Daring Do and the Wrath of the Eldersby PankraziusChaptersPrologueChapter 1 - Neither snow nor rainChapter 2 - Menace in the darkChapter 3 - To the Rescue!Chapter 4 - Meanwhile in CloudsdaleChapter 5 - Following the TrailChapter 6 - The Calm Before the StormPrologue"STOOOOP HEEEER!", the booming voice of her arch enemy yelled and echoed through the sturdy, trapezoid shaped hallways. Beastly statues, sitting in alcoves, holding torches, rushed by. Reliefs of ancient gods and heroes just a blurry impression. Daring Do had not much time, to check how many of Ahuizotls minions were after her, but knowing him 'all of them' was a good assumption. So, like a pale golden lightning she chased along the way. Falling stone block! A forceful jump. Wings flapped. Passed! But... In an instant she let herself fall to the ground. Arrows! Centimeters over her head. Dodging, crawling, jumping. No time to rest! The ground before her - suddenly gaped open. Evil grinning alligators waiting down in the pit. Cautious she set one hoof on the small ledge. One step after another. Slowly. Her heart puckered like a pecker in her breast. Her forehoof got grip on one of the stone reliefs, representing some ugly guard demon. Another step. Pebbles! she nearly slipped out and... Snapping and growling beneath her hooves. Scaled creatures longed for the fallen boulders. 'That's all you'll get from me!', Daring grinned tense, brushing gray hair out of her face. Another step, another grip. A sharp click! Her magenta colored eyes went small. 'Oh. Horseapples!' The stone head right before her very face opened its mouth. Time stretched for a glimpse, as a red glow grew brighter in the opening. One Blink. She let go. Another Blink. She fell. Blink. Fire bolted, the flames just inches from her wings as she spread them. Blink. The added air resistance slowing her fall, alligators staring in vicious anticipation. Blink. Scales, pointy teeth, gaping jaws. Water splashing as her wings finally got a hold. Blink. She darted in a low arc between fire and teeth. Engaging flaps, desperately leaning in a sharp climbing flight, way to close to the rugged wall. Daring Do emerged the pit and accelerated, as she recognized the stone door slowly grinding to a close. "Nnnnnaaah!", clenching her teeth Daring pushed herself forwards. Scraping through the portal, the last moment possible. "Celestias sake... I need a break." she leaned herself against a tree, panting for air. Even the boiling hot damp jungle and the mosquitos felt like a respite. Daring took her topee off. Pulled out the arrow stuck in it without hesitation, dropping it. She hoofed inside the helmet, fetching a small golden disc. Then she allowed herself a relieved exhale. Plock! 'What the hay?' The spear stood planted in the ground still vibrating, just a hoof in front of her. *** "So. Should work, I assume.", Sandy Gears spoke to himself, as no one else was here. Besides his new pet. But that was not much of a dialog partner. Especially as it was sleeping. And likely not very interested in the intricate details of aeronautical engineering. Anyway. He could be proud. Fixing the engine, with just vines and wood logs. Not that this was the correct way to fix this highly advanced piece of aviation techniqe. But, it wasn't like there were a workshop at hand. The gray, orange haired earthpony walked around his very own invention. Aviator Mark II. Or should it better dubbed Mark III, he wondered - due to the major changes made lately. A standard flying chariot - used in all of Equestria. But with its own Steam-propulsion-engine. Brass boiler, pipes and exhausts and added wings Yes. He could be proud. And they laughed, as I said earth ponies can fly. "GEARS! Start the damn machine!" Daring's yell jolted him out of his thoughts. "Miss Do. I didn't expect you for another...", he answered loud. "Darn it! Make it ready!" Miss Do seemed to be in a hurry. She bolted out between the trees and took flight immediately once she had a free field. A dozen ponies in a very rural attire followed her, throwing spears or shot arrows. No gentlecolts indeed. "Don't worry. We are set and ready. The boiler is heating-up since....", Gears wondered, if she would stop. No. At closer examination, it seems obvious that miss Do, didn't intent to.... He barely managed to jump on his machine, and open the steam valves, as Daring rushed past him crashing into the chariot. *** The flying machine took up speed, roaring accompanied by minor explosions down towards the end of the plateau, leaving a trail of white and black fume behind. Daring sat inside the chariot, looking at the scene behind. It was to loud to hear anything - but the way Ahuizotl jumped and threatened with his arms, she could imagine what he wanted to say. A few stray spears missed the vehicle, as Daring's awareness suddenly got pulled towards... "What the hay does this BAT in here?!", she jumped up, shivering, trying to gain as much distance as possible to the infernal animal. "My new pet.", Gears, explained, visibly untouched. "By the heavens. I BUCKING HATE BATS!" With this the chariot turned over the cliffs edge and, with an exceptionally loud explosion, out of sight. Moments afterward the vehicle ascended over the horizon flying in barely stable manner towards the sun, leaving the plateau, the temple goons, tribesponies and Ahuizotl, her blue furred, oddly dog shaped adversary behind - foaming with rage. Author's Note Right-click and open in new tab, please] Ghastly Gorge Productions proudly present Daring Do And the Wrath of the Elder starring A.K. Yearling Rainbow Dash Derpy Hooves Ahuizotl book Pankrazius director Alan Smithee Chapter 1 - Neither snow nor rain MANEHATTEN INSTITUTE Equestrian Union Telegram -------------------------------------------------- ***** -------------------------------------------------- Send the following telegram, subject to the terms on the back hereof, wich are hereby agreed to To: Rainbow Dash Cloudhome at Ponyville Ponyville, RG Canterlot STAYING IN BARNFORD, CONEIGHTICUT THE NEXT TWO WEEKS --- STOP --- ARRIVE ON 3, 1ST MOON --- STOP --- MEET ME AT MAREHALL COLLEGE --- STOP --- YEARLING A.K. MANEHATTEN INSTITUTE -----*****------ "Ohmigoshomigoshomigosh...", Rainbow Dash jumped up and rushed out of the post office, followed by a burst of poststamps and letters and complaining shouts. Once outside the skyblue mare spread her wings to take flight in an instant, shooting in loopings through several clouds leaving vague pegasus-shaped holes, yelling and cheering in joy. The last thing, the confused bystanders, at the train station square witnessed, were the echoing words "BEEEEEST DAY EEEVER!" and a fading rainbow. -----*****------ Derpy Hooves slid gently through the sky. The air was cold and the ground covered in snow, but at least the annoying wind had settled and no snowfalls were predicted. But being a pegasus, she was accustomed to low temperatures, so It was quite nice, seeing the little white heaps marking roofs and the occasional snowpony dotted around below her. Her post bag was almost empty too and she anticipated a nice, lush and above all free afternoon. One last delivery, she sighed in relief. The days around Hearth Warming Eve tend to be stressful, as suddenly every single pony throughout Equestria seemed to remember every single living relative. "Rainbow Dash, Ponyville.", the gray mare checked the address. She looked up trying to adjust her vision.To no avail, like every time. Clouds. Some bigger, some smaller. Hard to distinct whether they were really smaller, or only further away. Derpy was used to her walled eyes. More or less. As any pegasus, she could read the wind. Changing air currents - due to weather, clouds or obstacles. Minutes later, she approached a distinctive cloud. Shaped like a small temple. Cloud columns supporting a low angled roof. Two small rainbow-falls running down the wall, fading with the wind beneath the base cloud. A typical Cloudsdale- style house. Only, far away from the pegasus city. More and more details became visible. Small statues, small windows. A turtle with some kind of propeller on her back. Wait a minute. Turtle? Maybe Rainbow Dash had a pet. Derpy wondered, if turtles were like dogs, and therefore love to chase mailmares around. Anyway, how could someone like Rainbow Dash adopt a turtle? Oh - and by the way - a turtle as pet, were a cool thought. Or maybe some other animal. For some blinks the pale grey yellow haired mare embraced the idea, of having a pet. Her daughter would love it. Derpy's mind wandered anywhere. Anywhere, but not to the house growing bigger in front of her. -----*****------ "Come down, Rainbow Dash. Keep calm...", Rainbow told herself, about the one millionth time. She was wandering in circles, hyped and mad with anticipation. a visible, circular ditch had already formed in the ground. Daring Do had invited her! Awesome! Rainbow had packed and was ready to start. Now... actually she had sped through the sky, dropped by her home, just to run around like crazy, fetch her luggage and filled anything in, she thought to be useful. Then she threw out half of the things and packed again. That had taken about five minutes. The train wouldn't leave until tomorrow morning! "Gnaaaaaah!", she groaned. Likewise about the millionth time. Rainbow had showered, trained, showered again, made up her kitchen (a real mess after all), trained again and - all in all ran around aimlessly in her home. Her eye fell upon one of the Daring Do books, she had packed the first time. Not that she would need them, as she were about to meet Daring Do for real. Reading! A few minutes later she cuddled up in her favorite reading chair. She had made cocoa, which left her kitchen in the same state of chaos as before she cleaned up. But delving into the first chapter, following poor Daring Do with her broken wing through the jungle, her wandering mind calmed down. Until... A remarkable "THUD" left Rainbows cloudhome to quake. Even her beloved framed Wonderbolts-Academy picture fell off the wall. Luckily clouds were softer then tiled floor - so it didn't break. "What the hay?" she jolted up. A long moaning sound was to hear outside. -----*****------ "Derpy?", a dull, worried sounding voice called her. Derpy Hooves looked up and tried to figure out, which of the about four azure blue, rainbow-maned ponies, had actually spoken. "Ooooohwww. Everything fine.", she murmured, towards number two point five, while straightening herself. Feeling her head, she hissed painfully. That would give a bump. "Oh my gosh. Come on in. Have a seat.", yes number 2.5 really seemed promising, to be the real Rainbow Dash. Later Derpy sat on a chair in Rainbows living room. Wonderbolt posters decorated one wall, pictures from several other ponies stood upon her fireplace. The most faces were common to Derpy Hooves. Twilight and her friends. And supposedly Rainbows parents were shown. The room itself was pretty untidy. It seemed as if some burglar had tried to pack anything reachable in a box, just to throw it out again. "Hey. You're reading Yearling. Didn't know that.", Derpy discovered the surprisingly neat stacked books. "Yeah," Dash admitted, balancing a cup out of the kitchen, "Its my favorite." "Oh. I see.", Derpy received the tea. "You reading too?", Rainbow asked. "Yes. And actually I have read the first few Daring Do books.", she explained. She thought to recognize a particular look on Rainbow Dash face. "You know... I maybe have no three dimensional view, with my eyes. But I am pretty good with details - and before you ask. I can read." -----*****------ Rainbow Dash gestured apologizing. "I didn't mean to offend you..." "Oh," confusion stood in Derpys face for a moment. Then she blushed "Oh. sorry. I... its just..." "Anypony sees just a clumsy wall-eyed mare and couldn't believe you're more?", Rainbow added, over her cup. She knew at least what a hell live could be with annoying bullies around. Luckily these days had gone by long ago. "Yes. Its about that. Sorry again," Derpy looked a bit sad. "No need to apologize for you. Seriously. Sooo. You read Daring Do, huh?", now Rainbow was curious. "Not lately. Honestly, -" Derpys eyes started to glow "- I am more into Quarter Mane." It seems, that Derpy was fascinated of fantastic worlds and adventures. To her surprise, authors long before Daring had written such stories. E. Race Buckskin, H.P. Lovedraft - names Twilight surely knew. But not herself. "Ooooh kayyyy. I think I got it," Rainbow Dash grinning interrupted Derpys enthusiastic monologue "Uhm, by the way... why are you here, actually?" "Oh," Derpy looked up, blushing. "Oh my. I... got carried away." Then she hoofed in her mail bag. "Here. This is for you." No sender on the envelope, but an official looking logo 'Marehall Collegue, Barnford CN' "Huh?", Rainbow grabbed the letter, ripped the envelope open and unfolded the paper. -----*****------ Derpy could see, how Rainbow Dash moved from surprised, to happy, to shocked. At last she let go of the letter, letting it fall to the ground and sunk back in her chair. The look on her face plain mortified. Under normal circumstances it was none of her business as mailmare, to sniff in other ponies letters. But under normal circumstances, the blue, flamboyant and engaging pegasus, wouldn't be that depressed. Hay, Rainbow seemed about to cry! "Everything ok?", Derpy managed on the second try to lay her hoof around Rainbows back. Instead of complaining, she leaned forward and buried her head on Derpys shoulder. Sobbing sounds - the total opposite of her behavior, just moments before. Home time or not, she just couldn't leave Rainbow Dash in such a state. "Don't you want to tell?", she gently asked. It took a minute or so for Rainbow to get her raised far enough to answer. "Look." Derpy took the letter. "...hmhmhm... .... I regret to have to revoke ...... Sincerily yours, A.K. Yearling.... oh.... OH!", Derpy realized. "Yeah.", Rainbow sniffed. "Oh my gosh. I am so sorry Rainbow.", she said, unsure what to say anyway. "It wasn't your fault. Its... Ok. But... look. All my friends are out. Visiting parents over the vacancies, or went skiing to Aspony... Even AJ is in Manehatten with her relatives." "And you?", Derpy asked. "Gnah. I had been, too. Had to be back earlier. Weather patrol, yknow. A.K. Yearling wrote me a few days ago, invited me to join her. Today she even sent me a telegram with last details. And now... THIS," Rainbow hung her head low. Derpy patted the mares back. The letter was a rather harsh and dry written revocation, stating that the author had too much to do, to let Rainbow visit. On second thought, it felt a bit... off. Given Dash didn't lie about being Yearlings greatest fan. On third thought, this story felt outright suspicious. Derpy blinked a few times. "Wait a minute!", she jumped up, nearly toppled Rainbow and her chair over. She grabbed one of the newer books - that one, showing Daring Do and a second mare with intriguing similarities to Rainbow Dash - and opened it. Yes. It was a vague guess at first. But now it was obvious. "Look Rainbow." "Yeah. I can see it. An autograph. And now?" "Gosh. Look at the writing. Look at the letter!", this was so clear. Rainbow held the letter next to the inscription. She panted, her eyes wide open. "Woah! That's not Daring Do's handwriting." "See!", said Derpy with a wide smile. Now she had managed to uplift Rainbows spirits. It was good to see her lesser crestfallen than before. "Do you know, what that mean?!" before she could react, Rainbow clutched her shoulders and shook Derpy furiously. "Nnn n nn oo oo oo o?", the mailmare wobbled. "Daring Do is in danger. Somepony try to cut her off from us." "Oh? OH No! And, what should we do?" "Saving her of course. We'll fly to Barnford as fast as possible." Derpy deliberated one moment. Maybe Rainbow Dash was right. The whole thing was fishy at least. And maybe Miss Yearling could need help. On the other hoof - why should somepony do something like this? But anyway - it seems like an adventure to her. "We?", Derpy was honestly surprised. "Sure. What did you think? Without you I've never learned about the fraud! I could need some help with this kind of things.... but I didn't even ask if you have time... So if you don't want...", Rainbow Dash closed. "Oh no, I have time. The Doctor and the kids are on a " - She looked upwards partially - " field trip. Y'know - he wanted to do me a favor and give me some days rest. Second - the most authors I read are dead and gone since decades. So meet a real writer could be fun. And third - if there's really something ahoof... I've never been on an adventure like this..." "Then - to the rescue!", Rainbow exclaimed, letting Derpy jump with glee - her heroic pose ending as her hindleg got stuck on the table and an avalanche of books buried her. Author's Note also starring Connemara Hinds Clyde Dale Chapter 2 - Menace in the darkTremors. The spider perked up from her thoughts. As far as shady dreams of flies and bugs being trapped before eaten could count as thoughts. She opened her twelve eyes and started searching for the source of those strange vibrations. First it was the reflection of flickering light. A torch - however the spider had never seen an actual torch, nor did she know what it was in the first place. The light was followed by some really really big creatures - holding said light in one hand. She had never seen anything like this. As far as she could remember she hadn't seen anything bigger then a rat down here. This was... exciting! So she crawled out of her soft comfy webbed hiding place onto the sturdy strings of her web. Not to brag, but she was quite proud of it. Not there were much occasions to brag about. Well anyways - now she was eager to learn more about those visitors. The first creature was blueish, with a big protruding head and massive jaws. Small eyes . A long neck and a wide upper chest, narrowing to small but muscular flanks. Sturdy feet and a tail ending in a strange grabby thing. Nothing too unusual, obviously. It was followed by two four-legged fellows, who didn't have any of those wiggly parts on the ends of their feet. Curious. "Aaaaah at last! We have found it!", Ahuizotl, standing in triumph, the waving torch casting a flickering pattern of light and shadows. After all this months of research, of hopes and fails. Finally! The temples had been in a much more derelict state then expected - but quenching the lingering fear Ahuizotl dreaded - the statue had survived. And more important - Tlalocs Key shimmering golden in the hands of the stone likeness! "I zaid we'll find zhe relik here. My studies on zis subject were advanzed, if I may say so, Herr Ahuizotl.", the blue being tilted his head towards his minions. Doktor von Marstall, had proven to be an extraordinary helper the last months. The grey coated dark maned scientist, had uncovered some most important hints, leading to this treasure. Mostly by intimidation and blackmaling - but who was he to object to his results? "What ever the doctor said.", the other companion sighed, rolling his eyes in visible annoyance. It was no secret to Ahuizotl, that Manefred Pommel despised everything about the doctor. Starting by his arrogance up to his immense success in finding lost treasures. "I even don't zink zat your friend Daring Do would have found zis plaz....", a lightning of rage jolted to Ahuiziotls body. "NEVER! NEVER say her name. DO you understand! Not at such a sacred place!" Ahuizotl spun around, threatening this arrogant bastard with his finger, glaring furiously. Slowly Ahuizotl approached the depiction of Tlaloc, holding back his underlings with a stern gesture. They were less than dust in the eyes of the great god, unworthy of setting hoof on even the lowest step of the stairs leading up to the monument. The head with the protruding tentacle-like beard. The big all-seeing eyes. A strong body to lead and defend his subjects. "It has been a long time, since I have seen you in all your grandeur, -" his normally barking voice dimmed to a low growling murmur. "- My Lord." Yes, this one was the only king Ahuizotl would accept to bow for. The lord of his ancestors. Father of his kin. What did his pesky henchponies even know, bowing for royal sisters? Children in the eyes of the rulers walking this world Aeons before them. "Forgive me, my Lord, for I have to sin. Under your very eyes I have to take the key, you've guarded for all this centuries. But you know the truth. This is no act of greed, but a deed to restore the glory of you and your brothers and sisters.", torn between incredible triumph and the fear of divine punishment, Ahuizotl hesitated. His fingers only inches away from the golden object, held between the statues hands. Basically in a wedge form, engraved with the old language of his folk. Few creatures, roaming the world nowadays, were able to read the sacred pictograms. For him the key, was covered in the old songs of his kin, praises to gods no one in this days could even remember, warnings to never betray them. "Herr Ahuizotl, why do you hezitate? We need zis object for our plan to work.", the doctor spoke. "Leave him, von Marstall. He knows better than you, what to do.", Pommel grumbled from behind. The spider had rappelled herself just above the head of the blue creature. It was far more interesting then anything ever happened here - and she wouldn't miss any moment of this. Growling the intruder grabbed the golden thing and pulled hefty. Some moments later, he ripped the item off the statues hands, tumbled a half step backwards. "Ah ahahahhaha! Here it is!", the blue thing vibrated. Moments after this the spider sensed the harsh vibrations of stone grinding against stone. The statutes hands clutched together with a cracking eruption of her web. But wait. it didn't stop! A deep, disturbing rumbling from beneath, waked her alertness. This was not good. The cave had never done this.... shouldn't do this! Even the three intruders yelled something, she couldn't understand because of the noise rippling through the expanding threads of her home. Without hesitation, the spider did the only thing, she considered useful and capped the string she hung on. No moment to late, as the blue creature was whirling around and ran after his companions. Out of the finally collapsing cave. * * * "Gentlecolts, our last venture turned to have been an incredible success.", Ahuizotls exotic appearance was a strong contrast to the medieval vaulted hall he stood in. Bookshelves and small desks, holding precious historical artifacts surrounded the walls. Paintings of long gone masters covering the stone walls. Moonlight shimmered through the large arched windows, added to the few torches, filling the room with gloomy reddish light. Gently Ahuizotl placed Tlalocs Key under a glass dome. "But -" he proceeded, gesticulating "- This is just the first step, to our goal." "After finding zhe key we need the lock.", von Marstall answered thoughtfully over his glass of Champaign. Ahuizotl walked back to the desk in the middle of the room, where his minions waited. Sitting down he mustered the two ponies. They knew parts of his plan. They knew of some of the dangers it would bring upon ponyhood. But nevertheless they were willing to help him. Manefred Pomnel wasn't a mystery to Ahuizotl. His motive was money - and a cozy place in a future Equestria. An atorney - through and through. Adaptive and opportunistic - but at least loyal, as long as the odds stood for Ahuizotls plan. Von Marstall. He was some kind of a riddle. A scientist from Germaneigh. Ruthless, egocentric and arrogant. Nevertheless a genius. His motive? Money - and the opportunity to see his ideas come to live. At least he said that. But for now Ahuizotl had no reason, to mistrust the doctor. And as long as it stayed this way, he was way to useful. "Anyway. We will find the lock. We will find the temple and we will free all its secrets.", Ahuizotl declared, watching his helpers over his joined fingertips. "As long as Daring Do doesn't interfere with your plans, Ahuizotl.", Pommel spoke low, keeping his gaze. "WHAT did you just say?!", Ahuizotl jumped up, bringing his face just an inch in front of his. "I...-", gathering himself, Manefred proceeded "- I have to warn you. Even if you hate Daring Do. IF she gets wind of our plan - and I am certain she will, after von Marstall pressed answers from half of the archeological society - she might become a major problem for our project." Anger build up in Ahuizotl. How could this cretin dare?! But just as his furor was about to take over, he focused. Why did Pommel keep so calm, smiled even? "SO WHAT IS YOUR POINT?" he yelled, giving this little creature a moment to explain himself. "Why not use her?", Pommel gave back, seemingly unfaced. "WHAT? WORKING W...", the urge to hurt the brown pony grew to unbearable heights. "No. I never said 'working' with her, did I?", Pommel smiled even more, as Ahuizotls anger subsided as fast at it had come. "You have a plan?", Ahuizotl spoke. "Indeed...." Somewhere in a dark corner of the hall, a lucky spider spun a new set of sturdy threads and build a web. This new home was so much more exciting than the last one! Author's Note If you find something off, or strange or simple typos - please let me know. Chapter 3 - To the Rescue!Breaks screaming in protest, accompanied by the whisteling of a high pitched pipe. Steam gushed over the thracks with a loud and dull hiss. "Final stop. Barnsford. Please leave the train to the right.", a older stallion voice shouted through the noise. Hordes of passengers crowded off the train and onto the platform. Scenes of cheerfull reunion, ponies carrying luggage,looking around searching for their way. Rainbow Dash gazed out of the window, grabbing her bags. It had been Derpys suggestion to travel by train. She would have flown right then and there. But the mailmare had delivered a few good arguments. Like flying would take at least twice as long. Whatever. In hindsight Derpy may have been right. It had been a long and boring trip by train. "Lets go!" finally! Just out of here! Rainbow shook Derpy awake. Soooo - this was Barnford. Red brickwalls, white window frames, dark roofs. Neat streets, nice trees in circular beds between street and walkway. Blue mountains in the background, endless grassland and a river. Ponies walking along or sitting in little cafes, looking out the windows. Cozy. Sweet. Like a postcard... A boring postcard. * * * The Marehall College however resembled an old castle and was therefore a bit cooler then the rest of the city. High ivy covered brick walls, pointy roofs. Narrow windows. The big front door stood open. Also peaceful and nice. Due to the chill weather, just a few students dared to take their brake under the trees. But they seemed happily preoccupied by their lunch. Rainbow scratched her neck. The idea, someone like Daring Do could get in danger - here of all places - sounded ridicolous. She felt a bit uneasy. What if the letter was indeed from Daring Do? What if they were about to disturb her and she got mad? "Into the lions den, then?", Derpy grinned, distracting Rainbow from her distraction. "Yeah...", Rainbow swept away her doupts. It was a mystery. A mystery, waiting to be solved! Derpy looked around. Wide hallways with a vaulted ceiling overhead. Lanterns hanging on blackened iron hooks, attached to walls and colums. Arched doors led to classrooms. All in all a real old architectural style. She was anything but sure, if this halls were original from some time even before Nightmare Moons banishment or just recreations, as they were en vouge about hundred years ago. It didn't seem to be any classes at the moment. Students strolled along the floors and wide halls, chatting, or sat and eat. Finally Derpy spottet a few mares sitting in a bay, at the hallways outer side. Books stacked atop the round table between them. Light flooding from tall windows, presenting a blurry view to the outside park. Approaching the group of sitting mares, she smiled friendly. "Hello, can you help me? I am searching for Darrr.. Yearling. A. K. Yearling. Did you see her?", Derpy asked polite. The students stared for a moment - a reaction Derpy was familiar with. But at least, they didn't grin or start do make fun of her. "Well. No, actually," a white pegasus, responded with her hoof thoughtfully resting at her chin. "You mean, A.K. Yearling as in the author of Daring Do?", the red-brown, dark maned unicorn watched curious with green eyes. "Didn't know she were here..." The others shook just their heads. "Or can you tell me where the Dean is?", Derpy had never attended a university - but from her profund knowledge about Highschool movies, she just knew, a dean always had the right answer. If he was not supposed to be the villain... "You surely mean the Dean of the adminstration board? I am fairly sure, he won't help you.", the chestnut unicorn waved her hoof. Darn it. So he was in fact the villain! "Even if he knew where Miss Yearling is - he just couldn't you give informations about them. Privacy, you know..." "But... I am a personal friend of here. For Celestias sake! I was with her on her last adventure!", Rainbow Dash shoved herself on Derpys side, her look between anger and incomprehension, snorting audible. "For real?", the Unicorns eyes shot open. Even the other girls looked surprised. "Right... The newest cover... That was actually you?" "Yep.", Rainbow waving her mane, struck herself in pose and grinned with closed eyes. "Without me, she never had stopped Ahuizotl from unleashing eight hundered years of accumulated dark power over Equestria!" "Yeah...", the unicorn snorted with a laughter. "I've read it. And I've heard A.K. Yearling does fan service sometimes. How did you convince her to write you in? I mean - I am a fan of her since years... Hey - you know what. Maybe you ask the liberarian. He knows for sure, who everypony here is around. Aaaand I think he would help a Daring Do fan in need." With this the brown mare got up and grinned to her fellows. "Be right back - just helping them find the liberary." "Have fun... at least you fans are among yourselfs now.", the white pegasus smiled, just to look back after her lunchbox. "Oh. By the way. I'm Lakin Spotson - but please call me Spots. Everypony does..." * * * Passing long halls and lots of doors, pictures and stairs, Rainbow started to get bored. How long should this take anyway? How could schools be THIS big?! They had chatted for a while. So Spots studied archeology at the college - being a fan of one special archeologist had helped by her career-decission. "Ah. Here we are.", Spots pointed to a spooky doorarch with engraved faces and symbols and a grimacing stonehead above. "Daring? Are you in here?!" Rainbow dashed through the door, yelling. "SHHHHHHH!", a middle aged stallion hissed with a stern look on his face. "Sorry", she gave a sheepishly smile back. Right. Liberaries. Twilight used to be the same. Only why? The room was practically empty. Row after row of double-story-bookshelves, forming a loose circle leaving free space for desks in the middle. One wall covered with bright windows. But - besides of some nerdy earth ponies in the backround was no one here. Especially no Daring Do. "Excuse us Mister... Oh. You are not the librarian. Where is mister Coltson?", Spots had caught up, followed by Derpy. "Oh. Uhm? Flynn - he is... busy right now. I am just helping out.", the sand-colored and brown haired stallion answered, with a smooth voice, while he closed the small door behind the library counter behind him. "I am Manefred Pommel - substitute librarian extraordinaire." Spots shrugged. "Good, then. Maybe you could help us instead. My friends here are searching for A.K. Yearling. You know, the author." "She has to be here!", Rainbow interrupted tilting her head towards the strange non-librarian. "She told me with a telegram." Rainbow Dash stared at the stallion. But doubts formed in her mind, again. Maybe Daring couldn't need interruption right now. She would be angry for sure... "Get lost Rainbow Dash! I thought I told you not to come her. Now you are ruining everything. Can't you remember the last time?" She shivered by this thought alone. Caught by her anxiety she didn't get the rapid change in the sand-colored earth ponies expression. "I fear, Miss Yearling has left our house. I can't tell you, where.", as the substitute librarian coughed and answered, a sly grin on his face. The words hit Rainbow like a hammer. Her eyes went small, her mouth gaped open. "No... No nonono! This... this can't be!", she yelled, more from shock then from anger. "Has she left any notices?", Rainbow heard Spots only half. She was gone - no one knew where. Maybe this was the reason for her letter... "Oh. Then she had lost her hat.", Derpy hadn't waited at the counter, but wandered along the shelves. Now she pointed on a greenish gray tropical helmet, laying on one of the desks by the window. Rainbow trotted over. Not only her helmet were there. A notepad, pencils, a stack of closed books and an open one. To cap it all - and proof the makeshift librarian a liar - a still warm cup of tea - Sheik Equairan Special Blend - Daring Do's (and A.K. Yearlings) favorite brand. "So... what do you have to say NOW!", now it was on Rainbow Dash to feel angry. She literally shot back to the counter, and even before the Earth Pony could react, she grabbed him by his collar, pinning him down to his desk. "Hey! Stop it! No! I... I'll call the security!" Mr brown mane gulped and struggled. "Rainbow!", Derpy and Spots yelled in unison - much to the annoyance of the guests here. "Answers!", Dash growled. Something was more then fishy here. And this guy knew what. "Okey. chrm Okey! I'll tell. But please stop!" Derpy knew Rainbow as sometimes a bit hot headed. ...Most times. But she never had expected her to react this way. But, to her relief the sandbrown stallion didn't seem too angry about of the incident. "Well - it's easy. Miss Yearling gave strict orders.", he startet to explain, while straightening himself. "Maybe she fears plagiation or spoilers of her next book. So she asked for some privacy. And - sorry for you Miss - the story of the personal invitation is really getting old. So... if you want to go now, I won't make a big fuss out of this." "But she really invited me. Look!", Rainbow hoofed in her saddlebags, producing the folded telegram. "Oh. Now... In... in this case.", the stallion took a few moments to examine the document. A bit suspicious. To Derpy, it seemed more like he stalled for time to think. "Yes. Indeed. It is an invitation. Good now... If you want to follow me..." The librarians moves were somewhat hesitant, as if he was unsure, what to do now. But then he trotted out behind his counter towards the door. * * * Shouts, loud voices and the noises of smashing locker doors greeted the small group entering the hallways and the grand staircase. "Oh. I fear its time for me now... to bad that I'll miss A.K. Yearling." Spots hung her head low, but then she looked up "But... maybe I can meet her later today?" "We can ask her. And thank you for your help.", Rainbow Dash said and Spots turned her head with a faint smile before disappearing through a classroom door. And another painfull boring walk. Great. Rainbow had hoped to meet Daring. Not to run for hours around this college. The upper part of the college was a lot more quiet. Next to the doors here were names of professors or signs of archives and such. No classrooms at all. After that they reached a much smaller staircase, leading upwards. "Where does she work, anyway?" Rainbow glanced over the now dusty hallway. It doesn't seem as if anyone was up here ever. "Don't worry, we are right here.", Pommel exclaimed with a pointing gesture and a firm smile. "So - please - enter." With this he opened a sturdy metal-door. "Yesss!", Rainbow galloped inside the hall and was hit by a mess of old statues, chests, crates, stacked lockers and worn out school desks. "Daring Do?", she shouted. But instead of an answer noises of struggle emerged behind her. "Hay! What ya doing?", Derpy was pushed through the door, trying to hold balance, but finally stumbled and crashlanded a step behind Rainbow. Not a moment later, the door slammed shut and sounds of a key were heard. Chapter 4 - Meanwhile in CloudsdaleSpitfire stood upon the highest balcony of the ancient and tradition-steeped Halls of the Bouleterion. Seat of the city government since the days of the legendary Commander Hurricane. She was facing the east horizon. A stiff breeze ruffled her fiery orange mane and rushed in her ears. She never would admit it - but it was rather cold, only wearing her official uniform. She really would have preferred her flight suit. Anyway - she drew one last deep breath and let her eyes wander over the cityscape, the blue sky and the edge where it met the rolling hills and woods of the central Equestrian plains. Cloudsdale. Proud home of the Pegasi. Hustling and bustling metropolis in the sky. An archipelago made of clouds. Vast colonnades, astonishing palaces, bridges, gates and grand staircases, paying respect to the proud history of the Pegasi. More than a few statues and even whole buildings weren't made of clouds. These marvels of marble gold and silver were held up by strong magic - gifts of friendship made by Earth Ponies and Unicorns, strengthening the bond between the three tribes. In between: Hundreds of Pegasi swarming in all shapes and colors. Everypony was hard at work, decorate, treat the cloud-surface with this intriguing magic stuff, that allowed non-pegasi to walk on them. Crates were transported, carriages raced over the sky. Clouds were smoothed and reshaped. In short - the whole city reminded a hyperactive bee-hive. The most curious thing however, was the strange impression of the lands below slowly creeping closer to the city... which obviously was a stupid thought, because... "Captain Spitfire, Ma'am?", a young stallions voice jolted her out of her daydreaming. "Yes, Airpony?" she turned her head around fixated the pale blue colt, wearing the Wonderbolts blue and yellow suit, with her dark ember eyes. "Report from the navigation crew. We'll arrive at the outskirts of Canterlot in about an hour," he hooved her a stack of papers. "Err.. and the city board members wish for you to come back to the meeting." The stallion blushed lightly. He felt obvious uneasy in her presence. "It's OK. I'll be back in a minute.", then with the faintest smile she added "I just cannot bear those bureaucrats for too long at a time." "Yes, Ma'am," the young Wonderbolt smirked, blushed again, turned around and trotted of. Now she allowed herself more of a smile. Straightening herself she headed towards the door leading to the sticky warmth of the conference room. The times the city officials met in the old amphitheater down in the main-hall, were long gone. "Well then...", while letting the city travel was quite the logistical challenge - she knew, the real work would only begin, once the arrived at the Capital. A dozen Pegasi sat around an oval table in a modern light room, wooden paneling and grey carpet, turning their faces towards her. Some seemed annoyed, some envy of her daring to take this walk in the fresh air. "Captain. We were talking about the traffic guidance for the coming days, during your ... break.", the mayor on the desk's head exclaimed in his typical bland voice. Matching his bland expression and his bland reddish coat. 'Ugh. How... exciting, ' Spitfire didn't say, but "Well. Then everything is in order, I assume? My Wonderbolts secure the museum and the arts gallery while the Guard keeps the non-flying ponies on the roads. And the non-prepared areas will be restricted." "Yes. Sure. But We've decided to open more parts of the Weather Factory and of course of your training-grounds for the public too. The city has to shine!", He didn't even rise his voice. But the words hit Spitfire like a hammer. "You... what? What, this..," she jolted up from the seat, she just had sunken into. "Mayor... This is plain impossible! I just don't have the personnel to secure this whole area... I mean - the museum takes ten Pegasi alone. Then the gallery and the festival sites... And we are supposed to do shows each day for the next two weeks....Even if we don't count in potential criminals. Earth ponies and Unicorns just could fall from the prepared areas..." "Ah.", the mayor leaned back in his chair and waved his hooves in objection. "You heard yourself from this ugly rumors regarding the Factory. We have to show everypony that they are plain ridiculous." "Mister Mayor - no sane pony even belief's this idiotic stories... The Factory isn't...", Spitfire huffed in despise, ready to rant but... "If you don't feel up to the task with your glorious Wonderbolts,... Captain... then my City-Guard will gladly take the responsibility for the museums, too. Maybe you stick to your flight-shows and let regular troops handle the situation.", the Chief of the Guard, raised his voice subtle, keeping a neutral demeanor. If gazes could kill, Spitfire would have committed an outright act of first degree murder. "My Wonderbolts are up to any orders given. So if the board decides to open more locations - we'll do our best to guard them too, Chief Tin Batch" she spoke slowly, focusing her fiery stare at the mint green stallion. Not this time, pal! "Uhm... Mister Hurricane," some accountant type mare, with business suit and thick glasses raised her voice towards the mayor. "May we talk about the security at the fair?" Spitfire didn't listen anymore. Accountants. Business mares, politicians and bureaucrats. Idiotic ideas, disregarding any common sense, just to make the city 'shine'... Gosh Darn it! And on top the mayor. Known as 'The Hurricane' - a more or less official title for every leader of the city. But this mayor wasn't worthy of that title. He was a Low Breeze at best. Trying to make anypony happy. Not noticing what chaos he created. But this was - plain ridiculous... And then Tin Batch. Colonel of the Guard. Highest police-officer. Hadn't left his desk since his promotions a decade ago. But he was everything but harmless. Spitfire knew him as machinating politician. With a keen eye for opportunities and next to no qualms when it came to budged-plans. Of all enemies she had to face in the past, he was the worst one. Just running out on the balcony. Spreading my wings and jump. Gosh nopony in this town would even have a close chance to follow me. Leaving all this bullshit behind... Again she sighed and cracked a faint smile about this nice daydream. "... Captain?", aaand it was gone. disgruntled she looked up. "Excuse me, I pondered about what to do about your plans.", Spitfire straightened up herself. "What is about, if you cut the guards at the museums. Those are complete enchanted - so nopony would be in danger.", a faceless bureaucrat - even his appearance refused to stick on her mind - asked. "It's a grandiose idea.", she smiled. Smiling was surely better, than strangling this idiot for his idiotic suggestion. Yes - the next days promised to become fun, indeed. Chapter 5 - Following the Trail"Hey! What the heck are you doing?!" As fast as she had entered the chamber, Rainbow leaped back, trying to stop the inevitable. She smashed against the door, clopped her hooves against it and yelled. "Open! I say open this darn door or I buck it in!" No reaction. Ooooo kayyyyy. "Thats it!" waving herself around she took aim and stretched her hind legs. The shock, vibrating through her body let her tremble. "You can stop it. This door wont give in." raging Rainbow ignored the voice out of the shadows and bucked again. "You know - I tried this too." and again. "Try to use your head instead." and again. "Or at a second thought - better don't..." and agai... wait? What? Now Rainbow Dash realized the figure, standing between all the statues. Golden coat, grey mane and a somewhat worn green jacket. "Daring!", her eyes went wide in sudden awareness. "Yeah. Nice to meet you. Uh. Who's your friend by the way?" Daring hooved trough her hair and scratching her neck. "Derpy Hooves, Miss Yearling.", Derpy nodded her head polite, but then eager curiosity burst its way "Wow... I mean, are you really you? Uhm I mean are you really the Daring Do? In reality? Or is this just for show?" "Yes. The one and only. But what are you doing here? How did you get here?", Daring gestured towards the two. "We are the rescue," Rainbow and Derpy managed to say with a sheepish grin. "Great. Then nothing can go wrong - right?" Daring Do facehoofed. Rainbow looked up and took a glance around the room. Dark, sturdy wood, planks and beams, build to hold an entire roof. The few windows, to small to squeeze through. "We.. have just to find another exit.", Rainbow intensified her gaze. Another door. Another opening. Anything. Derpy walked around the chamber, examining small figurines and big strange statues, cluttered along the place. "Oh. If I just had thought of this earlier...", Daring rolled her eyes, causing Rainbow to blush. "So... what happened anyway?", she asked Daring Do. "I don't know. Did my research down in the library. Then suddenly a stallion showed up, said the librarian sent him to guide me to the archive. As I had asked before, I didn't think of anything bad to happen. Then - up here, the door fell shut behind me and no one was to hear. Until now I thought of an terrible mistake. But after the same guy locked you in here too..." "Hey? Whats tha... Woah, woah, woaaaaah!", the rest of Derpys words were cut off by the sound of a hard impact. "Oof! ... I am okaayy!", her muffled voice was heard from ... below. Somehow Derpy had broken through the floor, while standing before this one big and peculiar ugly statue, depicting an ancient god or something. "Derpy!", Rainbow leapt towards the opening her friend had fell through, she just got a glimpse of Derpy fiddling on another opening in the ground. "Oh look! Here's a rope going down .... Iiiaaaaaah!" Just seconds later the din of a falling shelf full of books emerged from deeper below. "Seems your friend is more skilled in using her head than you." Rainbow heard Darings voice behind her with an audible smirk. Without hesitation she passed Rainbow and let herself float down the hole. The room beneath was dark - besides a lit rectangular opening. The faint light fell upon more statues and shelves full of trinkets and archeological stuff. Dust had formed a remarkable layer - making the deep impressions of Derpys steps even more visible, which ended abrupt at the second hole. "Nothing of interest here.", Daring glanced over a few of the objects stored. "Replicas I think." The room below seemed actually like another library room. Shelves full of books - about ancient tools and weapons. One of the shelves had toppled over - books cluttered all around. Beneath the wooden rack one could see... another opening and Rainbow believed it had the shape of a Pegasus literally pressed through the ground. "Derpy?", she had narrowed her eyes, expecting the worst. "Oooooh.... Augh. Uhmm I am OK... I think. Oh. Whats this? Wuaaah!", Derpys voice sounded shocked, accompanied by an angry hissing sound and ending in another rumbling. With no second thought Rainbow together with Daring jumped to the wooden shelf, shoving it aside, letting themselves down the gap. The room beneath was dark and even more dusty then the other. It smelled of oily coal and tool-grease. Crates and boxes arbitrary cluttered the room. Old workbenches - last time used about the time of Nightmare Moons banishment and probably the archeological most valuable items here - lined up on one wall, together with old school-desks and other stuff-to-be-forget. Amidst all this debris stood one table with a collection of strange cat-like statues. Beneath the table a cat - vivid and livid alike, hissed and grumbled towards the annoying intruders. The only real light source - besides the small hole in the ceiling - was a red gloming opening on one wall. Some kind of chute - given the dirt and the color, used for coal - led deeper. "Derpy?!", Rainbow yelled, her eyes wide in worries. "Augh. I'm ... Okay... I think. OH! What's THAT?!" A strange metallic din rumbled up through the coal chute. "Well - after you.", Daring gestured smirking, and Rainbow shot down the chute leading to a small basement room. Derpy had huddled up in one corner, staring at a row of old lockers, her eyes wide with fear. It took a moment for her to realize, one of the lockers shook and rumbled remarkably. As if someone ... or SOMETHING was about to burst out. "Wwwhats that? WHO'S THERE?", she mustered her courage, taking a defensive stance to be prepared for whoever might jump out of that locker. Moments later Daring Do landed right besides them. Looking at her two companions, shaking her head, she strolled over to the locker and gave the old rusty padlock a good kicking, splitting it into two. The door blasted open and a mummy stumbled into the room! "HEY you raggedy mummy! You think you can scare me?!", Rainbow was about to attack, when Daring stepped between the two. "Since when do mummies plead for help?", Daring said, giving Rainbow Dash pause. She listened, and the terrible groans of a living dead monster turned out to be the mumbled sounds of someone, absolutely not happy with the situation. Soon they were occupied with removing bandages and ropes and a towel over the muzzle to reveal a very distressed and disheveled Earth Pony stallion - about the same color as Daring do, but with brown frazzled hair. "Flynn Coltson?", Daring Do exclaimed. "Very nice to meet you, miss Yearling. Why are you full of coal dust?" Rainbow groaned. "That's not important! HOW do we get out of here?!" "Ah. Very good question, indeed.", the stallion hooved around in his pockets. "Skeleton key. They didn't bother to search me before they tossed me in here. I already had a plan to escape. Unfortunately, those pesky restraints turned out to be more problematic than anticipated." * * * The late afternoon sun painted the chamber, cluttered with maps, trinkets, figurines, interesting rocks and many, many books in a cozy golden light. Tea cups, balanced on a small table - the only really free spot in Flyn Coltsons study. A fire in the open fireplace kept the cold outside the old tall windows, overlooking the western side of town. However the atmosphere was everything but cozy and comortable. "So, now tell me, Miss Yearling... what have you been after, that someone would go to this lengths to stop you?", the librarian looked looked Daring Do square in the eyes. "You didn't tell me the truth yesterday, did you?" Rainbow Dash was about to interfere. Nobody had the right to talk to Daring Do this way! But she was surprised when the archeologist suddenly shifted her eyes upwards, inhaling. "You are right", she began. "It wasn't research for a new book. Look,...", Daring grabbed a heavy looking, thick disk, covered in incomprehensible symbols that might be some kind of writing. "... this is called the 'Eldritch Compass' I learned Ahuizotl is after it, so I went to fetch it before him. I succeeded and now I try to find out, what it's all about. He is after something big. That far I know. I also have learned, that the compass can navigate - somehow - to some ancient places, which may hold incredible power, or dangers. But I don't know for sure, if Ahuizotl has other tricks up his sleeve." Coltson mused for a moment rubbing his chin. "Ancient sites you say. Some ancient compass... and other tricks? Well... you may know that half the archeological society is going crazy, right now. Somepony a certain 'von Marstall' a scientist from Germaneigh has asked a lot of questions, sometimes in a pretty rude manner. Regarding the Technochlitan Basin, regarding some kind of 'Cult of Tlaloc' maps, keys, foci of Tlaloc... But I am not sure what any of this means. Tlaloc is some ancient... very ancient godlike creature. Said to have existed and vanished long before Discords reign of Chaos... Not like we have many reliable sources from that time..." "Well... if Daring has this Compass... then all we have to do is to stop Ahuizotl from getting it. Right?", Rainbow chimed in. "Probably.", the librarian answered, lifting his cup of tea. Still looking a bit absent minded. "But this Manefred Pommel, that took my place and locked you... us up didn't try to get this compass from Miss Yearling, did he?" A sudden knock on the door interrupted the heated talk. "Mr Coltoson. We found this down in the library. We believe it belonged to that strange stallion from before.", one of the campus aids handed a crumpled piece of paper to the librarian. It turned out to be a flyer for the Cloudsdale Arts and Culture Exhibition - a festival where the flying city traveled to a few key places in Equestria opening its gates for everypony interested in the awesome feats of bravery, exploration and adventure the Pegasi of Cloudsdale achieved in their past. "Isn't there an ancient Map from the Technochlitan Basin in the the 'Commander Hurricane Collection' in the Cloudsdale Museum?", Derpy had perked up. "It...", turning red, due to the looks Coltson and Daring Do gave her, "... it has been mentioned in one of the books of Haggard Rider - you know, the author of Quatermane. The map I mean." "Ooooooh. That isn't good.", Daring realized after a short moment. "Sorry.", Derpy turned away. "No.. Not you! You are completely right.", Daring Do was quick to explain, letting Derpy exhale in relief. "But... when this Pommel works for Ahuizotl - and I am sure of that; AND has a brochure for this exhibition; AND there's a map that seems to point to the same mystery as the compass..." "Ahuizotl will try to steal the map?", Rainbow jolted up and was already half the way to the door. "We have to stop him!" Chapter 6 - The Calm Before the StormCloudsdale always was a sight to behold, Daring Do mused. With all her adventurous life, she normally liked it, to visit the big city once in a while. Not few of the artifacts she discovered had found their way in one of the large Cloudsdale collections and museums, she mused. But still – she couldn’t find the excitement and joy she normally had, coming here. Two most dangerous ponies were prowling around, determined to steal… or otherwise get the Eldritch Compass. For what end? Daring didn’t know, which also infuriated her. And with the Great Equestrian Fair going on, those two didn’t have much trouble blending in. Hundreds of Earth Ponies and Unicorns strolled the magically hardened pathways, sat in restaurants and marveled over the great architecture, cloud parks and exhibitions. „Why so gloom, Miss Do?“, Derpy who accompanied her looked up from her meal. „I just hope, Rainbow’s plan to warn the guards will work. We simply don’t have much to go on.“, the archeologist answered, letting her eyes wander, once again, over the crowds of ponies, barely kept on the streets by clearly stressed guards and Wonderbolts. * * * Whatever Spitfire had anticipated, how hard the coming days would become – she was thoroughly surprised. And not in a good way. Streets may had been prepared for Earth Ponies to walk on – but for some reason, the guests had turned out to be dead set on finding every single spot, nook and cranny that wasn’t. Her Wonderbolts, the city guards and luckily a whole lot of citizens had all hoofs full with catching ponies, keeping them from waltz right over safety markings or rescuing ponies lost on the maze like system of walkways that had been installed very haphazardly. „Rainbow Dash! Nice to see youuu…. What’s the matter?!“, the captain of the Wonderbolts beamed for a short moment. Her favorite flyer had been announced by an ordinance – letting her hope for a little bit of a break from all that annoying administrative work. Just to then see Rainbow dashing in her office, hardly halting in front of her desk, making a mess of the papers laying about with her wings. „I need to warn you. Somepony has planned a heist on the museum, to steal a priceless artifact. You need to do something. Right now!“, miss Dash really looked distressed. Spitfire frowned upon this opening. „What?!“, was the only thing she was able to reply. „The Museum! Ahuizotl is about to steal the Map of Tlaloc!“, the sky blue mare braced herself on the desk leaning forward, her face just inches in front of Spitfire. „Now! Back down! And one thing after another. Who wants to steal what from where?! And… and how do you even know?!“, no. That, for sure, wasn’t promising any kind of recess… „Ahuizotl. Daring Do’s nemesis. He is here! Or at least his henchponies! They are here, and we know, that they want to steal from the Museum. From the Hurricane Exhibition! You have to put up more guards, more security. More… everything!“ Daring… Do? Oh.. Oh NO! „If that’s a joke Miss Dash… than it’s a pretty bad one. As you can see – I have all hooves full with managing this mess of an Equestrian Fair. I have enough to do as it is. The last thing I need, is YOU barging in here with one of your stupid stories. „No… no no.. You get it wrong. It’s NOT a story. He is here. He is about to break into the Museum. Daring herself said he won’t wait long. You need to strengthen the guar…“ „ENOUGH!“, Spitfire yelled. NO. A.K. was here. „I don’t know what stupid game you play. I don’t know, if it was your idea or if ‚Daring Do‘ is behind this. But…“ „But you HAVE to believe me…“, this stupid blue featherbrained Pegasus went on. * * * „You think Rainbow could do it?“, Derpy asked Miss Yearling. Rainbow Dash had been gone for a while now, the afternoon sun, was slowly about to set into a wonderful fiery evening. They were sitting and waiting in a small open sky restaurant, packed full with all sorts of ponies. A rare sight, Derpy had some difficulties adjusting to. They sat just below the cloud mountain where the city center, most of the government buildings and the headquarters of the Wonderbolts where situated. „I’m not so … sure…“, the archeologist pondered, to then focus on something behind Derpy „In fact… I am pretty sure she didn’t.“ Derpy following her gaze, turned around and could just see how Rainbow, flying in a strange trajectory out of the Wonderbolt Headquarters main entrance. Quite as if she didn’t fly on her own volition, but as if someone had tossed her. „I told you, Spitfire wouldn’t buy it.“, the author greeted Rainbow Dash, after she had landed pretty rough in a patch of clouds just before the restaurants entrance, visibly shaken from whatever had happened to her. „I can’t understand! The moment I mentioned you… Spitfire went all upset and…“, Rainbow Dash gesticulated confused. „That’s what I tried to tell you. She… is not really a fan of me, y’know… shoving stupid stories in little fillies heads, make them all crazy and reckless… letting them end up in…“, Daring sighed dramatically „A full body wing and hoof cast, drinking through a straw. … did she mention that?“ A few of the other ponies sitting around had perked up and looked over to them. Perhaps, Derpy thought, they recognized Miss Yearling. Or they were surprised by Rainbows entrance. But before she could ponder more about this she meant to see a familiar face in the crowd. „You… know her? She… knows you?!“, Rainbow mouth gaped open. „Big Deal. The city, as large as it is, is still but a village. We bumbed into each other a few times.“, Miss yearling answered, shrugging. Very casually… but that wasn’t important right now, Derpy knew. „Ahm, Miss Yearling?“, she interrupted. Impolite, yes. But… neccessary. „Yes?“, the archeologist was quick to pick up, even if Rainbow was visibly irritated by the interjection. „I… sorry. I just saw the false librarian guy down there.“, hoofing in the direction. In fact, it wasn’t only Manefred Pommel strolling down the road – right in the direction of the Cloudsdale Museum. There were another pony – a bit older, dark maned, grayish fur right besides him. „Von Marstall.“, A.K. Yearling growled. „They are here.“ Just moments later, they were sneaking behind the duo, keeping their distance. Derpy felt a bit like a spy. Not sure if it was exciting or frightening. They followed the false librarian and the crazy scientist down the main road, around some corners and lastly down the darkest alleyway Derpy had ever seen in Cloudsdale. Which was quite a feat considering, that nearly everything here was bright white. There the two met with a bunch of other ponies – pegasi mostly. ‚Rough and tumbled‘ would be a good description of the bunch. Hard faces, badly shaven, one with a blinking golden tooth, another one constantly juggling a knife. If someone ever wanted to round up the usual suspects – it would be this guys, Derpy was sure of it. Luckily they were far enough away and well hidden behind a dumpster. But alas, that meant that they couldn’t really make out what Pommel, von Marstall and the mug-shot lineup over there were talking. But there was a lot of hooving and pointing in the direction of the museum. „I guess… they won’t wait, until we convinced Spitfire… right?“, Rainbow Dash whispered. „Looks like it.“, Miss Yearling gave back. „Ahh… what should we do.“ „There’s only one thing, y’know…“, A.K. said. „Yeah. Going in, before them.“, Rainbow Dash finished the sentence. „Derpy… you don’t need to do this.“ Derpys look twitched from one to the other. She hadn’t planned to commit a crime… certainly not a museums heist. It should have been just a few interesting days of traveling and helping Miss Dash to find A.K. Yearling. But on the other hoof… there was something big going on and they were the only ones to stop it right now. And she surely wouldn’t let down her new friends. So she smiled, shook her head and said „Nah. I am in here with you. You do the right thing. And my doctor always says, ‚you never should fail to try doing the right thing.‘“ Then she straightened herself, went a step out from the cover towards the street. „And for some reason he also always says another thing, before getting in real trouble…. GERONIMO!“
Prologue"STOOOOP HEEEER!", the booming voice of her arch enemy yelled and echoed through the sturdy, trapezoid shaped hallways. Beastly statues, sitting in alcoves, holding torches, rushed by. Reliefs of ancient gods and heroes just a blurry impression. Daring Do had not much time, to check how many of Ahuizotls minions were after her, but knowing him 'all of them' was a good assumption. So, like a pale golden lightning she chased along the way. Falling stone block! A forceful jump. Wings flapped. Passed! But... In an instant she let herself fall to the ground. Arrows! Centimeters over her head. Dodging, crawling, jumping. No time to rest! The ground before her - suddenly gaped open. Evil grinning alligators waiting down in the pit. Cautious she set one hoof on the small ledge. One step after another. Slowly. Her heart puckered like a pecker in her breast. Her forehoof got grip on one of the stone reliefs, representing some ugly guard demon. Another step. Pebbles! she nearly slipped out and... Snapping and growling beneath her hooves. Scaled creatures longed for the fallen boulders. 'That's all you'll get from me!', Daring grinned tense, brushing gray hair out of her face. Another step, another grip. A sharp click! Her magenta colored eyes went small. 'Oh. Horseapples!' The stone head right before her very face opened its mouth. Time stretched for a glimpse, as a red glow grew brighter in the opening. One Blink. She let go. Another Blink. She fell. Blink. Fire bolted, the flames just inches from her wings as she spread them. Blink. The added air resistance slowing her fall, alligators staring in vicious anticipation. Blink. Scales, pointy teeth, gaping jaws. Water splashing as her wings finally got a hold. Blink. She darted in a low arc between fire and teeth. Engaging flaps, desperately leaning in a sharp climbing flight, way to close to the rugged wall. Daring Do emerged the pit and accelerated, as she recognized the stone door slowly grinding to a close. "Nnnnnaaah!", clenching her teeth Daring pushed herself forwards. Scraping through the portal, the last moment possible. "Celestias sake... I need a break." she leaned herself against a tree, panting for air. Even the boiling hot damp jungle and the mosquitos felt like a respite. Daring took her topee off. Pulled out the arrow stuck in it without hesitation, dropping it. She hoofed inside the helmet, fetching a small golden disc. Then she allowed herself a relieved exhale. Plock! 'What the hay?' The spear stood planted in the ground still vibrating, just a hoof in front of her. *** "So. Should work, I assume.", Sandy Gears spoke to himself, as no one else was here. Besides his new pet. But that was not much of a dialog partner. Especially as it was sleeping. And likely not very interested in the intricate details of aeronautical engineering. Anyway. He could be proud. Fixing the engine, with just vines and wood logs. Not that this was the correct way to fix this highly advanced piece of aviation techniqe. But, it wasn't like there were a workshop at hand. The gray, orange haired earthpony walked around his very own invention. Aviator Mark II. Or should it better dubbed Mark III, he wondered - due to the major changes made lately. A standard flying chariot - used in all of Equestria. But with its own Steam-propulsion-engine. Brass boiler, pipes and exhausts and added wings Yes. He could be proud. And they laughed, as I said earth ponies can fly. "GEARS! Start the damn machine!" Daring's yell jolted him out of his thoughts. "Miss Do. I didn't expect you for another...", he answered loud. "Darn it! Make it ready!" Miss Do seemed to be in a hurry. She bolted out between the trees and took flight immediately once she had a free field. A dozen ponies in a very rural attire followed her, throwing spears or shot arrows. No gentlecolts indeed. "Don't worry. We are set and ready. The boiler is heating-up since....", Gears wondered, if she would stop. No. At closer examination, it seems obvious that miss Do, didn't intent to.... He barely managed to jump on his machine, and open the steam valves, as Daring rushed past him crashing into the chariot. *** The flying machine took up speed, roaring accompanied by minor explosions down towards the end of the plateau, leaving a trail of white and black fume behind. Daring sat inside the chariot, looking at the scene behind. It was to loud to hear anything - but the way Ahuizotl jumped and threatened with his arms, she could imagine what he wanted to say. A few stray spears missed the vehicle, as Daring's awareness suddenly got pulled towards... "What the hay does this BAT in here?!", she jumped up, shivering, trying to gain as much distance as possible to the infernal animal. "My new pet.", Gears, explained, visibly untouched. "By the heavens. I BUCKING HATE BATS!" With this the chariot turned over the cliffs edge and, with an exceptionally loud explosion, out of sight. Moments afterward the vehicle ascended over the horizon flying in barely stable manner towards the sun, leaving the plateau, the temple goons, tribesponies and Ahuizotl, her blue furred, oddly dog shaped adversary behind - foaming with rage. Author's Note Right-click and open in new tab, please] Ghastly Gorge Productions proudly present Daring Do And the Wrath of the Elder starring A.K. Yearling Rainbow Dash Derpy Hooves Ahuizotl book Pankrazius director Alan Smithee
Chapter 1 - Neither snow nor rain MANEHATTEN INSTITUTE Equestrian Union Telegram -------------------------------------------------- ***** -------------------------------------------------- Send the following telegram, subject to the terms on the back hereof, wich are hereby agreed to To: Rainbow Dash Cloudhome at Ponyville Ponyville, RG Canterlot STAYING IN BARNFORD, CONEIGHTICUT THE NEXT TWO WEEKS --- STOP --- ARRIVE ON 3, 1ST MOON --- STOP --- MEET ME AT MAREHALL COLLEGE --- STOP --- YEARLING A.K. MANEHATTEN INSTITUTE -----*****------ "Ohmigoshomigoshomigosh...", Rainbow Dash jumped up and rushed out of the post office, followed by a burst of poststamps and letters and complaining shouts. Once outside the skyblue mare spread her wings to take flight in an instant, shooting in loopings through several clouds leaving vague pegasus-shaped holes, yelling and cheering in joy. The last thing, the confused bystanders, at the train station square witnessed, were the echoing words "BEEEEEST DAY EEEVER!" and a fading rainbow. -----*****------ Derpy Hooves slid gently through the sky. The air was cold and the ground covered in snow, but at least the annoying wind had settled and no snowfalls were predicted. But being a pegasus, she was accustomed to low temperatures, so It was quite nice, seeing the little white heaps marking roofs and the occasional snowpony dotted around below her. Her post bag was almost empty too and she anticipated a nice, lush and above all free afternoon. One last delivery, she sighed in relief. The days around Hearth Warming Eve tend to be stressful, as suddenly every single pony throughout Equestria seemed to remember every single living relative. "Rainbow Dash, Ponyville.", the gray mare checked the address. She looked up trying to adjust her vision.To no avail, like every time. Clouds. Some bigger, some smaller. Hard to distinct whether they were really smaller, or only further away. Derpy was used to her walled eyes. More or less. As any pegasus, she could read the wind. Changing air currents - due to weather, clouds or obstacles. Minutes later, she approached a distinctive cloud. Shaped like a small temple. Cloud columns supporting a low angled roof. Two small rainbow-falls running down the wall, fading with the wind beneath the base cloud. A typical Cloudsdale- style house. Only, far away from the pegasus city. More and more details became visible. Small statues, small windows. A turtle with some kind of propeller on her back. Wait a minute. Turtle? Maybe Rainbow Dash had a pet. Derpy wondered, if turtles were like dogs, and therefore love to chase mailmares around. Anyway, how could someone like Rainbow Dash adopt a turtle? Oh - and by the way - a turtle as pet, were a cool thought. Or maybe some other animal. For some blinks the pale grey yellow haired mare embraced the idea, of having a pet. Her daughter would love it. Derpy's mind wandered anywhere. Anywhere, but not to the house growing bigger in front of her. -----*****------ "Come down, Rainbow Dash. Keep calm...", Rainbow told herself, about the one millionth time. She was wandering in circles, hyped and mad with anticipation. a visible, circular ditch had already formed in the ground. Daring Do had invited her! Awesome! Rainbow had packed and was ready to start. Now... actually she had sped through the sky, dropped by her home, just to run around like crazy, fetch her luggage and filled anything in, she thought to be useful. Then she threw out half of the things and packed again. That had taken about five minutes. The train wouldn't leave until tomorrow morning! "Gnaaaaaah!", she groaned. Likewise about the millionth time. Rainbow had showered, trained, showered again, made up her kitchen (a real mess after all), trained again and - all in all ran around aimlessly in her home. Her eye fell upon one of the Daring Do books, she had packed the first time. Not that she would need them, as she were about to meet Daring Do for real. Reading! A few minutes later she cuddled up in her favorite reading chair. She had made cocoa, which left her kitchen in the same state of chaos as before she cleaned up. But delving into the first chapter, following poor Daring Do with her broken wing through the jungle, her wandering mind calmed down. Until... A remarkable "THUD" left Rainbows cloudhome to quake. Even her beloved framed Wonderbolts-Academy picture fell off the wall. Luckily clouds were softer then tiled floor - so it didn't break. "What the hay?" she jolted up. A long moaning sound was to hear outside. -----*****------ "Derpy?", a dull, worried sounding voice called her. Derpy Hooves looked up and tried to figure out, which of the about four azure blue, rainbow-maned ponies, had actually spoken. "Ooooohwww. Everything fine.", she murmured, towards number two point five, while straightening herself. Feeling her head, she hissed painfully. That would give a bump. "Oh my gosh. Come on in. Have a seat.", yes number 2.5 really seemed promising, to be the real Rainbow Dash. Later Derpy sat on a chair in Rainbows living room. Wonderbolt posters decorated one wall, pictures from several other ponies stood upon her fireplace. The most faces were common to Derpy Hooves. Twilight and her friends. And supposedly Rainbows parents were shown. The room itself was pretty untidy. It seemed as if some burglar had tried to pack anything reachable in a box, just to throw it out again. "Hey. You're reading Yearling. Didn't know that.", Derpy discovered the surprisingly neat stacked books. "Yeah," Dash admitted, balancing a cup out of the kitchen, "Its my favorite." "Oh. I see.", Derpy received the tea. "You reading too?", Rainbow asked. "Yes. And actually I have read the first few Daring Do books.", she explained. She thought to recognize a particular look on Rainbow Dash face. "You know... I maybe have no three dimensional view, with my eyes. But I am pretty good with details - and before you ask. I can read." -----*****------ Rainbow Dash gestured apologizing. "I didn't mean to offend you..." "Oh," confusion stood in Derpys face for a moment. Then she blushed "Oh. sorry. I... its just..." "Anypony sees just a clumsy wall-eyed mare and couldn't believe you're more?", Rainbow added, over her cup. She knew at least what a hell live could be with annoying bullies around. Luckily these days had gone by long ago. "Yes. Its about that. Sorry again," Derpy looked a bit sad. "No need to apologize for you. Seriously. Sooo. You read Daring Do, huh?", now Rainbow was curious. "Not lately. Honestly, -" Derpys eyes started to glow "- I am more into Quarter Mane." It seems, that Derpy was fascinated of fantastic worlds and adventures. To her surprise, authors long before Daring had written such stories. E. Race Buckskin, H.P. Lovedraft - names Twilight surely knew. But not herself. "Ooooh kayyyy. I think I got it," Rainbow Dash grinning interrupted Derpys enthusiastic monologue "Uhm, by the way... why are you here, actually?" "Oh," Derpy looked up, blushing. "Oh my. I... got carried away." Then she hoofed in her mail bag. "Here. This is for you." No sender on the envelope, but an official looking logo 'Marehall Collegue, Barnford CN' "Huh?", Rainbow grabbed the letter, ripped the envelope open and unfolded the paper. -----*****------ Derpy could see, how Rainbow Dash moved from surprised, to happy, to shocked. At last she let go of the letter, letting it fall to the ground and sunk back in her chair. The look on her face plain mortified. Under normal circumstances it was none of her business as mailmare, to sniff in other ponies letters. But under normal circumstances, the blue, flamboyant and engaging pegasus, wouldn't be that depressed. Hay, Rainbow seemed about to cry! "Everything ok?", Derpy managed on the second try to lay her hoof around Rainbows back. Instead of complaining, she leaned forward and buried her head on Derpys shoulder. Sobbing sounds - the total opposite of her behavior, just moments before. Home time or not, she just couldn't leave Rainbow Dash in such a state. "Don't you want to tell?", she gently asked. It took a minute or so for Rainbow to get her raised far enough to answer. "Look." Derpy took the letter. "...hmhmhm... .... I regret to have to revoke ...... Sincerily yours, A.K. Yearling.... oh.... OH!", Derpy realized. "Yeah.", Rainbow sniffed. "Oh my gosh. I am so sorry Rainbow.", she said, unsure what to say anyway. "It wasn't your fault. Its... Ok. But... look. All my friends are out. Visiting parents over the vacancies, or went skiing to Aspony... Even AJ is in Manehatten with her relatives." "And you?", Derpy asked. "Gnah. I had been, too. Had to be back earlier. Weather patrol, yknow. A.K. Yearling wrote me a few days ago, invited me to join her. Today she even sent me a telegram with last details. And now... THIS," Rainbow hung her head low. Derpy patted the mares back. The letter was a rather harsh and dry written revocation, stating that the author had too much to do, to let Rainbow visit. On second thought, it felt a bit... off. Given Dash didn't lie about being Yearlings greatest fan. On third thought, this story felt outright suspicious. Derpy blinked a few times. "Wait a minute!", she jumped up, nearly toppled Rainbow and her chair over. She grabbed one of the newer books - that one, showing Daring Do and a second mare with intriguing similarities to Rainbow Dash - and opened it. Yes. It was a vague guess at first. But now it was obvious. "Look Rainbow." "Yeah. I can see it. An autograph. And now?" "Gosh. Look at the writing. Look at the letter!", this was so clear. Rainbow held the letter next to the inscription. She panted, her eyes wide open. "Woah! That's not Daring Do's handwriting." "See!", said Derpy with a wide smile. Now she had managed to uplift Rainbows spirits. It was good to see her lesser crestfallen than before. "Do you know, what that mean?!" before she could react, Rainbow clutched her shoulders and shook Derpy furiously. "Nnn n nn oo oo oo o?", the mailmare wobbled. "Daring Do is in danger. Somepony try to cut her off from us." "Oh? OH No! And, what should we do?" "Saving her of course. We'll fly to Barnford as fast as possible." Derpy deliberated one moment. Maybe Rainbow Dash was right. The whole thing was fishy at least. And maybe Miss Yearling could need help. On the other hoof - why should somepony do something like this? But anyway - it seems like an adventure to her. "We?", Derpy was honestly surprised. "Sure. What did you think? Without you I've never learned about the fraud! I could need some help with this kind of things.... but I didn't even ask if you have time... So if you don't want...", Rainbow Dash closed. "Oh no, I have time. The Doctor and the kids are on a " - She looked upwards partially - " field trip. Y'know - he wanted to do me a favor and give me some days rest. Second - the most authors I read are dead and gone since decades. So meet a real writer could be fun. And third - if there's really something ahoof... I've never been on an adventure like this..." "Then - to the rescue!", Rainbow exclaimed, letting Derpy jump with glee - her heroic pose ending as her hindleg got stuck on the table and an avalanche of books buried her. Author's Note also starring Connemara Hinds Clyde Dale
Chapter 2 - Menace in the darkTremors. The spider perked up from her thoughts. As far as shady dreams of flies and bugs being trapped before eaten could count as thoughts. She opened her twelve eyes and started searching for the source of those strange vibrations. First it was the reflection of flickering light. A torch - however the spider had never seen an actual torch, nor did she know what it was in the first place. The light was followed by some really really big creatures - holding said light in one hand. She had never seen anything like this. As far as she could remember she hadn't seen anything bigger then a rat down here. This was... exciting! So she crawled out of her soft comfy webbed hiding place onto the sturdy strings of her web. Not to brag, but she was quite proud of it. Not there were much occasions to brag about. Well anyways - now she was eager to learn more about those visitors. The first creature was blueish, with a big protruding head and massive jaws. Small eyes . A long neck and a wide upper chest, narrowing to small but muscular flanks. Sturdy feet and a tail ending in a strange grabby thing. Nothing too unusual, obviously. It was followed by two four-legged fellows, who didn't have any of those wiggly parts on the ends of their feet. Curious. "Aaaaah at last! We have found it!", Ahuizotl, standing in triumph, the waving torch casting a flickering pattern of light and shadows. After all this months of research, of hopes and fails. Finally! The temples had been in a much more derelict state then expected - but quenching the lingering fear Ahuizotl dreaded - the statue had survived. And more important - Tlalocs Key shimmering golden in the hands of the stone likeness! "I zaid we'll find zhe relik here. My studies on zis subject were advanzed, if I may say so, Herr Ahuizotl.", the blue being tilted his head towards his minions. Doktor von Marstall, had proven to be an extraordinary helper the last months. The grey coated dark maned scientist, had uncovered some most important hints, leading to this treasure. Mostly by intimidation and blackmaling - but who was he to object to his results? "What ever the doctor said.", the other companion sighed, rolling his eyes in visible annoyance. It was no secret to Ahuizotl, that Manefred Pommel despised everything about the doctor. Starting by his arrogance up to his immense success in finding lost treasures. "I even don't zink zat your friend Daring Do would have found zis plaz....", a lightning of rage jolted to Ahuiziotls body. "NEVER! NEVER say her name. DO you understand! Not at such a sacred place!" Ahuizotl spun around, threatening this arrogant bastard with his finger, glaring furiously. Slowly Ahuizotl approached the depiction of Tlaloc, holding back his underlings with a stern gesture. They were less than dust in the eyes of the great god, unworthy of setting hoof on even the lowest step of the stairs leading up to the monument. The head with the protruding tentacle-like beard. The big all-seeing eyes. A strong body to lead and defend his subjects. "It has been a long time, since I have seen you in all your grandeur, -" his normally barking voice dimmed to a low growling murmur. "- My Lord." Yes, this one was the only king Ahuizotl would accept to bow for. The lord of his ancestors. Father of his kin. What did his pesky henchponies even know, bowing for royal sisters? Children in the eyes of the rulers walking this world Aeons before them. "Forgive me, my Lord, for I have to sin. Under your very eyes I have to take the key, you've guarded for all this centuries. But you know the truth. This is no act of greed, but a deed to restore the glory of you and your brothers and sisters.", torn between incredible triumph and the fear of divine punishment, Ahuizotl hesitated. His fingers only inches away from the golden object, held between the statues hands. Basically in a wedge form, engraved with the old language of his folk. Few creatures, roaming the world nowadays, were able to read the sacred pictograms. For him the key, was covered in the old songs of his kin, praises to gods no one in this days could even remember, warnings to never betray them. "Herr Ahuizotl, why do you hezitate? We need zis object for our plan to work.", the doctor spoke. "Leave him, von Marstall. He knows better than you, what to do.", Pommel grumbled from behind. The spider had rappelled herself just above the head of the blue creature. It was far more interesting then anything ever happened here - and she wouldn't miss any moment of this. Growling the intruder grabbed the golden thing and pulled hefty. Some moments later, he ripped the item off the statues hands, tumbled a half step backwards. "Ah ahahahhaha! Here it is!", the blue thing vibrated. Moments after this the spider sensed the harsh vibrations of stone grinding against stone. The statutes hands clutched together with a cracking eruption of her web. But wait. it didn't stop! A deep, disturbing rumbling from beneath, waked her alertness. This was not good. The cave had never done this.... shouldn't do this! Even the three intruders yelled something, she couldn't understand because of the noise rippling through the expanding threads of her home. Without hesitation, the spider did the only thing, she considered useful and capped the string she hung on. No moment to late, as the blue creature was whirling around and ran after his companions. Out of the finally collapsing cave. * * * "Gentlecolts, our last venture turned to have been an incredible success.", Ahuizotls exotic appearance was a strong contrast to the medieval vaulted hall he stood in. Bookshelves and small desks, holding precious historical artifacts surrounded the walls. Paintings of long gone masters covering the stone walls. Moonlight shimmered through the large arched windows, added to the few torches, filling the room with gloomy reddish light. Gently Ahuizotl placed Tlalocs Key under a glass dome. "But -" he proceeded, gesticulating "- This is just the first step, to our goal." "After finding zhe key we need the lock.", von Marstall answered thoughtfully over his glass of Champaign. Ahuizotl walked back to the desk in the middle of the room, where his minions waited. Sitting down he mustered the two ponies. They knew parts of his plan. They knew of some of the dangers it would bring upon ponyhood. But nevertheless they were willing to help him. Manefred Pomnel wasn't a mystery to Ahuizotl. His motive was money - and a cozy place in a future Equestria. An atorney - through and through. Adaptive and opportunistic - but at least loyal, as long as the odds stood for Ahuizotls plan. Von Marstall. He was some kind of a riddle. A scientist from Germaneigh. Ruthless, egocentric and arrogant. Nevertheless a genius. His motive? Money - and the opportunity to see his ideas come to live. At least he said that. But for now Ahuizotl had no reason, to mistrust the doctor. And as long as it stayed this way, he was way to useful. "Anyway. We will find the lock. We will find the temple and we will free all its secrets.", Ahuizotl declared, watching his helpers over his joined fingertips. "As long as Daring Do doesn't interfere with your plans, Ahuizotl.", Pommel spoke low, keeping his gaze. "WHAT did you just say?!", Ahuizotl jumped up, bringing his face just an inch in front of his. "I...-", gathering himself, Manefred proceeded "- I have to warn you. Even if you hate Daring Do. IF she gets wind of our plan - and I am certain she will, after von Marstall pressed answers from half of the archeological society - she might become a major problem for our project." Anger build up in Ahuizotl. How could this cretin dare?! But just as his furor was about to take over, he focused. Why did Pommel keep so calm, smiled even? "SO WHAT IS YOUR POINT?" he yelled, giving this little creature a moment to explain himself. "Why not use her?", Pommel gave back, seemingly unfaced. "WHAT? WORKING W...", the urge to hurt the brown pony grew to unbearable heights. "No. I never said 'working' with her, did I?", Pommel smiled even more, as Ahuizotls anger subsided as fast at it had come. "You have a plan?", Ahuizotl spoke. "Indeed...." Somewhere in a dark corner of the hall, a lucky spider spun a new set of sturdy threads and build a web. This new home was so much more exciting than the last one! Author's Note If you find something off, or strange or simple typos - please let me know.
Chapter 3 - To the Rescue!Breaks screaming in protest, accompanied by the whisteling of a high pitched pipe. Steam gushed over the thracks with a loud and dull hiss. "Final stop. Barnsford. Please leave the train to the right.", a older stallion voice shouted through the noise. Hordes of passengers crowded off the train and onto the platform. Scenes of cheerfull reunion, ponies carrying luggage,looking around searching for their way. Rainbow Dash gazed out of the window, grabbing her bags. It had been Derpys suggestion to travel by train. She would have flown right then and there. But the mailmare had delivered a few good arguments. Like flying would take at least twice as long. Whatever. In hindsight Derpy may have been right. It had been a long and boring trip by train. "Lets go!" finally! Just out of here! Rainbow shook Derpy awake. Soooo - this was Barnford. Red brickwalls, white window frames, dark roofs. Neat streets, nice trees in circular beds between street and walkway. Blue mountains in the background, endless grassland and a river. Ponies walking along or sitting in little cafes, looking out the windows. Cozy. Sweet. Like a postcard... A boring postcard. * * * The Marehall College however resembled an old castle and was therefore a bit cooler then the rest of the city. High ivy covered brick walls, pointy roofs. Narrow windows. The big front door stood open. Also peaceful and nice. Due to the chill weather, just a few students dared to take their brake under the trees. But they seemed happily preoccupied by their lunch. Rainbow scratched her neck. The idea, someone like Daring Do could get in danger - here of all places - sounded ridicolous. She felt a bit uneasy. What if the letter was indeed from Daring Do? What if they were about to disturb her and she got mad? "Into the lions den, then?", Derpy grinned, distracting Rainbow from her distraction. "Yeah...", Rainbow swept away her doupts. It was a mystery. A mystery, waiting to be solved! Derpy looked around. Wide hallways with a vaulted ceiling overhead. Lanterns hanging on blackened iron hooks, attached to walls and colums. Arched doors led to classrooms. All in all a real old architectural style. She was anything but sure, if this halls were original from some time even before Nightmare Moons banishment or just recreations, as they were en vouge about hundred years ago. It didn't seem to be any classes at the moment. Students strolled along the floors and wide halls, chatting, or sat and eat. Finally Derpy spottet a few mares sitting in a bay, at the hallways outer side. Books stacked atop the round table between them. Light flooding from tall windows, presenting a blurry view to the outside park. Approaching the group of sitting mares, she smiled friendly. "Hello, can you help me? I am searching for Darrr.. Yearling. A. K. Yearling. Did you see her?", Derpy asked polite. The students stared for a moment - a reaction Derpy was familiar with. But at least, they didn't grin or start do make fun of her. "Well. No, actually," a white pegasus, responded with her hoof thoughtfully resting at her chin. "You mean, A.K. Yearling as in the author of Daring Do?", the red-brown, dark maned unicorn watched curious with green eyes. "Didn't know she were here..." The others shook just their heads. "Or can you tell me where the Dean is?", Derpy had never attended a university - but from her profund knowledge about Highschool movies, she just knew, a dean always had the right answer. If he was not supposed to be the villain... "You surely mean the Dean of the adminstration board? I am fairly sure, he won't help you.", the chestnut unicorn waved her hoof. Darn it. So he was in fact the villain! "Even if he knew where Miss Yearling is - he just couldn't you give informations about them. Privacy, you know..." "But... I am a personal friend of here. For Celestias sake! I was with her on her last adventure!", Rainbow Dash shoved herself on Derpys side, her look between anger and incomprehension, snorting audible. "For real?", the Unicorns eyes shot open. Even the other girls looked surprised. "Right... The newest cover... That was actually you?" "Yep.", Rainbow waving her mane, struck herself in pose and grinned with closed eyes. "Without me, she never had stopped Ahuizotl from unleashing eight hundered years of accumulated dark power over Equestria!" "Yeah...", the unicorn snorted with a laughter. "I've read it. And I've heard A.K. Yearling does fan service sometimes. How did you convince her to write you in? I mean - I am a fan of her since years... Hey - you know what. Maybe you ask the liberarian. He knows for sure, who everypony here is around. Aaaand I think he would help a Daring Do fan in need." With this the brown mare got up and grinned to her fellows. "Be right back - just helping them find the liberary." "Have fun... at least you fans are among yourselfs now.", the white pegasus smiled, just to look back after her lunchbox. "Oh. By the way. I'm Lakin Spotson - but please call me Spots. Everypony does..." * * * Passing long halls and lots of doors, pictures and stairs, Rainbow started to get bored. How long should this take anyway? How could schools be THIS big?! They had chatted for a while. So Spots studied archeology at the college - being a fan of one special archeologist had helped by her career-decission. "Ah. Here we are.", Spots pointed to a spooky doorarch with engraved faces and symbols and a grimacing stonehead above. "Daring? Are you in here?!" Rainbow dashed through the door, yelling. "SHHHHHHH!", a middle aged stallion hissed with a stern look on his face. "Sorry", she gave a sheepishly smile back. Right. Liberaries. Twilight used to be the same. Only why? The room was practically empty. Row after row of double-story-bookshelves, forming a loose circle leaving free space for desks in the middle. One wall covered with bright windows. But - besides of some nerdy earth ponies in the backround was no one here. Especially no Daring Do. "Excuse us Mister... Oh. You are not the librarian. Where is mister Coltson?", Spots had caught up, followed by Derpy. "Oh. Uhm? Flynn - he is... busy right now. I am just helping out.", the sand-colored and brown haired stallion answered, with a smooth voice, while he closed the small door behind the library counter behind him. "I am Manefred Pommel - substitute librarian extraordinaire." Spots shrugged. "Good, then. Maybe you could help us instead. My friends here are searching for A.K. Yearling. You know, the author." "She has to be here!", Rainbow interrupted tilting her head towards the strange non-librarian. "She told me with a telegram." Rainbow Dash stared at the stallion. But doubts formed in her mind, again. Maybe Daring couldn't need interruption right now. She would be angry for sure... "Get lost Rainbow Dash! I thought I told you not to come her. Now you are ruining everything. Can't you remember the last time?" She shivered by this thought alone. Caught by her anxiety she didn't get the rapid change in the sand-colored earth ponies expression. "I fear, Miss Yearling has left our house. I can't tell you, where.", as the substitute librarian coughed and answered, a sly grin on his face. The words hit Rainbow like a hammer. Her eyes went small, her mouth gaped open. "No... No nonono! This... this can't be!", she yelled, more from shock then from anger. "Has she left any notices?", Rainbow heard Spots only half. She was gone - no one knew where. Maybe this was the reason for her letter... "Oh. Then she had lost her hat.", Derpy hadn't waited at the counter, but wandered along the shelves. Now she pointed on a greenish gray tropical helmet, laying on one of the desks by the window. Rainbow trotted over. Not only her helmet were there. A notepad, pencils, a stack of closed books and an open one. To cap it all - and proof the makeshift librarian a liar - a still warm cup of tea - Sheik Equairan Special Blend - Daring Do's (and A.K. Yearlings) favorite brand. "So... what do you have to say NOW!", now it was on Rainbow Dash to feel angry. She literally shot back to the counter, and even before the Earth Pony could react, she grabbed him by his collar, pinning him down to his desk. "Hey! Stop it! No! I... I'll call the security!" Mr brown mane gulped and struggled. "Rainbow!", Derpy and Spots yelled in unison - much to the annoyance of the guests here. "Answers!", Dash growled. Something was more then fishy here. And this guy knew what. "Okey. chrm Okey! I'll tell. But please stop!" Derpy knew Rainbow as sometimes a bit hot headed. ...Most times. But she never had expected her to react this way. But, to her relief the sandbrown stallion didn't seem too angry about of the incident. "Well - it's easy. Miss Yearling gave strict orders.", he startet to explain, while straightening himself. "Maybe she fears plagiation or spoilers of her next book. So she asked for some privacy. And - sorry for you Miss - the story of the personal invitation is really getting old. So... if you want to go now, I won't make a big fuss out of this." "But she really invited me. Look!", Rainbow hoofed in her saddlebags, producing the folded telegram. "Oh. Now... In... in this case.", the stallion took a few moments to examine the document. A bit suspicious. To Derpy, it seemed more like he stalled for time to think. "Yes. Indeed. It is an invitation. Good now... If you want to follow me..." The librarians moves were somewhat hesitant, as if he was unsure, what to do now. But then he trotted out behind his counter towards the door. * * * Shouts, loud voices and the noises of smashing locker doors greeted the small group entering the hallways and the grand staircase. "Oh. I fear its time for me now... to bad that I'll miss A.K. Yearling." Spots hung her head low, but then she looked up "But... maybe I can meet her later today?" "We can ask her. And thank you for your help.", Rainbow Dash said and Spots turned her head with a faint smile before disappearing through a classroom door. And another painfull boring walk. Great. Rainbow had hoped to meet Daring. Not to run for hours around this college. The upper part of the college was a lot more quiet. Next to the doors here were names of professors or signs of archives and such. No classrooms at all. After that they reached a much smaller staircase, leading upwards. "Where does she work, anyway?" Rainbow glanced over the now dusty hallway. It doesn't seem as if anyone was up here ever. "Don't worry, we are right here.", Pommel exclaimed with a pointing gesture and a firm smile. "So - please - enter." With this he opened a sturdy metal-door. "Yesss!", Rainbow galloped inside the hall and was hit by a mess of old statues, chests, crates, stacked lockers and worn out school desks. "Daring Do?", she shouted. But instead of an answer noises of struggle emerged behind her. "Hay! What ya doing?", Derpy was pushed through the door, trying to hold balance, but finally stumbled and crashlanded a step behind Rainbow. Not a moment later, the door slammed shut and sounds of a key were heard.
Chapter 4 - Meanwhile in CloudsdaleSpitfire stood upon the highest balcony of the ancient and tradition-steeped Halls of the Bouleterion. Seat of the city government since the days of the legendary Commander Hurricane. She was facing the east horizon. A stiff breeze ruffled her fiery orange mane and rushed in her ears. She never would admit it - but it was rather cold, only wearing her official uniform. She really would have preferred her flight suit. Anyway - she drew one last deep breath and let her eyes wander over the cityscape, the blue sky and the edge where it met the rolling hills and woods of the central Equestrian plains. Cloudsdale. Proud home of the Pegasi. Hustling and bustling metropolis in the sky. An archipelago made of clouds. Vast colonnades, astonishing palaces, bridges, gates and grand staircases, paying respect to the proud history of the Pegasi. More than a few statues and even whole buildings weren't made of clouds. These marvels of marble gold and silver were held up by strong magic - gifts of friendship made by Earth Ponies and Unicorns, strengthening the bond between the three tribes. In between: Hundreds of Pegasi swarming in all shapes and colors. Everypony was hard at work, decorate, treat the cloud-surface with this intriguing magic stuff, that allowed non-pegasi to walk on them. Crates were transported, carriages raced over the sky. Clouds were smoothed and reshaped. In short - the whole city reminded a hyperactive bee-hive. The most curious thing however, was the strange impression of the lands below slowly creeping closer to the city... which obviously was a stupid thought, because... "Captain Spitfire, Ma'am?", a young stallions voice jolted her out of her daydreaming. "Yes, Airpony?" she turned her head around fixated the pale blue colt, wearing the Wonderbolts blue and yellow suit, with her dark ember eyes. "Report from the navigation crew. We'll arrive at the outskirts of Canterlot in about an hour," he hooved her a stack of papers. "Err.. and the city board members wish for you to come back to the meeting." The stallion blushed lightly. He felt obvious uneasy in her presence. "It's OK. I'll be back in a minute.", then with the faintest smile she added "I just cannot bear those bureaucrats for too long at a time." "Yes, Ma'am," the young Wonderbolt smirked, blushed again, turned around and trotted of. Now she allowed herself more of a smile. Straightening herself she headed towards the door leading to the sticky warmth of the conference room. The times the city officials met in the old amphitheater down in the main-hall, were long gone. "Well then...", while letting the city travel was quite the logistical challenge - she knew, the real work would only begin, once the arrived at the Capital. A dozen Pegasi sat around an oval table in a modern light room, wooden paneling and grey carpet, turning their faces towards her. Some seemed annoyed, some envy of her daring to take this walk in the fresh air. "Captain. We were talking about the traffic guidance for the coming days, during your ... break.", the mayor on the desk's head exclaimed in his typical bland voice. Matching his bland expression and his bland reddish coat. 'Ugh. How... exciting, ' Spitfire didn't say, but "Well. Then everything is in order, I assume? My Wonderbolts secure the museum and the arts gallery while the Guard keeps the non-flying ponies on the roads. And the non-prepared areas will be restricted." "Yes. Sure. But We've decided to open more parts of the Weather Factory and of course of your training-grounds for the public too. The city has to shine!", He didn't even rise his voice. But the words hit Spitfire like a hammer. "You... what? What, this..," she jolted up from the seat, she just had sunken into. "Mayor... This is plain impossible! I just don't have the personnel to secure this whole area... I mean - the museum takes ten Pegasi alone. Then the gallery and the festival sites... And we are supposed to do shows each day for the next two weeks....Even if we don't count in potential criminals. Earth ponies and Unicorns just could fall from the prepared areas..." "Ah.", the mayor leaned back in his chair and waved his hooves in objection. "You heard yourself from this ugly rumors regarding the Factory. We have to show everypony that they are plain ridiculous." "Mister Mayor - no sane pony even belief's this idiotic stories... The Factory isn't...", Spitfire huffed in despise, ready to rant but... "If you don't feel up to the task with your glorious Wonderbolts,... Captain... then my City-Guard will gladly take the responsibility for the museums, too. Maybe you stick to your flight-shows and let regular troops handle the situation.", the Chief of the Guard, raised his voice subtle, keeping a neutral demeanor. If gazes could kill, Spitfire would have committed an outright act of first degree murder. "My Wonderbolts are up to any orders given. So if the board decides to open more locations - we'll do our best to guard them too, Chief Tin Batch" she spoke slowly, focusing her fiery stare at the mint green stallion. Not this time, pal! "Uhm... Mister Hurricane," some accountant type mare, with business suit and thick glasses raised her voice towards the mayor. "May we talk about the security at the fair?" Spitfire didn't listen anymore. Accountants. Business mares, politicians and bureaucrats. Idiotic ideas, disregarding any common sense, just to make the city 'shine'... Gosh Darn it! And on top the mayor. Known as 'The Hurricane' - a more or less official title for every leader of the city. But this mayor wasn't worthy of that title. He was a Low Breeze at best. Trying to make anypony happy. Not noticing what chaos he created. But this was - plain ridiculous... And then Tin Batch. Colonel of the Guard. Highest police-officer. Hadn't left his desk since his promotions a decade ago. But he was everything but harmless. Spitfire knew him as machinating politician. With a keen eye for opportunities and next to no qualms when it came to budged-plans. Of all enemies she had to face in the past, he was the worst one. Just running out on the balcony. Spreading my wings and jump. Gosh nopony in this town would even have a close chance to follow me. Leaving all this bullshit behind... Again she sighed and cracked a faint smile about this nice daydream. "... Captain?", aaand it was gone. disgruntled she looked up. "Excuse me, I pondered about what to do about your plans.", Spitfire straightened up herself. "What is about, if you cut the guards at the museums. Those are complete enchanted - so nopony would be in danger.", a faceless bureaucrat - even his appearance refused to stick on her mind - asked. "It's a grandiose idea.", she smiled. Smiling was surely better, than strangling this idiot for his idiotic suggestion. Yes - the next days promised to become fun, indeed.
Chapter 5 - Following the Trail"Hey! What the heck are you doing?!" As fast as she had entered the chamber, Rainbow leaped back, trying to stop the inevitable. She smashed against the door, clopped her hooves against it and yelled. "Open! I say open this darn door or I buck it in!" No reaction. Ooooo kayyyyy. "Thats it!" waving herself around she took aim and stretched her hind legs. The shock, vibrating through her body let her tremble. "You can stop it. This door wont give in." raging Rainbow ignored the voice out of the shadows and bucked again. "You know - I tried this too." and again. "Try to use your head instead." and again. "Or at a second thought - better don't..." and agai... wait? What? Now Rainbow Dash realized the figure, standing between all the statues. Golden coat, grey mane and a somewhat worn green jacket. "Daring!", her eyes went wide in sudden awareness. "Yeah. Nice to meet you. Uh. Who's your friend by the way?" Daring hooved trough her hair and scratching her neck. "Derpy Hooves, Miss Yearling.", Derpy nodded her head polite, but then eager curiosity burst its way "Wow... I mean, are you really you? Uhm I mean are you really the Daring Do? In reality? Or is this just for show?" "Yes. The one and only. But what are you doing here? How did you get here?", Daring gestured towards the two. "We are the rescue," Rainbow and Derpy managed to say with a sheepish grin. "Great. Then nothing can go wrong - right?" Daring Do facehoofed. Rainbow looked up and took a glance around the room. Dark, sturdy wood, planks and beams, build to hold an entire roof. The few windows, to small to squeeze through. "We.. have just to find another exit.", Rainbow intensified her gaze. Another door. Another opening. Anything. Derpy walked around the chamber, examining small figurines and big strange statues, cluttered along the place. "Oh. If I just had thought of this earlier...", Daring rolled her eyes, causing Rainbow to blush. "So... what happened anyway?", she asked Daring Do. "I don't know. Did my research down in the library. Then suddenly a stallion showed up, said the librarian sent him to guide me to the archive. As I had asked before, I didn't think of anything bad to happen. Then - up here, the door fell shut behind me and no one was to hear. Until now I thought of an terrible mistake. But after the same guy locked you in here too..." "Hey? Whats tha... Woah, woah, woaaaaah!", the rest of Derpys words were cut off by the sound of a hard impact. "Oof! ... I am okaayy!", her muffled voice was heard from ... below. Somehow Derpy had broken through the floor, while standing before this one big and peculiar ugly statue, depicting an ancient god or something. "Derpy!", Rainbow leapt towards the opening her friend had fell through, she just got a glimpse of Derpy fiddling on another opening in the ground. "Oh look! Here's a rope going down .... Iiiaaaaaah!" Just seconds later the din of a falling shelf full of books emerged from deeper below. "Seems your friend is more skilled in using her head than you." Rainbow heard Darings voice behind her with an audible smirk. Without hesitation she passed Rainbow and let herself float down the hole. The room beneath was dark - besides a lit rectangular opening. The faint light fell upon more statues and shelves full of trinkets and archeological stuff. Dust had formed a remarkable layer - making the deep impressions of Derpys steps even more visible, which ended abrupt at the second hole. "Nothing of interest here.", Daring glanced over a few of the objects stored. "Replicas I think." The room below seemed actually like another library room. Shelves full of books - about ancient tools and weapons. One of the shelves had toppled over - books cluttered all around. Beneath the wooden rack one could see... another opening and Rainbow believed it had the shape of a Pegasus literally pressed through the ground. "Derpy?", she had narrowed her eyes, expecting the worst. "Oooooh.... Augh. Uhmm I am OK... I think. Oh. Whats this? Wuaaah!", Derpys voice sounded shocked, accompanied by an angry hissing sound and ending in another rumbling. With no second thought Rainbow together with Daring jumped to the wooden shelf, shoving it aside, letting themselves down the gap. The room beneath was dark and even more dusty then the other. It smelled of oily coal and tool-grease. Crates and boxes arbitrary cluttered the room. Old workbenches - last time used about the time of Nightmare Moons banishment and probably the archeological most valuable items here - lined up on one wall, together with old school-desks and other stuff-to-be-forget. Amidst all this debris stood one table with a collection of strange cat-like statues. Beneath the table a cat - vivid and livid alike, hissed and grumbled towards the annoying intruders. The only real light source - besides the small hole in the ceiling - was a red gloming opening on one wall. Some kind of chute - given the dirt and the color, used for coal - led deeper. "Derpy?!", Rainbow yelled, her eyes wide in worries. "Augh. I'm ... Okay... I think. OH! What's THAT?!" A strange metallic din rumbled up through the coal chute. "Well - after you.", Daring gestured smirking, and Rainbow shot down the chute leading to a small basement room. Derpy had huddled up in one corner, staring at a row of old lockers, her eyes wide with fear. It took a moment for her to realize, one of the lockers shook and rumbled remarkably. As if someone ... or SOMETHING was about to burst out. "Wwwhats that? WHO'S THERE?", she mustered her courage, taking a defensive stance to be prepared for whoever might jump out of that locker. Moments later Daring Do landed right besides them. Looking at her two companions, shaking her head, she strolled over to the locker and gave the old rusty padlock a good kicking, splitting it into two. The door blasted open and a mummy stumbled into the room! "HEY you raggedy mummy! You think you can scare me?!", Rainbow was about to attack, when Daring stepped between the two. "Since when do mummies plead for help?", Daring said, giving Rainbow Dash pause. She listened, and the terrible groans of a living dead monster turned out to be the mumbled sounds of someone, absolutely not happy with the situation. Soon they were occupied with removing bandages and ropes and a towel over the muzzle to reveal a very distressed and disheveled Earth Pony stallion - about the same color as Daring do, but with brown frazzled hair. "Flynn Coltson?", Daring Do exclaimed. "Very nice to meet you, miss Yearling. Why are you full of coal dust?" Rainbow groaned. "That's not important! HOW do we get out of here?!" "Ah. Very good question, indeed.", the stallion hooved around in his pockets. "Skeleton key. They didn't bother to search me before they tossed me in here. I already had a plan to escape. Unfortunately, those pesky restraints turned out to be more problematic than anticipated." * * * The late afternoon sun painted the chamber, cluttered with maps, trinkets, figurines, interesting rocks and many, many books in a cozy golden light. Tea cups, balanced on a small table - the only really free spot in Flyn Coltsons study. A fire in the open fireplace kept the cold outside the old tall windows, overlooking the western side of town. However the atmosphere was everything but cozy and comortable. "So, now tell me, Miss Yearling... what have you been after, that someone would go to this lengths to stop you?", the librarian looked looked Daring Do square in the eyes. "You didn't tell me the truth yesterday, did you?" Rainbow Dash was about to interfere. Nobody had the right to talk to Daring Do this way! But she was surprised when the archeologist suddenly shifted her eyes upwards, inhaling. "You are right", she began. "It wasn't research for a new book. Look,...", Daring grabbed a heavy looking, thick disk, covered in incomprehensible symbols that might be some kind of writing. "... this is called the 'Eldritch Compass' I learned Ahuizotl is after it, so I went to fetch it before him. I succeeded and now I try to find out, what it's all about. He is after something big. That far I know. I also have learned, that the compass can navigate - somehow - to some ancient places, which may hold incredible power, or dangers. But I don't know for sure, if Ahuizotl has other tricks up his sleeve." Coltson mused for a moment rubbing his chin. "Ancient sites you say. Some ancient compass... and other tricks? Well... you may know that half the archeological society is going crazy, right now. Somepony a certain 'von Marstall' a scientist from Germaneigh has asked a lot of questions, sometimes in a pretty rude manner. Regarding the Technochlitan Basin, regarding some kind of 'Cult of Tlaloc' maps, keys, foci of Tlaloc... But I am not sure what any of this means. Tlaloc is some ancient... very ancient godlike creature. Said to have existed and vanished long before Discords reign of Chaos... Not like we have many reliable sources from that time..." "Well... if Daring has this Compass... then all we have to do is to stop Ahuizotl from getting it. Right?", Rainbow chimed in. "Probably.", the librarian answered, lifting his cup of tea. Still looking a bit absent minded. "But this Manefred Pommel, that took my place and locked you... us up didn't try to get this compass from Miss Yearling, did he?" A sudden knock on the door interrupted the heated talk. "Mr Coltoson. We found this down in the library. We believe it belonged to that strange stallion from before.", one of the campus aids handed a crumpled piece of paper to the librarian. It turned out to be a flyer for the Cloudsdale Arts and Culture Exhibition - a festival where the flying city traveled to a few key places in Equestria opening its gates for everypony interested in the awesome feats of bravery, exploration and adventure the Pegasi of Cloudsdale achieved in their past. "Isn't there an ancient Map from the Technochlitan Basin in the the 'Commander Hurricane Collection' in the Cloudsdale Museum?", Derpy had perked up. "It...", turning red, due to the looks Coltson and Daring Do gave her, "... it has been mentioned in one of the books of Haggard Rider - you know, the author of Quatermane. The map I mean." "Ooooooh. That isn't good.", Daring realized after a short moment. "Sorry.", Derpy turned away. "No.. Not you! You are completely right.", Daring Do was quick to explain, letting Derpy exhale in relief. "But... when this Pommel works for Ahuizotl - and I am sure of that; AND has a brochure for this exhibition; AND there's a map that seems to point to the same mystery as the compass..." "Ahuizotl will try to steal the map?", Rainbow jolted up and was already half the way to the door. "We have to stop him!"
Chapter 6 - The Calm Before the StormCloudsdale always was a sight to behold, Daring Do mused. With all her adventurous life, she normally liked it, to visit the big city once in a while. Not few of the artifacts she discovered had found their way in one of the large Cloudsdale collections and museums, she mused. But still – she couldn’t find the excitement and joy she normally had, coming here. Two most dangerous ponies were prowling around, determined to steal… or otherwise get the Eldritch Compass. For what end? Daring didn’t know, which also infuriated her. And with the Great Equestrian Fair going on, those two didn’t have much trouble blending in. Hundreds of Earth Ponies and Unicorns strolled the magically hardened pathways, sat in restaurants and marveled over the great architecture, cloud parks and exhibitions. „Why so gloom, Miss Do?“, Derpy who accompanied her looked up from her meal. „I just hope, Rainbow’s plan to warn the guards will work. We simply don’t have much to go on.“, the archeologist answered, letting her eyes wander, once again, over the crowds of ponies, barely kept on the streets by clearly stressed guards and Wonderbolts. * * * Whatever Spitfire had anticipated, how hard the coming days would become – she was thoroughly surprised. And not in a good way. Streets may had been prepared for Earth Ponies to walk on – but for some reason, the guests had turned out to be dead set on finding every single spot, nook and cranny that wasn’t. Her Wonderbolts, the city guards and luckily a whole lot of citizens had all hoofs full with catching ponies, keeping them from waltz right over safety markings or rescuing ponies lost on the maze like system of walkways that had been installed very haphazardly. „Rainbow Dash! Nice to see youuu…. What’s the matter?!“, the captain of the Wonderbolts beamed for a short moment. Her favorite flyer had been announced by an ordinance – letting her hope for a little bit of a break from all that annoying administrative work. Just to then see Rainbow dashing in her office, hardly halting in front of her desk, making a mess of the papers laying about with her wings. „I need to warn you. Somepony has planned a heist on the museum, to steal a priceless artifact. You need to do something. Right now!“, miss Dash really looked distressed. Spitfire frowned upon this opening. „What?!“, was the only thing she was able to reply. „The Museum! Ahuizotl is about to steal the Map of Tlaloc!“, the sky blue mare braced herself on the desk leaning forward, her face just inches in front of Spitfire. „Now! Back down! And one thing after another. Who wants to steal what from where?! And… and how do you even know?!“, no. That, for sure, wasn’t promising any kind of recess… „Ahuizotl. Daring Do’s nemesis. He is here! Or at least his henchponies! They are here, and we know, that they want to steal from the Museum. From the Hurricane Exhibition! You have to put up more guards, more security. More… everything!“ Daring… Do? Oh.. Oh NO! „If that’s a joke Miss Dash… than it’s a pretty bad one. As you can see – I have all hooves full with managing this mess of an Equestrian Fair. I have enough to do as it is. The last thing I need, is YOU barging in here with one of your stupid stories. „No… no no.. You get it wrong. It’s NOT a story. He is here. He is about to break into the Museum. Daring herself said he won’t wait long. You need to strengthen the guar…“ „ENOUGH!“, Spitfire yelled. NO. A.K. was here. „I don’t know what stupid game you play. I don’t know, if it was your idea or if ‚Daring Do‘ is behind this. But…“ „But you HAVE to believe me…“, this stupid blue featherbrained Pegasus went on. * * * „You think Rainbow could do it?“, Derpy asked Miss Yearling. Rainbow Dash had been gone for a while now, the afternoon sun, was slowly about to set into a wonderful fiery evening. They were sitting and waiting in a small open sky restaurant, packed full with all sorts of ponies. A rare sight, Derpy had some difficulties adjusting to. They sat just below the cloud mountain where the city center, most of the government buildings and the headquarters of the Wonderbolts where situated. „I’m not so … sure…“, the archeologist pondered, to then focus on something behind Derpy „In fact… I am pretty sure she didn’t.“ Derpy following her gaze, turned around and could just see how Rainbow, flying in a strange trajectory out of the Wonderbolt Headquarters main entrance. Quite as if she didn’t fly on her own volition, but as if someone had tossed her. „I told you, Spitfire wouldn’t buy it.“, the author greeted Rainbow Dash, after she had landed pretty rough in a patch of clouds just before the restaurants entrance, visibly shaken from whatever had happened to her. „I can’t understand! The moment I mentioned you… Spitfire went all upset and…“, Rainbow Dash gesticulated confused. „That’s what I tried to tell you. She… is not really a fan of me, y’know… shoving stupid stories in little fillies heads, make them all crazy and reckless… letting them end up in…“, Daring sighed dramatically „A full body wing and hoof cast, drinking through a straw. … did she mention that?“ A few of the other ponies sitting around had perked up and looked over to them. Perhaps, Derpy thought, they recognized Miss Yearling. Or they were surprised by Rainbows entrance. But before she could ponder more about this she meant to see a familiar face in the crowd. „You… know her? She… knows you?!“, Rainbow mouth gaped open. „Big Deal. The city, as large as it is, is still but a village. We bumbed into each other a few times.“, Miss yearling answered, shrugging. Very casually… but that wasn’t important right now, Derpy knew. „Ahm, Miss Yearling?“, she interrupted. Impolite, yes. But… neccessary. „Yes?“, the archeologist was quick to pick up, even if Rainbow was visibly irritated by the interjection. „I… sorry. I just saw the false librarian guy down there.“, hoofing in the direction. In fact, it wasn’t only Manefred Pommel strolling down the road – right in the direction of the Cloudsdale Museum. There were another pony – a bit older, dark maned, grayish fur right besides him. „Von Marstall.“, A.K. Yearling growled. „They are here.“ Just moments later, they were sneaking behind the duo, keeping their distance. Derpy felt a bit like a spy. Not sure if it was exciting or frightening. They followed the false librarian and the crazy scientist down the main road, around some corners and lastly down the darkest alleyway Derpy had ever seen in Cloudsdale. Which was quite a feat considering, that nearly everything here was bright white. There the two met with a bunch of other ponies – pegasi mostly. ‚Rough and tumbled‘ would be a good description of the bunch. Hard faces, badly shaven, one with a blinking golden tooth, another one constantly juggling a knife. If someone ever wanted to round up the usual suspects – it would be this guys, Derpy was sure of it. Luckily they were far enough away and well hidden behind a dumpster. But alas, that meant that they couldn’t really make out what Pommel, von Marstall and the mug-shot lineup over there were talking. But there was a lot of hooving and pointing in the direction of the museum. „I guess… they won’t wait, until we convinced Spitfire… right?“, Rainbow Dash whispered. „Looks like it.“, Miss Yearling gave back. „Ahh… what should we do.“ „There’s only one thing, y’know…“, A.K. said. „Yeah. Going in, before them.“, Rainbow Dash finished the sentence. „Derpy… you don’t need to do this.“ Derpys look twitched from one to the other. She hadn’t planned to commit a crime… certainly not a museums heist. It should have been just a few interesting days of traveling and helping Miss Dash to find A.K. Yearling. But on the other hoof… there was something big going on and they were the only ones to stop it right now. And she surely wouldn’t let down her new friends. So she smiled, shook her head and said „Nah. I am in here with you. You do the right thing. And my doctor always says, ‚you never should fail to try doing the right thing.‘“ Then she straightened herself, went a step out from the cover towards the street. „And for some reason he also always says another thing, before getting in real trouble…. GERONIMO!“
