Daring Do and the Night Shifter

Chapters

First Transformation
The Tribe of Tall Mountains
Arriving at Rasco Islands
Resolving the problem
Family Ties
A Few Answers
Luna's Light
Through Another's Eyes
Dear Rabbit...
Betrayal
The Pony of Stone
The Wish
Hopeless
Death's Doorstep
The End
Legend of the Night shifter
The Temple of Rasco

First Transformation

Daring do ran through the sweltering heat of the Savannah, chasing after a older colt with a black flank and an even darker black mane and a monocle. ''Stop Dr. Saturno! You have already been beaten!''

''Not while I am still alive!'' Dr. Saturno exclaimed, still not stoping.

All of a sudden, from a bush of tall grass, a blurry figure jumped out and tackled Dr. Saturno in a flash. Once he was down, Daring Do went over to check things out, but what she saw was something she had never seen before, on top of Dr. Saturno, was a muscular, black-spotted cheetah. As Daring remembered, cheetahs were not usually hostile animals.

Bringing her back to reality, the cops came and chained up Dr. Saturno, while shoving him into the police car. As Daring Do looked over her shoulder, she saw the cheetah transforming! ''Wha-'' Daring said with a confused look on her face. But, the most unbelievable thing happened. In a flash of white light, in the cheetahs place was a colt, no older then her!

''Did you say something?'' the colt asked. He was a tan colt with a blond mane and a cutie mark that looked a lot like an orange paw print.

''You.. and the cat... and.. WOW! How did you do that?! I have never seen anything like it!'' Daring quickly said with a look of amazement in her eyes. The cops were also baffled.

''Oh, I haven't told you yet have I?'' The tan colt said.''I am a shape-shifter! But back in town they call me the Night Shifter. My real name is Spark, nice to meet you...'' he trailed off.

''Oh!'' Daring Do said quickly, regaining her confidence.''The names Do,'' she said shaking the strangers hoof. ''Daring Do.''

The Tribe of Tall Mountains

"Travel to the Tribe of Tall Mountains and seek their leader, He will give you information to where the diamond key is hidden." Daring Do remembered her run-in with Spark, the only pony in the world who could shape-shift into other animals, and being told to go to the tribe of Tall Mountains to retrieve the diamond key to hide it away so nopony could open the temple of Rasco.

Now Daring Do and Spark were on a small plane with one turbine engine and two propellers. Nothing fancy, but it got them where they needed to go, they hoped. Daring was afraid to admit it, but planes were not her favorite idea of transportation. She always got airsick and the idea of floating THOUSANDS of feet on a metal piece of machinery gave Daring Do an uneasy feeling. Which was very convenient because she was a pegasus and should be used to flying. It was just... she never flew this far up.

''Daring? Daring? DARING!'' Spark yelled.

''Wha- huh?'' Daring said, looking up.

''You were staring out the window for a while... you ok?'' Spark asked, obviously concerned.

''Uh, yeah... I'm ok, I'm just..... excited about our adventure, that's all.''Spark didn't seem to believe her.

''What's really wrong?'' Daring Do was uncomfortable, she didn't usually talk about her feelings with others. Except her mom. Daring started to cry. Years ago her mom went missing with no trace, on a mission by herself. Daring was only 8 then, and it had been so long since she had heard her mother's warm, comforting voice.

"Search for adventure, because once you find it, you will never want to go back."

That was what she always said. Spark wiped away her tear. ''What's wrong?'' he asked. Daring explained her sadness to Spark, it felt nice talking to someone she could trust. ''Dont worry, you'll see her again someday...'' Spark said, ''and when you do, you will never leave her again.''

Arriving at Rasco Islands

Daring Do awoke to the sound of a macaw loudly making its arrival very noticeable. As she awoke woozily, she turned her head to see Spark, awake too. ''Nice flight,'' he said with pleasure in his voice. He seemed very happy to be here, probably because he was away from the city, it would make sense that he felt at home here because of all of his animal instincts that he had. As soon as they left the plane, they were greeted by an unfamiliar pony. He was a brown colt with his black mane slicked back and a giant scar running over his eye.

''Welcome to Rasco islands Miss Do and Sir Spark.'' He said, with a voice like ice, ''I was expecting you.'' Daring Do glared at him, and for a moment, she saw a flicker of fear in the new pony eyes.

''I am Ricardo, your guide for this week. I will be taking you through the Tribe of Tall Mountains and bringing you through half of the temple.'' Daring stared at him hard.

''Daring? What's wrong?'' Spark asked behind her.

''Oh, its's nothing Sparky.'' Spark looked at her disapprovingly.

''Don't call me Sparky... Miss Do.'' Daring opened her mouth to call a comeback but Spark walked away before she could begin. Daring Do frustratedly kicked at the ground.

''Miss Do,'' Ricardo said as he walked up behind her,''we must go, the Tribe of Tall Mountains is awaiting our arrival.'' Daring Do just looked at him sternly, then walked off. She did not trust Ricardo, there was something about him that she did not like. But maybe it was just her. Just because she was angry with Spark, didn't mean she had to take it out on Ricardo. From then on, Daring Do stayed away from Spark, but still kept her eye on Ricardo. Later, they arrived at the Tribe of Tall Mountains, and it was a sight they would never forget. The tribe was covered in vines and the huts were made out of only twine, dry, tall grass, and leftover vines. It was also a very protected tribe, outside of the main center of huts, there were giant bamboo walls with porcupine spikes on top, so no one would dare climb over. And where there were any openings in the walls, muscular guards were posted.

''What business do you have here?'' one of the Guards with a gray flank and red and white war paint asked harshly.

''We are here to see chief Bear, these two,'' Ricardo said pointing to Daring Do and Spark, '' are searching for the Diamond Key, and I suppose their superior has already talked with your tribe?'' The gray pony stared at them for a moment, then muttered something under his breath.

''I will see to the chief about this, but until then, stay put.'' A few moments later, the same gray pony came back and nodded. As the venturing ponies walked in, they were met by the stares of other ponies who were in the tribe, and that was when Daring Do felt someone, or something, watching her.

Resolving the problem

Bear looked at the new visitors with a welcome tone in his voice. ''Welcome to the tribe of Tall Mountains!" he exclaimed. Bear was a light brown pony with a dark brown mane with silver and gold streaks going through it. It's was easy to tell that he was the tribe's leader. ''What brings you to our sacred land?" Bear asked. Daring Do tried to look at Bear's cutie mark for an idea of who they were dealing with, but there was a smear of blue paint over it.

''We are here to learn the location of the Diamond Key," Spark replied. ''I understand the officer of the police has spoken to you?" Bear stared down at the two travelers with a disapproving scowl on his face. ''I did no such thing. When did I agree to let strangers in on our tribes biggest secret?" he said to nopony in paricualar. Daring Do looked at him with anger and confusion.

''What are you talking about?!" The frustrated mare said, seeming with anger. We traveled all this way for what?! Daring Do thought, her glare not once moving away from the tribe leader. To be told by some mouse-brained pony that we were not ever supposed to be here in the first place?! That was when everything became a riot. Ponies everywhere started accusing them of trespassing and told them never to come back to the island. Later a pony or two would want them dead. As the residents of rasco island started closing in, Spark looked around worriedly, searching for a way out of this mess. But when the ponies came to close for comfort, Spark finally snapped. In a flash of bright light, Spark transformed. Standing in his place was a giant timber wolf. The ponies gasped, even Ricardo stared at this amazing feat of magic. The timber wolf looked at all of the other ponies with shame.

''You should be ashamed of yourself, accusing us of something that we did not know of," he accused. ''Is this what you do to other ponies who arrive here? No wonder you have no social skills." Spark could talk trash to these ponies all day, no one would stand up to a pony who could shape shift. The timber wolf smiled a evil, yet wooden smile. Easy as pie, he thought.

Family Ties

The night of their ''warm" welcome from the Tribe of Tall Mountains, Daring Do snuck out of her leaf and hay bed to get some fresh air. She sat next to a small pond of water, just outside the tribe's walls. Even though the tribe leader, Bear, had let them stay the night, she still could not trust him. I mean, why was his cutie mark covered in blue paint? She thought. Maybe his special talent was painting?........ No, she didn't think so. All of the other ponies in the tribe had something covering their cutie mark too. Daring Do looked into the small pond and sighed. Everything was so confusing!

Daring noticed the water in the pond glistening in the moonlight, and heard a few cattails whistling in the shallow wind.

She heard hoof steps approaching her her. She stiffened. She wasn't supposed to be out here this late at night. Right before she could sprint off and hide, she heard a voice say, ''What are you doing out here on a cold night like this?" She turned around to find Spark staring at her.

''I was about to ask you the same thing," Spark laughed a little, then he smiled.

"Well, sometimes I like breath in fresh air when things..... get confusing. To help clear my mind. I mean, none of this makes any sense! We're supposed to be protecting a key from robbers, and we don't know who is trying to steal it in the first place!" Spark ranted.

"Yeah, I normally talk to my mom about confusing things......" Daring trailed off as she stomped at the ground with her hoof. "I... well, ever since she disappeared, I have had to deal with my own problems. I found that a breath of fresh air really helps to clear my mind." There was an awkward silence. Spark looked at the ground, and when Daring glanced at him, he looked... embarrassed. Daring felt bad. She... she didn't want to make him uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry, Spark. I shouldn't have made you-"

"No, Daring, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up your mom. I... I know you don't like to talk about her," Spark mumbled. There was another awkward silence, and finally Spark said, "I think I better get back inside. We should get some sleep," Spark started walking away from Daring Do and the pond.

He jumped when he heard Daring cry out "Wait!" He hurried back to her.

"What? Daring? Are- are you ok?" he asked with a concerned expression on his face.

"No.... I'm fine... I just... no, I shouldn't ask, it... I- Sorry I startled you Spark," Daring stuttered.

"Daring, if, if something is bothering you, you can tell me," Spark assured.

He waited for Daring to respond, and after about a minute, she blurted out, "Do you have a family?" Spark was surprised. Then, he looked angry, but that look was quickly replaced by a confused look, and then a sad one. It was if Daring Do was seeing all the negative emotions you could think of appearing then disappearing on Spark's face. Finally, he sighed with a look of defeat and sorrow. "I'm sorry, Spark! I didn't mean-" Daring cried out. She didn't want to make her friend miserable! She didn't want to make him angry! She didn't want to- Daring was cut off by a sigh.

"Well, you told me about your mom, so..... I better tell you about my parents.

''I don't remember my parents. They left me at the doorstep of Hoofstep Orphanage when I was just a little colt. I was bullied, and the owners of the orphanage were really mean. I met a few kids who were nice, and we all hung out. We were less vulnerable as a group, and I was nominated as the group's leader.

"Eventually, all the boys were adopted, except me. I was a troublemaker, for I was the pony who always got in trouble for our little pranks. Nopony wanted a son who was a troublemaker.

"Bullies started picking on me again because I no longer had a group, and I was vulnerable. When I was about 11, I ran away. I lived on the streets 'till I was about 16. Then I got a job.

"It was a job that didn't pay well, that was for sure. I got about 20 bits a week. I finally got enough to rent out a cruddy apartment. Soon after that, I had a lucky break.

"I found a poor mutt wandering the streets, and went looking for his owner. I barely had enough to feed me, let alone a dog. I saw a hoofmade poster that said:

Dog Lost!

Has brown and white coat

REWARD:

1000 bits!

Call: 916-556-0703 if found.

"It was the exact dog I had found on my doorstep! I called the number and went to the address the pony on the phone told me to go to. Turns out, the dog belonged to this rich little filly named Silver Spoon. She was so happy to have her puppy back, and I was happy for that reward money. I got featured in the Ponyville Express and finally had enough money to pay off my rent! I got the nickname, Night Shifter, after doing some good deeds at night, and I was the only pony who knew I was the Night Shifter! That name actually means more than just doing good deeds at night, though. They called me the Night "Shifter" because of my shape shifting powers! Then, well, I met you and, well, now we're here!" Daring blinked and Spark blushed. "Oh, right, I was just telling you about my family.. So, I never knew my parents."

"Oh," Daring Do replied.

There was silence. Spark nervously yawned. ''Its getting late,'' he said. ''Time to turn in for the night! Goodnight, Daring,'' Spark said as he got up and walked towards the tribe's boundaries.

''You coming?'' he asked when he realized he only heard one set of hoofsteps, not two.

''Yeah, I'll catch up with you. See you in the morning,'' Daring Do replied, not once taking her eyes off her reflection on the pond's water.

''I....... I just need to search for my adventure," Daring muttered in reply. With that, Spark walked off, pondering the confusing words Daring just said.

A Few Answers

Morning light glittered beyond the jungle trees, and birds everywhere started to awaken to a brand new day.

Daring Do woke up with a yawn and a stretch. Last night's talk with Spark had been very long and tiring. She should have thought of the consequences of staying up late, especially on such a mission like this!

As Daring looked outside of her quickly made hut, she held her hoof up to her forehead to block the bright light of the sun.

Ricardo, their guide pony who had suspiciously been gone for a while, walked over to her. "Good morning Miss-'' he cut himself off. Daring Do knew what he was about to say. Miss Do was not a favorite name of hers, as he must have guessed by her penetrating look. ''Daring Do," he corrected himself. ''I hope you are well-rested for this fine morning! We have a long day ahead of us!''

Across the camp, Daring saw Spark as a tiger, in the middle of a long cat stretch. Tigers.... Daring thought. A second thing that bugged her, other than that awful, formal Miss Do name. After Spark finished turning back, he caught Daring looking at him and returned it with a smile. Daring quickly shied away, and left Spark to a confused look. ''Good morning Ricardo,'' Daring said. Even through his threatening brown eyes with an added scar for effect, she knew he was a kinder colt on the inside. Anyways, without him, they might not have even gotten a chance to see Bear, the tribe's leader. ''So, what do we do first?'' Daring Do asked.

''The guards told me that we will see Bear soon, and we will be told the location of the diamond key,'' Ricardo replied.

''Good, the sooner the better. I have a feeling they are not telling us everything! We haven't even seen their cutie marks!''

Ricardo grunted, ''We have our customs.''

Daring flinched. Great way to start off the day, insult everypony. "Right, sorry."

Ricardo and Daring walked over to Spark. They made their way to Bear's hut. As the three ponies walked in, Bear greeted them with that cheesy smile he always had.

''Good morning travelers! I hope you enjoined your beds last night, sorry if there were uncomfortable! We were not expecting visitors during the time of the Mark Festival,'' he said gleefully. Daring Do looked at him with a confused look on her face. She quickly glanced at Spark, who had the same expression.

Bear looked at them like they had just woken the Ursa Minor. ''You mean you have never heard of our yearly Mark Festival?!'' he asked, not letting them get out another word. ''Why, that's like not knowing about Nightmare Night!'' Bear continued dramatically. ''Every year, we respect our animal ancestors by continuing like them. During the month of June, we cover our cutie marks to come closer to them. It's standard law!'' Well that explained a lot... could have known that earlier... Daring thought.

"Ah, so THAT is the custom you were talking about," she said through gritted teeth to Ricardo. She didn't like not knowing things, especially when they could be important.

"You never asked," Ricardo replied bluntly.

"Technically, I di-" Daring was cut off by Spark.

"So, where is that diamond key?" Spark asked nervously, trying to prevent an argument between the two ponies.

"Right, back on topic. Now as you know, a long time ago.........."

Luna's Light

Bear started to tell stories about five brave horses who raged in a violent battle against a league of black-hearted monsters.

''The forces of shadow, was what of they were called, by ponies that feared them. And that was EVERY pony.'' He said. Daring Do felt like a filly again, gathered around a campfire, listening to an old-mare's tale. '' The forces were after the only thing their leader did not have yet, Power.'' Bear continued. ''So these ponies overthrew their leader to make room for another... Armageddon.'' Daring shivered.

Even the name of this pony frightened her. But she would not be scared, not with so many relying on her, anyways after these 200,000,000 years or so, he must be deceased. Bear started again. ''But the five horses banned together to create the ultimate force.''

''Luna's light.''

''The five members of Luna's light were Moongrazer, Firestorm, Twilightstar, Sunnyhaze, and their leader, Universe. Together they fought the forces of shadow in a fierce battle for control. In the end, Armageddon was defeated and turned to stone.'' Bear paused to take a breath. '' But legends tell that one day Armageddon will rise again and he will shroud the land in destruction and shadow.''

Snapping back to the real world, Daring Do looked around her. Spark looked like he had just seen a ghost. As Daring looked closer, she saw a frighting sight. Spark's eyes were pure Gray. ''Spark! Guys! Somethings wrong with Spark!'' She yelled. Spark stood unmoving, like stone. The others rushed over to him to see what was wrong. Even the guards looked a little worried. They should be... Daring thought, fighting back tears. She couldn't imagine what she would do if Spark got hurt.... or worse. ''I'll get help!'' Ricardo offered. As he ran out the den, Daring looked back at Spark, his mouth was open, as if open in a scream. Suddenly, Spark slowly closed his eyes and fell to the ground. Ricardo came in just in time with a nurse pony to see him collapse, and the nurse and him were quickly at his side.

As the two carried him away, Daring Do worriedly followed. The other ponies in the tribe stared, as they carried him to a nursing hut. There were a few quick murmurs, but nothing to hurtful that would make her lash out. The inside of the nursing den had a honey-scent to it and a touch of lavender. Inside it felt secure, warm, and friendly. It was better conditions then some places she had been to.

Ricardo, the nurse, and Spark, all went into a room covered by ferns growing on the outside... probably for privacy regulations.

A few moments later the nurse came into the room. Daring hadn't noticed the purple flower in her mane, it really stood out in her light blue and white mane. Daring couldn't help to ask. ''Excuse me miss-'' she asked. ''Sorry, I didn't get your name.'' The nurse looked at her and smiled kindly. '' My name is Rabbit, and I can see you are taking an interest in my flower.'' Rabbit replied. Daring Do blushed and pulled down her hat a little. Rabbit smiled again. ''Its alright, a lot of ponies take a liking to it.'' She said pulling down the flower softly, and started to stroke it. ''This type of flower is a Moongrazer, a very rare flower indeed.'' Daring looked slightly upward at the mention of one of the five of Luna's light members. ''Is Spark okay?'' Daring asked, quickly changing the subject. Rabbit nodded. ''He is doing quite well, you are lucky to have a colt like him.'' Daring's whole face turned a bright red.''Wha- but- i don't- he-...'' She stuttered.

Luckily, a guard rushed in before things got too crazy.

He was breathing heavily, and it took a while for him catch his breath to speak. ''There are intruders- there on their way- RUN.''

And that was when the first explosion hit.

Through Another's Eyes

Spark awoke to the sound of a giant explosion as the ground trembled beneath him. Or, at least, the table he was laying on trembled beneath him. Funny, I don't remember lying on a table, Spark wondered. Suddenly, gray spots clouded his vision, and at last he remembered he was supposed to be in Bear's overly-sized den. As he looked around this unfamiliar place surrounded by plants and herbs, there another shock of trembling and a few plants went overboard. Spark braced himself and shook his head to clear the memories. Only a few moments ago, he had a vision. A vision with a black horse wearing a dark brown, torn and damaged cape, and sharpened teeth that glowed in the moonlight. Spark was unfamiliar with this pony, and he couldn't get his red, dragon-like eyes out of his head. Spark got down from the small table he was laid on and galloped outside to see what was going on. He gasped. In front of him was a whole army of ponies, all with dragon-like eyes, and some had capes, torn or not. There was something off about them though, other then their eyes. They looked almost like shadows. After they moved, a dark line of black specks would follow them, as if the left little traces of themselves in the air. Then Spark remembered the legend. This had to be, the League of Shadows. They were here! Suddenly, Spark collapsed as something fell on top of him. When he turned his head, he realized it was not a someTHING, but a somePONY! The shadow bared it's fangs, dripping saliva on him. No. Spark thought, he would not die like this! He needed to at least die in a battle! Spark thought, I need a creature that can fly! Oh, and has claws so I can scratch this shadow to death! Spark quickly turned into a Phoenix and burned the end of the shadow's dark purple tail. Wow, fire abilities! Awesome!The shadow ran off screaming, and the other shadows rushed toward him. Spark turned into a dragon with red scales and amber eyes. Finally, an animal he could fight with. Bring it on... he thought, ready for combat.

Spark the dragon ran into battle. The shadows were not stupid, and they saw his beady red eyes looking right at them. They scattered and left their companion to fend for himself. The shadow screeched in some kind of protest and fright, but Spark veered to the left. He didn't want to waste time with an enemy that couldn't hurt him! The shadows saw this, and they quickly made a red glowing chain appear. It looked hot. Spark did not falter though and he pointed his horns at the closest shadow. The shadows did not flinch or even blink as Spark flew towards them. All of a sudden, the shadows lifted up the chain and threw it onto Spark. He was flying so fast he didn't have time to escape the fiery hot chains. Spark screamed in agony as the chains touched him. He felt as if he were on fire! He tried to use his powers to escape, but he was trapped. He found that this magic chain not only burned him, but rendered his powers useless!

Spark slowly changed back, each one of his dragon scales at a time. He at least had to try. Slowly, he changed back into a pony. When he was in his normal form once again, the shadows snickered, When he was a pony again, the shadows snickered. ''So it really does work,'' one of the shadows said gleefully. He was obviously happy he didn't have face a dragon 10 times the size of himself. ''Our leader was right all along. I told you we could trust him!'' The other shadows nodded. Spark tried to stand, but the ponies holding each end of the chain (now a net) pulled down. He was trapped once again under the searing pains. Spark winced. It was even worse now that he was back in his normal body. Spark tried to change once again, but found himself unable. Spark angrily glared at the shadows, as he struggled to say, ''What.... did you...... do?'' The shadows laughed evilly, their voices like ice. Spark noticed somepony that wasn't a shadow, but a tribe member trying to sneak into the circle, but his glance alerted the shadows, and they carried the pony off. A battle raged outside of the tight knitted circle tat had formed, and any trespassers trying to free him were carried off at once. Eventually, they stopped coming. Spark felt bad about all the ponies who had been carried off when they tried to save him, but most of all, Spark hoped Daring Do was okay. ''Don't worry your powers will be back shortly," one of the shadows said, interrupting his hopes, "sadly. Until then, Dark Knight! Silver Moon! Keep him here. Make sure he doesn't escape. Well, at least not until the boss gets here. Then there will be no prisoner to trap." The pony laughed an evil laugh, and walked away. The circle stayed, and the two ponies Spark thought to be Dark Knight and Silver Moon took parts of the net. They thrashed it, burning Spark. He groaned.

"Somepony, anypony... he-" and then he passed out.

Dear Rabbit...

Spark blinked his eyes and stood up. He was still under the net, even after his little 'sleep'. Looks like the boss hasn't come yet,Spark thought. He looked at his attackers for any weakness whatsoever, but could not find any. The shadows soon realized that he had woken up, and that he was more powerful. As the shadows closed in on him, Spark braced himself, ready for battle. One of the shadows jumped to attack him, and left a bloody scar on his cheek. Spark bit back the pain and jumped on the same shadow. He came to realization that he had broken free from the net.

No! the shadows screeched. Spark jumped on the shadow that attacked him and hit him, hard. He sent the unlucky pony to the ground.

Not bad for a first try. He had never before faced any villain without his powers intact. Another shadow jumped from behind, but Spark wouldn't let the same thing happen again.

Without turning around, Spark used his back hind legs to kick the shadow hard in the stomach. The unlucky shadow pony was sent flying backwards, sprawling into the the tribe's gate on his way. Spark smiled in success, only to be hit in the head with a rock. He glared at the shadow pony that had it's horn covered in black magic, who smirked in reply. If Spark had his powers right now, all of these ponies would be dead meat.... What could be of Spark right now if he kept up this pace? All other shadow ponies attacked one by one, hitting and scarring him. Spark tasted blood in his mouth and felt more blood dribble down his forehead. He was outnumbered, with nothing but his hooves to protect him.

He tried punching and kicking, but the shadow ponies were just too strong. Just when Spark thought he was going to meet his fate as a shadow pony bared it's teeth, a huge rock, levitated by magic, appeared behind the shadow ponies. The shadows turned around too late, and the giant rock crushed their bodies, catapulting them into their other brethren. The pony who had just saved his life stepped out from behind the big rock. A blue and white maned unicorn with a white flank and an unusual purple-starred flower stepped out. ''Hi, I'm Rabbit,'' she said cheerfully, ''and your'e welcome!'' She smiled.

Spark looked up at her. ''Thanks, I needed that.'' Rabbit smiled as she threw another giant rock onto an unsuspecting shadow pony. Rabbit helped Spark up, and he nodded in thanks.

''You need to get to the Diamond Key before any of these shadow ponies get to it first,'' Rabbit instructed with great urgency. ''It is located in our tribes' tree base. When you get there, give the guards there this... They will give you the key when you show this to them."

Spark instructed the jay feather. "But where-" he started to say before feeling a great surge of power. "My powers, they're back!" Spark shouted gleefully. Rabbit gave no sign that she had noticed his happiness.

"Go," she said before turning away. Spark quickly turned into a hawk and flew toward the base. He looked down to see Daring Do being led by two masculine-looking shadow ponies. He saw Daring struggling as he swooped down.

"Hold, STILL!" one of the ponies grunted as he tried to get a grip on her.

"Never," she whispered as she broke her hoof free from his restraint. Before he could say a word, Daring threw a punch at him, and Spark sneaked up behind the other pony, trying to surprise him from behind. Spark accidentally made a noise, and the shadow pony turned around. Spark was ready, so he leaped up out of his crouch and threw a hard punch, knocking the guard out. Daring hit the other one with a knock so hard, he passed out. Spark told Daring Do about the tree base and what Rabbit instructed, then Daring nodded in understanding.

They didn't speak for several long minuets, and Spark started to worry about Bear, Rabbit, and all the others. Soon they saw the entrance to a small fortress they hoped contained the key in a large rain forest tree that had long vines hanging down. Two ponies stood guard with bow and arrows slung across their backs. Two large crossbows were built into the side of the base. ''Who goes there?'' one guard asked when he saw Daring and Spark-the-Hawk descend. Spark turned back and quickly pulled out the feather and the guard nodded. He and his partner stood back, allowing Daring and Spark to enter. The pony motioned to a staircase lit by only a few torches. Spark and Daring entered the cave. The moment they were safely inside, the two guards regained their positions. The blocked anypony from getting in, and out. As they traveled down the long stairs, Spark became worried. Worried for the whole tribe of Tall Mountains.

They eventually found themselves in a large room with a pedestal. The pedestal had shatter- proof glass case on top of it. In this case was a key that shimmered and sparkled in the poorly lit area. ''Do you have the key?'' a mysterious pony asked. Daring gave Spark a wary glance. Spark returned it with a glance that said, Don't worry, I've got this." Spark approached the pony with an outstretched hoof. The pony nodded and took the jay feather into his hooves. Spark and Daring held their breath, waiting for the explosions and smoke when the pony did whatever he was going to do with the feather. Daring wanted to snatch the feather back and break the glass case and run. When her body got tense, Spark gave her e reassuring look. Daring relaxed a little, but she didn't let her guard down. The pony put the feather into a before hidden golden lock and turned it. Spark heard a click, and the glass case slowly opened. Daring grabbed the key carefully in her mouth, not trying to break it, and she and Spark galloped toward the entrance in a hurry. They did not want to trust the pony who had somehow gotten into that cave. They both flew back to the tribe, (Spark now back in hawk form) wondering what they were to do with this key Daring safely tucked into her pack. And more importantly, why was it important to the impostors?

Soon, they arrived at the Tribe of Tall Mountains, and the damage was terrible. Spark gasped at the horror that was strewn across the tribe's home. Huts were on fire, ponies ran around frantically, some fighting, some trying to find safety. Daring spotted a little filly crying as she was cornered by a shadow pony. Daring raced in to save her, motioning to Spark that she could handle it. Spark flew around, looking for Rabbit, who would give him his next orders. Then he saw a terrifying sight. A body with a light blue and white mane and a white flank, lying on the ground. Rabbit, Spark whispered.

Betrayal

Spark flew down terribly fast with his hope that he was not seeing what he thought he was. But he could not deny the the truth, when Spark finally landed, in a flash of white light, he turned back into a pony. Rabbit lied as an unmoving heap on the cold ground.

Spark felt a tear slip down his cheek, even though he barely knew her, he felt he could have. And, and.... well... she saved his life.

As Spark morned her, he heard a small voice. ''Hey... why are you crying...?'' Spark looked up a little, lifting his head. Rabbit's eyes were opened in a small slit, just enough to see her jewel-blue eyes. ''R-rabbit?" Spark asked with his hope swelling up inside him, ''Your'e going to be fine! Don't worry!" Rabbit took a tough cough, that obviously hurt. No, I'm not.... But it's alright, I'm ready.... she said roughly. Spark knew she was right, her scars were just to deep. ''But-I-I, didn't even know you, you can't leave already!" Spark cried,a large lump forming in his throat.

Rabbit tried to lift her head, but quickly fell back down. Don't worry... I will-be with you........ All......

And with those final words, Rabbit's life slowly seeped from her body, her eyes turning gray. Spark cried for her and all other dreaded things that happened on this cursed mission. Soon after, a large shadow draped over Spark, when Spark turned around, he was greeted with a dreaded smile that he had learned to fear. That of a shadow pony. Spark was tired of this, he was tired of this stupid mission and everything about it. Because of this race of ponies, Rabbit was dead, the tribe was half on fire, and they would not leave him alone!

Spark finally snapped. In another flash of light, he turned into a dreaded timber wolf, and rushed into battle. He clawed his way through rows of shadows, his blinding fury out for blood. As Spark kept to the battle below, he was oblivious to the red glowing things that some shadow ponies took out. Suddenly a burning fire and heat erupted over his body, enchasing him in a world of hurt. Not again! Spark thought, recognizing the searing pain at once. The shadow ponies had once again pulled out their special weapon on him, and this time Rabbit couldn't save him. Quickly, out of the sky, Daring Do came in, hitting an unlucky shadow pony on the way.

But Spark's energy was draining fast, and the unfamiliar weapon was of no knowledge to ponies. Daring hit and fought any attackers who would dare to get close to him, and Spark felt a nice comfort to know she cared for him. But that comfort was soon replaced by the pain left on his back. Spark soon faded back into his true, pony form in witch the pain was really getting out of hand. Out of nowhere, it started to rain, thankfully putting out the fires, but otherwise not helping. The red fiery net was not affected by the rain, but otherwise still hurt. Daring Do was knocked next to him, unable to get up. Spark felt all of his hope disappear, along with a side of regret. He was the one who had gotten her into this, she would been able to fend off tons of shadow ponies one at a time, but noooo.. Spark had to get himself caught AGAIN, and not even been able to help her in this fight. A small bright light emitted from a bag that Daring used to be holding, and when Spark looked closely, he saw what was making the light.

The Diamond key sat in the bag, shining as bright as ever. The few shadow ponies that weren't holding off the tribe of Tall Mountains, circled the two of them. Spark looked at them with a weak glare. ''Awww, too tired to save your girlfriend, shape-shifter?''

A shadow pony said with a chuckle. Spark tried to move, but he was slowly losing conciseness. A hooded figure stepped out of the shadows, and grabbed the diamond key, careful not to break it. '' I guess... your'e the- leader?'' Spark struggled to say. ''Head hidden behind, a -a hood.....?..... Villains are..... so- predictable.....'' He said as the world started to go black. '' Hey,'' The hooded pony said in an oddly familiar voice. He started to lift his hood, while saying... ''Thats not a very nice thing to say to a.... friend...''

Then Spark found himself looking onto the scarred face of Ricardo....

The Pony of Stone

Spark awoke to the sound of distant voices and jolted awake. Red clouded his vision, and the blurry room started to clear up. The voices were coming from next to him, and Spark got up to investigate. But wait! Spark thought, Why can't I move?!

It was true. Spark tried but his body would not listen to his instructions. When Spark's eyes finally cleared up, he looked around him.

Spark was in a large cage with an all- but - too familiar glow of bright red. Spark willed all his strength into standing up, eventually shakily getting to his goal. The cage he was in was made of the same things that those chains/net were. The noises that woke Spark up were that of Daring Do, who was in another cage beside him. ''Spark, what happened back there? Once that shadow got a lucky shot, everything went black.'' Spark looked at her sadly, he couldn't, it was already too much that he had lost his powers for a while, and now that Ricardo had lied to them.... he just couldn't take her shock and failure with it. Spark sat down, he couldn't stand up for very long, and told her about everything that happened... she needed to know.

Daring looked at him in surprise, then slowly said, ''I- I- I'm sorry Spark.... I failed us....'' Spark bit his lip and replied quickly, standing up. ''NO! It wasn't you!'' He shouted. ''I didn't help you whatsoever, i just laid there like a helpless filly! I could've done something! Anything! But- I- I just laid there and didn't even try to get up....'' Spark sat down and started to cry, It was all his fault and he knew it... now they would die in the hooves of an ally, that tricked them the whole time. Spark looked around him, outside of the cage, it was still raining outside, but they were in a large room, their cages were leaned up against the bottom wall, so they were faced across from a long and huge wall that had numerous symbols that didn't make sense.

Spark heard a door open and looked over to see. There was a light brown pony with a black mane that had been slicked back a scar running over his eye, and now, a ripped cape as black as night. The cape was held together by a red ruby gem in the middle.

''Hello sleeping beauties, how did you enjoy your suffering? 1 out of 10, be honest.'' He said with a smirk on his face. Spark just glared at him angrily, '' Zero, why did you do this Ricardo? When did you ever wish for death?'' Ricardo just stood there, the ruby on his cape glowing brightly. ''Because it was meant to happen, life needed to burn out... and well, because of this.'' Ricardo motioned two shadow ponies, that wheeled in a figure covered in a large tarp.

Ricardo threw off the tarp to reveal a pony sealed in stone that could give you nightmares. This pony had dragon like eyes with a torn gray cape, and teeth that looked like they could cut though metal. Because he was encased in stone, no pony could see his colors, but Spark could tell right away. ''Armageddon''

Ricardo smiled as he saw the shock on Spark and Daring Do's faces, and said with his icy voice. '' Yes, I remember that story of lies and our downfall,'' Ricardo sighed. ''But today, all of that changes, tonight, I will bring back the most feared evil the world has ever SEEN!!!'' Ricardo laughed in a cruel, wicked, way. ''I WAS right, villains are still predictable.'' Spark joked, still able to have a laugh. Ricardo looked at them with a crazed look in his eye, as if losing sanity. '' Predictable? PREDICTABLE?! I CHEATED YOU AND TOOK RABBIT'S LIFE, AND YOU CALL ME PREDICTABLE?!!''

Spark stared at him in shock, He..... took Rabbit's life.....? Ricardo quickly slicked back his mane and straightened his cape, the crazed look slowly dispersing. '' Well, no need now, after the deed is done, I will no longer be frustrated by your silly remarks.'' He said calmly, ''I am, after all, Armageddon's successor, and he... is my great- great- grandfather...''

The Wish

Spark took all of this shock at once, Ricardo had lied to them, Ricardo had killed Rabbit, and now, Ricardo had been a part of Armageddon's family all along?! ''Why are you doing this?!" Spark yelled. Ricardo just smiled. ''Because I want power...." He growled. ''I always have lived in hatred of celestia and luna, I would rather bow down to a pony-" Ricardo looked at the statue, "Who will bend the world, with a little more capability..." And with that, he walked out saying, ''Get ready for doomsday....''

Spark sat there, retracing his thoughts. He head hurt and swirled as he tried to think, only making it worse. Soon his struggles were interrupted by a small voice. ''Spark, calm down. You need to figure out one thing at a time.'' Spark swerved his head around, searching for the voice. Daring was laying down, facing the other direction, so it couldn't have been her. As Spark continued to search, a glowing light, other then the cage itself, appeared. Spark held his hoof up to block the light, and gasped.

Standing in front of him, with shimmering sparkles and a sort of transparent look,

was...... Rabbit.

Spark looked at her with a baffled look on his face. He couldn't believe it! ''Rabbit?! How-Why- are you here?! Whats going on?!''

Rabbit looked at him with a glimmer in her blue eyes, more then usual. ''Im sorry to alarm you, but you must need to know.'' She said with a voice like silk. ''Just, listen please.'' She sighed. ''See this flower?'' She said, pointing a hoof to a sparkling purple flower in her mane. Spark nodded in reply. ''It holds magical properties, beyond our control... Like bringing me here...'' She explained. Spark looked at her.

''It has also let me spy on the others, turns out these chains are made out of a secret component called RedFury, but when in solid form, its called DeathStrokes.'' Spark shivered and looked at the glowing red bars outlining his cage. DeathStroke...what an appropriate name.... Rabbit noticed his shivers, and reassured him with a nod. ''Don't worry, it can't kill unless its at full power, which is hard to get.'' Spark calmed down, noting that if he needed reassurance, he could bring it up with her. ''So, can other people see you, or will I just continue to talk to myself like i'm mental?'' Spark asked. Rabbit laughed kindly, and said ''Don't worry, others can see me,'' She quickly put on a serious face. ''But I cannot physically touch anything or anybody, but others cannot touch me either.''

Spark smiled, he know knew that whenever he felt alone... she would be there.'' His thoughts were interrupted when hoofsteps approached the complex door. From the door, a small army of shadow ponies marched in, lead by a smiling Ricardo. Ricardo signaled to two shadow ponies that flew up to a small crack in the roof, quickly understanding their leader's orders. Ricardo nodded and if on cue, the two shadow ponies used their hind legs to break though the crack, allowing the light of the moon, and the soggy rain, soak in.

Daring Do stood up noticing Ricardo's unwelcome entrance. ''Whats your plan Ricardo? Are you just going to brag and underestimate us?'' Daring spat, ''Because you should know, NEVER to underestimate me.'' Ricardo just smiled coldly. ''Ah but Miss Do, you should have never underestimated ME...'' Ricardo shined the Ruby on his cape, and it glowed an unnatural red light.

Spark looked at the imitating statue, and for a moment he thought the piecing eyes, look straight at him.

Daring Do was oviously frustrated by Ricardo's sly remark, as she showed when she kicked the ground and bit her lip.

Spark felt all of his hope drain out of him once he saw this, If Daring is stuck, then what chance do we have?

''And if you are so proud of yourself, maybe I will just tell you my plan...'' Ricardo said, then looked at Spark, ''Anyways, after all, Villains like me are SO predictable...'' then Ricardo started, ''How much terror and chaos do you think will spread, if the darkest evil in all of Equestria is released, with no pony to stop it?'' Then Spark understood everything. Ricardo was going to bring back Armageddon using the one wish he was granted by opening the Temple of Rasco.

Hopeless

Spark looked at Daring Do and Rabbit and saw the same state of shock on their faces, they had figured it out too. Ricardo pulled out a shiny diamond that took the shape of a key, The diamond key! Spark remembered. The small glaze of the moon soon rested upon the giant hole in the roof, letting its light come across the door with symbols, resting upon a small keyhole in the middle.

''And so it is written that on the night of a full moon,in just the right place, its light will rest on the certain place where the key must be put.'' Ricardo walked over to the door with a great smile on his face, the cause of which was of his greatest success finally coming together. Spark knew there was no way out of this now, for the first time in his life... Spark gave up. There was nothing he could do now, Daring Do couldn't come up with a way out of this, and Spark's powers wouldn't come back to him. It was Hopeless.

As Ricardo was just placing the key inside, a trumpet could be heard from outside. Every pony turned their heads, including Ricardo, which distracted him from placing the key. A shadow pony ran outside to see what was going on, and when he was out of distance, you could hear a yell, and the shadow pony was flung across the hallway. Ricardo ran over and grabbed the injured shadow pony by the scruff and held him against the wall. ''What happened?!'' Ricardo growled.

''The- the Tribe of Tall, Mountains- there back....'' He said weakly.

Ricardo muttered angrily, then turned to the others, letting the shadow pony go. ''Well?!'' He spat. ''What are you waiting for?! GET THEM!!!'' All of the shadow ponies turned towards the door and charged, leaving two behind. ''You two!'' Ricardo growled. ''Guard those troublemakers!'' He pointed towards Spark and Daring Do. As the two shadow ponies made sure they wouldn't escape, Ricardo shoved the key inside the keyhole.

In a flash of brilliant light the door slowly opened. Spark had to block his eyes from going blind, but when he opened them again, he saw the opened door, which swirled with different colors every second. Spark gasped. The bad guy, for once was actually going to win! Ricardo smiled, his bat-like teeth glowing in the moonlight. ''WHAT IS YOR WISH? A huge voice growled, obviously the door itself.

Rabbit yelled at Spark, trying to put herself over the sound of the door, ''Spark! Its your turn now! You need to find a way out of here!'' Suddenly, a burning sensation enveloped Spark, making him howl in pain. ''Whats going on?'' Spark asked, ''Why all of a sudden does everything hurt?!'' Rabbit gasped. ''Oh no!'' She said. ''The door must be giving the DeathStrokes power! We need to get you out of here!''

Spark coughed roughly, and when he looked down, he saw blood. Now he understood, since the door had so much power emmiting from it, it was fueling the DeathStrokes, and if it had enough power, it could kill him. Spark coughed again, sending shivers all over. One of the guards noticed this, and smiled coldly. ''Awww, too weak to fight back?'' He laughed. The guard came closer to the cage door tauntingly. ''The hero's all beaten up? Too bad.'' Spark then devised a quick plan, and suddenly punched the guard through the bars. Fortunately, the other shadow pony didn't notice.

Spark pulled the guard's unconscious body towards him and took the keys from him. As he unlocked the cage, the other guard noticed the click. ''Hey!'' he yelled. '' What are you doing out?'' Spark hit him hard in the stomach, sending him backwards. Daring Do smiled. ''Nice to see you better.'' She said smartly. Spark just rolled his eyes, and let her out of the steel cage.

Ricardo turned around, only to be tackled by pony with a silver-gray eye and another amber eye. ''Argg! Get off me!'' Ricardo yelled. ''I need to fulfill the destiny of equestria!'' Ricardo struggled and threw Spark off of him. Daring Do stepped in and Ricardo instantly threw a punch at her. Daring moved too slowly though, she fell backwards, hitting the ground with an unsettling smack.

Spark glared at him and charged him full force. Ricardo dodged out of the way just in time and grabbed something strange off the ground. Spark ignored it and ran at him again, ramming his hooves against Ricardo's side. Ricardo fell to the ground, then quickly turned onto his side, facing Spark with an evil smile on his face. ''Your crazy ideas end now Ricardo,'' he said as he approached a battered Ricardo. ''Now it ends...''

Spark raised his hooves for the final blow, and was storming down upon him until he felt an unbearable pain in his stomach.

''For you maybe.....'' Ricardo whispered into his ear.

Spark looked down and saw a large piece of DeathStroke.... lodged inside him.

Spark stepped back slowly, the pain slowly retreating from his body. He collapsed, when a wave of calmness spreading over him.

Is this what it is like to die.......?

Death's Doorstep

Daring Do felt hot tears stream down her face as she looked down at the dying Spark. Ricardo stood with an evil smile on his face, ''What have you done?!'' Daring screamed. Ricardo's smile quickly faded when he saw the angry mare's expression, and he ran outside, knowing that he couldn't face her

in his weakened state. Once he was outside, Ricardo smiled, thinking he had left a large dent in this adventure, but was soon stopped by a strong hoof.

Ricardo looked up to see Bear looking down at him angrily. ''Ha ha.... um, anyone up for forgiveness? Friendship is magic- right?''

Daring Do rushed over to Spark's limp body, sitting over him and lifting his head. ''Spark!'' Daring cried. ''You- you're are going to be just fine!''

''Just hang in there!''

Spark just shook his head slowly and opened his eyes in small slits. Daring looked over at Rabbit for any help, and saw Rabbit standing still as a plank with a petrified look on her face. It must have been frightening for her, after she was killed in the same way... by an ally.

Spark weakly held up his hoof to wipe away Daring Do's tears. ''Its alright..... Like Rabbit, everyone.... has a time...'' He said softly, a wave of calmness and peace reaching for him. Daring couldn't speak. Is this really our last adventure? she thought.

''But Daring-'' He started, '' You need to know..... that- that..... I... l-'' And in that very moment.... Spark died...

Daring and Rabbit mourned him, for his lost hurt everyone. Daring heard hoof steps approach the open door, and she tensed, ready for battle against any shadow ponies. But she was corrected when not the whole tribe, but most of time members from the Tribe of Tall Mountains.

Bear and another pony came closest to them, recognizing what had happened, and them, with the whole tribe, bowed their heads in sadness.

''Daring Do?'' The gray pony to the side of Bear asked. Daring looked up. ''Hey! I remember you!'' She said angrily. ''You're that same pony from the first time we were here!'' It was true, this was the same colt that had stopped them at the entrance. Daring was still mad at him, she did keep grudges.

''What do you want?!'' She yelled. The gray pony flinched and started to speak. ''Yes, I- I truly apologize for that, and I hope you can forgive me...'' He replied, ''But, we caught Ricardo and the other shadow ponies... and so now that fiend Ricardo, could not make that final wish.''

Then Daring Do finally remembered.

''That's it!'' She yelled, quickly getting up. Daring ran over to the opened wish door, and yelled, ''I WISH SPARK WAS STILL ALIVE!!''

A bright flash of rainbow light and.... nothing. Spark still lay unmoving on the ground, Rabbit still watched solemnly, and the tribe were blinking harshly, trying to pry the bright image from their eyes. Daring cantered over to Spark again, sitting next to him, leaning down to hear his heartbeat.... but the problem was- there was none.

Daring cried hard, not caring who should happen to think she was overreacting. ''Hey-'' Somepony said, Daring ignored it, she didn't want to talk to anypony now. ''Really? All this crying for me? I thought I was just a partner.'' Daring recognized that voice. ''Spark!!'' Daring Do yelled. The two ponies embraced each other like never before, hugging until no more. ''You're alive!'' She exclaimed. Spark laughed a little. ''Of course, at least I think...'' Daring smacked him over the head. ''OW! What was that for?!'' Spark asked. ''Never do that again...''

Daring kissed him.

The End

''So this is really goodbye?'' Daring asked. Spark looked at her with a bandage wrapped around half of his head, he had taken some nasty hits in the raging battle. ''Yeah I guess so...'' He replied solemnly. ''But only for a while, we will definitely meet again!'' After the battle and the capture of Ricardo, Spark and Daring Do were saying their goodbyes. After all, they were originally only partners. But because of their excellent performance, they were allowed to work together again. .....In the future...

At the beginning, Daring Do would not have gotten this emotional over Spark. But now, maybe it was after the plane ride, the time Spark could have been hurt, or maybe just everything. But throughout that time, Daring developed feelings for Spark, and Spark the same way. Now they both stood on a landing platform right outside of the rainforest, with the tribe of Tall Mountains by their side. Rabbit had decided to go with Spark on his future adventures, giving him comfort and advice on the way.

A plane was parked on the platform, awaiting the arrival of Daring Do. Spark could not come on it, because he was needed elsewhere, on the other side of the world. Bear walked up to the adventurers, and shook their hooves. ''Thank you, for coming here and saving our world from complete destruction, and saving... most, of our tribe...'' Bear's voice cracked when he mentioned most. He was still devastated by Rabbit's death, she was their best nurse in the tribe. Spark and Daring Do both hung their heads down for a moment to honor her life, then a voice could be heard from inside the plane, interrupting their moment. ''Come on then!'' the plane's pilot yelled over the engine. ''I'm on a tight schedule!''

''Coming!'' Daring replied, ''One moment!''

''Daring Do, Spark,'' Bear asked for their attention, ''Thank you again for helping us, not only did we defeat an enemy stronger then us,'' Bear looked around at his fellow tribe members, ''But you helped us fight it, together.'' Him and the whole tribe smiled in unison, thanking them once more for helping them. ''I have to go now,'' Daring said looking at the frustrated pilot, ''Just promise me you will stay safe Spark.'' Spark smiled and looked at her kindly. ''I can't promise anything,'' He said as he transformed into a hawk and took to the skies. Just when Daring Do was going to leave, the hawk turned around and said to her, ''Until next time, Miss Do.''

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

''I can't believe we have to guard this silly thing!'' BellRider was tired of standing around some stupid statue, spending his night away. ''Calm down BellRider, NightShadow said frustratedly. BellRider and NightShadow were guards at guarding a statue of an Evil horse, at least that's what their boss had said. ''This guy's eyes creep me out NightShadow,'' BellRider shivered. ''Come on BellRider, you can't really be afraid of a rock!'' NightShadow replied bravely, ''Am not!'' BellRider said, defending his dignity.

''Boys boys, there is ALWAYS room for fear...''

THE END

Legend of the Night shifter

It was a dark and rainy night, the only sound was that of a few cars in the distance and the sound of hoof prints running closer. As the hoof prints came closer through the wet puddles left behind by the rain, some pony yelled ``Help! Thief! He's got my purse!'' But the robber was definitely too far away to be caught by the police now. As the robber ran towards freedom, he spent a moment in the light of a streetlight to catch his breath. The pony was a broad shouldered colt with a messy brown mane and a small beard. After catching his breath after the long run, the messy-maned colt slowly ran towards a dark alley way. At the end of the alley way there was a large mossy brick wall to tall and slippery to climb. The robber was trapped, between what though? The cops were probably too far away to catch up with him, and nopony wanted to get mixed up in a fight with a robber at this time in the night. The colt smelled the air in sign of any danger coming close, and as he did, the foul stench of the sewers filled his nostrils. Other then the sewers, there was another smell, nothing he recognized though. A shadowy figure approached with one silver-gray eye and one amber eye. As it walked forwards, the thief shrank back, even though he was known for many robberies, he was a great coward. ''Who... who are you?'' The thief said frightfully.

''Just call me... the Night Shifter." he spoke quietly.

A flash of brilliant light, and screaming could be heard throughout the night.

The Temple of Rasco

Two months after meeting Spark, the shapeshifting pony, Daring Do was urgently called to the police office. ''Whats wrong chief?" Daring said as she entered his office. The sheriff's office was a small, light gray studio with a picture of the big man himself hanging over his neatly-made desk. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a handsome tan colt with one silver eye and one amber. ''Spark!'' Daring said, quickly remembering her older friend.''Nice to see you again!''

''You too''

''Do you know what we are doing here Spark?''

''I am just as clueless as you are.'' Spark said with a shrug. All of a sudden, a hologram of the sheriff appeared out from his desk.

''Wow! Holograms! Didn't see that coming...yet.'' Spark exclaimed.

"This is a message for Spark and Daring Do, but since this is a hologram, I cannot hear nor see you, this is only a recording." the hologram sheriff explained. "This stone," he said as a beautiful diamond appeared with an interesting shape, that of a key, "is called the diamond key, and as legend says, it has the power to unlock the Temple of Rasco."

Daring Do gasped. If the temple of Rasco was opened, the pony who opened it would be granted one wish, and if it fell into the wrong hands... Daring shuddered, she preferred not to think about what would happen.

"I have talked to the tribe of tall mountains, the most recent tribe owning the land holding the Temple of Rasco, and they agreed to let you stay the night. They will also give you information to where the diamond key is hidden. No one knows for sure who is after it, but keep an eye out for anyone getting too close. Tickets will be provided to the tribe of tall mountains, but you will have to walk the rest. I wish you good luck." And with that, the hologram disappeared.