Daring Dash and the Eye of the Star Spiderby AlesiopdvChaptersChapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 1Chapter 2“This isn´t an adventure…” “Come on Rainbow, stop pouting and come have some of these...umh what did you called them again Rarity?” Applejack said. “A submarine sandwich, dear…” “Ha, that´s so silly, you can´t eat underwater!” Applejack said, in one of those rare literal-minded moment of hers that Pinkie would surely envy, and Rarity responded with a facehoof. “I don´t want any sandwiches! I wanna go outside! We´re supposed to be in an adventure for Daring Do, not enjoying a cruise tour!” Rainbow retorted. “Really? The service here is making me feel like in a cruise,” Rarity said, having recovered her composure with a fruit cocktail. “Ahhh! This is so boring! Why did we have to take this slowpoke aircraft?” Rainbow complained, falling flat to the ground. “Stop it, Rainbow. Remember that this isn´t just an adventure, is also a diplomatic mission. We can´t just barge into Saddle Arabia like we own the place, “ Twilight Sparkle said. “Why not? If we rush in we can stop Braze before he gets his fiery hooves on the Star Spider´s Eye, they should thanks us for that.” “That´s not appropriate! There´s treaties and regulations between our nations to honor, all established since the first encounter of Princess Celestia with…” Twilight began with one of long lectures and Rainbow fell down again, groaning all the way. WHile Applejack and Rarity ignored them and kept with their lunch, Fluttershy excused herself and got up. “Where yah going, Flutters?” Applejack asked. “Mmh, well, I...I need to…” “Applejack please, that´s not something you ask to a lady,” Rarity chastised her. “What? Oh is that. Well, if she has to go, why doesn't she just says so?” “Applejack, seriously…” Gently retreating from the other argument, Fluttershy walked to the cargo area, avoiding eye contact with the ship crew. The poor stallions got a little hurt, thinking they intimated her but actually, that wasn´t the only reason. Fluttershy was actually trying to avoid them because she had a secret, a secret buried in a big suitcase, that trembled and groaned, demanding to be left out. “Aaaaah! I can´t stand it anymore!” “Spike please, be quiet,” Fluttershy said, making sure nopony had followed her. “But I´m boooored, FLuttershy! Ever since I got into this ship, I had been stuck in this suitcase. I wanna see the ship!” “I can´t let you out, Spike. Twilight insisted that this mission was too dangerous for you.” “But I wanna go too! I´m also part of this team, even if you guys keep forgetting about it..” Spike pouted. “Oh Spike, we never forget about you, it´s just that sometimes there´s situations that are too much for a little dragon for you to handle,” Fluttershy explained, patting his head. “Yeah yeah, I´m just a baby.” Fluttershy couldn´t resist giving him a hug. She knew how important it was for the little guy to help, no matter the risks. That´s the reason why she had snuck him into the ship but even so, Fluttershy knew that this mission was too dangerous for him. Actually, she thought it was too dangerous for her too. She only went along because she couldn´t bear thinking her friends being in danger while she was hiding in fear but truth was, she was really scared. Going to an unknown land, to fight against a villian that already captured them once and now he was searching for an item that would make him as powerful as that terrifying Changeling Queen or even that evil King Sombra… “Fluttershy!” “Oh, what, what happened?” “You were totally lost inside your head! You weren´t even listening to me!” Spike complained. “Oh sorry, what were you saying?” “I said I want to see the ship!” “Spike, I already told you…” “Come on, I´m super bored here. There´s no way you can sneak me aboard, maybe if I sneak in your saddlebags or something?” “I think you´re a little too big for that, Spike…” Fluttershy said and then gasped after a loud bang. “Quick, hide!” Fluttershy rushed to the door, trying to come out with a convincing excuse for why she was there, although honestly she could just say she was checking her luggage; and opened the door to find Pinkie Pie. “Hi Fluttershy!” “Oh hi PInkie Pie, I was...um I was looking for the bathroom and…” “You got lost? I get you, sister. I was stuck for two hours arguing with the ship map. He keep saying YOU ARE HERE and I was like, yeah I´m here but where are you? But he never answered me back.” Fluttershy blinked a few times, she never knew what to say to Pinkie Pie´s ramblings. “Anyhowwwww, have you seen my inconspicuous pony assemble?” “Your what?” “You know, a trench coat, a hat, glasses with a fake nose and moustache. What I use for my routine of pony that trips with a banana peel because I can look like the most common pony that nopony will notice until she trips with the banan?” It took Fluttershy a full minute to process that and then she said “Oh, no, I...I haven´t seen it.” “Oh well, I guess I´ll keep looking but it´s gonna be tricky. If anypony is wearing it, he would look so common thant I would never notice him. Oh well,” PInkie said and bounced back to the main deck. “...did she say what I think she said?” Fluttershy asked while Spike peeked out of the suitcase. ******** Standing atop of a dune, a hooded figure looked at the sky. He growled when he spotted the airship slowly approaching. He rubbed his chin, where a scar was left after his last encounter with the explorer pony. He knew she was coming for him. to stop him for obtaining the magic jewel but he wasn´t going to stand by idly. “Clouds and winds that swiftly run, thunder and lighting that the sky pierce, at my call gather around and bring to earth that airship!” He had to stretch phonetically the last rhyme but the spell worked. Braze hold his stick against the skies and in a matter of seconds, a storm cloud formed and marched against the zeppelin. ***** “All I´m saying is that Daring Do wouldn´t fly in one of these bathtubs,” Rainbow explained, leaning in a couch and chomping on an apple. “She would fly in her own and cross the desert in a matter of days.” “And surely you would do the same?” Rarity asked. “Of course not. I´ll do it in a couple hours but that´s because I´m that fast and awesome, “ Rainbow said and the three rolled their eyes. “My point is that she would never waste her time travelling in something so slow when she can just use her wings.” “What if she couldn´t use her wings like that time she got her wings injured in...book one, her first adventure, right?” Applejack asked, looking at Twilight for help with the data. “First book but chronologically her third adventure,” Rainbow said, showing off her knowledge much to Twilight's frustration. “On that case she would ask a friend for a more reliable vehicle like a train or maybe those funny airplane things that you wingless ponies have to use, ehehe, you look silly using those things.” “Well, excuse us for needing help to taking flight,” Applejack said while Rarity made a hmph sound. “And excuse us, winged ponies, that still prefer to use a safe, modern vehicle and enjoy the company of others,” Twilight said, spreading her wings to make a point. Rainbow just shrugged and went back to her apple. “Excuse me, your highness,” a young gaur said, approaching them. “The captain has spotted a storm front ahead so we´ll have to take a slight detour. He also asked you to return to your rooms in case of turbulence.” “Thank you, Flash Sentry,” Twilight said and the guard bowed. “And also…” Flash stopped and turned around, a bit surprised while Twilight fought against a blush. “Rememberme to thank Cadence and Shining for allowing you to uh take time to escort me, us! In this mission, That...that's all.” Flash Sentry nodded and retreated with a smile. It took less than a second for the other ponies to mock Twilight. “Thank you for taking time to spend with me, Flash,” Rainbow said. “Stop that. I was just being polite. He travelled all the way from the Crystal Empire just for a favor. I mean, he didn´t had to take my brother´s petition.” “Oh I bet he wanted to take that order,” Applejack said with a grin. “I...I don´t know what you mean, Applejack.” “Come on darling, he looks clearly interested and if he´s anything like that fellow you described us…” Rarity teased her but Twilight wasn´t listening. “That has nothing to do with this! This Flash and that Flash are different and...and I don´t have to explain you girls anything! Leave me alone!” “Woah, this desert is huge! No wonder we don´t visit Saddle Arabi more often!” Spike said, looking through the ship windows. “That´s great Spike but we should really go back to the storage room,” Fluttershy said. “Oh, now? But I haven't visited the cafeteria and I´m hungry!” “I´ll get you something later but I don´t want to risk you running into any of our friends. i don't think that disguise...ah!” Fluttershys rushed to put herself between Spike and Flash Sentry and to look as casual as possible, which considering she was a terrible liar wasn't easy. “Hello there, buddy, friend, compadre?” “Hello Mrs. Fluttershy, the captain has ordered everypony to return to their rooms.” “Oh okay, I´ll go back immediately,” she said and Flash Sentry nodded and kept going, allowing Fluttershy to breathe again. “Oh and tell your dragon friend that the cafeteria is closed.” “Oh,” was all Fluttershy could said. Meanwhile, the girls were still teasing Twilight when Pinkie rushed in. “Itchy hooves! Itchy hooves!” “What does that mean, daeling?” “Han on Rarity, I have a list of all of Pinkie Sense signals…” Twilight said but Rainbow saved her the trouble by pointing outside. “Up ahead!” The storm cloud wasn´t just moving at them, it wa chasing them. Fueled by an angry and powerful magic, the storm engulfed the airship and began shaking it. The ponies screamed and tried to hold to something, the food bouncing with them and hitting them. Fluttershy hold Spike tight and tried to stay in place, flapping her wings, thinking that was what Rainbow would do in such a situation and she was right but both ponies underestimated the strength of the storm and soon the ship was turned upside down and crashed in the desert. ****** “Ugh, well, at least now this is starting to resemble an adventure…” Rainbow said, shaking her head to get rid of all the sand. She looked around, finding that she had been expelled from the ship and landed in the desert, luckily the sand was soft enough to cushion her fall and she figured her friends also made it okay but she couldn´t find any of them. She looked back and saw a familiar pony lying in the ground, unconscious. “Hey Flash, dude. Wake up! We need to…” “Well well, if it isn´t Daring Do is the second best thing.,,,” Rainbow looked in front of her and saw a large bull and about forty arabian horses, all dressed as obvious thieves and standing ready to assault them. “I take it back...NOW it looks like an adventure!” Chapter 3“This is unacceptable!” Rarity said, magically shaking a spoonful of sugar. “These are claryl coffee spoons, not teaspoons! What sort of table manner sod they have here!” “Would ya knock it down a notch, Rares? Yah´re getting free food and shelter, that´s no way ta be a guest!” Applejack retorted. “I´m just saying that for a royal palace this type of table arrangement is simply unacceptable.” “That should be my line!” Twilight Sparkle shouted, making everyone stop in the middle of their lunch. “Whatever you mean, dear?” “Us, here, this whole situation, how did this even happened? Our ship was taken down by a magic that was obviously conjured by magic but not any magic I know of, leaving the six of us stranded in the desert; and you two are more worried arguing over petty things!” “Table manners are hardy a petty thing, dear…” “As being a good guest,” Applejack added. Twilight Sparkle sighed. “This is exactly how we found you two, fighting over a rock in a pit of sand.” “In my defense, dear...I thought we were in a spa and Applejack was taking my cucumbers,” Rarity sheepishly said. “It was a mirage, Rarity. The desert made you two have hallucinations,” Tiwlgiht Sparkle explained and Applejack joined Rarity in blushing. “Twilight, we all made it safe and sound, shouldn't you be grateful of that?” Fluttershy asked, trying to calm down her friend but instead she got a fierce stare. “Don´t think i forgot that I said, the six of us,” Twilight said, pointing at Spike, who was busy stuffing cookies on his mouth. “Spike was supposed to stay home, away from all the dangers!” “But Twilight, I just...I just couldn't say no to him, could you?” Fluttershy said, holding Spike who was making his best sad puppy face. “Ugh, I can't believe you all...nor can I believe that Pinkie Pie just landed in a cave filled with treasures,” Twilight added, pointing at Pinkie Pie who wa still wearing the crown and cape she brought along with all the treasures she found, thanks to pure luck or simply being Pinkie Pie. “I´ll said it was most fortunate she did, our explorers have been looking for our stolen treasures for months,” a soft voice said and the princess of Saddle Arabia walked into the room. “Princess Amira,” Twilight said, bowing to the tall horse who vowed back. “Speaking of luck, just our pony luck that ya happened to send a search for us, yer highness.” “That was no coincidence, Applejack. Princess Twilight asked me to secure your arrival and we kept good look of the skies expecting you all,” Princess Amira explained. “Princess Amira and I became pen pals after her visit to Ponyville. First thing I did before taking flight, was sending a missive explaining her what was going on,” Twilight added. “And a good thing you did, my friend. The Eye of the Star Spider is a most powerful item, it should not fall in the wrong hooves. “That is true, Amira but, being completely honest, I´m glad I got a chance to finally visit you. Wish it was in better circumstances so we can take that trip to the royal library you promised me…” “If everything goes smoothly, we will! And I´m dying to take you to the local market place and show you the flying carpets!” “I can't wait to ride one! I always wonder how it'll feel flying!” “Don ´t you already know how that feels?” Amira joked and Twilight folded her wings, blushing. The whole comely atmosphere made the other ponies feel a bit uneasy. “Is anypony else a bit intimidated by princess pen pal?” Applejack whispered to them. “For once, your brutal honesty has hit the mark, Applejack,” Rarity said. “For once?” “Girls, Twilight having another friend is nothing to worry about, we should be happy!” Fluttershy said. “Besides, Spike already knows about it so he can tell us how close they really are,” she then added, slipping that she wa also a bit hurt. “Of course, all of Twilight´s letters go through me!” Spike proudly added. “Except those she sent to Princess Amira, she said she wanted to handle them herself. And those she sent to the official ambassadors to neighboring kingdom...and those she sends to Cadence...and those she sent sto Celestia now that she's no longer her student...and the orders for the library…” Spike couldn´t finish cause he break almost in tears. “Well done, Applejack!” “How's this mah fault!” “Spike, calm down-...girls, help me…” The only pony not worry by any of this was Pinkie Pie who was simply arranging all her treasure. ****** Meanwhile, in the uncaring sands of the desert surrounding Saddle Arabia, a group of furious bandits, composed of mostly oxs and bulls was roaming through the desert, carrying around a cage with two pegasus locked there. “This is so exciting!” Rainbow Dash shouted. “I beg to differ…” Flash Sentry said, rubbing his hurt head. “We're prisoners to a group of criminals who are taking who knows where in the middle of a desert with no way to reach our crewmates.” “Ah relax, soldier boy. This is exactly what happened to Daring Do when she traveled to the Eastern Kingdom of Dragons, escaping here will be a piece of cake.” “So, why aren´t we escaping then?” “You kidding? We´re being captured by a band of criminals being dragged who knows where with no way to reach our crewmates... this is perfect!” Flash Sentry didn´t share Rainbow´s enthusiasm, nor he appreciated her shoving her face into his. “Wonder who this guys are…” he asked, looking at the rough group of bovines. “What, you never heard of Calf-i-baba and his gang of thieves?” Rainbow asked, genuinely surprised. “Can't say I have…” “Ah, there are the villains of Daring Do and the Market Marauder, she sneaked into her group and recovered the Gleaming Pineapple from their cave. It was one of the short stories included as bonus in book five.” “You don't say…” “yeah, so you have nothing to worry about, boy scout! These guys are so lame they don´t even got a full book for them!” “Quiet!” a giant bull with a scar roared, obviously the leader of the gang. “I do not want to hear anymore about that scoundrel Daring Do!” “Still sore she didn´t gave you a longer story?” Rainbow mocked him much to Flash´s displeasure. “Grrr, I should've been in the cover of the book. My handsome feature should never get ignored...right?” he roared at his oxs who were quick to agree. They kept going through the desert for a couple of horus, Rainbow Dash never losing her huge grin at any point of the journey and Flash just sighing along until they reached a giant cave, hiding behind a sandstrom, obviously planted by pegasus beforehand. Calf-I lead his oxs to the entrance of the cave who was blocked by a giant rock, to big to be moved even by an adult dragon. He raised his hooves, ready to say the magical words that would make it move. “Milkshakes!” Rainbow suddenly shouted, ruining the whole dramatism of the scene. Much to Flash´s surprise, the giant rock did move, opening the entrance. Flash turned to ask her how she figured this out but she just said “Book five…” “That daring do!” Calf-I shouted and dragged them inside. “Now get prepared, soldier boy, you´re gonna see a place full of wonders,” Rainbow said as the oxs were letting them go from the cage” .. filled to the roof with coins, crowns, jewels and...rocks?” Truthfully, the place was nothing but barren rocks and shy bats who ran away at the sight of the house owners showing up. Calf-I was barely making any sound while Flash moved forward and picked up a note next to a batch of cupcakes. “Dear Mr. Thief, I found your cave and made a hole on the ceiling when I cave in. So sorry for that. Was about to repair it but Princess Amira´s soldiers said you stole all this treasure so when I met with Twilight and the others, I draw the soldiers back here and they took everything back to its rightful owners. Stealing is wrong but I feel like coming back and didn't all your stuff gone, even if it´s not exactly your stuff, must feel really really bad, so I made you this batch of cupcakes for you and your friends so you don´t feel so bad, even if you stole all those things. Yours truly, Pinkamena D Pie.” he read out loud. “That thief...how dare she steal from me? Pinkamena D. pie, you have made yourself a powerful enemy!” Calf-I roared. “Isn't this Pinkamena…” Flash asked Rainbow. “Yup.” “Well, at least we know now that Princess Twilight and the others are fine. We should escape from these scoundrels and try to get back to Saddle Arabia´s capital…” Flash murmured to her. “Would you stop spoiling the fun? How many times in life you get to roam around with actual desert thieves..even if they´re this band of losers?” “I don´t wanna roam around with dessert thieves! What if someone back in the Crystal Empire finds out, it would ruin my perfect score with the guard!” “Jeez, what a buzzkill. No wonder Twilight likes you…” “I`´m not a...Princess Twilight said that?” Flash said, blushing a little. Rainbow couldn't help but smile. Kid was a bit of a stick on the mud but was also kinda cute. SHe then blushed, shaking her head to take that thought way. She wasn't a romantic type of pony and this was no time for that! Even if Daring bothered to include a romantic subplot on the Easter Dragons novels but still… “This is just great! Not only we have to deal with Blaze jerk trying to boss around but we got all our stuff stolen!” Calf- I complained, ,catching Rainbow´s attention. “Hey, you just said Blaze?” **** Back in the Saddle Arabia palace, Princess Amira had brought all the information they have over the Star Spider Jewel. Much of that was simple fables and old mare´s tales but there could be some real information regarding the jewel. “Daring´s annotations should help us pinpoint the exact point in the desert where the jewel should be..” Twilight said, comparing notes. “I just hope we get there before this Blaze character gets there.” “We heard many things about that zebra,” Amira said. “He´s one of the most dangerous criminal in the continent. the zebras expelled him because he was a practitioner of dark arts and has been plaguing several kingdoms since then.” “Yeah, we ourselves hgota taste of that stirpped jerk when he tcaputred us,” Applejack addded. “That no- gooder was quite a troublesome fella, wish we had captured there and then.” “Luckily, I prepared myself for a rematch. Zecora has been training me on zebra´s potions and magic, even handled me a few powders to repel zebra´s magic that unicorn magic is useless to.” “Well, you certainly prepare yourself for this adventure,” Rarity complimented her. “Of course!” Twilight chirped but her happiness was soon gone. “But even with all my preparations, Blaze still got us by surprise. I should have done something to stop that storm.” “Aww don't be sad face, Twi! We know when the time comes, you´ll show that jerkface who's the superior sorcerer-ess!” Pinkie said, placing a cape over Twilight. “Thanks, girls. I still can´t help but worry, especially since Rainbow Dash and Flash Sentry are the only ones not accounted for from our group. It worries me those two are together…” “It worries you, uh?” the other girls said, leaning over Twilight. “What? No, I misspoke, I meant...you know Rainbow and if Flash is anything like I think then...shut up!” “I´m worried as well, if Blaze has any knowledge of the true nature of the Jewel, we all shall be in troube…” Princess Amira added, ignoring the girls Twilight. “Well then, your highness. Let´s hope that's not the case,” a stallion voice said behind them and when he entered all the girls and Spike gasped. **** “Happened a few months back, he simply showed up in this ehre cave, took down four of my best oxes and then demanded that we helped him,” Calf-I explained to Flash and Rainbow, who were sitting along with the bulls like they were all friends. “He told us about a jewel, a jewel that was worth more than all our treasure together…” “The Star Spider Jewel, that´s what we came here looking for!” Rainbow said. “We heard legends about the Jewel, we also heard that is not worth getting…” “How come?” Flash asked. “The jewel is cursed. Anyone, either pony or not, that touches it will become cursed forever. Only a fool like that Blaze guy or even Daring Do will dare trying to claim it for treasure…” “Hey, Daring is no fool! Besides she doesn´t want the jewel for herself, she´s planning to donate it to the museum or something…” “Then he´ll curse all of Equestria with her. Listen kid, I can tell you admire her, but that mare´s hubris is gonna be her downfall. You shouldn't just read her novels but try to meet the real Daring Do.” “Okay, first, I don't know what hubris means Second, I met the real Daring Do, she´s the one who sent me in this mission! And third…” Rainbow started but Flash interrupted her, taking her away. “Hey, what gives, soldier boy?” “Listen, Rainbow, I don´t know you very well but I heard about your adventures, how you helped stop Nightmare Moon and Queen Chrysalis…” “Among other things…” “Then tell me, what´s more important, getting that jewel back or stopping the Blaze fellow?” Flash asked and Rainbow, much to her annoyance, had to agree. “Fine, you got a point. But at the same time, aren't they the same thing? he´s going after the jewel anyways!” “Maybe so but Blaze ignores that Princess Twilight has the information needed to find the Jewel´s location. Even so, I doubt he´ll be dumb enough to just dig around the desert, if he tried to recruit these fellows he must know he needs extra power to get in.” “Okay, so what do you suggest?” “We should talk Calif-I into accepting Blaze´s offer to work for him. We´ll infiltrate in his band and wait for the opportunity to arrest Blaze.” “Look at you, soldier boy. All ready to blend in with a band of thieves,” Rainbow smirked. “I´m simply following the Royal Guard Manual. Section 8 clearly states that a guard must adapt to every situation, I´m just following its advice.” “Still, you´re willing to bend more rules that Twilight will approve off. I kinda like aht on you,” Rainbow said and immediately backed down. “I mean, it´s kinda cool...uh we sould...we should talk to horn head here…” “...yeah, we should.” **** “Don Caballeron! What the haystacks is he doing ´ere?” “Don Caballeron is our estimated guest,” Amira explained. “He arrived shortly before you all and has offered his archaeological knowledge to assist us in the search for the jewel.” “He arrived shortly before us? How so, did he took an expresso ship here?” Rarity asked. “Yeah, there was no espresso in our ship!” “Not what I meant, Pinkie…” “Princess Amira, this man used to be a known thief and stolen arts dealer, how could you let in so easily?” Twilight asked. “I´m aware of his criminal records, Twilight, he was since about them. But at the same time, I have word your Princess has granted him a full pardon. Isn´t her word enough?” Amira asked and Twilight kept quiet. “Princess Twilight, I assure you that my intentions are noble. I was sincere about giving up my villainous ways and even archeology altogether but I can´t in good conscience let that fiend Blaze get a hold of such a powerful time.” Not very convinced, Twilight returned to the girls and whispered, “I hate to judge a pony by his looks but Caballeron still seems suspicious to me.” “We´re right with ya, Twi!” “But Princess Amira trust him..” Fluttershy said. “Amira has a heart as kind a s yours, Fluttershy,” Twilight said,a comment that her friend didn't quite liked. “Unlike us, she hasn't seen him in action so I suggested we keep an eye on him, agreed?” “Agreed!” they said and Pinkie make sure to keep her recovered treasure away from him. **** Meanwhile, in a dark and hidden cave, a grinning zebra was next to a bonfire. He took a look at a collection of voodoo dolls, representing all the players in the game and in the center, a shine red jewel representing the prize he wanted to get and was willing to do anything for…. Chapter 4“There it is...the crescent moon canyon…” Twilight Sparkle said, looking through a pair of binoculars. “Honestly, to me it seems more like a question mark rather than a crescent moon,” Rarity commented, looking through her own pair. “Or one of those cane candies!” added Pinkie Pie. “To me it seems more like an apple branch…” “Everything seems like apples to you, dear.” “Well excuse meeeee!” “Anypony wants to know what it reminds me off?” Fluttershy whispered as her friends keep arguing. Twilight Sparkle shook her head and apologized to Princess Amira for the spectacle. “Your friends are simply being like you describe them to me in your letters, Twilight,” she replied. “They don´t bother me, what does worries me much is if Blaze is already on our trail or, even worse, has already figured out how to reach the Jewel.” “Again, your highness. No need to worry, Blaze may have followed my dear...colleague´s steps,” Don Caballeron said. “But he lacks both his finesse and research that princess Twilight has well secured. Speaking of that, perhaps I may take a look at her notes and figure out where exactly the door to jewel´s chamber is…” “I think not,” Twilight sad, magically sealing her saddlebag and Caballeron shrug, still smiling smugly. “Twilight Sparkle, perhaps Caballeron can offer some helpful insight.” “Please Amira, don´t be offended but I don´t trust that stallion. I still believe you made a mistake calling him here,” Twilight said and then noticed how much her comment affected her friend. Basically, Twilight just insulted her and she disliked that. “When we reach the end of the canyon, then I would need some help figuring the last pair of clues…” she conceded. “That´s fine by me,” Caballeron replied and joined the rest of the expedition. Twilight saw Amira leaving as well and sighed, feeling really tired with the whole ordeal. So distracted was Twilight that she failed to notice several pairs of eyes spying on her although, in her defense, so did the rest of the arabian knights. Standing on a nearby mountain, Calf-I Aba and his goons along with two new pony recruits, observed the expedition. “The Crescent Moon canyon, uh? The fools are walking into a dead end, we have searched this place dozen of times with no luck…” “That's because your king lacks any creativity,” a grave voice said behind him. “but the princess´ committee holds the keys to victory.” Blaze appeared in a spectacle of flame and smoke, scaring the bejeezus out of the oxs. Even Rainbow as a bit intimidated and she had already faced the guy. “That´s Blaze? The wanted portraits were generous on him,” Flash Sentry whispered to her. “Trust me, Flash. Guy is even uglier up close and personal,” she said. “Hey, we have hiv right here, why don't we jump on his back and capture him?” “The Royal Guard manual is against sneak attacks…” “Your serious? We already disguised ourselves as thieves and got involved with a criminal gang, I think the royal manual is more like a guideline by now!” “Still, it´s a bad idea to attack him in the open and with so many other opponents. Calf-I agreed to work with us only for the promise of more gold but, knowing his kind, he could betray us in a moment's notice…” And just then, Blaze make delvit to the bull to a bag full of rubies and sapphires. “These little rocks hold no value to me, compared to the jewel´s worth but if you remain at my service, you´ll have a reward tenfold.” Calf-I took a look at the bag, his eyes getting wider with eh promise of a bigger reward. Then he looked at Flash and Rainbow, staring right at them. The pegasi got tense, waiting for the inevitable betrayal but Calf-I was ambitious, not dumb. They have promised to recover his treasure and the zebra was untrowhsoethry so he decided to stick with them for now… ****** After a few hours of travelling, Twilight's group reached the end of the canyon where there was nothing but a big naked rock blocking their way. “That´s it?” Pinkie asked, looking around. “I´m just as disappointed, was expecting to find something, an old castle for example, rather than just...more rocks…” Rarity added. “Maybe there´s a secret entrance or something?” Fluttershy suggested. “Well, in Rainbow´s novels, there´s always something like that…” Applejack pondered. “Now, will be a good time to take a look at that research, don´t you agree, Princess Twilight?” Caballeron said, smirking. Twilight growled but, upon Amira´s insistence, shared the papers. They took a look at them and the read out loud, “A star hidden in dark grounds, light the way with the fire of ancient times. Those who hoard the secret treasure, have the key to unlock the barriers. One breath away from opening the star spider's lair.” A moment of silence before they all groaned in defeat. “Well, that´s one complicated riddle if I ever heard one,” Rarity said. “All those years of travelling ´round and this is all Daring Do could get? Gotta admit, is a bit disappointing,” Applejack said. “Ancient texts are often confusing and frustrating. For the time they would have been obvious answers but now, they are anything but clear,” Amira said, similarly perplexed. “Any bright ideas, Caballeron?” Twilight said, intentionally trying to expose the crook explorer but Caballeron didn´t answered. He was struggling to get to an answer and then sighed, frustrated. Caballeron put his head on his hooves, he hate to admit it but Daring Do was always better at solving puzzles, had she been there, she would have surely had solved it by now. Meanwhile, Blaze had camouflaged his goons with a magic fog that nopony seemed to notice. “He´s not making any move,” Flash commented. “Classic Caballeron tactic, keep waiting for Daring to solve all the puzzles and then come in to snatch the treasure at the last moment. This Blaze guy is just like any second rate villain, “Dash responded and Flash laughed. Blaze was clearly losing his patience, judging by his growl. Just then, Spike, who was getting tired and hungry, spotted a black rock next to him. It wasn't coal but rather onyx. A ree and precious rock, the kind that Spike had never tasted and the dragon was not one to shy away from new experience. Sadly, his stomach disagreed and his response was a loud, burping burp of flames. “Sorry. Thought that was chocolate candy rock…” he said, embarrassed. “That's it!” Twilight said, clapping her hooves. “Ancient flames, hoard, all those clues refer to dragons! A dragon´s flame must be exactly what is needed to open this entrance!” “That´s the answer indeed! Now, kidnap the youngling!” Blaze roared, really confusing Calf-I. “...the dragon, you imbecile!” And with that order, the oxs attacked the arabian stallions. The result was quite a brawl, something that actually made Applejack and even Rarity happy, an excuse to move around and do something, other than hearing Rarity complained about getting sand on her mane. “Hey! It´s a big problem!” “Rarity! Pinkie! Has anypony seen Spike?” Twilight yelled, blasting oxs left and right when she saw a pegasus snatching the little one. “Stop right there!” Flash actually obeyed, betrayed by years of royal training and then his attachment to the princess prevented him to take further action. Rainbow luckily came to his aid, kicking Twilight away. “Keep your head up, soldier boy! Remember the plan!” “Was it really necessary to kick the princess?” “Relax, she´ll be fine!” Rainbow said, grabbing Spike and actually, she was right. Twilight had landed precisely on one of the carriages, suffering no damage. Twilight noticed that, wondering who the masked pony who “attacked” her was. “Quick, servant! Use the dragon´s fire to open the path!” Blaze roared and as much Rainbow hated taking orders from him, there was a plan to follow. “Sorry Spike…” she whispered and before the dragon could recognize the voice, a sudden tug to his tail made him release a huge fire torrent. The fire interacted with the rocks and after a few seconds of silence, it opened a passageway to the interior of the cave. “My treasure is at hooves reach! Calf-I, keep them for entering the breach!” “That means keep the horses and ponies from the entrance, boss!” Rainbow explained and flew right after Blaze along with Flash. “I got that...but thanks…” “Twilight Sparkle, you and your friends can move past these criminals. We will keep them occupied!” Amira said and Twilight nodded. She took the time to thank the princess with a nod, even with their previous disagreement, they still have their best interests in mind. Twilight and Fluttershy grabbed one friend each and then Twilight teleported them all behind the line of oxs. “Wait dear, where´s Pinkie?” Rarity asked and just in time Pinkie appeared, being brought by the box themselves. “Mosh pit!” she yelled as they delvit her right into the cave. Nopony questioned that, except Calf-I growling at his goons. The Mane Five rushed to get into the cave and found the fabled jewel resting in a spire, right in the middle of an underground lake, like all the legends said. However, Blaze had already beat them to the treasure and was about to claim it for himself. “Stop right there, Balze!” “Cursed pony princess, no matter what wizardry or enforcers I use, she always escapes…” he growled. “Pony servants, do your work and kept away the pony princess!” Rainbow and Flash, still in disguise got in position to face the ponies but Twilight was already one step ahead. “All yours, girls!” she yelled and teleported at the last second, letting the other ponies jump over the pegasi. Twilgitbappreaed right in froynt of blaze who respodned, throwing a flask with a magic powder, meant to put the princess to sleep. Blaze was smirking but then Twilight responded throwing a flask of her own, which counteracted the magic. “Instructed in the zebra´s ways? That´s clever! But against my years of training you are hardly a challenger!” Twilight got ready for whatever Blaze got under his sleeve, or hood giving his attire but the moment never came. isntead, a whip suddenyl asnatched the diamodn from Blaze´s hooves. The author however was not the brave pulp novels heroine but a far more sleazy individual. “Caballeron?” “Ah, i knew all those years of getting whipped by Daring will come in handy. One learns after all…” “You simpleton fool! You have no idea what the jewel can do!” “On the contrary, my striped friend. I know more about this jewel than any of you. I admit it, I´m not as clever or resourceful as dear Daring or even the princess here but I WAS head of archaeology of Fillydelphia university for years and I do know how to work my way around texts, enough to tell what the real power of the jewel is!” and saying that, Caballeron, raised the gem so it reflected with the light coming from the entrance. The light then reflect across the room, hitting everypony. At first it seemed like nothing had happened but it had and the first to notice were Twilight and Blaze. “A-ha! Now let´s see who the real culprit is!” Pinkie declared, taking away the scarf from Flash. “Flash Sentry? But why were you and Rainbow trying to scare us away from the old cave?” “We were not trying to scare you away. We were trying to trick Blaze! Fluttershy, get off me…” Rainbow said. “If your little charade is over,” Rarity said while Applejack untied Flash. “It seems like Caballeron is back to his treacherous ways and so Twilight needs our help.” “On it!” Rainbow said but when she took off, she crashed right into a column. “Hey what gives?” “Same problem here, partner! Looks like we´re a bit off our crew ´ere!” Applejack said, struggling to get free since she somehow, got tangled with her own rope trying to free Flash. “What have you done?” Blaze roared but he didn´t sound as intimidating as before. “That´s the secret of the Spider jewel. Everypony was mistaken about it, it doesn't bring a curse, at least not in traditional sense. Is a cutie Mark remover!” Twilight sentenced, showing her now blank flank. “more of a cutie mark suppressor, Princess, “Caballeron added. “The magic properties of the jewel make our talents fade away, as long as the light of the jewel hits us, of course.” Blaze growled while Twilight asked Caballeron what were his intentions with removing his own talent. “Well, princess, while is true that without my cutie mark I´ll lost my special touch when it comes with negotiating and acquiring treasures, my desire for retirement was since if not in the way I worded it. Now that I have the jewel I´ll have no more reason to go into the field anymore, because every rich client in Equestria will pay me fortunes to keep this item secure. Even the princesses wouldn´t want this in the wrong hooves, won't they?” “NO! I shall have the jewel, no matter what!” “Oh please, what for, it will be totally useless in your hooves. Or rather, make you useless…” Caballeron smirked. “Arrogant idiot! Even if my magic is cancelled by the jewel, my bag of potions and tricks will get done the jo-” “No, it won't!” Spike yelled, carrying the bag away, having taken the opportunity to sneak the zbra and stole it. Sadly, in his rush to escape, Spike trip with a rock and fell down a hole. Twilight immediately disregarded the two stallions and jumped to get Spike to safety. Lacking her teleportation talent, Twilight grabbed Spike mid-air and her lack of flight training made both crash in eh ground. “Sorry, Twi…” he said but Twilight answered giving him a hoof. Just then, the battling forces outside finally made it inside the cave. Calf-I saw the zebra and the pony struggling to get the jewel. “Ox, do your work and stop him!” “No, get him away from me and I´ll get you ten percent of what I´ll get!” “I´m tired of every horse bossing me around!” Calf-I yelled and then rushed like a true bull at the two of them. The two villain had but a moment to realize the charging bull heading towards them, a moment too late... “Ouch, they´re gonna feel that in the morning…” Pinkie Pie said. ****** “The spider jewel was the source of many fables and warnings and indeed, is the source of a powerful and dangerous magic or rather...was,” Amira said, looking at the perfect two halves of the jeweled, that got most of the imports from Calf-I. “The effects of the jewel went off the second it got broken but any handy jeweler could get it back in one piece,” Twilight commented. “I'm aware, this item is too powerful to be hold by anyone. We should dispose of it.” “I think we got lucky getting the jewel broke in half. Not sure we can replicate it and broke it, once and for all,” Twilight said, taking a look with a magnifying glass. “Then what do you propose, Twilight?” “We got two perfect halves here, maybe we can split it. Your kingdom can secure one and Princess Celestia will find a place to hid the second one, that way also not one kingdom will have a superiority over the other...not that anypony sees your kingdom as a threat or anything,” Twilight added, blushing, but Amira laughed. “You still have much to learn about politics, my friend. Maybe we can arrange another visit for you in more...pleasant circumstances…” “That sounds...great. We should schedule one, soon.” The ponies looks at the princess talking and they all got that sam poke expression. “You know, if I didn´t know Twilight any better…” Rainbow said. “Maybe you should look other mares around, soldier boy,” she said, nudging Flash but when she noticed he was blushing, rushed to add “I didn´t mean me! I mean,..you know...stop staring at us!” The other ponies shared looks, except Spike who was distracted by a free meal of onyx. Sure, it made him burp but was worth it. ***** “So that´s the end of it,” Daring Do, in her guise of A.K Yearling said, still with her leg on a cast and looking the jewel in a display. “Caballeron, Blaze and all of Calf-i with all his goons are imprisoned and the Spider Jewel is all secure. Sounds like a happy ending to me.” “I think is kinda lame,” Rainbow said. “At the end, I didn´t do anything. Twilight ended up being more of a heroine than me. Heck, even Spike did more.” “Hey Rainbow, you do know that my stories are a little...embellished, right?” “:..” “That means exaggerated.” “I know what it means! You mean you lied, right?” “Not like that,” Yearling said, moving away from the display. “Bit you know, I didn´t always saved the day all by myself or even got away just like that. You saw Calf-I, you can guess how easy was to bribe the bouffon to get the password of his secret passage. Also, I didn´t shared the location of the cave, even if that could get the guy arrested…” “Yeah, I noticed that. But you kinda owned him a favour when he helped you escape from saddle arabian dungeon, right?” “More like a local cell but yeah, my point Rainbow, is that I´m the heroine of my stories because I write them but in your story, is only you who is the heroine?” Rainbow thought for a moment and then concluded “Nah, we´re a team effort. Daring Dash and her sidekicks!” “Haha, that's a nice title! Want me to write the account of this adventure?” “Sure! as long as I´m on the title first. Oh and in the cover too!” Yearling laughed, seeing so much of herself in the enthusiastic pony and they left, leaving the jewel of fables and legends resting alongside other treasures, like nothing more than another piece of jewelry. Chapter 1The wind roared like a wild beast through the peaks of Foal Mountain and Daring Do wondered if this was how the Windigos of legend sounded like. She adjusted her karpa and kept climbing the icy side of mountain, jumping from rock to rock with care not to slip and fall down. Again. The goat assistants she hired earlier made it seem so easy but they have abandoned her long ago, fearing the dragons and creatures that could be hiding so high the mountain. Daring didn´t had the luxury to abandon like them, she had to reach the top before the Princess decided to laid down the sun. Daring almost tripped on a loose rock but luckily she got her security rope well tight. “Just a few more pushes”, she told herself, clinging to the rope with both hooves and teeth. She breathed a sigh of relief when she finally reached the rock she lassoed early, finding a safe spot on the steep landscape. Daring found a cave and got inside it, taking off her hoodie and goggles. Always a prepared explorers, she took out a lamp and ventured inside the dark cave. Two steps in, she almost screamed like a little filly, when she trip over a rock she mistook for a school. She chuckled and turned over, only to scream for real when she ran into the skeleton remains of...something. Daring winced and kept walking, getting deeper into the mountains. Her efforts were rewarded when she reached a wide cavern, filled with broken statues of dog headed figures. “Well, how about that?” Daring said to the empty air, hanging the lamp into the nose of a statue to get a better look. “Definitely Diamond Dogs remains. probably a leftover pack before they headed south for the Appaloosan mountains, although that didn't worked for them either…” Daring Do had an habit to talk to herself while exploring. While that looked good on her novels, providing her readers with necessary exposition, in real life, that made her vulnerable to a club to the head. Daring woke up a few minutes later, with a severe headache and dizzy eyes. She shook her head and realized she had been tied up and there was somepony else with her on the room, searching through the ruins. “Bad luck, pal. This place is deserted, won´t find anything useful here,” she said the cloaked figure. “Bad news for your boss Ahuizotl…” The silent stranger removed his cloak, revealing himself to be a zebra. A male zebra with a red, orange and yellow pattern and fiery blood red eyes. “You are not one of Ahuizotl´s goons…” “Name is Braze and I have no master,” he answered with a deep, booming voice. “whereas you my questions shall answer.” “Now Braze, I like attention like any girl but you could have at least asked me on a date first..,” “Enough! I will not tolerate your jokes!” the zebra shouted. “You will answer my questions since it´s useless to attempt escape, tied by those ropes!” Daring realized this zebra wouldn´t be as easy as Ahuizotl to distract. He certainly had a fiery temper but was smart enough to keep her close by instead of just tossing her into a death trap and forget about her, giving her plenty of time to escape. “You know, it will help to know what exactly do you want to know about?” “Do not take me for a fool, Daring Do; for you have come for the same treasure as I do!” Braze said, taking off a scroll from his cloak. “The Eye of the Star Spider, a treasure like none other…” “What do you want with it?” “What else but own its power?” The zebra smiled, showing all his sharp piranha-like teeth. Daring winced again, this guy meant trouble and he couldn´t let him put his hooves on the magic jewel. “Okay. I´ll tell you what I know but first, care to lose these ropes? They are pretty tight…” “Ha! You take me for what you will call a sucker?” Daring watched him smile and then gave him a hard headbutt. “No, just needed you to get closer. Hey, that rhymed...and hurt too…” Daring quickly regained her hooves, did a somersault and rolled next to a spear she saw earlier. “Hurry, hurry”, she said, trying to cut the ropes before Braze could recover. Once he got up, Braze roared and created a whip made of fire, lashing it at Daring Do who managed to escape just in time, taking flight upwards. Braze roared again and tried to catch Daring with his magical whip. Daring managed to avoid every hit but soon discovered she got little room to maneuver, forced to go back to the floor. “Hey, how come you didn´t used that flamy weapon before?” she asked and then noticed the whip was a lot shorter than when they started fighting. “Oh I see, it´s so cold up here that your fiery weapons don´t work. Guess that means you won't chase me out there on the snow…” “First you must get over my head…” Daring adjusted her goggles and smiled. “...that won´t be hard trick to pull, my dear friend.” Daring jumped right on time to avoid the whip, then bounced on a wall and landed right on the head of Braze. Smirking, Daring did another somersault, heading for the door. Braze gave a final roar and make a final hit at Daring, managing to trap her left leg. Daring screamed at the wound left by the fire-whip and fell down on the floor. Braze tried to got up but Daring pulled all her last strength to move towards the exit. Luckily, they were close enough that the snow and cold made the flame disappears. Daring wasted no time and just jumped downhill, remembering to spread her wings to keep herself steady but unfortunately, the snow covered them very quick and Daring ended up rolling and making a giant snowball on her way down. She rolled for several minutes before finally hitting a tree in a rather comedic way. Luckily, she had no severe injuries, aside from her hurt hoof. The goats watched her fall and came closer to help her. Daring smiled and looked up the mountain, unable to see the cave due to the snow and wind. She squinted, part from the pain, part from wondering what that zebra wanted with the Eye of the Star Spider. **** Twilight Sparkle was occupied with her latest experiment, carefully levitating the flask and glass tubes, filled with colorful liquids that had a tendency to explode when combined so she had to be very careful not to let one drop too many hit the potion… “Twilight!!” Rainbow Dash came crashing through the door, passing right next to Twilight and landing on a bookshelf. Twilight held her breath, using all her concentration to not let the glass tube fall. A few secodns of thensio nalter, she sighed, having avoided a crisis. “Twilight!” Spike said, poking her on the side. Twilight yelled and dropped the glass tube, that fell right into the boiling flask, all exploding in a purple cloud and leaving them both covered in black. “Are you okay?” Spike finished his questions. “Is everything okay here? We saw Rainbow falling down like a short sighted eagle!” Applejack said, walking in algon with the rest of their friends. “I´m fine Applejack, but Rainbow just ruined two weeks of research,” Twilight complained, while Rarity levitated a handkerchief to clean Twilight and Spike, Fluttershy and Pinkie helped Rainbow out of the pile of books. “Forget about your egghead stuff, Twilight! We have an emergency!” “Gremlins on the clouds again?” Applejack asked. “Worse!” “Another parasprite infestation?” Fluttershy asked. “Worse!” “The Wonderbolts cancelled the performance you have tickets for that you waited for five hours on the line of the Cloudsdale Stadium?” Pinkei asking without taking a single breath. “That would be a disaster Pinkie, not an emergency..and no, this is almost as bad as that!” “Well, what is it then?” Spike asked “The second worst possible thing…” “What?” they all asked. “Daring Do book is delayed again!” Rainbow fell through the ground crying, while her friends all looked each other with an arched eyebrow. “Seriously?” Applejack said. “What you mean, seriously? This is the worst news I ever heard!” “Rainbow darling, I know you are a big Daring Do fan…” “The biggest Daring Do fan!” Rainbow said, interrupting Rarity. “Yes quite, but this is hardly an emergency.” “Didn't this happened before? The book was delayed and Rainbow was so worried we travelled to a. K. Yearling´s house who turned out to be Daring Do and then we helped her recover the Rings of Scorchera before Ahuizotl could sue them to doom the valley to eight centuries of unrelenting heat? “ Pinkie Pie asked, again without taking a breath. “But this time is different. The Official Daring Do Fans magazine just reported that A. K. Yearling is hospitalized!” Rainbow said, taking the magazine out. “She got injured while doing research for the book and she´s said she will stay there for at least four weeks!” “Mmh, that is quite worrisome…” Twilight said, rubbing her chin. “Whatever do you mean, dear?” Rarity asked. “Well, before when A. K. Yearling announced a delay for health reasons, we wouldn't have thought much about it. But now we know that she and Daring are the same person…” “You think she got injured while doing some of her missions?” Applejack finished. “All the more reasons to go visit her! The Magazine says that she's staying the Veterans Hospitals, near Hollow Shades! Let´s go!” Rainbow said, shoving the magazine on Twilight's face. “We should at least make sure she´s doing well…” Fluttershy said, always the concerned one. “Even so, we can't just get into an hospital without reasons. Especially not for a famous artist liek Yearling, the hospital is most likely not allowing visits,” Twilight retorted. “Good luck then we have a Princess on our side,” Rainbow said, nudging Twilight. “Rainbow, I´m not going to use my status as a Princess to grant us access to her room!” **** “Behold, Princess Twilight Sparkle!” the Royal Guard announced, clearing the hospital hallway. “I can't believe you talked me into this…” Twilight complained. “It worked, right? Now let´s go check on Daring!” “Shh, Rainbow, keep it down!” Twilight ordered her. “Remember than Daring uses a pen name for a reason. Her adventures are kept mostly fictitious so ponies won't go looking for those dangerous artifacts.” “So should I get rid of this Get Well, Daring Do banner?” Pinkie asked, whining sheepishly when they noticed the huge amount of presents and balloons all shaped like Daring Do she was carrying. Once they finally got in the room, they found Daring stuck on bed wit her leg hold by a sling. “Hey girls,” she said, taking off her glasses in their presence. “Yearling!” Rainbow said, rushing to her idol side, forgetting so fast about the delayed book that her friends couldn't help but smile at this. “Are you okay?” “Nah, just a strained hoof. The docs are being a tad exaggerated, if you ask me,” she said, winking at Rainbow. “What happened, Yearling? The magazine says you fell down the side of Foal Mountain,” Twilight asked, “That I did but it wasn´t entirely my fault. You see, I was trying to get away from some no-gooder who´s after the same treasure I am…” Daring told the girls the story of her encounter with Braze and Rainbow reacted with rage and flapping wings. “That Braze guy again?” “You know him?” Daring asked. “Yes, not long ago he tried to stole the Half- Gilded Horseshoe and tried to use its power to control the Spirit Circled,” Twilight explained. “Wait, hang on! He found the Half-Gilded Horseshoe? That thing has been lost for centuries!” Daring asked with visible surprise. “Well, you see. The story goes like this…” Twilight resumed the story how Rainbow Dash´s attitude got so cocky she started a series of dares that ended with them all going to the Everfree Forest to recover the Horseshoe, not knowing they will actually run into a theft that tried to use it to get massive power. “I see. So this Braze character has been going around from quite sometime. That´s quite a story Twilight, I might need to talk with your friend Zecora later…” Daring said, while Rainbow pouted, not too happy with her portrait on that tale. “The important thing right now is stopping Braze from getting the Eye of the Star Spider.” “Pardon me, Mrs. Do uhm Yearling…” Applejack asked. “But what is this Eye of the Star Spider you keep talking about?” Daring looked at Twilight before explaining but the Princess looked just as confused as her friends so, Daring sighed and began “Legend says that the Diamond Dogs were excavating in search of jewels when they stumbled upon the biggest and shiniest of them all. A jewel so big that you could buy an entire kingdom and still have money to spare.” Rarity made one of her classic exclamations upon hearing this but the other ponies ignored her. “Problem was that, when they tried to get the jewel, they discovered it was attached to the head of a humongous Star Spider. As big as an Ursa Minor…” Daring continued and Fluttershy gasped at this image. “It is said they fought it for several days before finally managing to trap it under some rocks and took the jewel away. But the Diamond Dogs didn't get to enjoy it for much since it was stolen from their caves by a greedy griffon gang…” “And then what happened?” asked Rainbow Dash, so entranced on the story like she was reading a Daring Do novel. “The griffon gan lost the jewel on Saddle Arabie when trying to sell it and since then, it is lost in the pages of history…” said a suave, gentleman boice. They turned around to see the visage of Dr Caballeron, walking in. “What is he doing here?” rainbow asked, ready to fight and the other girls were just as wary of the old pony. “Young girl, I´m just here to present my best regards to a fellow explorer,” Caballeron said, handing some flowers to Daring. “As if!” “Rainbow, calm down. Caballeron has turned page…” Daring said, much to her and the other girls surprised. “As you may recall from our previous encounter, I had every intention of giving up on my life of scavenging and return to my first love of archaeology…” “Where you should return to it´s prison! After all you put Daring through on book four!” “I admit my behavior was nothing short of reprehensible but, I´ve changed my ways and only intend to have a humble retirement. I even have a recommendation letter from Princess Celestia herself,” Caballeron said, taking out said letter. “Well Daring, I wish you a speedy recovery.” Rainbow glared Caballeron all the time while he exited the room and then crossed her arms and said “Can´t believe that guy got away.” “Believe it or not, Caballeron used to be one of top archaeologist of the kingdom, before he let his greed got the best of him. Maybe he's finally getting on the right track…” Daring said, wincing at the pain of her injury she previously dismissed. “Speaking of Princess Celestia, we should send her letter, telling her to alert the rulers of Saddle Arabia to take care. Braze must be heading their way…” Twilight said. “No need for that! We can warn them ourselves!” “What?” all the ponies and a dragon said. “Rainbow, what are you…” “Don't worry Daring. You just sit down and take care of your injury while your biggest fan takes care of everything!” Rainbow Dash announced. “Rainbow, you can´t just barge in into Saddle Arabia with some crazy story about a zebra trying to get a magical jewel! They will never believe you!” “Good thing then that I happen to know a Princess who is good friends with the horses of Saddle Arabia,” Rainbow said, nudging Twilight. “Rainbow, I´m not going to use my status as a Princes to get you in a ride to the other side of the world!” ***** “Woah, that´s big!” Pinkie Pie said, looking at the luxury zeppelin that was made ready for the six of them. “I can't believe you talked me into this…” Twilight complained. “Relax, your Highness! Princess Celestia said it was fine!” Rainbow said, patting her on the back. “She also told us to be careful…” “Is the six of us, what could possible be a danger for the ponies who wielded the Elements of Harmony?” “Many things! The Elements of Harmony are the most powerful magic known to ponies, but there are more than ponies out there, Rainbow dash!” daring Do said, approaching them on a wheelchair and disguised as A.K. Yearling. “Daring, it will be fine, I tell you. Daring Dash and her friends can take care of themselves!” Rainbow said, showing off her costume who was a rainbow pattern version of Daring´s costume. “I admire your enthusiasm kid, I do; but truth is, you don't have the years of experience I have. I have been all around the globe and see things you wouldn't believe, things I didn't dare put on my books.” “Please, why is everypony so worried? We have dealt with Discord, Chrysallis and King Sombra. We have travelled to the moon, being pirates and superheroes. Twilight here even travelled to a weird world filled of strange scary creatures with wiggly things instead of hooves!” “Those wiggly things are called fingers!” Twilight said, pushing Rainbow away. “And humans are not scary creatures, they are rather nice!” “Wait, you say humans?” Daring asked. “Umh yeah, I met them after I went through the mirror on the Crystal Palace. It's quite a story, you see, I landed in a place called high school and…” “The Crystal Mirror? The mysterious artifact not even Starswirl could discover its purpose? You traveled through it? To another world? That's amazing! I have been trying to study the mirror for years but Princess Celestia always refused saying it was too dangerous! You need to tell me all about it!” Daring basically shoved herself over Twilight, showing an enthusiasm and curiosity that will make the Cutie Mark Crusaders seem tame. “Nevermind that,” Daring said, shaking her head and coming back to her senses, sitting back on her chair.. “There's more to the story that I haven't told you. Apparently, the jewel was more than ornament for the Star Spider. It was keeping her under control. No idea who put it on its head but stories told that the Diamond Dogs used the jewel to repel star creatures, the magic of the jewel so powerful they could even control an Ursa Mayor.” “But that means that however posses the jewel…” Twilight began. “Could possibly become the most dangerous creature of the world!” Rainbow Dash stopped hovering and landed next to Daring. “Daring Do. Brze won't get his hooves on the Eye of the Star Spider. I promise.” The sudden seriousness of Rainbow let even Twilight surprised but Daring quickly smiled and shook hoofs with the young pegasus. “All right, everypony!” Rainbow shouted, dashing to the deck of the zeppelin “It´s time for adventure!”
Chapter 2“This isn´t an adventure…” “Come on Rainbow, stop pouting and come have some of these...umh what did you called them again Rarity?” Applejack said. “A submarine sandwich, dear…” “Ha, that´s so silly, you can´t eat underwater!” Applejack said, in one of those rare literal-minded moment of hers that Pinkie would surely envy, and Rarity responded with a facehoof. “I don´t want any sandwiches! I wanna go outside! We´re supposed to be in an adventure for Daring Do, not enjoying a cruise tour!” Rainbow retorted. “Really? The service here is making me feel like in a cruise,” Rarity said, having recovered her composure with a fruit cocktail. “Ahhh! This is so boring! Why did we have to take this slowpoke aircraft?” Rainbow complained, falling flat to the ground. “Stop it, Rainbow. Remember that this isn´t just an adventure, is also a diplomatic mission. We can´t just barge into Saddle Arabia like we own the place, “ Twilight Sparkle said. “Why not? If we rush in we can stop Braze before he gets his fiery hooves on the Star Spider´s Eye, they should thanks us for that.” “That´s not appropriate! There´s treaties and regulations between our nations to honor, all established since the first encounter of Princess Celestia with…” Twilight began with one of long lectures and Rainbow fell down again, groaning all the way. WHile Applejack and Rarity ignored them and kept with their lunch, Fluttershy excused herself and got up. “Where yah going, Flutters?” Applejack asked. “Mmh, well, I...I need to…” “Applejack please, that´s not something you ask to a lady,” Rarity chastised her. “What? Oh is that. Well, if she has to go, why doesn't she just says so?” “Applejack, seriously…” Gently retreating from the other argument, Fluttershy walked to the cargo area, avoiding eye contact with the ship crew. The poor stallions got a little hurt, thinking they intimated her but actually, that wasn´t the only reason. Fluttershy was actually trying to avoid them because she had a secret, a secret buried in a big suitcase, that trembled and groaned, demanding to be left out. “Aaaaah! I can´t stand it anymore!” “Spike please, be quiet,” Fluttershy said, making sure nopony had followed her. “But I´m boooored, FLuttershy! Ever since I got into this ship, I had been stuck in this suitcase. I wanna see the ship!” “I can´t let you out, Spike. Twilight insisted that this mission was too dangerous for you.” “But I wanna go too! I´m also part of this team, even if you guys keep forgetting about it..” Spike pouted. “Oh Spike, we never forget about you, it´s just that sometimes there´s situations that are too much for a little dragon for you to handle,” Fluttershy explained, patting his head. “Yeah yeah, I´m just a baby.” Fluttershy couldn´t resist giving him a hug. She knew how important it was for the little guy to help, no matter the risks. That´s the reason why she had snuck him into the ship but even so, Fluttershy knew that this mission was too dangerous for him. Actually, she thought it was too dangerous for her too. She only went along because she couldn´t bear thinking her friends being in danger while she was hiding in fear but truth was, she was really scared. Going to an unknown land, to fight against a villian that already captured them once and now he was searching for an item that would make him as powerful as that terrifying Changeling Queen or even that evil King Sombra… “Fluttershy!” “Oh, what, what happened?” “You were totally lost inside your head! You weren´t even listening to me!” Spike complained. “Oh sorry, what were you saying?” “I said I want to see the ship!” “Spike, I already told you…” “Come on, I´m super bored here. There´s no way you can sneak me aboard, maybe if I sneak in your saddlebags or something?” “I think you´re a little too big for that, Spike…” Fluttershy said and then gasped after a loud bang. “Quick, hide!” Fluttershy rushed to the door, trying to come out with a convincing excuse for why she was there, although honestly she could just say she was checking her luggage; and opened the door to find Pinkie Pie. “Hi Fluttershy!” “Oh hi PInkie Pie, I was...um I was looking for the bathroom and…” “You got lost? I get you, sister. I was stuck for two hours arguing with the ship map. He keep saying YOU ARE HERE and I was like, yeah I´m here but where are you? But he never answered me back.” Fluttershy blinked a few times, she never knew what to say to Pinkie Pie´s ramblings. “Anyhowwwww, have you seen my inconspicuous pony assemble?” “Your what?” “You know, a trench coat, a hat, glasses with a fake nose and moustache. What I use for my routine of pony that trips with a banana peel because I can look like the most common pony that nopony will notice until she trips with the banan?” It took Fluttershy a full minute to process that and then she said “Oh, no, I...I haven´t seen it.” “Oh well, I guess I´ll keep looking but it´s gonna be tricky. If anypony is wearing it, he would look so common thant I would never notice him. Oh well,” PInkie said and bounced back to the main deck. “...did she say what I think she said?” Fluttershy asked while Spike peeked out of the suitcase. ******** Standing atop of a dune, a hooded figure looked at the sky. He growled when he spotted the airship slowly approaching. He rubbed his chin, where a scar was left after his last encounter with the explorer pony. He knew she was coming for him. to stop him for obtaining the magic jewel but he wasn´t going to stand by idly. “Clouds and winds that swiftly run, thunder and lighting that the sky pierce, at my call gather around and bring to earth that airship!” He had to stretch phonetically the last rhyme but the spell worked. Braze hold his stick against the skies and in a matter of seconds, a storm cloud formed and marched against the zeppelin. ***** “All I´m saying is that Daring Do wouldn´t fly in one of these bathtubs,” Rainbow explained, leaning in a couch and chomping on an apple. “She would fly in her own and cross the desert in a matter of days.” “And surely you would do the same?” Rarity asked. “Of course not. I´ll do it in a couple hours but that´s because I´m that fast and awesome, “ Rainbow said and the three rolled their eyes. “My point is that she would never waste her time travelling in something so slow when she can just use her wings.” “What if she couldn´t use her wings like that time she got her wings injured in...book one, her first adventure, right?” Applejack asked, looking at Twilight for help with the data. “First book but chronologically her third adventure,” Rainbow said, showing off her knowledge much to Twilight's frustration. “On that case she would ask a friend for a more reliable vehicle like a train or maybe those funny airplane things that you wingless ponies have to use, ehehe, you look silly using those things.” “Well, excuse us for needing help to taking flight,” Applejack said while Rarity made a hmph sound. “And excuse us, winged ponies, that still prefer to use a safe, modern vehicle and enjoy the company of others,” Twilight said, spreading her wings to make a point. Rainbow just shrugged and went back to her apple. “Excuse me, your highness,” a young gaur said, approaching them. “The captain has spotted a storm front ahead so we´ll have to take a slight detour. He also asked you to return to your rooms in case of turbulence.” “Thank you, Flash Sentry,” Twilight said and the guard bowed. “And also…” Flash stopped and turned around, a bit surprised while Twilight fought against a blush. “Rememberme to thank Cadence and Shining for allowing you to uh take time to escort me, us! In this mission, That...that's all.” Flash Sentry nodded and retreated with a smile. It took less than a second for the other ponies to mock Twilight. “Thank you for taking time to spend with me, Flash,” Rainbow said. “Stop that. I was just being polite. He travelled all the way from the Crystal Empire just for a favor. I mean, he didn´t had to take my brother´s petition.” “Oh I bet he wanted to take that order,” Applejack said with a grin. “I...I don´t know what you mean, Applejack.” “Come on darling, he looks clearly interested and if he´s anything like that fellow you described us…” Rarity teased her but Twilight wasn´t listening. “That has nothing to do with this! This Flash and that Flash are different and...and I don´t have to explain you girls anything! Leave me alone!” “Woah, this desert is huge! No wonder we don´t visit Saddle Arabi more often!” Spike said, looking through the ship windows. “That´s great Spike but we should really go back to the storage room,” Fluttershy said. “Oh, now? But I haven't visited the cafeteria and I´m hungry!” “I´ll get you something later but I don´t want to risk you running into any of our friends. i don't think that disguise...ah!” Fluttershys rushed to put herself between Spike and Flash Sentry and to look as casual as possible, which considering she was a terrible liar wasn't easy. “Hello there, buddy, friend, compadre?” “Hello Mrs. Fluttershy, the captain has ordered everypony to return to their rooms.” “Oh okay, I´ll go back immediately,” she said and Flash Sentry nodded and kept going, allowing Fluttershy to breathe again. “Oh and tell your dragon friend that the cafeteria is closed.” “Oh,” was all Fluttershy could said. Meanwhile, the girls were still teasing Twilight when Pinkie rushed in. “Itchy hooves! Itchy hooves!” “What does that mean, daeling?” “Han on Rarity, I have a list of all of Pinkie Sense signals…” Twilight said but Rainbow saved her the trouble by pointing outside. “Up ahead!” The storm cloud wasn´t just moving at them, it wa chasing them. Fueled by an angry and powerful magic, the storm engulfed the airship and began shaking it. The ponies screamed and tried to hold to something, the food bouncing with them and hitting them. Fluttershy hold Spike tight and tried to stay in place, flapping her wings, thinking that was what Rainbow would do in such a situation and she was right but both ponies underestimated the strength of the storm and soon the ship was turned upside down and crashed in the desert. ****** “Ugh, well, at least now this is starting to resemble an adventure…” Rainbow said, shaking her head to get rid of all the sand. She looked around, finding that she had been expelled from the ship and landed in the desert, luckily the sand was soft enough to cushion her fall and she figured her friends also made it okay but she couldn´t find any of them. She looked back and saw a familiar pony lying in the ground, unconscious. “Hey Flash, dude. Wake up! We need to…” “Well well, if it isn´t Daring Do is the second best thing.,,,” Rainbow looked in front of her and saw a large bull and about forty arabian horses, all dressed as obvious thieves and standing ready to assault them. “I take it back...NOW it looks like an adventure!”
Chapter 3“This is unacceptable!” Rarity said, magically shaking a spoonful of sugar. “These are claryl coffee spoons, not teaspoons! What sort of table manner sod they have here!” “Would ya knock it down a notch, Rares? Yah´re getting free food and shelter, that´s no way ta be a guest!” Applejack retorted. “I´m just saying that for a royal palace this type of table arrangement is simply unacceptable.” “That should be my line!” Twilight Sparkle shouted, making everyone stop in the middle of their lunch. “Whatever you mean, dear?” “Us, here, this whole situation, how did this even happened? Our ship was taken down by a magic that was obviously conjured by magic but not any magic I know of, leaving the six of us stranded in the desert; and you two are more worried arguing over petty things!” “Table manners are hardy a petty thing, dear…” “As being a good guest,” Applejack added. Twilight Sparkle sighed. “This is exactly how we found you two, fighting over a rock in a pit of sand.” “In my defense, dear...I thought we were in a spa and Applejack was taking my cucumbers,” Rarity sheepishly said. “It was a mirage, Rarity. The desert made you two have hallucinations,” Tiwlgiht Sparkle explained and Applejack joined Rarity in blushing. “Twilight, we all made it safe and sound, shouldn't you be grateful of that?” Fluttershy asked, trying to calm down her friend but instead she got a fierce stare. “Don´t think i forgot that I said, the six of us,” Twilight said, pointing at Spike, who was busy stuffing cookies on his mouth. “Spike was supposed to stay home, away from all the dangers!” “But Twilight, I just...I just couldn't say no to him, could you?” Fluttershy said, holding Spike who was making his best sad puppy face. “Ugh, I can't believe you all...nor can I believe that Pinkie Pie just landed in a cave filled with treasures,” Twilight added, pointing at Pinkie Pie who wa still wearing the crown and cape she brought along with all the treasures she found, thanks to pure luck or simply being Pinkie Pie. “I´ll said it was most fortunate she did, our explorers have been looking for our stolen treasures for months,” a soft voice said and the princess of Saddle Arabia walked into the room. “Princess Amira,” Twilight said, bowing to the tall horse who vowed back. “Speaking of luck, just our pony luck that ya happened to send a search for us, yer highness.” “That was no coincidence, Applejack. Princess Twilight asked me to secure your arrival and we kept good look of the skies expecting you all,” Princess Amira explained. “Princess Amira and I became pen pals after her visit to Ponyville. First thing I did before taking flight, was sending a missive explaining her what was going on,” Twilight added. “And a good thing you did, my friend. The Eye of the Star Spider is a most powerful item, it should not fall in the wrong hooves. “That is true, Amira but, being completely honest, I´m glad I got a chance to finally visit you. Wish it was in better circumstances so we can take that trip to the royal library you promised me…” “If everything goes smoothly, we will! And I´m dying to take you to the local market place and show you the flying carpets!” “I can't wait to ride one! I always wonder how it'll feel flying!” “Don ´t you already know how that feels?” Amira joked and Twilight folded her wings, blushing. The whole comely atmosphere made the other ponies feel a bit uneasy. “Is anypony else a bit intimidated by princess pen pal?” Applejack whispered to them. “For once, your brutal honesty has hit the mark, Applejack,” Rarity said. “For once?” “Girls, Twilight having another friend is nothing to worry about, we should be happy!” Fluttershy said. “Besides, Spike already knows about it so he can tell us how close they really are,” she then added, slipping that she wa also a bit hurt. “Of course, all of Twilight´s letters go through me!” Spike proudly added. “Except those she sent to Princess Amira, she said she wanted to handle them herself. And those she sent to the official ambassadors to neighboring kingdom...and those she sends to Cadence...and those she sent sto Celestia now that she's no longer her student...and the orders for the library…” Spike couldn´t finish cause he break almost in tears. “Well done, Applejack!” “How's this mah fault!” “Spike, calm down-...girls, help me…” The only pony not worry by any of this was Pinkie Pie who was simply arranging all her treasure. ****** Meanwhile, in the uncaring sands of the desert surrounding Saddle Arabia, a group of furious bandits, composed of mostly oxs and bulls was roaming through the desert, carrying around a cage with two pegasus locked there. “This is so exciting!” Rainbow Dash shouted. “I beg to differ…” Flash Sentry said, rubbing his hurt head. “We're prisoners to a group of criminals who are taking who knows where in the middle of a desert with no way to reach our crewmates.” “Ah relax, soldier boy. This is exactly what happened to Daring Do when she traveled to the Eastern Kingdom of Dragons, escaping here will be a piece of cake.” “So, why aren´t we escaping then?” “You kidding? We´re being captured by a band of criminals being dragged who knows where with no way to reach our crewmates... this is perfect!” Flash Sentry didn´t share Rainbow´s enthusiasm, nor he appreciated her shoving her face into his. “Wonder who this guys are…” he asked, looking at the rough group of bovines. “What, you never heard of Calf-i-baba and his gang of thieves?” Rainbow asked, genuinely surprised. “Can't say I have…” “Ah, there are the villains of Daring Do and the Market Marauder, she sneaked into her group and recovered the Gleaming Pineapple from their cave. It was one of the short stories included as bonus in book five.” “You don't say…” “yeah, so you have nothing to worry about, boy scout! These guys are so lame they don´t even got a full book for them!” “Quiet!” a giant bull with a scar roared, obviously the leader of the gang. “I do not want to hear anymore about that scoundrel Daring Do!” “Still sore she didn´t gave you a longer story?” Rainbow mocked him much to Flash´s displeasure. “Grrr, I should've been in the cover of the book. My handsome feature should never get ignored...right?” he roared at his oxs who were quick to agree. They kept going through the desert for a couple of horus, Rainbow Dash never losing her huge grin at any point of the journey and Flash just sighing along until they reached a giant cave, hiding behind a sandstrom, obviously planted by pegasus beforehand. Calf-I lead his oxs to the entrance of the cave who was blocked by a giant rock, to big to be moved even by an adult dragon. He raised his hooves, ready to say the magical words that would make it move. “Milkshakes!” Rainbow suddenly shouted, ruining the whole dramatism of the scene. Much to Flash´s surprise, the giant rock did move, opening the entrance. Flash turned to ask her how she figured this out but she just said “Book five…” “That daring do!” Calf-I shouted and dragged them inside. “Now get prepared, soldier boy, you´re gonna see a place full of wonders,” Rainbow said as the oxs were letting them go from the cage” .. filled to the roof with coins, crowns, jewels and...rocks?” Truthfully, the place was nothing but barren rocks and shy bats who ran away at the sight of the house owners showing up. Calf-I was barely making any sound while Flash moved forward and picked up a note next to a batch of cupcakes. “Dear Mr. Thief, I found your cave and made a hole on the ceiling when I cave in. So sorry for that. Was about to repair it but Princess Amira´s soldiers said you stole all this treasure so when I met with Twilight and the others, I draw the soldiers back here and they took everything back to its rightful owners. Stealing is wrong but I feel like coming back and didn't all your stuff gone, even if it´s not exactly your stuff, must feel really really bad, so I made you this batch of cupcakes for you and your friends so you don´t feel so bad, even if you stole all those things. Yours truly, Pinkamena D Pie.” he read out loud. “That thief...how dare she steal from me? Pinkamena D. pie, you have made yourself a powerful enemy!” Calf-I roared. “Isn't this Pinkamena…” Flash asked Rainbow. “Yup.” “Well, at least we know now that Princess Twilight and the others are fine. We should escape from these scoundrels and try to get back to Saddle Arabia´s capital…” Flash murmured to her. “Would you stop spoiling the fun? How many times in life you get to roam around with actual desert thieves..even if they´re this band of losers?” “I don´t wanna roam around with dessert thieves! What if someone back in the Crystal Empire finds out, it would ruin my perfect score with the guard!” “Jeez, what a buzzkill. No wonder Twilight likes you…” “I`´m not a...Princess Twilight said that?” Flash said, blushing a little. Rainbow couldn't help but smile. Kid was a bit of a stick on the mud but was also kinda cute. SHe then blushed, shaking her head to take that thought way. She wasn't a romantic type of pony and this was no time for that! Even if Daring bothered to include a romantic subplot on the Easter Dragons novels but still… “This is just great! Not only we have to deal with Blaze jerk trying to boss around but we got all our stuff stolen!” Calf- I complained, ,catching Rainbow´s attention. “Hey, you just said Blaze?” **** Back in the Saddle Arabia palace, Princess Amira had brought all the information they have over the Star Spider Jewel. Much of that was simple fables and old mare´s tales but there could be some real information regarding the jewel. “Daring´s annotations should help us pinpoint the exact point in the desert where the jewel should be..” Twilight said, comparing notes. “I just hope we get there before this Blaze character gets there.” “We heard many things about that zebra,” Amira said. “He´s one of the most dangerous criminal in the continent. the zebras expelled him because he was a practitioner of dark arts and has been plaguing several kingdoms since then.” “Yeah, we ourselves hgota taste of that stirpped jerk when he tcaputred us,” Applejack addded. “That no- gooder was quite a troublesome fella, wish we had captured there and then.” “Luckily, I prepared myself for a rematch. Zecora has been training me on zebra´s potions and magic, even handled me a few powders to repel zebra´s magic that unicorn magic is useless to.” “Well, you certainly prepare yourself for this adventure,” Rarity complimented her. “Of course!” Twilight chirped but her happiness was soon gone. “But even with all my preparations, Blaze still got us by surprise. I should have done something to stop that storm.” “Aww don't be sad face, Twi! We know when the time comes, you´ll show that jerkface who's the superior sorcerer-ess!” Pinkie said, placing a cape over Twilight. “Thanks, girls. I still can´t help but worry, especially since Rainbow Dash and Flash Sentry are the only ones not accounted for from our group. It worries me those two are together…” “It worries you, uh?” the other girls said, leaning over Twilight. “What? No, I misspoke, I meant...you know Rainbow and if Flash is anything like I think then...shut up!” “I´m worried as well, if Blaze has any knowledge of the true nature of the Jewel, we all shall be in troube…” Princess Amira added, ignoring the girls Twilight. “Well then, your highness. Let´s hope that's not the case,” a stallion voice said behind them and when he entered all the girls and Spike gasped. **** “Happened a few months back, he simply showed up in this ehre cave, took down four of my best oxes and then demanded that we helped him,” Calf-I explained to Flash and Rainbow, who were sitting along with the bulls like they were all friends. “He told us about a jewel, a jewel that was worth more than all our treasure together…” “The Star Spider Jewel, that´s what we came here looking for!” Rainbow said. “We heard legends about the Jewel, we also heard that is not worth getting…” “How come?” Flash asked. “The jewel is cursed. Anyone, either pony or not, that touches it will become cursed forever. Only a fool like that Blaze guy or even Daring Do will dare trying to claim it for treasure…” “Hey, Daring is no fool! Besides she doesn´t want the jewel for herself, she´s planning to donate it to the museum or something…” “Then he´ll curse all of Equestria with her. Listen kid, I can tell you admire her, but that mare´s hubris is gonna be her downfall. You shouldn't just read her novels but try to meet the real Daring Do.” “Okay, first, I don't know what hubris means Second, I met the real Daring Do, she´s the one who sent me in this mission! And third…” Rainbow started but Flash interrupted her, taking her away. “Hey, what gives, soldier boy?” “Listen, Rainbow, I don´t know you very well but I heard about your adventures, how you helped stop Nightmare Moon and Queen Chrysalis…” “Among other things…” “Then tell me, what´s more important, getting that jewel back or stopping the Blaze fellow?” Flash asked and Rainbow, much to her annoyance, had to agree. “Fine, you got a point. But at the same time, aren't they the same thing? he´s going after the jewel anyways!” “Maybe so but Blaze ignores that Princess Twilight has the information needed to find the Jewel´s location. Even so, I doubt he´ll be dumb enough to just dig around the desert, if he tried to recruit these fellows he must know he needs extra power to get in.” “Okay, so what do you suggest?” “We should talk Calif-I into accepting Blaze´s offer to work for him. We´ll infiltrate in his band and wait for the opportunity to arrest Blaze.” “Look at you, soldier boy. All ready to blend in with a band of thieves,” Rainbow smirked. “I´m simply following the Royal Guard Manual. Section 8 clearly states that a guard must adapt to every situation, I´m just following its advice.” “Still, you´re willing to bend more rules that Twilight will approve off. I kinda like aht on you,” Rainbow said and immediately backed down. “I mean, it´s kinda cool...uh we sould...we should talk to horn head here…” “...yeah, we should.” **** “Don Caballeron! What the haystacks is he doing ´ere?” “Don Caballeron is our estimated guest,” Amira explained. “He arrived shortly before you all and has offered his archaeological knowledge to assist us in the search for the jewel.” “He arrived shortly before us? How so, did he took an expresso ship here?” Rarity asked. “Yeah, there was no espresso in our ship!” “Not what I meant, Pinkie…” “Princess Amira, this man used to be a known thief and stolen arts dealer, how could you let in so easily?” Twilight asked. “I´m aware of his criminal records, Twilight, he was since about them. But at the same time, I have word your Princess has granted him a full pardon. Isn´t her word enough?” Amira asked and Twilight kept quiet. “Princess Twilight, I assure you that my intentions are noble. I was sincere about giving up my villainous ways and even archeology altogether but I can´t in good conscience let that fiend Blaze get a hold of such a powerful time.” Not very convinced, Twilight returned to the girls and whispered, “I hate to judge a pony by his looks but Caballeron still seems suspicious to me.” “We´re right with ya, Twi!” “But Princess Amira trust him..” Fluttershy said. “Amira has a heart as kind a s yours, Fluttershy,” Twilight said,a comment that her friend didn't quite liked. “Unlike us, she hasn't seen him in action so I suggested we keep an eye on him, agreed?” “Agreed!” they said and Pinkie make sure to keep her recovered treasure away from him. **** Meanwhile, in a dark and hidden cave, a grinning zebra was next to a bonfire. He took a look at a collection of voodoo dolls, representing all the players in the game and in the center, a shine red jewel representing the prize he wanted to get and was willing to do anything for….
Chapter 4“There it is...the crescent moon canyon…” Twilight Sparkle said, looking through a pair of binoculars. “Honestly, to me it seems more like a question mark rather than a crescent moon,” Rarity commented, looking through her own pair. “Or one of those cane candies!” added Pinkie Pie. “To me it seems more like an apple branch…” “Everything seems like apples to you, dear.” “Well excuse meeeee!” “Anypony wants to know what it reminds me off?” Fluttershy whispered as her friends keep arguing. Twilight Sparkle shook her head and apologized to Princess Amira for the spectacle. “Your friends are simply being like you describe them to me in your letters, Twilight,” she replied. “They don´t bother me, what does worries me much is if Blaze is already on our trail or, even worse, has already figured out how to reach the Jewel.” “Again, your highness. No need to worry, Blaze may have followed my dear...colleague´s steps,” Don Caballeron said. “But he lacks both his finesse and research that princess Twilight has well secured. Speaking of that, perhaps I may take a look at her notes and figure out where exactly the door to jewel´s chamber is…” “I think not,” Twilight sad, magically sealing her saddlebag and Caballeron shrug, still smiling smugly. “Twilight Sparkle, perhaps Caballeron can offer some helpful insight.” “Please Amira, don´t be offended but I don´t trust that stallion. I still believe you made a mistake calling him here,” Twilight said and then noticed how much her comment affected her friend. Basically, Twilight just insulted her and she disliked that. “When we reach the end of the canyon, then I would need some help figuring the last pair of clues…” she conceded. “That´s fine by me,” Caballeron replied and joined the rest of the expedition. Twilight saw Amira leaving as well and sighed, feeling really tired with the whole ordeal. So distracted was Twilight that she failed to notice several pairs of eyes spying on her although, in her defense, so did the rest of the arabian knights. Standing on a nearby mountain, Calf-I Aba and his goons along with two new pony recruits, observed the expedition. “The Crescent Moon canyon, uh? The fools are walking into a dead end, we have searched this place dozen of times with no luck…” “That's because your king lacks any creativity,” a grave voice said behind him. “but the princess´ committee holds the keys to victory.” Blaze appeared in a spectacle of flame and smoke, scaring the bejeezus out of the oxs. Even Rainbow as a bit intimidated and she had already faced the guy. “That´s Blaze? The wanted portraits were generous on him,” Flash Sentry whispered to her. “Trust me, Flash. Guy is even uglier up close and personal,” she said. “Hey, we have hiv right here, why don't we jump on his back and capture him?” “The Royal Guard manual is against sneak attacks…” “Your serious? We already disguised ourselves as thieves and got involved with a criminal gang, I think the royal manual is more like a guideline by now!” “Still, it´s a bad idea to attack him in the open and with so many other opponents. Calf-I agreed to work with us only for the promise of more gold but, knowing his kind, he could betray us in a moment's notice…” And just then, Blaze make delvit to the bull to a bag full of rubies and sapphires. “These little rocks hold no value to me, compared to the jewel´s worth but if you remain at my service, you´ll have a reward tenfold.” Calf-I took a look at the bag, his eyes getting wider with eh promise of a bigger reward. Then he looked at Flash and Rainbow, staring right at them. The pegasi got tense, waiting for the inevitable betrayal but Calf-I was ambitious, not dumb. They have promised to recover his treasure and the zebra was untrowhsoethry so he decided to stick with them for now… ****** After a few hours of travelling, Twilight's group reached the end of the canyon where there was nothing but a big naked rock blocking their way. “That´s it?” Pinkie asked, looking around. “I´m just as disappointed, was expecting to find something, an old castle for example, rather than just...more rocks…” Rarity added. “Maybe there´s a secret entrance or something?” Fluttershy suggested. “Well, in Rainbow´s novels, there´s always something like that…” Applejack pondered. “Now, will be a good time to take a look at that research, don´t you agree, Princess Twilight?” Caballeron said, smirking. Twilight growled but, upon Amira´s insistence, shared the papers. They took a look at them and the read out loud, “A star hidden in dark grounds, light the way with the fire of ancient times. Those who hoard the secret treasure, have the key to unlock the barriers. One breath away from opening the star spider's lair.” A moment of silence before they all groaned in defeat. “Well, that´s one complicated riddle if I ever heard one,” Rarity said. “All those years of travelling ´round and this is all Daring Do could get? Gotta admit, is a bit disappointing,” Applejack said. “Ancient texts are often confusing and frustrating. For the time they would have been obvious answers but now, they are anything but clear,” Amira said, similarly perplexed. “Any bright ideas, Caballeron?” Twilight said, intentionally trying to expose the crook explorer but Caballeron didn´t answered. He was struggling to get to an answer and then sighed, frustrated. Caballeron put his head on his hooves, he hate to admit it but Daring Do was always better at solving puzzles, had she been there, she would have surely had solved it by now. Meanwhile, Blaze had camouflaged his goons with a magic fog that nopony seemed to notice. “He´s not making any move,” Flash commented. “Classic Caballeron tactic, keep waiting for Daring to solve all the puzzles and then come in to snatch the treasure at the last moment. This Blaze guy is just like any second rate villain, “Dash responded and Flash laughed. Blaze was clearly losing his patience, judging by his growl. Just then, Spike, who was getting tired and hungry, spotted a black rock next to him. It wasn't coal but rather onyx. A ree and precious rock, the kind that Spike had never tasted and the dragon was not one to shy away from new experience. Sadly, his stomach disagreed and his response was a loud, burping burp of flames. “Sorry. Thought that was chocolate candy rock…” he said, embarrassed. “That's it!” Twilight said, clapping her hooves. “Ancient flames, hoard, all those clues refer to dragons! A dragon´s flame must be exactly what is needed to open this entrance!” “That´s the answer indeed! Now, kidnap the youngling!” Blaze roared, really confusing Calf-I. “...the dragon, you imbecile!” And with that order, the oxs attacked the arabian stallions. The result was quite a brawl, something that actually made Applejack and even Rarity happy, an excuse to move around and do something, other than hearing Rarity complained about getting sand on her mane. “Hey! It´s a big problem!” “Rarity! Pinkie! Has anypony seen Spike?” Twilight yelled, blasting oxs left and right when she saw a pegasus snatching the little one. “Stop right there!” Flash actually obeyed, betrayed by years of royal training and then his attachment to the princess prevented him to take further action. Rainbow luckily came to his aid, kicking Twilight away. “Keep your head up, soldier boy! Remember the plan!” “Was it really necessary to kick the princess?” “Relax, she´ll be fine!” Rainbow said, grabbing Spike and actually, she was right. Twilight had landed precisely on one of the carriages, suffering no damage. Twilight noticed that, wondering who the masked pony who “attacked” her was. “Quick, servant! Use the dragon´s fire to open the path!” Blaze roared and as much Rainbow hated taking orders from him, there was a plan to follow. “Sorry Spike…” she whispered and before the dragon could recognize the voice, a sudden tug to his tail made him release a huge fire torrent. The fire interacted with the rocks and after a few seconds of silence, it opened a passageway to the interior of the cave. “My treasure is at hooves reach! Calf-I, keep them for entering the breach!” “That means keep the horses and ponies from the entrance, boss!” Rainbow explained and flew right after Blaze along with Flash. “I got that...but thanks…” “Twilight Sparkle, you and your friends can move past these criminals. We will keep them occupied!” Amira said and Twilight nodded. She took the time to thank the princess with a nod, even with their previous disagreement, they still have their best interests in mind. Twilight and Fluttershy grabbed one friend each and then Twilight teleported them all behind the line of oxs. “Wait dear, where´s Pinkie?” Rarity asked and just in time Pinkie appeared, being brought by the box themselves. “Mosh pit!” she yelled as they delvit her right into the cave. Nopony questioned that, except Calf-I growling at his goons. The Mane Five rushed to get into the cave and found the fabled jewel resting in a spire, right in the middle of an underground lake, like all the legends said. However, Blaze had already beat them to the treasure and was about to claim it for himself. “Stop right there, Balze!” “Cursed pony princess, no matter what wizardry or enforcers I use, she always escapes…” he growled. “Pony servants, do your work and kept away the pony princess!” Rainbow and Flash, still in disguise got in position to face the ponies but Twilight was already one step ahead. “All yours, girls!” she yelled and teleported at the last second, letting the other ponies jump over the pegasi. Twilgitbappreaed right in froynt of blaze who respodned, throwing a flask with a magic powder, meant to put the princess to sleep. Blaze was smirking but then Twilight responded throwing a flask of her own, which counteracted the magic. “Instructed in the zebra´s ways? That´s clever! But against my years of training you are hardly a challenger!” Twilight got ready for whatever Blaze got under his sleeve, or hood giving his attire but the moment never came. isntead, a whip suddenyl asnatched the diamodn from Blaze´s hooves. The author however was not the brave pulp novels heroine but a far more sleazy individual. “Caballeron?” “Ah, i knew all those years of getting whipped by Daring will come in handy. One learns after all…” “You simpleton fool! You have no idea what the jewel can do!” “On the contrary, my striped friend. I know more about this jewel than any of you. I admit it, I´m not as clever or resourceful as dear Daring or even the princess here but I WAS head of archaeology of Fillydelphia university for years and I do know how to work my way around texts, enough to tell what the real power of the jewel is!” and saying that, Caballeron, raised the gem so it reflected with the light coming from the entrance. The light then reflect across the room, hitting everypony. At first it seemed like nothing had happened but it had and the first to notice were Twilight and Blaze. “A-ha! Now let´s see who the real culprit is!” Pinkie declared, taking away the scarf from Flash. “Flash Sentry? But why were you and Rainbow trying to scare us away from the old cave?” “We were not trying to scare you away. We were trying to trick Blaze! Fluttershy, get off me…” Rainbow said. “If your little charade is over,” Rarity said while Applejack untied Flash. “It seems like Caballeron is back to his treacherous ways and so Twilight needs our help.” “On it!” Rainbow said but when she took off, she crashed right into a column. “Hey what gives?” “Same problem here, partner! Looks like we´re a bit off our crew ´ere!” Applejack said, struggling to get free since she somehow, got tangled with her own rope trying to free Flash. “What have you done?” Blaze roared but he didn´t sound as intimidating as before. “That´s the secret of the Spider jewel. Everypony was mistaken about it, it doesn't bring a curse, at least not in traditional sense. Is a cutie Mark remover!” Twilight sentenced, showing her now blank flank. “more of a cutie mark suppressor, Princess, “Caballeron added. “The magic properties of the jewel make our talents fade away, as long as the light of the jewel hits us, of course.” Blaze growled while Twilight asked Caballeron what were his intentions with removing his own talent. “Well, princess, while is true that without my cutie mark I´ll lost my special touch when it comes with negotiating and acquiring treasures, my desire for retirement was since if not in the way I worded it. Now that I have the jewel I´ll have no more reason to go into the field anymore, because every rich client in Equestria will pay me fortunes to keep this item secure. Even the princesses wouldn´t want this in the wrong hooves, won't they?” “NO! I shall have the jewel, no matter what!” “Oh please, what for, it will be totally useless in your hooves. Or rather, make you useless…” Caballeron smirked. “Arrogant idiot! Even if my magic is cancelled by the jewel, my bag of potions and tricks will get done the jo-” “No, it won't!” Spike yelled, carrying the bag away, having taken the opportunity to sneak the zbra and stole it. Sadly, in his rush to escape, Spike trip with a rock and fell down a hole. Twilight immediately disregarded the two stallions and jumped to get Spike to safety. Lacking her teleportation talent, Twilight grabbed Spike mid-air and her lack of flight training made both crash in eh ground. “Sorry, Twi…” he said but Twilight answered giving him a hoof. Just then, the battling forces outside finally made it inside the cave. Calf-I saw the zebra and the pony struggling to get the jewel. “Ox, do your work and stop him!” “No, get him away from me and I´ll get you ten percent of what I´ll get!” “I´m tired of every horse bossing me around!” Calf-I yelled and then rushed like a true bull at the two of them. The two villain had but a moment to realize the charging bull heading towards them, a moment too late... “Ouch, they´re gonna feel that in the morning…” Pinkie Pie said. ****** “The spider jewel was the source of many fables and warnings and indeed, is the source of a powerful and dangerous magic or rather...was,” Amira said, looking at the perfect two halves of the jeweled, that got most of the imports from Calf-I. “The effects of the jewel went off the second it got broken but any handy jeweler could get it back in one piece,” Twilight commented. “I'm aware, this item is too powerful to be hold by anyone. We should dispose of it.” “I think we got lucky getting the jewel broke in half. Not sure we can replicate it and broke it, once and for all,” Twilight said, taking a look with a magnifying glass. “Then what do you propose, Twilight?” “We got two perfect halves here, maybe we can split it. Your kingdom can secure one and Princess Celestia will find a place to hid the second one, that way also not one kingdom will have a superiority over the other...not that anypony sees your kingdom as a threat or anything,” Twilight added, blushing, but Amira laughed. “You still have much to learn about politics, my friend. Maybe we can arrange another visit for you in more...pleasant circumstances…” “That sounds...great. We should schedule one, soon.” The ponies looks at the princess talking and they all got that sam poke expression. “You know, if I didn´t know Twilight any better…” Rainbow said. “Maybe you should look other mares around, soldier boy,” she said, nudging Flash but when she noticed he was blushing, rushed to add “I didn´t mean me! I mean,..you know...stop staring at us!” The other ponies shared looks, except Spike who was distracted by a free meal of onyx. Sure, it made him burp but was worth it. ***** “So that´s the end of it,” Daring Do, in her guise of A.K Yearling said, still with her leg on a cast and looking the jewel in a display. “Caballeron, Blaze and all of Calf-i with all his goons are imprisoned and the Spider Jewel is all secure. Sounds like a happy ending to me.” “I think is kinda lame,” Rainbow said. “At the end, I didn´t do anything. Twilight ended up being more of a heroine than me. Heck, even Spike did more.” “Hey Rainbow, you do know that my stories are a little...embellished, right?” “:..” “That means exaggerated.” “I know what it means! You mean you lied, right?” “Not like that,” Yearling said, moving away from the display. “Bit you know, I didn´t always saved the day all by myself or even got away just like that. You saw Calf-I, you can guess how easy was to bribe the bouffon to get the password of his secret passage. Also, I didn´t shared the location of the cave, even if that could get the guy arrested…” “Yeah, I noticed that. But you kinda owned him a favour when he helped you escape from saddle arabian dungeon, right?” “More like a local cell but yeah, my point Rainbow, is that I´m the heroine of my stories because I write them but in your story, is only you who is the heroine?” Rainbow thought for a moment and then concluded “Nah, we´re a team effort. Daring Dash and her sidekicks!” “Haha, that's a nice title! Want me to write the account of this adventure?” “Sure! as long as I´m on the title first. Oh and in the cover too!” Yearling laughed, seeing so much of herself in the enthusiastic pony and they left, leaving the jewel of fables and legends resting alongside other treasures, like nothing more than another piece of jewelry.
Chapter 1The wind roared like a wild beast through the peaks of Foal Mountain and Daring Do wondered if this was how the Windigos of legend sounded like. She adjusted her karpa and kept climbing the icy side of mountain, jumping from rock to rock with care not to slip and fall down. Again. The goat assistants she hired earlier made it seem so easy but they have abandoned her long ago, fearing the dragons and creatures that could be hiding so high the mountain. Daring didn´t had the luxury to abandon like them, she had to reach the top before the Princess decided to laid down the sun. Daring almost tripped on a loose rock but luckily she got her security rope well tight. “Just a few more pushes”, she told herself, clinging to the rope with both hooves and teeth. She breathed a sigh of relief when she finally reached the rock she lassoed early, finding a safe spot on the steep landscape. Daring found a cave and got inside it, taking off her hoodie and goggles. Always a prepared explorers, she took out a lamp and ventured inside the dark cave. Two steps in, she almost screamed like a little filly, when she trip over a rock she mistook for a school. She chuckled and turned over, only to scream for real when she ran into the skeleton remains of...something. Daring winced and kept walking, getting deeper into the mountains. Her efforts were rewarded when she reached a wide cavern, filled with broken statues of dog headed figures. “Well, how about that?” Daring said to the empty air, hanging the lamp into the nose of a statue to get a better look. “Definitely Diamond Dogs remains. probably a leftover pack before they headed south for the Appaloosan mountains, although that didn't worked for them either…” Daring Do had an habit to talk to herself while exploring. While that looked good on her novels, providing her readers with necessary exposition, in real life, that made her vulnerable to a club to the head. Daring woke up a few minutes later, with a severe headache and dizzy eyes. She shook her head and realized she had been tied up and there was somepony else with her on the room, searching through the ruins. “Bad luck, pal. This place is deserted, won´t find anything useful here,” she said the cloaked figure. “Bad news for your boss Ahuizotl…” The silent stranger removed his cloak, revealing himself to be a zebra. A male zebra with a red, orange and yellow pattern and fiery blood red eyes. “You are not one of Ahuizotl´s goons…” “Name is Braze and I have no master,” he answered with a deep, booming voice. “whereas you my questions shall answer.” “Now Braze, I like attention like any girl but you could have at least asked me on a date first..,” “Enough! I will not tolerate your jokes!” the zebra shouted. “You will answer my questions since it´s useless to attempt escape, tied by those ropes!” Daring realized this zebra wouldn´t be as easy as Ahuizotl to distract. He certainly had a fiery temper but was smart enough to keep her close by instead of just tossing her into a death trap and forget about her, giving her plenty of time to escape. “You know, it will help to know what exactly do you want to know about?” “Do not take me for a fool, Daring Do; for you have come for the same treasure as I do!” Braze said, taking off a scroll from his cloak. “The Eye of the Star Spider, a treasure like none other…” “What do you want with it?” “What else but own its power?” The zebra smiled, showing all his sharp piranha-like teeth. Daring winced again, this guy meant trouble and he couldn´t let him put his hooves on the magic jewel. “Okay. I´ll tell you what I know but first, care to lose these ropes? They are pretty tight…” “Ha! You take me for what you will call a sucker?” Daring watched him smile and then gave him a hard headbutt. “No, just needed you to get closer. Hey, that rhymed...and hurt too…” Daring quickly regained her hooves, did a somersault and rolled next to a spear she saw earlier. “Hurry, hurry”, she said, trying to cut the ropes before Braze could recover. Once he got up, Braze roared and created a whip made of fire, lashing it at Daring Do who managed to escape just in time, taking flight upwards. Braze roared again and tried to catch Daring with his magical whip. Daring managed to avoid every hit but soon discovered she got little room to maneuver, forced to go back to the floor. “Hey, how come you didn´t used that flamy weapon before?” she asked and then noticed the whip was a lot shorter than when they started fighting. “Oh I see, it´s so cold up here that your fiery weapons don´t work. Guess that means you won't chase me out there on the snow…” “First you must get over my head…” Daring adjusted her goggles and smiled. “...that won´t be hard trick to pull, my dear friend.” Daring jumped right on time to avoid the whip, then bounced on a wall and landed right on the head of Braze. Smirking, Daring did another somersault, heading for the door. Braze gave a final roar and make a final hit at Daring, managing to trap her left leg. Daring screamed at the wound left by the fire-whip and fell down on the floor. Braze tried to got up but Daring pulled all her last strength to move towards the exit. Luckily, they were close enough that the snow and cold made the flame disappears. Daring wasted no time and just jumped downhill, remembering to spread her wings to keep herself steady but unfortunately, the snow covered them very quick and Daring ended up rolling and making a giant snowball on her way down. She rolled for several minutes before finally hitting a tree in a rather comedic way. Luckily, she had no severe injuries, aside from her hurt hoof. The goats watched her fall and came closer to help her. Daring smiled and looked up the mountain, unable to see the cave due to the snow and wind. She squinted, part from the pain, part from wondering what that zebra wanted with the Eye of the Star Spider. **** Twilight Sparkle was occupied with her latest experiment, carefully levitating the flask and glass tubes, filled with colorful liquids that had a tendency to explode when combined so she had to be very careful not to let one drop too many hit the potion… “Twilight!!” Rainbow Dash came crashing through the door, passing right next to Twilight and landing on a bookshelf. Twilight held her breath, using all her concentration to not let the glass tube fall. A few secodns of thensio nalter, she sighed, having avoided a crisis. “Twilight!” Spike said, poking her on the side. Twilight yelled and dropped the glass tube, that fell right into the boiling flask, all exploding in a purple cloud and leaving them both covered in black. “Are you okay?” Spike finished his questions. “Is everything okay here? We saw Rainbow falling down like a short sighted eagle!” Applejack said, walking in algon with the rest of their friends. “I´m fine Applejack, but Rainbow just ruined two weeks of research,” Twilight complained, while Rarity levitated a handkerchief to clean Twilight and Spike, Fluttershy and Pinkie helped Rainbow out of the pile of books. “Forget about your egghead stuff, Twilight! We have an emergency!” “Gremlins on the clouds again?” Applejack asked. “Worse!” “Another parasprite infestation?” Fluttershy asked. “Worse!” “The Wonderbolts cancelled the performance you have tickets for that you waited for five hours on the line of the Cloudsdale Stadium?” Pinkei asking without taking a single breath. “That would be a disaster Pinkie, not an emergency..and no, this is almost as bad as that!” “Well, what is it then?” Spike asked “The second worst possible thing…” “What?” they all asked. “Daring Do book is delayed again!” Rainbow fell through the ground crying, while her friends all looked each other with an arched eyebrow. “Seriously?” Applejack said. “What you mean, seriously? This is the worst news I ever heard!” “Rainbow darling, I know you are a big Daring Do fan…” “The biggest Daring Do fan!” Rainbow said, interrupting Rarity. “Yes quite, but this is hardly an emergency.” “Didn't this happened before? The book was delayed and Rainbow was so worried we travelled to a. K. Yearling´s house who turned out to be Daring Do and then we helped her recover the Rings of Scorchera before Ahuizotl could sue them to doom the valley to eight centuries of unrelenting heat? “ Pinkie Pie asked, again without taking a breath. “But this time is different. The Official Daring Do Fans magazine just reported that A. K. Yearling is hospitalized!” Rainbow said, taking the magazine out. “She got injured while doing research for the book and she´s said she will stay there for at least four weeks!” “Mmh, that is quite worrisome…” Twilight said, rubbing her chin. “Whatever do you mean, dear?” Rarity asked. “Well, before when A. K. Yearling announced a delay for health reasons, we wouldn't have thought much about it. But now we know that she and Daring are the same person…” “You think she got injured while doing some of her missions?” Applejack finished. “All the more reasons to go visit her! The Magazine says that she's staying the Veterans Hospitals, near Hollow Shades! Let´s go!” Rainbow said, shoving the magazine on Twilight's face. “We should at least make sure she´s doing well…” Fluttershy said, always the concerned one. “Even so, we can't just get into an hospital without reasons. Especially not for a famous artist liek Yearling, the hospital is most likely not allowing visits,” Twilight retorted. “Good luck then we have a Princess on our side,” Rainbow said, nudging Twilight. “Rainbow, I´m not going to use my status as a Princess to grant us access to her room!” **** “Behold, Princess Twilight Sparkle!” the Royal Guard announced, clearing the hospital hallway. “I can't believe you talked me into this…” Twilight complained. “It worked, right? Now let´s go check on Daring!” “Shh, Rainbow, keep it down!” Twilight ordered her. “Remember than Daring uses a pen name for a reason. Her adventures are kept mostly fictitious so ponies won't go looking for those dangerous artifacts.” “So should I get rid of this Get Well, Daring Do banner?” Pinkie asked, whining sheepishly when they noticed the huge amount of presents and balloons all shaped like Daring Do she was carrying. Once they finally got in the room, they found Daring stuck on bed wit her leg hold by a sling. “Hey girls,” she said, taking off her glasses in their presence. “Yearling!” Rainbow said, rushing to her idol side, forgetting so fast about the delayed book that her friends couldn't help but smile at this. “Are you okay?” “Nah, just a strained hoof. The docs are being a tad exaggerated, if you ask me,” she said, winking at Rainbow. “What happened, Yearling? The magazine says you fell down the side of Foal Mountain,” Twilight asked, “That I did but it wasn´t entirely my fault. You see, I was trying to get away from some no-gooder who´s after the same treasure I am…” Daring told the girls the story of her encounter with Braze and Rainbow reacted with rage and flapping wings. “That Braze guy again?” “You know him?” Daring asked. “Yes, not long ago he tried to stole the Half- Gilded Horseshoe and tried to use its power to control the Spirit Circled,” Twilight explained. “Wait, hang on! He found the Half-Gilded Horseshoe? That thing has been lost for centuries!” Daring asked with visible surprise. “Well, you see. The story goes like this…” Twilight resumed the story how Rainbow Dash´s attitude got so cocky she started a series of dares that ended with them all going to the Everfree Forest to recover the Horseshoe, not knowing they will actually run into a theft that tried to use it to get massive power. “I see. So this Braze character has been going around from quite sometime. That´s quite a story Twilight, I might need to talk with your friend Zecora later…” Daring said, while Rainbow pouted, not too happy with her portrait on that tale. “The important thing right now is stopping Braze from getting the Eye of the Star Spider.” “Pardon me, Mrs. Do uhm Yearling…” Applejack asked. “But what is this Eye of the Star Spider you keep talking about?” Daring looked at Twilight before explaining but the Princess looked just as confused as her friends so, Daring sighed and began “Legend says that the Diamond Dogs were excavating in search of jewels when they stumbled upon the biggest and shiniest of them all. A jewel so big that you could buy an entire kingdom and still have money to spare.” Rarity made one of her classic exclamations upon hearing this but the other ponies ignored her. “Problem was that, when they tried to get the jewel, they discovered it was attached to the head of a humongous Star Spider. As big as an Ursa Minor…” Daring continued and Fluttershy gasped at this image. “It is said they fought it for several days before finally managing to trap it under some rocks and took the jewel away. But the Diamond Dogs didn't get to enjoy it for much since it was stolen from their caves by a greedy griffon gang…” “And then what happened?” asked Rainbow Dash, so entranced on the story like she was reading a Daring Do novel. “The griffon gan lost the jewel on Saddle Arabie when trying to sell it and since then, it is lost in the pages of history…” said a suave, gentleman boice. They turned around to see the visage of Dr Caballeron, walking in. “What is he doing here?” rainbow asked, ready to fight and the other girls were just as wary of the old pony. “Young girl, I´m just here to present my best regards to a fellow explorer,” Caballeron said, handing some flowers to Daring. “As if!” “Rainbow, calm down. Caballeron has turned page…” Daring said, much to her and the other girls surprised. “As you may recall from our previous encounter, I had every intention of giving up on my life of scavenging and return to my first love of archaeology…” “Where you should return to it´s prison! After all you put Daring through on book four!” “I admit my behavior was nothing short of reprehensible but, I´ve changed my ways and only intend to have a humble retirement. I even have a recommendation letter from Princess Celestia herself,” Caballeron said, taking out said letter. “Well Daring, I wish you a speedy recovery.” Rainbow glared Caballeron all the time while he exited the room and then crossed her arms and said “Can´t believe that guy got away.” “Believe it or not, Caballeron used to be one of top archaeologist of the kingdom, before he let his greed got the best of him. Maybe he's finally getting on the right track…” Daring said, wincing at the pain of her injury she previously dismissed. “Speaking of Princess Celestia, we should send her letter, telling her to alert the rulers of Saddle Arabia to take care. Braze must be heading their way…” Twilight said. “No need for that! We can warn them ourselves!” “What?” all the ponies and a dragon said. “Rainbow, what are you…” “Don't worry Daring. You just sit down and take care of your injury while your biggest fan takes care of everything!” Rainbow Dash announced. “Rainbow, you can´t just barge in into Saddle Arabia with some crazy story about a zebra trying to get a magical jewel! They will never believe you!” “Good thing then that I happen to know a Princess who is good friends with the horses of Saddle Arabia,” Rainbow said, nudging Twilight. “Rainbow, I´m not going to use my status as a Princes to get you in a ride to the other side of the world!” ***** “Woah, that´s big!” Pinkie Pie said, looking at the luxury zeppelin that was made ready for the six of them. “I can't believe you talked me into this…” Twilight complained. “Relax, your Highness! Princess Celestia said it was fine!” Rainbow said, patting her on the back. “She also told us to be careful…” “Is the six of us, what could possible be a danger for the ponies who wielded the Elements of Harmony?” “Many things! The Elements of Harmony are the most powerful magic known to ponies, but there are more than ponies out there, Rainbow dash!” daring Do said, approaching them on a wheelchair and disguised as A.K. Yearling. “Daring, it will be fine, I tell you. Daring Dash and her friends can take care of themselves!” Rainbow said, showing off her costume who was a rainbow pattern version of Daring´s costume. “I admire your enthusiasm kid, I do; but truth is, you don't have the years of experience I have. I have been all around the globe and see things you wouldn't believe, things I didn't dare put on my books.” “Please, why is everypony so worried? We have dealt with Discord, Chrysallis and King Sombra. We have travelled to the moon, being pirates and superheroes. Twilight here even travelled to a weird world filled of strange scary creatures with wiggly things instead of hooves!” “Those wiggly things are called fingers!” Twilight said, pushing Rainbow away. “And humans are not scary creatures, they are rather nice!” “Wait, you say humans?” Daring asked. “Umh yeah, I met them after I went through the mirror on the Crystal Palace. It's quite a story, you see, I landed in a place called high school and…” “The Crystal Mirror? The mysterious artifact not even Starswirl could discover its purpose? You traveled through it? To another world? That's amazing! I have been trying to study the mirror for years but Princess Celestia always refused saying it was too dangerous! You need to tell me all about it!” Daring basically shoved herself over Twilight, showing an enthusiasm and curiosity that will make the Cutie Mark Crusaders seem tame. “Nevermind that,” Daring said, shaking her head and coming back to her senses, sitting back on her chair.. “There's more to the story that I haven't told you. Apparently, the jewel was more than ornament for the Star Spider. It was keeping her under control. No idea who put it on its head but stories told that the Diamond Dogs used the jewel to repel star creatures, the magic of the jewel so powerful they could even control an Ursa Mayor.” “But that means that however posses the jewel…” Twilight began. “Could possibly become the most dangerous creature of the world!” Rainbow Dash stopped hovering and landed next to Daring. “Daring Do. Brze won't get his hooves on the Eye of the Star Spider. I promise.” The sudden seriousness of Rainbow let even Twilight surprised but Daring quickly smiled and shook hoofs with the young pegasus. “All right, everypony!” Rainbow shouted, dashing to the deck of the zeppelin “It´s time for adventure!”
