A Daring Do and Epsilon Hoof Tale: The Teardrop Keystone

Chapters

Ch. 1: A Visit from Epsilon
Ch. 2: Of Cults and Scientists
Ch. 3: Departure
Ch. 4: A Storm of Disciples
Ch. 5: Mad Dog
Ch. 6: Brother from Another Mother
Ch. 7: Professor Crane
Ch. 8: Into the Salt Mines

Ch. 1: A Visit from Epsilon

Hello everypony! Silver here with my first installment of my Daring Do and Epsilon Hoof stories. I really enjoy working on this and hope you'll give me some feedback. I also think I should tell you how I will be dropping references from our world, such as a book or place or something, in my stories. Easter Eggs if you will. So keep an eye out for those. So thanks for reading this and, let's begin!

Chapter One: A Visit from Epsilon

Daring Do sat in her study immersed in a book as she took advantage of the rare quiet she was experiencing. Normally, the sounds of ponies working and going about their daily lives was constant in the city of Gallopolis. But it was Sunday and everyone was resting in their homes. Daring's study was a small, cozy room with a chair in front of a fireplace, currently lit as the fall nights could get rather chilly, illuminating the bookshelves that lined the walls. Oddly enough, only a few held books.

The rest were all filled with treasures that Daring Do had collected on her adventures. Ancient artifacts and gold from the age-old civilizations that inhabited Equestria long ago were stuffed in the shelves. Daring Do looked up and a flash of light caught her eye. Glinting in the firelight was the Saphire Statue, her very first prize. She smiled at the memory, but grimly looked down at her right wing. The injury she had sustained in that adventure was more serious than she had first believed. She would never be able to fly again.

She got up from her chair, glanced briefly at a small phoenix statue, to her desk in front of a large window looking out onto the moonlit mountain scene. Gallopolis was situated in the mountains. Given its close location to Canterlot, it was a rest stop for those who didn't want to be overwhelmed by the upper class ponies. Overtaken by a sense of nostalgia, Daring Do rifled through her files. She found a picture of herself with an earth pony with a dusty brown mane standing in front of an archealogical dig. Her closest friend, Jett Barr, had been her partner on many archealogical assignments before she pursued to become a treasure hunter.

After looking through some more files, she returned to her book, only to be interrupted by the sound of the doorbell ringing. She walked down the hallway to the living room and opened the door. A wind gust buffeted her briefly, and then she saw the pony before her.

The unicorn was a pale brown with a black, long, well groomed mane. He was wearing a waistcoat and hat, billowing in the breeze.

"Epsilon Hoof!"

The unicorn smiled. "Daring Do! Always a pleaure to see your face again." He spoke with the accent of an upper class pony.

"Well come on in. It's been a while since I've last gotten a visit from you," Daring said.

Epsilon placed his hat on the coatstand. "Yes, well. Being an investigator from Canterlot Yard, sometimes my work overwhelms me."

Daring Do led the way to her study. "Well, take a seat Epsilon. You know, I've been reading a great book lately; Incredible Potential by Charlie Richardson. But I suppose that's not why you came here is it?"

"Indeed not. But before I get to that, I see you've been having your share of work as well. These really are extraordinary treasures. Why they're beautiful!"

Daring returned from the kitchen, Epsilon hadn't even realized she'd left, with a pot of tea. Epsilon laughed. "You always know exactly what to do, don't you?"

Daring Do poured herself a cup and said, "So, Epsilon? What have you been up to lately? Any more nasty cases involving shadow magic?"

"No nothing like that. The last case like that was about an insane unicorn who was attempting to create a potion from dragon body parts to make him live forever. Unfortunately they were baby dragons. Gruesome business." Epsilon was an expert on shadow magic. A kind of magic that was supernatural and immoral in some ways. He generally handled these kinds of cases.

"No my latest job is to find the culprit of a series of murders surrounding a group of anthropologists, which is what I have come to talk to you about," Epsilon said.

Daring Do looked at the unicorn skeptically. "What do you mean? Are you offering me a job as your partner in this? I'm a treasure hunter. Not an investigator."

"What do you know about the teardrop keystone?" Epsilon asked abruptly.

"Huh? That's nothing but a fantasy. A keystone that supposedly keeps the arch of reality from crumbling. If it was real, I'd surely try to find it. Find it, not take it."

"It's not a fantasy."

"What?!"

Epsilon leaned forward. "The murdered anthropologists were studying the whereabouts and origins of the keystone. They were murdered and their research was stolen. But one of the scientists wasn't killed. He didn't know all the facts, but we know the keystone exists."

"And it really holds reality in check?" Daring Do asked incredulously.

"Well of course not! But the scientist has assured us that the keystone has powers with shadow magic properties, which is why I was called to take it," Epsilon explained.

"Well what do we know about it?"

"Do you know about the Magia?"

"That ancient civilization of unicorns. The ones that started that huge empire."

"Correct. Those ponies were the first to start mining. And their capital city was near one of the largest emerald mines in Equestria. So when they discovered a blue stone in that cave of green gems, they thought of it as a sign of something great. So they made the blue emerald into a keystone, thinking it held the weight of reality. They hid it in a temple that was pure myth to the common Magia citizen. But a select few did know about the keystone. And one of that few, expiremented on it with shadow magic. We don't know exactly what the unicorn did, so we can only assume that the murderer wishes to harness those powers."

Daring Do was now leaning forward. "This is interesting. Why, I want to go after the keystone myself. But, since it's not common knowledge, why are you telling me all this."

"Because Miss Do," Epsilon said, all business now, "the murderer appears to have left you a calling card. Will you help me with this investigation?" Epsilon asked as he dropped a card on Daring's lap. Only two words were on it.

Daring Do.

"I'm in."

So then. What do you all think? Leave a comment saying if you liked it or not please. If you didn't, give me some constructive criticism please. Did any of you catch my easter eggs?
One was the book Daring was reading; Incredible Potential by Charlie Richardson.
The other was Epsilon Hoof. He's an investigator based off of one in a series by the author, George Mann. Look up his books all you steampunk fans. Also, shadow magic is just my pony version of the occult.
So I'll try to post one chapter each week. Ya'll got that. Good. Until next time!

Ch. 2: Of Cults and Scientists

Hello then all of you who are still with me on this story! How many of you actually got the references of my Easter Eggs? Not many I'll assume.
Incredible Potential is my parody of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.
Epsilon Hoof is based off of Sir Maurice Newbury from George Mann's Newbury and Hobbes Investigation series.

So, enjoy this chapter.

Ch. 2 Of Cults and Scientists

"Ah! Daring Do! My, my it has been a long time!"

Daring Do was in the office of the head of Canterlot Yard, Whinney Pennworthy. The male earth pony had a dark, well trimmed moustache. His black mane was beginning to show gray. A cutie mark of a police badge was visible on his flank. He was leaning heavily on a cane.

"I can see it from the lack of color in your mane Pennworthy," Daring Do said with a smile.

"I only wish it was on more pleasant matters. Honestly, I'm getting a bit too old for this kind of thing."

"It's too bad you're just so darn good at your work Whinney," Epsilon interjected.

Pennworthy shook his head. "I'm still not so sure about involving the lady here. I'm sure you can take care of yourself. You've proved it before countless times," Pennworthy added hastily at Daring's look. "But, a card stating her exact name on a murdered pony? It's just too obvious a trap. You obviously already figured this Epsilon, being the chief investigator of Canterlot Yard."

"I assure you Whinney, I've told Miss Do about the danger of a trap. But she's as headstrong and stubborn as she was last time you saw her."

"And I'm certainly not gonna miss out on a chance to find a treasure like the teardrop keystone," Daring said.

"Well then, we should be off to question Bunsen Bren," Whinney said heading out the door. Bunsen Bren was the remaining scientist of the group researching the keystone. As they left the building, Daring Do took in the smell of Gallopolis. The sun was obscured by heavy cloud cover and a mist hung all over the city. The air smelled of the exhaust released from the steam powered automobiles that drove over the cobbles. They were a relatively new invention brought into Gallopolis.

"Should we hail a cab?" Whinney asked.

"No way! I'm entirely for the progress of technology, but these things reek something awful!" Epsilon said.

So they walked to the house of the scientist. It was nestled between two apartment buildings and seemed to be leaning on them as if it couldn't support itself. They were greeted by a police at the door. He tipped his hat to Pennworthy. "Sir. You'll find the pony in question in the living area."

Pennworthy nodded at him. The living room was clean and incredibly organized in such a way that it made Daring Do uncomfortable. She liked some sense of disorganization. Bunsen was a pony who liked to find things easily and immediatly. He sat in a chair reading the newspaper when he noticed the trio. "Ah. Pennworthy. Are these police of yours going to be following me around much longer? It's quite an uncomfortable position."

"Safety precautions Bren. You were targetted by an assassin which could very well try again," Pennworthy said, as if he had delivered this speech before.

"Well then, let's get this interrogation over with." Bunsen gestured toward a sofa and they took their seats.

Epsilon started. "So. What exactly were your findings on the teardrop keystone?"

"I'm not sure how much I can help you with there. I was the rookie on the research team. I'd only just joined a few weeks before, when they were well under way on their studies. They were loath to admit anything to me. Worried about the information being given to the wrong person." Bunsen shrugged. "The teardrop keystone is an artifact that according to Magia legend held the arch of reality in place and kept it from collapsing. While the keystone may not do that, it does indeed have strange properties involving shadow magic."

"What kinds of properties?"

"Well that's something the other ponies kept from me. But the meager scraps of information that I could draw out of them suggest the keystone is needed for some kind of summoning ritual."

"To summon what?"

"As stated before, I don't know. The unicorn that expiremented on the keystone with shadow magic thousands of years ago, was Nezerra the Mystical."

Daring Do interrupted. "Weren't a bunch of shadow magic ceremonies and rituals found in her tomb? Ones still done by cults today?" Daring knew this was true because she herself was on that dig when they discovered this.

"Yes. But none of those documents had anything to do with the keystone. At least, none that you retrieved."

"What could you mean by that?" said Pennworthy with the hint of a threat in his tone.

"I believe that the researchers here might have discovered that tomb before you and taken the documents about the keystone. That theory's rather outlandish though. A better one would be they intercepted those documents after they were unearthed."

"And that's all you know about the keystone?" Epsilon recieved a nod from Bunsen. "What about your assassin? What did he look like?"

"Well, it's hard to say, but I believe he was a stallion. Large, muscular fellow. He was wearing dark clothing that covered all his body, and a mask covered his face."

"Well that's to be expected," Pemmworthy said.

"As I was saying," Bunsen said, obviously annoyed, "there was a patch on his sleeve that had a symbol of some kind."

"What did it look like?"

"Well, why it looked like that! Like your cutie mark Investigator Hoof!"

Epsilon's cutie mark was a star made up of five different lines. "Hoof, what did you say that was called?" Whinney struggled to remember.

"It's a pentagram." Hoof turned to Bunsen. "You're saying the attacker had a pentagram on his sleeve."

"Yes. Although it didn't look exactly like that. It was upside down, with one gray jewel at each point and one in the center."

"It doesn't sound like any cult I might know," Hoof said.

"Could be the rise of one," Pennworthy said.

"And that's all you have to tell us?" Daring Do asked.

"No. I do know where the alleged location of the keystone is."

"What?! Why didn't you mention that earlier?" Daring Do said incredulously.

"You didn't ask. Anyway, we believe the keystone is in a temple only accesible through an entrance in the temple of their capital city, Dabylon."

"And that's all you know?"

"Yes."

Epsilon put away his notepad. "Well thank you Bunsen. You've been a great help to our investigation." After they exited the building, Pennworthy and Hoof discussed something out of Daring's earshot. Hoof returned to Daring Do and said, "Pennworthy has some business he needs to take care of. Would it be fine if I accompanied you home?"

"Fine by me." This time, they did take a cab. The ride home was silent for some time, until Daring Do broke the silence. "So then. What's our next move? Are we going to Dabylon? I thought that would be the simplest form of action. Wait for the culprit to show up."

"That's exactly what we're going to do. Pennworthy went to take care of the travel arrangements. I was wondering if you could gather some of your old archealogical partners. Preferably ones who have been on digs in the area."

"Well that shouldn't be too difficult. I think I already know who to ask." After a brief lapse in conversation, Daring started again. "What do you make of that cult symbol Epsilon?"

Epsilon ran a hoof through his mane in an obvious gesture of discomfort. "It worries me. A new cult that starts with something big like this. They're not much for covert if they're willing to advertise themselves like that. We really don't need more like Celestia's Disciples."

"Who are they?"

"They're a cult that claims to be keeping order and peace in Equestria. I think they're terrorists. They've put bombs and the like in various churches and and other religious places and blown them up. They've assasinated religious leaders and stolen artifacts related to shadow magic. Their motives are extremely unclear. It just seems like they want to cause chaos."

"Wow. Ponies these days are getting such horrible ideas in their heads."

"We're not even sure they're ponies. They always wear black cloaks to conceal their identities. They're also larger than the average pony. Whenever they attack in numbers, they move with a kind of deadly grace and organization."

The rest of the ride was made in silence. Daring Do arrived at her house and said goodbye to Epsilon.
ooX~Xoo

Daring Do was awoken in the middle of the night by the doorbell. Grumbling to herself. She opened the door and found Pennworthy and Hoof at her doorstep. "Guys it's the middle of the night! Can't this wait 'til morning?"

Without preamble, Whinney said, "Bunsen's been murdered."

Daring became instantly awake. "Alright. Let me get my pith helmet."

Minutes later, they arrived at Bunsen's house. Police were already milling around despite the late hour. One of them approached Whinney. "Pennworthy. All the ponies are dead. All in the same gruesome fashion. Nopony's started investigating yet."

"Thank you. We can take it from here."

The pony that had greeted them at the front door earlier that day was now sprawled on the floor. Daring couldn't surpress a gasp of horror.

The police pony was unrecognizable. His throat and stomach were torn open and his innards were pulled out. Blood pooled around him. Epsilon bent over and examined him, frowning. He lead the way into the house. Surprisingly, it was as uncomfortably neat as when they left it. When they got to Bunsen's room, Daring Do felt bile rise in her throat.

It was hideously decorated with blood and organs everywhere. Bunsen was in the center, killed the same way as the police pony. After examination, Epsilon said, "This rules out the possibility of this murderer being the same as the other."

"This pony was killed horribly and messily. The other scientists had been killed with a clean cut through the throat with a blade. And I'm certain no blade did this. These are teeth marks."

"Teeth marks!" Daring Do exclaimed.

Whinney tapped his cane incredulously."That's impossible, Hoof! You're saying somepony tore out Bunsen's innards with their teeth?"

"Probably not a pony. These wounds have been made with much sharper teeth. Ah? Hello, what's this?" Stuck behind Bunsen was a note.

"What's it say?" Daring Do asked impatiently.

Epsilon read it aloud. "You're dealing with things you don't understand. Call off your investigation. Signed" - Epsilon sucked in a breath - "Celestia's Disciples."

So, how many of you are still with me? Leave a comment of praise or one of constructive criticism, por favor.
Easter egg in this chapter: Canterlot Yard. Leave your guesses for what it's a parody of in the comments.
Welp, until next time!

Ch. 3: Departure

Hello everypony! I'm back with yet another chapter in my Daring/Epsilon saga. You guys remember Jett Barr, the earth pony in Daring Do's photo? Hope you do. *hint hint. wink wink* I had some more free time and was able to get this chapter on fimfiction earlier than usual.
The easter egg from last week, Canterlot Yard, is a reference to Scotland Yard. I'm not sure how often I'll be putting them in. Probably every so often so they stay "easter eggs" and not "just another reference."

So, I hope you guys enjoy this next chapter, and thanks for reading it!

Ch. 3 Departure

After returning home from the murder scene, Daring Do tried to fall asleep, unsuccesfully. Too many thoughts raced through her head. Who was the original murderer? What is he planning? Why are Celestia's Disciples involved? But aside from all that was the fact that she was incredibly thrilled to be going on another adventure. And not just any adventure. A quest to find the fabled teardrop keystone!

After lying awake for hours, Daring Do looked at her bedside clock. 6:00 A.M. The first rays of the sun were beginning to show in the sky. She decided to take it upon herself to visit Jett. He wouldn't mind, she knew. He had been with her on the expidition when they had unearthed Nezerra's tomb. He would be a good edition to the team, she thought.

After donning her trusty pith helmet, Daring Do set out. The pegasi of Gallopolis were busy clearing the skies. It was promising to be a bright sunny day. Far above her, she could see some of the houses of the pegasi made out of clouds. She was struck with the pang of great sadness she recieved every time she looked to the sky. She had loved flying. And she was great at it, if she had anything to say about it. When she had been first notified of the fact that she could no longer fly, she was devastated completely. She spent hours at Jett's house, brooding and wrapped in a blanket of depression. The pegasi were nice enough to say she could stay in her cloud home. After all, her injury didn't impair her ability to walk or help with the weather.

But she had declined. The house filled her with remorse now that she couldn't fly. The thought of having to travel in the elder balloon, a hot air balloon used for the older pegasus that couldn't fly, would hurt her pride more than any injury would. So she had gotten a house on the floor of Gallopolis. While the initial months had been a haze of depression for Daring, she had learned to live with it and move on with life, and eventually, that emotional wound became a scar; still there, but not quite so severe. The proof that she was fine could be seen in her successes. She was doing pretty good for a pegasus who couldn't fly.

Daring Do arrived at Jett's house and knocked on his door. No answer. She knocked again.

Still nothing.

Daring produced a key from her pocket and unlocked the door. Jett had given it to her when they were both still studying at University of Equestria: Gallopolis. The good ol' days at UEG, Daring Do remembered with a smile.

As she stepped through the the door, Daring Do noticed the horrible state of her best friend's house. Various trash was spilled over the floor, clothes were scattered everywhere, empty takeout boxes lay on the table, unwashed dishes in the sink. Nice to see Jett hasn't changed, thought Daring.

She entered Jett's bedroom and was met by the sight of him snoring loudly on the couch. None too gently, she shook Jett awake. "Huh?! Wha's goin' on?!" the copper stallion groggily said.

"Rise and shine Jett," Daring said.

"Daring, it's so early! Why wake me up now?!" Jett complained. He had never been a morning person, and it was normal for Daring Do to enter his house unannounced, often to wake him up.

"Good to see you too Jett."

"So D, what're you doing here?" Jett asked, using her little known nickname.

"Oh you know, I was in the neighborhood and just thought I'd tell you what I've been up to lately."

"Which is?"

"Oh the usual. Interrogating assault victims, getting information of long lost treasures, attending murder scenes, yaddah, yaddah, yaddah."

"That doesn't sound like the usual at all."

"Do you remember Epsilon Hoof?"

"Yeah. Didn't we meet him on one of our digs?He was on some case of rogue Zebra sorcerers or something."

"Right. Well, now I'm on an investigation with him."

Jett whistled at that. "Daring Do. Professional archealogist, renowned treasure hunter, and now an investigator."

"I wouldn't have agreed if not for two things. One; a victim of a murder had a note stuck to him with my name on it. Two; the case is also about finding the teardrop keystone."

Jett's eyes widened. "The teardrop keystone? It exists?" Daring Do proceeded to fill in Jett with everything that had happened, from Epsilon's visit, to last night's murder scene. "And I suppose you're here to try and convince me to come along on this journey?"

"Yeah. Epsilon wants me to get a few archealogists that are familiar with the area."

"You sure it's not an excuse to go on an adventure with your best friend? I'm deeply flattered, D." Jett dodged a punch from Daring Do, laughing.

Jett continued. "So who else are you gonna get to come along?"

"I'm not sure, but I thought, maybe Ruby Ice." Ruby Ice was a beautiful unicorn that had also been on the Nezerra excavation with Jett and Daring.

"You sure you want her? She does tend to like shiny things. What if you find the keystone and she takes it?"

Ruby could be vain. And did enjoy jewels. But Daring had the utmost confidence in her. "Ruby wouldn't do that. Not with an artifact like that. An abandoned diamond necklace in a ruined house, rather than an emerald keystone in a ruin, probably."

"Oka-ay. So. When are we supposed to leave?"

"Should be in a few days. So I'd start getting ready." Daring Do stood up to leave.

"Wait D!"

She turned back. "Yeah?"

"Mind helping me clean up around here?" Jett asked sheepishly.

Classic Jett, thought Daring. Reluctantly, she agreed.

ooX~Xoo

Ruby Ice was busily working in her jewelry shop with a customer. Busily trying to stop his perpetual attempts to flirt with her hopelessly. She was really beginning to get uncomfortable when she heard the bell to signal the door had been opened. When she saw Daring Do and Jett Barr walk in, she couldn't be more relieved to come up with an excuse to leave her customer.

"Daring! Jett! You've arrived just on time!" She turned to the other pony, which was still trying to convince her to go to dinner. "Listen sir. I'm terribly sorry but this is a very serious matter I have to attend to. You understand of course. So I'm afraid you'll have to come back...never!" She emphasised that last word by almost throwing him out the door and slamming the door in the dejected pony's face.

"You would not believe who relieved I am you two showed up," Ruby said.

"What the heck was that about?" Jett asked.

"I was simply trying to let a hopeless pony down easy, but he wouldn't take no for an answer! So I had to be completely honest with my feelings. And conveyed them with actions."

Dating Do whistled. "That's unlike you Ruby. Usually you just use the desperate ponies that come flocking at your door."

"I used to use them. And I can't help it that I'm appealing to the eyes," Ruby said, not even trying to be humble. She was a beautiful unicorn with a body that was a full crimson red and and a long, lustrous white and aquamarine mane.

"I remember all to well your methods of getting to a guy," Jett said. He had been a victim of Ruby's charm and beauty when he first met het. Unlike most though, who moped about their being used and avoided Ruby Ice, Jett had stayed friends with her.

"So, what brings you two here?" Ruby asked

Daring Do explained about everything that had happened and told her about how she wanted Ruby Ice to come with them. "An expedition? To find the teardrop keystone?" Ruby's eyes glinted at the prospect of adventure. "Yes! I am in!" You wouldn't be able to tell at a first glance, but Ruby really did have a passion for finding out about ancient civilizations.

"Great. D, you said you'd tell us when we're leaving?" Jett said.

"Right. As soon as I find out."

"Oh I wonder if I should bring the diamond necklace that matches the blue dress I have? Or maybe something that attracts less atention. Like the bracelet that goes with my favorite sweater!" Ruby said as she ran up the staircase that connected her home with her shop.

"She does realize we're going on an excavation, right?" Jett asked.

ooX~Xoo

Days later, early in the morning, Daring Do, Jett Barr, Ruby Ice, and Epsilon Hoof were boarding a boat that would take them to where the Magia Empire once was. Pennworthy was staying behind because he had other duties to deal with, Epsilon explained when Daring asked. After introductions had been made, the boat set off.

"Where's your team of investigators?" Daring asked.

"It's only me. I thought a smaller group would attract less attention," Epsilon replied.

"Yeah. About that Hoof." Jett came up to them. "Why exactly don't we want to attract attention? You think we've gotten involved with some gang war between Celestia's Disciples and the Keystone Krew. And crew is spelled with a k."

Epsilon looked at Jett oddly. Jett sighed. "The Keystone Krew is the gang that killed most of the scientists. Not much of an investigator are you?"

"I knew who you were referring to Barr," Epsilon said.

"And they're not gangs. They're cults. Isn't that right Epsilon?" Ruby said batting her eyes at him. Epsilon tugged at his collar as if he were too hot. Ruby Ice had been doing that to him since she met Epsilon. Daring couldn't tell if she meant it or was playing with him. She looked out to see the sun rising over the water. She had no idea what the future of this trip would bring, but she wouldn't back down when it came to face her!

What do you guys think of this chapter? I know it's boring and mainly filler, but I couldn't find a good way to introduce Jett Barr and Ruby Ice or to begin their adventure. If you guys thought it sucked, it was the best idea I had to begin their trip to Dabylon. Anyway, no Easter Eggs in this chapter. So, leave a comment of praise or constructive criticism if you can. I'll post another chapter in a week at the latest.
Welp, until next time!

Ch. 4: A Storm of Disciples

Oheyo everypony! Back with yet another installment of The Teardrop Keystone! Wow. Two chapters in two days.
I'm not sure how many of you have heard of TV Tropes or have looked up Daring Do on there. I only found out recently, but I looked, and if you've seen that page and read it and expect this story to relate to that, you're gonna be dissapointed. I don't think I'll try to have it resemble any of the stuff on there for a few reasons: 1. My original plan was to create stories of Daring Do that came out of my imagination and bore no intentional resemblence to anyone else's ideas. 2. I feel that many others will try to replicate some of those stories, and I aim to try and make something original.
I also will not make my own versions of those stories considering I already found an author on here who did a much better job with one of those stories than I would have. Look up Daring Do and the Cloud-Held Eternity by Trivial.
So, let's just get on with chapter 4!

Ch 4 A Stom of Disciples

The first few days on the ship passed by slowly and uneventfully. Daring Do and company had aquainted themselves with some of the other ponies, but nothing out of the ordinary had occured.

That is, until day four on their voyage.

Daring Do was on the deck of the ship when she noticed dark storm clouds gathering overhead. "What the heck?"

Ruby approached Daring Do. "Hey Daring! What are you doing out here? Come in the dining hall! Epsilon's a terrible conversationalist. It seems he's uncomfortable socializing with other ponies. Probably spends too much time in that office of his."

"Hey Ruby? Does something look off to you about those clouds?"

"Hmmm. What are clouds doing this far out at sea? Is there a pegasus patrol that brings the weather out here?"

"No Ruby. Prevailing winds normally bring clouds and other weather out to sea," Daring said, remembering her lessons on weather. "What I meant is, do they seem...unnatural?"

Just then, Epsilon interrupted. "Hello Daring Do..." he trailed off when he saw Ruby Ice.

Daring took pity on the unicorn and said, "Epsilon. Does something look wrong with those clouds?"

"Nothing appears out of the ordinary."

"Maybe it's just me being a pegasus, being able to sense weather changes better than most, but I just get this terrible feeling from them," Daring Do said.

Jett came striding up to them with another pegasus pony. "Hey D! Epsilon. Ruby. Have you guys met Jackof Alltrade. You should hear some of the things he's been through."

Jackof was cobalt colored with a neon green mane. Daring was surprised she hadn't seen him before. He had scars running from the base of his neck to his left eye. "Pleasure to meet you all," he said shaking everypony's hand.

"Where did you get that nasty scar?" Ruby Ice asked not attempting to be subtle in any way.

"Well it would appear that he's in good physical shape. Broad chest, good for sucking in air on long flights. Well muscled. I can see from his cane design" - Epsilon gestured to a cane hanging from a belt around Jackof's waist - "that it is used rather for show or" - he took the cane - "self defense." Epsilon pulled the handle and unsheathed a sword hidden within the cane's hollow tube. "And judging by that unmistakable medal you're wearing, you were once an explorer for Princess Celestia, leading a team of explorers to expand the borders of her kingdom."

Everyone just stared at Epsilon. Jackof broke off laughing. "My, my you're quite the detective aren't you!"

"I kind of have to be, considering my job requires it."

"Yes, well. I was indeed a part of the expansion team. I got this medal for 'showing bravery and quick thinking under high pressure' as my captain at the time put it."

"That's all quite interesting Alltrade, but can you tell me, do those clouds look off to you?" Daring Do said, pointing to the storm clouds.

Jackof noticed the clouds for the first time, and his eyes widened. He quickly gained his composure and said, "Oh my I really must be going."

"Hold on Alltrade." Epsilon pulled Jackof back. "That scar. The deep gouges, the jagged lines, the imperfections..." Epsilon stiffened. "It would appear that you and I have a lot to talk about."

Suddenly the winds picked up to a roar and lightning flashed across the sky. Jackof was looking around frantically. "Whatever do you mean by that Mr. Hoof? I really don't have the time..." Jackof said, yelling to be heard above the storm. Rain had begun pouring down heavily. The ship's crew were trying to herd everyone indoors.

"Oh I can make time Mr. Alltrade," Epsilon said with steel in his voice.

"Guys!" Jett was staring out to sea. "WHAT THE BUCK IS THAT?!" A ship had come into view and was plowing straight for them. It was something out of a museum. An old ship used in colonial times, with large sails, cannons, the whole wad. A cannon aimed towards them fired. Rather than a cannonball, a harpoon bolt sailed into the ship and buried itself in the side. A rope was attached and cloaked figures appeared on the deck. A lightning flash illuminated the ship and a flag bearing the crest of Celestia's Disciples appeared; a star with the sun in its center.

The figures began running across the rope to the ship. Jackof pushed Epsilon back and ran into the ship. The cloaked figures made it onboard and chased after him, not paying any attention to Daring Do or the others. "Come on!" Epsilon said running after them.

Daring didn't need to be told twice. Jett and Ruby followed. They traveled throughout the bowels of the ship, finding evidence of Celestia's Disciples; overturned tables, doors on their hinges, shattered cabinets, and more.

They entered an ampitheater and were about turn back when they found the door locked from the outside. "Come on! Open!" Jett kicked the door in frustration and was rewarded with a pain in his hoof.

"Here. Let me try," Ruby said. Her horn glowed as she pushed on the door with magic. Nothing happened. Sweat trickled down her brow as she tried again. Panting she said, "No good..."

"Hmmm." Epsilon tried magic himself, but stopped after a few seconds. "It's warded."

"What?" Jett said.

"Somepony has put a charm on this door and whatever's blocking it. It prevents magic to be used on it. The only way to get rid of it is to use the countercharm on it," Epsilon explained with the tone he used for lectures.

"Well use the charm and get us out of here!" Jett said, exasperated.

"It's not that simple. First I need to identify what the original charm was and remember the countercharm. But if it's a spell I've never seen, or one I don't know the counter for, we're stuck here," Epsilon said.

"Well hurry-"

"YOU!" Jett was cut off by a voice echoing off the walls of the ampitheater. A cloaked disciple stood on the balcony in front of a dozen more. "We thought we told you to stay away from our business," the lead disciple said, venom dripping down his voice.

Daring whispered to Jett, "How does he know we're on that case?"

"AND YET WE FIND YOU HERE HUNTING OUR QUARRY!" the disiple roared.

"Hold on! What's Jackof got to do with this?!" Jett said, defending his new friend. The lead disciple jumped down to the floor and surprisingly landed lightly on his feet.

"He knows too much. He's a loose end we need to tie." the disciple growled.

"What does he know?" Epsilon said.

The disciple hissed, "Don't think you can get me to tell you. I already warned you to stay out of this business. Only because I hold no personal grudge against any of you, are you still alive. Again I shall say, call off your investigation. Should we catch you in our way again, we won't be so generous."

"You're just as charming as when we last met, Snaggletooth." Jackof materialized out of the shadows and flew towards the lead disciple, Snaggletooth. Apparently.

Snaggletooth sidestepped Jackof and bit down on him. Jackof brought his cane around and slammed it in Snaggletooth's face. Profanity flying from his mouth, the lead disciple said, "No one calls me SNAGGLETOOTH! MY NAME IS INCISOR!" The roof of the ship exploded in a flurry of wood and glass as the storm intensified. He leaped onto Jackof and held him on the ground. "You'd do well to remember that, not that you'll be alive long enough to worry about it," Incisor growled.

Daring Do ran to tackle Incisor, but was pulled back by Epsilon. The other disciples leaped down from the balcony and gagged and tied Jackof. A whole section off the wall had blown apart when the roof exploded. The disciples exited with Jackof. They ran up the rope to their ship. Incisor turned to face Daring Do and the rest. She could practically feel the fear mixed with anger that coursed through their group. "Don't keep up with this investigation." And then Incisor ran up to the ship.

The harpoon bolt slid out and the ship travelled away from the ruin it left behind. The storm travelled away with it. Everyone ran out and watched it sail away. The sun was setting, and Daring Do could see a harbor beginning to appear.

They had arrived at Dabylon.

I know this chapter is a lot shorter than my other ones and really rushed, but I guess that's what happens when I try to get through things too quickly. I'd hold back from posting this to go over it, but unfortunately, with me, I'm just too lazy to do that since I'm already done. I know, I know! That's really lame and stupid, but I promise I'll spend more time making sure the next chapters aren't so rushed.
Not sure if I could call it an easter egg, but I guess I will anyway. The name, Jackof Alltrade, is an Easter Egg in this chapter. I took it from a phrase. Kind of like Daring Do's name was made from the phrase, "derring do."
Snaggletooth, is another egg. It was used to insult a villain in Lord Brocktree by Brian Jacques. I reccomend that book to any fantasy fan.
Leave your guesses for what the Easter Eggs are reffering to in the comments like usual. And leave a comment of praise and constructive criticism if you can as well. Next chapter will be out in a week at the latest.
Welp, keep rocking!

Ch. 5: Mad Dog

Yello everypony! Silver back with a new chapter for Daring Do and Epsilon Hoof! I promise I spent more time with this chapter. If you still think it sucked, sorry. I did my best.
Anyway! Easter eggs in the last chapter were Jackof Alltrade and Snaggletooth. Jackof Alltrade is a name based off the saying, "jack of all trades," which is a person who is well rounded and good with most every skill, but excells in none. Snaggletooth is an insult towards Ripfang, a villain in Lord Brocktree by Brian Jacques.
Hope you guys enjoy this chapter!

Ch 5 Mad Dog

After getting the boat, or rather, what remained of the boat, into Dabylon Harbor, Daring Do and her band gathered their belongings, surprisingly intact after the attack, and found the nearest inn to spend the night. The next morning, the group was laying out plans to decide their next move.

"So. D, any ideas?" Jett asked.

"I think," Epsilon said,"we need to find somepony that knows the ins and outs of this city like the back of their hoof."

"What for?" Daring asked.

"You know, an inside man. Someone who knows the routine of every pony in this city, would be able to tell who was from around here, who's out of place, and who means trouble," Epsilon explained.

"Oh that is a simply wonderful plan, Epsilon. You're extremely intelligent and know oh so well how to handle a situation," Ruby flattered to a much embarrassed Epsilon. "Surely through your travels on various cases, you'd have contacts here in Dabylon wouldn't you?"

"Sadly, I don't," Epsilon said, standing up, making a show of deep thinking, even though he was probably just trying to get away from Ruby.

"Hmmm. Wait! We know somepony who can help," Jett said gesturing to himself, Daring, and Ruby.

"We do?" Ruby asked, perplexed.

"Of course we do! Remember D! You know who I'm talking about!" Jett said nudging Daring Do.

A smirk slowly started to cross Daring's face. "Oh of course! How could I have forgotten him! You remember Ruby! You're" - Daring started to snicker - "betrothed!" Daring Do lost it then and fell over laughing. Jett soon followed suit, and soon, both ponies were holding their sides, tears rolling down their faces.

Ruby Ice's face turned much redder as realization dawned on her. "Oh no! No, no, NO! Not that guy! Anyone, but that guy! I'll agree to hire a mercenary as long as we don't go to that guy for help!"

Epsilon was looking at everyone, confusion written on his face. "I'm lost. What's going on?"

Epsilon was ignored as Jett and Daring continued laughing. "It wouldn't cost two bits to get this guy! He'd probably be so happy to see you, he'd do anything we asked, no matter how unreasonable! He's too crazy to care his wife to be walked out on him!" Jett continued laughing.

"I'm assuming you know someone who can help?" Epsilon said.

"Oh yes we do. Although I'm not sure he'll help us unless Ruby is there," Jett said, as he and Daring finally got themselves under control.

"We met him on our expedition to unearth Nezerra's tomb. He was absolutely taken with Ruby. And she unwittingly married him!" Daring said.

"How exactly do you do that? And how is he?" Epsilon continued.

"That's a story for another time," Jett said.

"And you'll see who he is soon enough," Daring Do said with a wink. "Let's go!" The four filed out of their room.

ooX~Xoo

After weaving through the narrow streets and the bazaars of Dabylon, Daring Do led them to a small, run down house, more of a shack, made of tin and bamboo, by the docks and the only road that led out of Dabylon. In the distance, the ruins of the original Dabylon were visible. Daring knocked on the door and was rewarded by the sound of shuffling footsteps and yelling.

"Get back Ragged Patch! Away from the door!" The door opened and out stepped a diamond dog, patches of gray showing all over what remained of his fur, his eyes bloodshot and darting back and forth. "Who are you? What do you want?!" Epsilon backed away, fear in his eyes.

"Hydro Phobia! It's us! Jett and Daring! And Ruby Ice as well," Jett said.

Hydro the diamond dog stood staring at them for a while, and then he burst out laughing. "Of course! HAHAHAHAHA! You three! Come on in! Bring your shaken looking friend too," he said pointing at Epsilon.

Epsilon whispered to Ruby, "So, your contact is a rabid diamond dog?"

Ruby walked in, not pleased to be there. "He's not rabid. But he is a diamond dog."

"Ragged Patch! Get off the couch! We have guests! No I don't wanna hear any of that! Go sit on the floor over there while I get something for these ponies to eat," Hydro said walking into the only other room in the shack. The "couch" turned out to be a row of mats on the floor. Ragged Patch, was nowhere to be seen.

"You sure he doesn't have rabies? He's certainly crazy," Epsilon said.

"Hydro is crazy. But he doesn't have rabies. He just, kinda sees things that aren't really there," Daring explained.

"Then, why is he called Hydro Phobia?"

"That's an excellent question," Hydro said from the other room. Epsilon's face flushed with embarrasment as he realized Hydro had heard their whole conversation. "My parents used to say I would never touch water when I was born, so they assumed I was afraid of it. Thus the name. Ragged Patch, that is NOT the reason! Stop saying lies! Ignore the rude griffon. I don't think he's right in the head."

"Right. It's Ragged Patch that's not right in the head," Ruby said.

"So he thinks he lives with an insane griffon?!" Epsilon muttered out of the side of his mouth to Daring Do.

"Ah! My sweet Ruby!" Hydro said, as if taking notice of Ruby Ice for the first time. "It pains me to say this, but I have filed a divorce with you, for I have found true love!"

"I didn't think this guy was sane enough to file anything," Epsilon said, continuing his whispered conversation.

"Ummm. Excuse me?" Ruby asked.

"Well let's be honest. You've done zero work here as my wife. It's like you haven't been here at all. But my new bride, Jewel Eye has captured my heart. So, you're an unmarried mare again," Hydro said, resuming his strange lecture.

Nopony was following any of this. But Jett did come to one realization. "AH-HAHAHAHAHAHA! Ruby, you just got rejected by Hydro, of all ponies!"

"Wait! What's wrong with me!" Ruby said, her rage at being rejected by anyone overcoming her disgust with Hydro.

"You're a terrible wife. There's nothing more to it. Now eat up," Hydro said returning from the other room, carrying plates containing an indescernable brown mush.

Ruby was still burning with humiliation. Hydro placed the food, if you could call it that, in front of everypony and put one off to the side, which we can assume was for Ragged Patch. Hydro ate it with great gusto. Epsilon ventured a bite. It was stomachable, but just barely. If a damp, musty cellar were able to have a taste, it would taste like the mush.

"So. Ummm. Who's your new wife?" Daring Do asked, obviously trying very hard to make small talk.

"And more importantly, can everypony else see her? Ow!" Jett said after receiving a sharp elbow from Ruby.

Hydro put down his bowl, which was already empty. "You ponies aren't here to make small talk. What is it you want. What? For the love of Celestia! What do you mean you're not hungry Ragged Patch?! That wasn't what you were saying earlier! Bah! Your loss!" Hydro said, picking up the bowl meant for the non-existent griffon.

"We were hoping you could give us some information regarding the ponies that come in and out of Dabylon," Jett said.

"Well I'm sure I can help you there. There's nopony within Dabylon I don't know about. We monitor the only two entrances and exits to Dabylon. Even at the latest of hours. I take first watch, then Ragged Patch!" Hydro said with obvious pride.

"I wonder what the reports of this griffon of his sound like," Epsilon muttered under his breath.

"Well, have you noticed any strange ponies or other creatures going into Dabylon lately?" Daring Do asked.

"Strange?" Hydro asked.

"Like, suspicious."

"Can't say I have. Hmmm. What? Ragged Patch has though, apparently. Why don't you ask him?" Hydro said, oblivious to the fact only he could see the griffon.

"He...has?" Ruby asked, clearly bewildered.

"Let's just humor the dog," Jett whispered to Daring.

"So. Ragged Patch. What suspicious character have you seen entering Dabylon?" Jett asked. Silence reigned in the hut. Hydro broke it with a yell. "WHAT?! You should have woken me! What would've happened if you had been killed! Actually, that might've helped me!"

"What did he say? I couldn't hear him," Daring asked.

"Couldn't hear? He basically yelled it! I'll be surprised if anyone two houses down didn't hear it," Hydro said.

"I wasn't paying attention," Daring said.

"Well, Ragged said he saw some large fellow, cloak covering his body and face. Said the cloak had a patch with a star on it. With a sun in the center," Hydro said.

The room was frozen in shock. This was too specific to be just a hallucination of an insane diamond dog. Somehow, Hydro had seen a member of Celestia's Disciples. "What else did he see?" Daring Do said in a voice little over a whisper.

"He got suspicious, so he followed the guy. The cloaked figure weaved through the narrowest and darkest alleys. He certainly didn't want to be seen, it would seem. Ragged followed him until the cloaked figure stopped at one of the old salt mine entrances. The cloaked guy was met up by others, dressed similarily. They entered the mine, but Ragged didn't wanna follow 'em. Says he got a feeling like he wouldn't come out," Hydro concluded.

Daring was deep in thought. Jett looked like he was trying to decide whether this was true, or he himself had gone insane. Ruby had gone pale. And Epsilon was regarding Hydro with a look like he was a strange specimen that needed more research.

"Do you think, uh, Ragged Patch could lead us to the salt mine?" Epsilon asked.

"Well I'm sure he will. 'Specially since I'll be making sure of it. When do ya' wanna leave?" Hydro asked.

"Right now would be good," Daring Do, said standing up.

ooX~Xoo

"So this is the place?" Daring Do asked. They were standing at the entrance to the salt mine, the opening looking like a mouth ready to swallow them into the depths of the dark tunnel.

"Yup. Ragged's sure of it. Who knows what those cloaked guys would be doing here? There's a lot of weird guys out in the world, huh Epsilon?" Hydro said.

"Oh yes. I'm quite aware of that," Epsilon replied.

"Welp! If that's all ya' needed, me and Ragged'll be headed home now. Good luck with whatever it is you're doing!" Hydro said leaving them.

"I don't think I'll want to be meeting him again," Epsilon said.

"Oh come on Epsilon," Jett said. "He may be insane, but he's perfectly harmless. And he hasn't totally lost it. He had enough sense to reject Ruby."

"That was not a rejection. That dog is completely insane, so it doesn't count. Reject me! The thought of it!" Ruby huffed.

"I'm still wondering as to who the heck Hydro was talking about, what with his 'new bride,'" Daring said.

"Probably another hallucination, but how can we know. He may have met a female diamond dog as insane as himself," Jett said.

"Way to go Jett. You believe no matter how unappealing a pony is, they can find love. That's a good thought for you to have," Ruby said with a chuckle.

Jett's face burned with indignation at that remark, but before he could say anything, Daring asked, "So do you guys think you'll be ready to go in there in a few days?"

"What?" Ruby asked. "Daring. Don't you think this might have been another hallucination Hydro had?" Ruby said, although she didn't sound too sure about it herself.

"I don't think so. This was far too specific. It was unmistakinly a Disciple. As to how he saw it if he really does switch off shifts with his imaginary griffon, I have no idea," Epsilon said.

"Doesn't matter. After we get some more information on these mines and get equipped, we're going," Daring said. And it was agreed.

First chapter to go over 2,000 words! Although I'm sure these author's notes at the beginning and end have something to do with it...
So. What do you guys think? Was it better than the last chapter? Probably not, considering you're trying to compare a poorly written action chapter with a better written plot chapter.
By the by, can you give me some feedback on what you thought of Hydro Phobia? His name doesn't just mean 'fear of water.' It's also the technical term for rabies. I meant for him to be an insane, yet not entirely unlikeable character. The parts where he's talking to Ragged Patch when it doesn't benefit the plot are mainly for the purpose of showing his insanity. I hope you guys think I accomplished that!
No easter eggs in this chapter. Leave a comment of praise or constructive criticism.
Next chapter will be posted in a week at the latest. Until next time, keep on writing my fellow authors! Silver, out!

Ch. 6: Brother from Another Mother

Hello everypony! Your friendly neighborhood Silver here with another chapter in this Daring Do and Epsilon Hoof tale!
No easter eggs in the previous chapter, so, really nothing to report here. Well, enjoy!

Ch 6 Brother from Another Mother

Daring Do and Epsilon Hoof were weaving their way through the narrow streets and packed crowds of Dabylon City in the morning. The sounds and smells of open air markets and bazaars reached their ears and noses as they headed to the local library. Dabylon City was a strange mix of the old ways and modernization. The everpresent bazaars and street markets were found side by side with apartment complexes and large business buildings. Street urchins resided on the cobbles of the roads while the wealthy lived in elegant houses, not a care in Equestria for them. An abandoned looking cloud and weather factory hung in the sky, where pegasi worked on making the clouds and rain for Dabylon. At least, when they could. The water reserves in the area around Dabylon were scarce and couldn't be spared to be brought up to the factory throughout most of the year. However, it was nearing the time of year when the river near Dabylon swelled in size and water was brought up to the factory to produce heavy rains. But for now, Celestia's intense sun beat down on the city, no cloud blocking its rays.

Epsilon wiped sweat off his forehead, saying, "Whew! Really wish that river would flood already. The sun's baking me alive!"

Daring shook her head. Epsilon wasn't cut out for this kind of thing. "I've worked in the field on several excavations and run through tropical jungles. When you've been chased through humidity like that or dug holes for a whole day in this weather, complain to me about it."

A young colt juggled balls in front of the two of them briefly and held out an empty cup towards them, looking at them expectantly. Epsilon kept walking as if he didn't see him, but Daring gave the boy one bit and caught up to Epsilon. "Really Miss Do. You shouldn't have done that. We have to find out as much as we can about these salt mines before we can even think about anything else. I don't think Jett and Ruby would get sidetracked like that while they're researching."

"Knowing Jett and Ruby, they might." Daring Do then shot him a venemous look. "And you know Epsilon, these ponies around here could really use that spare bit or two you have in your pocket.

"Yes, and I'm sure that colt could have used everything in your wallet as well," Epsilon replied.

Startled, Daring searched her pockets and found that her wallet was indeed gone. Epsilon chuckled good naturedly and held up her wallet. "Don't worry I managed to take it back from the little pickpocket before he noticed."

Daring Do took it back gratefully. "Maybe I shouldn't have given that bit to the kid."

"No, no. Like you said Daring. The ponies here could really use it. Hard times and circumstances lead a pony to do bad things," Epsilon replied.

Daring wondered if that could relate to this case.

ooX~Xoo

"Oh this sapphire necklace really compliments my red coat, don't you think?" Ruby asked Jett.

With an exasperated sigh, Jett grabbed Ruby's elbow and dragged her away from the jewelry stand and kept a firm grip on her. She had been getting side tracked at every little thing that caught her eye. "What are you hoping to do? Impress Epsilon with this stuff?" Jett jokingly asked. To Jett's surprise, Ruby shut up after that. He came to an astonishing realization. "You really like him. You're not pretending or using him or anything!"

"So what if I do?" Ruby asked.

"I don't know. It's just, it seemed you were playing with him. The excessively obvious flirting, the barf worthy eyelash batting -" He was cut off by Ruby.

"Barf worthy? Would you say that if Daring Do did that to you?" Now it was Jett's turn to shut up. "I've seen enough stallions fall over me and seen enough signs that they like a mare to know that you like Daring, Jett. I'm not blind you know," Ruby said.

"How long have you known?" Jett asked, suddenly self-conscious.

"I could see it the moment I met you two. You were best friends with her, but the actions you made obviously showed you want to be more than that," Ruby said.

"Not obvious enough for D," Jett said with some sadness in his voice.

"Look Jett. Subtlety works on some mares, but it won't on Daring. You need to be honest and direct," Ruby said, still being led by Jett.

"If I promise to not bring up you liking Epsilon, can you promise to stop with this conversation and not bring it up again?" Jett asked.

Ruby looked like she would refuse, but said, "Alright."

ooX~Xoo

Daring Do and Epsilon Hoof were in the city’s library, a modernized building with three stories of rows upon rows of books. Currently, they were at a table, surrounded by a stack of books. “No. No. No,” Epsilon muttered to himself as he levitated books toward him, flipped through it briefly, and put it in their ever-growing pile of useless books. “Not one book regarding the salt mines in this place?! What kind of library is this?!”

Daring Do got up, walked over to the help desk, asked for assistance, and was led to a back room. Following, Epsilon found himself in a room piled with books that looked like they had been gathering dust for quite some time. “The archives for the history of Dabylon and the surrounding area are in here. Seldom used by anypony these days. Hope you two find what you’re looking for,” the receptionist said before leaving.

Daring Do gave Epsilon a smug look, saying, “Now that wasn’t too hard, was it?”

Epsilon ignored her and started looking through the shelves. “Men,” thought Daring. She too began her search. They had been at it for twenty minutes before Epsilon found something.
He read the book’s contents aloud. “The salt mines of Dabylon were once the key to Dabylon’s prosperous growth and wealth. For years they supplied the arid region around it with salt to any willing to pay. And pay they did, for soon, Dabylon became a cultural and economic hub for the country of Marabia. But after years of mining, the salt mines were beginning to run out of their precious material. Because of this, Dabylon has begun to fall into poverty despite attempts to diversify economy. Many jobs were found at the mines, and now the ponies who worked there struggle to find work. Dabylon now…” Epsilon trailed off, studying the next few pages before shutting the book. “That’s all there is for the mines in there,” Epsilon said with some disappointment.

“Well it’s nothing we didn’t already know,” Daring said. “Let’s keep looking.” Only a few minutes later, Daring Do found something. After studying it intently, Daring whispered, “This is interesting.”

Intrigued, Epsilon asked, “What did you find?”

Daring read it aloud. “A little known fact about the salt mines of Dabylon is that the mines still have plenty of salt within them. Work there was shut down after many strange incidents occurred. Miners there reported overwhelming feelings of foreboding and say the heard whispering in their heads. Voices that told of evil and destruction. Voices beckoning them to set it free.

One of the most significant incidents is the summer day when a unicorn was driven to insanity and was blowing huge portions of the wall apart. Many workers fled in fear after this incident. Scientists have gone into the mines trying to find a logical explanation to this, but this brought more questions than answers. Several of the scientists were found miles from the mines days after they entered. They had no recollection of the mines at all, or of their life before. The ones that made it out of the cave with their memories were found murdered viciously before they were able to announce what they had found out. Their evidence was destroyed as well. These days, daredevil teenage ponies have shown up at the mines”- Daring Do slammed the book shut. “That’s all the useful information in that book.”

"Quite interesting. And it confirms something strange is going on at these mines," Epsilon said.

" 'Vicious murders,' " Daring Do read again. "Murders like Bunsen's?" Epsilon asked.

"It would be foolish to think otherwise. Coincidence is an investigator's last resort," Epsilon said. With that, they continued their search. But after an hour and a half of going through the otherwise useless archives, they ended their search. After they had left the library, Epsilon whispered into Daring's ear, "Don't look around, but it looks as if someponies have been following us. This entire day."

More alert, but showing no signs of it, Daring whispered, "You're certain?"

"Pretend like you've accidentally dropped your pith helmet and look behind you casually. You'll see two thuggish earth ponies, one with a crooked nose," Epsilon said.

Daring did, and sure enough, there were two ponies a few paces behind them. They were obviously a duo, and one did have a crooked nose. Their cutie marks were boxing gloves and a black belt. Not a reassuring sight. They were trying to look uninterested in Daring and Epsilon, or anyone for that matter. Then they saw Daring's hard gaze. They turned and left after that. She turned to Epsilon. "What are the chances they overheard everything and know exactly what we're doing?"

"Very high," Epsilon replied.

"It was a rhetorical question. I think the Disciples are still watching us."

"You'd be foolish not to."

After a brief silence, a thought occured to Daring. "You don't think somepony's following Ruby and Jett?"

"We'll have to hope not."

ooX~Xoo

Jett and Ruby had been assigned to gather more news regarding any strange occurences that had happened in Dabylon lately. To do that, Jett decided to go to the shiftiest, shadiest, grimiest place in Dabylon he could find. That was how they ended up at the Red Light Center. They entered the horribly kept building and were struck by the sounds of arguing ponies, uproarous, and slightly maniacal laughter, and the occasional fist fight. The place stunk of vomit, alcohol, and feces. The two tried to ignore all of that. When they walked in, there was a brief lull in the various sounds of the bar. It quickly started up again, but a few drunken ponies still gave Ruby looks that made her beyond uncomfortable.

They sat down at the bar and a pretty waitress with a cream coat and light pink hair asked what they'd have. Jett asked for a brandy while Ruby stuck to water. They drank their drinks in silence, until Ruby asked, "Why did you have to pick the worst place you could find?"

"Because anything out of the ordinary or potentially dangerous or horrid, as in, the case we're helping with, will only be told in a place as out of the ordinary or potentially dangerous or horrid as the news itself."

"Still. Aren't there ways to get answers in a more respectable place, from more respectable ponies?"

"No respectable pony would be willing to offer information that they think would put them in danger. Like news on Celestia's Disciples," Jett said, saying the last part in a barely audible whisper.

"You guys need information?"

Jett and Ruby whirled around to face a young, tattered looking pegasus colt. The same colt that had taken Daring's wallet. But Jett and Ruby didn't know that.

"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation." The colt motioned for the waitress and asked for a beer.

"Aren't you a little young to drink?" Jett asked.

The colt shrugged. "Around here, they don't really care. Especially if you're a regular. And homeless." He added the last part with some bitterness.

Ruby cleared her throat awkwardly. "I don't believe you've told us your name. I'm Ruby and this is Jett."

"Referring to each other by name means you're familiar with me. You're not, and it's not really important for casual relationships like this. I'll just call you Brother and Sister," he said.

"And what can we call you?" Jett asked.

"Brother," Brother said with a smile. The waitress returned with Brother's beer. He paid for it and resumed talking. "So, you guys are looking for info on weird stuff around here. I do have one thing that might interest you." He drained his bottle in three more gulps and walked towards the door. "Follow me."

A bewildered Ruby and Jett followed Brother out the door.

ooX~Xoo

Brother led Ruby and Jett to a ramshackle ten story warehouse. All the windows had been boarded up as well as the doors. Ruby was about to step in its direct line of sight when Brother pulled her back. "Careful. There's a bunch of strange guys in there."

We looked past the boarded windows best we could, and sure enough, saw, movement. "Who do you think they are?" Jett asked.

"No idea, but that's all my services can do for you," Brother said, turning to leave.

"Wait!" Ruby called out. She gave him three bits.

"You're most kind Sister." He then turned and left. Jett and Ruby stayed hidden and examined the building though.

"We're both thinking the same thing, right?" Jett said.

"I think so." After a few minutes, they decided sitting there on stake out wouldn't get them anywhere, so they went on their way.

Ruby felt around her pockets worriedly. "What the! That little rat stole my wallet!"

So? What do you guys think? Some of you are probably like, "What's this?! Romance? NO! JUST NO!" That's what some people I know might do. Sorry, but the feelings Jett felt were one of my initial ideas that I had forgotten about. I thought, hey what the heck. I want to know if you guys think I should leave that in there or take it out. And if any of you were expecting a battle between the thugs and Daring and Epsilon, that will happen, just not this chapter. So, who exactly were those thugs, and who's in that abandoned building? Are they connected? You'll have to find out yourselves.

Also, did I mention Ruby and Jett's cutie marks? If I didn't and you wanna know, I'll put it in. If I didn't and you don't wanna know, I'll leave it as is.

Easter Eggs: All I can see and I remember putting is Marabia. It's just Arabia with an M in front of it. So, the area is supposed to be like Arabia. If I got the description wrong, sorry. And I apologize this chapter came out a day later than I promised. Stupid lack of free time. Oh yeah! Did you guys like Brother? 'Cause if you did, his role in this isn't over. And if you didn't, his role isn't over anyway, so deal with it. Anyways, next chapter will be posted in one week at the latest. Feedback is much appreciated.
Silver, out! :pinkiehappy:

Ch. 7: Professor Crane

Hey guys! So, this chapter was just something I came up with recently. It's just supposed to introduce a character that wouldn't leave my brain alone unless I put it into words. So, kinda short, but it's to be expected since I'm just introducing the character. Enjoy!

Ch 7 Professor Crane

After staking out the warehouse, Jett and Ruby had tried to coax some information out of the other patrons in the bar, but all that had resulted in was for Jett to get a black eye. They returned to their hotel room to find Daring and Epsilon already there. After explaining what had happened with the thugs following them and Jett finished his tale of them going to the Red Light Center, and much disbelief that the two of them had met the same homeless kid, the quartet tried to figure out how they were to proceed.

Jett wanted to go forth and raid the warehouse, which Epsilon pointed out could be disastrous or embarrasing. If Celestia's Disciples were hiding there, they would be hopelessly outnumbered, and for all they knew, the movement behind the boarded up windows could have been ponies planning to renovate the building. Ruby wanted to go after Brother and give him a piece of her mind, but Daring shot down the idea saying the kid was no idiot and would probably be extra careful to avoid any one of them.

In the end, they came to the decision that the only real, solid lead they had was the strange incidents in the salt mines, so they decided that they would head out to investigate once they proper preparations had been made. And so it was decided.

ooX~Xoo

Later that night, after Daring, Jett, and Ruby had gone to sleep, Epsilon found himself unable to find that lull. He got up, put on his coat, and set off to find someplace to get some repose. Walking around in the middle of the night anywhere was dangerous, and Epsilon knew hanging around the poverty stricken areas of Dabylon would only increase that danger, so he headed off to a modern area and found a much nicer bar than Jett and Ruby had and took a seat.

Despite the late hour, there was still a few ponies scattered around drinking away. Epsilon got a brandy and swilled it around briefly before taking a drink. "Well, well. Look who I found here. It's been a while, Hoof."

Epsilon's face set into a scowl as he recognized the voice, and he slowly turned around. A stallion with a deep, black coat and a slick, blue mane was the source of the voice. He looked much better than the last time Epsilon saw him, although there were dark rings under his eyes. "Obscuro Crane. Last I heard of you was a few years ago, when Canterlot Yard said you were sentenced to death. I never really believed you were dead, considering they never got back to me on what happened to you."

"Oh, still living in the past aren't you Hoof?"

"Why shouldn't I? After all, you were mine and Pennworthy's first arrest. And our 7th arrest. And our 15th. And our 21st. So what happened? Why aren't you dead?"

"Same unpleasant Epsilon. As for why I'm still alive, new evidence was found, after you decided to quit that case, giving me a water tight alibi, even though I knew all along I was innocent."

"You aren't innocent. I don't believe it."

"Fine. I was not guilty. Call it what you want. So, I returned to teaching my students about shadow magic at the university."

"A course I can't believe anyone would still attend considering the professor is a criminal with hideous crimes under his belt due to his dabbling with shadow magic."

"Epsilon! Why so unpleasant. This is me, you're old mentor and friend, Professor Crane. So, what are you doing here Hoof?"

"If you really must know, I'm on a case for Canterlot Yard."

"Shadow magic perhaps?"

"That is my business and mine alone, Crane," Epsilon replied with a locked jaw. "So, what are you doing here?" Epsilon finally asked.

"Oh I've been travelling the world, seeing many wonders for myself. You could say travelling is now the keystone to keeping my reality sane. Oh look at the time. It's getting late Epsilon. I enjoyed our talk and hope we can speak again. I'll be seeing you," the unicorn said before leaving the bar and a thoughtful Epsilon.

Hoof started swilling his drink again. He sat there, staring into the glass, wondering where Obscuro fit into all this. "What's your game this time, Crane?" Epsilon thought.

This rival for Epsilon wouldn't leave me alone until I posted this. So, if you're lost, Obscuro Crane is a professor of shadow magic at a university and used to be Epsilon's teacher in it. The lure of shadow magic was too powerful for Crane, though, and he surrendered himself to it and did some criminal things. He was Epsilon's first case, and the case that started his friendship with Pennworthy. After being arrested, put to jail, and released, Obscuro went back to his criminal ways delving deeper into shadow magic. Epsilon was assigned to investigate Obscuro's next three crimes. The last time Crane was arrested, he was meant to be put to death. However, new evidence had been found giving Crane new immunity. So he was released. Now, what does Obscuro Crane's showing up have to do with the teardrop keystone? Where does he stand? Could he possibly really have no involvement? You'll just have to wait and see.

Feedback is much appreciated. Next chapter will come out in a week at the latest. I swear. Also, around the time I upload the chapter after this one, I'll also be posting a new story that doesn't involve Daring and Epsilon. It's basically the everyday adventures of my OC, Silver Shadow, and his friends. It's more of a slice of life in Equestria story. Each chapter in that story will basically just be like an episode of MLP, not really connecting to other episodes. So, look forward to that. Also, 4th wall. That's all I'm saying.

So, until next time, Silver, out! :pinkiehappy:

Ch. 8: Into the Salt Mines

I'm back baby! Oh yes! After a long and arduous wait, I have returned to pick up the quill again and write! Freshmen year is over and all you fans I may or may not have can read my story again! HA! Summer vacation is on and I can assure you I have NOT forgotten all the plans I have in store for this story. I'll be updating MUCH more frequently and regularly.

Now. Where did I leave off? Oh yeah! Into the salt mines! Read on my friends!

Ch.8 Into the Salt Mines

"Let's see here. Rope? Check. Pickaxe? Check. Shovel? Check. Flashlight? Check. Pith helmet? Check. Alright on my end! You guys ready?" Daring Do asked.

The others stood in the hotel room geared up to enter the mines. "We're ready."

~oooXooo~

Night had settled upon the city of Dabylon as the quartet gathered around the entrance to the salt mines. Ruby shivered. "Remind me again why we had to do this at night?"

"The police patrol these entrances to ward off anypony messing about here. Their patrols are less frequent at night though and we're less likely to draw attention to ourselves this way," Epsilon answered.

Ruby said, "Well I'm sure we'll be fine with such a smart, strong, and handsome-"

"Ruby not now!" Epsilon cut her off. She looked away, dejected. "Alright you lot! We don't know what's down there. But you all remember what was said. Strange voices and disappearing ponies. We're leaving nopony behind. Have you got that? Now everypony stick together. Good luck to all of us."

Turning on their flashlights, the group went inside. The four went on in silence, their artificial lightning illuminating the collapsed beams within the caves, spider webs lining the walls, weaving themselves into the niter that hung down from the ceiling, wandering deeper and deeper into the web.

The sounds of their hoofsteps crunching against the gravel came to a halt. "Fork in the road. Which way should we take?" Jett asked. One path led up to higher ground, while the other continued to go down into the mines.

"Let's go up. This path most likely leads back to the surface, so if we're met with another entrance to the mines, we can always go back down," Epsilon said. They walked uphill traveling back to what was most likely the surface.

"Daring. You notice something strange about this path?" Epsilon Hoof asked.

"How do you mean?" she asked.

"It was made really sloppy. Messily and carelessly. Like someone was in a hurry to make this. And the ground is really rough and bumpy. Pony hooves haven't had time to trample across this and level it out. I don't think this was an original tunnel of the mines. This one's new," Epsilon concluded.

Jett had gone further ahead and came upon something. "Hey guys! The path dead ends here. But look! There's a hatch in the ceiling leading above ground."

Jett grabbed the handle and grunted as he turned the handle. "It's...stuck!"

"Wait! I think we should head back! I've got a bad feeling about this," Epsilon said.

"Got it!" Jett pushed open the little door and stuck his head up the opening. He came face to face with the two thugs that had been following Daring Do and Epsilon earlier along with three disciples. "Whoops! Wrong hatch in the ceiling of the salt mines! Gotta go!" He ducked back into the mines and slammed the hatch shut. "Run! Disciples and thugs!"

"You guys go! I'll be right there!" Epsilon magically sealed the door and ran up with them. "I don't know how long it's gonna take that other unicorn thug to get that door open! Come on!"

A screeching sound behind them caused Ruby to whirl around. "What was that?" The screeching grew louder, like the call of some deranged beast. Then a bright flash of light illuminated the way behind them. The hatch had been blown off its hinges!

"He's gotten the door open! Keep running!" The four ran on and were met at the fork again. Jett was about to take the path they entered in, but was pulled back by Daring. "This way!" She ran into the cavern hallway that they hadn't taken.

"But we don't know what's down there!" Jett called. He then heard a thug getting closer. "Oh wait up!"

The four ran on down the caverns. The two thugs pursued them relentlessly, their labored breathing getting closer to the group with every passing second. Ruby shouted, "Wait! Look!" The four skidded to halt. The four looked down. The path ended in a drop. A ladder led down into darkness. "Let's hurry down-" but was cut off as the thugs crashed into them!

"WHOOOOOOOOAH!" The six of them fell over the edge. Jett landed face-down into a mine cart. "Well I guess that wasn't as bad as it could have been." Then Ruby landed on top of him. "Get off of me!" His complaining was cut short as the cart began to move. "What?" The two looked out and saw they were beginning to roll as the track led downhill! "WHOOOO-HOHOHOOOOOOOOAH!"

Daring Do and Epsilon got up as they saw them begin to roll away. "Gah! Epsilon come on!" Daring yelled. They chased after the mine cart hurriedly.

The cart dipped onto lower ground than Epsilon and Daring and turned onto a bend ahead of them. "Guys!" Ruby called. "Jump! Jump into the cart!"

"We'll never make it!" Epsilon called. Daring frantically looked around. She spotted a hook and cable running along the ceiling. If we can grab onto that..., Daring thought. She followed the line with her eyes. Yes! We can make it! she thought.

"Come on Epsilon!" She grabbed him by the coat and jumped off.

"Whoa whoa whoooooooooooaaa!" Epsilon yelled. Daring grabbed onto the hook and set it moving. They trailed after the mine cart and jumped into it.

"I think we lost them," Daring Do said, looking for the thugs. Then the thugs appeared on a different track in a mine cart chasing after them. "Oh of course they're still here! Wait. What are they doing?" Bang! "Wah!" The four ducked. "Guns?! Since when did they have guns?!"

"I dunno! But I'm hoping they run out of ammo!" They ducked as a new barrage of bullets sprayed them. Jett pointed ahead. "Which way?!" The track split into two.

"This way!" Daring Do hit the switch and changed the lanes of the track. Now the thugs were directly behind them! They ducked as they were shot at again.

"Oh great! Now they've got a clear shot!" Ruby yelled.

Daring silenced her with a glare. "Trust me!" Her words were soon snatched away as the track turned into a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns and loops.

"Woooooooooo-hoohoohooooooooooooooooooo!" they yelled in glee. Until they heard gunshots behind them.

"Not even an awesome mine cart rollercoaster can stop them?!" Jett yelled.

"Maybe this will!" Epsilon grabbed a loose beam from the floor and threw it backwards. The beam got caught between the thugs' mine cart's wheel. The mine cart wobbled unsteadily before it got thrown off the track.

"Thank goodness!" Ruby sighed. Then three disciples came into view in a separate mine cart, their cloaks billowing in the wind. "Aw come on!"

They rammed their thugs' cart out of the way and plowed forward. One stood up and addressed Daring Do and her band. "We warned you to call of this investigation! Now you will know what happens to those who disobey us!"

"Oh stuff it you! You know how cliche you sound? Very!" Daring Do yelled back.

"Hey. I know you!" Epsilon called back. "What was it they called you? Oh yeah! Snagglefang!" Epsilon said joining in the taunting.

The other two disciples snickered at that but were quickly punched into silence. "I'll have your hides hung on my mantle when we get back!" Snagglefang said to the disciples. "AND MY NAME IS INCISOR! LET IT BE KNOWN TO ALL SO THEY MAY FEAR THE NAME!" Incisor roared to Daring Do and her comrades.

"Oh go boil your head!" Jett yelled.

"Taunting them isn't the best strategy!" Ruby said, worried.

"No but this might be!" Daring grabbed the shovel and hacked at the beams keeping the ceiling from collapsing. Pieces of debris began falling from the ceiling, bombarding the disciples behind them.

"Wah! Track ends up ahead!" Jett pointed forward to a drop where the tracks stopped abruptly.

"Aw shiz," Epsilon said. The mine cart reached the end of the track and went sailing off into the air! "GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!" they screamed as they plummeted downwards. They sank like a rock, or in this case a mine cart, down into the river. Epsilon, Jett, and Daring Do breached the surface.

Epsilon gasped. "Where's Ruby?" He dove back under to find her. Searching desperately, he found her trapped beneath the mine cart, unconscious. He levitated the cart off her and carried her to the top. Dragging her onto dry land, he checked for signs of life. "She's not breathing!" He pushed down on her chest and checked again. "Come on. Come on!"

Suddenly, the disciples went flying through the air and crashed into the far wall on the other side of the river. "Epsilon! Hurry!" Jett said.

Epsilon tilted Ruby's head back and applied mouth to mouth. "Still nothing!" he cried exasperated. "Come on don't quit now Ruby!" He pumped on her chest again.

"Kha! Kha-ha!" coughed Ruby.

"You're alive!" Epsilon said happily.

Ruby threw up the water from her lungs, along with some other things. "Yeah. Just barely. Was someone kissing me while I was passed out?"

"No time for that! You know, disciples, keystone, death, running. Come on!" Epsilon said. They headed deeper into the mines, weaving their way through the winding maze of caverns. They soon slowed to a walk, their pursuers lost behind them.

"Free us."

Startled, Daring Do looked around. "Did you guys hear that?"

"I didn't hear anything, D," Jett said.

"Your destinies are doomed."

Creeped out, Jett said, "That I did hear."

Ruby shivered. "I can practically feel the tension in the air. Like I'm being crushed by this sense of...of...."

"Foreboding," Epsilon finished. "The book back at the library. It said 'Miners there reported overwhelming feelings of foreboding and say the heard whispering in their heads. Voices that told of evil and destruction. Voices beckoning them to set it free.' Whatever's down here, we're close."

The flashlights began flickering. "Oh no. No no! Don't pull this cliche!" Daring Do said. As if in spite of her, the flashlights died.

"It's fine Miss Do. All we need is a bit of magic," Epsilon said. His horn lit up to illuminate the path. "See. It's fine." But nopony expected what came next. Shadows gathered at the tip of Epsilon's horn, then they were absorbed into it.

KABOOOOM!

The four were blasted with a concussion of air as Epsilon's horn imploded. "Agh! My head!" Epsilon cried out in anguish.

"Hoof! Hoof what happened?!" Jett asked.

"Shadow magic! Somehow entering my body through my horn! Gah! It's eating away at my mind! Taking my sanity! AGH! Something's trying to take control! HNGH! You need to get away! As fast as you can! ACK! Go! Run!" Epsilon cried.

"No!" Ruby was close to tears. "We're not leaving you!"

"Ruby you've got to! GAH! Once the shadow magic takes over, I won't be myself. I don't know what I'll do. I'll have no control. AGH! You've got to run. You've got to!" Epsilon said, gasping for breath.

"We need you Epsilon. What happens if the disciples come here and find you?" Daring Do asked.

"Then I trust you three will be able to rescue me. GAH! Now go! Run!" Epsilon yelled.

"We can't stay here. Come on!" Jett said to the two mares.

Now Ruby was in tears. "But..." She watched as Epsilon got thrown into convulsions. He thrashed across the floor, spit and foam flying from his mouth.

"Come on! We'll come back for him later. I promise you we'll make him alright. Now let's go!" Daring Do said. The trio left the suffering unicorn thrashing around in the dark.

~oooXooo~

"I can't see two feet in front of me. How are we supposed to tell where to go?" Jett complained.

"Let's just keep moving forward. We're bound to come across something," Daring Do said.

Ruby walked on in silence. Until she crashed into a wall. "Ow! By dose!" she said, rubbing her snout.

"Dead end?" Daring Do felt the wall, looking for other paths. There were none.

"Well now what?" Jett asked.

"We can't head back. We're already lost as it is. No use in making it worse. Let's see here." Daring started tapping the wall. She continued until she heard what she was looking for. "Ah-ha! Here! Get your shovels guys! This section of the wall is hollow. It might lead us to another path."

They began hacking away at the wall, hoping they weren't working in vain. Luckily, they weren't. The wall gave way and exposed a long hallway, unlit torches lined along the walls. Upon entering said tunnel, the three staggered, hit by a wave of voices, yelling in their minds.

"Free us!"

"Bring our command back into the world!"

"We will bathe in your blood as we conquer again!"

"Aid us in our conquest!"

"FREE US!"

Daring Do struggled to speak. "They're just...voices. Come...on guys. We've gotta go..." The group traveled through the corridor, battling with the voices in their minds. Their internal struggles were soon forgotten as they exited the hallway.

The trio found themselves inside a Magia temple grand hall. Arches rose up to the high ceiling, adorned with emeralds. The floor was inlaid with precious stones, giving the room a multicolored glow.

"Magically altered gems. Giving off light," Daring realized.

Busts and statues of unicorns decorated the hall. And at the end of the room was an archway with runes written across it. At the top, exactly where you would expect, was a keystone with a blue gem.

The Teardrop Keystone at last.

So what do you think? I'm very proud of how this turned out! Not too shabby for a two month hiatus, right? Feedback is much appreciated! And if you dislike this, at least have the guts to tell me why in a comment.

Easter egg in this chapter: The mine cart chase. Do I even need to give a hint? I mean, Daring Do. Mine cart chase.

Again, summer vacation is on and updates will be on schedule for one a week. No sooner and no later! Hope you're all looking forward to it as much as I am!

Stay frosty my delicious friends. Silver, out! :pinkiehappy: