Generosity's Wakfu

Catrina found herself wandering through the bustling streets of the desert town she called home, going through one of her many wellness runs. The sun blazed overhead, casting harsh shadows on the sandy streets below, but the warmth of the townsfolk's smiles made the heat more than bearable.

"Good day, Mistress Catrina!" a merchant called out, bowing slightly as she passed.

"Tis a good day to you too, Rufus," the feline spoke as she made her way toward the male. "How go the sales?"

Rufus, a burly woof like beast with a weathered face and a kind smile, straightened up from his bow. "Sales are good, Mistress. The spices from the east are selling like hotcakes, and the new fabrics we received have been quite popular. Would you care for a look.”

Catrina shook her head sadly, but her smile remained warm. "Not today, Rufus. I have many things to see to, but I promise to come back as soon as I am free."

Rufus nodded, understanding. "Of course, Mistress. Your duties come first. I'll save some of the best for you."

“Save the best for those that need it.” The bipedal feline spoke. “I’ll take whatever is left when I return.”

Rufus's smile widened with appreciation. "As you wish, Mistress. Your generosity never ceases to amaze me."

Catrina gave him a gentle nod and continued her walk through the market. Each step she took reinforced her connection to the town and its people. She exchanged greetings with other merchants, offered kind words to children playing in the streets, and took a moment to admire the blacksmith's latest creations.

Her wellness runs were not just about her own health, but about ensuring the well-being of her community. It was her way of staying in touch with the pulse of the town, understanding their needs, and showing her unwavering support.

As she made her way to the town's central plaza, the large fountain stood as a testament to their shared prosperity. She paused by the fountain, feeling its cool mist on her fur, and took a moment to reflect on the journey ahead. The search for the remaining Dofus Eggs was crucial, but so was maintaining the harmony and prosperity of her town.

"Mistress,”

The feline ruler perked at the sound of the voice, her head turning ever so slightly to find Ace kneeling before her, the diamond dog have stolen to her side like a thief in the night.

“Ace,” She spoke, smiling softly. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your company.”

The diamond dog rose to his feet, his expression as stoic as ever as he addressed the feline. "I bring news," he said, his deep voice steady. "He…has returned.”

"He as in Rep I take it?" She asked, her tone edging on the verge of repulsion. At the nod from the diamond dog she sighed heavily. "I see...I take it he is asking for an audience with me already?"

Ace nodded, his expression betraying a hint of distaste. "Indeed. He says he comes baring news.”

"Would he not tell you said news?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.

"He most adamantly demanded to tell you himself. Hence why he is requesting an audience." The diamond dog answered.

Catrina’s gaze hardened slightly, a flicker of annoyance crossing her features. “Of course he would,” she murmured, more to herself than to Ace. She knew Rep too well; he thrived on dramatics and preferred to keep others on edge.

She sighed, the weight of the situation settling over her. “Very well,” she said finally. “I suppose we should see what he has to say. I’ll meet with him in the council chamber. Have the guards ready, just in case.”

"As you wish, Mistress," Ace replied, bowing slightly before turning to leave. He paused and looked back at her. "Be careful, Catrina. You know how he is."

"I know, Ace," she said softly, a smile gracing her lips. "But we need his information. I will tread carefully."

With that, he turned and headed off to fetch Rep, leaving Catrina by the fountain. She took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for whatever news he might bring. The search for the Dofus Eggs was growing more complicated by the day, and she needed to stay sharp.

As she made her way to the council chamber, the townsfolk continued to greet her warmly, their smiles giving her the strength she needed. No matter what challenges lay ahead, she was determined to protect her people and secure their future.

Reaching the chamber, she took a moment to compose herself before stepping inside. The room was dimly lit, the air thick with anticipation. Moments later, the doors opened, and Ace entered with Rep following close behind, his eyes gleaming with whatever news he carried.

“Well if it isn’t your High and Mighty Highness.” The lizard hissed.

Catrina's eyes narrowed slightly at Rep's greeting, her demeanor remaining calm and composed despite the lizard's insolence. "Rep," she responded coolly, her voice carrying an undertone of authority. "If you're here to waste my time with pleasantries, then you've made a grave mistake."

Rep chuckled, his forked tongue flicking out as he savored her reaction. "Always straight to the point, Catrina. That's what I like about you."

The lizardkintook a step forward, his grin widening as if he intended to close the distance between them, but before he could move any closer, the cold steel of a blade pressed against his neck. The sharp edge glinted in the dim light of the chamber, and a soft, menacing growl emanated from Ace, who had moved with lightning speed to place himself between his mistriss and the lizard.

Rep’s eyes flickered with surprise, and then annoyance, as he felt the blade's sharpness against his scales. "Call off your attack dog, Cat," he hissed, his tone losing some of its earlier bravado, though he did keep the wicked grin.

Catrina didn't move, her expression unreadable as she looked between Ace and Rep. After a tense moment, she spoke calmly, her voice laced with authority. "Ace, lower your weapon."

Ace hesitated for just a fraction of a second before he complied, stepping back slightly but keeping his gaze locked on Rep, his eyes warning him not to make another foolish move.

Rep straightened up, rubbing his neck where the blade had pressed moments before. "You really do know how to keep things interesting," he muttered, a flicker of unease in his eyes despite his attempt to sound nonchalant.

Catrina remained composed, her voice cold as she addressed him. "Don't forget, Rep, that your position here is tenuous at best. I tolerate your presence because of the information you bring, not because I have any patience for your theatrics. So, unless you wish to feel that blade again, I suggest you focus on why you're here."

Rep forced a grin, his bravado returning as he tried to shake off the lingering tension. "Point taken, Catrina. Let's not waste any more time, then. I've got something you’ll want to hear."

Catrina remained composed, her eyes steady as she met his gaze. "If you have information, speak."

The lizardkin's smile faded slightly, replaced by a cold glint in his eyes. "Its equal parts good and bad news if you want to know. That old ruin that appeared some time ago you see. It did indeed hold a Dofus egg, just like you thought.” Rep's frown deepened as he looked away, his arms folding across his chest as he grumbled, clearly angry. "Had a few losers lead me though the systems. Made it all the way to the end too...." He trailed off, his frustration evident.

Catrina raised an eyebrow, clearly seeing he was angry. "And?”

Rep's gaze snapped back to hers, his expression a mix of anger and reluctance as he slammed his hand on the table before him. "I found the egg. It was right in the palm of my claws…but…that…daughter of a—" He stopped, seething. "She snatched it right from under my nose!”

Catrina's eyes narrowed, her mind racing. "Who is she? Describe her."

The lizardkin took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. "A pegasus, quick and clever."

"Cleverer than you?" the feline snarked.

Rep's eyes flashed with anger, but he forced a smile. "Apparently so, in this instance. She was smart, unlike half the gits I’m used to."

The feline paused before looking at the lizard with a side eye. “Tell me what happened.”

The male lizard kin frowned. “Humh…it was going well at first. I managed to find someone with a bit of book smarts to lead…after a little…coxing of course."

~~~

The ancient stones of the temple walls whispered tales of old as the harsh sound of boots against the cold, moss-covered floor echoed through the winding corridors. The air was thick with the scent of decay and forgotten histories, clinging to every breath taken within these aged halls.

Suddenly, a pained whinny broke the silence. A pony, disheveled and weary, stumbled forward, pushed harshly from behind. His eyes darted around, searching for an escape, but there was none to be found. Behind him, an imposing figure loomed—a Lizardkin, towering and menacing, his scales glistening under the dim light that filtered through the cracks in the ceiling.

"Move, pony," the Lizardkin growled, his voice a low, rumbling hiss that sent shivers down the pony's spine. His tail flicked impatiently, and his eyes, cold and unyielding, bore into the pony's soul. "We don't have all day. Unless…you want to end up like the rest of your little crew of halfwits."

The pony’s breath hitched as he glanced back at the Lizardkin, fear evident in his wide eyes. His hooves clattered on the stone floor as he took another shaky step forward, the weight of the threat hanging heavy over him.

The Lizardkin's presence was a constant, oppressive weight. He stood tall, his muscular frame cutting an imposing figure against the backdrop of the ancient ruins. His scales were a deep emerald green, and his eyes glowed with a fierce intelligence, betraying no hint of mercy. In one hand, he carried a jagged blade, its edge glinting menacingly.

It wouldn't be long before the pair found the inner chamber, the stallion gasping as he took in the sight before him. The room was vast, its high ceilings lost in shadow, with walls adorned with faded murals depicting ancient battles and forgotten legends, as well as creatures he had never seen before in his life. In the center of the chamber stood an ancient pedestal, and atop it rested the an object not unlike an egg, its surface shimmering with a faint, magical light that seemed to pulsate with a life of its own.

“What…is that?” The pony asked

before being roughly pushed to his knees by the relentless Lizardkin.

The Lizardkin sneered, his forked tongue flicking out between his sharp teeth as he towered over the trembling pony. "That, my unfortunate friend, is what we came for - a bloody chicken egg for all I care about. All the matters its what I’m after," he hissed, his eyes ablaze with greed and malice.

As the pony's eyes widened in awe and fear at the mystical object before him, the Lizardkin reached out a clawed hand towards the egg. But before he could grasp it, a sudden snap echoed through the chamber. He felt a rope-like object wrap around his claw, pulling him back and forcing him to tumble down the short stairway.

Dazed, the Lizardkin looked up to find a light gold or pale yellow-coated mare with a grayscale mane and tail. She stood confidently, tugging on the whip she had just used to thwart him, a smirk playing on her lips. Adjusting the hat that sat on her head, she quipped, "Looks like you took a tumble, scales."

The Lizardkin snarled, struggling to his feet as he . "Who are you?" he demanded, his eyes narrowing at the unexpected intruder.

The mare twirled her whip expertly, her gaze never leaving the Lizardkin. "Name's Daring Do. And that egg belongs in a museum, not in the claws of some greedy lizard who kills to get what he wants."

With a growl, the Lizardkin lunged at her, his jagged blade gleaming in the dim light. But Daring Do was quick, sidestepping his attack and using her whip to disarm him. The blade clattered to the floor, and the Lizardkin hissed in frustration.

The pony, still on his knees, watched in stunned silence as Daring Do deftly maneuvered around the Lizardkin, her movements fluid and precise. She landed a solid kick to his midsection, sending him sprawling once more.

“You…WORSE!” Rep growled and yelled as his body began to double in size, much to Daring’s and the nameless pony’s surprise. “You think you can make a fool of me! I’m bucking Rep the Ripper! And I’m going to end you!”

“I’ve heard that name before…” Daring mused, unfazed at his words. She looked the lizard up and down, a smirk forming on her face. "I thought you'd be taller, considering how infamous you are."

Rep's eyes blazed with fury as his transformation continued, his muscles bulging and his scales hardening. "You'll regret underestimating me, pegasus," he roared, his voice deeper and more menacing.

Daring Do adjusted her hat, her expression cool and confident. "We'll see about that, Rep. I've faced worse than you."

With a thunderous roar, Rep charged at Daring Do, his massive form barreling forward with terrifying speed. But Daring Do was ready. She leaped into the air, her wings flaring out to carry her above his reach. With a flick of her whip, she lashed out at his face, the crack of the whip echoing through the chamber.

Rep roared in pain, swiping at the air where Daring Do had been. She landed gracefully behind him, already planning her next move. The nameless pony watched in awe, barely able to comprehend the battle unfolding before him.

Daring Do darted around Rep, using her agility and speed to stay one step ahead of his attacks. She struck at his legs, his back, and his arms, each blow weakening his resolve. His anger grew with each failed attempt to catch her, his roars shaking the very walls of the temple.

"You can't keep this up forever, Rep," Daring Do taunted, her eyes glinting with determination. "Give up now, and maybe I'll let you slither away."

"Never!" Rep bellowed, lunging at her with renewed fury. But Daring Do was too quick. She dodged his attack, and with a powerful kick, sent him crashing into the pedestal that once held the Dofus Egg. The impact triggered a chain of events—the entire temple began to shake as if it was ready to collapse at any moment. At the same time, the Egg teetered on the edge, seconds away from plummeting into the abyss.

Daring's quick thinking saved the day. With a swift motion, she lashed her whip around the egg, pulling it back to safety just in time. All the Lizardkin could do as the rocks fell around him was watch in frustration.

Daring and the nameless pony fled the crumbling temple, the mare taking one last look back at Rep. With a smirk, she motioned a salute before disappearing into the darkness of the coredoor.

The lizardkinsnarled and cursed, his fury unmatched, but there was nothing he could do as the temple collapsed around him.

~~~

"I was able to slither out of the ruins, but by that time, that whorse was long gone, and with her, the egg," Rep growled, his frustration evident in every word. "Couldn't go back to the village either. Some armed guards seemed to have been tipped off—likely by that blasted mare—and they were searching the area."

Catrina listened intently, her expression thoughtful. "

"Really, Rep?" she said, shaking her head with a smirk. "That's the best lie you could come up with? A child's bedtime character from a book series beating you? You expect me to believe that Daring Do, of all ponies, swooped in and snatched the egg right out from under your nose?"

Rep bristled at her words, his pride wounded. "It’s the truth!" he snapped, his voice tinged with frustration. "I’m telling you, Catrina, she was real! That pegasus—Daring Do—she outsmarted me and took the egg. I wouldn’t make up something so ridiculous!"

Catrina’s amusement faded slightly as she scrutinized him, her eyes narrowing. "You must think me a fool, Rep, if you expect me to buy into that fantasy. Daring Do is a fictional character—a hero in stories told to foals. And now you’re telling me she’s the one who bested you?"

As she finished her skeptical retort, Ace, who had been standing quietly by the door, stepped forward, his deep voice cutting through the tension in the room. "She's real, Mistress."

Catrina turned to to the diamond dog, surprise flickering across her features. "What did you say?"

Ace met her gaze steadily. "Daring Do is real. I've heard rumors and whispers among the treasure hunters and adventurers. They speak of a pegasus who matches the description—courageous, resourceful, and always one step ahead. ."

Catrina’s eyes narrowed as she processed this new information. "And you didn’t think to mention this before?"

"She was never a threat until now, Mistress," Ace replied, his tone steady and measured. "From what I’d heard, she was far away, tangled up in some adventure in another country. I never thought she’d set hoof anywhere near here. I doubt she even knows the true significance of her stolen prize."

Catrina's expression shifted from skepticism to cold calculation as she absorbed Ace's words. "So, she’s meddling in something far bigger than she realizes," Catrina mused, her eyes narrowing. "That could work to our advantage. If she doesn't understand the full value of the egg, she might be more careless than usual."

"Exactly," Ace agreed. "She’s used to dealing with relics and artifacts, but the Dofus Egg is in a league of its own. It’s more than just an ancient trinket—it holds real power."

“Then we must do this carefully.” Catrina turned to Ace, her tone commanding yet measured. “Find out where she is going. If she is half as good as the books claim, just taking the egg won’t work. We need intel. Where she lives, where she works, her allies, her habits—everything. I trust you can handle that, my Ace.”

Ace nodded firmly, his expression serious. “I’ll gather every piece of information we can find on her. We’ll know her moves before she makes them.”

Catrina’s eyes gleamed with determination. “Good. This isn’t just about recovering the egg anymore. If Daring Do is truly meddling in our affairs, we need to ensure she doesn’t pose a threat to our plans ever again.”

Rep, who had been watching the exchange, saw an opportunity to redeem himself. “I can help too, Catrina. I know a few... unsavory types who might have crossed paths with her before. They’ll be more than happy to share what they know—for the right price, of course.”

Catrina considered his offer for a moment before nodding. “Very well, Rep. Assist Ace in gathering this information. But remember, no mistakes. I want every detail, and I want it quickly. She will rue the day she got in the way of my Utopia.”