Daring Do and the Empire of the Crystal Skullby Amethyst_DawnChaptersPrologueChapter One: The WarehouseChapter Two: The EscapeChapter Three: The MeetingPrologueTwilight levitated the small assortment of clothes into her suitcase, grinning widely: it was finally the week of the Official Daring Do Convention, and this time, she was going! She couldn’t really refuse, since A.K. Yearling managed to get her an Admin Tag, and convinced the Princesses to let themselves handle any politics until she returned. That author sure had a way with words. She didn’t care what A.K. said, she was in debt with the author for this, and she was willing to do anything to pay her back. She heard the door open with a slow creak, and looked over to one of the most hilarious and heartwarming sights she’d seen this month: Rainbow Dash, grin as wide as her pupils, was standing in the doorway, bearing her VIP Tag like it was a medal. Twilight could swear there was an endless squee coming from the Pegasus, but it was so high-pitched, it seemed like only a ring in her ear. “Hi!” She said with a bright smile. “You ready to go?” “Yup,” Rainbow squeaked, “this is the first time I’ve actually gotten a VIP Tag, let alone from Daring Do! I’m so excited!” Twilight smirked calmly as she raised her brow, and walked out the door. “I can tell.” She chuckled. “Well, we’d better get moving if we want to catch the train…” “Alright,” Rainbow giggled gleefully, following her friend down the palace stairs, “but how are you not flipping out right now? We’re on our way to a Daring Do convention, and you look like you’re about to walk into a fast-food joint. What gives?” Twilight looked up at her friend, and shook her head as they took to the air. “I just get exited in a different way than you do, that’s all.” Rainbow crinkled her nose: “Geez, Twilight…” Twilight gave her a playful punch on the shoulder, and a look that screamed ‘Knock it off’. Rainbow cackled to herself. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The train ride to the convention center was mostly uneventful, with the slight exception of Rainbow’s constant fangirling, and petting her ID Tag like it was a cat. Once they got off the train, all Twilight had to do was look up, and she was lost in wonder. The massive, Mayan-décor doors were propped open by old stones, and the archway was splattered with authentic-looking temple carvings. Inside the center were countless stalls: filled to the brim with regalia, cosplay, authentic merchandise, fan merchandise, artwork, books, furniture, body-pillows, and replicas. Twilight could feel her heart racing as she looked over to Rainbow, who supported the same eager smile as her. They both squealed in delight as the gatekeeper handed them both a bracelet, and an unseen figure approached from behind. “Princess Twilight? Miss Dash?” They both turned, and saw a light brown mare with a multitoned grey mane, wearing a purple cloak and a light grey bonnet. They both recognized her immediately. “A.K. Yearling!” They laughed, as she pulled them both in for a hug. Several passers-by stopped at the scene: either smiling in appreciation for the display of affection, or grimacing enviously. Yearling released them from the embrace, and chuckled as even her Princess addressed her as some sort of authority figure. “How have you been, Miss Yearling?” “Omigosh, Omigosh, Omigosh, Omigosh!” “Thanks again for the passes: we’re so excited to be here!” She held up her hoof to silence them, and lowered it again with a nervous grin. Shakily, she gestured for them to follow her as she headed in. “I’ll admit, making sure you two made it through the convention easily wasn’t entirely out of the kindness of my heart…” she stated, pacing nervously through the halls as the pair curiously followed. “What do you mean?” Rainbow asked, eying the convention stalls they passed. “Well... as it turns out, I may... I may need you to… proofread my next issue.” After approximately thirty more seconds of walking, Yearling noticed she wasn’t being followed anymore. She turned, and saw that both of her tails were frozen in place: jaws looser than wet noodles. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- After having some help from the security staff getting her friends upstairs, and into her suite, Yearling finally saw some life show from them. A lot of life: “Proofread a book?” Twilight squealed in delight, wings fluttering slightly. “A Daring Do book?” Rainbow replied, her voice at an easily rivaling pitch. Yearling shook her head, and smiled. “I just wanted to make sure that my two biggest surviving fans at least approved of it before I even tried publishing it…” The caution behind that reply caused Twilight to raise an eyebrow. But she discarded it a writer’s jitters, and they accepted. “Perfect." Yearling sighed in relief. "The convention will last a few days, so I was hoping you’d spend the first on helping me with this next book.” She pulled a hardcover from under her robe, and held it out. “I hate to inconvenience you, especially you, Princess. But, I felt this one needed approval first.” Rainbow hurriedly snatched up the copy, squealing like a mouse, and practically gushed over every intricate detail. “Daring Do and the Empire of the Crystal Skull! So awesome!” She chuckled, quickly flipping over to hovering directly in Yearling’s face. “Can we keep this?” Yearling chuckled nervously. “That’s… up to you to decide.” At the sound of returning hesitance, Twilight shook her head, and spoke up. “What is it about this book that you’re unsure of?” She asked, placing a hoof on the nervous writer’s shoulder. “Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s fine, Ye--... Miss Yearling?” Twilight paused as the author’s eyes had become distant, and worried. “Twilight, please understand… about this book: I have seen things, Princess… that I can never unsee." She shuddered. "Just… read the damn book, you’ll know what I mean.” Twilight cocked an eyebrow, shrugged, and opened the book as Rainbow and Yearling took their seats on the couch. “This is going to be awesome!” Rainbow squealed. Yearling smiled nervously. “I… I do hope so, Miss Dash.” Author's Note Alright, enter the Daring! Yes, I know this is out long before the expected release date, but I had to get this out of my system after hitting a roadblock with Rarity, POW. I sincerely hope you, my faithful readers, don't mind. Until Next Time, God Bless You! ~Amethyst Dawn. Chapter One: The WarehouseThe dusty, two-lane dirt road shone dully in the afternoon sun as prairie dogs peeked out from their little holes to observe the spectacle of the oncoming vehicles: several Equestrian Military Chariots- identified by their enclosed, armored design -barreled down the road, with one similar in design to a silver chrome beetle heading up second to the front. Behind each chariot was a trailer designed specifically for troop transport: each holding twelve armed ponies. They were grim-faced, with guns at the ready. Whatever they were waiting for was definitely dangerous. A small, covered wagon pulled up alongside them from off-road. Bearing several rowdy teenagers that consisted of five young mares, and two very pleased colts. The mares were cheering and swooning as the colts pulled the wagon at ridiculous speeds. The mares waved excitedly at the soldiers as they passed, probably hoping to score a date with a few of the buff stallions. For the most part, they were ignored, until they reached the chariot in front, whose driver seemed to appreciate the sight of them. He looked over to the other, whose face remained in the shadows, and slowly shrank as the officer shook his head. “Come on, big boys! What you got pulling that thing?” One of the mares called, noticing the lack of a pony in front of the bizarre chariot, and scooching her way closer towards the vehicle. “Let’s race!” As a roar of approval arose from the other teenagers, the driver looked back to his nearside: still receiving nothing but a cold look from shaded, crimson eyes. The teens laughed merrily as they pulled out of the way of an oncoming farmer’s wagon: narrowly dodging it in time to pull back beside the truck. Only this time, they pulled a little closer. They started banging on the vehicle’s door and roaring for a race, as the demand slowly turned into a playful chant. Finally, the officer gave in, and offered a small nod to the driver: who smirked at the foals, and gunned his motor. He pulled ahead of them like a shot, prompting a fit of dusty coughs and exited whoops of laughter as the teenagers fought to gain ground. After quite a struggle, the colts finally pulled up beside the vehicle, and hooted in appreciation of their newfound speed: sweating bullets. “Hey, you got some speed there, Joe!” The colt on their left called, obviously enjoying the wind in his mane as much as his tagalongs. The officer, still remaining in the shadows, leaned over to whisper something in the driver’s ears with a small smile. The driver smiled, and leaned out the window: cussing out the convertible’s inferior speed as he pulled ahead once more, and flew dust in their faces. After a few more minutes of the exciting diversion, they turned off onto another dirt road. The teenagers still whooping and cheering as they sped past the road: waving their goodbyes and rejoicing how hard they’d just been schooled. The other vehicles pulled in after the first as the dust from their tires blew up to a large sign: Megaspell Café. The officer smirked as the driver pulled up to a military gate after a few tiresome hours of driving, and a young guard walked up to their vehicle as the door opened. The officer stepped out: revealing himself as a jet-black Pegasus with a combed, purple mane. His deep, crimson eyes shot daggers at the guardhouse, and his chin was rounded, and quite easily mistakable for a mare’s. His cutie mark was hidden by his military suit, and his tail flicked irritably behind him as the guard approached. He quickly glanced behind him to see his approaching escort- eighteen ponies armed with automatic weapons –and looked back up at the soldier that now stood in front of him. “I’m sorry for questioning you, sir, but I thought the Princesses don't want these experimental vehicles of yours interacting with civilians this early." The young stallion grunted curiously, eyeing the chariots with mistrust. When he received nothing but a blank stare, he snorted indignantly, and continued. "Well, regardless, I'm sorry to turn you back: but only authorized personnel are allowed on bas--” The kid didn’t get to finish as the officer took of his cap and fell on his knees: signaling the troops behind him to aim their weapons, and remove the base’s guard before they knew what hit them. The young stallion’s form collapsed before the officer as he stood up. The others loaded back into their transports, and his driver rushed into the guardhouse to open the gate. He reached a hoof forward, and softly patted the guard’s neck as blood covered the sand beneath him. “Rest well,” he whispered, his thick Loshad accent oozing out of his throat. He turned back and boarded the construct again. He sat in the driver’s seat this time, his chauffeur scrambling to get in before he took off. The troops continued on until they approached what seemed to be a large gathering of warehouses and bunkers, at which point they sped up: pulling to a stop in a circle, just in front of the largest building. The officer stepped out of his jeep, strapped on his cutlass, and walked back to the trunk. He opened it up, and threw out a tan pith helmet with three green straps. Once the soldiers saw the helmet, they all flocked to it: weapons readied for immediate use. The officer roughly pulled out a bruised, dark cream Pegasus mare wearing safari gear, and dumped her on the dirt. Her three-toned grey mane was dirtied and rough, and her cutie mark of a green compass with golden pointers was dusty, and bruised. Her wings were tied to her sides with a length of rope, and her clothing was dirty, and dusty. She scrambled to her hooves as the officer calmly watched, and impatiently grabbed her hat with a hoof: placing it back upon her lowered head with a dull thwock. She looked up to the warehouse, revealing two magenta eyes, which observed her location with bitter integrity. Another mare was being shoved in her direction by the few guards that stayed by the silver beetle: this one was an obvious white cream, with a pink-and-purple mane dressed up so that her curled bangs bobbed whenever she walked. She was being roughly escorted by a light brown stallion with a wild black mane, with grey streaks down the middle. He scratched his patchy beard as he threw the second mare next to the first, and waited patiently for the witty comeback. “Bonbon,” the first mare nodded, helping the other one up. “I had no idea this was another team-up.” The second mare smiled, and took her hoof. “Neither did I, Dare. They snatched me out of the shop before I knew up from down.” The first mare nodded, and turned to the approaching figure. “Have any explanation for kidnapping us this time, Dr. Caballeron?” She chided, standing defensively in front of the other. “I’ve given up adventuring, I thought you of all ponies would know that.” The Doctor chuckled, and signaled for the charcoal Pegasus: who quickly brought him a small clipboard. “Ah, the great Daring Do has finally thrown in the towel, eh?” He laughed, flipping through the papers. “If only we had known this beforehand!” He faked a hurt look before flopping the papers back into place, and giving Daring an unamused look. “Unfortunately for your ego, Miss Do, you’re not here to evade traps, and dodge arrows.” Caballeron stated dryly, walking up to her, and tapping her forehead sharply with the tip of his hoof. “You’re here… for what’s in there.” Daring smirked, and batted his hoof away. “Very well, you need basic brainpower. You could’ve just gone to an elementary school, you know.” His frown deepened, and he gave her a hard look. “No, you foolish mare: we need your memory to help us find something your government tried to hide, even from itself.” Daring looked back to the warehouse, and scoffed. “Look, Doc: I’ve never set hoof in this facility before now, let alone that warehouse. You’re wasting your time with me.” “I think not,” Caballeron sneered, holding up the clipboard, “ten years ago, you were part of an investigation team at a crash site here in the deserts of Neighvada. They brought something into this base from the wreckage, and you know where it is.” Daring couldn’t help but scoff. “You really expect me to precisely locate large crate- in the middle of a warehouse filled with large crates- after ten years? Even if I’d stored it here myself, that’s a stretch of memory that’s beyond inconceivable. As I’ve said before, you’re wasting your breath, Caballeron.” “Then let’s get straight to the point, eh?” He scoffed. With a flick of his wrist, the Doctor had drawn a large knife: and set it directly under Daring’s chin, pressing dangerously into her neck. Daring widened her eyes at the display, before calmly looking at him with a smug smirk. “Come on,” she chuckled dryly, “you need information, right? How would you get that from me if I’m dead?” Caballeron offered a calculating smile, while still remaining locked onto her eyes: that was never a good sign. “Simple,” he purred, “the blade isn’t for you.” He remained locked in her gaze as the arm holding the dagger swerved, and he swiftly handed it over to the officer. The black stallion took it indifferently, and carefully aimed the weapon in Bonbon’s face, dead between her eyes. “You’re very chivalrous in risking your life for others, Miss Do,” the Doctor chuckled, “but you’re very weak whenever somepony else’s life rests in your hooves. “You will give me the information I need, or I order Colonel Dawn to take out your friend.” He said, pulling out a pocket watch, and clicking it. “You have thirty seconds to make your decision.” Daring looked nervously over at Bonbon, who looked back at her, and shook her head. “Don’t do it, Dare, we’ve been through worse.” “Twenty seconds, Miss Do.” “Yes, but we were younger back then.” Daring retorted, worriedly looking between Bonbon and Col. Dawn, who was waiting patiently for his orders. “Besides, you were always more handy than me.” “With gadgets, maybe, but you outmatched me every time in brute strength.” Bonbon replied calmly. “You’ll be able to get us out of this, you’ve done it before.” Daring looked hard at the Colonel. Caballeron was never one to bluff, but murdering a pony like this seemed far beyond his comfort zone. She looked for a sign of weakness from him, and to her dismay: his gaze remained stiff upon the stopwatch, not a single bead of sweat apparent on his brow. “Fifteen seconds,” She looked back to Bonbon. “Like when?” “The Swahayli incident in Zebrica: there were twice as many.” “Ten seconds,” Daring clenched her jaw, and screwed her eyes shut. “Look, I couldn’t help you, even if I wanted to! I didn’t even remember that stupid crash until you brought it up!” “But you know what was in that box, don’t you?” “Do I?” Daring snapped, getting directly in Cabelleron’s face. “Ten years ago, a bunch of ponies in suits came to my shack, saying they’re from the Equestrian Bureau of Investigation, and declaring that I was to follow them. Before I could get a word in edgewise, I was thrown into a train, and dragged into the middle of the desert for an investigation. What waited for me there? A bunch of scrap metal, and a troop of guards carrying a highly magnetized metal box, and loading into a van bound for Faust-knows-where! “My team judged it an accident, showing how their stupid experimental equipment blew like a over-inflated balloon and caused their poor pilot to plummet to the earth. A supposed crash site of an extraterrestrial craft, but all I ever saw was a pilot’s coffin, and an experimental vehicle gone wrong!” She finished her rant with a stamp of her hoof, silencing everything. Caballeron, after a brief pause, smiled widely as she panted for breath: “Three… two…” “I’ll do it, alright?” Daring groaned, slapping her hoof over her face. “I’ll help you find your stupid crate. I doubt you’ll find anything more than a dead pilot, and the experimental generator, but if it’s worth a pony’s life to you: I’ll get you to the stupid junk.” Caballeron’s smile stuck to his face as he closed the watch. “That’s all we’re hoping to find, Miss Do.” He purred. “You think it to be junk, where our government thinks it is valuable as the next step in psychic warfare.” “Whatever floats your boat, Caballeron. Losha is as crazy as you are if they were willing to fund this endeavor.” Daring said, rolling her eyes. “You don’t really believe in all that malarkey, do you?” “I believe in what the facts show, Madame,” the Doctor chuckled, “and you can never deny their conclusions.” He turned, and walked up to the warehouse door. The Colonel signaled the soldiers, and five of them raced forward to open the giant doors. Daring and Bonbon were pushed forward by the guards, and into the large facility. Daring eyed the interior: it was filled with wooden crates, barrels, and she could even see piles of containers covered by nets every once in a while. It was easily somewhere near a mile in length, and around half that in width. Finding one crate in here should be A piece. Of. Cake. 'Unless…' “Well, Miss Do, when are you going to start looking?” Caballeron inquired, his patience obviously wearing thin by this point. Daring turned to the nearest soldier, and held out her hoof. “I need your watch,” Her simple statement, and her deadpan tone, brought a smile to the soldier’s lips. He steadily chuckled, until he was laughing loudly at her request: drawing the attention of the others. When her face remained steady, though, after his fit of laughter, he grew concerned, and looked to Caballeron. He spoke in Loshad to the Doctor, who in turn looked inquisitively at Daring, and approached her. “What kind of fools do you take us for?” He asked, attempting to glare her down. She matched his glare, and stepped forward defiantly. “The contents of that crate are highly magnetized: the gears in a watch are metallic, and relatively fragile- that means they're easy to break into smaller pieces, Doc. You want me to help you? Give me his watch, and I’ll have the means to do so.” Caballeron raised his brow at her irritably, but quickly stomped once on the ground. The soldier ran up to him hurriedly, and gave him his watch. The Doctor cracked the device open, and poured the gears out onto Daring’s awaiting hoof: prompting a small sparkle of thanks in her eyes. She turned, crushed the fragile metalwork in her hoof like ice, and tooking a giant step forward: tossing the residue into the air. The soldiers watched in awe as the powder hung in the air for a few seconds, before barreling off to the south. Daring walked over to Colonel Dawn, and plucked the officer’s hat from his head. Dawn was about to make a move to retrieve it, but Caballeron held him back with a shake of his head. Dawn, understanding, signaled for any soldiers nearby to empty their own watches out into the cap. An order to which they quickly responded, soon nearly filling it to the brim with thin metal. She climbed to the top of the nearest stack of crates, before sticking her hoof in the hat: and flinging more powder into the air. She followed the small wisp with her eyes as it glided across the warehouse, slowly descending until it licked and caressed the crates that it passed. Soon, it disappeared in a large pile of boxes. She lifted her eyes up: focusing on the light fixtures immediately above, and saw that a few were leaning towards the same pile. “I think I see it,” she shouted down to them, “but I’ll need to make sure.” “Lead us to it, then!” Caballeron replied. She climbed down, and started to hike through the labyrinthine storage: occasionally casting a hoofful of the dust into the air to verify her direction, until they starts disappearing so fast that she figured they’d need bigger beads. “Now, I’ll need the shells you emptied.” She barked. With the clap of a hoof, the emptied watch casings were placed in the hat. She then slowly dumped them on the ground from where she stood. The shells, and whatever remained of the metallic dust, rolled and jumped towards the pile of crates just before them. Caballeron gestured towards the pile, and barked for his goons to take it down. Several soldiers went to work instantly: hauling boxes to and fro off the top, until the only thing between them and the package they were after was nothing more than a single, small barrel. Colonel Dawn personally saw to its movement, and many looked on in awe as they saw everything daring had thrown gathering on the box like ants. They reached in, and carefully pulled the crate out just enough for others to sink their crowbars under the lid. They pried it open with ease, and flung the padded lid aside without care, letting it splinter on the ground. Daring and Bonbon watched from below as several lamps hanging from the ceiling slowly adjusted to face the metal box that had just been uncovered, and the metallic powder swarmed onto the box like a tidal wave. Several of the crowbars stuck to the lid as well, and the holders had to tug quite a while before they came loose. Caballeron slowly undid the latches on the container, and opened it as mild wisps of steam hissed out. Inside was the form of something similar in shape to a Minotaur, wrapped in a leathery metallic substance, but far thinner around the chest. It looked more like an imp in shape, but was only such a beast if its wings were folded behind it. Daring climbed up to the top of the pile of crates to get a better look at the covered being, but she was still obscured by Caballeron’s ugly mop. “Knife!” The Doctor called, holding out his hoof. A soldier planted the blade into the awaiting hoof, and Caballeron quickly turned it to cut open the wraps. That was the sharpest blade they had, but it cut through the foil around the being like a stick through caramel. Once he had established a sizeable gash, he threw the knife back carelessly, and grabbed both sides of the cut to open it up. Once he did: steam poured out from within like a torrent of souls released from a thousand-year prison. Daring’s view of the creature itself was still obstructed, but she saw Caballeron’s cheeks morph as he grinned widely. “Now, the odds are even.” He muttered, closing the lid. He turned to the Colonel. “Load this thing onto the trucks! It’s a long way to Losha, and we don’t want to disappoint Salon by being late!” Daring looked down to the canister as several soldiers picked it up, and started heaving it out. She noticed her shadow growing longer, and turned back to see that several more lights were now following the crate: pulled by its unleashed magnetism. As Colonel Dawn pushed the container into the back of his vehicle, his cutlass stuck to it like glue. He groaned in irritation, and pried it off: signaling for some guards to finish the job for him. Daring climbed down from her vantage point, and gave a sidelong nod to Bonbon as she suddenly whipped her escort into a pile of crates: shattering them on contact and swiping his weapon. She used the butt end of the strange device to knock out Bonbon’s guard, giving her ample opportunity to snatch his rifle before any of the others could react. Together, they each pointed a gun towards Caballeron. “Let us free,” Daring barked, “or Cabo goes bye-bye!” Seeing their predicament, one by one, the Loshads lowered their weapons. Even Col. Dawn let his fall. At least, until they looked to Daring’s right. Smiling, they aimed them at her once more. Daring looked to her right curiously, and wished she hadn't. What greeted her was the unforeseen sight of Bonbon pointing her rifle directly into her cheek. She laughed to herself, and threw her own gun to the ground. “I didn’t know you were a Loshad, Bonnie.” She chuckled. “I’m not,” Bonbon smirked, “if you would’ve thought back to when the Agency closed, you’d remember that I complained about my retirement on a… less than profitable sum. I needed to get work somehow, and the Loshads offer good money for experienced agents. I’m not one to be picky about who fills my pocket, Dare, you know that.” Daring rolled her eyes. “I knew you weren’t picky." She scoffed. "I just didn’t know you were a mercenary without loyalties.” Chapter Two: The EscapeDaring looked on disappointedly as Bonbon walked over to join the group of soldiers, all of them keeping their guns trained on her. “Have any last words, Daring Do?” Caballeron asked, perched on top of the metal box. Daring let her eyes dart across her enemies as she reached into her vest pocket: “When I set out to do things, they always get done…” She produced a small grenade, causing one of the soldiers’ eyes to widen as he looked down to an empty pouch on his belt. She pulled the pin and threw the explosive into the air, effectively panicking- and distracting -all who were present. Thanks to a well-timed shot from the weapon Bonbon had seized, the grenade blew in midair. When they all returned their attention to Daring Do, she was already on the run: ducking behind some crates just in time to dodge the torrent of bullets they sent after her. “Spread out!” Col. Dawn shouted at the soldiers as he took to the air. “Don’t let her get away!” Two soldiers ran around the pile that Daring ran behind, just in time to notice her clambering to the top. They let their guns loose: splintering crates and leaving dents in the rafters above. One of the bullets barely missed Daring’s flesh, yet split the rope that had bound her wings down, allowing her to flex them once more. She was about to take off when another three shot straight through her left wing, grounding her as flecks of blood flew around her. She groaned at the pain, and looked up in time to see Caballeron and his goons driving off in the horseless carriages, hoping to escape with the coffin. She ran back, quickly snagging the rope which had bound her a moment earlier, and ran across the mountains of crates as bullets whizzed around her. She swung her forehoof back, and snapped it forward: whipping the rope around one of the rafters above them. She held on, and put her entire momentum into the swing, aiming directly for Cabalerron: only to have her rear hooves barely scrape the rear of the vehicle. Her pupils shrank as she reversed direction, crashing through the glass shielding of the trailer directly behind her: causing the entire cabin to become misshapen, and shocking the two occupants she had landed between. She shook the glass of like it was baking powder, and stared irritably at the car ahead. “Damn, I thought I was closer!” She grunted. She snapped both her forehooves out to her sides, knocking the soldiers out before they could react, immediately before shoving them both out the doors and taking the wheel of the construct. She planted her hoof firmly on the gas in hopes to catch up with the Doctor and the crate as they sped along the alleys, until Daring sped up, and rammed the back of Caballeron’s truck: forcing him to look back in surprise. He had done so just in time to see her leap from the driver’s seat, run across the hood of the truck, and throw herself onto his chariot. He was about to grab her when she lashed out and struck him: knocking him out of the vehicle, and into a large crate. Smiling at her success, she turned sharply, turning the side of a particularly large crate to splinters as she smashed through it. She drove on, not realizing what she had just uncovered. For, within lied the skeletal remains of a large creature: whose tail clutched a golden cane decorated with an Alicorn’s head in its fingers. After a brief moment of relief, there came a violent noise like a strangled goose from behind her. She swiveled her head over her shoulder, and instantly sped up when she saw the huge truck barreling along behind her. Only to discover herself trapped between the truck, and the silver beetle that was carrying both Col. Dawn, and Bonbon. Bonbon, seeing the situation they were in, glanced over to the determined Colonel. “Colonel, stop yourself here, you’re not going to win this.” Col. Dawn just gave her a glare that demanded her to never question him again. To which she shook her head, grabbed the first handles she saw, and muttered. “You don’t know Daring…” The beetle was headed directly for Daring in the front, while the truck loomed behind her. Thinking fast, she looked up, estimated her strength, and leapt out of the cab with her good wing beating viciously: giving her just enough of a boost to cling onto the rafters of the warehouse. The Colonel’s pupils shrank as his prized beetle collided head-on with his boss’ own vehicle. Only to be met moments later by the speeding truck: resulting in a mass of bent metal, burst rubber, and bruised flesh. Bonbon lifted what she could of the fractured roof off of herself, and then flinched as Dawn pounded his way out. As soon as he had heaved himself from the wreckage, Bonbon shot him a dark glare: “Any more bright ideas here, Black?” In one swift move: Dawn tossed her from the wreckage, and into a pile of crates, quietly snarling as he threw his eyes towards the devious Daring Do. Daring hoisted herself up onto the rafters, and booked it through them: leaping nimbly from beam to beam. More soldiers clambered onto the boxes, and unleashed a maelstrom of bullets after her, giving her a strange sense of Deja-Vu as they either ricocheted off of the rafters beneath her, or impaled the ceiling above. Dawn himself drew a smaller weapon, and blasted away at her. A few bullets grazed her, making her flinch, but she wasn’t about to let them know that they got close to hitting her. Dawn’s gun started clicking after twenty careful shots, its bullets spent in his rage. Throwing it aside, he cried for a ceasefire as he flew into the air after her. Daring was almost to her destination: the window at the edge of the building, when all the shooting stopped. Out of nervous reflex, Daring looked back only just too late to dodge the fuming Colonel. He rammed into her full speed: forcing both her and him out the window, and into the air. They both landed in a heap onto a skylight in the ground, with Dawn pinning Daring to the glass. He drew back his hoof for a vicious blow, only to have her duck, making him strike the glass strong enough to make it shatter, and dump them both onto a small suspended platform below. Dawn struggled to get to his hooves as the shattered glass sprinkled around them, but he suddenly felt something cold and hard wrap around his chest. Daring tightened the chains around his midriff, and kicked him in the stomach, forcing him off the platform. With a yank: the officer was now dangling by the chain, with several cracked ribs, and the excess links weighing him down. It took all of his wingpower not to suffocate on the noose. Daring ran to the other side of the dais, and jumped off in time to catch a large, swinging wire. She glided over to the wall: hanging onto the rubber cord with her forehooves, before pushing herself off with her hind legs. She swung back, and bucked the unwary Colonel through another window: bringing the chain with him. She grunted as she landed on some other sort of chariot underneath. 'How many types of pony-less chariots are there on this base?!' She scoffed inwardly. With a groan of agony, Dawn crashed onto a large control panel, bringing out several sparks that burned his flesh, and placing a giant dent throughout the mechanism. He rolled onto the floor with a thud, and gave a disgusted groan, not noticing the countdown that he had started. 10… 9… 8… Daring slipped on a small puddle of her own blood, and fell back-first onto the chariot, grunting as she slowly tried to stand on her hooves. Suddenly, a loud clink to her side caused her to look back to the observation room she had thrown Col. Dawn through, only to see him holding the chain while standing wearily in the broken window. A large section of his left side looked dented, and blood ran in a small stream from his snarling lips. He curled the chain around his hoof, and lashed out again: striking the floor of the cart in between Daring’s hind legs. When she saw the wounded officer prepping for a more accurate strike, Daring Do scuttled backwards before Dawn could swing the chain again. Instead of aiming for her with his next strike, however, Dawn flung the links forward like a spear: grazing her ear and impaling the wall behind her. He pulled back on it: hoping to gain a boost as he jumped forward with his hind leg extended, ready to deliver a fierce kick to his adversary. Daring caught the intention in time to dodge the majority of the blow, yet he still managed to severely clip her jaw as she ducked: sending jolts of pain shooting through it, and knocking her onto her rear. The missed blow, however, also knocked him off-balance: sending him sprawling on the floor. He felt a loose rib grow uncomfortably close to his stomach as he stood, and charged the mare again. Daring took what little of the chain she could, and swung randomly. The officer cried in pain as a blunt gathering of links struck his cheek, throwing him onto the back of the cart. 3… 2… 1… At that moment, several Loshads rushed in, with Bonbon trailing behind. Bonbon noticed the cylinders on the back of the cart rearranging, however, and ducked behind the corner as the others charged out: only to have them be met by the blaze of the rocket’s tail. When the vehicle launched itself, Daring was thrown back beside the Colonel as it sped up: locking them in place. The construct flew out of the tunnel along a great track, its speed greater than anything poor Dawn had experienced beforehoof. As the G-forces built up, and the thrusters pushed them across miles of open desert in seconds, Dawn felt himself growing very weary. Soon, his eyes rolled up into his head, and he passed out pathetically. Daring looked over to the unconscious pony as they slowed to a stop, before dizzily stumbling out into the sierra to her left. “Amateur…” she muttered hoarsely, ducking behind a dune as the remaining Loshads drove up to the car, picking up their defeated leader. Unsteadily, she started to make her way through the desert, heading east in hopes of finding Appleoosa. Author's Note Alright, next chapter is out! As always, please let me know what you thought in the towel section down below. And feel free to point out any mistakes, errors, or complaints you have. Until Next Time, God Bless You! ~Amethyst Dawn. Chapter Three: The MeetingAfter being picked up in the middle of nowhere by guards in suits, Daring Do was taken to an all-too-familiar building. She was told that she was trespassing, but she knew better: she was expected here. Now, she stared at the suit sitting across from her, clearly not impressed with having to wait this long for a reply to her report. She was currently seated in a dimly lit office, the lighting issue obviously more about intimidation than electrical problems. She should’ve known, as this used to be her office. The map of the known world still rested on the same spot on the wall, reminding Daring that she never did get to find out what was in the compartment behind it. ThePegasus currently occupying the chair behind the desk chewed the eraser on her pencil calmly, only sparing Daring a couple of glances every minute with her odd coral eyes. Her mane and tail were a mix of sage and biscotti, and her coat was like rust. Eventually, she set down the clipboard she was examining, and sighed as if annoyed. “And you’re sure all this happened, Ms. Do?” Daring smacked her forehead on the desk with a groan. “I know I sound crazy, Pebble, but I swear on my reputation: everything I’ve said today is true!” “That’s what I’m afraid of,” announced a third voice. Daring glanced over her shoulder just as a pony she never thought she’d see face-to-face stepped out of the shadows. “Princess Luna?” She asked, her voice only giving off a slight creak as her brow rose. The Princess of the Night gave Daring a curt nod before glancing at the map. “Since my return, my sister has trusted me with some of the more… clandestine operations of the Equestrian Government.” Luna began. Ocean Pebble lifted her hoof hesitantly. “Princess? Should she re--” “She’s going to pursue this even without our help, Peb, she should at least know what she’s up against.” The Princess cut in, before turning her head to wink at Daring. “Besides, whether these events make it into one of her books or not, I trust her. It’s time ponies knew what we have been up to.” Pebble was effectively silenced, but Daring’s curiosity was piqued. “Wait, what’s going on here?” “For years, Equestria and Loshad have been competing in technologies.” Luna began again, extending her wing to brush across the map. “When they announced that they were working on a method of self-propelled carts, we rushed to catch up with them. Competition was always friendly, until recently… “The leader of Loshad- Stiff Stall -was particularly intrigued by the research of one Dr. Perro Caballeron, whose reputation I hardly have to explain to you. Recently, the doctor has become obsessed with telepathy and non-magical teleportation. He proposed that Equus wasn’t the only world to feature intelligent life, and he swore that the organizations I lead had proof, the fool!” Daring noticed Pebble shuffle a little in her seat, but said nothing as Luna continued. “He has hunted throughout the known world for his precious extraterrestrials, but we know not if he has found anything of interest. His latest escapades… were unexpected to say the least.” The Princess gave Daring an apologetic look as she finished, causing the adventurous mare to chuckle. “I gave up expeditions because there was nothing left to find…” she sighed. Luna and Pebble shared a sad look, but remained quiet as Daring glanced towards the map. “... It appears I was wrong. Do you know where Caballeron is headed?” The Princess held her gaze on a particular piece of the map. “It’s been a few days since the attack, but we think he might still be searching for an alleged extraterrestrial temple in Mexicolt.” Daring quirked her brow. “I’m sorry, but what do you mean ‘a few days’?” She snorted. “I don’t think I was stuck wandering in the desert for that long!” Luna glared at her sharply. “Perhaps if you traveled to the west instead of the east, you might have gotten here quicker?” Daring rolled her eyes. “Do you think I’m stupid? If I traveled west, I would have found myself in the middle of one of your Megaspell testing sites.” It was Luna’s turn to cock an eyebrow. “And… how do you know about those?” “I was a member of the agency that started that project, and Celestia herself selected that plot of land as the testing grounds. I didn’t want to risk my face melting like warm chocolate.” “Still…” Luna paused, “knowing you: you might have found a way to survive.” “Oh, yeah, I could totally survive a freaking Megaspell.” Daring hissed. “Flattering that you think so, Your Highness. I’m good, but not that good. What, did you expect me to jump in a fridge or something?” Luna opened her mouth, but quickly closed it again. She clearly overestimated Daring Do’s abilities. Either that, or she wanted to get her killed. Daring strongly hoped it was the former, and not for the sake of her ego. After too long a silence, Daring glanced to the pith helmet resting flatly on the desk. A familiar glint flashed in her eyes as she slowly reached for it, and stroked the battered- yet still strong -material. “I’ve given up adventuring…” she sighed, taking the hat in her hands. “There was just… no need for it anymore. My heart’s not in it, but I’d be lying through my teeth if I said I didn’t miss it.” She gently rubbed off some of the dirt with her hoof, sadly shaking her head. “I…” She shifted her attention back to the Princess, and held her gaze. “I’m sorry for disappointing you, Princess Luna, but you’re wrong: I’m not going to pursue this fight. Caballeron’s not my problem anymore. If you want this pursued, you’ll have to get yourself another mare. I’m going home.” With that, she dropped from the chair onto the floor, and walked out of the office. Leaving the Princess and Pebble in stunned silence. As soon as the door was closed behind Daring, Luna angrily stomped her hoof with a snort. “Preposterous!” She stormed. “I present that mare a golden opportunity to journey and explore the unknown once more, and she turns it down even then! She is miserable, Pebble, even I can see that! She misses her life, but she refuses to go back to it. What am I missing?” Pebble just slowly shook her head, and stood from her seat. “You’re not missing anything, Luna. You and I both know why she really quit…” “... it was because of me.” Author's Note That took a while! It's good to be back! Now, let's get on with the story, shall we? As you can see, this is where I'm starting my deviation from the Indiana Jones film, and making the story more my own. And, hopefully, make it more... quality. Sorry it's so criminally short, just felt like a good place to leave off.
PrologueTwilight levitated the small assortment of clothes into her suitcase, grinning widely: it was finally the week of the Official Daring Do Convention, and this time, she was going! She couldn’t really refuse, since A.K. Yearling managed to get her an Admin Tag, and convinced the Princesses to let themselves handle any politics until she returned. That author sure had a way with words. She didn’t care what A.K. said, she was in debt with the author for this, and she was willing to do anything to pay her back. She heard the door open with a slow creak, and looked over to one of the most hilarious and heartwarming sights she’d seen this month: Rainbow Dash, grin as wide as her pupils, was standing in the doorway, bearing her VIP Tag like it was a medal. Twilight could swear there was an endless squee coming from the Pegasus, but it was so high-pitched, it seemed like only a ring in her ear. “Hi!” She said with a bright smile. “You ready to go?” “Yup,” Rainbow squeaked, “this is the first time I’ve actually gotten a VIP Tag, let alone from Daring Do! I’m so excited!” Twilight smirked calmly as she raised her brow, and walked out the door. “I can tell.” She chuckled. “Well, we’d better get moving if we want to catch the train…” “Alright,” Rainbow giggled gleefully, following her friend down the palace stairs, “but how are you not flipping out right now? We’re on our way to a Daring Do convention, and you look like you’re about to walk into a fast-food joint. What gives?” Twilight looked up at her friend, and shook her head as they took to the air. “I just get exited in a different way than you do, that’s all.” Rainbow crinkled her nose: “Geez, Twilight…” Twilight gave her a playful punch on the shoulder, and a look that screamed ‘Knock it off’. Rainbow cackled to herself. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The train ride to the convention center was mostly uneventful, with the slight exception of Rainbow’s constant fangirling, and petting her ID Tag like it was a cat. Once they got off the train, all Twilight had to do was look up, and she was lost in wonder. The massive, Mayan-décor doors were propped open by old stones, and the archway was splattered with authentic-looking temple carvings. Inside the center were countless stalls: filled to the brim with regalia, cosplay, authentic merchandise, fan merchandise, artwork, books, furniture, body-pillows, and replicas. Twilight could feel her heart racing as she looked over to Rainbow, who supported the same eager smile as her. They both squealed in delight as the gatekeeper handed them both a bracelet, and an unseen figure approached from behind. “Princess Twilight? Miss Dash?” They both turned, and saw a light brown mare with a multitoned grey mane, wearing a purple cloak and a light grey bonnet. They both recognized her immediately. “A.K. Yearling!” They laughed, as she pulled them both in for a hug. Several passers-by stopped at the scene: either smiling in appreciation for the display of affection, or grimacing enviously. Yearling released them from the embrace, and chuckled as even her Princess addressed her as some sort of authority figure. “How have you been, Miss Yearling?” “Omigosh, Omigosh, Omigosh, Omigosh!” “Thanks again for the passes: we’re so excited to be here!” She held up her hoof to silence them, and lowered it again with a nervous grin. Shakily, she gestured for them to follow her as she headed in. “I’ll admit, making sure you two made it through the convention easily wasn’t entirely out of the kindness of my heart…” she stated, pacing nervously through the halls as the pair curiously followed. “What do you mean?” Rainbow asked, eying the convention stalls they passed. “Well... as it turns out, I may... I may need you to… proofread my next issue.” After approximately thirty more seconds of walking, Yearling noticed she wasn’t being followed anymore. She turned, and saw that both of her tails were frozen in place: jaws looser than wet noodles. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- After having some help from the security staff getting her friends upstairs, and into her suite, Yearling finally saw some life show from them. A lot of life: “Proofread a book?” Twilight squealed in delight, wings fluttering slightly. “A Daring Do book?” Rainbow replied, her voice at an easily rivaling pitch. Yearling shook her head, and smiled. “I just wanted to make sure that my two biggest surviving fans at least approved of it before I even tried publishing it…” The caution behind that reply caused Twilight to raise an eyebrow. But she discarded it a writer’s jitters, and they accepted. “Perfect." Yearling sighed in relief. "The convention will last a few days, so I was hoping you’d spend the first on helping me with this next book.” She pulled a hardcover from under her robe, and held it out. “I hate to inconvenience you, especially you, Princess. But, I felt this one needed approval first.” Rainbow hurriedly snatched up the copy, squealing like a mouse, and practically gushed over every intricate detail. “Daring Do and the Empire of the Crystal Skull! So awesome!” She chuckled, quickly flipping over to hovering directly in Yearling’s face. “Can we keep this?” Yearling chuckled nervously. “That’s… up to you to decide.” At the sound of returning hesitance, Twilight shook her head, and spoke up. “What is it about this book that you’re unsure of?” She asked, placing a hoof on the nervous writer’s shoulder. “Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s fine, Ye--... Miss Yearling?” Twilight paused as the author’s eyes had become distant, and worried. “Twilight, please understand… about this book: I have seen things, Princess… that I can never unsee." She shuddered. "Just… read the damn book, you’ll know what I mean.” Twilight cocked an eyebrow, shrugged, and opened the book as Rainbow and Yearling took their seats on the couch. “This is going to be awesome!” Rainbow squealed. Yearling smiled nervously. “I… I do hope so, Miss Dash.” Author's Note Alright, enter the Daring! Yes, I know this is out long before the expected release date, but I had to get this out of my system after hitting a roadblock with Rarity, POW. I sincerely hope you, my faithful readers, don't mind. Until Next Time, God Bless You! ~Amethyst Dawn.
Chapter One: The WarehouseThe dusty, two-lane dirt road shone dully in the afternoon sun as prairie dogs peeked out from their little holes to observe the spectacle of the oncoming vehicles: several Equestrian Military Chariots- identified by their enclosed, armored design -barreled down the road, with one similar in design to a silver chrome beetle heading up second to the front. Behind each chariot was a trailer designed specifically for troop transport: each holding twelve armed ponies. They were grim-faced, with guns at the ready. Whatever they were waiting for was definitely dangerous. A small, covered wagon pulled up alongside them from off-road. Bearing several rowdy teenagers that consisted of five young mares, and two very pleased colts. The mares were cheering and swooning as the colts pulled the wagon at ridiculous speeds. The mares waved excitedly at the soldiers as they passed, probably hoping to score a date with a few of the buff stallions. For the most part, they were ignored, until they reached the chariot in front, whose driver seemed to appreciate the sight of them. He looked over to the other, whose face remained in the shadows, and slowly shrank as the officer shook his head. “Come on, big boys! What you got pulling that thing?” One of the mares called, noticing the lack of a pony in front of the bizarre chariot, and scooching her way closer towards the vehicle. “Let’s race!” As a roar of approval arose from the other teenagers, the driver looked back to his nearside: still receiving nothing but a cold look from shaded, crimson eyes. The teens laughed merrily as they pulled out of the way of an oncoming farmer’s wagon: narrowly dodging it in time to pull back beside the truck. Only this time, they pulled a little closer. They started banging on the vehicle’s door and roaring for a race, as the demand slowly turned into a playful chant. Finally, the officer gave in, and offered a small nod to the driver: who smirked at the foals, and gunned his motor. He pulled ahead of them like a shot, prompting a fit of dusty coughs and exited whoops of laughter as the teenagers fought to gain ground. After quite a struggle, the colts finally pulled up beside the vehicle, and hooted in appreciation of their newfound speed: sweating bullets. “Hey, you got some speed there, Joe!” The colt on their left called, obviously enjoying the wind in his mane as much as his tagalongs. The officer, still remaining in the shadows, leaned over to whisper something in the driver’s ears with a small smile. The driver smiled, and leaned out the window: cussing out the convertible’s inferior speed as he pulled ahead once more, and flew dust in their faces. After a few more minutes of the exciting diversion, they turned off onto another dirt road. The teenagers still whooping and cheering as they sped past the road: waving their goodbyes and rejoicing how hard they’d just been schooled. The other vehicles pulled in after the first as the dust from their tires blew up to a large sign: Megaspell Café. The officer smirked as the driver pulled up to a military gate after a few tiresome hours of driving, and a young guard walked up to their vehicle as the door opened. The officer stepped out: revealing himself as a jet-black Pegasus with a combed, purple mane. His deep, crimson eyes shot daggers at the guardhouse, and his chin was rounded, and quite easily mistakable for a mare’s. His cutie mark was hidden by his military suit, and his tail flicked irritably behind him as the guard approached. He quickly glanced behind him to see his approaching escort- eighteen ponies armed with automatic weapons –and looked back up at the soldier that now stood in front of him. “I’m sorry for questioning you, sir, but I thought the Princesses don't want these experimental vehicles of yours interacting with civilians this early." The young stallion grunted curiously, eyeing the chariots with mistrust. When he received nothing but a blank stare, he snorted indignantly, and continued. "Well, regardless, I'm sorry to turn you back: but only authorized personnel are allowed on bas--” The kid didn’t get to finish as the officer took of his cap and fell on his knees: signaling the troops behind him to aim their weapons, and remove the base’s guard before they knew what hit them. The young stallion’s form collapsed before the officer as he stood up. The others loaded back into their transports, and his driver rushed into the guardhouse to open the gate. He reached a hoof forward, and softly patted the guard’s neck as blood covered the sand beneath him. “Rest well,” he whispered, his thick Loshad accent oozing out of his throat. He turned back and boarded the construct again. He sat in the driver’s seat this time, his chauffeur scrambling to get in before he took off. The troops continued on until they approached what seemed to be a large gathering of warehouses and bunkers, at which point they sped up: pulling to a stop in a circle, just in front of the largest building. The officer stepped out of his jeep, strapped on his cutlass, and walked back to the trunk. He opened it up, and threw out a tan pith helmet with three green straps. Once the soldiers saw the helmet, they all flocked to it: weapons readied for immediate use. The officer roughly pulled out a bruised, dark cream Pegasus mare wearing safari gear, and dumped her on the dirt. Her three-toned grey mane was dirtied and rough, and her cutie mark of a green compass with golden pointers was dusty, and bruised. Her wings were tied to her sides with a length of rope, and her clothing was dirty, and dusty. She scrambled to her hooves as the officer calmly watched, and impatiently grabbed her hat with a hoof: placing it back upon her lowered head with a dull thwock. She looked up to the warehouse, revealing two magenta eyes, which observed her location with bitter integrity. Another mare was being shoved in her direction by the few guards that stayed by the silver beetle: this one was an obvious white cream, with a pink-and-purple mane dressed up so that her curled bangs bobbed whenever she walked. She was being roughly escorted by a light brown stallion with a wild black mane, with grey streaks down the middle. He scratched his patchy beard as he threw the second mare next to the first, and waited patiently for the witty comeback. “Bonbon,” the first mare nodded, helping the other one up. “I had no idea this was another team-up.” The second mare smiled, and took her hoof. “Neither did I, Dare. They snatched me out of the shop before I knew up from down.” The first mare nodded, and turned to the approaching figure. “Have any explanation for kidnapping us this time, Dr. Caballeron?” She chided, standing defensively in front of the other. “I’ve given up adventuring, I thought you of all ponies would know that.” The Doctor chuckled, and signaled for the charcoal Pegasus: who quickly brought him a small clipboard. “Ah, the great Daring Do has finally thrown in the towel, eh?” He laughed, flipping through the papers. “If only we had known this beforehand!” He faked a hurt look before flopping the papers back into place, and giving Daring an unamused look. “Unfortunately for your ego, Miss Do, you’re not here to evade traps, and dodge arrows.” Caballeron stated dryly, walking up to her, and tapping her forehead sharply with the tip of his hoof. “You’re here… for what’s in there.” Daring smirked, and batted his hoof away. “Very well, you need basic brainpower. You could’ve just gone to an elementary school, you know.” His frown deepened, and he gave her a hard look. “No, you foolish mare: we need your memory to help us find something your government tried to hide, even from itself.” Daring looked back to the warehouse, and scoffed. “Look, Doc: I’ve never set hoof in this facility before now, let alone that warehouse. You’re wasting your time with me.” “I think not,” Caballeron sneered, holding up the clipboard, “ten years ago, you were part of an investigation team at a crash site here in the deserts of Neighvada. They brought something into this base from the wreckage, and you know where it is.” Daring couldn’t help but scoff. “You really expect me to precisely locate large crate- in the middle of a warehouse filled with large crates- after ten years? Even if I’d stored it here myself, that’s a stretch of memory that’s beyond inconceivable. As I’ve said before, you’re wasting your breath, Caballeron.” “Then let’s get straight to the point, eh?” He scoffed. With a flick of his wrist, the Doctor had drawn a large knife: and set it directly under Daring’s chin, pressing dangerously into her neck. Daring widened her eyes at the display, before calmly looking at him with a smug smirk. “Come on,” she chuckled dryly, “you need information, right? How would you get that from me if I’m dead?” Caballeron offered a calculating smile, while still remaining locked onto her eyes: that was never a good sign. “Simple,” he purred, “the blade isn’t for you.” He remained locked in her gaze as the arm holding the dagger swerved, and he swiftly handed it over to the officer. The black stallion took it indifferently, and carefully aimed the weapon in Bonbon’s face, dead between her eyes. “You’re very chivalrous in risking your life for others, Miss Do,” the Doctor chuckled, “but you’re very weak whenever somepony else’s life rests in your hooves. “You will give me the information I need, or I order Colonel Dawn to take out your friend.” He said, pulling out a pocket watch, and clicking it. “You have thirty seconds to make your decision.” Daring looked nervously over at Bonbon, who looked back at her, and shook her head. “Don’t do it, Dare, we’ve been through worse.” “Twenty seconds, Miss Do.” “Yes, but we were younger back then.” Daring retorted, worriedly looking between Bonbon and Col. Dawn, who was waiting patiently for his orders. “Besides, you were always more handy than me.” “With gadgets, maybe, but you outmatched me every time in brute strength.” Bonbon replied calmly. “You’ll be able to get us out of this, you’ve done it before.” Daring looked hard at the Colonel. Caballeron was never one to bluff, but murdering a pony like this seemed far beyond his comfort zone. She looked for a sign of weakness from him, and to her dismay: his gaze remained stiff upon the stopwatch, not a single bead of sweat apparent on his brow. “Fifteen seconds,” She looked back to Bonbon. “Like when?” “The Swahayli incident in Zebrica: there were twice as many.” “Ten seconds,” Daring clenched her jaw, and screwed her eyes shut. “Look, I couldn’t help you, even if I wanted to! I didn’t even remember that stupid crash until you brought it up!” “But you know what was in that box, don’t you?” “Do I?” Daring snapped, getting directly in Cabelleron’s face. “Ten years ago, a bunch of ponies in suits came to my shack, saying they’re from the Equestrian Bureau of Investigation, and declaring that I was to follow them. Before I could get a word in edgewise, I was thrown into a train, and dragged into the middle of the desert for an investigation. What waited for me there? A bunch of scrap metal, and a troop of guards carrying a highly magnetized metal box, and loading into a van bound for Faust-knows-where! “My team judged it an accident, showing how their stupid experimental equipment blew like a over-inflated balloon and caused their poor pilot to plummet to the earth. A supposed crash site of an extraterrestrial craft, but all I ever saw was a pilot’s coffin, and an experimental vehicle gone wrong!” She finished her rant with a stamp of her hoof, silencing everything. Caballeron, after a brief pause, smiled widely as she panted for breath: “Three… two…” “I’ll do it, alright?” Daring groaned, slapping her hoof over her face. “I’ll help you find your stupid crate. I doubt you’ll find anything more than a dead pilot, and the experimental generator, but if it’s worth a pony’s life to you: I’ll get you to the stupid junk.” Caballeron’s smile stuck to his face as he closed the watch. “That’s all we’re hoping to find, Miss Do.” He purred. “You think it to be junk, where our government thinks it is valuable as the next step in psychic warfare.” “Whatever floats your boat, Caballeron. Losha is as crazy as you are if they were willing to fund this endeavor.” Daring said, rolling her eyes. “You don’t really believe in all that malarkey, do you?” “I believe in what the facts show, Madame,” the Doctor chuckled, “and you can never deny their conclusions.” He turned, and walked up to the warehouse door. The Colonel signaled the soldiers, and five of them raced forward to open the giant doors. Daring and Bonbon were pushed forward by the guards, and into the large facility. Daring eyed the interior: it was filled with wooden crates, barrels, and she could even see piles of containers covered by nets every once in a while. It was easily somewhere near a mile in length, and around half that in width. Finding one crate in here should be A piece. Of. Cake. 'Unless…' “Well, Miss Do, when are you going to start looking?” Caballeron inquired, his patience obviously wearing thin by this point. Daring turned to the nearest soldier, and held out her hoof. “I need your watch,” Her simple statement, and her deadpan tone, brought a smile to the soldier’s lips. He steadily chuckled, until he was laughing loudly at her request: drawing the attention of the others. When her face remained steady, though, after his fit of laughter, he grew concerned, and looked to Caballeron. He spoke in Loshad to the Doctor, who in turn looked inquisitively at Daring, and approached her. “What kind of fools do you take us for?” He asked, attempting to glare her down. She matched his glare, and stepped forward defiantly. “The contents of that crate are highly magnetized: the gears in a watch are metallic, and relatively fragile- that means they're easy to break into smaller pieces, Doc. You want me to help you? Give me his watch, and I’ll have the means to do so.” Caballeron raised his brow at her irritably, but quickly stomped once on the ground. The soldier ran up to him hurriedly, and gave him his watch. The Doctor cracked the device open, and poured the gears out onto Daring’s awaiting hoof: prompting a small sparkle of thanks in her eyes. She turned, crushed the fragile metalwork in her hoof like ice, and tooking a giant step forward: tossing the residue into the air. The soldiers watched in awe as the powder hung in the air for a few seconds, before barreling off to the south. Daring walked over to Colonel Dawn, and plucked the officer’s hat from his head. Dawn was about to make a move to retrieve it, but Caballeron held him back with a shake of his head. Dawn, understanding, signaled for any soldiers nearby to empty their own watches out into the cap. An order to which they quickly responded, soon nearly filling it to the brim with thin metal. She climbed to the top of the nearest stack of crates, before sticking her hoof in the hat: and flinging more powder into the air. She followed the small wisp with her eyes as it glided across the warehouse, slowly descending until it licked and caressed the crates that it passed. Soon, it disappeared in a large pile of boxes. She lifted her eyes up: focusing on the light fixtures immediately above, and saw that a few were leaning towards the same pile. “I think I see it,” she shouted down to them, “but I’ll need to make sure.” “Lead us to it, then!” Caballeron replied. She climbed down, and started to hike through the labyrinthine storage: occasionally casting a hoofful of the dust into the air to verify her direction, until they starts disappearing so fast that she figured they’d need bigger beads. “Now, I’ll need the shells you emptied.” She barked. With the clap of a hoof, the emptied watch casings were placed in the hat. She then slowly dumped them on the ground from where she stood. The shells, and whatever remained of the metallic dust, rolled and jumped towards the pile of crates just before them. Caballeron gestured towards the pile, and barked for his goons to take it down. Several soldiers went to work instantly: hauling boxes to and fro off the top, until the only thing between them and the package they were after was nothing more than a single, small barrel. Colonel Dawn personally saw to its movement, and many looked on in awe as they saw everything daring had thrown gathering on the box like ants. They reached in, and carefully pulled the crate out just enough for others to sink their crowbars under the lid. They pried it open with ease, and flung the padded lid aside without care, letting it splinter on the ground. Daring and Bonbon watched from below as several lamps hanging from the ceiling slowly adjusted to face the metal box that had just been uncovered, and the metallic powder swarmed onto the box like a tidal wave. Several of the crowbars stuck to the lid as well, and the holders had to tug quite a while before they came loose. Caballeron slowly undid the latches on the container, and opened it as mild wisps of steam hissed out. Inside was the form of something similar in shape to a Minotaur, wrapped in a leathery metallic substance, but far thinner around the chest. It looked more like an imp in shape, but was only such a beast if its wings were folded behind it. Daring climbed up to the top of the pile of crates to get a better look at the covered being, but she was still obscured by Caballeron’s ugly mop. “Knife!” The Doctor called, holding out his hoof. A soldier planted the blade into the awaiting hoof, and Caballeron quickly turned it to cut open the wraps. That was the sharpest blade they had, but it cut through the foil around the being like a stick through caramel. Once he had established a sizeable gash, he threw the knife back carelessly, and grabbed both sides of the cut to open it up. Once he did: steam poured out from within like a torrent of souls released from a thousand-year prison. Daring’s view of the creature itself was still obstructed, but she saw Caballeron’s cheeks morph as he grinned widely. “Now, the odds are even.” He muttered, closing the lid. He turned to the Colonel. “Load this thing onto the trucks! It’s a long way to Losha, and we don’t want to disappoint Salon by being late!” Daring looked down to the canister as several soldiers picked it up, and started heaving it out. She noticed her shadow growing longer, and turned back to see that several more lights were now following the crate: pulled by its unleashed magnetism. As Colonel Dawn pushed the container into the back of his vehicle, his cutlass stuck to it like glue. He groaned in irritation, and pried it off: signaling for some guards to finish the job for him. Daring climbed down from her vantage point, and gave a sidelong nod to Bonbon as she suddenly whipped her escort into a pile of crates: shattering them on contact and swiping his weapon. She used the butt end of the strange device to knock out Bonbon’s guard, giving her ample opportunity to snatch his rifle before any of the others could react. Together, they each pointed a gun towards Caballeron. “Let us free,” Daring barked, “or Cabo goes bye-bye!” Seeing their predicament, one by one, the Loshads lowered their weapons. Even Col. Dawn let his fall. At least, until they looked to Daring’s right. Smiling, they aimed them at her once more. Daring looked to her right curiously, and wished she hadn't. What greeted her was the unforeseen sight of Bonbon pointing her rifle directly into her cheek. She laughed to herself, and threw her own gun to the ground. “I didn’t know you were a Loshad, Bonnie.” She chuckled. “I’m not,” Bonbon smirked, “if you would’ve thought back to when the Agency closed, you’d remember that I complained about my retirement on a… less than profitable sum. I needed to get work somehow, and the Loshads offer good money for experienced agents. I’m not one to be picky about who fills my pocket, Dare, you know that.” Daring rolled her eyes. “I knew you weren’t picky." She scoffed. "I just didn’t know you were a mercenary without loyalties.”
Chapter Two: The EscapeDaring looked on disappointedly as Bonbon walked over to join the group of soldiers, all of them keeping their guns trained on her. “Have any last words, Daring Do?” Caballeron asked, perched on top of the metal box. Daring let her eyes dart across her enemies as she reached into her vest pocket: “When I set out to do things, they always get done…” She produced a small grenade, causing one of the soldiers’ eyes to widen as he looked down to an empty pouch on his belt. She pulled the pin and threw the explosive into the air, effectively panicking- and distracting -all who were present. Thanks to a well-timed shot from the weapon Bonbon had seized, the grenade blew in midair. When they all returned their attention to Daring Do, she was already on the run: ducking behind some crates just in time to dodge the torrent of bullets they sent after her. “Spread out!” Col. Dawn shouted at the soldiers as he took to the air. “Don’t let her get away!” Two soldiers ran around the pile that Daring ran behind, just in time to notice her clambering to the top. They let their guns loose: splintering crates and leaving dents in the rafters above. One of the bullets barely missed Daring’s flesh, yet split the rope that had bound her wings down, allowing her to flex them once more. She was about to take off when another three shot straight through her left wing, grounding her as flecks of blood flew around her. She groaned at the pain, and looked up in time to see Caballeron and his goons driving off in the horseless carriages, hoping to escape with the coffin. She ran back, quickly snagging the rope which had bound her a moment earlier, and ran across the mountains of crates as bullets whizzed around her. She swung her forehoof back, and snapped it forward: whipping the rope around one of the rafters above them. She held on, and put her entire momentum into the swing, aiming directly for Cabalerron: only to have her rear hooves barely scrape the rear of the vehicle. Her pupils shrank as she reversed direction, crashing through the glass shielding of the trailer directly behind her: causing the entire cabin to become misshapen, and shocking the two occupants she had landed between. She shook the glass of like it was baking powder, and stared irritably at the car ahead. “Damn, I thought I was closer!” She grunted. She snapped both her forehooves out to her sides, knocking the soldiers out before they could react, immediately before shoving them both out the doors and taking the wheel of the construct. She planted her hoof firmly on the gas in hopes to catch up with the Doctor and the crate as they sped along the alleys, until Daring sped up, and rammed the back of Caballeron’s truck: forcing him to look back in surprise. He had done so just in time to see her leap from the driver’s seat, run across the hood of the truck, and throw herself onto his chariot. He was about to grab her when she lashed out and struck him: knocking him out of the vehicle, and into a large crate. Smiling at her success, she turned sharply, turning the side of a particularly large crate to splinters as she smashed through it. She drove on, not realizing what she had just uncovered. For, within lied the skeletal remains of a large creature: whose tail clutched a golden cane decorated with an Alicorn’s head in its fingers. After a brief moment of relief, there came a violent noise like a strangled goose from behind her. She swiveled her head over her shoulder, and instantly sped up when she saw the huge truck barreling along behind her. Only to discover herself trapped between the truck, and the silver beetle that was carrying both Col. Dawn, and Bonbon. Bonbon, seeing the situation they were in, glanced over to the determined Colonel. “Colonel, stop yourself here, you’re not going to win this.” Col. Dawn just gave her a glare that demanded her to never question him again. To which she shook her head, grabbed the first handles she saw, and muttered. “You don’t know Daring…” The beetle was headed directly for Daring in the front, while the truck loomed behind her. Thinking fast, she looked up, estimated her strength, and leapt out of the cab with her good wing beating viciously: giving her just enough of a boost to cling onto the rafters of the warehouse. The Colonel’s pupils shrank as his prized beetle collided head-on with his boss’ own vehicle. Only to be met moments later by the speeding truck: resulting in a mass of bent metal, burst rubber, and bruised flesh. Bonbon lifted what she could of the fractured roof off of herself, and then flinched as Dawn pounded his way out. As soon as he had heaved himself from the wreckage, Bonbon shot him a dark glare: “Any more bright ideas here, Black?” In one swift move: Dawn tossed her from the wreckage, and into a pile of crates, quietly snarling as he threw his eyes towards the devious Daring Do. Daring hoisted herself up onto the rafters, and booked it through them: leaping nimbly from beam to beam. More soldiers clambered onto the boxes, and unleashed a maelstrom of bullets after her, giving her a strange sense of Deja-Vu as they either ricocheted off of the rafters beneath her, or impaled the ceiling above. Dawn himself drew a smaller weapon, and blasted away at her. A few bullets grazed her, making her flinch, but she wasn’t about to let them know that they got close to hitting her. Dawn’s gun started clicking after twenty careful shots, its bullets spent in his rage. Throwing it aside, he cried for a ceasefire as he flew into the air after her. Daring was almost to her destination: the window at the edge of the building, when all the shooting stopped. Out of nervous reflex, Daring looked back only just too late to dodge the fuming Colonel. He rammed into her full speed: forcing both her and him out the window, and into the air. They both landed in a heap onto a skylight in the ground, with Dawn pinning Daring to the glass. He drew back his hoof for a vicious blow, only to have her duck, making him strike the glass strong enough to make it shatter, and dump them both onto a small suspended platform below. Dawn struggled to get to his hooves as the shattered glass sprinkled around them, but he suddenly felt something cold and hard wrap around his chest. Daring tightened the chains around his midriff, and kicked him in the stomach, forcing him off the platform. With a yank: the officer was now dangling by the chain, with several cracked ribs, and the excess links weighing him down. It took all of his wingpower not to suffocate on the noose. Daring ran to the other side of the dais, and jumped off in time to catch a large, swinging wire. She glided over to the wall: hanging onto the rubber cord with her forehooves, before pushing herself off with her hind legs. She swung back, and bucked the unwary Colonel through another window: bringing the chain with him. She grunted as she landed on some other sort of chariot underneath. 'How many types of pony-less chariots are there on this base?!' She scoffed inwardly. With a groan of agony, Dawn crashed onto a large control panel, bringing out several sparks that burned his flesh, and placing a giant dent throughout the mechanism. He rolled onto the floor with a thud, and gave a disgusted groan, not noticing the countdown that he had started. 10… 9… 8… Daring slipped on a small puddle of her own blood, and fell back-first onto the chariot, grunting as she slowly tried to stand on her hooves. Suddenly, a loud clink to her side caused her to look back to the observation room she had thrown Col. Dawn through, only to see him holding the chain while standing wearily in the broken window. A large section of his left side looked dented, and blood ran in a small stream from his snarling lips. He curled the chain around his hoof, and lashed out again: striking the floor of the cart in between Daring’s hind legs. When she saw the wounded officer prepping for a more accurate strike, Daring Do scuttled backwards before Dawn could swing the chain again. Instead of aiming for her with his next strike, however, Dawn flung the links forward like a spear: grazing her ear and impaling the wall behind her. He pulled back on it: hoping to gain a boost as he jumped forward with his hind leg extended, ready to deliver a fierce kick to his adversary. Daring caught the intention in time to dodge the majority of the blow, yet he still managed to severely clip her jaw as she ducked: sending jolts of pain shooting through it, and knocking her onto her rear. The missed blow, however, also knocked him off-balance: sending him sprawling on the floor. He felt a loose rib grow uncomfortably close to his stomach as he stood, and charged the mare again. Daring took what little of the chain she could, and swung randomly. The officer cried in pain as a blunt gathering of links struck his cheek, throwing him onto the back of the cart. 3… 2… 1… At that moment, several Loshads rushed in, with Bonbon trailing behind. Bonbon noticed the cylinders on the back of the cart rearranging, however, and ducked behind the corner as the others charged out: only to have them be met by the blaze of the rocket’s tail. When the vehicle launched itself, Daring was thrown back beside the Colonel as it sped up: locking them in place. The construct flew out of the tunnel along a great track, its speed greater than anything poor Dawn had experienced beforehoof. As the G-forces built up, and the thrusters pushed them across miles of open desert in seconds, Dawn felt himself growing very weary. Soon, his eyes rolled up into his head, and he passed out pathetically. Daring looked over to the unconscious pony as they slowed to a stop, before dizzily stumbling out into the sierra to her left. “Amateur…” she muttered hoarsely, ducking behind a dune as the remaining Loshads drove up to the car, picking up their defeated leader. Unsteadily, she started to make her way through the desert, heading east in hopes of finding Appleoosa. Author's Note Alright, next chapter is out! As always, please let me know what you thought in the towel section down below. And feel free to point out any mistakes, errors, or complaints you have. Until Next Time, God Bless You! ~Amethyst Dawn.
Chapter Three: The MeetingAfter being picked up in the middle of nowhere by guards in suits, Daring Do was taken to an all-too-familiar building. She was told that she was trespassing, but she knew better: she was expected here. Now, she stared at the suit sitting across from her, clearly not impressed with having to wait this long for a reply to her report. She was currently seated in a dimly lit office, the lighting issue obviously more about intimidation than electrical problems. She should’ve known, as this used to be her office. The map of the known world still rested on the same spot on the wall, reminding Daring that she never did get to find out what was in the compartment behind it. ThePegasus currently occupying the chair behind the desk chewed the eraser on her pencil calmly, only sparing Daring a couple of glances every minute with her odd coral eyes. Her mane and tail were a mix of sage and biscotti, and her coat was like rust. Eventually, she set down the clipboard she was examining, and sighed as if annoyed. “And you’re sure all this happened, Ms. Do?” Daring smacked her forehead on the desk with a groan. “I know I sound crazy, Pebble, but I swear on my reputation: everything I’ve said today is true!” “That’s what I’m afraid of,” announced a third voice. Daring glanced over her shoulder just as a pony she never thought she’d see face-to-face stepped out of the shadows. “Princess Luna?” She asked, her voice only giving off a slight creak as her brow rose. The Princess of the Night gave Daring a curt nod before glancing at the map. “Since my return, my sister has trusted me with some of the more… clandestine operations of the Equestrian Government.” Luna began. Ocean Pebble lifted her hoof hesitantly. “Princess? Should she re--” “She’s going to pursue this even without our help, Peb, she should at least know what she’s up against.” The Princess cut in, before turning her head to wink at Daring. “Besides, whether these events make it into one of her books or not, I trust her. It’s time ponies knew what we have been up to.” Pebble was effectively silenced, but Daring’s curiosity was piqued. “Wait, what’s going on here?” “For years, Equestria and Loshad have been competing in technologies.” Luna began again, extending her wing to brush across the map. “When they announced that they were working on a method of self-propelled carts, we rushed to catch up with them. Competition was always friendly, until recently… “The leader of Loshad- Stiff Stall -was particularly intrigued by the research of one Dr. Perro Caballeron, whose reputation I hardly have to explain to you. Recently, the doctor has become obsessed with telepathy and non-magical teleportation. He proposed that Equus wasn’t the only world to feature intelligent life, and he swore that the organizations I lead had proof, the fool!” Daring noticed Pebble shuffle a little in her seat, but said nothing as Luna continued. “He has hunted throughout the known world for his precious extraterrestrials, but we know not if he has found anything of interest. His latest escapades… were unexpected to say the least.” The Princess gave Daring an apologetic look as she finished, causing the adventurous mare to chuckle. “I gave up expeditions because there was nothing left to find…” she sighed. Luna and Pebble shared a sad look, but remained quiet as Daring glanced towards the map. “... It appears I was wrong. Do you know where Caballeron is headed?” The Princess held her gaze on a particular piece of the map. “It’s been a few days since the attack, but we think he might still be searching for an alleged extraterrestrial temple in Mexicolt.” Daring quirked her brow. “I’m sorry, but what do you mean ‘a few days’?” She snorted. “I don’t think I was stuck wandering in the desert for that long!” Luna glared at her sharply. “Perhaps if you traveled to the west instead of the east, you might have gotten here quicker?” Daring rolled her eyes. “Do you think I’m stupid? If I traveled west, I would have found myself in the middle of one of your Megaspell testing sites.” It was Luna’s turn to cock an eyebrow. “And… how do you know about those?” “I was a member of the agency that started that project, and Celestia herself selected that plot of land as the testing grounds. I didn’t want to risk my face melting like warm chocolate.” “Still…” Luna paused, “knowing you: you might have found a way to survive.” “Oh, yeah, I could totally survive a freaking Megaspell.” Daring hissed. “Flattering that you think so, Your Highness. I’m good, but not that good. What, did you expect me to jump in a fridge or something?” Luna opened her mouth, but quickly closed it again. She clearly overestimated Daring Do’s abilities. Either that, or she wanted to get her killed. Daring strongly hoped it was the former, and not for the sake of her ego. After too long a silence, Daring glanced to the pith helmet resting flatly on the desk. A familiar glint flashed in her eyes as she slowly reached for it, and stroked the battered- yet still strong -material. “I’ve given up adventuring…” she sighed, taking the hat in her hands. “There was just… no need for it anymore. My heart’s not in it, but I’d be lying through my teeth if I said I didn’t miss it.” She gently rubbed off some of the dirt with her hoof, sadly shaking her head. “I…” She shifted her attention back to the Princess, and held her gaze. “I’m sorry for disappointing you, Princess Luna, but you’re wrong: I’m not going to pursue this fight. Caballeron’s not my problem anymore. If you want this pursued, you’ll have to get yourself another mare. I’m going home.” With that, she dropped from the chair onto the floor, and walked out of the office. Leaving the Princess and Pebble in stunned silence. As soon as the door was closed behind Daring, Luna angrily stomped her hoof with a snort. “Preposterous!” She stormed. “I present that mare a golden opportunity to journey and explore the unknown once more, and she turns it down even then! She is miserable, Pebble, even I can see that! She misses her life, but she refuses to go back to it. What am I missing?” Pebble just slowly shook her head, and stood from her seat. “You’re not missing anything, Luna. You and I both know why she really quit…” “... it was because of me.” Author's Note That took a while! It's good to be back! Now, let's get on with the story, shall we? As you can see, this is where I'm starting my deviation from the Indiana Jones film, and making the story more my own. And, hopefully, make it more... quality. Sorry it's so criminally short, just felt like a good place to leave off.
