The Doctor behind them all of which were carrying leaves with wild fruits. Some of which I didnt know grew in Everfree at the time. Twilight told me this was all some magical creatures doing. One I'm apparently glad I missed. Anyways the one aide stayed at my side as the others mobbed the trio, taking their fruits and distributing them in the basket. One stuck around long enough to tell them what had happened.

I could see Ahuizotl eye me before looking to Ditzy (who I'm glad wasnt paying attention) and the doctor who just had this scared look on his face and telling them something. I was still listening to the fire crackle. Ahuizotl then looked back to me and came right over trading places with the aide. "Daring honey it's okay... you're safe and you've saved someones life!" He said. "Just breathe... You're alright... that mean ol' kitty is gone..." I leaned into him as tears came to my eyes. He just shushed me as I sobbed softly. "It's okay... you're not in trouble.... it's okay...." He shushed me more.

I sniffled and wiped my eyes. "...I... I didnt mean it... I... I dont know why i did that..." I said.

"You're still not in any trouble... its your fight or flight response. Your brain told you to fight instead of run. You saved one of my aides and this camping trip." He brought me onto his lap. "Would you like to learn how to set up some rope traps just to keep unwanted predators out? Dont wanna wake up to something like that now do we?" I shook my head. "Alright i'll give you time to calm down and go check on the Doctor.... Just to let you know he actually told me he might take you home earlier than planned. I'll tell him you were just scared to see someone die so you stepped in. He might say something but he can change his mind."

Yet... I didnt know what to say after that. Ditzy came and sat with me thinking I was just still feeling icky but it helped calm me down, a bit after Ahui taught me to hook up a rope snare. It's confusing when you know it doesnt work like it does in the comic books. There its just a rope and done. In reality you have to find a tree for a lever, set up a tripwire, make sure you have strong material- we used some reeds from a creek that was a bit outside the camp. Babbling brook made it a calming sound but worse for bathroom needs. I had to go into a nearby bush and go though i feel the Seltzer was more of a cause to that. Anywho after we set our snares up- with chimes made from empty cans- the doctor took me aside. "Daring are you CRAZY?!" He asked as we walked outside the camp. "You could've gotten yourself killed! All it could've taken was one quick slash at your throat and neither me or Ahuizotl's help could've saved you! You'd've been meeting your father up at the pearly gates and I'd be taking Ditzy back home and telling her the fortune would be all hers!"

I huffed. "Well what else was I supposed to do? Let you come back with a tiger feasting upon another pony it just mauled to death?" I asked. "If not him then it could've been you or Ditzy! I know it could've been me too yes but from where I sat it was distracted long enough for me to just..." I stopped myself. "...well... it started running but not with its tail between its legs..." I gave a nervous laugh and looked to the doctor smiling, trying to act if I was alright. I was but... still disturbed with my own actions. He sighed.

"Look... I'll let this go since nobody got hurt. But next time you need to be more careful! I dont wanna see your sister cry again after losing someone else she loves. She's lost so much already and it hurts too much to see a sweet girl like her cry!" I hung my head. Ditzy's name rang in my head and all the tears I remember could fill up a river or a small pond.

"Doc... You can worry about me all you want but I'm not a little girl anymore. Yes I know I could move out, do what I please but I love you guys too much to leave you. Whether it be moving out or... the other way... Just breathe a little and lighten up on the leash. For me... Please?" The Doctor stopped looked me up and down sighing.

"I'll think about this... but I still want you to refrain from trying to dine with the fauna of the forest. Agreed?"

"I agree Doc. Can we go back to camp now please?" He smiled and nodded and we hurried back to camp. That night we had our food, marshmallows and such for desert and we just couldnt help but sit by the fire.

Though we didnt enjoy the fire long. As we did it started raining. Ahuizotl stood up as the aides started putting the food crates into the tents, most going into Ahuizotl's tent. He had a big enough one for a few of us. I ate my marshmallows raw while Ditzy just got all sticky with smores, melting chocolate and graham cracker crumbs. I'm gonna admit it was the cutest thing seeing her laugh while the doctor was trying to wipe her face off. "Alright everyone considering we have rain now we might need to turn in early!" Ahuizotl said. "I do advise everyone to use the latrine before going to bed. Lanterns are in your tents and there are ear plugs that are going to be distributed if the rain gets too loud for some of you." The Doctor, Ditzy and I nodded. I went first and i went fast. Doctor next but Ditzy didnt. Didnt seem like she had to go and usually when she didnt she actually didnt. And yes that means we had to remind her at points because her memory got that bad at times. She's fine most of the time with that though.

We climbed into our tent and dried off with towels that Ahui gave us before it rained. Just in time too. We all dried off and retired to our sleeping bags. The rain was light for most of the night and we slept soundly through it. Well most of us did anyways. Sometime a few hours later Ditzy got up from her sleeping bag and walked right over me, nudging me with her hoof. I woke up only to see nothing but darkness. I'm only assuming she nudged the doctor too. "Doc? Wake up! I gotsa go potty!" She said.

The Doctor yawned. "Ditz... just.... put on your rain coat and go fast... I'll be here when you get back..." He said. I just heard Ditzy whimpering a bit as she walked over to the tent flap, struggled with the zipper and just opened it up before going out, closing it behind her. I slept more after that but... it was interrupted with a big heart attack. That and a stunning hoof to the chest.

"Daring! Daring wake up!" The doctor said poking me in the chest.

My eyes snapped open and I could see him in the dim lighting of the lantern. "Doc...? What's the big deal?" I asked now over the pouring rain I heard. "I was asleep..."

"I know but we have a huge problem!" He glanced over to where Ditzy slept. I looked over there too and... she wasnt there... flat sleeping bag. "Ditzy never came back from going to the bathroom! You gotta wake up one of the others to go find her!"

"YOU DIDNT WAKE THEM FIRST?!" This just sent me into a panic. I got out of my sleeping bag pushing the doctor off just pacing back and forth, my breath being unsteady. It took a few tries for the doctor to grab me but when he did he held me tight.

"DARING!" He snapped. "Calm down."

"YOU FUCKING CALM DOWN!" And this? He actually slapped me. Yes. He slapped me. Right to left, across my face. I just looked to him shocked that he would do that.

"DARING LISTEN! I'm sorry I had to do that but you left me no choice! I didnt want to do this in all my years of taking care of you. But this is something I cant look past is losing Ditzy! You need to go find her NOW!" Tears came to my eyes as I held my cheek.

"But... I thought you didnt want me to be the hero."

"I know what I said but you need to do this! You're the only one who knows where to go! Your cutie mark says so! Ditzy could've wandered so far by now and she could be somewhere and hurt! Wake someone up, get out there AND SAVE YOUR SISTER!" I didnt say anything. Just nodded and gathered my things. Jacket and the lantern before opening the tent flap and hopping out into the heavy rain and mud. The fire we once had now lie in a puddle. I thought as fast as I could and went to Ahuizotls tent not even giving the courtesy of a knock just opening it and hopping in. Ahuizotl looked peaceful sleeping the way he was. Even had a little battery powered night light but you didnt hear it from me. He was all curled up in his cat like ways. I charged him getting my muddy hooves all over him.

"WAKE UP! AHUIZOTL WAKE UP PLEASE!" He swatted at me with his weird paw hands. "AHUI PLEASE! WAKE UP!" I turned around and bucked him causing him to groan loudly and wheeze standing up.

The now pissed off and tired panther just looked at me, rubbing his chest where I bucked. "Daring! What the hell are you doing?!" He asked. "What has gotten into you?!"

"Ahui I'm sorry I need your help REALLY badly right now! Ditzy went to the bathroom long ago and she hasnt come back yet. With you we can cover more ground to help look for her!" He huffed getting up.

"Give me a moment to get my stuff ready and we'll head out. Just breathe. You're a bit too worked up but... well for good reasons." He stretched, cleaned the mud off him and he grabbed his coat.

When we got outside he and I started running in opposite directions to cover more ground. I went to the right, he went left and we just started running. All I heard around me was just heavy rains pelting my mane, face, the ground, the canopies above and my own screams for my sister. I doubt they went far because of the noise. I sent yell after yell for my sister out into the frigid moist air. Thunder rolled above but I didnt even see any lightning. Tree canopy was that thick. I felt like I ran a long way. Either that or I've been encircling the camp. Well... I actually ran a while. Remember the creek? Yeah. Havent run into that yet. I kept running until I came upon a large brick structure. And what made me worry? I saw Ditzy's rain coat on the ground. I grabbed it but before I could look more a flash of lightning and thunder struck something on top of this structure which sent sparks and debris tumbling to the ground forcing me to take cover inside. I found a door and ducked inside holding the door shut behind me. I was soaked but this place seemed dry from where I was. I set the lantern down and looked at Ditzy's muddy coat in my arms... I hugged it tightly whimpering... thinking the worst. Well... That was until I thought I was going to die when something came barreling down the hallway before I just screamed, cowered and expected to feel claws or something tearing into me but... no... I felt a tight grip hug me with soft sobbing I only opened my eyes just to see a wet blonde mane covering my eyes. I pushed the entity away a bit only to see it was Ditzy! Oh I tackled her and hugged her rolling around on the dusty floor. We stopped amidst our crying just to comfort each other. "D-Daring! You came for me!" She said wiping her eyes.

I sniffled wiping my tired eyes on my sleeve. "Of course I did! You scared everyone half to death!" I snapped. "What happened? You went to the bathroom hours ago and never came back!" She coughed a bit sniffling.

"Well... When I went to go potty I... I got distracted by a big kitty and followed it. That's when I got scared and hid in here...."

"Without your jacket?"

"Well... it was warm in here so I took it off!" I huffed handing her her coat again.

"Here put it back on! We need to get back to camp so the doctor will stop worrying!" I coughed because I was still sobbing. After she put her jacket on we opened the door again.... yet at the worst time. Lightning and crashing thunder scared us back inside.... and I guess she didnt notice the wind sweeping rain inside and pooling on the floor below. Ignoring that we looked to each other. "Wanna find somewhere to sleep the rest of the night? Too dangerous out there...." She nodded and we started exploring deep into the ruins. I didnt realize this at the time but we were inside the old castle for Celestia and Luna. Years and years and years, way before even my great great grandmother (Yes my mother is old but not that old) this was where Princess Luna went crazy with power and turned into nightmare moon and tried to take everything from her sister.

We did end up getting back to the camp just to find Ahuizotl and the Doctor sleeping in the same tent, both looking very tired yet all the aides were working like they hadnt noticed anyone was gone. They helped us warm up after last night, gave us medicine because we actually got sick running around that storm. Later that day we ended up packing it up and heading home just to get soup in bed. Ditzy and I actually spent the night in the same bed because we were that scared. Back to today we had just left the inn with all our things. We paid the innkeeper- who insisted we didnt need to- and just went off on our way. My mother looked to me as we followed the muddy cobble path. "So you and Ditzy stayed the night in a dingy and dirty castle?" She asked. I nodded. "Ew! What about the spiders, the dust or even the animals that could've been in there!"

I sighed looking to mother as we came to a crossroads. "We found a clean looking blanket and used it to cover ourselves by making a makeshift tent in a corner." I said. "If there were spiders we were too tired to care. Same with the dust. But I was glad to have found Ditzy even if it meant spending the night in a bug filled, dust lung giving castle.... Also if it meant giving me terrors thinking Ditzy would go missing again and nearly die to something out there."

"And let me guess... that's what caused you to start your book series?"

"Yep." I looked out over the plains before us. "Ahuizotl came by to check on us, make sure we felt alright and suggested I come with him on some exotic adventures to find treasures. Some of those treasures were meant to signify the end of the world if brought to certain places but Doctor Calebrion will never get his hooves on them!"

"Good to see my little girl saving the world... Surprising to hear AK Yearling to even talk about her personal experiences at such an early age..." I laughed a bit nudging her with my wing. I sighed looking to the sky.

"Mother... I wish to apologize for the things I said at the start of this adventure... the stress of hearing you caused fathers death, Ditzy being sick... You coming back after so long of being nowhere near us... I wish this time was spent earlier and without the need for death..."

"I suppose but without me AK Yearling wouldnt have written her first books and Daring Do wouldnt be just a 'fictional character' so to speak."

"A fictional character talking to her dead mother. Sounds like another story I can write if I wish to get a variety in." We would've joked more but we were stopped by a magic scroll coming out of thin air. It scared my mother a bit causing her to back up.

"What is that?!" She asked as I picked it up. I glanced at her as I sat on the side of the road.

"I suppose it should be said now that we should nearly be done. I've been keeping in contact with someone who's been taking care of Ditzy in her current state. Princess Luna is aiding me, keeping me strong through this tough time and she gave me this to see how my sister was. All I do is read what it says, speak to it as if I were telling someone to write a letter and it sends it off to them."

"What does it say? Well? Open it!" I smiled shaking my head at my mother rushing me.

Though as I read my smile faded.

'Daring! It's the Doctor! We have a serious problem. I hope you're nearby that place to cure Ditzy because she just went into the hospital! I had to give Dinky to her friends sister to watch her for the night while I stay with Ditzy in the hospital. They're running tests on her and if this is what I remember from caring for your father that this is the last few days for her. I want you to hurry as fast as you can! Your sister can only last so long without that cure.'

...I dropped the letter just staring off into the distance, my hear pounding in my chest starting to sweat profusely. My mother held me upright and hugged me. "Daring! Daring honey you just lost all color! What happened?" She asked. I pushed her off and just took off my pack scrambling for my map. I grabbed it and lied it out on the ground in front of me. I drew an X over where we stayed the night before, a trail to where we stayed the next and the end goal circled just to the right of Manehattan. The only problem with taking a train- because my mother asked one morning before we headed out- is that if she were referring me by my real name and not 'Miss Yearling' someone would find out... And yes its hypocritical for many ponies already knowing my identity but i'd rather keep random ponies who arent friends to know and just mob me in the next book signing. Not like they do already. This was the safest way for me to do this and without putting my own life in danger. We were close.

I looked to my mother and huffed. "Mom. I hope you're willing to hoof it for a while because we have only so long for Ditzy." I said. I could see her eyes widen and all the color drain from her as she saw in mine. I quickly put my map away and grabbed the piece of magical paper. "Doctor please do EVERYTHING with your might to keep Ditzy going. I hope you have someone good keeping Dinky distracted with what's going on. We're so close to achieving our goal. Just try to hang out a little longer. You get on making sure my sister stays as healthy as she can. I promise when we're done we're gonna have a family reunion!" I looked to my mother as the words appeared and I just tore it setting it ablaze with my own hooves. It burnt up fast before the smoke was carried in the wind.

"The Doctor? HE's caring for Ditzy? How is he still alive?!"

"I'll explain along the way! Just hurry!" And with that we grabbed our things and we were off again.

To Be Continued.

Author's Note

This chapter was WAAAAY longer than it needed to be but I'm gonna start to think about what's going next. Brainstorm mostly.