Daring Do and the Crown of Corruption

Chapters

A Daring Mission
Initiation Day
Bon Voyage
Paging Doctor Daring

A Daring Mission

Daring Do was not a fan of trains. “Overcomplicated tin cans on wheels,” she would often say when asked about traveling by rail. She sat alone in the first class car, the door barred by two royal guards, with another four separating her from the next car forward. To her chagrin it was the dining car, and her stomach rumbled in protest at the smell of fresh carrot soup and toasted hay sandwiches. Her wings also made it clear they were not on board with the train journey, beginning to cramp up slightly after such a period of disuse, still slightly sore from her injuries sustained fighting Ahuizotl.

She sighed and turned to the nearest guard. “Hey metal pants! How much longer until we reach Canterlot?”

“Approximately 2 hours,” he replied.

“Great” she said sarcastically. Daring pulled her pith helmet down over her eyes and quickly fell asleep. Unbeknownst to her, a certain blue pegasus was doing the same thing, hidden in the luggage rack over her head.

Clouds of steam billowed across the platform as the Friendship Express arrived at Canterlot Station. The hiss of releasing pressure was quickly drowned out by the dull roar of the busy station. Flanked by two royal guards, Daring Do exited the train and made her way through the crowded terminal and out into the main boulevard. A luxurious carriage adorned with the royal seal was waiting outside. She jumped in, accompanied by two guards. As they set off down the street, she was amazed at how different Canterlot was compared to her hometown. The hustle and bustle of the big city was nothing new to Daring, however the ponies she saw were anything but familiar. No matter where she looked, they all were wearing extravagant outfits with large jewels, feathers, and hats. They all wandered about without any sense of urgency, and as the carriage passed they would descend into hushed whispers and leer at her. Daring’s stomach once again began to protest its lack of food, and she decided to listen.

“Any idea where I might get a good slice around here?” Daring asked the guard to her left. He shot a quizzical glance back at her.

“Slice? Do you mean some sort of knife or blade? There is a blacksmithy not too far from the castle, or our own armory might be able to construct something to meet your needs.”

She frowned. “No you dimwit, PIZZA! You know! Tomatoes, cheese, crust?”

“What is this...PEET-ZAH you speak of?” he replied, confused.

She shook her head slowly. “Nevermind...” She glanced around and spied a small deli coming up on their right. Without hesitation she leapt from the carriage towards the storefront, and promptly landed in a large mud puddle. The royal guards began to turn around, but she waved her hoof towards them.

“JUST KEEP GOING!” she yelled, “TELL CELESTIA I WAS STARVING! I’LL BE THERE SOON!” The guards nodded and continued towards the castle. She stood up and began shaking herself off. A slight gasp caused her to stop and glance up. A small crowd had gathered, all of whom were visibly horrified at her current state.

“Don't worry, I’m fine!” Daring laughed. “I’ve jumped from more carriages than I can count, though not always willingly, and besides, a little mud never hurt anypony!” She turned to one of the closest ponies, a pink pegasus with a heavily styled blue mane wearing a black suit.

“Can I borrow this? Thanks.” she said as she pulled the stallion’s handkerchief out of his suit jacket. She wiped her face clean and stuffed the dirty rag back into his pocket. As she turned to walk into the restaurant, the stallion looked down at the soiled linen and promptly fainted.

The bell above the door made a slight jingling sound as she entered, her mane still clumped with small bits of mud and a faint bruise appearing on her left flank. Daring walked to the counter, behind which stood a slate grey unicorn with a white mane.

“Hey buddy,” she said as she glanced at the menu, “Gimme a toasted daisy sammich on rye with some chips. And make it quick, I’m in a bit of a rush.”

The stallion glared at her with discontent, before making a slight scoff and rolling his eyes. His horn glowed a faint blue and her meal was assembled rapidly. He dropped it onto a plate carelessly, and tossed a bag of chips next to the sandwich.

“That’ll be 15 bits” he said grumpily.

“FIFTEEN BITS?!” Daring shouted, “IS THAT THING MADE OF SOLID GOLD?” She glared angrily at the unicorn before pulling out her money bag. She tossed the coins on the counter and stormed off to a table. She dropped her bag next to her seat and began wolfing down her food quite rapidly. Two ponies, one white and one green, sat at the table next to her. The green pony made a quiet cough, and Daring glanced up at her.

“So...what brings you to Canterlot, Miss...” she asked.

“Do. Daring Do. You know, the famous archaeologist, adventurer, generally all-around awesome pegasus?” Daring replied. “I’m here on business.”

“Really? And what sort of business would such an uncultured pig like yourself have here in Canterlot?” The green pony sneered, and her companion laughed venomously. Daring glared at her but resumed eating her meal.

“Are you sure you didn't get off at the wrong stop? The apple farms are much closer to the Ponyville station than here.” The green pony began laughing bitterly with her white companion. Daring stood up from her table. She walked over to the green pony and plucked the olive off the toothpick stuck in her sandwich. Daring popped it into her mouth, chewed for a few seconds, then promptly spat it back out, directly into the green pony’s open mouth. She stopped laughing instantly, a look of horror plastered upon her face. The green pony began to cough and dry heave, disgusted with what had just entered her mouth, while her companion screeched in absolute revulsion. Daring laughed and began to walk back to her table, but was interrupted by a royal guard entering the shop.

“Sorry to interrupt your meal, but Princess Celestia requires your presence immediately. Please come with me, Miss Daring.” he said, motioning towards the door. Daring crossed the shop, the patrons stunned into silence by the sudden turn of events. Before she left, she turned back just in time to see the green pony cough up the olive pit onto her sandwich.

“Next train to Ponyville leaves in 15 minutes” Daring said with a smirk.

The doors of the Canterlot Castle throne room swung open slowly, moved by the magic of the two unicorn guards stationed outside. Flanked by the same guard that fetched her from the deli, Daring Do entered the throne room through the imposing doorway. A large gilded throne dominated the other end of the massive room, the walls adorned with intricate stained glass murals. Seated upon the throne was the goddess of the sun, Princess Celestia. As Daring and the guard drew near, she arose and stepped down from the raised platform to meet them. The guard abruptly dropped to his knees, and after a few seconds of quizzical hesitation, Daring removed her hat and followed suit. Celestia motioned for them to rise.

“Thank you for fetching Miss Daring for me, Thunderbolt. You are relieved for the remainder of the day.” Celestia smiled, and the guard saluted and marched out of the room, the gigantic doors swinging shut behind him.

“I would be willing to wager you’re curious as to why I summoned you here so abruptly,” Celestia started off, turning to Daring. “It is a matter of utmost importance. But first, a short history lesson.”

She walked over to the stained glass window depicting herself using the Elements of Harmony against Nightmare Moon. “I would assume you are familiar with this story?” she asked, gesturing towards the mural with her hoof. Daring nodded.

“Well, there is a small detail that is often left out of the history books. As it turns out, It is rather important in this context. When Nightmare Moon was banished, the power of the Elements transported her physical body alone. Her soul was left behind. Due to the spell I used her soul was trapped inside her arcane armor. The helmet, to be precise. This was an unfortunate and unintended side effect, but there were further repercussions. After I banished her, I simply left the area with the intent to never return. However, others investigated and discovered the horrifying truth about the helmet. When worn by any mortal, their soul is corrupted by the power of Nightmare Moon, turning them into an unimaginably powerful and evil version of their normal selves. As such, I had to defeat a second Nightmare Moon, this one occupying the body of a wandering treasure hunter, much like yourself.” Celestia crossed the room back to her throne, and Daring followed.

“I took the helmet from the ruined temple and brought it back here to Canterlot, where it was locked away in the Crystal Caverns located under the castle. I no longer paid it any mind, as anyone foolish enough to search for it would almost certainly fall prey to the twisting tunnels and endless mazes of the caverns. It remained there for several hundred years, until approximately a century ago it disappeared without a trace. I need you to find it.”

Celestia paused, and Daring seized the opportunity. “But Princess,” she asked, “if the helm vanished with no evidence, how am I supposed to locate it? I don’t even know where to begin...” Daring trailed off as Celestia smiled knowingly.

“I said it disappeared a century ago without a trace. However, here and now, that trace has been revealed to us.” She nodded to her guards, and a side door into the throne room opened. Two guards entered, ushering in another unicorn wearing a tattered robe. His coat was a deep midnight blue with an ivory mane, and a single star adorned his flank. He was limping slightly, and had a deep cut under his left eye that had been recently bandaged. The stallion stood next to Celestia, and the guards departed. “This is Sirius. And he knows where Nightmare Moon’s helmet is.” Sirius turned and smiled at Daring, revealing a chipped front tooth.

“That I do. It resides in New Zebrania, locked away in an ancient temple of the night.”

“And just how do you know that?” asked Daring, eyeing him with suspicion.

“Simple. I’ve seen it.” Sirius replied, “I am a member of a cult known as the Children of the Nightmare. We worship Nightmare Moon, and to an extent, her helmet. When the helmet disappeared from Canterlot, it was actually taken by one of our founders. He returned to New Zebrania with it, and it has dwelled there ever since.”

Daring thought for several seconds before replying. “Okay, I’ll buy that. I’ve seen stranger things. However, why are you here? If you’re a member of some sort of secret cult, shouldn’t you be, oh I don’t know, SECRETIVE?!”

“Normally we are,” said Sirius, “But a series of unfortunate events has occurred recently that puts us all in danger. I was captured back in New Zebrania and brought here to Equestria. Subsequently, I’ve spent the past few days being tortured and drugged until I was forced to give up the location of the helmet. I was promptly thrown out to the curbside, presumably to die of my wounds. Thankfully, a passerby brought me to the hospital where i received treatment and then hurried here to the Princess as soon as I could.”

“Who would do such a thing?” asked Daring, “I thought nopony knew the helmet even existed, much less want to TORTURE somepony into finding out where it is!”

Celestia sighed, and her face changed to a look of grave determination. “They are called ‘T.R.O.T.T.’. It stands for True Rulers Of The Throne. An extremist terrorist group who wants to oust me from power by whatever means necessary. They have considerable resources but have never been much of a threat until now. If they succeed in finding the helm, they will use one of their own to harness its power. I know that even with the aid of the Elements of Harmony, I will not be able to defeat Nightmare Moon for a third time.”

“I still don’t understand one thing.” said Daring, “Sirius, you worship Celestia’s arch-nemesis. Why would you want to help her get the helmet back?”

“The Queen of the Night herself is the only one who should ever wear her Crown, not some blasphemer who seeks to abuse her divine powers. It is in our mutual interests to stop T.R.O.T.T., and the Children of the Nightmare are no match for them without some considerable help,” Sirius explained. “I will accompany you as a guide. The continent of New Zebrania is quite hazardous to those who do not know her tricks.”

“So let me get this straight,” said Daring, “You want me to travel to New Zebrania, an uncivilized penal colony, and stop a bunch of terrorists from summoning a Nightmare Moon surrogate using her helmet which is worshipped by a bunch of cultists.” Celestia nodded somberly.

Daring picked up her pith helmet off the floor and put it back on. “Well,” she said, “What’re we waiting for?”

Sirius and Daring Do had almost reached the Canterlot Station. Celestia had given them both train passes to the port city of Baltimare, as well as passage on a prison freighter bound for the uncharted continent. As they rounded the corner and arrived at the main terminal, a familiar voice rang out.

“HEY DARING! DARING DO! HEY!” shouted Azure as she shot across the street. She hit her hoof on the sidewalk and tumbled end over end several times, ending up as a tangled heap directly in front of Daring and Sirius.

“Kid?!” exclaimed Daring, “What in Celestia’s name are you doing here?”

“I came to see you! I wanna help!” replied Azure enthusiastically.

“Help?! Kid where are your parents? Do they know you’re all the way out here in Canterlot?” asked Daring.

Azure’s heart sunk as her eyes fell to the pavement. She mumbled an almost inaudible response.

“What? Speak up Kid, I can’t hear you.” said Daring.

Azure looked up, her eyes beginning to well up. “I DON’T HAVE ANY!” she said, holding back tears. “They died when I was only 8. I’ve been surviving on the street alone since then...I just thought...maybe...I could help you....” She slowly began to walk away, sniffing. Daring looked at Sirius, who cracked a small smile and nodded.

“Hey Kid, w-wait up!” yelled Daring. She galloped over to the small pegasus, who looked up at her, ashamed and heartbroken. Daring removed her saddlebag and placed it on Azure’s back. “If you’re coming along you’ve gotta pull your weight, Kid. No free rides.” She smiled.

Several ponies’ dinners were interrupted by a squeal of delight that was loud enough to be heard faintly by Celestia in her throne room, several miles away.

Initiation Day

Azure had finally passed out from sheer exhaustion. The young pegasus hadn’t stopped chattering excitedly since they first began the train journey to Baltimare, and didn’t succumb to sleep until almost 2AM on their overnight ride. Daring Do glanced over at her young apprentice fast asleep on the bench seat next to her, and smiled. She turned to Sirius, who was lost in thought watching the scenery roll by outside the window.

“So, Mr. Nightmare, what exactly are we going to need? Celestia was kind enough to give us some serious spending money, and I’m assuming there’s plenty of gear we’ll need to buy.”

Sirius nodded. His horn pulsed slightly, opening his saddlebag and removing a rolled-up list of supplies. He began to read, and Daring felt sleep rapidly approaching. Sirius never made it past the third item on his list before Daring slowly began to lean sideways. She rested her head on Azure’s chest and dozed off almost immediately. Sirius sighed as he re-rolled his list. His eyes returned to the window, and his gaze drifted towards the full moon that hung low in the night sky. A satisfied smile slowly spread on his face, and he drifted off into a dream.

Daring Do was back at home, or at least happy in a surrogate of her usual city. The hustle and bustle was comforting to her, and the crowds of ponies moving with purpose provided a welcome sense of urgency to their mission. They fought through the hive of activity to the nearest information kiosk. A lemon yellow pony with frizzy golden hair was distractedly reading a book behind the counter. Daring waited for her to notice them for several seconds, before slamming her hoof down onto the desk, causing the mare to jump in surprise. She shot them a dirty look.

“Sorry to interrupt your book,” said Daring sarcastically, “but are there any decent hotels around here? My...ah...husband and I are looking for a place to stay with our daughter for the night.” The yellow pony rolled her eyes and pulled out a map of the city.

“Der’s a bed n’ brekkie ‘few blocks north a ‘ere, ‘nd a few decent hotewls ‘bout tew blocks to da east. Anythin’ else I can help ya wit, hon?” she said impatiently.

Daring shook her head, and Azure jumped up and grabbed the map between her teeth. “Frnk frew” she said with a smile, “Hrv a nrc deyy.” She followed Sirius and Daring out of the station, where Sirius hailed a passing carriage. They climbed up, and the stallion pulling it turned to face them.

“Where can I take you fowks?” he asked.

“The nearest hotel,” replied Daring, “We’re only going to be here for one night, so nothing fancy.”

The stallion nodded. “Der’s a lil’ place not too far ‘way, called Da O’chard Inn. It’s pre’ey cheap, but you get what you pay for so you’d be wise to warsh dem sheets befo’ you sleep. Off we go den.” They set off through the busy streets, and before long arrived in front of a squat, three-story brick building. THE ORCHARD INN: (NO) VACANCY, read the weathered neon sign above the door. They hopped out of the carriage, and after paying the stallion, walked inside. The door’s hinges squeaked in protest, and a small bell mounted to the frame gave a halfhearted tinkling. An elderly purple unicorn with a faint pink mane sat behind the counter, reading a magazine and smoking a cigarette. She glanced up as they came in.

“Wewcome to The O’chard Inn, Bawlmare’s finest hotel,” she said in a gravely voice. “How ma’y noits you gonna be stayin’?”

“Only one.” replied Daring.

“Tha’ll be twenny-five bits, hon” said the mare. She coughed a cloud of smoke out and her horn glowed slightly. A brass key floated off the peg board behind her and came to rest on the countertop. Daring piled the coins on the desk in front of the unicorn and Sirius levitated the key into the air. “Room twenny-free” said the mare as she returned to reading.

“This is the third camping store we’ve been to!” said Daring frustratedly, “We are not going to find freeze-dried mango chutney ANYWHERE, Sirius!” She grabbed the list out of the air in front of him. “And what is all this other stuff? A restaurant-grade knife set? A portable range? Pots and pans? ARE YOU RENOVATING A KITCHEN OR WHAT?!” Daring crumpled the list between her hooves and threw it at the nearest mannequin.

“Those are vital to survival!” said Sirius indignantly.

“Survival? I thought you were some sort of die-hard cultist, not a personal chef!” retorted Daring. “We need important things! Rope! Tents! Canteens!”

Azure popped out of the nearby changing rooms, wearing an identical set of khaki clothing as Daring. “Matching outfits!” she said happily.

Daring sighed and raised her hoof to her face. “This is going to be a long day...”

“That’s the last of it” said Sirius, wiping the sweat from his forehead. A large pile of wooden crates dominated half of their tiny hotel room, and both beds had been pushed to one side to clear space for all of their purchases. Daring nodded, and Azure checked off the last item from her supply list before tossing it onto the nearest box. She turned to Daring and Sirius.

“THIS IS GONNA BE AWESOME!” she yelled happily, “Also, I’m really hungry. Can we go get some dinner?” Sirius nodded and Azure bolted out of the room, followed by a highly amused Daring and Sirius. The trio wandered into the street, the city buzzing with nightlife. They flagged down another carriage, this time pulled by a stocky steel-grey pegasus.

“Where ya headed?” he asked as they climbed up.

“Know any good places to eat?” Daring asked, “We’re not from here.”

“‘Course I do! Great lil’ pubfew blocks down from ‘ere, The Drunken You’corn. I go ‘ere almust evry noit af’er werk, best grub this side of the Patapscah!”

“Sounds good to me.” said Sirius. The stallion nodded and set off into the night. After a startlingly fast run through the streets, and one near miss with a lamppost, they arrived without injury.

“Make sure you tell ol’ Bill dat Big Mike sent ya! He’ll cut ya a good deal!” the stallion said merrily as he went on his way. A wooden sign hung over the door of the one-story building, a unicorn and a stein of cider engraved into it. The open doorway breathed out the smell of cigarettes, beer, and fried food. They entered the dimly lit building, and were hit full-force by the dull roar of the crowded room. Sirius located three empty stools, and an elderly unicorn with a large handlebar mustache turned to help them.

“Evenin’ folks. Name’s Bill. What can I get for ya?”

“Hi!” said Azure enthusiastically. “I’m Azure! Your friend Big Mike just dropped us off here, he said to ask you what to eat.” She smiled.

“Well ain’t you just the cutest thing!” said Bill. “I make some mean mozzarella sticks, my mama always knew how to make the best, back in Manehattan. Hows three orders sound?” Azure nodded, and Bill disappeared into the kitchen. A few minutes later he returned, levitating three plates of steaming food and three frosty mugs. “Three orders of mozzarella sticks, two mugs of our house ale, and a root beer for the little lady,” he winked at Azure, “Lemme know if ya need anything else” They happily began eating as two black stallions in black suits sat down next to them at the bar. One lit up a cigarette, the other cleaned his glasses, as they both turned to face the trio.

“Daring Do, I presume.” said the smoker, matter-of-factly.

“Who wants to know?” said Daring, eyeing them with suspicion.

“The O Brothers.” he replied, blowing a smoke ring in Sirius’s face.

“Let me guess,” said Sirius, “You’re with T.R.O.T.T”

“And you my friend are not as stupid as you look.” replied the second stallion dryly.

“What do you jerkbags want?” asked Azure, “We’re trying to eat.”

“Only to talk. We know of your agreement with that kingdom-stealer, and we are prepared to propose a counter offer. Help us to retrieve the helm of Nightmare Moon instead.”

“And why in Celestia’s name would I do that?” asked Daring, “Last time I checked, you are the BAD GUYS.”

“Because,” replied the stallion, “We believe in a free Equestria. One ruled by a council of our peers, not by some deity-ified single monarch. And unlike those who sit idly by and complain, we will use whatever means necessary to accomplish our goal. Furthermore, we are prepared to make a sizeable monetary offer in return for your services. This is only valid here and now. If you choose to oppose us we will have no choice but to eliminate you.”

“Take a moment to think about it. Talk amongst yourselves.” said the smoker. Daring turned to face Azure and Sirius.

“Hey kid, remember what we talked about earlier today?” whispered Daring. Azure nodded. “Well, it’s time to go to work.” Daring turned back to the two stallions, while Azure and Sirius slowly got up from their stools.

“Have you reached a decision?” asked the stallions.

“Yeah, we have.” said Daring. “And you know what? Smoking kills.”

Azure, who had secretly snuck up behind the two stallions, jumped into the air and stabbed one in the shoulder with a fork. He screamed in pain and leapt from his seat, his partner right behind him. Before they could retaliate, Sirius hurled his mug of beer at the injured stallion, dousing him in liquor. Daring quickly snatched the cigarette out of the other’s mouth and tossed it at the soaked and surprised colt. The instant the coal struck his suit, he erupted into fire. Screaming in agony, he bolted from the bar, the flames glowing a molten orange against the night sky. His partner followed him towards the bay, where the burning agent blindly ran off the dock and into the ice cold water. Daring turned to the stunned bartender.

“Sorry about the mess.” she said, dropping several bits onto the counter before they left.

If Azure was energetic when they first arrived in Baltimare, it was nothing compared to her current state. She ran circles around Daring and Sirius on their way back to the hotel, dramatically recounting the night’s events. Daring listened for a moment and smirked.

“Not to kill your thunder, Kid,” she said as they entered the lobby, “But I don’t remember torching twenty armed thugs with a flamethrower.” Sirius laughed heartily as Azure blushed. They climbed the staircase to the second floor of the hotel, and proceeded down the dim hallway until Daring stopped dead in her tracks. Ahead of them, the door to room 23 was ajar, and the low light spilling from the doorway illuminated a shadow crossing back and forth. She motioned for them to back up against the wall, and slowly crept to the doorway. She poked her head sideways around the frame and saw a hooded figure rifling through one of the many smashed crates that now littered their room. She gasped slightly, and the figure whipped around at her, before bolting out the door and down the hallway.

“OH NO YOU DON’T!” she shouted and galloped after him. The figure dashed out the window and onto the fire escape, with Daring right behind him. She followed him to the roof of the building, where he took a running leap across the alleyway and onto the next rooftop. Daring eyed the drop for a moment, before sprinting across the roof and jumping after him. She landed hard and rolled into an air conditioning unit, before jumping back up and scanning for movement. The figure had already made it to the next building before she realized and shot after him. She leapt after him when a sudden blow to her helmet caused her to pause momentarily. A large throwing knife was embedded in the hardened material, a silver moon engraved on the handle. She set off after the figure again, as several more knives whizzed past her head. Thankfully, the concentration required to fling the knives at her caused the figure to momentarily ignore its surroundings. It plowed head first into a large vent unit, and Daring leapt on top of it, pinning its hooves down with her back legs on its chest. She threw the hood of the cloak back to reveal a deep purple unicorn with a white mane.

“WHO ARE YOU?!” she demanded, panting heavily. “WHY WERE YOU IN OUR ROOM?! ANSWER ME!” The unicorn stared determinedly back at Daring, her gaze unmoving. Her horn glowed white and the knife loosed itself from Daring’s helmet, before plunging itself into the mysterious unicorn’s chest. Her eyes rolled back and her eyelids closed, and a splatter of crimson shot onto Daring’s vest. Daring shook the unresponsive unicorn several times before swearing under her breath. As she stood, a glint of silver caught her eye. Around her neck, the unicorn wore a mysterious pendant, emblazoned with the likeness of a unicorn, trapped within what appeared to be the moon. She pulled the necklace off the dead mare and stuffed it into her pocket. She climbed down the fire escape and walked back to the hotel.

“OH CELESTIA ARE YOU ALL RIGHT?!” yelled Azure as Daring walked into their room. She shot across the room but Daring waved her off.

“Don’t worry Kid, this ain’t my blood.” Daring turned to Sirius, who was busy cleaning up the disaster that had overtaken their room. “Hey Mr. Midnight, you ever seen something like this before?” She tossed the mysterious pendant onto the bed. He looked down, and uttered a heavy sigh.

“Then it is as I feared.” Sirius said as his horn glowed once again. His robes rustled slightly, and he produced an identical pendant, which he wore around his own neck. Daring and Azure gasped simultaneously.

“But that means...” Azure trailed off. Sirius nodded somberly.

“The Children of the Nightmare are after us. I feared they would attempt to rescue me, and now without the full story, fear we are coming to steal the Crown from them. We must take great caution the rest of the night.”

Daring turned around and her eyes fell upon a large bookcase. She walked over to it, and after pushing against it for several seconds, tipped it over in front of the door. She then crossed the room and sat down on one of the beds.

“Hopefully they don’t have any Minotaurs on their side,” she said with a yawn. “Now, I don’t know about you two, but I’m bushed.”

Daring awoke with a start, her previous night’s sleep having been fitful and somewhat uncomfortable. She immediately realized something was wrong. Her hooves had been bound and she was tied across the chest to a wooden chair. Sirius and Azure flanked her, both still fast asleep but restrained in the same fashion. Before she had a chance to survey her surroundings, she heard hoofprints coming towards them, and a hushed conversation. Daring immediately feigned sleep.

“I don’t understand why we have to keep these morons around,” said a familiar voice. “After what that Daring bitch did to my face, I’m all for shooting them and dumping them in the bay.”

The smell of cigarette smoke wafted into Daring’s nose. Another all-too-familiar voice rang out. “Now now Obsidian, if the commander wants them alive, we keep them alive. Besides, they’re too late to catch their ship anyhow.”

“Fine Onyx. Fine. But when we get the order, she’s mine. I have a few...special...plans for her.” Daring felt a hoof brush her mane to the side of her face.

“Leave her be. We have business to attend to.” replied Onyx. Daring heard their hoofprints fade away before a large door slammed shut. She threw her eyes open and realized they were in the middle of a large warehouse, the sunlight filtering through several broken windows.

“AZURE! SIRIUS! WE HAVE A PROBLEM!” she shouted. Her companions snapped awake.

“What the...” said Sirius. “Where are we?!”

“I’m scared Daring!” said Azure with a whimper.

“Cool it you two. I have a plan. Look over there.” she gestured forward with her nose. Several feet away was a card table with two folding chairs. Sitting at one end of the table, amidst several cigarette butts, was a jet black lighter emblazoned with a red O. “Think you can grab that with your magic?” she asked Sirius. He nodded and his horn glowed brightly as the lighter floated over. Sirius opened the cap and lit the flame, then held it to each of their ropes. The trio jumped up and galloped across the empty warehouse.

“What do we do, Daring?” asked Azure nervously. “We’re not gonna make it in time!”

“Kid, adventurers never give up without a fight!” she replied. Daring kicked the doors of the warehouse open, and they realized they were stuck in the middle of the docks district, several miles from where their ship was set to leave. The trio galloped at full tilt to the nearest street, looking for the closest carriage. A familiar grey pegasus stood out from the crowd.

“Hey, look!” shouted Azure, “It’s Big Mike! HEY! MIKE! OVER HERE!”

Mike pulled up to the curbside. “Oh thank Celestia you’re alright. Af’r Bill told me wha’appened at the You’nicorn last noit, I figured I’d stop by yer ‘otel to chyeck on you guys this mornin’. Yer room was trashed and you were nowher’ ta be found, and I noticed you’d left yer bags beehind.” He gestured to the back seat, where three sets of saddlebags rested under the seat. “I remembered you said you had a boat to catch, so I figured I might run into ya here.”

They jumped into the carriage. “No time to explain, Mike!” said Daring. “We got kidnapped last night and we’re gonna miss our boat if we don’t hurry! Can you get us to Pier 47, like, yesterday?”

Mike nodded. His shoulders tensed and he unfurled a massive pair of wings. “Ya’ll might wanna strap in, this could get bumpee!”

He took a running start and shot into the sky, carriage full of adventurers in tow. They shot towards the piers at a frightening pace, dodging low flying pegasi and warehouses left and right. They reached Pier 47 as the gangplank was being pulled aboard. Mike didn’t stop, instead he flew over the ship as it prepared to leave port. He turned to face them.

“Next time yer in town, you owe me a drink!” He reached back and unlatched his harness, dropping the carriage out of the sky and directly onto the deck of the ship. They landed with a crash, and after a few stunned seconds, got out of the destroyed carriage. Azure waved to Mike as he flew away, and Daring pulled out their tickets to show to the dumbfounded captain and crew. Sirius brushed himself off, and turned to Daring.

“...Always have to make an entrance, don’t you?”

Bon Voyage

“Never in all my years on the sea have I witnessed a pony board a ship of mine in such a ridiculous fashion!” the captain said as he escorted Daring, Sirius, and Azure to their cabin. He was a caramel brown color, and his mane had gone grey with age. He sported a full beard, and a tobacco pipe was clutched in the corner of his mouth. He wore an old naval uniform, slightly faded with age. “Being late for departure is one thing, but falling out of the sky in a carriage like some sort of wayward pegasus transport?” he laughed, “That’s going in the logbook for sure.” They followed the captain down to the third deck. He entered a small hallway to the left of the staircase and stopped. “Here’s your quarters” he said, pushing the wooden door open with his hoof. “Go ahead and get settled, then come find me at the bridge. I’ll give you the grand tour.”

Daring closed the door behind him as he left, then turned to examine their accommodations. Three bunk beds were mounted to the wall opposite the door, with a ladder for ease of access. To the left of the beds was an old writing desk, above which a small porthole swung lazily open, the sea breeze wafting in. Opposite the desk was a large sea chest for storing valuables, and a small couch. Azure was once again a hive of unrestrained energy, and she shot around the cabin excitedly, her tiny wings buzzing and lifting her several inches off the floor.

“Now, this is a prisoner transport ship” said Daring, “so remember to be careful around the other passengers, kid.”

Azure stopped for a moment and turned to her mentor. “What’s the worst that could happen?”

After storing their luggage, the trio headed up to the ship’s bridge. It was a hive of activity, uniformed ponies manning various stations and dials. The captain was at the helm, his eyes locked in an unwavering gaze on the open sea. He turned to face them as they entered.

“Ahoy mateys!” he said with a chuckle, “All settled then, are we? Report, little one!”

Azure jumped slightly before snapping her hoof into a salute. “Yes sir!”

The captain laughed. “Ye’ll make a fine crewman by voyage end, little one!” He smiled warmly, and beckoned them over to his position at the wheel. “Now then, for some proper introductions.” He swept off his hat and took a slight bow, revealing a bald sunburnt head crowned with grey hair. “They call me Jolly Roger, but Captain Roger or just Cap’n will suit me just fine. Who might you be again? I’m a wee bit forgetful when it comes ter names.”

“I’m Azure, sir!” she said excitedly, “And this here is the one and only Daring Do, the best adventurer this side of Equestria! And our buddy here is Sirius.”

“Nice to meet ye! Now then, how about that tour I promised?” He turned to one of the ponies manning the navigation charts, a large silver stallion with a white scar across his nose. “Ironclad! Man the helm!” Ironclad nodded, and took up the same position the captain had been holding. “Ironclad’s my first mate. Known him for years, toughest seadog I’ve ever met. Why, he once saved me and me crew single-hoofedly from twenty pirate raiders, completely unarmed!”

Ironclad shook his head with a smirk. “It was only four, sir.”

“I know that! I was tryin’ to show you up for our lady friend here!” The captain nudged Daring with his hoof. “He ‘aint got a special somepony, just so’s ya know!” Daring glanced over at Ironclad and winked as he rolled his eyes. “Right then! On with the tour!”

They followed Captain Roger out of the bridge and down below decks. The smell of grilling fish signalled their arrival at the first stop on the tour, the galley and mess hall. They entered a large room lined with benches and tables, with enough space to seat at least 20 ponies comfortably. Across the room was a buffet style counter, behind which a full kitchen was laid out. A dark green unicorn stallion in an apron was busy chopping up various vegetables and dropping them into a stew pot. “Hey Cookie! We’ve got some visitors ter see ya!” said the captain as they approached.

The stallion turned to face them, an eyepatch adorning his left eye, behind which a large scar protruded. “Well butter me flank and call me a biscuit! Nice to meet ya!” He extended his leg in greeting, to which a carved wooden calf and hoof had been attached with a leather brace. “Whoop! Didn’t mean to toss me timber at ye!” He smiled and switched legs. “Put ‘er there! Name’s Jack Daniels, I’m the pony in charge of feedin’ this ragtag bunch!”

“Hi! I’m Azure, this is Sirius and Daring!” said Azure quickly, “What are you cooking? It smells amazing! Can I have some Mr. Daniels? Please?”

“Woah! Trim those sails, little’un! Mister Daniels is me father, I answer to Cookie. And I be makin some fresh octopus stew. We just caught the little bugger this mornin’.” He stepped to the side to reveal a mass of tentacles spread out on the counter. Azure recoiled in horror, causing Cookie to let out a deep belly laugh. “Don’t be so quick to run little missy! Just ye wait till it’s all done and cooked, ye won't even notice the tentacles!” His brow furrowed for a few seconds. “Wait here a momen’”

He disappeared into the large stockroom that adjoined the kitchen before returning, a baking sheet loaded with desserts floating in front of him. He lowered it down to Azure. “I was savin these for tonight, but I suppose ye can steal one now.” Cookie winked as Azure smiled and stuffed a donut into her mouth. “Frnk frw!” she said through a mouthful of pastry.

“Would you mind keepin an eye on her, Cookie?” asked the captain, “Where we’re headed is no place for a filly.”

Cookie nodded. “I’ve only got me one to spare, but it shouldn’t be a problem.” He smiled and turned to Azure. “Right then, assistant! What say ye grab one o’ them aprons and gimme a hoof with this here stew?”

Daring and Sirius left Azure with her new best friend and followed the captain down into the lower decks, deeper into the ship. As they descended, the deep hum of the ship’s engines was joined by a chaotic dull roar. The trio reached a security door guarded by two security ponies in heavy riot gear. They moved aside to allow passage, and a third armored pony led them to a small office. Behind the desk inside sat a dark blue stallion with a large mustache and a ten-gallon hat. Pinned to his security uniform was a gold star. He looked up as they entered.

“Evenin’ folks. Who’re yer new friends, Cap’n?” he said sarcastically.

“These are two of the three passengers I told ya about ‘fore we set sail. Sirius and Daring Do.” said the captain.

“Fan-tastic. As if keepin yer useless crew safe from these lowlifes ain't enough of a hassle, now I godda worry ‘bout some stupid civs! One of em’s a mare fer buck’s sake!”

“Dallas! I would ‘prreciate it if you’d watch your language around our passengers!” said the captain angrily.

“Whatever. Look, you two. Name’s Dallas, but you’d be advised to call me Warden. I run this freak show we got locked up down ‘ere.” He gestured out the plate-glass window behind him. “Hunnerd fifty of the meanest sumbitches you’ll ever meet, all on their way to...pernament relocation on that godforsaken rock we’re steamin twords.”

Daring and Sirius looked past Dallas and down into a large open area. Multiple ponies, male and female, were wandering about, all with closely cut manes and matching orange jumpsuits. The center of the room had several rows of metal tables bolted to the floor, and the entire area was surrounded by barred cells, with a second level above the first attached to a metal catwalk. Several ponies in the same heavy armor were scattered about the group, keeping a close watch on the unwilling passengers.

“Now, if ya’ll are done botherin’ me, I have rounds ta make.” Dallas got up from his desk, pushing past Daring into the hall. “ATTENTION SCUMBAGS!” he bellowed at the crowd of prisoners, “CELL CHECK IN FIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE MINITS!” He motioned to two of his guards. One accompanied him as he headed down the hall, and the other escorted the trio back into the hallway. The security door slammed shut behind them.

Daring turned to the captain. “Well isn’t he just a ray of sunshine, then?”

The mess hall was a bustling center of activity, now that dinner time had finally rolled around. As Daring and Sirius entered, they saw a chalkboard placed on an easel just inside the doorway. OCTERPUS STEW AND MASHED TATERS it read in a scrawling print. They wove their way through the mass of sailors and tables to the counter. Cookie was ladling stew from a large pot into the sailors’ bowls, and next to him was Azure, handing out plates of mashed potatoes and various desserts, a large toque perched upon her flour-stained mane. She smiled broadly as Daring and Sirius made their way over to her. She ran into the back for a second and returned with a small cake, crudely decorated with several different colors of icing. She dropped it on Daring’s plate and smiled. “I made it all by myself! For you!”

Daring laughed. “Good job, kid. Hey Cookie! Mind if we steal your apprentice for a few?” Cookie nodded, and Azure grabbed a plate of her own and followed her friends. They scanned the crowded hall looking for a seat until they saw Ironclad waving to them from across the room. The trio sat down next to the first mate, who smiled slightly at the sight of Azure.

“Cookie put you to work, eh?” he asked Azure. “Good job on these here muffins, they’re great!” Azure smiled before digging into her stew. Ironclad turned to Daring and Sirius. “Now, forgive me for asking, but what are you three heading to New Zebrania for? It’s not exactly a top holiday destination…”

Daring and Sirius exchanged a quick glance. “Well...we’re on a mission for Celestia. Unfortunately, it’s pretty top-secret.” said Daring.

Ironclad whistled slightly. “Wowee, the Princess herself. Well, it’s not my place to pry. However, I figured you might be interested in a bit of New Zebrania’s history.”

“Certainly can’t hurt.” said Sirius, “Knowledge is a powerful weapon.”

Ironclad finished off his muffin in a single bite before beginning. “Well, the island itself was discovered several hundred years ago, and some very brief exploration discovered evidence of civilizations dating several thousand years in age. Now, you all might not be too aware, but we have a severe crime problem in Equestria, mostly in the bigger cities. Celestia made the decision to send prisoners there shortly after its discovery. The island’s native inhabitants, Zebras, weren’t all too interested in making contact with anyone from our side of the pond. So, we started taking convicts out of our jails and bringing them on one-way trips to Zebrania, just like this here cruise. After they get off this ship, I’ve got no idea what happens to ‘em.”

“That’s where I take over.” said Sirius, “The prisoners on the island started working together with the Zebras to survive the harsh environment they now called home. The general population began to support Nightmare Moon, in opposition of Celestia and their banishment. After several decades, the Zebras accepted these ideals, and slowly the message of the prisoners began to spread until it reached back to Equestria. Ponies began committing crimes just to be sent to Zebrania to follow this newfound movement, which was dubbed a cult by those too simple-minded to understand it’s message.”

“Hold on a second. How did YOU end up there in the first place, Sirius? It’s not like you can up and get on a boat to New Zebrania to go join a cult without some serious leverage!” Daring exclaimed.

“I am no criminal.” said Sirius, “I was born on New Zebrania. It is my home. I have been a member of the Children of the Nightmare my entire life, and I regret none of it.”

Ironclad eyed him with suspicion. “So….you’re one of them? I’m keeping my eye on you, bub.” He got up from the table and left the mess hall.

Sirius looked at Daring and Azure. He shook his head in frustration. “Can we just go to bed, please?”

Daring was running from something, but she didn’t know what. She skidded to a halt in a large courtyard of a long-since abandoned temple. The walls were crumbling under the weight of twisting vines and plants that had interwoven the masonry with decades of growth and death. The ceiling had collapsed eons ago, and through it Daring saw a full moon in the purple sky shining down on her face. An elegant throne sat at the far end of the room, its gilded surfaces tarnished with filth collected over hundreds of years of disuse. In the center of the room sat a carved stone altar, chipped and cracked with the weight of time itself. Upon it rested a marble bust, wearing an ornate dark blue helmet.

Daring slowly approached the altar. Just as she went to touch the helmet, a deep maniacal laugh echoed through the cavernous room. The helmet shot off the stand and into the air, and the night sky itself coalesced inside of it, sucking in stars and moonlight and forming them into the shape of an alicorn. After several seconds, the Queen of the Night stood before Daring in all her fearsome glory.

“WHY DO YOU SEEK ME?” shouted Nightmare Moon at Daring, “IT IS A FOOL’S ERRAND TO HUNT THE QUEEN OF THE NIGHT’S POWER!”

Nightmare Moon’s horn glowed, and Daring was lifted into the air before being tossed into a nearby column.

“YOU WILL FAIL IN YOUR QUEST, FOR YOU ARE UNWORTHY!”

Daring was lifted and thrown again, this time into the side of the room. She struggled back upright.

“AND THOSE WHO ACCOMPANY YOU?”

She was lifted into the air a third time and slammed down onto the altar. Daring let out a cry of pain as she felt her wing snap from the impact. She raised her head and found herself face to face with Nightmare Moon.

“WILL….DIE!”

Nightmare Moon laughed once more, before opening her mouth to frightening proportions. Daring’s weakened cries for help were to no avail, and she was swallowed whole by the darkness within the Queen of the Night.

“noooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!” shouted Daring. She sat bolt upright in bed, screaming at the top of her lungs, drenched in sweat. Her eyes shot around the room, and her racing heart began to slow at the sight of Azure, curled up asleep on the couch where she had passed out after dinner, too tired to make it into a bed. She smiled. “It was a dream….only a dream…” she whispered. Daring got out of bed slowly, as not to wake Azure and Sirius. “I just need to get some air.” As she reached for her helmet, she noticed rain coming down in sheets outside their tiny porthole, and felt the ship creaking up and down under her hooves. “Wow, rough weather tonight.”

Daring made her way to the top deck, but her progress was halted abruptly. The rain had intensified beyond belief, and the wind whipped by at frightening speeds, threatening to whisk her precious hat away. She slipped the cord attached to the helmet under her chin, and was about to return to her room when she heard an unusual sound. A high pitched whine was clearly audible over the wind and rain. Daring fought through the storm towards the noise, leading her to the ship’s railing. She scanned the choppy water for movement, and something close to the ship caught her eye.

A zodiac raft with an outboard motor was speeding along, dangerously close to the side of the ship. Daring strained her eyes through the sheets of rain, and what she saw was not a welcome scene. Two all-too-familiar unicorns, one dark grey, one black and scarred, wearing matching suits, were aboard the tiny craft. She tried to shout at them, but her voice was lost to the howling wind. As Daring watched, the unicorns pulled a square package out of a bag in the raft and affixed it to the side of the ship before speeding away into the night. A red light began flashing on the small package, quickly speeding up until it was a solid color. “Oh you’ve gotta be-”

Daring’s sentence was cut short as a massive explosion rocked the ship, tearing a hole in the side and throwing her to the deck. She jumped back up and ran to the railing again, to see water rushing into a gaping wound in the metallic side of the vessel. Daring raced across the soaked deck and up the catwalks to the bridge. She threw the door open to a cacophony of sirens and alarms, with the entire bridge crew running around in a panic. The captain was gripping the wheel with a grim look on his face. “CAN ANYPONY TELL ME WHAT IN THE NAME OF TARTARUS JUST HAPPENED?” he shouted furiously.

“YEAH I CAN!” said Daring as she galloped across the room. “TWO UNICORNS JUST BLEW A HOLE IN YOUR SHIP! WE NEED TO EVACUATE!”

“Oh Celestia…” said the captain, “No wonder we’ve lost power. Had to seal the lower decks immediately, lest the...cargo get too restless.”

“YOU WHAT!?” shouted Daring, “AZURE AND SIRIUS ARE STILL DOWN THERE!”

“WHAT!?” yelled the captain, “GET TO THE AFT PORT DOOR ON DECK C, IRONCLAD WAS HEADING THERE TO SEAL IT!”

Without warning, a massive wave struck the side of the ship, knocking the crewmen to the floor and sending several instruments flying through the glass windows in front of Daring and the captain. He helped Daring back up, and she leapt out of the shattered window to the deck below, before galloping to the back of the ship.

“IRONCLAAAAAAD!” she shouted at the top of her lungs, “IRONCLAD WAIIIIIT!”

She rounded the corner just in time to see the stallion pushing a large crate of supplies towards the door. He looked up in surprise as she skidded to a halt in front of him.

“AZURE AND SIRIUS ARE STILL DOWN THERE! WE HAVE TO SAVE THEM!” she shouted over the storm. Ironclad nodded and they sprinted down into the darkened ship. Ironclad led the way through the darkness, his numerous voyages guiding him by memory. They rounded the corner and saw four prisoners attempting to smash in the door of the cabin. Ironclad leapt forward and sent them flying. He dove onto the nearest convict and smashed his face in with one blow of his hoof. Daring ran to the damaged cabin door.

“AZUUURE! SIRIUUUS! GET OUT HERE WE’RE IN BIG TROUBLE” she shouted as Ironclad bucked the second convict back down the stairs, where he sailed into three more of his accomplices. The door squeaked open on broken hinges, and her two companions burst out into the hall, Azure stumbling directly into Daring in the near pitch darkness.

“What’s happening?!” asked Azure, terrified.

“No time, kid!” Daring said, turning to Ironclad. He was busy bucking yet another convict down the stairs. “TIME TO GO! WE GOTTA MOVE!” she shouted.

He turned to the trio. “GO, THEN!”

“NOT WITHOUT YOU!” yelled Daring

“WHATEVER MISSION YOU HAVE TO DO, GO DO IT!” replied Ironclad

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! WE HAVE TO GO!” she shouted as Azure and Sirius ran towards the upper decks.

Ironclad turned to look at her. “My mission.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a moon shaped necklace bearing the likeness of a unicorn. He tossed it to Daring. “Get that crown back. For the Queen. For me.” Ironclad turned and leapt down the stars after the prisoners. Azure turned back and grabbed Daring’s tail in her teeth.

“WE HRF TR GO! NW!” she shouted, her voice muffled by hair.

Daring nodded slowly, then turned and ran with her friends back to the top deck. Sirius stopped dead in his tracks just outside the door, causing Daring and Azure to run into him.

“Lets move it, Mr. Nightmare…” said Daring. Her voice trailed off mid-sentence as she saw why Sirius had stopped. A wave the size of Canterlot castle had risen directly in front of the crippled ship, and it bore down upon them with terrifying speed.

Daring grabbed Sirius and Azure, holding them closely together against the wall as they braced for impact. Daring caught one final glimpse of the massive wall of water, the reflection of the night sky on the wave forming the shape of a unicorn, her jaws open wide. And then, there was nothing.

Paging Doctor Daring

The small blue pegasus galloped through the streets at a rapid pace. “I hope I’m not too late!” she said exhaustedly as she rounded the final corner towards her destination. Before her loomed a towering building, the facade made of exquisite carved marble and quartz. Large columns framed the giant wooden double doors, which stood open, beckoning inside patrons of all ages. Above this imposing entrance a brass plaque was mounted, the words Manehattan Museum of Nature and Science engraved upon it in an elegant script. The pegasus shot past the ticket counter and the many docents and families that packed the expansive lobby, before making a sharp turn down the employee hallway. Having traveled this route many times before, she knew that nopony would be around to stop her entering the main museum, free of charge.

Her glorious escapades were cut short by an office door opening suddenly, bringing her to an abrupt and painful halt with a resounding CRASH! Several letters popped off the glass, but Dr. Heartstrings, Head of Homosapien Research was still legible. A mint-colored unicorn with faint cyan and white hair gasped and helped the dazed filly to her feet.

“Oh my goodness! Azure! Are you all right?!” she said frantically. “I didn’t hear you coming down the hall! I’m so sorry...” she trailed off, spouting apologies.

“I’m fine Lyra!” she said in an exasperated tone. “A good knock to the head never hurt anyone. At least...not permanently.”

“Good. Now, what did I tell you about sneaking around back here last time this happened? If security catches you again you’ll be banned from the museum for at least a month this time! Besides, I told you to come find me if you needed to get in for any reason. I get far too many free tickets every month, and Bon Bon can only take seeing the same stuffy exhibits once every season...”

Azure looked up sheepishly. “Sorry...I just heard about the new exhibition today and I didn’t want to miss the grand opening!”

Lyra sighed as her magic glowed around her lab-coat pocket. She withdrew a stamped piece of paper attached to a small red lanyard, which she laid around Azure’s neck. “There.” she said with a smile, “Now Marty and Bob won’t have any reason to toss out everyone’s favorite museum-goer. Run along now, she’s supposed to start any minute!”

Azure grinned from ear to ear as she sprinted off down the hallway. “THANKS LYRA!” she shouted as she rounded the corner and disappeared from sight.

No matter how many ancient tombs she plundered, devious villains she thwarted, or priceless treasures she rescued, public speaking would never be one of Daring Do’s strong points. She paced back and forth behind the velvet curtain, sweating profusely and constantly readjusting her pith helmet in an attempt to stay occupied. Several museum docents bustled about, one setting up a podium while several more gathered her hastily scribbled notes that she had flung across the stage in a fit of panic. Two large, muscled security guards stood statuesque next to a glass case with a jet black tarp draped on top of it. The museum director, a kindly elderly mare with a greying mane and half-moon glasses, stood nearby, offering words of encouragement.

“You’ve done this sort of thing hundreds of times! And besides, talking to a few hundred ponies pales in comparison to the effort you went through to retrieve that.” she said, and gestured towards the covered cube with her horn.

Daring Do sighed. The Director was right. Her mind flashed back to her most recent adventure. Images of crocodiles, floor traps, quicksand, and a large blue jackal creature with a spanish accent flowed through her mind, and she began to relax.

“You’re right. This is nothing! I can take on twenty armed assassins with my bare hooves and I’m worried about giving a speech?” she chuckled nervously, “Lets just get this over with. I need some coffee, BAD.”

The Director nodded towards the stage crew, and the curtain began to rise towards the ceiling. The loudspeaker clicked on, and after a few seconds of static, the Director’s voice rang out over the gathered crowd.

“LADIES AND GENTLECOLTS! IT IS OUR GREAT HONOR TO WELCOME BACK TO THE MANEHATTAN MUSEUM ONE OF THE GREATEST ARCHAEOLOGISTS OF OUR TIME! PLEASE, PUT YOUR HOOVES TOGETHER FOR THE ONE AND ONLY....DARING DOOOOOOOOOO!”

The crowd exploded into cheers as Daring Do sheepishly made her way to the podium, nervously tipping her hat towards the assembled mass of ponies. She took several large gulps of water and multiple deep breaths before addressing the audience.

“Hi everypony! I’m...uh...Daring Do...and I’m here to...uh....” she trailed off, her brain going into full-alert panic mode as she proceeded to forget her entire speech. She looked frantically back at the Director, who simply smiled and motioned for her to continue. As she turned back to face the crowd, her mind snapped back to the memories of her most recent quest. She quickly suppressed her overwhelming urge to vomit, and resumed her speech.

“I’m here to present a brand new exhibit to the museum! From the mysterious jungles of South Amareica comes a fantastical artifact of myth and legend. Wrapped in mystery and concealed by the lost sands of time, it was lost for millennia, believed to be destroyed. However, It is my great pride to return to the world the magnificence that is...THE SAPPHIRE STONE!”

She raised her hoof towards the glass case, and the tarp was pulled away to reveal a brilliant blue solid sapphire, carved in the shape of two intertwined jackals. A faint blue glow emanated from the statue, and the crowd gasped collectively at the sight. A few seconds of awestruck silence rang out.

“YEAH DARING DO! YOU’RE AWESOME!” shouted a small filly pegasus in the back row. The audience promptly followed her example, erupting into cheers and applause for the triumphant adventurer. Daring Do smiled shyly and took several small bows, before rapidly disappearing backstage.

Meanwhile, out in the audience, a starstruck pegasus also left in quite a hurry, but for an entirely different reason.

“I don’t know how you do that on a daily basis. I almost threw up and it was only a thirty second speech!” Daring said as she walked to her office, accompanied by the Director.

The Director laughed softly. “Public speaking isn’t for everyone, my dear. Of course you don’t see me raiding tombs and vanquishing villains, so we all have our own areas of expertise.” She winked at the embarrassed adventurer as she turned down the hallway towards the main lobby.

“Have a good weekend!” Daring said as the Director faded away into the distance. She moved to open her office door when a loud BANG emanated from behind it. She jumped sideways and lay flat against the wall.

“WHOEVER’S IN THERE, YOU HAVE THREE SECONDS TO COME OUT WITH YOUR HOOVES WHERE I CAN SEE THEM! TRUST ME, YOU DON'T WANT ME TO COME IN AND GET YOU!” she shouted menacingly. “ONE...”

The door opened slowly before she reached the second digit. A small blue pegasus wearing a comically oversized pith helmet slowly walked out of the office, her head hung low in shame. Daring snatched the helmet off her head and glared at the ashamed filly.

“And just WHAT are you doing in MY office, young lady?” she said furiously, “Who are you, anyway?”

“My name’s Azure...” she said with a sniffle, “And...And I’m your biggest fan... I broke into your office because I thought maybe...if I had a hat like yours it’d help me be an adventurer like you someday...” She sighed and slowly began to walk towards the lobby.

Daring Do looked at the heartbroken filly and immediately felt like the worst pony to ever exist in history. She ran down the hall and stopped Azure in her tracks.

“Hey, kid! Kid, wait a second!” Azure sniffled again and looked up at her. “Look, kid. The clothes don’t really make the pony, you know that, right? It’s what's inside that counts. But...if it means so much to you...”

She dropped the helmet on the floor and dug around in her saddlebag for a few seconds before pulling out a black marker. She stuck it between her teeth and scribbled “TO AZURE, FROM D D” on the side of the helmet before placing it on Azure’s head.

“Now you’re a bona-fide archaeologist, kid.” she smiled as Azure squealed with delight.

Before the small pegasus could reply, a unicorn came galloping towards them at full tilt. As he skidded to a halt, Daring noticed he was wearing a full set of armor, emblazoned with the royal seal.

“Excuse me, but are you Daring Do?” said the stallion, gasping for breath.

She nodded in reply, slightly confused.

“I have an urgent message for you, from Canterlot.” His horn glowed slightly as he opened his saddlebag and retrieved a scroll, sealed with wax and stamped with the same insignia as his armor. He cleared his throat and began to read.

“Ms. Daring Do, I require your assistance in a matter of utmost urgency. Your presence is requested at Canterlot Castle without delay. My royal guards have a carriage ready to take you to the next train out of Manehattan. Please, arrive as soon as you can. -Princess Celestia”

Daring Do whistled through her teeth. “Celestia, eh? I wonder what ol sun-butt wants with the likes of me?” She turned to Azure. “Sorry to run off on you, but Celestia waits for nopony. See ya around, kid”

She and the stallion guard galloped off down the hall, leaving Azure in a stunned silence. “Canterlot...” she said in hushed awe, “I’ve never been to Canterlot...” She stood musing for a few moments before realizing she had dropped the pass Lyra gave her. She glanced down, and promptly gasped in excitement as she realized Lyra’s mistake. She tore the pass in half and set off at full tilt after Daring and the guard.

The unused portion floated slowly to the floor of the now-empty hallway, the words “EQUESTRIAN TRANSIT AUTHORITY UNIVERSAL TICKET, ADMIT ONE, REDEEMABLE ONCE” printed on the backside.

Author's Note

Azure is supposed to be a dark blue and dark purple version of Scootaloo