Fantasy, Reality, and the Author's Affinity
Daring Do and the Missing Book
Is it wrongfully desired to study in sparse moments of peace and quiet? Twilight thought to herself feeling today would not give her the chance to read.
Twilight was trying hard to focus on her studies. In her new role as an alicorn princess, she felt that any free time should primarily be spent gaining new knowledge and skills. Now, more than ever, her new responsibilities as an alicorn princess would require her mind be sharp with renewed knowledge. Today was supposed to be a calm and relaxed day with enough time to hit the books. However, a certain cyan pegasus had decided this was the most opportune moment to bother her friend with the same old request. The request was not unreasonable, but this particular pegasus's persistence was becoming wholly bothersome. Twilight buried her head further into the book to drive out the unwanted disruption only to find the conversational prodding would only increase.
Unable to drive away the disturbance by ignoring it, Twilight burst out from behind her book to stop the incessant pestering.
"No means no, Rainbow Dash! No matter how many times you ask, I can't produce a book that has never existed! I've read every book in the series and what you are asking for simply does not exist!"
The cyan pegasus, hovering a few feet in front of her friend, disregarded this outburst. She finally gained the attention she had been seeking and that was all that mattered. This accomplishment ensured her request would be fulfilled.
"C'mon, Twilight. There's gotta be another book. There's just gotta be! Can't you use that egghead brain of yours to find it?"
"If you would just stop your incessant pestering, Rainbow Dash, you would find that I've already answered that question. Another Daring Do book does not exist. As said countless times before, I've read every book in the series. There is not another book. If there was one, be assured I'd make certain you're the first to know. So, pleeeaaase let me get back to my studies."
"What about the book that's gonna be sold in the Canterlot auction house?" Rainbow Dash asked, seeking any alternative to rejection. "It's said to be a Daring Do book never seen before by the public! They've even said it only just now turned up undiscovered for many years, Twilight! You want me to beg? 'Cause I'll do it!"
"Rainbow Dash, I know what you're asking but don't get your hopes up. I've been to plenty of those auctions only to find the 'rare' item is simply autographed or slightly changed to give it a unique status."
Upon hearing this, Rainbow Dash promptly dropped from the air landing onto her haunches. She produced two enlarged puppy dog eyes and pouty quivering lips. An all-consuming magenta vortex, pouty face, and raised hoof attained a level of cuteness her friend simply couldn't ignore. Twilight stared deeply into her eyes trying not to give in to it. Her head refused to turn away; her eyes locked in place. She made an effort to look somewhere else with one hoof raised so as to attempt escape. Resistance was but a futile attempt. Once again, the persistence of this cyan pegasus proved too much for her.
"Alright! Fine! We'll go to the Canterlot auction house!"
The cyan pegasus leapt into the air brandishing a victorious hoof-pump.
"But, Rainbow Dash, how do you expect to bid on items? How many bits are you willing to throw at this?"
Rainbow Dash stopped in her act of hoof-pumping with a blank look on her face. She didn't have many bits at the moment. The only recourse she had at this time was to beg and borrow. This renewed act of begging took half an hour before Twilight caved in. Seeing as Rainbow Dash was one of her best friends, Twilight was willing to go along with it. In fact, Twilight didn't even care about getting back the full amount. So, it was agreed between friends that a fifty/fifty exchange was acceptable. Of course, Twilight would have to make the full payment and wait for reimbursement. Rainbow Dash represents the element of loyalty and Twilight knew she most assuredly would repay her friend's hospitality.
The two ponies departed for Canterlot seeking the auction house and this apparently never-before-seen Daring Do book. Twilight had been taught by Rainbow Dash how to fly so the two traveled by air. Flight training was very challenging at first and it didn't help that Rainbow Dash made it look easy showing off acrobatic skills. Nonetheless, Twilight had gotten the hang of it after a while. Twilight still had plenty of bumps and bruises to show from failed attempts.
Rainbow Dash had been teaching Scootaloo how to fly too, but her small wings were a handicap. Twilight had tried to fix this physical ailment through use of magic but Scootaloo refused. It was an obstacle she was willing to overcome but only through her own means. If ever she were to succeed, Scootaloo would be worthy of praise much like the hero she saw in Rainbow Dash.
[/hr]
The two ponies reached the majestic city of Canterlot after much tribulation in choosing flight over other means of transportation. Flying was certainly a bit faster than waiting for a train ride, hot air balloon, or flying carriage. However, the distance to Canterlot proved a trial in making the trip. The two had to rest many times as flying to Canterlot was easier said than done. Rainbow Dash thought it was a hilarious adventure while Twilight felt no joy in being so tired. When the two finally reached Canterlot, they both agreed a train ride back would be much easier.
There was no time for sight seeing as the two were on a mission to find the auction house. In a street lined with various shops selling jewelry, perfume, and household items, the two found the auction house bustling with activity as ponies entered and exited the building in endless streams.
Rainbow Dash and Twilight squeezed their way through the crowding herd which attempted to part noticing the presence of their new princess and her colorful companion. Under a heavy set of stares and whispers, Twilight blushed. She still was not accustomed to this amount of attention. Rainbow Dash acted as a bodyguard carving a path into the building. Fortunately they found two seats available inside, though they were near the back. It would be hard to get an accurate visual description of the book from this spot. The activity in the building created a rush of excitement and Twilight could only acknowledge the adrenaline it produced. Finding the podium at the front, Twilight spotted the auctioneer whom spoke with a very loud and noticeable booming voice. The adrenaline found in the activity of the building was only intensified as the auctioneer spoke enthusiastically and rapidly to promote the various bidding wars from interested parties.
A few hours were spent in this manner with Rainbow Dash and Twilight watching items bid on. The excitement they first felt when entering the building had subsided replaced by anxiousness for the item they wanted. The bidding wars were intense and both ponies tried to take notes on how to come out on top. Rainbow Dash's excitement was much more noticeable than Twilight as she continually raised both hooves to her chin muttering to herself how awesome this day was going to be once she gets hold of that book.
The moment finally arrived with the auctioneer announcing the most sought after item for the day—a never-before-seen Daring Do book. For this particular item, the auctioneer expressed in clear detail that this book was lost long ago. It is, in fact, the original Daring Do book in the series written before the first book published. Raising his voice more clearly and loudly, the auctioneer relayed information that the book contains a personal message in the first pages of the book. This personal message would only be seen by the one who would win the auction. Furthermore, the auctioneer announced that the message hinted at the author's real identity rather than the pen name written on all other books. Twilight was shocked to learn this for she never knew the author had only been using a pen name. For the first time in that day, or perhaps the auction house's existence, it fell silent except for a few whispers. The auctioneer knew this would be one of the greatest auctions he's ever held so he paused a few moments to let feelings of anxiousness set in.
Smiling, the auctioneer started the bidding war.
Rainbow Dash and Twilight could barely keep up with the commotion around them. It seemed that almost every group there was raising a bid. For the first time that day, both ponies became worried that this would not turn out the way they desired. Twilight, being the one financially responsible for this, became nervous in her own right. The bids were reaching an immense amount that her savings would soon not be able to take on.
A little relief came as the bids subsided quite a deal. Twilight took this opportunity to make it apparent her interest in the item with a bid of her own to which the auctioneer acknowledged. Other bidders remained, though, raising the stakes which Twilight could only accommodate and try to overcome. One by one, they fell out to which Twilight—and her finances—was only slightly relieved. The auction had come down to three last bidders with Twilight being one of them. Rainbow Dash had always been there for Twilight so getting this book for Rainbow Dash was the least thing she could do.
Twilight tried to make out who the other bidders were but could barely see the back of their heads in the crowd. Both were near the front row with one slightly to the left and the other to the right. She could only assume that the one on the left was an older stallion up in his years. The one on the right seemed like a Canterlot noble with an overly flashy hat on her head.
Being outbid once again by the lady on the right, Twilight tried to reason with herself that her finances would hold up. It was hard to think with the auctioneer rapidly announcing a call for last bids. It didn't help that Twilight glanced at Rainbow Dash who, sitting beside her, was seemingly chewing on the ends of her hooves. Twilight made a decision to raise the bid to which the auctioneer readily accepted. It was hard to hear, but Twilight could swear she heard the lady on the right verbally dropping out. The only thing to do was to wait on the older stallion.
Time ticked on slowly as the auctioneer made a call for last bids. Rainbow Dash and Twilight were nervous, more so considering that Twilight's savings were at their limit. She might be able to outbid the older stallion once more but only once. Seconds passed with feverish hope in ending the suspense with word of success from the auctioneer.
Unfortunately, the older stallion placed a bid.
Not only that but the bid was substantially greater than Twilight's. Twilight's savings were already at their limit. Unless she could procure extra funds, this was the end of the line. Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash for guidance but only found a loss for words and a blank expression.
Before Twilight could think anymore on the matter, the auction ended.
The older stallion would get the book leaving Rainbow Dash and Twilight to head back home empty-hooved with bodily soreness from the trip to the auction house. Disappointment was written all over Rainbow Dash's face. As they left the building, Twilight tried to assure Rainbow Dash that the book was most likely something she already read but altered. Rainbow Dash said nothing and Twilight wished she could have done more. She looked all around for the older stallion to talk to him about it but could not find him in the crowd. Twilight would not be able to rescue her friend from this loss unlike the many times Rainbow Dash had been there for her. The two had no choice but to head back to Ponyville.
[/hr]
The arrival in Ponyville by train was carried out in silence. Twilight thought a good idea to cheer up Rainbow Dash would be to make her some tea at the tree house. A saddened and sullen Rainbow Dash reluctantly agreed to this and the two headed to the tree house where Twilight quickly prepared some tea to lift her friend's spirits. It took some continued coaxing but Rainbow Dash seemed to be doing a lot better.
"I was sooooo sure we would get it, Twilight. If only I'd brought along some of my own bits to throw in, this wouldn't of happened," Rainbow Dash remarked hanging her head down in shame.
"Don't beat yourself up, Rainbow Dash. It was a worthwhile experience at least, wasn't it? You can't say we didn't try our hardest to get it," Twilight said trying to point out the positives.
"You're so right, Twilight."
"What're friends for?"
Both girls giggled with the lightened mood. Soon their conversations spread into talking about the book series as a whole with Rainbow Dash unsurprisingly dominating the conversation with much enthusiasm. She wasted no time in recounting adventures and heroic acts of Daring Do—a pony who alike Rainbow Dash herself was awesome in every single way. No matter the dire situation, tricky obstacle, or unlikely odds, Daring Do saved the day. She would forever be the best adventurer and hero the world has ever known if Rainbow Dash had anything to say about it.
Rainbow Dash was in the midst of displaying one of these heroic feats when a knock came at the door.
The sun was quickly approaching the horizon with the night not far behind. Twilight certainly wouldn't be expecting anypony in the evening hours at this time. Rainbow Dash looked on as Twilight got up from where they were sitting to answer the door. Opening the door revealed an older stallion very much up in his years. An ever growing count of years had produced plenty of wrinkled lines across his face which pleasantly showed kindness in his demeanor with a simple smile. Twilight was surprised to notice he was a pegasus due to the appearance of wings on both his sides. Taking his hat off his head and holding it to his chest, he spoke with a true gentlecolt's voice.
"My dear princess Twilight, I'm sorry for the intrusion but I was told you may know of the mare I seek. She is a pegasus known around these parts as a Ms. Rainbow Dash. If I could be so bold as to ask about her location, I will be on my way."
Twilight was a little shocked to have such formalities at her doorstep.
"You don't need to be so formal around me just because I'm a princess. Rainbow Dash is right here if you need to speak with her," Twilight said motioning a hoof to where she and Rainbow Dash had been sitting. "You can come in if you like. What is your name? I don't think you told me, yet."
"Oh, just a friend of her father's," the older stallion said smiling. He bowed his head in hospitality for the gracious invite and walked into the building.
The two approached Rainbow Dash who was in the midst of sipping some tea with one eye on both of them.
"Rainbow Dash, this stallion here says he would like to speak with you and that he is a friend of your father's," Twilight said introducing the older stallion.
Rainbow Dash spit out what tea she had almost consumed in surprise. Twilight slightly glowered at Rainbow Dash's crude behavior to which Rainbow Dash obliviously ignored.
"Dad's friend? Has something happened?"
The older stallion stepped forward to respond to this inquiry.
"Yes, you can say that Ms. Dash but nothing bad I assure you," he said putting her at ease.
The three sat down before the older stallion would relay his news.
"Ms. Dash, I'm here because your father's friendship is very dear to me. We had been friends long before you were born. I couldn't be there to witness you growing up, but there are endless discussions I can recall where your father recounted every day's passing in raising you. Many times did he make it known that his little girl was growing strong-willed and determined. Even on the day of your first Sonic Rainboom, I can certainly see that your endeavors consistently hold up to his stories."
The older stallion reached behind his back into a small sack carried on his side and produced a single book—the original Daring Do book. Rainbow Dash's eyes enlarged and widened much more than Twilight had ever seen them grow in size before. Twilight couldn't help but react in the same manner. The older stallion continued relaying his tale.
"They were often mentioned as 'adventures' with many 'heroic' feats. Of course, I laughed this off but, your father, he persisted. He wanted to let everypony know what he knew to be true. 'Is it not worth it to let all of Equestria understand and see what I see?' he would say to me time and time again. As before, I passed this off as an overly attached father's involvement with his daughter. But what can an old stallion such as myself do than to acknowledge the truth as it concretely stands today?
Ms. Dash, you are the element of loyalty. Your deeds and feats are much greater than most will ever know. Your father saw this and made sure all of Equestria would know it too—much earlier than others I assure you. The book I hold right here was lost long ago. It was written by your father in expressing his love of you and your daily livelihood in his care. At the time, it was shown only to me and I've been searching for it since discovering its disappearance. Many other books were written, but this one has a certain special quality. I've spent countless years trying to track it down even more so now considering your accomplishments as one of the elements of harmony."
The older stallion paused momentarily to look down at the book.
"It may just be a book, Ms. Dash. But it means so much more for it contains what one knew to be true. It would be most appropriate in your hooves. I couldn't let the opportunity fall wayside in fulfilling an old friend's wishes in letting his daughter understand a father's love."
Looking at Rainbow Dash, the older stallion handed her the book. Rainbow Dash could hardly take her eyes off of the book but did so to look at the older stallion.
"Ms. Dash, I'm sure your adventures will continue and your heroic feats will grow. Know that your father is not the only one that sees the greatness in your abilities and accomplishments."
With this said, the older stallion put the hat back onto his head, took a last bow, and left without another word. Rainbow Dash and Twilight were at a loss for words. They would never have dreamed this encounter would happen. As the older stallion left closing the front door behind him, they both looked down at the book in Rainbow Dash's hooves.
Fervently, Rainbow Dash opened the book to the first page to find a note left behind by her father. Twilight hurriedly rushed next to her friend to see the message.
The story of Daring Do is dedicated to the likeness of my daughter, Rainbow Dash. Even as a filly, her sense of adventure was insatiable. Her heroic deeds are numerous. For, if anypony needs help, she undoubtedly will be there. As a filly, she consistently flew around our home in the clouds to prove her undisputed reputation as the best and greatest. This unparalleled boasting was an issue of too much self-praise till the day she saved a local Cloudesdale citizen falling from a broken wing. Though she was still a filly, she tried her hardest to soften the landing never giving up and never letting go.
Many times has she been there for others when they needed her most. Take the word of a loving father. Know that countless times my little girl has: stood her ground against bullies, recovered lost meaningful possessions for somepony, protected those lacking the strength, repaid all debts in full, traveled long distances to ones' sickly bedside to fulfill a promise of return, and many other deeds correlating to what one reads in these books.
Most anypony can give birth to a colt or filly, but it is a true wonder that a heroine was given to me. Remember the name, Rainbow Dash, for meeting her will certainly save more than just your day. You can count on her.
To my daughter, assuming you ever read this, I'll remain watching from afar as your adventures continue much like when seeing you off to flight school. You were always my adventurous little girl beginning each day with a new act of true heroic loyalty.
Forever are you my heroic daughter,
I love you, my darling Rainbow Dash.
With a single tear falling from her eye, Rainbow Dash could only find the strength to articulate a simple response in seeing her father's words.
"You're awesome, dad. I'll always love you, too."
A bewildered Twilight, on the other hand, verbally shouted her own response.
"Your FATHER is the author of the Daring Do book series!!?"
Author's Note
Also, we now know where Rainbow Dash got the idea for her novel about an awesome flying pegasus as was revealed in the episode Spike At Your Service. :P
