*CANCELED*by UnablePoneChaptersPrologueChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3ProloguePrologue “…In a single day and night of misfortune, the city of Atlantis sank into the depths of the sea…” -Plato, 360 B.B.C (Before Birth of Celestia) Atlantis, during its time, it was the most advanced civilization on Equis. That is, until it sunk beneath the sea. The sea was calm and the sky was dotted with some small clouds. It was quiet; only the sounds of seagulls and the sea could be heard. Suddenly, a great boom shook the sea, and an army of flying creatures appeared. They moved slowly at first, but they were flying as fast as they could as the tsunami caused by the boom chased after them. “You fool!” An Atlantean military pony shouted to his comrade. “You’ve destroyed us all!” “The wave is gaining! We have to warn Atlantis!” The soldier replied. “Too late!” Another said in panic as the wave consumed the entire back of the army. The rest of the surviving ponies rushed through the holes in rocks and channels surrounding Atlantis. When they arrived, they could see the Crystal above the city, it having just turned red, and the towering shadow of the wave behind them. The city went into panic as they saw the soldiers and the wave that was coming for them. An announcer saw all of this, and spoke into the speakers, shouting, “Everyone to the shelters! Everyone to the shelters!” in Atlantean. The ponies at the bell heard all of this and the red lights and immediately started hitting the giant bell, warning everypony. Ponies panicked in the streets as soldiers with their vehicles crashed into the street, and they began running for the shelters. A guard, that was protecting the King and his family, shouted urgently, “This way your highness. Quickly!” The King and his family started running, and the foal, named Kida, dropped her doll, and soon, a red spotlight came over it. Her mother, the Queen, pulled her forward and told her, “Kida! Just leave it! There’s no time!” Just then, one the red spotlights coming from the Crystal, hovered over the Queen, and turned blue. The Queen saw this, and turned around, her necklace hovering as well. The Queen eyes turned blue, and the King saw this too. Soon, all the red spotlights that were going around in the city turned blue, and focused into one thin, blue light that focused onto the Queen’s necklace and it seem to explode in a flash of blue light. The Queen now appeared to be unconsciousness. The spotlight began to lift the Queen into the air, towards the Crystal. The hoof that was holding Kida’s hoof soon slipped off, also taking Kida’s ring. Kida noticed, and began to look up towards the blinding light and shouting. “Mother!” She shouted in Atlantean. The ponies in the shelter looked out and saw the Stone Giants making a wall out of blue light, and the flying crafts crashing into the dome. “Mother!” Kida shouted again, falling to the ground. “Mother!” As the wave neared and the dome began closing up, the King grabbed Kida and hid her eyes from the spectacle happening above them. “Close your eyes Kida! Look away!” The King said urgently. He looked up, his eyes widening and his mouth agape. The Crystal was now spinning at a fast speed, and the dome closed as the wave of water came closer and closer. There was a blinding light, and Atlantis slid beneath the sea with sparks as the wave consumed the rest of the city. The water evened out, and in its place was a light that soon disappeared. Somewhere off the coast of ancient Canterlot, 15 B.B.C (Before Birth of Celestia) "Here," said a deep voice in a language not familiar to ponies. "We've passed the final marker." He pointed at the open book, translating the Atlantic runes inside. He looked up, and he revealed to be a griffon. He was the tallest of the crew, being the captain and all. "We'll head that way, towards the portal and to Atlantis," He said, pointing a talon to his right. "But my lord, it says that there are sea monsters here," a voice called out. It belonged to the cabin foal of the ship. The captain spun around quickly, his eyes with anger, and grabbed the cabin foal's throat. "Fool!" He spat in the cabin foal's face. "I could slaughter you here and right now!" He raised his sword to the poor griffon's throat. The cabin foal shuddered in fear of being killed by his lord. "S-Sorry, my lord. I haven't seen what you have seen, so... You can see why I'm doubtful about this journey," He said in a shivering tone. The captain stared a bit longer, and released his grasp. "You can go this time, servant. But there won't be a next time." He said, and looked away. "I've seen more then what you lads saw. Monsters, bigger then most sea monsters!" As in response, a great object flew out of the water, and splashed right next to the ship. Everyone on the ship was drenched in ice-cold water. "W-What was that?!" A crew-member shouted in shock. "It looked like a giant lobster!" replied another frightened griffon. "Non-sense! This monster is just a speck of dust compared to the ones I've seen!" The captain yelled, looking over the rails of the ship. Again, as in response, a tentacle came up and snatched a pleading griffon into the sea. Now even the toughest griffons were frightened by this death they just witnessed. "You fools! Stop standing around and fight!" Shouted the captain, taking his sword out. The others began to draw their swords out, and began attacking the tentacles that were slowly coming up to pick them off, one by one. The fight went on, until there was only the captain and some other brave griffons. "Come on, lads! We can-" Before the captain could finish his sentence, the mast of the ship fell on him, crushing him. From a far away distance, the ship laid there, still, before a beam of light shot up and blew it to kingdom come. Some flaming fragments came crashing down, and the Clover's Journal came splashing down soon after. Chapter 1Chapter 1 Canterlot City, 1914, 14 years after Luna’s comeback, Star Swirl the Bearded Institution. The Star Swirl the Bearded Institution is one of the most recognized institutions in Equestria. Dedicated to the most famous pony in history, Star Swirl, the institution holds more than 1,000 objects describing every single event in pony history. The museum is usually a bit loud, but not too loud. Just quiet enough that if you listen carefully, you might hear the humming sound of the generator in the basement. That’s where Daring Do works. “Good morning, gentlestallions. First off, I would like to thank the board for agreeing to propose this meeting. Now, we all heard of the legend of Atlantis, right?” Daring Do said, to the crowd of ponies. “A continent possessing tech far greater than our own,” She continued. “Then, according to our friend right here Plato,” she pointed her stick to a bust of Plato, “A cataclysmic event that came suddenly and sank it to the bottom of the sea.” “Now there are many questions we have about Atlantis,” Daring said, picking up a set of cards. “What was it? When did it exist? What tech did they have that was beyond ours? Well, I might have the answer,” she said, showing the first card to the crowd. “Some 12,000 years ago, before the Egyptians, was Atlantis, having tech that was, again as I said, greater than our own!” She lectured as she flipped through the cards. “They had found medicine far before the Egyptians did, made vehicles even before we did! But they also found energy,” she flipped to a card with a picture of an engraving, which showed some ponies worshipping some light. “Energy, that was greater than coal, greater then magic, even greater than our magic engines!” She calmed down a bit. “Now, I believe that I had finally found a way to Atlantis, and the explanation of why ponies had not found the lost empire yet.” She scooted out from behind the stand, struggling a bit before she popped herself out. She pointed to the chalkboard. “Now, ancient Atlantean runes tell us that the Clover’s Journal, written by Clover the Great, was to be found in Ireland. Now, in case if you didn’t know (I’m pretty sure you don’t), the Clover’s Journal was a map to Atlantis, but it was written in Atlantean, the language of Atlantis. Now, according to this…” She bent over, and tried to pick up a shield that was far too heavy for her. She finally picked it up, and adjusted it in her hooves. “Viking shield…*grunt* I found, that one of the runes, was mistranslated. Now, by changing the ‘R’ in Ireland…” She carefully removed one of her hooves carrying the shield, and erased the “R”. “… To a ‘C’… It turns out to be…” She wrote a “C” in place of the “R”. “Iceland.” “Any questions?” She looked around. “Nope? Ok…” With that, she carefully put down the shield, and brushed her hooves together. “Now-“Before Daring Do could go on, a ring interrupted her. “Uh, excuse me,” she said sheepishly, and climbed over the board to where the telephone was. She picked it up. “Hello there, Daring Do here, how may I help you?” She said into the phone. After a few moments, her face turned into a slight frown. “Ok, I’ll check the boiler.” She hung up, and turned on the lights. The crowd of ponies turned out to be mannequins just set up to resemble ponies. She walked over to the boiler, and took one of the pony masks. “Sorry,” she murmured, and threw it into the boiler. She adjusted some valves, and the boiler made a groaning noise. With a CLANG! The boiler stopped groaning and a small BOOM could be heard. She flew over to the telephone, and said, “It’s all fixed. Yep, no problem,” and hung up. "Now, I propose that I take a group of ponies, and journey to Iceland to retrieve the Clover's Journal. Questions?" A bell rung, signifying the end of the speech. "Finally," she said out loud. She flew to the altar stationed on a small table hidden away. She carefully opened the doors, and a bright light came out. Inside was a safari hat that looked well worn and around it were some candles, big and small. She smiled sadly, and gently grasped the hat and put it on. Still fits, she thought. Daring looked towards the small picture frame next to the altar. On the photo was a old pony, with graying hair, but he was dressed in safari clothing. Sitting in his lap was a foal, not much older then nine years old. "I promise," Daring said quietly to herself. "I'll find Atlantis for you. I promise, dad..." With that, she gently put the frame in her satchel and other papers in before closing it up. It's almost time to go, she thought, and began to leave, but a puff of green smoke appeared in front of her. "Whoa!" She shouted out, startled. The message floated for a few moments before Daring held her hoof out and caught it just before it fell. "Message..? Right now? It's almost time to go to the meeting..." She shrugged. "Wouldn't hurt to read it right now," she said, and untied the ribbon that tied the message together. " Greetings, Daring Do," She read aloud. " Your meeting time had been moved from 5:25 to 5:15." She looked towards the clock. It read 5:20. "What..?" Just then, another puff of green smoke appeared in front of her. Daring caught it and ripped it apart. " Greetings, Daring Do. Since you were absent, the board has denied your proposal. Have a nice day." she read aloud again. She figured what was going on and screamed, "They can't do this to me!!" "I swear, that mare can't stop ranting on about Atlantis!" a voice said aloud. Along with that voice were many others. "If I hear the word, 'Atlantis' again, I jump in front of a chariot!" A few chuckles rang out. "Ha! I'll push you!" A stallion said, shoving the stallion who said the joke. Now everypony in the group was laughing now. "Sir! Sir! Oh, there you are!" Daring Do's voice rang out from the end of the hallway. The ponies in the group stopped laughing and started running. "How did she find us?" A board member said as he locked himself in a room. The others went and locked themselves in a room as well. The only one left was the board president. He looked around in panic, and he found a small tree to hide behind. He tried to hide himself behind a small tree, but to no avail. "Uh, sir?" Daring's voice said, as she spread out the branches, finding the board president hiding himself. He looked, and in reaction, smiled and opened his umbrella in front of Daring. This distracted the mare for a few seconds, just enough for the stallion to run out of the doors of the museum, and into his awaiting chariot. Daring caught up and slammed right into him, pushing the stallion further into his chariot. "Oh, sir! Here you are! Just hold these for me and-" Daring said. "You! I told you, Atlantis is not real!" The president shouted. "But I can prove it!" Daring replied. "Atlantis exists!" "You want to fund a expedition? Just stay here and tend the boilers," he replied, and his chariot took off. Daring quickly flew after him. "Sir, the map is located in Iceland! Just fund-" She shouted into the chariot until he pulled down the blind. It didn't last, though, as Daring planted herself in front of the window of the chariot. "Ugh! Sir, this is... A letter of resignation! If you don't fund my expedition-" The chariot cut her off by swerving and throwing her off. "I'll quit!" She shouted. The chariot stopped, and rolled back. "Sir, if you don't fund my expedition-" "Daring! How many times do I have to tell you? Don't become like your father," He said sternly. "But sir! Atlantis does exist!" She said, hoping it would change his mind. "You want a fund?" The president said, annoyed. He picked out a 10-bit and threw it to the ground in front of Daring. "Here! Jump into the Maretomic and jump in! Maybe the cold water will clear your head! Driver!" He flew off, going over a puddle and drenching Daring. She gasped, and looked at her resignation letter, all wet. Chapter 2Chapter 2 Daring Do flipped on the switch to her apartment, only to find it not turning on. “Bucking Tarturus,” She mumbled. She opened a chest that was near the entrance to her apartment and opened it. Inside were candles and matches, just in case a storm caused a blackout, like the one that was happening outside. She lit it, and part of the room lit up. It also lit up part of the room where a mare was sitting. “What in bucking- Fleur, what are you doing here? You scared me!” “Sorry if I did,” Replied Fleur. “But I heard you quit today,” “Yeah, I did. Stupid horse-ass president doesn’t want to fund my expedition,” she angrily said. Fleur stood up. “What if I said…” She said, getting close to Daring’s ears. Daring shivered at the close contact. “That my husband was able to fund it?” She said quietly, like somepony would hear. “R-Really?” Daring said, skeptically. “Yes, he’ll be able to fund it. Every last bit.” “But I plan on leaving as soon as possible,” “No problem. He’s already done it.” Daring stared out of the carriage, which was driven by Fleur, and only saw lightning and rain. “Where are we going?” Daring questioned. “To my hubby’s mansion.” Fleur responded. A few moments later, they were parked under a shade, which was extended out from the entrance of the mansion. Daring just gawked at the size. “C”mon, it’s getting cold.” Fleur said, shivering. “R-Right,” Daring replied, and hurried in as well. But before she entered, she saw a plaque that had something written on it. As she peered closer, it read, “Fancy Pants”. “C’mon Daring! Do you want to catch a cold?” scolded Fleur from the elevator. “Coming!” Daring said, and hurried in. When Daring entered, all she could do was stare at the exquisite carvings and decor on the wall. In the middle of the room was a red carpet, stretching all the wall from the entrance to the back of the foyer.There was a grand fireplace one side of the room, a warm fire burning inside. To the left, in the corner of the room, were two elevators, going up and down. “My husband’s office is in the basement,” Fleur said. She urged Daring into one of the elevators. As soon as they got in, Fleur closed the gates and pressed ‘Basement’ on one of the buttons. “Now, don’t be afraid when you meet him,” Fleur lectured. “He’s a very nice stallion, and I doubt he won’t treat you well. You ready?” Daring nodded. “Good, because we’re here.” Fleur said as the elevator slowed to a halt. Fleur opened the gates with her magic and ushered them through. Daring looked around. For a basement, it was a pretty nice one. To the side of one wall was a mammoth fireplace, with the letters, “F.P”. On the adjacent wall to the right was a huge- like, HUGE- fish tank with two old prehistoric looking fish in the tank. On the back wall were mostly paintings and a huge door in the middle. But something caught her eye. She looked towards the doors, and saw her father. “Dad..?” She said, stunned. above the wall was a picture of two ponies, one looking quite old and the other looking like he was about to reach forty. They were conversing with each other; her dad’s arm wrapped around the other stallion. “Yep,” said a fine voice beside her. She jumped a little, then turned to the source of the voice. “Such a great stallion he was. Too bad he got shunned down,” Fancy Pants said. “What do you mean?” Daring asked. “He thought Atlantis was real. But ponies said, ‘Nope. No bucking way.’ And down went his career.” “Were you friends with him?” Daring questioned. “Was until his very last day. Now come, let us sit.” He said, trotting towards his desk in front of the tank. She sat down, and Fancy did so as well. “Now, before we start talking, I want to give you something your father always wanted to give you.” Fancy said, levitating a rectangular shaped object covered in brown paper. Daring grabbed it carefully, and ripped the paper off gently. What was inside was shocking. “But… It's Clover’s Journal,” She said, stunned. “But… It's Clover’s Journal,” She said, stunned. “All in its glory,” Fancy Pants added. “But… How did he get it?” she asked, carefully opening the pages and flipping through them. “Years of research. And he got shunned for that too,” Fancy replied. “But why?” Daring said. “They considered it taboo, and they still do.” Fancy replied, putting his hoof onto his muzzle. “I don’t know why they can’t deal with it,” he mumbled. “But… Why didn’t he find Atlantis? He found this, so why not go and find Atlantis as well?” “Because he wanted a future for you,” Fancy replied sadly. “He wanted you to find Atlantis, not himself. He wasn’t selfish.” “I still can’t believe I’m actually holding it...” Daring murmured. “It’s the real thing, I tell you! But there’s nothing in there but gibberish,” he said. “It’s not gibberish!” Daring said. “It’s an ancient language, forgotten by most ponies! In fact, these letters point the way to Atlantis!” “So that’s why you became a linguist,” Fancy joked. “Yes, that’s specifically why I became a linguist,” Daring said, facehoofing. “So what about the expedition?” “What about it?” Fancy inquired. “I mean, is there going to be a crew?” Daring replied. “Yes, there is.” he replied, taking out a pile of paperclipped papers and pictures. “Dr. Horse and Nurse Redheart, the medics, also the part Canterlot Hospital crew. Roseluck, the demolition expert, also a florist. Driller, a reformed Diamond Dog. Can dig through rock as it if was dirt, although he prefers to use his digger. Silver Spanner, the mechanic. Always goes through trash to look for treasure. Good mechanic, by the way. There’s also Gilda, the other mechanic. She’s a nice griffon. “Braeburn, a descendant from the Apple family. He’s the cook. Makes good apple pie. Vinyl Scratch is the communication expert. Be ready for some swearing. And sex. They’re the same expedition that found Clover’s Journal.” “Where?” asked Daring. “Iceland,” Fancy replied, tossing a picture of the crew onto the desk. Daring threw her hooves into the air. “I knew it!” she cried out. “But the question is, are you ready for it?” asked Fancy. “Ready for what?” she said, after her celebratory dance. “Atlantis.” he replied. “B-But, I need to sell my apartment! I need a transportation mode to get to Atlantis!” “Already done,” Fancy replied, and flicked up a cover on his desk, revealing a button. He pressed it, and moments later, a section of the desk opened up, causing Daring to back away. A submarine model came up, and other models appeared as well. “The S.S Celestia, the finest sub ever built by ponies and griffons. Named after her majesty, the S.S Celestia can go to the deepest depths of the ocean.” “Where did you get the money to get this?” Daring said, spinning the propeller on one of the smaller subs. “I’m a millionaire, remember?” Fancy deadpanned. “I know, but how did you, like, do this without the public finding out? You must’ve known what will happen if they did!” “I had the support of my wife,” Fancy said, than turning to the big double doors. “You hear that honey?” he sweetly said. “Yes, I did,” replied Fleur through the door. Fancy smiled, and continued. “Anyways, I also had the support of Princess Celestia herself.” “WHAT?!” shouted Daring. “The one and only,” replied Fancy, not taken aback by Daring’s outburst. “But why would you? You also must’ve known how the ponies will react to the Princess funding something taboo!” “But Celestia is great at keeping secrets.” Fancy said. “No one knows what Celestia might be hiding.” “True, but… Ugh, let’s move on. How many ponies will be on this expedition?” Daring said. “At least a thousand,” he replied. “A thousand?” “A thousand.” “Right… So what about my home?” she questioned. “Already taken care off.” “My job?” “You quitted, remember?” Fancy said, taking out a piece of cloth and cleaning his monocle. “My cat?” Daring asked, and a white cat jumped on her as a reply. Fancy stood up, and trotted to Daring. “Your father wanted you to find Atlantis,” he said, levitating the Journal over to Daring. “He wanted you to leave everything behind to find it,” “Are you sure?” Daring said. Fancy nodded. “I’m sure.” “Ok than.” Daring replied, and got up. “I’m going to find Atlantis, and I gonna find it for my dad!” she cried out. “That’s the spirit!” Fancy said, and clapped Daring on the shoulder. “When is it going?” Daring questioned. “In two hours. Now, get going! I’m going to be there to bid you farewell! My wife will accompany you to the Port of Equis. Now, come! We mustn’t be late!” Chapter 3Chapter 3 Daring leaned over the rail, throwing up her contents of her stomach. The ship’s horn blared, and she threw up more again. “Carrots…” she said, leaning back. “Why is it always carrots? I don’t even eat carrots…” she moaned, and almost threw up again when the loudspeaker blared. “Attention, all ponies. All hoofs to the launch bay. To whoever removed the ‘L’ from the motor pool sign, ha ha, we’re all very amused,” said the voice. Daring got her bags and descended into the belly of the ship before coming to a room full of sparks and vehicles. She looked around before asking a pony. “Uh, excuse me, I need to report in,” she said. “Yes, Daring?” the pony said, turning, revealing to be Fleur. “Oh, it’s you!” Daring said, hugging her. “Yes, it’s me,” Fleur said, patting Daring’s back before parting. “Now, what do you need, dear?” “To report in. To the launch bay.” “Oh, yes! I’m going there right now to meet my husband. Coming?” “Yeah, wait up!” she said when Fleur started trotting to the elevator. They got into the elevator with hundreds of other ponies before the elevator grunted, and began descending. They passed girders and intersecting steel beams before everything went dark. Only a red light could be seen before light poured in again, and Daring soon gasped softly at the massive sight that was presented to her. There it was, the S.S Celestia, in all of its glory. The span of the submarine looked endless, but Daring soon spotted the tailfin and rudders. In the front, there was a huge golden glass sphere that allowed for observation, and Daring could see inside the huge submarine. She looked down and saw ponies milling around, driving trucks with supplies into the sub; sparks flew down from the ceiling as they welded parts to release the sub. The elevator finally landed, and Daring hurried after Fleur into the sea of ponies. She looked around before bumping into a cart. “Oh, hey there, Daring. Didn’t guess that you would be joining this journey as well!” “Roseluck..?” Daring said, looking a bit closer. “Who else?” she replied, and whispered, “Don’t bump into me next time. I’ll literally go into a cussing spree for scaring me.” Daring spotted the cart she was pulling. “ Oh, you’re the explosive expert?” Roseluck got out a stick of dynamite and began playing with it. “Well, duh. Now, hurry along. Fleur probably won’t wait for you,” she said before trotting away. She met up with Fleur who was busy conversing with her husband, Fancy Pants, and another creature that looked like a gryphon. “Ah, Daring Do. The granddaughter of the late Compass Rose. How is it going?” said the gryphon, stretching her claw out. “Good,” replied Daring nervously. “Daring, this is Gilda’s sister, Grizelda, commander of the pony and gryphon army. I trust you that you know Daring, right?” Fancy said to Daring first, then to Grizelda. “I do. Now, your grandfather was nice, wasn’t he?” Grizelda said, releasing the hoofshake. “Greatest pony I met. It’s… sad that he passed away and that no one respected him.” “Yeah.” Daring said, looking down a bit. “Your sister is joining this expedition as well, right?” Daring said. “Yes, she is.” she replied, then a horn blared. “ Attention all personnel, launch will happen in 15 minutes.” the speaker blared. “Well, it’s time to go now,” she smiled, and walked aboard. Daring hugged Fancy and Fleur before galloping after Griz. “Bye! See you!” “Bye! Hope your journey is a safe one! And make us proud!” they called out before the loading bay door shut. “Prepare for dive!” a distant voice shouted before the hatch shut and locking it. Other ponies shouted as well, relaying the message. “Lieutenant! Take her down. Diving officers, emerge the ship, and make the diving point one-point-zero-three.” Grizelda said in a commanding tone around the bridge. The number went around the bridge, and there was the clicking sounds and clanking from the machines in the sub. “5 degrees down below!” said some one as another pony shouted, “ Take us down!” The last pony looked around and turned the wheel above him quick, and then twisted the wheel in front of him as well. Horns blared, and the hooks that held the Celestia drew open, allowing the sub to splash into the water, descending slowly. Daring waved from the bridge, and Fancy Pants and Fleur waved back, smiling. The sub was now underwater, bubbles coming out from the ballast tanks, and the propellers now beginning to spin. Daring looked out, excited that her trip was going on a good start. The lights of the sub now turned on as they went into the darkness of the ocean. “... Tonight for dinner is daisy-mustard sandwiches and… bucking damnit, cheese apple pie from Braeburn. Ahh, who wrote this…” Vinyl said over the loudspeakers throughout the S.S. Celestia. Daring trudged into the cabin reserved for her and climbed into the bottom bunk of the bunk bed. “Way too tired…” she muttered. She got a few moments of shuteye before she was roughly awoken by a paw and soon got dragged out of bed. “What the…” “You! You know what you’ve done?!” shouted a rugged voice. “Uh, me?” Daring said to the face of a Diamond Dog. “Yes you! You destroyed the dirt of all nations! You know how long this took?” he said, scooping one of the crushed dirt piles together and placing a flag on it. “What’s that even doing in my bed?” Daring questioned. The Diamond Dog ignored her question. “You, what’s your name? Why are you on here? Job? Gender? Other things?” he rambled. Daring didn’t even have a chance to answer before he continued again. “Ah, I’ll find out soon enough. Here, give me your hoof,” and took Daring’s hoof and getting out pair of tweezers. “Hey, hey! What are you doing?!” she said, pulling back, but the grip was too strong. “Trying to find who you are,” he said. “Hold still!” He unsuccessfully tried to pick off a speck of dirt before finally picking a tuft of fur mixed with some dirt. “Ah, here you are! Now, to see what who you are…” he said, and looked at it with his magnifying set attached to his head that Daring hadn’t noticed. “Hmm… you are taking care of a turtle named Tank, who is owned by a pony named… hmm, yes, yes. You held a resignation contract a few hours ago… more like 72 hours… this also appears to be the hoof you use to mast-” “Okay, you don’t need to know!” Daring said hurriedly, blushing slightly and shutting off the light the Diamond Dog used to see the speck of dirt. “Now, who are you?” “No, you mustn't be here! Get out, get out!” the dog suddenly said, throwing Daring’s belongings onto her and pushing her. Right into the chest of Dr. Horse. “Oh, so you sat in the dirt, did you? Did that a few times myself, heh heh,” he said, then looking to the dog. “Driller, you’re trying to find out who she is, right?” Driller looked around frantically before running back at the arrival of soap, which was thrusted into his face. “Yeah, that’s right! Go dog, get back!” Horse said, whipping him. “So Daring! How’s it been? No broken bones lately?” he cheerfully said, throwing on his stethoscope. “It’s been good, thanks,” she replied, recovering from the events that just happened and throwing her stuff onto another bunk. “Discover anything lately?” “Nope, other than finding the lost city of Kitezh and some scrolls I decided to keep. How about you? Anything happen lately?” “Nothing really happened, other than me getting a spot on this trip and this…” he grunted before getting out a duffel bag and dragging out a medical saw. “...saw,” Daring stared at the serrated tips, thinking back to the moment where she had been close to death by Ahuizotl’s sharp teeth. “Holy crap…” she muttered. “Right? Trying to set a record for sawing through bone in less than 10 seconds with this beast,” he said, and packed it back into his bag again. “Attention, all members. Dinner will be served soon in the mess hall. Dinner will be served soon in the mess hall.” Vinyl said over the speakers. “I guess we’re going now..?” Daring said, beginning to walk out. “Yep, we are,” Dr. Horse said, and went down the hallways to the mess hall, and Daring followed.
ProloguePrologue “…In a single day and night of misfortune, the city of Atlantis sank into the depths of the sea…” -Plato, 360 B.B.C (Before Birth of Celestia) Atlantis, during its time, it was the most advanced civilization on Equis. That is, until it sunk beneath the sea. The sea was calm and the sky was dotted with some small clouds. It was quiet; only the sounds of seagulls and the sea could be heard. Suddenly, a great boom shook the sea, and an army of flying creatures appeared. They moved slowly at first, but they were flying as fast as they could as the tsunami caused by the boom chased after them. “You fool!” An Atlantean military pony shouted to his comrade. “You’ve destroyed us all!” “The wave is gaining! We have to warn Atlantis!” The soldier replied. “Too late!” Another said in panic as the wave consumed the entire back of the army. The rest of the surviving ponies rushed through the holes in rocks and channels surrounding Atlantis. When they arrived, they could see the Crystal above the city, it having just turned red, and the towering shadow of the wave behind them. The city went into panic as they saw the soldiers and the wave that was coming for them. An announcer saw all of this, and spoke into the speakers, shouting, “Everyone to the shelters! Everyone to the shelters!” in Atlantean. The ponies at the bell heard all of this and the red lights and immediately started hitting the giant bell, warning everypony. Ponies panicked in the streets as soldiers with their vehicles crashed into the street, and they began running for the shelters. A guard, that was protecting the King and his family, shouted urgently, “This way your highness. Quickly!” The King and his family started running, and the foal, named Kida, dropped her doll, and soon, a red spotlight came over it. Her mother, the Queen, pulled her forward and told her, “Kida! Just leave it! There’s no time!” Just then, one the red spotlights coming from the Crystal, hovered over the Queen, and turned blue. The Queen saw this, and turned around, her necklace hovering as well. The Queen eyes turned blue, and the King saw this too. Soon, all the red spotlights that were going around in the city turned blue, and focused into one thin, blue light that focused onto the Queen’s necklace and it seem to explode in a flash of blue light. The Queen now appeared to be unconsciousness. The spotlight began to lift the Queen into the air, towards the Crystal. The hoof that was holding Kida’s hoof soon slipped off, also taking Kida’s ring. Kida noticed, and began to look up towards the blinding light and shouting. “Mother!” She shouted in Atlantean. The ponies in the shelter looked out and saw the Stone Giants making a wall out of blue light, and the flying crafts crashing into the dome. “Mother!” Kida shouted again, falling to the ground. “Mother!” As the wave neared and the dome began closing up, the King grabbed Kida and hid her eyes from the spectacle happening above them. “Close your eyes Kida! Look away!” The King said urgently. He looked up, his eyes widening and his mouth agape. The Crystal was now spinning at a fast speed, and the dome closed as the wave of water came closer and closer. There was a blinding light, and Atlantis slid beneath the sea with sparks as the wave consumed the rest of the city. The water evened out, and in its place was a light that soon disappeared. Somewhere off the coast of ancient Canterlot, 15 B.B.C (Before Birth of Celestia) "Here," said a deep voice in a language not familiar to ponies. "We've passed the final marker." He pointed at the open book, translating the Atlantic runes inside. He looked up, and he revealed to be a griffon. He was the tallest of the crew, being the captain and all. "We'll head that way, towards the portal and to Atlantis," He said, pointing a talon to his right. "But my lord, it says that there are sea monsters here," a voice called out. It belonged to the cabin foal of the ship. The captain spun around quickly, his eyes with anger, and grabbed the cabin foal's throat. "Fool!" He spat in the cabin foal's face. "I could slaughter you here and right now!" He raised his sword to the poor griffon's throat. The cabin foal shuddered in fear of being killed by his lord. "S-Sorry, my lord. I haven't seen what you have seen, so... You can see why I'm doubtful about this journey," He said in a shivering tone. The captain stared a bit longer, and released his grasp. "You can go this time, servant. But there won't be a next time." He said, and looked away. "I've seen more then what you lads saw. Monsters, bigger then most sea monsters!" As in response, a great object flew out of the water, and splashed right next to the ship. Everyone on the ship was drenched in ice-cold water. "W-What was that?!" A crew-member shouted in shock. "It looked like a giant lobster!" replied another frightened griffon. "Non-sense! This monster is just a speck of dust compared to the ones I've seen!" The captain yelled, looking over the rails of the ship. Again, as in response, a tentacle came up and snatched a pleading griffon into the sea. Now even the toughest griffons were frightened by this death they just witnessed. "You fools! Stop standing around and fight!" Shouted the captain, taking his sword out. The others began to draw their swords out, and began attacking the tentacles that were slowly coming up to pick them off, one by one. The fight went on, until there was only the captain and some other brave griffons. "Come on, lads! We can-" Before the captain could finish his sentence, the mast of the ship fell on him, crushing him. From a far away distance, the ship laid there, still, before a beam of light shot up and blew it to kingdom come. Some flaming fragments came crashing down, and the Clover's Journal came splashing down soon after.
Chapter 1Chapter 1 Canterlot City, 1914, 14 years after Luna’s comeback, Star Swirl the Bearded Institution. The Star Swirl the Bearded Institution is one of the most recognized institutions in Equestria. Dedicated to the most famous pony in history, Star Swirl, the institution holds more than 1,000 objects describing every single event in pony history. The museum is usually a bit loud, but not too loud. Just quiet enough that if you listen carefully, you might hear the humming sound of the generator in the basement. That’s where Daring Do works. “Good morning, gentlestallions. First off, I would like to thank the board for agreeing to propose this meeting. Now, we all heard of the legend of Atlantis, right?” Daring Do said, to the crowd of ponies. “A continent possessing tech far greater than our own,” She continued. “Then, according to our friend right here Plato,” she pointed her stick to a bust of Plato, “A cataclysmic event that came suddenly and sank it to the bottom of the sea.” “Now there are many questions we have about Atlantis,” Daring said, picking up a set of cards. “What was it? When did it exist? What tech did they have that was beyond ours? Well, I might have the answer,” she said, showing the first card to the crowd. “Some 12,000 years ago, before the Egyptians, was Atlantis, having tech that was, again as I said, greater than our own!” She lectured as she flipped through the cards. “They had found medicine far before the Egyptians did, made vehicles even before we did! But they also found energy,” she flipped to a card with a picture of an engraving, which showed some ponies worshipping some light. “Energy, that was greater than coal, greater then magic, even greater than our magic engines!” She calmed down a bit. “Now, I believe that I had finally found a way to Atlantis, and the explanation of why ponies had not found the lost empire yet.” She scooted out from behind the stand, struggling a bit before she popped herself out. She pointed to the chalkboard. “Now, ancient Atlantean runes tell us that the Clover’s Journal, written by Clover the Great, was to be found in Ireland. Now, in case if you didn’t know (I’m pretty sure you don’t), the Clover’s Journal was a map to Atlantis, but it was written in Atlantean, the language of Atlantis. Now, according to this…” She bent over, and tried to pick up a shield that was far too heavy for her. She finally picked it up, and adjusted it in her hooves. “Viking shield…*grunt* I found, that one of the runes, was mistranslated. Now, by changing the ‘R’ in Ireland…” She carefully removed one of her hooves carrying the shield, and erased the “R”. “… To a ‘C’… It turns out to be…” She wrote a “C” in place of the “R”. “Iceland.” “Any questions?” She looked around. “Nope? Ok…” With that, she carefully put down the shield, and brushed her hooves together. “Now-“Before Daring Do could go on, a ring interrupted her. “Uh, excuse me,” she said sheepishly, and climbed over the board to where the telephone was. She picked it up. “Hello there, Daring Do here, how may I help you?” She said into the phone. After a few moments, her face turned into a slight frown. “Ok, I’ll check the boiler.” She hung up, and turned on the lights. The crowd of ponies turned out to be mannequins just set up to resemble ponies. She walked over to the boiler, and took one of the pony masks. “Sorry,” she murmured, and threw it into the boiler. She adjusted some valves, and the boiler made a groaning noise. With a CLANG! The boiler stopped groaning and a small BOOM could be heard. She flew over to the telephone, and said, “It’s all fixed. Yep, no problem,” and hung up. "Now, I propose that I take a group of ponies, and journey to Iceland to retrieve the Clover's Journal. Questions?" A bell rung, signifying the end of the speech. "Finally," she said out loud. She flew to the altar stationed on a small table hidden away. She carefully opened the doors, and a bright light came out. Inside was a safari hat that looked well worn and around it were some candles, big and small. She smiled sadly, and gently grasped the hat and put it on. Still fits, she thought. Daring looked towards the small picture frame next to the altar. On the photo was a old pony, with graying hair, but he was dressed in safari clothing. Sitting in his lap was a foal, not much older then nine years old. "I promise," Daring said quietly to herself. "I'll find Atlantis for you. I promise, dad..." With that, she gently put the frame in her satchel and other papers in before closing it up. It's almost time to go, she thought, and began to leave, but a puff of green smoke appeared in front of her. "Whoa!" She shouted out, startled. The message floated for a few moments before Daring held her hoof out and caught it just before it fell. "Message..? Right now? It's almost time to go to the meeting..." She shrugged. "Wouldn't hurt to read it right now," she said, and untied the ribbon that tied the message together. " Greetings, Daring Do," She read aloud. " Your meeting time had been moved from 5:25 to 5:15." She looked towards the clock. It read 5:20. "What..?" Just then, another puff of green smoke appeared in front of her. Daring caught it and ripped it apart. " Greetings, Daring Do. Since you were absent, the board has denied your proposal. Have a nice day." she read aloud again. She figured what was going on and screamed, "They can't do this to me!!" "I swear, that mare can't stop ranting on about Atlantis!" a voice said aloud. Along with that voice were many others. "If I hear the word, 'Atlantis' again, I jump in front of a chariot!" A few chuckles rang out. "Ha! I'll push you!" A stallion said, shoving the stallion who said the joke. Now everypony in the group was laughing now. "Sir! Sir! Oh, there you are!" Daring Do's voice rang out from the end of the hallway. The ponies in the group stopped laughing and started running. "How did she find us?" A board member said as he locked himself in a room. The others went and locked themselves in a room as well. The only one left was the board president. He looked around in panic, and he found a small tree to hide behind. He tried to hide himself behind a small tree, but to no avail. "Uh, sir?" Daring's voice said, as she spread out the branches, finding the board president hiding himself. He looked, and in reaction, smiled and opened his umbrella in front of Daring. This distracted the mare for a few seconds, just enough for the stallion to run out of the doors of the museum, and into his awaiting chariot. Daring caught up and slammed right into him, pushing the stallion further into his chariot. "Oh, sir! Here you are! Just hold these for me and-" Daring said. "You! I told you, Atlantis is not real!" The president shouted. "But I can prove it!" Daring replied. "Atlantis exists!" "You want to fund a expedition? Just stay here and tend the boilers," he replied, and his chariot took off. Daring quickly flew after him. "Sir, the map is located in Iceland! Just fund-" She shouted into the chariot until he pulled down the blind. It didn't last, though, as Daring planted herself in front of the window of the chariot. "Ugh! Sir, this is... A letter of resignation! If you don't fund my expedition-" The chariot cut her off by swerving and throwing her off. "I'll quit!" She shouted. The chariot stopped, and rolled back. "Sir, if you don't fund my expedition-" "Daring! How many times do I have to tell you? Don't become like your father," He said sternly. "But sir! Atlantis does exist!" She said, hoping it would change his mind. "You want a fund?" The president said, annoyed. He picked out a 10-bit and threw it to the ground in front of Daring. "Here! Jump into the Maretomic and jump in! Maybe the cold water will clear your head! Driver!" He flew off, going over a puddle and drenching Daring. She gasped, and looked at her resignation letter, all wet.
Chapter 2Chapter 2 Daring Do flipped on the switch to her apartment, only to find it not turning on. “Bucking Tarturus,” She mumbled. She opened a chest that was near the entrance to her apartment and opened it. Inside were candles and matches, just in case a storm caused a blackout, like the one that was happening outside. She lit it, and part of the room lit up. It also lit up part of the room where a mare was sitting. “What in bucking- Fleur, what are you doing here? You scared me!” “Sorry if I did,” Replied Fleur. “But I heard you quit today,” “Yeah, I did. Stupid horse-ass president doesn’t want to fund my expedition,” she angrily said. Fleur stood up. “What if I said…” She said, getting close to Daring’s ears. Daring shivered at the close contact. “That my husband was able to fund it?” She said quietly, like somepony would hear. “R-Really?” Daring said, skeptically. “Yes, he’ll be able to fund it. Every last bit.” “But I plan on leaving as soon as possible,” “No problem. He’s already done it.” Daring stared out of the carriage, which was driven by Fleur, and only saw lightning and rain. “Where are we going?” Daring questioned. “To my hubby’s mansion.” Fleur responded. A few moments later, they were parked under a shade, which was extended out from the entrance of the mansion. Daring just gawked at the size. “C”mon, it’s getting cold.” Fleur said, shivering. “R-Right,” Daring replied, and hurried in as well. But before she entered, she saw a plaque that had something written on it. As she peered closer, it read, “Fancy Pants”. “C’mon Daring! Do you want to catch a cold?” scolded Fleur from the elevator. “Coming!” Daring said, and hurried in. When Daring entered, all she could do was stare at the exquisite carvings and decor on the wall. In the middle of the room was a red carpet, stretching all the wall from the entrance to the back of the foyer.There was a grand fireplace one side of the room, a warm fire burning inside. To the left, in the corner of the room, were two elevators, going up and down. “My husband’s office is in the basement,” Fleur said. She urged Daring into one of the elevators. As soon as they got in, Fleur closed the gates and pressed ‘Basement’ on one of the buttons. “Now, don’t be afraid when you meet him,” Fleur lectured. “He’s a very nice stallion, and I doubt he won’t treat you well. You ready?” Daring nodded. “Good, because we’re here.” Fleur said as the elevator slowed to a halt. Fleur opened the gates with her magic and ushered them through. Daring looked around. For a basement, it was a pretty nice one. To the side of one wall was a mammoth fireplace, with the letters, “F.P”. On the adjacent wall to the right was a huge- like, HUGE- fish tank with two old prehistoric looking fish in the tank. On the back wall were mostly paintings and a huge door in the middle. But something caught her eye. She looked towards the doors, and saw her father. “Dad..?” She said, stunned. above the wall was a picture of two ponies, one looking quite old and the other looking like he was about to reach forty. They were conversing with each other; her dad’s arm wrapped around the other stallion. “Yep,” said a fine voice beside her. She jumped a little, then turned to the source of the voice. “Such a great stallion he was. Too bad he got shunned down,” Fancy Pants said. “What do you mean?” Daring asked. “He thought Atlantis was real. But ponies said, ‘Nope. No bucking way.’ And down went his career.” “Were you friends with him?” Daring questioned. “Was until his very last day. Now come, let us sit.” He said, trotting towards his desk in front of the tank. She sat down, and Fancy did so as well. “Now, before we start talking, I want to give you something your father always wanted to give you.” Fancy said, levitating a rectangular shaped object covered in brown paper. Daring grabbed it carefully, and ripped the paper off gently. What was inside was shocking. “But… It's Clover’s Journal,” She said, stunned. “But… It's Clover’s Journal,” She said, stunned. “All in its glory,” Fancy Pants added. “But… How did he get it?” she asked, carefully opening the pages and flipping through them. “Years of research. And he got shunned for that too,” Fancy replied. “But why?” Daring said. “They considered it taboo, and they still do.” Fancy replied, putting his hoof onto his muzzle. “I don’t know why they can’t deal with it,” he mumbled. “But… Why didn’t he find Atlantis? He found this, so why not go and find Atlantis as well?” “Because he wanted a future for you,” Fancy replied sadly. “He wanted you to find Atlantis, not himself. He wasn’t selfish.” “I still can’t believe I’m actually holding it...” Daring murmured. “It’s the real thing, I tell you! But there’s nothing in there but gibberish,” he said. “It’s not gibberish!” Daring said. “It’s an ancient language, forgotten by most ponies! In fact, these letters point the way to Atlantis!” “So that’s why you became a linguist,” Fancy joked. “Yes, that’s specifically why I became a linguist,” Daring said, facehoofing. “So what about the expedition?” “What about it?” Fancy inquired. “I mean, is there going to be a crew?” Daring replied. “Yes, there is.” he replied, taking out a pile of paperclipped papers and pictures. “Dr. Horse and Nurse Redheart, the medics, also the part Canterlot Hospital crew. Roseluck, the demolition expert, also a florist. Driller, a reformed Diamond Dog. Can dig through rock as it if was dirt, although he prefers to use his digger. Silver Spanner, the mechanic. Always goes through trash to look for treasure. Good mechanic, by the way. There’s also Gilda, the other mechanic. She’s a nice griffon. “Braeburn, a descendant from the Apple family. He’s the cook. Makes good apple pie. Vinyl Scratch is the communication expert. Be ready for some swearing. And sex. They’re the same expedition that found Clover’s Journal.” “Where?” asked Daring. “Iceland,” Fancy replied, tossing a picture of the crew onto the desk. Daring threw her hooves into the air. “I knew it!” she cried out. “But the question is, are you ready for it?” asked Fancy. “Ready for what?” she said, after her celebratory dance. “Atlantis.” he replied. “B-But, I need to sell my apartment! I need a transportation mode to get to Atlantis!” “Already done,” Fancy replied, and flicked up a cover on his desk, revealing a button. He pressed it, and moments later, a section of the desk opened up, causing Daring to back away. A submarine model came up, and other models appeared as well. “The S.S Celestia, the finest sub ever built by ponies and griffons. Named after her majesty, the S.S Celestia can go to the deepest depths of the ocean.” “Where did you get the money to get this?” Daring said, spinning the propeller on one of the smaller subs. “I’m a millionaire, remember?” Fancy deadpanned. “I know, but how did you, like, do this without the public finding out? You must’ve known what will happen if they did!” “I had the support of my wife,” Fancy said, than turning to the big double doors. “You hear that honey?” he sweetly said. “Yes, I did,” replied Fleur through the door. Fancy smiled, and continued. “Anyways, I also had the support of Princess Celestia herself.” “WHAT?!” shouted Daring. “The one and only,” replied Fancy, not taken aback by Daring’s outburst. “But why would you? You also must’ve known how the ponies will react to the Princess funding something taboo!” “But Celestia is great at keeping secrets.” Fancy said. “No one knows what Celestia might be hiding.” “True, but… Ugh, let’s move on. How many ponies will be on this expedition?” Daring said. “At least a thousand,” he replied. “A thousand?” “A thousand.” “Right… So what about my home?” she questioned. “Already taken care off.” “My job?” “You quitted, remember?” Fancy said, taking out a piece of cloth and cleaning his monocle. “My cat?” Daring asked, and a white cat jumped on her as a reply. Fancy stood up, and trotted to Daring. “Your father wanted you to find Atlantis,” he said, levitating the Journal over to Daring. “He wanted you to leave everything behind to find it,” “Are you sure?” Daring said. Fancy nodded. “I’m sure.” “Ok than.” Daring replied, and got up. “I’m going to find Atlantis, and I gonna find it for my dad!” she cried out. “That’s the spirit!” Fancy said, and clapped Daring on the shoulder. “When is it going?” Daring questioned. “In two hours. Now, get going! I’m going to be there to bid you farewell! My wife will accompany you to the Port of Equis. Now, come! We mustn’t be late!”
Chapter 3Chapter 3 Daring leaned over the rail, throwing up her contents of her stomach. The ship’s horn blared, and she threw up more again. “Carrots…” she said, leaning back. “Why is it always carrots? I don’t even eat carrots…” she moaned, and almost threw up again when the loudspeaker blared. “Attention, all ponies. All hoofs to the launch bay. To whoever removed the ‘L’ from the motor pool sign, ha ha, we’re all very amused,” said the voice. Daring got her bags and descended into the belly of the ship before coming to a room full of sparks and vehicles. She looked around before asking a pony. “Uh, excuse me, I need to report in,” she said. “Yes, Daring?” the pony said, turning, revealing to be Fleur. “Oh, it’s you!” Daring said, hugging her. “Yes, it’s me,” Fleur said, patting Daring’s back before parting. “Now, what do you need, dear?” “To report in. To the launch bay.” “Oh, yes! I’m going there right now to meet my husband. Coming?” “Yeah, wait up!” she said when Fleur started trotting to the elevator. They got into the elevator with hundreds of other ponies before the elevator grunted, and began descending. They passed girders and intersecting steel beams before everything went dark. Only a red light could be seen before light poured in again, and Daring soon gasped softly at the massive sight that was presented to her. There it was, the S.S Celestia, in all of its glory. The span of the submarine looked endless, but Daring soon spotted the tailfin and rudders. In the front, there was a huge golden glass sphere that allowed for observation, and Daring could see inside the huge submarine. She looked down and saw ponies milling around, driving trucks with supplies into the sub; sparks flew down from the ceiling as they welded parts to release the sub. The elevator finally landed, and Daring hurried after Fleur into the sea of ponies. She looked around before bumping into a cart. “Oh, hey there, Daring. Didn’t guess that you would be joining this journey as well!” “Roseluck..?” Daring said, looking a bit closer. “Who else?” she replied, and whispered, “Don’t bump into me next time. I’ll literally go into a cussing spree for scaring me.” Daring spotted the cart she was pulling. “ Oh, you’re the explosive expert?” Roseluck got out a stick of dynamite and began playing with it. “Well, duh. Now, hurry along. Fleur probably won’t wait for you,” she said before trotting away. She met up with Fleur who was busy conversing with her husband, Fancy Pants, and another creature that looked like a gryphon. “Ah, Daring Do. The granddaughter of the late Compass Rose. How is it going?” said the gryphon, stretching her claw out. “Good,” replied Daring nervously. “Daring, this is Gilda’s sister, Grizelda, commander of the pony and gryphon army. I trust you that you know Daring, right?” Fancy said to Daring first, then to Grizelda. “I do. Now, your grandfather was nice, wasn’t he?” Grizelda said, releasing the hoofshake. “Greatest pony I met. It’s… sad that he passed away and that no one respected him.” “Yeah.” Daring said, looking down a bit. “Your sister is joining this expedition as well, right?” Daring said. “Yes, she is.” she replied, then a horn blared. “ Attention all personnel, launch will happen in 15 minutes.” the speaker blared. “Well, it’s time to go now,” she smiled, and walked aboard. Daring hugged Fancy and Fleur before galloping after Griz. “Bye! See you!” “Bye! Hope your journey is a safe one! And make us proud!” they called out before the loading bay door shut. “Prepare for dive!” a distant voice shouted before the hatch shut and locking it. Other ponies shouted as well, relaying the message. “Lieutenant! Take her down. Diving officers, emerge the ship, and make the diving point one-point-zero-three.” Grizelda said in a commanding tone around the bridge. The number went around the bridge, and there was the clicking sounds and clanking from the machines in the sub. “5 degrees down below!” said some one as another pony shouted, “ Take us down!” The last pony looked around and turned the wheel above him quick, and then twisted the wheel in front of him as well. Horns blared, and the hooks that held the Celestia drew open, allowing the sub to splash into the water, descending slowly. Daring waved from the bridge, and Fancy Pants and Fleur waved back, smiling. The sub was now underwater, bubbles coming out from the ballast tanks, and the propellers now beginning to spin. Daring looked out, excited that her trip was going on a good start. The lights of the sub now turned on as they went into the darkness of the ocean. “... Tonight for dinner is daisy-mustard sandwiches and… bucking damnit, cheese apple pie from Braeburn. Ahh, who wrote this…” Vinyl said over the loudspeakers throughout the S.S. Celestia. Daring trudged into the cabin reserved for her and climbed into the bottom bunk of the bunk bed. “Way too tired…” she muttered. She got a few moments of shuteye before she was roughly awoken by a paw and soon got dragged out of bed. “What the…” “You! You know what you’ve done?!” shouted a rugged voice. “Uh, me?” Daring said to the face of a Diamond Dog. “Yes you! You destroyed the dirt of all nations! You know how long this took?” he said, scooping one of the crushed dirt piles together and placing a flag on it. “What’s that even doing in my bed?” Daring questioned. The Diamond Dog ignored her question. “You, what’s your name? Why are you on here? Job? Gender? Other things?” he rambled. Daring didn’t even have a chance to answer before he continued again. “Ah, I’ll find out soon enough. Here, give me your hoof,” and took Daring’s hoof and getting out pair of tweezers. “Hey, hey! What are you doing?!” she said, pulling back, but the grip was too strong. “Trying to find who you are,” he said. “Hold still!” He unsuccessfully tried to pick off a speck of dirt before finally picking a tuft of fur mixed with some dirt. “Ah, here you are! Now, to see what who you are…” he said, and looked at it with his magnifying set attached to his head that Daring hadn’t noticed. “Hmm… you are taking care of a turtle named Tank, who is owned by a pony named… hmm, yes, yes. You held a resignation contract a few hours ago… more like 72 hours… this also appears to be the hoof you use to mast-” “Okay, you don’t need to know!” Daring said hurriedly, blushing slightly and shutting off the light the Diamond Dog used to see the speck of dirt. “Now, who are you?” “No, you mustn't be here! Get out, get out!” the dog suddenly said, throwing Daring’s belongings onto her and pushing her. Right into the chest of Dr. Horse. “Oh, so you sat in the dirt, did you? Did that a few times myself, heh heh,” he said, then looking to the dog. “Driller, you’re trying to find out who she is, right?” Driller looked around frantically before running back at the arrival of soap, which was thrusted into his face. “Yeah, that’s right! Go dog, get back!” Horse said, whipping him. “So Daring! How’s it been? No broken bones lately?” he cheerfully said, throwing on his stethoscope. “It’s been good, thanks,” she replied, recovering from the events that just happened and throwing her stuff onto another bunk. “Discover anything lately?” “Nope, other than finding the lost city of Kitezh and some scrolls I decided to keep. How about you? Anything happen lately?” “Nothing really happened, other than me getting a spot on this trip and this…” he grunted before getting out a duffel bag and dragging out a medical saw. “...saw,” Daring stared at the serrated tips, thinking back to the moment where she had been close to death by Ahuizotl’s sharp teeth. “Holy crap…” she muttered. “Right? Trying to set a record for sawing through bone in less than 10 seconds with this beast,” he said, and packed it back into his bag again. “Attention, all members. Dinner will be served soon in the mess hall. Dinner will be served soon in the mess hall.” Vinyl said over the speakers. “I guess we’re going now..?” Daring said, beginning to walk out. “Yep, we are,” Dr. Horse said, and went down the hallways to the mess hall, and Daring followed.
