Daring Do and the Coin of Destinyby Pink as PieChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 1Daring Do and the Coin of Destiny Join the exciting adventures of Daring Do as she travels to exotic locations, facing dangers around every corner and pitfalls from foe and friend alike. On this adventure, Daring Do travels in the Misty Woods of Fallin’ Mountains searching for the remains of an ancient civilization. Finding herself lost deep in the forest, Daring Do continues to trudge on, hoping beyond hope to find some remnant of the long lost civilization… The cool air did not still Daring’s nerves, it put her on edge. The entire landscape had an eerie feel to it; there was no wind, no movement. It was as if the Misty Woods were stuck in time unable to move forward, either because it was unable to or it did not want to. Of course that was crazy talk and if there was one thing Daring was, it was not crazy though some of her colleagues would beg to differ. Time and again, Daring would hear a noise but it would prove to simply be her imagination; the land was so barren of noise that she had to invent it herself or so she presumed. The purple and green hued vegetation added an alien feel to this already strange place. Trees only grew to about two standard ponies height above Daring and shrub was thick but sparse. There were no flowers about, pitiful amount of grass and little to no fruit and nuts. Daring was going to have to survive off of her rations until she found what she was looking for. Which brought Daring Do back to the reason she was here in the first place; a small map drawn centuries ago by who knows who, excited Daring with the tall tales she had heard of from her youth about a great and ancient civilization once dwelling in this land. Rifling for the map in her satchel, Daring’s hoof felt through medical supplies, food rations, her trusty canteen, a surgical knife and other vittles necessary for this expedition. Muttering her frustration at having difficulty finding the item that had brought her here in the first place, Daring flung her satchel up over her shoulder and onto the ground, where she continued her search. Now lying on the ground, Daring’s search through her pack went far easier than previously. Grasping map in fetlock, Daring triumphantly claimed the pesky thing. Opening the map, she reviewed the contents she had looked upon for the hundredth time. The contents of said map were sketchy at best and unreadable at worst, what they did show, but rather vaguely were the Fallin’ Mountains named so because they were inverted and from a distance they seemed to be falling. In the center of the map a faded image of the Misty Valley more commonly known as the Misty Woods, colloquially named by the nearest settlement of ponies, they were a small colony established many hundreds of miles away from Equestria, called Ponyland. They were around three hundred miles from Fallin’ Mountains and some of their explorers had rediscovered Misty Woods a few decades ago. Now Daring Do was here to seek out any and all ruins of what some archeologists had theorized existed somewhere in the Misty Woods. Returning to the map after letting her thoughts wander, Daring revisited the small marking on the map, this possible clue to the old civilization, with their rare and powerful artifact, traps to be sprung and evaded, and villains with which to do battle; it was what Daring lived for, this! This! Adventure, puzzles, traps, pygmies with spears, all of it was what Daring dreamed of when she was little and now it was her occupation. Shaking her head Daring muttered, “Gotta focus, eyes on the prize,” staring back down at the map; Misty Woods etched in the middle of the map, bordered on all sides by Fallin’ Mountains, a small black dot or maybe an ink stain, one Do hoped was the site of some ruins, a temple, anything worth exploring. Returning the map to the satchel, Daring swept the bag up and over her neck and under her shoulder. Satisfied she set off toward where the ruins she be located, navigating by lodestone, and the sun’s position, Daring trooped on. Time had passed and Daring had seemed to get no farther in this insane forest, was there really any ruins? Or Perhaps Daring was on another wild goose chase. For days on end, Daring had searched these blasted woods up and down, left and right, through and through; and for what? Nothing. Frustrated with herself and this failure of an adventure Daring kicked a brick with all her might, the brick flew up and landed a few yards away. Snorting Daring started to head back to camp. Wait, was that a brick? Stealing a glance back, Daring found that it was indeed a brick, one made of stone, and a brick meant only one thing, civilization, and where there was civilization there was adventure! Shooting up past the canopy Daring hovered surveyed the land, excitingly whipping her head back and forth searching, searching for anything that could- there, right there a small dark thing that did not match the rest of the forest. Speeding toward the dark haze in a forest of green and purple, Daring could start to make out more features, it seemed to be somewhat small, maybe they were pygmy ponies?, the structure was shaped like a trapezoid, one side was slanted and buried in dirt the other simply rose straight up, it was no pyramid or great temple but Daring knew that underground structures could be just as impressive if not more, for who knew the what laid underneath. Approaching the shambles that made up the entrance to the building, Daring drew a deep breath, reached into her satchel and pulled out a lantern powered by fireflies, drawing into the deep well which was her will she entered the ramshackle entrance and descended below. The fit was tight but Daring was not to be bested by some mere small passage, though it could help if she remembered to cut back on the sweets, it would give her the extra inch to be able to maneuver such tiny spaces better. After the twentieth second step down Daring could see it was here that the stairs stopped and the passageway began, Daring eyed the foreboding darkness, with suspicion. Darkness hid all manner of evil best after all, and if she hadn't at least learned that in all her adventuring she would have long ago been killed. Taking cautious step after step, Daring found herself in what looked to be a narrow hallway, life did not exist here and it felt like a recently opened tomb, no bugs, no cobwebs, no weeds or other kinds of vegetation, just stale air and cold wet stone. The passageway seemed to have no end, and Daring had long left the safety of the known, she had entered the unknown, for who knows how long, this ruin had remained undisturbed by anypony. Hundreds perhaps a thousand or more years had gone since the last builders of this civilization had left the world. Giddiness welled up in Daring Do’s heart she was at last doing what she always had dreamed of, once more. Tiptoeing across the brick that was haphazardly strewn across the floor that however would not trip up the one and only Daring Do! A cocky smile graced Daring’s face as she marveled at how easily she was progressing, she may not have found the artifact yet but if the rest of the way was going to be as easy, Daring stopped. Her previous smile shifted into a frown how could this be so simple, where were the traps, the dastardly villain, the spear toting pygmies! Trotting faster now, Daring was not going to lose to the mind games this place was playing with her if it thought they could trip her up it, they were going to have another thing coming. Moving faster and faster Daring was close to flying as she- bang! “ow”, Daring croaked, looking up Daring found she had hit her head on a wall that had suddenly appeared, if that wasn't a trap then Daring didn't know what was. She sighed, lying to herself was not going to make matters better, a wall was just a wall turning back she picked up her fallen lantern and made her way back when she felt her hoof slip, stumbling Daring quickly righted herself. Glancing back she searched for what had made her hoof slip then she felt it; something circular, a shape, an artifact! Excited, she placed her lantern down and brought the artifact into the light. Staring at the object in firefly light, Daring’s heart skipped as she took a good look at it. A small round coin with a small cut along the edge, the coin was wooden and inscribed were three hoofs interlocked to form a triangle, flipping the coin over a blank surface, with nothing of note. “How? Another piece of rubbish! No Artifact of immense significance, no traps, no villainous cur and no Pygmy ponies?” Daring screamed, exasperated she turned her attention back to the disappointment of a find. Bringing her ire to full bare, she leered at the treacherous trinket. She spared it no mercy; disgust welled up as she contemplated what to do with the useless thing. Filling her head with various ways to break it, her gaze never leaving it she was surprised when she couldn't see the object of her rage anymore, in fact she could only see black, blinking her vision readjusted, what had just happened? Glancing about and finding nothing had changed, Daring slowly relaxed still puzzled but with no immediate perceived danger she looked back down at the coin. ‘Gasp’, the coin it’s face the one with no marking previously now had what looked vaguely like words inscribed upon it. Daring felt her blood pump perhaps this was something magical and the weeks spent looking for these ruins would not be a total waste. Daring placed the coin in her satchel and headed back to civilization, she was going home. Having taken a week to fly back to Ponyland Daring was idly waiting for the next arrival of an outgoing airship for a ride back to Equestria, while Ponyland was nice, it just didn't have the facilities needed to support Daring’s line of work, even though Ponyland had existed for a long time it was mostly farmers and small villages, this small town being the only settlement capable of harboring airships. Having nothing to do at the moment, Daring reached inside her pack and brought out the wooden coin. Examining her prize, Daring did what any other esteemed colleague of hers would do in a situation like this with a priceless artifact of some long vanished race, quite possibly magical; she flipped it as if it were a common bit. Up and up, the coin went; higher and higher it sailed through the air, Daring never took her eye off of it for a second, then the sun’s dying rays caught it, the coin reflected the light in one marvelous rainbow for a split second. Deep down halls of pristine marble, chiseled lovingly, arches erected to hold the formidable ceiling high above the floor. Immaculate in every way, stain glass offered the only light that came from the Sun’s reflection off the moon high in the sky. A scream echoed. Suddenly a pony in nightgown, with only a slight adjustment to his bed mane and tail, scurried down the hall in the most dignified manner possible while near galloping. Trotting down the pony made an abrupt right turn into a smaller hallway. Another right and our little pony entered the bed chambers of an illustrious royal. Catching themselves almost making a grave error the pony bowed deeply upon entering, “Your gracious Prince what may I inquire trouble you?” A pony with blonde mane and tail, white fur and blue eyes, had a bewildered look upon his face that spoke of shock and confusion, turning back toward the mirror he screamed again. Chapter 2Blueblood’s screams echoed down the hallways, he seemed bewildered, confused and scared all in one. His lower jaw hung unseemly low, as his lower lip quivered he spoke, “A, a, a grey hair!-in my beautiful mane!” he exclaimed punctuating his wild claim by pointing a hoof at his mane. “My sire,” the servant pony drawled, “it is most unfortunate, this situation, might I see if I were to be so bold?” Eyeing the servant critically Blueblood acquiesced, “very well.” Trotting up so as to take a closer look, the servant brought out an oft used magnifying glass. The servant brought out a step ladder so he could better find the accused and began to search for the offending hair. Looking though layer upon layer, the servant searched till at last the hair was found, scissors summoned and the hair promptly cut off of the prince’s scalp. “There my sire, the offender has been removed. Will there be anything else you require your excellence?” “Hmm?” the prince mused, “no, no that will be all, you are dismissed.” Bowing the servant left his liege’s bedroom and returned to his quarters. “My you certainly are devishly handsome, mhhm, hmmm.” Blueblood approved, whilst regarding his reflection. After kissing the mirror, Blueblood stole away to bed; his dreams peaceful and serene. He slept like a rock. As the sun rose, the ponies of Canterlot went about their business, readying for the day, merchants set up stall, shops lit up with life, ponies went out meandering simply enjoying the day, workers repaired and built all around the city, children ran to school, the elderly sat in the park, courier ponies made deliveries and servants rushed to prepare for their lieges. Canterlot Castle stood proud overlooking Canterlot city, it’s spires dazzled pony and foreigner alike. Inside the castle: servants, guards, nobles and travelers scurried about as Princess Celestia raised the sun high into the heavens. Amidst all this hustle and bustle, Prince Blueblood royal blood tracing back into the shrouded mist of ages past, carried himself forward, chest puffed, mane glistening as he strode down the corridor toward the Royal Dining Hall. He passed servants, guard ponies, petitioners, hanger-ons, court ponies, lost tourists and a gaggle of ambassadors from the Donkey Empire, as he made his way toward the humble wooden doors from which only the most important ponies passed. As Blueblood drew nearer to his destination, his eyes gazed across the hall to the windows framing one side of the hall, he made special remark upon the time of day and breathed a dignified sigh. Approaching two great wooden doors two ponies dressed in fine livery and with cutie marks of doors being opened did approximately what their cutie marks described. As the doors sailed across the floor Blueblood entered the esteemed room where he saw his Auntie Princess Celestia delicately taking small nibbles out of her breakfast. The Royal Dining Hall was much smaller than one might assume; it begat more of a homely feel with wood being the main material used in it’s design, low hanging chandeliers and the small rectangular table used when there were no feasts to be had added to the atmosphere. At the head of the table stood two thrones, the larger one was occupied whilst the one to its right was not. The prince bowed lowly toward the Princess and then proceeded to his traditional place at the table seated right of the inferior throne. Lowering his royal personage into the high seat, Blueblood made himself comfortable as his breakfast was brought hither by a team of servants. Blueblood took his morning fare of wheat, orchard hay and blue berry salad with less gusto than a stuffed mare. He ate exceedingly slow. As this customary practice continued, he waited to be addressed, familiar with the pattern after having experienced it more than several thousand times. As if on cue, the Princess began, “Good morning Blueblood, how are you on this fine morning?” Not skipping a beat the prince responded, “Remarkably well, your highness, what, if I may inquire, of your illustrious self?” “Quite well, thank you.” Celestia regarded him with a look as if to convey she was pleased at him for something, what exactly, blueblood could not tell, though he supposed it was his mere presence. Common ponies fainted at his mere scent, royal mares blushed at his handsomeness, and Celestia was pleased to dine with him on occasion. Truly he thought to himself I am a most blessed stallion of many attributes and no vices at all, positively perfect. So the meal continued, small talk was exchanged infrequently, Blueblood enquired of the health of Celestia, the whereabouts of Princess Luna to which she had no answer and other mundane things. Until Blueblood finished his meal, got up and left with all the proper dignity required. Once again the wooden doors opened wide and Blueblood sashayed out, happy that no unfortunate presences were encountered unlike previous dining experiences. Blueblood shuddered and thought better of dwelling on such things. Cantering along, he trotted like a show horse snout pointed high, hoofs rising up high and coming back low but quickly rising back up again. He looked like a model noble stallion of high birth and not a care in the world but his own vanity. Then the voice he dreaded, had kept him awake for long amounts of time, and generally spooked him yelled, “Blue-blue!” He froze, his blood ran cold, his eyes pinpricked, and breath shallow; as hoof steps swiftly gained up, he would be caught like a beautiful peacock in a cage, his warden, his entire prison the stuff of nightmares. She who would bring ruin to all, lay waste to the country, eat foals- suddenly Blueblood was grasped in a pair of strong fore legs. Any air he had stored in his lungs was quickly expelled as she squeezed him in an iron like grip. “Oh my widdle baby Blew-Blew! How are you feeling? What’s wrong do you have a boo-boo?” Recently Blueblood was doing rather poorly, he had not an ounce of breath in the past minute, he think he may have wet himself in abject horror and he was fairly certain his pride had taken a fall if all of the smiling ponies and that one griffin were any indication. Still he had his good looks, good health, a fine fortune and-“Don’t worry Blew-Blew momma Wuna will help her wittle baby.” With that a blue alicorn sped off toward some unknown destination with a full grown white unicorn stallion on her back. Never mind looks, fortune and health are overrated. Rushing through the halls the lunar princess with occupant in tow galloped through the various halls and rooms, passing lesser ponies and a smattering of other creatures who gave the strange procession bewildered looks. Barreling through the halls Princess Luna and “Blew-Blew” along for the ride, quickly trot up a staircase and entered a room at the top of the stairs. Using her wing, Luna deposited the poor stallion into a rather large crib, Princess Luna set off toward a dresser cluttered with a variety of pictures of Blueblood and Luna, Princess Celestia, Blueblood in a little sailor outfit, Blueblood wearing a foal’s pajamas, Luna and Blueblood in matching frilly attire, and so forth. Pulling open a drawer with her magic, Luna tossed garments, toys, diapers, pacifiers and other foolish things. Blueblood was frantically searching the room for something to end his misery, it did not help that Luna had foal proofed the entire room after the last time Prince Blueblood tried to commit suicide, suffice to say he failed, miserably. This pen will not burden the further horrors that awaited our entrapped prince, but suffice it to say, Blueblood would not leave Luna’s chambers with his pride intact. Chapter 3Daring had been pacing back and forth for the past half an hour waiting for the results of the examination of the artifact she had brought back. So far her tenuous patience was near the breaking point. After arriving back home she had asked a colleague she worked with at a local museum, to begin researching the artifact she had brought back with her. Her friend had undertaken the task as usual and had told her to come back within a week, during this time Daring taught at a nearby school and moonlight giving tours of the museum, nopony ever recognised her with her disguise in place. And so a week had passed and brimming with anticipation and anxiety, Daring Do strode into her friend’s office only to be shooed out and have the door slammed behind her. Daring had stared askance at her colleague’s behavior. Her emotions running high, Daring fumed for awhile before pacing back and forth down the hallway. Our daring pony was nearing the breaking point when she felt a door sharply slam into her nose. Blinking back tears and rubbing her muzzle with her hoof; Daring stared with a sharp edge at her would be aggressor. A short and rather plump unicorn with a pair of telescopic reading glasses perched upon her snout gazed with a blank look ahead and a leg outstretched above her head as if she meant to shout out Eureka! Her eyes went steadily from unfocused to confused, gazing about she seemed to be searching for something. “Do!” she called out cupping her muzzle with a hoof, “Do!” “Behind the door.” An unamused Daring Do plainly stated. As the offending door was slowly half closed Daring came into full view of the unicorn. She looked rather bashful and it wasn’t hard to figure out the reason, in fact that egg forming on Daring’s muzzle was ample enough reason Daring thought to give the unicorn an egg in return. Suddenly the unicorn went from bashful to slightly fearful. Daring had that effect on ponies who hadn’t the slightest experience with a life of adventure. “So, um heh, sorry?” The pudgy clumsy silly pony replied. “No hard feelings?” “Don’t count your chickens, Detail.” Daring Do smiled slightly, she was glad she was funny enough to amuse herself. Adventurer and comedian, is there anything I can’t accomplish? The Unicorn, Detail, shuffled her hooves whilst staring shamefully down at the floor. As Do walked right by her into the room, Detail’s eyes widened as she did a one-eighty and rushed past the pegasus. Swerving in time to avoid knocking over the bookcase behind a desk Detail plopped down in her chair, swerving she met Daring’s cool gaze. “I have good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?” Detail’s face never left Daring’s so intent was she to share her findings. Daring paused but only for a fraction of a second, for she yearned for any knowledge to slate her thirst of this artifact she had spent weeks if not months preparing and searching for. “Tell me the good news then.” Detail puffed her cheeks and nearly squealed. Cannot for the life of me understand how or why ponies do that sort of thing. “This,” Detail indicated with a hoof the small disc shaped artifact, “is very, very, very old.” Daring Do was clearly not impressed, “That’s it?” Detail shook her head, “According to several analysts it predates Equestria.” The adventurer exhaled rather flippantly, “A lot of what I find is older than Equestria, it’s no big deal.” Her scholarly friend excitedly bubbled, “But that’s what so great about this, whatever this is, it’s older than even the most ancient equestrian civilization!” Slowly Daring Do’s casual posture shifted into one of puzzlement, and then she added, “Even older than the earliest Griffon civilizations?” The unicorn enthusiastically nodded in reply. “Furthermore, it seems to vibrate distinct unknown magical pulses intermittently. I don’t know what sort of magic it utilizes but magic nonetheless.” Leaning over her desk Detail’s eyes bore into Daring Do’s, “this could be the find of the decade Daring, and considering the origin of the artifact, it could be the find of the century!” Daring Do stood like a statue as this news washed over her in a tidal wave. A fruitless effort seemed more and more to having become an against the odds find. She, the one and only Daring Do, might have finally have accomplished something to go down into the history books for all time. An artifact with such gravity could lead to fame beyond any book series she could write and finally a place among her respected peers, or better yet a chance to rub their noses in it. “Fine what if it is not as old as you say; dating magic is quite new and except for some recent tests largely untried. Not to mention the possibility that this unexplained magic might interfere with the dating process?” Daring grilled, her calm façade melting like winter ice in spring sunshine. Shaking her head Fine Detail, glanced at a few papers, shuffled them and spoke with some trepidation, “The magic really is unknown, I should know I’ve had it tested by several unicorns with cutie marks specializing in this sort of thing.” Shifting nervously Detail went on, “but in regards to the date, I really don’t know.” Sighing Detail stared down hard at the papers scattered atop the desk as if she could divine an answer from the unorganized mess. Daring peered at her colleague for several seconds before swiping the coin from the desk, “Well until we know more I’ll keep this on me, for protection, until then adieu Detail.” Turning on a dime our intrepid explorer gallantly took to the air as she sped out of the window and out into the wide world. Back at her home hidden deep inside a black forest, Daring Do packed her suitcase and bag full of supplies necessary for her newest adventure; her destination the infamous Saddle Arabia, hopefully full of excitement, discovery and pygmy ponies, always a good idea to beat up some pygmy ponies. Her single suitcase stuffed with her adventuring clothes, a canteen, some bits and the coin, daring was ready to go. Throwing the bag onto her back, picking up the case she gripped the handle in her mouth. Walking to the door she budged it open and took off flying up into the clouds. It was a quarter till noon when Daring finally arrived at the train station. Daring swept her head left and right taking in the view. The train sat on it’s iron tracks, smoke billowing out of the main pipe stack. A small platform with a single building firmly stood in the middle of said platform. Upon this raised wooden construct a mass of ponies, probably about a baker’s dozen slowly filed on board two of the carriages attached to the train. Realizing she was most likely late, Do quickly threw on a disguise and went to buy a ticket. Sitting behind a counter, a middle aged pony stood counting bits, Daring gave a quick knock on the wooden frame through which was this pony’s portal outside his little building. Suddenly he stopped his counting and gave a startled fright. Fidgeting in his seat, he brought up his muzzle to stare directly into the eyes of the pony that had given him a fine scare. Daring stared back, the ticket pony cocked his head, seemingly quite confused. Daring pointed to the train, then herself, and then again to him in rapid succession. The pony followed her hoof all the time and as it came back to rest pointed at him comprehension slowly dawned. A small smile grew on his face and he righted his self upon his chair. Doffing a look of profession and business as usual he made the movements of a ticket clerk. First he made a sort of salute to Daring(in disguise), then he opened a small drawer filled with bits, and his hoof rose and flew on a predetermined path to the costs of travel depending on location. Daring spoke a word, and with that the clerk took her bits, gave her a ticket to Baltimare and thanked her along with wishing her a pleasant day. Daring returned the salutations with a nod and a gallop. Taking a short hop, skip and a jump she was onboard the caboose and on her way to her call of port. Adventure just waiting around the corner… The train was richly furnished, with hoof carved wood and fine red carpet layered about the floor. As far as trains went, Equestria had no competition amongst all the lands Daring had seen. Casually strolling Daring left the caboose, and went into the last passenger car. Shutting the door behind her, our adventurous action hero moved toward the front of the rear most passenger car. Finding an empty seat she lay down upon the bench. Tipping her hat down she drifted off to sleep. … Something was pressing against her brow, it felt could and stung waking up in a fright Daring saw a greasy haired mule pressing a knife against her head. The train did not seem to be moving and various other mules and donkeys were holding up other passengers. Welcome to Baltimare, Daring could not help but sigh. A couple was relieved from their precious gems and bits. As various passengers were in various states of distress, our intrepid hero had to take stock of her own situation. That knife could prove injurious but if only, “Take your dirty hoofs off of me, you filthy animal!” a fellow mare yelled at a one of the donkeys. The mule holding Daring hostage took a split second to turn her head toward the commotion; it was more than enough time for the adventurer. Shifting her head Daring managed to place herself more than far enough away from any immediate danger. Suddenly she tackled the unsuspecting mule, knocking the gangster down; Daring turned her attention to the other thieves. All seemed to be in immediate shock that this bookish looking mare had taken down one of their fellow thieves. Taking advantage Do struck the closest criminal square in the jaw, one of the more bold thieves tried to ram into her but Daring quickly knelt down and delivered a mighty buck straight into the donkeys head. Three of their comrades down the mules and donkeys so bold just a minute ago fled like a pack of startled chickens. Slowing her quickened breaths Daring calmly collected herself, proceeded to her seat and studiously ignored her fellow passengers. The stop for Baltimare was only a few minutes away. Baltimare Port was busy as usual as intercontinental trade was carried out on a brisk pace. Daring had already bought a ticket to her next port of call, a cargo ship the Trotter was going to make a stop at Saddle Arabia. Daring Do boarded the vessel. The seas were pleasantly rolling in a light wind. Daring was on her way to a whole new adventure. Author's Note Sorry it took me so long to get this out I promise I will do a lot better, hoped you enjoyed this latest chapter.
Chapter 1Daring Do and the Coin of Destiny Join the exciting adventures of Daring Do as she travels to exotic locations, facing dangers around every corner and pitfalls from foe and friend alike. On this adventure, Daring Do travels in the Misty Woods of Fallin’ Mountains searching for the remains of an ancient civilization. Finding herself lost deep in the forest, Daring Do continues to trudge on, hoping beyond hope to find some remnant of the long lost civilization… The cool air did not still Daring’s nerves, it put her on edge. The entire landscape had an eerie feel to it; there was no wind, no movement. It was as if the Misty Woods were stuck in time unable to move forward, either because it was unable to or it did not want to. Of course that was crazy talk and if there was one thing Daring was, it was not crazy though some of her colleagues would beg to differ. Time and again, Daring would hear a noise but it would prove to simply be her imagination; the land was so barren of noise that she had to invent it herself or so she presumed. The purple and green hued vegetation added an alien feel to this already strange place. Trees only grew to about two standard ponies height above Daring and shrub was thick but sparse. There were no flowers about, pitiful amount of grass and little to no fruit and nuts. Daring was going to have to survive off of her rations until she found what she was looking for. Which brought Daring Do back to the reason she was here in the first place; a small map drawn centuries ago by who knows who, excited Daring with the tall tales she had heard of from her youth about a great and ancient civilization once dwelling in this land. Rifling for the map in her satchel, Daring’s hoof felt through medical supplies, food rations, her trusty canteen, a surgical knife and other vittles necessary for this expedition. Muttering her frustration at having difficulty finding the item that had brought her here in the first place, Daring flung her satchel up over her shoulder and onto the ground, where she continued her search. Now lying on the ground, Daring’s search through her pack went far easier than previously. Grasping map in fetlock, Daring triumphantly claimed the pesky thing. Opening the map, she reviewed the contents she had looked upon for the hundredth time. The contents of said map were sketchy at best and unreadable at worst, what they did show, but rather vaguely were the Fallin’ Mountains named so because they were inverted and from a distance they seemed to be falling. In the center of the map a faded image of the Misty Valley more commonly known as the Misty Woods, colloquially named by the nearest settlement of ponies, they were a small colony established many hundreds of miles away from Equestria, called Ponyland. They were around three hundred miles from Fallin’ Mountains and some of their explorers had rediscovered Misty Woods a few decades ago. Now Daring Do was here to seek out any and all ruins of what some archeologists had theorized existed somewhere in the Misty Woods. Returning to the map after letting her thoughts wander, Daring revisited the small marking on the map, this possible clue to the old civilization, with their rare and powerful artifact, traps to be sprung and evaded, and villains with which to do battle; it was what Daring lived for, this! This! Adventure, puzzles, traps, pygmies with spears, all of it was what Daring dreamed of when she was little and now it was her occupation. Shaking her head Daring muttered, “Gotta focus, eyes on the prize,” staring back down at the map; Misty Woods etched in the middle of the map, bordered on all sides by Fallin’ Mountains, a small black dot or maybe an ink stain, one Do hoped was the site of some ruins, a temple, anything worth exploring. Returning the map to the satchel, Daring swept the bag up and over her neck and under her shoulder. Satisfied she set off toward where the ruins she be located, navigating by lodestone, and the sun’s position, Daring trooped on. Time had passed and Daring had seemed to get no farther in this insane forest, was there really any ruins? Or Perhaps Daring was on another wild goose chase. For days on end, Daring had searched these blasted woods up and down, left and right, through and through; and for what? Nothing. Frustrated with herself and this failure of an adventure Daring kicked a brick with all her might, the brick flew up and landed a few yards away. Snorting Daring started to head back to camp. Wait, was that a brick? Stealing a glance back, Daring found that it was indeed a brick, one made of stone, and a brick meant only one thing, civilization, and where there was civilization there was adventure! Shooting up past the canopy Daring hovered surveyed the land, excitingly whipping her head back and forth searching, searching for anything that could- there, right there a small dark thing that did not match the rest of the forest. Speeding toward the dark haze in a forest of green and purple, Daring could start to make out more features, it seemed to be somewhat small, maybe they were pygmy ponies?, the structure was shaped like a trapezoid, one side was slanted and buried in dirt the other simply rose straight up, it was no pyramid or great temple but Daring knew that underground structures could be just as impressive if not more, for who knew the what laid underneath. Approaching the shambles that made up the entrance to the building, Daring drew a deep breath, reached into her satchel and pulled out a lantern powered by fireflies, drawing into the deep well which was her will she entered the ramshackle entrance and descended below. The fit was tight but Daring was not to be bested by some mere small passage, though it could help if she remembered to cut back on the sweets, it would give her the extra inch to be able to maneuver such tiny spaces better. After the twentieth second step down Daring could see it was here that the stairs stopped and the passageway began, Daring eyed the foreboding darkness, with suspicion. Darkness hid all manner of evil best after all, and if she hadn't at least learned that in all her adventuring she would have long ago been killed. Taking cautious step after step, Daring found herself in what looked to be a narrow hallway, life did not exist here and it felt like a recently opened tomb, no bugs, no cobwebs, no weeds or other kinds of vegetation, just stale air and cold wet stone. The passageway seemed to have no end, and Daring had long left the safety of the known, she had entered the unknown, for who knows how long, this ruin had remained undisturbed by anypony. Hundreds perhaps a thousand or more years had gone since the last builders of this civilization had left the world. Giddiness welled up in Daring Do’s heart she was at last doing what she always had dreamed of, once more. Tiptoeing across the brick that was haphazardly strewn across the floor that however would not trip up the one and only Daring Do! A cocky smile graced Daring’s face as she marveled at how easily she was progressing, she may not have found the artifact yet but if the rest of the way was going to be as easy, Daring stopped. Her previous smile shifted into a frown how could this be so simple, where were the traps, the dastardly villain, the spear toting pygmies! Trotting faster now, Daring was not going to lose to the mind games this place was playing with her if it thought they could trip her up it, they were going to have another thing coming. Moving faster and faster Daring was close to flying as she- bang! “ow”, Daring croaked, looking up Daring found she had hit her head on a wall that had suddenly appeared, if that wasn't a trap then Daring didn't know what was. She sighed, lying to herself was not going to make matters better, a wall was just a wall turning back she picked up her fallen lantern and made her way back when she felt her hoof slip, stumbling Daring quickly righted herself. Glancing back she searched for what had made her hoof slip then she felt it; something circular, a shape, an artifact! Excited, she placed her lantern down and brought the artifact into the light. Staring at the object in firefly light, Daring’s heart skipped as she took a good look at it. A small round coin with a small cut along the edge, the coin was wooden and inscribed were three hoofs interlocked to form a triangle, flipping the coin over a blank surface, with nothing of note. “How? Another piece of rubbish! No Artifact of immense significance, no traps, no villainous cur and no Pygmy ponies?” Daring screamed, exasperated she turned her attention back to the disappointment of a find. Bringing her ire to full bare, she leered at the treacherous trinket. She spared it no mercy; disgust welled up as she contemplated what to do with the useless thing. Filling her head with various ways to break it, her gaze never leaving it she was surprised when she couldn't see the object of her rage anymore, in fact she could only see black, blinking her vision readjusted, what had just happened? Glancing about and finding nothing had changed, Daring slowly relaxed still puzzled but with no immediate perceived danger she looked back down at the coin. ‘Gasp’, the coin it’s face the one with no marking previously now had what looked vaguely like words inscribed upon it. Daring felt her blood pump perhaps this was something magical and the weeks spent looking for these ruins would not be a total waste. Daring placed the coin in her satchel and headed back to civilization, she was going home. Having taken a week to fly back to Ponyland Daring was idly waiting for the next arrival of an outgoing airship for a ride back to Equestria, while Ponyland was nice, it just didn't have the facilities needed to support Daring’s line of work, even though Ponyland had existed for a long time it was mostly farmers and small villages, this small town being the only settlement capable of harboring airships. Having nothing to do at the moment, Daring reached inside her pack and brought out the wooden coin. Examining her prize, Daring did what any other esteemed colleague of hers would do in a situation like this with a priceless artifact of some long vanished race, quite possibly magical; she flipped it as if it were a common bit. Up and up, the coin went; higher and higher it sailed through the air, Daring never took her eye off of it for a second, then the sun’s dying rays caught it, the coin reflected the light in one marvelous rainbow for a split second. Deep down halls of pristine marble, chiseled lovingly, arches erected to hold the formidable ceiling high above the floor. Immaculate in every way, stain glass offered the only light that came from the Sun’s reflection off the moon high in the sky. A scream echoed. Suddenly a pony in nightgown, with only a slight adjustment to his bed mane and tail, scurried down the hall in the most dignified manner possible while near galloping. Trotting down the pony made an abrupt right turn into a smaller hallway. Another right and our little pony entered the bed chambers of an illustrious royal. Catching themselves almost making a grave error the pony bowed deeply upon entering, “Your gracious Prince what may I inquire trouble you?” A pony with blonde mane and tail, white fur and blue eyes, had a bewildered look upon his face that spoke of shock and confusion, turning back toward the mirror he screamed again.
Chapter 2Blueblood’s screams echoed down the hallways, he seemed bewildered, confused and scared all in one. His lower jaw hung unseemly low, as his lower lip quivered he spoke, “A, a, a grey hair!-in my beautiful mane!” he exclaimed punctuating his wild claim by pointing a hoof at his mane. “My sire,” the servant pony drawled, “it is most unfortunate, this situation, might I see if I were to be so bold?” Eyeing the servant critically Blueblood acquiesced, “very well.” Trotting up so as to take a closer look, the servant brought out an oft used magnifying glass. The servant brought out a step ladder so he could better find the accused and began to search for the offending hair. Looking though layer upon layer, the servant searched till at last the hair was found, scissors summoned and the hair promptly cut off of the prince’s scalp. “There my sire, the offender has been removed. Will there be anything else you require your excellence?” “Hmm?” the prince mused, “no, no that will be all, you are dismissed.” Bowing the servant left his liege’s bedroom and returned to his quarters. “My you certainly are devishly handsome, mhhm, hmmm.” Blueblood approved, whilst regarding his reflection. After kissing the mirror, Blueblood stole away to bed; his dreams peaceful and serene. He slept like a rock. As the sun rose, the ponies of Canterlot went about their business, readying for the day, merchants set up stall, shops lit up with life, ponies went out meandering simply enjoying the day, workers repaired and built all around the city, children ran to school, the elderly sat in the park, courier ponies made deliveries and servants rushed to prepare for their lieges. Canterlot Castle stood proud overlooking Canterlot city, it’s spires dazzled pony and foreigner alike. Inside the castle: servants, guards, nobles and travelers scurried about as Princess Celestia raised the sun high into the heavens. Amidst all this hustle and bustle, Prince Blueblood royal blood tracing back into the shrouded mist of ages past, carried himself forward, chest puffed, mane glistening as he strode down the corridor toward the Royal Dining Hall. He passed servants, guard ponies, petitioners, hanger-ons, court ponies, lost tourists and a gaggle of ambassadors from the Donkey Empire, as he made his way toward the humble wooden doors from which only the most important ponies passed. As Blueblood drew nearer to his destination, his eyes gazed across the hall to the windows framing one side of the hall, he made special remark upon the time of day and breathed a dignified sigh. Approaching two great wooden doors two ponies dressed in fine livery and with cutie marks of doors being opened did approximately what their cutie marks described. As the doors sailed across the floor Blueblood entered the esteemed room where he saw his Auntie Princess Celestia delicately taking small nibbles out of her breakfast. The Royal Dining Hall was much smaller than one might assume; it begat more of a homely feel with wood being the main material used in it’s design, low hanging chandeliers and the small rectangular table used when there were no feasts to be had added to the atmosphere. At the head of the table stood two thrones, the larger one was occupied whilst the one to its right was not. The prince bowed lowly toward the Princess and then proceeded to his traditional place at the table seated right of the inferior throne. Lowering his royal personage into the high seat, Blueblood made himself comfortable as his breakfast was brought hither by a team of servants. Blueblood took his morning fare of wheat, orchard hay and blue berry salad with less gusto than a stuffed mare. He ate exceedingly slow. As this customary practice continued, he waited to be addressed, familiar with the pattern after having experienced it more than several thousand times. As if on cue, the Princess began, “Good morning Blueblood, how are you on this fine morning?” Not skipping a beat the prince responded, “Remarkably well, your highness, what, if I may inquire, of your illustrious self?” “Quite well, thank you.” Celestia regarded him with a look as if to convey she was pleased at him for something, what exactly, blueblood could not tell, though he supposed it was his mere presence. Common ponies fainted at his mere scent, royal mares blushed at his handsomeness, and Celestia was pleased to dine with him on occasion. Truly he thought to himself I am a most blessed stallion of many attributes and no vices at all, positively perfect. So the meal continued, small talk was exchanged infrequently, Blueblood enquired of the health of Celestia, the whereabouts of Princess Luna to which she had no answer and other mundane things. Until Blueblood finished his meal, got up and left with all the proper dignity required. Once again the wooden doors opened wide and Blueblood sashayed out, happy that no unfortunate presences were encountered unlike previous dining experiences. Blueblood shuddered and thought better of dwelling on such things. Cantering along, he trotted like a show horse snout pointed high, hoofs rising up high and coming back low but quickly rising back up again. He looked like a model noble stallion of high birth and not a care in the world but his own vanity. Then the voice he dreaded, had kept him awake for long amounts of time, and generally spooked him yelled, “Blue-blue!” He froze, his blood ran cold, his eyes pinpricked, and breath shallow; as hoof steps swiftly gained up, he would be caught like a beautiful peacock in a cage, his warden, his entire prison the stuff of nightmares. She who would bring ruin to all, lay waste to the country, eat foals- suddenly Blueblood was grasped in a pair of strong fore legs. Any air he had stored in his lungs was quickly expelled as she squeezed him in an iron like grip. “Oh my widdle baby Blew-Blew! How are you feeling? What’s wrong do you have a boo-boo?” Recently Blueblood was doing rather poorly, he had not an ounce of breath in the past minute, he think he may have wet himself in abject horror and he was fairly certain his pride had taken a fall if all of the smiling ponies and that one griffin were any indication. Still he had his good looks, good health, a fine fortune and-“Don’t worry Blew-Blew momma Wuna will help her wittle baby.” With that a blue alicorn sped off toward some unknown destination with a full grown white unicorn stallion on her back. Never mind looks, fortune and health are overrated. Rushing through the halls the lunar princess with occupant in tow galloped through the various halls and rooms, passing lesser ponies and a smattering of other creatures who gave the strange procession bewildered looks. Barreling through the halls Princess Luna and “Blew-Blew” along for the ride, quickly trot up a staircase and entered a room at the top of the stairs. Using her wing, Luna deposited the poor stallion into a rather large crib, Princess Luna set off toward a dresser cluttered with a variety of pictures of Blueblood and Luna, Princess Celestia, Blueblood in a little sailor outfit, Blueblood wearing a foal’s pajamas, Luna and Blueblood in matching frilly attire, and so forth. Pulling open a drawer with her magic, Luna tossed garments, toys, diapers, pacifiers and other foolish things. Blueblood was frantically searching the room for something to end his misery, it did not help that Luna had foal proofed the entire room after the last time Prince Blueblood tried to commit suicide, suffice to say he failed, miserably. This pen will not burden the further horrors that awaited our entrapped prince, but suffice it to say, Blueblood would not leave Luna’s chambers with his pride intact.
Chapter 3Daring had been pacing back and forth for the past half an hour waiting for the results of the examination of the artifact she had brought back. So far her tenuous patience was near the breaking point. After arriving back home she had asked a colleague she worked with at a local museum, to begin researching the artifact she had brought back with her. Her friend had undertaken the task as usual and had told her to come back within a week, during this time Daring taught at a nearby school and moonlight giving tours of the museum, nopony ever recognised her with her disguise in place. And so a week had passed and brimming with anticipation and anxiety, Daring Do strode into her friend’s office only to be shooed out and have the door slammed behind her. Daring had stared askance at her colleague’s behavior. Her emotions running high, Daring fumed for awhile before pacing back and forth down the hallway. Our daring pony was nearing the breaking point when she felt a door sharply slam into her nose. Blinking back tears and rubbing her muzzle with her hoof; Daring stared with a sharp edge at her would be aggressor. A short and rather plump unicorn with a pair of telescopic reading glasses perched upon her snout gazed with a blank look ahead and a leg outstretched above her head as if she meant to shout out Eureka! Her eyes went steadily from unfocused to confused, gazing about she seemed to be searching for something. “Do!” she called out cupping her muzzle with a hoof, “Do!” “Behind the door.” An unamused Daring Do plainly stated. As the offending door was slowly half closed Daring came into full view of the unicorn. She looked rather bashful and it wasn’t hard to figure out the reason, in fact that egg forming on Daring’s muzzle was ample enough reason Daring thought to give the unicorn an egg in return. Suddenly the unicorn went from bashful to slightly fearful. Daring had that effect on ponies who hadn’t the slightest experience with a life of adventure. “So, um heh, sorry?” The pudgy clumsy silly pony replied. “No hard feelings?” “Don’t count your chickens, Detail.” Daring Do smiled slightly, she was glad she was funny enough to amuse herself. Adventurer and comedian, is there anything I can’t accomplish? The Unicorn, Detail, shuffled her hooves whilst staring shamefully down at the floor. As Do walked right by her into the room, Detail’s eyes widened as she did a one-eighty and rushed past the pegasus. Swerving in time to avoid knocking over the bookcase behind a desk Detail plopped down in her chair, swerving she met Daring’s cool gaze. “I have good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?” Detail’s face never left Daring’s so intent was she to share her findings. Daring paused but only for a fraction of a second, for she yearned for any knowledge to slate her thirst of this artifact she had spent weeks if not months preparing and searching for. “Tell me the good news then.” Detail puffed her cheeks and nearly squealed. Cannot for the life of me understand how or why ponies do that sort of thing. “This,” Detail indicated with a hoof the small disc shaped artifact, “is very, very, very old.” Daring Do was clearly not impressed, “That’s it?” Detail shook her head, “According to several analysts it predates Equestria.” The adventurer exhaled rather flippantly, “A lot of what I find is older than Equestria, it’s no big deal.” Her scholarly friend excitedly bubbled, “But that’s what so great about this, whatever this is, it’s older than even the most ancient equestrian civilization!” Slowly Daring Do’s casual posture shifted into one of puzzlement, and then she added, “Even older than the earliest Griffon civilizations?” The unicorn enthusiastically nodded in reply. “Furthermore, it seems to vibrate distinct unknown magical pulses intermittently. I don’t know what sort of magic it utilizes but magic nonetheless.” Leaning over her desk Detail’s eyes bore into Daring Do’s, “this could be the find of the decade Daring, and considering the origin of the artifact, it could be the find of the century!” Daring Do stood like a statue as this news washed over her in a tidal wave. A fruitless effort seemed more and more to having become an against the odds find. She, the one and only Daring Do, might have finally have accomplished something to go down into the history books for all time. An artifact with such gravity could lead to fame beyond any book series she could write and finally a place among her respected peers, or better yet a chance to rub their noses in it. “Fine what if it is not as old as you say; dating magic is quite new and except for some recent tests largely untried. Not to mention the possibility that this unexplained magic might interfere with the dating process?” Daring grilled, her calm façade melting like winter ice in spring sunshine. Shaking her head Fine Detail, glanced at a few papers, shuffled them and spoke with some trepidation, “The magic really is unknown, I should know I’ve had it tested by several unicorns with cutie marks specializing in this sort of thing.” Shifting nervously Detail went on, “but in regards to the date, I really don’t know.” Sighing Detail stared down hard at the papers scattered atop the desk as if she could divine an answer from the unorganized mess. Daring peered at her colleague for several seconds before swiping the coin from the desk, “Well until we know more I’ll keep this on me, for protection, until then adieu Detail.” Turning on a dime our intrepid explorer gallantly took to the air as she sped out of the window and out into the wide world. Back at her home hidden deep inside a black forest, Daring Do packed her suitcase and bag full of supplies necessary for her newest adventure; her destination the infamous Saddle Arabia, hopefully full of excitement, discovery and pygmy ponies, always a good idea to beat up some pygmy ponies. Her single suitcase stuffed with her adventuring clothes, a canteen, some bits and the coin, daring was ready to go. Throwing the bag onto her back, picking up the case she gripped the handle in her mouth. Walking to the door she budged it open and took off flying up into the clouds. It was a quarter till noon when Daring finally arrived at the train station. Daring swept her head left and right taking in the view. The train sat on it’s iron tracks, smoke billowing out of the main pipe stack. A small platform with a single building firmly stood in the middle of said platform. Upon this raised wooden construct a mass of ponies, probably about a baker’s dozen slowly filed on board two of the carriages attached to the train. Realizing she was most likely late, Do quickly threw on a disguise and went to buy a ticket. Sitting behind a counter, a middle aged pony stood counting bits, Daring gave a quick knock on the wooden frame through which was this pony’s portal outside his little building. Suddenly he stopped his counting and gave a startled fright. Fidgeting in his seat, he brought up his muzzle to stare directly into the eyes of the pony that had given him a fine scare. Daring stared back, the ticket pony cocked his head, seemingly quite confused. Daring pointed to the train, then herself, and then again to him in rapid succession. The pony followed her hoof all the time and as it came back to rest pointed at him comprehension slowly dawned. A small smile grew on his face and he righted his self upon his chair. Doffing a look of profession and business as usual he made the movements of a ticket clerk. First he made a sort of salute to Daring(in disguise), then he opened a small drawer filled with bits, and his hoof rose and flew on a predetermined path to the costs of travel depending on location. Daring spoke a word, and with that the clerk took her bits, gave her a ticket to Baltimare and thanked her along with wishing her a pleasant day. Daring returned the salutations with a nod and a gallop. Taking a short hop, skip and a jump she was onboard the caboose and on her way to her call of port. Adventure just waiting around the corner… The train was richly furnished, with hoof carved wood and fine red carpet layered about the floor. As far as trains went, Equestria had no competition amongst all the lands Daring had seen. Casually strolling Daring left the caboose, and went into the last passenger car. Shutting the door behind her, our adventurous action hero moved toward the front of the rear most passenger car. Finding an empty seat she lay down upon the bench. Tipping her hat down she drifted off to sleep. … Something was pressing against her brow, it felt could and stung waking up in a fright Daring saw a greasy haired mule pressing a knife against her head. The train did not seem to be moving and various other mules and donkeys were holding up other passengers. Welcome to Baltimare, Daring could not help but sigh. A couple was relieved from their precious gems and bits. As various passengers were in various states of distress, our intrepid hero had to take stock of her own situation. That knife could prove injurious but if only, “Take your dirty hoofs off of me, you filthy animal!” a fellow mare yelled at a one of the donkeys. The mule holding Daring hostage took a split second to turn her head toward the commotion; it was more than enough time for the adventurer. Shifting her head Daring managed to place herself more than far enough away from any immediate danger. Suddenly she tackled the unsuspecting mule, knocking the gangster down; Daring turned her attention to the other thieves. All seemed to be in immediate shock that this bookish looking mare had taken down one of their fellow thieves. Taking advantage Do struck the closest criminal square in the jaw, one of the more bold thieves tried to ram into her but Daring quickly knelt down and delivered a mighty buck straight into the donkeys head. Three of their comrades down the mules and donkeys so bold just a minute ago fled like a pack of startled chickens. Slowing her quickened breaths Daring calmly collected herself, proceeded to her seat and studiously ignored her fellow passengers. The stop for Baltimare was only a few minutes away. Baltimare Port was busy as usual as intercontinental trade was carried out on a brisk pace. Daring had already bought a ticket to her next port of call, a cargo ship the Trotter was going to make a stop at Saddle Arabia. Daring Do boarded the vessel. The seas were pleasantly rolling in a light wind. Daring was on her way to a whole new adventure. Author's Note Sorry it took me so long to get this out I promise I will do a lot better, hoped you enjoyed this latest chapter.
