Third Wave

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Final Chapter
Epilogue (where I go all meta)

Chapter 1

Buried beneath the sands of time, lost to the memories of all ponies, the Temple of the Wise Mare rested in silence, all her secrets open to any stranger who could find it.

“Finally! After years of searching, I have found it! The Horn of Wisdom! With its power I, Ahuizotl, will rule the world!”

“It´ll be a cold day on Tartarus when you actually achieve wisdom, Ahuizotl!”

“Daring Do! You have been a thorn on my side for far too long!”

“Funny you say that, considering what I´ve gone through to get here,” Daring Do said, taking all the spines from the may cactuses she fell into while trying to get into the temple. “Now…”

With a somersault, Daring jumped down. Ahuitzotl ordered his feline minions to attack her but with her wings free, Daring swiftly avoided them and they end up hitting their head together while she finished landing atop the tiger.

“Be so kind to get your filthy hands off that precious statue.”

“This statue belongs to me!”

“That statue belongs in a museum!”

Daring jumped over Ahuizotl who put a good fight but, despite his apparent advantage of having five hands, Daring proved to be a better fighter and quickly kicked the statue out of him and took him down.

Daring smirked, putting the statue on her saddlebag.

“Always the same routine, Ahuizotl. By now you should know you can´t win.”

“We´ll see about that!” Ahuizotl shouted and threw his last minion, a widdly puddy tat, at her.

Daring barely reacted and hold the kitty in one hoof. “Seriously?” Right on queue, the kitty stated scratched her face with fierce.

“Remember what you said about a cold day in Tartarus, Daring Do?” Daring put down the angry kitten just as Ahuizotl took out a silver whistle. “It´s funny because I got this little item ina bazar. And at a fair price too.”

“You mean you stole it?”

“Details, details, Mrs. Do. Now…” Ahuizotl blew the whistle, that didn't made any sounds.

Daring smirked again, thinking he had been tricked but Ahuizotl never lose his smile and soon Daring learned why, when she heard the sound of giant footsteps approaching. From behind the statue of the wise unicorn, two pair of glowing eyes appeared, followed by another pair and then another pair. Daring´s own eyes opened wide when she saw the looming figure of the three headed mutt, Cerberus.

“You be so kind to handle that statue back to me.”

Daring Do gulped and adjusted her hat, ready to take in the biggest fight of her life, all the while the little kitty kept chewing at her tail…

******

“And then?”

Daring Do smiled. She loved to keep the audience hooked, stopping the story just in the moment of the most danger. It was tactic she learned from those serial movie they made about her and that she later implemented on her books. Ponies loved the mystery and, even if they knew she obviously didn't died, the simple scenario of her heroine being in a certain death situation was the biggest attraction to them. Even the rich ponies of Maretropolis couldn't resist a good story.

“How did you escaped the jaws of the Cerberus?”

“It wasn't easy, I´ll tell you that. When Ahuizotl…”

“Mrs. Do, the unveiling is about to start!”

The assistant ruined the ambiente so Daring had no choice but to cut the story there. It worked for the best since now all those rich ponies, including a few critics, will be eager to buy the book to know the end of the story and those profits will benefit the museum.

Daring couldn't lie and say she didn't enjoyed the attention but her primary has, and always will be, adventure. The thrill of sinking into unknown lands, facing giant creatures and exploring ruined temples. The frivolity of high society parties bored her but she endured for the sake of the museum. History was as much as a passion for ehr as adventure and, if given the chance, she could spend hours talking about all the ancient cultures of Equestria. But, years of being in these type of cocktails parties have taught her that fancy ponies didn´t care about dusty statues or history lesson, just the show.

“Mrs. Do, may I have a word with…”

“Not now, sorry.”

Daring completely ignored the shy reporter and moved into stage. She couldn´t help but beam at the sight of all those ponies applauding her. Despite all these years, she still got the touch.

“Fillies and gentlecolts, many moons ago, three Wise Mares discovered the secret to eternal youth. A fountain that will turn whoever bathes on its waters to never age one day. They decided the knowledge of their location was too dangerous so they guarded their memories in three relics, the Horn of Wisdom, the Wings of Speed and the Horseshoes of Power. Each of these items are a powerful tool on itself but together, they are the keys to ultimate power. Ot so says the legend, personally I just think they´re a nice accessory!”

The audience broke into laughter and Daring smirked. She defintely still had the touch.

*****

Cocktails parties are like a magician's act, the eyes of the audience are always on the stage. Except for the most famous of the guests, those who always get all the shots and interviews, nopony pays any attention on who is holding a glass of powdering her nuzzle.This makes wonders for pickpocketers who find their gold mine in these type of parties. But it also works in the favour of a different type of masked pony, a pony who works in the shadows but with a different agenda.

Just as Daring Do stands proud in the sunny jungle, she works in the shadowy city. An urban legend, a mare of mystery. Nopony had seen her face and those who had seen that featureless mask, usually end up spending the night on a jail cell. Crooks and police forces, they both disapproved of her methods but to the public, be it the honest working class or the down in their luck beggars, she was the true guardian of Maretropolis, making their nights safe from crime. But if any of them could see her now, they will have to question their loyalty.

For their noble guardian was now committing an act of crime and doing so with a swift that even the best safe breakers will envy. Any self respecting thief will realize soon enough that the actual Horn of Wisdom would not be in a public display, inviting them to break the glass and just take it. It will be kept in a vault in the basement, a vault that was the ultimate challenge to any white collar burglar. Once it was inside that vault, it was as lost as it was in the hidden temple. Every thief knew the only chance they had to get their hooves on it was during the gala, when the Horn will be kept in the least secure safe of Daring Do´s own office. Too bad for them that the masked pony got ahead of them and was knowing easily breaking into the safe and claiming the horn for herself.

Or so she thoguht, before a flying kick send her towards a desk.

“I´ve heard many things about you, Mare- Do-Well. But your safe cracking skills are breaking news to me.”

Daring Do spread her wings, hoping her name was enough to get the masked pony to surrender. A part of her knew that was a futile thought and thus,s he smirked when Mare-Do-Well´s reaction was to jump over her.

Daring had fought many rivals over the years, from Ahuizotl´s minions to grave robbers, she had even headbutted agianst bufflaoes and come out the winner; but this was her first time fighting a rival that was not only her match but seemed to have an advantage over her. For every punch she throw, Mare-Do-Well had a block. For every kick, she had a dodge ready. It was almost like the masked pony could read her movements in advance. Daring was trained in several forms of combat and could recognize most of them in mare-Do Well´s movement but there was also an original touch to them, like Mare-Do.Well had combined several schools into one acrobatic fight style.

“Good moves. But you´re not fighting a street burglar here, partner.”

Daring blocked a punch and made Mare- Do-Well jump towards the roof. Being a pegasus, Daring had an upper hoof in the air but her opponent wasn´t going to give up so easily. Daring got a curse halfways when she saw the masked pony cape being thrown at her, blocking her vision and making her vulnerable to a kick. By the time she got rid of the cape, Mare-Do-Well was already on the edge of the window.

“Waot, you´re a pegasus?”

Mare-Do-Well didn´t answered and just spread her wings, jumping outside. Daring wasted no time chasing after her. Flying in the city was a lot different than doing it in the open jungle. Sure, mosquitoes and bats were a hindrance when in the air but buildings and zeppelins, those were a bigger annoyance. Mare-Do.-Well obviously knew this landscape like the inside of her hoof, soaring through rooftops and billboards and she quickly put a zeppelin in between them, disappearing into the night and leaving Daring Do with her pride hurt.

******

“And that´s the story,” Daring Do said to her new audience of masked ponies.

“That was amazing! Now, tell the story of how your discovered the ruins of Aquaria!”

“Fili-second! That was quite a story, Mrs. Do,” a purple alicorn said.

“And one that doesn´t match. Mare-Do.Well methods may be a little unorthodox but I have a hard time believing she had turned into a petty thief,” a masked earth pony said.

“Mare-Do.Well have always been a loose cannon, Mistress Mare-velous. Her vigilantism is not the way a heroine should behave. It doesn't surprise me she would turn to crime eventually,” the masked alicorn replied.

“The real questions here are, first, what interest does Mare- Do-Well have on the statue? And second, is it safe now?” a masked unicorn asked.

“For the first question, I got nothing but for the second one, I´ve the statue right here,” Daring Do said, taking out the horn from her saddlebag.

“What? Are you crazy? Are you carrying around that thing with you all times?” an angry masked pegasus asked.

“Of course not, I brought here to handle it to you.”

“Us? You want us to protect the Horn of Wisdom?” another pegasus asked.

“I tend to be a sceptic, Saddle Ranger. Nine out of ten, the legends I investigate turn to be just hoax or old mares tales. But once in awhile, I stumbled upon a real danger. Ahuitzotl may make mistakes but if this Mare-Do-Well is after the statues too, I have to think otherwise. Like Mistress Mare-velous said, Mare-Do-Well doesn't have the reputation of a common thief. She must have some reason to want this statue,” Daring Do explained while the purple alicorn hold the statue with her magic. “That´s why I came here asking for your help. This is your home city and there´s no better pony to ask that the ponies that have saved the world more times than me. Masked Matter-Horn! Fili-second! Radiance! Zap! Saddle Ranger! Mistress Mare-velous! What better guardians for such a powerful item than...the Power Ponies!”

Chapter 2

The residents of Maretropolis were a busy crowd, as to be expected from the largest city in the whole world. So, when a gangs of ruffins decide to steal the First Equestrian Bank, their reaction is to simply go on with their lives and leave the matter in the capable Police Department´s hooves. After all, they get paid to deal with things like that.

“We don't get paid for this!”, a frustrated officer declared while a stinky bomb hit him close.

“C´mon, we don´ have all day, ya lazy dogs!” the leader of the pack of Diamond Dogs barked to his minions. “Spot, Fido, move it!”

He threw another stinky bomb, covering the police officers with the most disgusting mix of dirty socks and expired food they have ever smelled. The Diamond Dogs weren´t precisely the sharpest diamond of the bunch, despite their obsession with them. Usually the cops were able to handle them on their own but it seems this time they have planned things in advance, coming prepared with enough stinky bombs to get the entire squad to retreat.

Too bad they didn't count on Maretropolis local superheroines to make an appearance.

“Ugh, disgusting! I´ll ask what´s in those bombs but I´m afraid of the answer,” Radiance said, coming out of a stinky cloud.

The Diamond Dogs stopped in their tracks and were already regretting their luck but Roger, the leader of the group, wasn't ready to give up just yet. “Relax boys, it´s just the one pony ´ere. We can take it on it tiny pony.”

“Tiny, you said?”

And in the blink of an eye, Radiance disappeared, being replaced by a giant fire-spewing dragon.

“Relax, yah doofus! She is a tricky one, not fall for it!” Roger shouted but his shaky legs indicated he was just as scared as his minions.

Still, he managed to get enough confidence to throw a bomb, the pest breaking Radiance concentration and making her illusion disappear.

“Now, go get her!” Roger ordered and Spot jumped over her but Radiance swiftly took him down with a judo move.

“Tsk tsk, that's no way to treat a lady!”

Unfortunately, Radiance wasn't paying attention to her back and Fido caught her, trapping her in his giant arms.

“Sorry, Mrs. Pony.”

“Well, at least you're polite, darling.”

“Enough! We have us a hostage, caps! Now stand back!” Roger ordered, about to throw another stinky bomb but just then, a rope tangled on his hand making him drop it over his own head.

Roger coughed and moved outside of the cloud, his eyes watering. He might be a filthy diamond poucher but even HE couldn´t stand the smell. Before he could say or do anything, a hoof covered in a leather boot appeared on his face, rendering him unconscious.

“Now, will you be a fine gentleman and let go off the pretty lady?” Mistress Mare-velous asked the giant diamond dog.

Fido struggled with what to do when the answer came from the above.

“She said, let her go!”

The lighting that hit Fido was enough motivation and the scorched dog let go of Radiance.

“Tsk tsk, manner Zap. You could learn a thing or two from Mistress Mare-velous and be polite for a change,” Radiance said.

“And you could learn a thing or two about covering your own back,” Zap said, descending.

“We could use a little more team work. I´ll said even these clowns are better coordinated than us some days,” Mistress said, causally punching Spot when he tried to attack her from behind.

“Yeah, what do you expect when it´s just the three of us guarding the entire city? Fili-second and Saddle are wasting time in a field trip and Masked doing who knows what?” Zap complained.

“I´ll hardly call helping Mrs. Do a field trip but I do have my doubts about dear Masked. it´s not healthy being all day locked testing her powers on that horn,” Radiance said.

“Masked is a strange fellow. Comes with the territory being the only alicorn around. We shouldn't judge her and instead respect her as our leader, and more importantly, our friend. Are we all okay with that?” Mistress said, tying up the Diamond Dog and their friends reluctantly agreed. “Now then, let´s take these bad dogs back to the pound and pose for the cameras, shall we?”

******

“You shall not escape, feathered pony. You will pay for desecrating our most revered temple!”

“Let me go, you savage buffaloes!”

“You will pay for your crimes, feathered pony...with your life!”

How will Daring Do escape from becoming the sacrifice of the buffalo tribe? Will she recover the lost skull of Chief Broken Horn? Will she finally finish her lunch? Find out the answer to these questions and more in the next installment of…

Daring Do and the Skull of Buffaloes!

The screen faded to black and one excited mare jumped up and down, demanding to know what going to happen next. The film operator yawned, tired of having watched that same film about a hundred times, he could the mare the ending if he wanted to but he was too tired. Daring Do meanwhile just smirked on her seat.

“Your adventures always seem so dangerous,” Saddle Ranger commented. “I can't believe you deal with such awful creatures.”

“Nah, the buffaloes weren´t that bad. It was a simple misunderstanding. Besides, things didn't go exactly like that.”

“You saying that story is fake?”

“It´s called dramatic enhancement. Viewers like to have a clear, defined villain. The story of how I had a diplomatic meaning with a cup of tea to solve the issue is not exactly going to keep the foals on their seats,” Daring explained.

“That was so exciting! I couldn´t leave my seat the entire movie! When it´s the next one coming?” Fili-second asked.

“In a few minutes, I guess. But we should get seeing Mr. Rich,” Daring said, getting up.

“This Mr. Rich is a friend of yours?” Saddle Ranger asked.

“Hardly. He´s one of my sponsors, rich ponies that pay me to go to dirty ruins and get them fancy jewels. Obscene Rich has financed many of my famous adventures,” Daring explained.

“He certainly lives up to the name,” Fili-second commented, looking at a painting of the rich and fat pony that adorned the museum that had his mother name.

“And an obsession with shiny objects that would put a dragon to shame. He basically forced me once to dig in the inside of a volcano to get a certain ruby.”

“I thought you enjoyed the thrill of adventure. Never realized you were in it for the money,” Saddle said, disappointment clear on her tone.

“Somepony has to paid for the bills. Archaeology expeditions aren´t exactly cheap,” Daring said, a little offended it seemed. “Plus, half of the time he´s just happy with whatever jewel I can get in a bazaar somewhere around Saddle Arabia.”

Fili-second laughed but Saddle Ranger looked disappointed. She agreed to escort her for a personal reason, Daring Do was her heroine. Back when she was a filly, years before she acquired her superpowers, her father sued to read her the adventures of the dazzling heroine and explorer, Daring Do. She used to dream about her, nightmares with the jungle creatures she faces that turned into wonderful dreams when she came to her rescue. But now, the image of her heroine was being shattered upon looking at her and realizing she was closer to a normal pony with her flaws and selfish moments.

Unaware of all that, Daring opened the door of Obese´s office finding the fat pony chewing on a blueberry pie.

“Hey there,” Daring said and the fat pony smiled.

“Hi Mr. Obese!” Dili-second happily shouted.

“He prefers Rich,” Daring whispered at her. “Sorry to interrupt your sixt lunch of the day but I need to ask for a favour.”

“And you bring two of the Power Ponies with you? You´ll make the press think you need protection for me, Daring,” Obese said while his assistant cleaned his mouth.

“You know I can roll you over like a turtle if I wanted to,” Daring joked and then noticed the reporter sitting in the room. “Don't quote me on that.”

“Daring, meet Mrs…” Obese began but a burp interrupted his sentence.

“Sunny Daze,” said the pink haired white pegasus. “Reporter from the Filly Trumpet.”

“Uh uh, take us a picture! Of me, Daring and Saddle!” Fili-second said, hugging her masked friend.

“Sorry, I didn't bring my camera today. A shame, I never thought I´ll get a second chance to speak with the great Daring Do.”

“Have we met before?”

“I tried to get a talk with your during the unveiling of the Wise Horn.”

“Horn of Wisdom,” Daring corrected her and Sunny smirked.

“You made quite a ruckus over there. Word says that you had a little encounter with the local masked vigilante. Care to expand on that theory?”

Obese coughed to give Sunny a not so subtle clue that the reporter quickly caught up.

“Maybe another time. Thanks for your time, Mr. Rich”.”

“A pleasure. Ringbell, escort the lady outside,” Obese said and his assistant took Sunny to the front door.

“Opened a new orphanage?” Daring mocked Obese who didn't seemed too happy.

“Mrs. Daze may seem pleasant but she´s one of those reporters.”

“What reporters? The ones that wear hat with the little paper on it? Because she didn´t had one today,” Fili-second said, obviously missing the point.

“You two must know them very well. The type of nosy reporter that keeps getting into troubles and need your tupe to save their skin.”

“Oh those, Zap gets them all the time! Hehe!”

“What´s going on, Rich?” Daring asked.

“You tell me,” Obese said and tried to get a folder from his desk but his belly got in the way. Saddle kindly pick it up for him and opened it, revealing a set of photos of a destroyed warehouse.

In one of the pictures, there was a clear image of a masked pony, caught at the last second.

“Mare-Do.Well…” Daring Do said out loud.

“Ever since your recovered that piece of rock, all my business had been targeted by that masked crook. What´s exactly the deal with her?”

“I don't know, Rich. I thought the legend of the Wise Mares was just a story but this Mare-Do-Well...she seems too obsessed with them.”

“I bet, she´s destroying my stuff!”

“I don't think so. Look at the creates, she only attacked the ones with zebra artifacts.”

“And what do you think that means?” Saddle Ranger asked.

“Well, actually that brings me to the reason I came here. I think I have a clue to the location of the next piece of the statutes, the Horseshoes of Power are mentioned in a series of zebra legends. If you could give an expedition crw I could…”

“Forget it, Daring.”

This broke Daring´s concentration and she looked at Rich.

“I´m not going to lose anymore money. Your little escapades are fun as long as they don't affect my business. Mare-Do-Well is doing more than just attacking my warehouse. He´s ruining me by knocking down all my employees and making my investors run off and if you have anything to do with that…”

“You should ask yourself why is Mare-Do-Well attacking your business, Mr. Rich. She is know for only attacking criminals,” Saddle Ranger said, looking very angry.

“Are you accusing me of…”

“She is not accusing you of anything, Rich. Look, if you´re not going to help me, fine. I´ll find somepony else to back me up,” Daring said.

“Good luck with that. I doubt any pony in town it´s going to let you ruin theri business.”

“Yeah, we´ll see about that,” Daring said, turning around.

“Don't worry, Daring. We can finance your expedition: Mistress Mare-velous ahs like a ton of money!” Fili-second said, managing to make Daring smile.

Chapter 3

“Finally! After years of searching I, Ahuizotl, possess the Wings of Speed and with its power I will…”

“Not so fast, Ahuizotl!”

“Mmh, Masked Mare, I´m usually the one to say that…”

“Aw, I wanted to say that!”

“Does it matter which pony says it?”

“Oh come on, Mare-velous, it´s funny!”

“Seriously, Fili-second?”

“Oh Daring Do, I see you have brought some little friends with you,” Ahuizotl said, his casual tone showing he wasn´t intimidated by the seven ponies that had just crashed into his zeppelin.

“We´re the Power Ponies, Ahuizotl,” Masked said.

“And you´re going down, evildoer! Get it? Because we´re so high and we´re putting him down as in sending him to jail…”

Not a single pony laughed at Fili-second´s joke and Zap even facehoofed.

“It doesn't matter who you are, ponies. Now that I possess the Wings of Speed I´ve become the fatest being in Equestria. Nobody can match my power now!”

“You wanna bet on that?” Zap said, clearly offended at Ahuizotl´s claims.

“Why waste my time fighting against such low foes?” Ahuizotl asked and blew a whistle to call his cat minions, sending them to attack the Power Ponies. “Now, using the power of the Wings, I´ll recover the Horn of Wisdom and with my intelligence augmented by its power, I´ll locate the Horseshoes of Power and then…”

“You might want to cut short of the evil speech, Ahuizotl,” Daring Do said, calling her old rival to attention to the fact that all his minions had already been defeated and were laying unconscious in the floor.

“Perhaps I underestimated you, ponies…”

“Seriously, this guy doesn't know who we are?” Zap asked and Radiance shrugged.

“But even you are no match to the power of my most fierce mascot!” And Ahuizotl blew a different whistle, calling upon a much larger and furious cat from behind his seat.

“A sabertooth tiger! Where did you…”

“Surprised, Daring? I caught this precious specimen in a lost jungle months ago and I was hoping for the occasion to have him gobble you up! It might as well, eart your friends too!”

The sabertooth tiger jumped, bearing his sharp fangs and…

“Oh look at the pretty kitten! It´s so huggable!”

Fili-second squashed the giant tiger like he was a toy, caressing him and calling him cute names. Daring was as struck as Ahuizotl, being the first time she had seen Fili-second take on her giant form. The Power Ponies were non puzzled, obviously used to her friend enormous shape. They simply waited for Ahuizotl to react so they can finally apprehend him.

“Ah…”

Ahuizotl then disappeared and reappeared behind them, having grabbed Saddle Range with his tail.

“Muahaha, I´ve captured your little mascot, Power Ponies! She´s obviously the weakest link in your group and with your sidekick in my possession, you are forced to obey me! Muahaha!”

Daring Do growled, furious that Ahuizotl will resort to such low tactics, but the Power Ponies didn't looked worried at all. In fact, they were smirking and shaking their heads, like feeling sorry for Ahuizotl.

“You...are...a big...meanie!”

*****

“I guess poor Ahuizotl never stood a chance,” Sunny Daze asked, holding her microphone to record the interview.

“It was his fault for assuming Saddle is the weakest one of the group,” Mare-velous said.

“She might actually be the strongest one of us,” Radiance added.

“You might think that will be Masked. After all, she is the only know alicorn, a pony with the abilities of all three races plus, impressive psychic powers,” Sunny said, her tone trying to lure Masked for a statement.

However, the alicorn simply turned around and locked herself in a room.

“You have to excuse her. She is the quiet type,” Radiance apologized for her teammate.

“Maybe so but she´s still the founder of the Power Ponies and their leader. Without her, you wouldn't have gone this far,” Sunny mentioned, looking at a picture of the Power Ponies fighting against a hydra, their first famous mission. “Without her powers, you would have been defeated long ago.”

“It´s not about power, Mrs. Daze. It´s a team effort, working together is how we achieved victory,” Mare-velous interrupted her.

“Speaking of victory, you have recovered the second of the legendary set. Guess it wasn't such an old mare´s tale after all. Tell me, do you have it here in the base?”

“Actually, Mrs. Do took it to the museum. She said that now with Ahuizotl behind bars, nobody will be so dumb as to try to rob it from a public place, “ Radiance explained.

“And what about Mare-Do-Well? Didn't she tried to steal the Horn of Wisdom?” Sunny asked but before Radiance could answer, Mare-velous interrupted her again.

“And where did you heard that? I don´t recall Daring sharing the story with the press.”

“I have my sources. Same sources that say you have been keeping the Horn safe here.”

“Actually..” Radiance tried to say but Mare-velous interrupted her again.

“I believe this interview is over, Mrs. Daze.”

Sunny Daze simply shrugged and turned off the microphone, leaving the building.

“That was mighty rude of you, Mare-velous.”

“I don't trust that reporter. She ask an awful lot of questions.”

“Well, that is her job.”

“But I doubt her job includes snooping around our headquarters.”

“You are being too suspicious. We´re still relatively new and some ponies still don't trust us. We can use all the publicly available.”

Mare-velous could tell her friend got a point. The whole mask business still put some ponies off, but she didn't think that Sunny Daze was the right answer. Something about the smirking pegasus strike her as wrong. She may not have the precognitive powers of her friend Masked but her instinct was sharp enough to tell her the report was after something else that just a scoop.

****

The Wings of Speed looked so harmless locked inside a glass case. No longer a powerful magical artifact, now they seemed like simply jewelry. Daring was well aware of its magical properties but it was in moments like these, that she felt that all the stuff of legends was nothing but shiny rocks. How many times had she risked her neck to recover some mystical artifact, noyl to discover that it was broken or just useless?

That didn't stop her to write a story out of it. She just needed to embellish the details a little and she got an instant success. But now, she felt like she was the useless one. At the end of the day, after all the dungeons and mazes, she was still a simply pegasus. But these ponies, the Power Ponies, they all had special abilities that went beyond their natural abilities as ponies and, when compared to them, Daring was like a simple necklace compared to a magical stone.

“The Wings are secure, Mrs. Do. You don't have to worry.”

Daring turned around and smiled at the bespectacled unicorn that was approaching her.

“Thanks Selena. Although I will prefer if it was kept in the vault like all the other ones, instead of being exposed like this.”

“Mr. Rich spared no expenses acquiring the latest security measures. He also said that having the item in display will improve the mood of investors,” Selena noticed the look Daring was given her and blushed,” Those were his words,not mine.”

Daring sighed and said, “It´s okay Selena. I know your hooves are tied because rich is the biggest sponsor of the museum, both literally and figuratively.” This made Selena giggle. “But I just wish the museum wasn't so..exposed. Maybe I´m just old fashioned like that. Been feeling like that lately.”

Selena adjusted her glasses before saying,” Daring, you know I consider you my friend? Back when I was appointed as curator as the museum, despite being the youngest candidate to the job, you were the only one who supported me…”

Daring blinked and then ruffled her friend´s mane. “What´s up with you, giving exposition like that? You´re starting to sounds like one of my characters!”

“Heh, I guess my point is that you should be proud of your efforts.”

“Thanks kiddo but still, the Power Ponies should take the spotlight for this one. They located Ahuizotl and stopped him with little to no effort.”

“They did more than that, Daring,” Obese said, walking into the room. “They managed to finally apprehend Ahuizotl, something you haven´t been able to do for years. That assuming you haven't let him get away in purpose to have a villain for your stories.”

“Mr. Rich, how ca-”

“It´s okay Selena. I´m just happy Azuitol it´s gone for good,” Daring said, walking away. “And don't worry about your business, Rich. There´s only one item left and once I get it…”

****

That night, Rich took extra precautions to secure his business, hiring twice the goons to protect the cargo. One of the them noticed they were carrying clubs and crowbars and got worried.

“You kidding? We´re not gonna let that Mare-No-Gooder give us a pounding again!” the leader of the goons told the newbie.

“But Mare-Do-Well it´s a good guy! She saved my brother from a pair of robbers once!”

“You were not here yesterday when she kicked the flanks of half my guys. Now, shut up and get ready! Hey, you three, go guard the crates!” he barked to some mares that simply nodded.

They didn´t had to wait too much to felt the shadow of the caped pony above them. The goons went mure upon seeing the silent figure of the masked vigilante and some even dropped their weapons.

“What are you doing standing like that? Go get her!” the leader ordered and they tried to attack her but Mare-Do-Well avoided them in one swift motion making them crash against the crates and landed next to the nervous newbie.

“I do-don´t want to fight you!” he said and Mare-Do-Well actually kept still.

“You don´t have to kid…”

The kid turned around to see the mares from before drop their hats and jackets.

“Let the professionals handle this!” Zap said, revealing herself along with Mare-velous and Daring Do.

“We knew we´ll catch you if we stayed in the docks,” Mare-velous said.

“You have nowhere to go this time,” Daring said and Mare-Do-Well responded by throwing her cape over her. “Not this time!”

Daring did a somersault in air, managing to avoid the cape and start fighting against Mare-Do-Well. With just one punch, she realized something was wrong. Mare-Do-Well was still able to catch up with her but there was something different in the movements. Daring had trained with some of the best martial artist and learned that fighting styles are unique and no two ponies fight alike. The speed, the reflexes, they were similar but without a doubt this wasn´t the same mare Daring had fought before.

Before she could gather her thoughts however Mare-velous sued her rope to catch Mare-Do Well. The masked pony squinted and the rope snapped in two.

“How…”

“This is taking too long!” Zap declared and flew up high, calling upon lightings that feel all over the docks, threatening everypony in sight.

“Auh! Tell your partner to call down, MAre-velosu!”

“Zap! Quit it!”

The pegasus didn't listened and brought even more lightings, none of which hit Mare-Do-Well who escaped through the crates.

“She´s getting away!”

Mare-velous and Daring gave chase to Mare-Do-Well who went in between two boxes. She seemed to be trapped but when they get there, she was already gone.

“She got away? How? Zap, she´s not here!” Mare-velous said.

“That´s impossible! I´ve the entire sky covered in clouds! There's no way she could have escaped!”

“How did that pegasus sneak on us?” Mare-velous asked.

“I´m not sure it was a pegasus this time, Mare-velous.”

“What? But that was Mare-Do-Well.”

“It was her but it wasn´t the same mare under the mask.”

****

Meanwhile, in the headquarters of the Power Ponies, Masked Matter-Horn was in deep concentration, trying to tune in to the mystical Horn of Wisdom. Using her psychic power, she was able to trace the magic signature and locate the Wings without the need of the compass that Ahuizotl stole and used. Now, she was trying to locate the final element but something was blocking her vision. She was in tune with the mystical artifacts, their nature somehow relate to the same magical energies that turned her into a winged unicorn. She had many questions about them but wasn't comfortable asking the explorer. She felt this was soemthign rpviate, soemthign that only the elements could answer. Unfortunately, that meant not only keeping a secret from her friends but also, considering the possibility of betraying them once they got the final element.

Despite the intense amount of focusing the task required, Masked was no so distracted she didn't noticed the pony in the ceiling and when she tried to come down, a magic force field hit her.

“You made a mistake coming in here, Mare-Do-Well,” masked said, floating over the masked pony. “I´ll give you one chance to surrender.”

Mare-Do-Well response was to throw some smoke grenades at her and flew away but Masked Matter-Horn had already teleported and was in deep chase of her.

“Surrender. I designed this building. There´s no way you can escape.”

But there was. Using a flashing bomb to cover her escape, Mare-Do-Well took the only exit available, using an air vent to get away. Masked Matter-Horn huffed, having her suspicions on the identity of the pony that just got away.

Final Chapter

Daring Do had faced Ahuizotl, Don Caballeron, buffalo tribes, hydras, the terrible kraken, pirates, the tax office, but all her years of training, all her years of travelling across the globe fighting against the most fearsome creatures, solving the most challenging of puzzles, crossing the most intricate of labyrinths; none of that could prepare her for her biggest challenge ever…

Her retirement speech.

“...and with that, I officially announce that I will no longer take part on any expedition on the land of Equestria.”

Cameras flashed and reporters rushed to ask questions but their voices got lost in the cries of dozens of admirers and children. Daring smiled, she had spent so much time lately in broign galas and auctions that had forgot all about her fans, especially the young ones.

Daring picked a reporter and allowed him to ask a question, “But Daring, who would protect the city of Maretropolis and the ponies of Equestria?”

“Woah there, you made me sound like I'm some kind of heroine. I never considered myself that way, I´m just an explorer and, regarding the safety of this city, you already have the best defenders in all the world, the Power Ponies!”

Daring waved to the masked ponies and they smiled at the camera. Well, that's an exaggeration their faces were a mix of scowls and disappointed looks.

“Cameras are pointing. Try to look cheerful, fellas, “ Mistress Mare-velous said.

“Hard to considering the situation,” Radiance said.

“Wish Fili-second was here. She could say something to cheer the mood,” Saddle Ranger said.

“This is stupid,” Zap complaomianed.

Masked Matter-Horn said nothing.

Daring was doing a good show reassuring the ponies in the audience, some were still crying but Daring managed to turned their frowns upside down. Despite everything she said, she was still their heroine. The mayor was already holding the key of the city when another reporter asked a questions.

“Sunny Daze. FIlly Trumpet.”

At the mention of this name Masked raised her head, alerting the other members.

“Are you giving up because a new generation has taken over your job?”

The other reporters growled and the audience was ready to jump over her but Daring dismissed the notion with a smile. “I am getting a little too old for this business but I assure you, there´s no better ponies for the job than them.”

The audience responded wit applauses but Sunny wasn't pleased. “And whatever happened with the Horseshoes of Power? Did you forget about them or what?”

“I´m afraid the Horseshoes are gone for good. I had a lead on where they could be but the zebra princes told me that the temple is more than in ruins, it´s completely gone. There´s nothing there and nopony has any clues on them.”

“So you´re saying they´re lost forever?”

“For the better, I presume. I´m a little sad the collection will remain incomplete but somethings are better left that way…” Daring said and she looked straight at Selena, the museum curator when she said that. “Besides, with Ahuizotl locked in prison, I don´t think anybody else is interested on them. That was my last adventure folks, sorry the ending wasn´t that exciting.”

Sunny scowled but keep quiet. Another reporter took the chance to ask Daring a final question.

“What are you plans from now on, Daring?”

“I don´t know. Maybe I´ll turn into the next museum curator. After all, what other pony knows this place better than me?” And she finished the conference winking at the crowd.

*****

The Horn of Wisdom and the Wings of Speed were standing right next to each other in glass cases. They gave the room and ominous feeling, a strange vibration, almost like a humming sound. Some superstitions ponies will even say that it felt liek the two amulets were whispering at each other and they would not be far from the truth.

Mare Do-Well gave no thoughts to that idea and prepared to remove the glass cases.

“The alarms are deactivated although you know that already, don´t you…” Daring Do said, coming out the shadows. “...Selena?”

Mare-Do-Well turned around and even with her masked face, one can tell she was surprised.

“Oh please, drop the act. I know it´s you behind the mask.”

“...how did you knew?”

“For starters, you're shorter than the pony I fought after the gala. Also, last night you managed to escape from a dead end without taking flight. I figured you did that by teleportation and outside from MatterHorn, I doubt any winged pony can pull that trick. And finally, the most important evidence, the fight we had yesterday told me everything I needed to know,” Daring explained. “I told you once that fighting styles are like snowflakes, nopony makes them the same. I trained you in self-defense but when I did, I could tell you already knew some basic moves. You probably learned them on the orphanage. When I fought Mare-Do-Well I recognized the moves, they were yours. Except it wasn't you who I fought that night, it was another pony. The pony that taught you to fight.”

Mare-Do-Well removed her hat and mask, revealing the soft features of the meek unicorn curator.

“Impressive Daring, you never cease to amaze me.”

“You're one to talk. The sweet, little Selena is the mysterious Mare-Do-Well. I didn't see that one coming. And that leads us to the big question. Let´s face it Selena, you are no thief. You are no ambitious or greedy, you have no use for the amulets. So...why are you doing this?”

Selena looked at the featureless mask and took a deep breath, releasing the truth that she had been hiding for years.

“I was trying to stop my sister.”

*****

Obese Rich spared no expenses when he build his house. The best curtains, the best furniture, the best service and of course, the best security system money can buy. Mare- Do- Well had to pull some impressive feats to overcome the many armed guards, magic barriers and vigilant animals but she did it. She knocked off the guards, blocked the magic sensor and put the animals to sleep, all on her own and without making a single sound.

She sneaked inside the main bedroom and hovered to the bed. The big glob that was Obese was snoring out loud from behind the sheets and Mare-Do-Well couldn't help but gag. She didn´t enjoyed the scene so she moved to the task at job, recover the Horseshoes that were standing on the wall over Obese. Any other pony wouldn't look twice at them, they were just a pairt of normal horseshoes embedded on the wall, except they weren´t. Mare-Do-Well knew well what they were and her eyes gleamed from behind the mask. She stretched her arm, pressing her hoof on the cold metal and then heard the sound of a spring in action. She got no time tor act and soon found herself covered in strong metal vines.

“Trussed up like a turkey,” Mistress Mareve-lous said, coming out from inside the sheets.

Mare-Do-Well took a look and realized how simple the disguise Mistress had prepared was with a recording of the snores and a bunch of pillows and that made her angrier, that such a simple trick got her.

“There´s no escape from this one, miss. Masked warned me all about your tricks but there´s no air vent for you to crawl into.”

Mare-Do-Well said nothing but she was growling under her mask.

“What? No witty remarks now, Mrs…” And Mistress removed the mask with one pull. “...Sunny Daze?”

“Tch.”

“What? Aren´t ya going to ask me how I figure out your identity?”

“I´ll like to think that all of you combined count for one brain.”

“Cute.” Mistress had to suppress the need to punch her right in the snout. “Now, I don't know what´s your game, Daze; but you're not going anywhere until we get the authorities. The items are all secure in the museum and you're going to pay for your crimes. Only question I have is how you gave us the cold shoulder there at the docks, Mrs. Do said she figured it out but won't share with us. What´s so funny?”

“Oh nothing, I just was under the impression you were smart but it seems only Daring has a brain there. Gotta gave the old geezer the credits.”

“Now listen well,” Mistress said, holding her by the neck of her suit. “I had my fair part of defending your job in the streets but you better keep that attitude at bay.”

“Yeah, I´m sure she wouldn't be too pleased with my language either…”

“What are you talking about?”

“It´s funny, before she disappeared last thing she made us promise was not to take on the hat and cape. But, since when do children listen to their parents? Even adopted children…”

“Wait, what are you implying?” Mistress asked, losing her grip.

“A nice pony who picked up two fillies, an unicorn and a pegasus…”

Mistress noted the emphasis Sunny added to that but it hit her too late, the lighting crashing through the window and making her get loose of Sunny. Mistress wasn't hurt but the pegasus took the chance to fly away.

“Oh no, you don't! You´re not escapin this time!” zap yelled, giving chase to Sunny.

“Wait Zap, she planted some thunderclouds! Be careful!”

Zap ignored Mistress´ warning and rushed to grab the fleeting pegasus. After all, electricity was no danger to her. Sunny avoided her own traps with ease while Zap just crashed through them. When she finally caught up, Sunny was waiting on a rooftop.

“Givin up? I was hoping for a little chase. You still owe me for that stunt you pulled on me last night,” Zap said.

Sunny just smirked, her white coat matching the snowflakes.

“What? Talk or I take you down!”

“You say that to all girls?”

“That´s it!” Zap shouted but she fell down in the snowy ground. “What is this?”

“Never seen snow before? I know all about your electric powers Zap, so I prepared this little cloud just in case, “ Sunny explained, letting go off the rope that tied the cloud. Zap noticed there were more in the adjacent rooftops. “I bought a few more to block the air patrol. Never thought I would actually get to use them.” Sunny took a look at the maison rooftop. “Seems your friend has already managed to find a way to dogre the thunderclouds. I´m going to settle a few rain ones to cover my tracks…”

“You…”

“Sorry, was I thinking outloud? I tend to do that, I guess I´m not good at this silent heroine thing. Good thing I don't have to wear the mask anymore. Your friend just told me where to find final item and once I got it…”

“You will not do a thing!”

Sunny Daze may be a mouthful but even she knew when to shup up and that moment was when Masked Matter-Jorn descended from the skies, using her mental powers to dispel all the clouds and shone a light so bright that was making the city of Maretrpoñplis see the sun during nighttime.

*****

“So that´s the story behind Mare-Do-Well,” Daring said once Selena was done with her explanations. “What I don't understand is what this has to do with the the Three Treasures?”

“I told the story about your investigation. I thought it will be a good scoop for her career but she had other plans. SHe told me we should get the items and use them ourselves.”

“For what, take over the world?”

“Of course not! We did it because of what you say today in the conference…” Selena said and Daring kept quiet. “You´re not going to be here forever, we already knew that but we didn't want to believe them. My sister convinced me that we needed the power of the treasures to protect the city.”

“That's insane! Haven't you read the legends, about how the ponies of the past misused the amulets? And besides, you got the Power Ponies to protect you! Why even use the items?”

“Because we can´t trust them. We were taught the mask represented something, it spoke for all the ponies who didn't had a face. But theres ponies, who are they representing? their domino masks, whose voices are they?”

“Well said, my dear. Masked ponies are not to be trusted,” a voice said from behind the shadows of the other side of the room, slowly revealing itself to be Obese RIch. Very, very slowly.

“Obese, I told you to saty hidden. You have over a dozen houses and you couldn't spend a few hours in one of them?” Daring said the still not out of the shadows pony.

“You think I'll leave my most precious possessions unprotected? Now that I have all Three Treasures, I have the most valuable collection in the planet!” Obese said and both mares had to wait a little more, rolling their eyes at how slow he was, from him to step on the light and show the pair of golden horseshoes. “Surprised?”

“Not really,” Selena said.

“Yes, I was in possession of the horseshoes all along.”

“We know.”

“Yes, I...wait, how did you know?”

“My sister asked you're employes and they told her you received it weeks ago. She simply waited for a chance to get into your houses and spend days interrogating your house servants and employees. Your assistant Ringbell told her a lot during dinner,” Selena explained.

“That explains the attack at the docks. You were trying to get the police attention and gave your sister an alibi,” Daring said.

“Damnit, I had an entire speech prepared…” Obese mumbled. “Anyways, you're fired Selena!”

“You can't fire me. You´re just the biggest sponsors but you've no saying in the museum staff,” Selena explained.

“Well, well...you're going to jail! Once I tell the authorities of your little night activities, nopony is ever going to see your face again!”

“Knock it off, Rich! Selena is not going to jail and neither is her sister. The Power Ponies are already taking care off her,” Daring interrupted him.

“What´s going to happen to my sister?”

“We already secured for you two to leave the city. I see no point in sending you to jail, not with the items out of the picture.”

“You're not going to keep them?”

“They're going to a vault and never see the light of day again. That will be the final chapter of my adventures. Not exactly the blaze of glory I was expecting but I'll sleep better knowing they'll never be used by anypony.”

“You´re right…” Rich said.” That´s not how your story should end. You should go all out in a final battle!” He shouted and then put on the golden horseshoes.

“Rich, what are you doing?”

“For too long I´ve done nothing but indulge you in your little escapades, Daring. No more! This time I´ll be the central piece of your story, the best role, the villain who takes down Daring Doooooo!”

The magic of the horseshoes worked in Rich, turning his morbid figure into a bulk muscular stallion.

“Woah, I never thought they'll actually work…” Daring said, hoping Selena won't notice her spread wings.

“Mr. Rich, what have you done?”

“The power...I can feel it...I have the power!”

Rich stomped his hooves, making the entire room crash. Daring got hold of Selena and flew to the roof. Rich responded tossing statues and plates at them.

“Way to treat your own collection, Rich!”

“What does it matter now, Daring? I´m the most powerful pony in the world! I have the strength of a thousand earth ponies!” he shouted and tossed and entire figurehead at them. Daring dodge it but a tapestry fell off over them and they went down. “And with the power of the two other Treasures, I´ll be unstoppable!”

But when Obese tried to touch the treasures, his hooves only touched thin air.

“What the hay?”

The glass cases disappeared, revealing to be mere illusions conjured by the unicorn Radiance.

“Are you two okay?” Saddle Ranger asked, helping Daring and Selena get up.

“Perfect! This is even better! I will be remembered not just as the pony that caused the fall of Daring Do but also took the Power Ponies with him!”

“He´s...insane,” Saddle said.

“Mad with power. Guess it´s the only fun way of go mad,” Daring said, wincing because of a strained wing.

“MR. Rich, think what you´re doing! You're ruining your reputation!” Selena peladed.

“Who cares? I was already the richest pony, no I´m the strongest and soon…” Ruich raised his hooves and stomped again, this time crashing through the floor and sending them to vault in the basement.

All the ponies went down, screaming but then three flashing strikes saved them.

“Is everypony safe?” Masked Matter-Horn asked, holding Saddle Ranger.

“I´ve been better,” Radiance admitted, holded by Zap.

“Sister…” Selena said to her rescuer.

“How did you guys know we were in danger?” Daring asked Mistress Mare-velous, who was holding her while swinging from a grappling hook.

“We didn´t. Sunny here decided to not turn on a fight the second Masked showed up. We were heading to the museum to meet you guys when we heard the ruckus,” Mistress explained.

“I´ll say is more of frackas,” Sunny teased her and Msitress growled.

“Sister…”

“It´s okay, little sis. Our little game is over.”

“We need to get down there. If Rich gets a hoof on the other two items…” Daring said,.

“That will not happen!” Masked announced and they all dove in.

Rich had already toss the door of the vault away. He licked his lips at all the treasures that Daring had gathered over the years and couldn't help but grab a few shiny pearls that suddenly turned into snakes.

“Power Ponies, attack!”

Rich didn´t had much time to respond to the illusion. Mistress threw her a pair of bolas, trying to tie him up but Rich was too strong and broke them. Zap crashed against him but Rich tossed her aside.

“Mr, Rich, please!” Selena tried to plead a final time but Rich answer was to try to crush her. Luckily, Masked raised a force field.

Daring and Mistress joined forces to pull him, using their whips and ropes but Rich was too strong for them. He easily got rid of them and shifted his focus to Radiance. Rich smirked thinking he could crush the unicorn in one hit but she used her power to put him into an hypnotic trance and making fell asleep.

“You see ladies, violence is not always the answer,” Radiance aid, tossing her mane.

The ponies approached the snoring Rich. “You know, I never liked him. Our date was a disaster,” Daring said.

“You two used to date?” Zap said as incredulous as the rest of them.

“We had dinner. Once.”

“Now that this is taken care off. Time to take you two to your new house. Don't worry, I promise is not the prison but you´re still going away,” Mistress said.

“Yeah, about that,” Sunny said and then she vanished in a flash of light. “Amazing. This is simply amazing. I can sense the wind on my wings like I've never felt it before. I can sense everything!”

“She´s wearing the Wings!” Saddle pointed.

“The power is invigorating! You're a fool, Daring. How could you keep such powerful items locked away when you could use their power? Look at me, I can control the weather in ways no other pegasus was able!” Sunny shouted, crating wind and snow.

“That´s the medallion talking, Sunny. The power is too much for any pony to handle it!”

“Then why did the ancient ponies created them then?”

“They were wrong? Nopony should have this kind of power! That´s why they spread the items away so they will never be used again!”

“Well, I will use them...watch me!”

Sunny made her storm grew stronger and colder.

“I had enough with you!” Zap shouted and created the most powerful electrical storm. The lgihtjngin bolts crashed againt the snowlcouds, trhathengin to hit the poniesn bleow and actually hitting Rich.

“You can't defeat me, Power Ponies! With this amulet I will…”

“Take a nap!”

Sunny then fell down on the floor and a tiny pony pop out of her collar.

“How come all bad guys always say the same speech?”

“Fili-second?” Daring asked.

“I´ve been hiding inside her costume since she visited our HQ yesterday. Man, I´m hungry now!”

“Good move. You forgot to tell me about this,” Daring said.

“You forgot to tell us about Mrs. Selena,” Mistress replied but before anypony could say something else, Rich got up and punched her and Radiance, knocking them unconscious.

“Girls!” Fili-second shouted and grew in size until becoming as tall as an Ursa Minor. She tried to punch Rich but he was too strong and tossed her away.

Just then, Sunny woke up and tried to make a move.

“She is getting away!” Zap shouted and started shooting lighting but Sunny was too fast and she dodge them all. “Fili, move!”

The warning came too late and FIli got zapped. “In moments like this, I wish I had super speed…” she lamented with her afro-hair.

“Everypony...stop!” Saddle shouted and her mane grew, trapping them all on ropes of pink color.

“Seriously? This is your superpower? You made your mane grow?” Sunny complained.

“You are not exactly moving,” Daring mocked her.

“So what now, jail?”

“For Rich, yes. As for you and Selena…” Daring´s words got cut short when she saw her friend wearing the Horn of Wisdom and using her magic to keep Masked Matter-Horn at bay. “Oh no, Sleena…”

“I...understand. I understand everything. My mind is so peaceful now, free of distractions and doubts. I know what must be done.”

“Selena, listen to me. The Horn is talking through you, this is not you, it´s the unicorn magic, confusing your mind,” Daring said, trying to reason with the enhanced magical horse.

“I know that and I know what must be done,” Selena responded in a calm tone and levitated the items away from the other two. “This item were created at a time where ponies were exposed to the element. When monsters roamed free and the three species were in conflict. But now, the balance has been found..:” she said, freeing Masked. “Your magic is the only power that can put them to rest.”

“That´s why I could resonate with them. The magic inside them is linked to my alicorn nature…”

“The knowledge of the past provides peace in the future. Your presence here was foretold by the ancient ponies, “ Selena keep explaining but she seemed to be voicing somepony else, a pony from times before.

“So that´s it. That´s the answer…” Masked said, levitating the items.

“Wait, you're going to...destroy them?” Daring asked

“Just like your time has ended and the time of Mare-Do-Well ende with our mother...the time for the Treasures is done,” Selena explained before Masked took off the Horn from her.

“You said it yourself, Daring. These items are too powerful, they must be destroyed.”

“I know but...they're still history. And my last adventure, my last treasure. I guess...I just realized this is the end.” Daring took a moment to look at all the treasures she had collected, all those memories, all those stories. “But I guess the moment has been prepared for...do it.”

Masked nodded and sued her magic to levitate the three objects and make them crash with each other, their magic exploding and creating the most beautiful collection of colors.

That´s how the last story of Daring Do ended with a beaming rainbow.

******

The unicorn waiter levitated the empty glass of juice from the trail. He expected a tip but the pony on the hammock wasn´t even looking at him, she had her face covered with a straw hat. THe waiter coughed to no avail. He coughed again but she didn't responded.

“Is there anything else I can do for you, miss?” he finally asked, exasperated.

“No.” Satisfied although with an empty pocket, the waiter turned around. “Actually yes, tell me the latests news.”

He levitated the newspaper to her but when she didn't lifted her hat he added “Here.”

“Just read me the headers.”

The unicorns sighed. “Re-opening of the museum announced. The head curator, miss Selena, is happy to announce the museum is reopening its doors after the accident from last week.”

The pony with the hat smiled.

“Is that all?”

“Go on.”

“The Power Ponies capture Mane-iatic. New super villain caught in the act by the city local heroines.”

“What´s the name of the writer?”

“A Sunny Daze, miss. What´s so funny, miss?”

“Nothing, just the way things turn out. Guess that´s all,” she said, searching for a bit on her pocket.

“I suppose so. The only other new is the local section babbling about a ghost again.”

The pony was about to handle the bit when she heard that and then backed down, “Excuse me, you said ghost?”

“Yes, rumours of a shadowy pony in the castle near the resort. Locals are always babbling about that stuff. Nonsense if you ask me…”

The pony finally lifted her hat, revealing a pair of bright eyes, eyes hungry for excitement.

“I´ll call it...an adventure.”

Epilogue (where I go all meta)

“This book sucks!”

Rainbow Dash tossed said book across the room and dropped over a couch. Twilight Sparkle obviously disapproved of her manners and picked the book with her magic.

“Rainbow, try to express your disapprovement in a less...energetic fashion.”

Rainbow just mocked her.

“What is exactly that you didn´t liked about it?”

“You kidding? the story is a mess, the characters are nothing like they're supposed to be and there are plot holes the size of Cloudsdale!”

“That's an awful generalization. I know the characterization is a bit off but that´s the whole point of a reboot, Rainbow. Give a different, new perspective to old characters. As for the story I actually liked it, a more somber approach to Daring, her questioning her place in a world that keeps changing. I can relate somehow,” Twilight said, subtly taking a look at her wings.

“Who wants to see any of that? Daring is supposed to be fun and engaging, not mood and whiny.”

“Well, I just thought you will enjoy a different take on Daring that my mum's style. She´s only one of the writers who has taken Daring, maybe you want to try A. K Yearling´s style instead?” Twilight said, offering another book.

“As long as it doesn't have the Power Ponies there. They suck…”

“Hey, the Power Ponies are awesome!” Spike said, poking from the first floor.

“They're the most boring superhero team ever! And their powers were a joke! Prehensilvile mane? Pftt.”

“Excuse me, but the Power Ponies are awesome! They're a well balanced team with a sense of honor and loyalty,” Spike said jumping down the confront Rainbow.

“Please, you only liked them because Matter-Horn has a dragon sidekick who, by the way, doesn't appear on this story.”

“Okay one, that sucks. And two, I like them for more reasons than that! Listen, in issue 12….”

Twilight rolled her eyes and moved the books back to their stacks. Despite what he may said, Spike had actually picked up a few traits from Twilight, including getting too enthusiastic when talking about subjects he knew a lot. Twilight had her own opinions on the novel but she decided she had no place on that argument, leaving them on their own thing.

She looked outside the window to the setting sun, finding the reflection of her wings on the glass. That made her reflect on the changes in her life, the same way Daring's life changed in the novel. Big or small, internal or external, changes abound but Twilight had learn to not be scared of them.

With a serene smile, she returned to her duties while her friends till argued about comics and novels.