Fantastic, Daring thought. Just fantastic. Tirac, the God of Destruction, had finally arisen to reclaim his land. She knew she should've suspected that old griffon healer of something. In her life, there's no such thing as crazy ponies or senile old coots, no, they always seers or Chosen Ones or once, an insane, pervert old pony turned out to be a retired secret agent of Celestia. She gave a nostalgic smile at that. He had his own, goofy charm, and had endeared himself to her. But he died a while back, a sad reminder of her own mortality. She figured she'd join him now. The artifact that released Tirac was ahead, and she was going to end this. She looked behind her at her merry band of misfits.
Derring, her dear older sister, looked smug as always, as she had successfully saved them all back at the last trap. Daring remembered all their conflicts, the harsh words, the competition. They had finally mended the bridge after the trials of unity, and she wished she could've spent more time with her now. Derring was rolling her eyes as she mended Darrin, the youngest brother. He was always more of a behind-the-scenes type, but she always appreciated his help. She loved him and Derring oh so much, and it only convinced her further of what she had to do.
Herpy and Bravado were trading barbs, quite enjoying themselves. Herpy was her sidekick, of sorts, but while she loved riling him up about it, she truly considered it a partnership. He was always there to cheer her up, keep her from going too far, and without him, she's certain she would've fallen to the dark side long ago. And Bravado... her cheeks unwillingly flushed. He was fun. In more ways than one. An adventurer like herself, they both had far too much entertainment in riling each other up. She found herself wondering if their relationship would've progressed beyond mere flirts and erm, physical encounters if there had been more time. No time for regrets.
"So, sis, what are we gonna do with this thing? It's the only thing that can seal Tirac up again, right? So stop daydreaming ad let's get to work!" Derring bellowed, putting on her trademark smirk. Daring's face fell. She had never told them the full truth. Just that they needed to get to the artifact to stop Tirac's reign. That part was true. But there was a catch. Only the one who had opened Tirac's prison could destroy it but by doing so would be destroyed herself, and thanks to that damn Ahuizotl, that was her. That feline monster had masterfully played her into bringing Tirac herself. Apparently, quote, "it's easier, and far much more FUN to have you do my work for me!". Course, Tirac had quickly destroyed him afterwards, claiming he had no more use for him, a fact that brought Daring endless delight. But someone had to pay his price.
"Derring, Darrin? Tell Dad I love him. Feed Calpyso for me, and tell Starlight, Jack, Coco, Tabula and Rose that their friendship was awesome and I couldn't have saved the world without them holding down the fort. And I love you guys." Darrin had a bewildered look on his face, but Derring caught on.
"No. I don't know why you're doing it, but no! We are NOT losing any more family!"
Daring ignored her, at least for the moment. "Herpy? You were the best partner a mare could have. you're gonna do even better things without me."
With tears in his eyes, Herpy replied, "We both know that's not true, ma'am."
Daring turned to Bravado. "You take care of my family, ok? And take down any thieving baddies who think they can mess with history now that Daring Do's gone."
Bravado tried to grin, but he faltered. "Of course, mi amor. One last kiss? Best go out on a high note, eh?"
Daring chuckled. "Always there to lighten things up, aren't you? But let's face it, you'd look for any reason to have a kiss. This is just the most convenient excuse." They shared a final kiss as the temple rumbled and a thunderous roar shook them all. Tirac had figured out they were here. "Duty calls", she joked, but it lacked her usual bravado.
"No, I'll do it! That's what I do, saving your sorry ass!" Derring yelled, voice cracking and tears streaming. Daring shook her head. "I'm the one who brought him down, I'm the only one who can do it, and when I do, I'll die. That's the way it works. And think about how it feels for me! You know how much I hate authority!" One last joke. Tirac was almost upon them. She galloped towards the artifact, grabbed it, and looked back. "I love you all! It's been a real-" Tirac blasted through the roof and landed near her.. Daring smirked through the tears. "BLAST!" Okay, she lied a little. That was the last joke, She threw the artifact down, and a great blue light encompassed them both and blinded all. Tirac let out a great scream, but Daring was silent, a smile on her face. She had saved her family, her friends. Her life flashed before her eyes.
"You're Daring Do! I've heard so much about you and your work! I'm Herpy- WOAH!"
Herpy extended his hoof, accidently knocking Do's cofee into her face.
"Whoops, heh."
"My name is Bravado, and might I say how wonderful it is to see a female adventurer? Most are middle aged stallions and not young foxy mares like yourself. Seems like this business is finally paying off!"
"BUT DARIIIIIINGGG. This mud will stain my delightful apparel!"
"Shut up, Starlight! I swear, your whining would be a better weapon than my wings!"
"Ya got lucky there, Do."
"Whatever you say, Outback Jack, whatever you say."
"Another round! That'll show you it was a fluke!"
"You're on!"
"C'mon, Tabula, everypony knows there's no way Sherlock Hooves could ever catch Dexter!"
"Oh, I disagree, Daring. Dexter's a devious rouge, true, but Sherlock would see straight through his act!"
"Man, Rose, how'd you scare off Ahuizotl's minions like that!?"
"I-I don't know. Something just comes over me when someone threatens my friends."
"So we're friends now, huh?"
"Um, if-if you like?"
"That sounds awesome, Rose! Just giving ya a rough time, heh."
"Coco, you are SO random!"
"What can I say, Daring! Variety is the spice of life! But it'd be even better if it was the sugar of life! OH! Or maybe the sprinkles of life! Not that sweet things are the only good things, why I-"
The last scene was not in words, but was an image, back when Mom was still alive and Dad was still around and Daring and Derring and Darrin were there too. Just a nice happy family snuggle. She didn't quite remember why they did, something about Darrin being buillied, surprising considering his size, but she always remembered that feeling, being loved from all sides. Wherever she goes, she'll miss all the people she met.
Then, it all went black.
