March 22nd, 1009 C.R. (Celestia's Reign)
Celestia lay sound asleep on her bed when a series of rapid knocks on her door awoke her. 'Who'd want to see me at this time of night', Celestia thought to herself.
` "Who is it?" she called.
A familiar voice floated through the door "An old friend in a big hurry."
Recognizing the voice, Celestia sprang from the bed and stormed over to the door. She threw it open to reveal a unicorn stallion standing there. He was a pale blue with a badly-kept, tow-toned blue and purple mane. His clothes looked worse for wear: his old waistcoat had holes in it, his blue flannel travel jacket had thinned with time, and his saddlebag was faded to a grayish-brown. The only nice piece of clothing he wore was a thin, green-ish cloak that sat atop his saddlebags, fastened around his neck. His mane was dirty, he had bags under his eyes, and he had scratches and bruises everywhere. But what caught the Sun Princess' attention was that fact that her two personal guards lay unconscious on either side of him.
As soon as she had opened the door, the poor stallion began talking.
"Celestia! Pleasepleasepleasepleasepleaeease don't summon any guards! You have to listen to me before it's too late!" cried the stallion.
"Indigo Moon..." Celestia growled. "You have the audacity to sneak into the most securely guarded city in Equestria, come straight to my private bedroom, and beg me for an audience? All while being the most wanted criminal in the country?!"
"Yeah, it looks bad, I know... wait. 'Private bedroom'? Does that mean you have a public bedroom?" asked Indigo.
Celestia's eyes narrowed as her glare hardened.
"Never mind. But Princess, you have to hear me out! My being here is already putting you in danger. The only reason I'm here is because it is imperative that I am."
Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Fine," she said., leading Indigo Moon into the room. "You have five minutes. No more than that," she said.
Indigo gave a weak but grateful smile. "That's all I'm asking for. So... I'm considered Wanted No. 1 on what charges, exactly?"
"Mass ponyslaughter," Celestia deadpanned.
Indigo's eyes widened. "Oh, my... that's more severe than I thought. But I Pinkie Promise, cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye, that it wasn't me," Indigo said as he pantomimed the motions. "And I have proof." His horn began to glow, and out from underneath his cloak floated two books. One was a beat-up, leather-bound journal, and the other was a pristine, new book with a black cover.
"Remember that mission you sent me on two years ago today? Well, this journal contains all of my findings. I finished it, you know," said Indigo as he floated the journal over to the Princess. She took it and set it on a nearby table. Indigo continued, "and about four months ago, I began writing down what really happened all those months ago, and have been giving them to A.K. Yearling, or as we know her, Daring Do. Daring agreed to type up the notes and ramblings I gave her into a coherent story. Only she and a couple others know the truth. Just 10 minutes ago, I was in Maneami when I received a letter from her saying she had finished the book. I immediately teleported over to her house, where she gave me this." He floated the black book over. "After collecting it, I teleported here, to give it to you. It's about time that everypony knew the truth about what actually happened to me then, and what's still happening to me now."
Indigo stood up. "Now," he said. "If you'll excuse me, I need to leave. I've learned, and you'll see soon enough, that if I stay in one place for too long, bad things happen."
Celestia spoke up, "Why? What bad things?"
Indigo spoke gravely, "Celestia... I'm being hunted. You'll soon know everything. If you need me, use this." A bit flew out from underneath his cloak. "Just hold this in your magic and you can talk to me. It has a twin, which will remain in my possession. When you've finished reading the book, 'call' me, and I'll be here quicker than you can say "Ahuizotl". Goodbye, Princess. And please, you have to believe me. It wasn't my fault."
And with a flash of light and a bang, Indigo Moon was gone.
Celestia looked at the coin in her magic. "Alright, Indigo," she said. "I'll read your little book."
The bit glowed and Celestia heard Indigo's voice in her head:
'Thank you... '
Celestia lifted up the black book from the table as she walked toward the beanbag chair in the corner of the room. She sat down, and once she was done sinking into the sack-like seat, she opened the book and began to read...
Chapter 1
March 22nd, 1007 C.R.
I was working in my office when a knock on my door distracted me from my thoughts.
"Excuse me." A red stallion poked his head through the door.
I looked up from my immensely boring paperwork. "Yes?"
"I have a summons for you." He pulled a rolled-up document from under his wing and gave it to me.
"Thanks," I said as he left. I opened the scroll and read it. To my surprise, it was an official summons from Princess Celestia herself. I immediately darted out of my office and through the labs. I raced through the castle to the throne room. I slowed as I reached the large double doors that led into the throne room. I showed the scroll containing the summons to the guards. The opened the doors as one of them shouted out, "Announcing the Head of the Magical Experimentation Division, Indigo Moon!"
I walked through the door, blushing slightly because of the announcement. It wasn't that I wasn't proud of the title, I just didn't like boasting it around, too much at least.
Princess Celestia smiled at me as I walked in. I tugged slightly at the collar of my shirt.
"Ummm... Hello, Your Majesty," I said nervously.
Celestia's smile seemed to grow slightly.
"Hello, Indigo," she said. "There's no need for formalities here, so you can sit with eased. You already look like you're going to pass out from nervousness."
My face heated up in embarrassment, and I looked away. "Well," I said as I fiddled with the vest I was wearing. "It's not every day you receive a summons from the leader of your country."
Celestia nodded. "That is true, but I've called you here for a reason. I have something to ask of you but we are waiting for somepony else first."
As if on cue, the door swung open as the same guard from earlier called out, "Announcing the famous author, A.K. Yearling!!"
A golden pony with a grey hat, big, red glasses and a purple cloak walked in.
"So, whatcha' need me for, Princess?" asked Yearling.
I sat there with my mouth hanging agape in shock. "A... K.... Yearling? W-wow!" I gushed. "I can't believe it's really you! I love your books!"
Celestia giggled as I began gushing over A.K. as the author leaned away from me. "Alright, Indigo. Now that Ms. Yearling has arrived, we can begin. Also, you can drop the act, Ms. Yearling."
A.K. looked at Celestia warily. "Are you sure?" she asked, pointing at me.
Celestia nodded. "Everything will be fine."
"For the record," I began. "I have no idea what's going on, if that makes you feel better."
A.K. looked at me with a creased brow. "It doesn't," she grunted.
"Oh."
A.K. then took off her hat and glasses and threw off her cloak revealing...
"DARING DO?!?!?" I cried.
Daring whipped a wing over my mouth. "Shh. Quiet down, will you?"
"Sorry," I said through her wing.
"Indigo, Daring. I have a mission for the both of you."
We both turned to look at her. "You do?" I asked, pushing Daring’s wing away from my mouth. "What kind of mission?"
The Princess floated a brown, leather-bound journal from beside her throne over to me. "This is your mission," she said.
"A journal?" asked Daring. "Hey, kid, is there anything inside?"
I went to flip through it when Celestia spoke up. "You won't find anything in there," she said. "But there is more to be explained. I want you to go out, across Equestria and document something for me."
"What?" I asked. Daring nodded in agreement.
"I want you to go out and document all known magical flora, fauna, and artifacts. And maybe discover some new ones, if you can," she said.
"'All known?' But that could take years!" cried Daring.
Celestia nodded. "I know. That is why you have as much time as you need, and the Canterlot Gold Reserves at your disposal, so you needn't worry about expenses."
Daring and I sat there for a moment. All known magical things? 'That’s impossible', I thought.
"There is a third member that will go with you," Celestia said.
"Alright, who is he then? And why isn't he here?" asked Daring.
"He is almost impossible to schedule, with his profession. That is why you will be bringing this to him, when you go get him,” Celestia said, floating an envelope over to me, which I took in my magic.
"Who are we getting?" I asked.
"Go to Ponyville. Ask Pinkie Pie for the animal expert, but be sure to specifically mention it isn't Fluttershy. And, if I recall correctly, you have already met him, Daring."
"Huh? I have?" Daring asked, confused.
Celestia smiled. "You'll know him when you see him," she said. "Now go on, off to Ponyville to begin your crusade."
Daring pulled her disguise back on and we both walked out of the throne room to the train station.
After we stopped by my office so I could grab a couple things, we were headed to Ponyville. We had managed to catch the 3 p.m. train just before it left, and managed to snag one of the private cars, probably because of Daring being A.K. Yearling. We sat at across from one another as an awkward silence filled the car. Daring had leaned back in her chair with her hat slid over her eyes. To try and learn more about the mare I would be spending quite some time with, I cast a quick spell, and asked,
"So... you're actually Daring Do, huh?"
She lifted her hat to glare at me with one eye, silently telling me to shut up.
I pointed to my horn, which was glowing with an azure blue aura. "Bubble of silence," I said. She pulled her hat from her face and sat up slightly. "Yeah, I'm actually Daring Do. And before you ask, kid, that means all the stuff that happened in books did actually happen."
I leaned back in my own seat slightly, nodding. "Cool. Anything else I should know about you?" I asked.
Daring's eyes narrowed slightly. "Somepony's quite curious, aren't they?"
"Well, we are going to be traversing the country together for Celestia knows how long. Well, actually, she doesn’t, but you know what I mean."
Daring nodded. "True. Well, I have been told that I am a bit brash, but smart. I can think my way around almost any puzzle, but I have also been told I can act without thinking, choosing rather to just 'Run in and punch stuff', to quote Caballeron. I don't typically like working with others, or receiving help because I typically can't trust others, but a friend of mine taught me that letting ponies help isn't always a bad thing. I spend most of my time either treasure-hunting while stopping Caballeron and/or Ahuizotl in the process, or writing my books."
I nodded. "Huh. Sounds like you lead an interesting life."
Daring smiled. "Yeah. Interesting is certainly the word for it. Well then, since I told you about me, what's your story."
"Oh. Well, uh... you don't want to hear about me," I said.
"C'mon," Daring said, leaning over to punch my shoulder. "You did say you wanted to get to know me better since we'll be travelling together. Now it's your turn."
I sighed in compliance. "Fine. I am the Head of the Magical Experimentation Division in Canterlot, mostly because of all the "what-if"s I kept asking Celestia and Twilight. When I'm not working with magic, you can typically find me at home, either writing or drawing at my desk, or sitting in my chair with a book. I have also been told that I am smart, but quite a few ponies have described me as either loud, weird, annoying, or all the above. I am very quirky and don't typically fit in with what are considered "normal" ponies. I like to pride myself on my loyalty to my friends, but I can sometimes follow blindly. Uh... I'm not particularly brave, but if push comes to shove, I have my moments. And that pretty much covers it."
Daring looked like she was about to comment, but was interrupted when the train lurched to a stop and the conductor shouted, "EVERYONE FOR PONYVILLE!!!"
We gathered our things and departed the train.
"So, where are we going?" asked Daring as I led her through the town.
"To get you a new disguise," I replied.
"Why do I need a new disguise? This one is just fine."
"Because we can't have somepony like Rainbow Dash identifying you," I replied.
Daring nodded in understanding. “Makes sense.” We walked towards Carousel Boutique, when Daring started getting a bit antsy.
“Seriously? You’re making me get a disguise in a boutique?! With fancy dresses and stuff?” cried Daring. I smiled and shook my head. “No, I’m not going to force you into a dress, as funny as that would be. The owner does happen to have big hats and cloaks or capes or whatever.” We arrived at the door, and I knocked on the door. A small white filly, with a curly pink-and-purple mane opened the door. “Hello, Sweetie Belle,” I said. “Is Rarity in right now?”
Sweetie Belle shook her head. “Sorry, Mister Indigo, but she’s in Manehatten with Coco Pommel right now. Did you need anything?”
“Yes,” I said, nodding. “I need a cloak and hat for my friend here, and I might just browse.”
“Ok,” said Sweetie Belle as she opened the door to admit us inside. “Follow me, miss…”
Daring glanced around nervously as she tried to quickly think of a name that wouldn’t reveal herself as either Daring Do or A.K. Yearling. Her eyes landed on a yellow-and-grey striped scarf. “Miss… uh, SCARF! Yeah, Miss Scarf.”
“Ok,” said Sweetie Belle happily. “Follow me, Miss Scarf!” Sweetie led Daring into the back as I rummaged through the interesting clothes bin, AKA the clearance bin. As I rummaged around, I found a faded jacket. It was plaid, with various shades of grey and blue. I also found, much to my delight, a fez and a cowpony hat. I snagged both hats quick as I could, along with the scarf Daring had used a scapegoat.
As I looked around the store, I spotted a green-ish cloak on one of the ponequins, and grabbed that too. As Daring hadn’t returned yet, I sat down on a bench and waited. A few moments later, Daring came back out wearing a blue cloak, and a big sun hat, along with her glasses. She didn’t look to happy about her outfit, so I decided to just assume it was the best she could find, and not question it.
“How much?” I asked Sweetie Belle. Sweetie went over to the register and picked up a piece of paper. She repeatedly glanced up at all the clothes hanging in my magic, and Daring’s clothes, then back down at the paper. “Oh, uh.. the hats and jacket were in the clearance bin, if that helps,” I said. Sweetie nodded. She began muttering under her breath: “Okay we have…. 6 bits for the…. And then 20 for… carry the 2… divide by three... Okay! Your grand total is 50 bits.” I dug into my saddlebag and dug out the required money. After counting out the coins, I hoofed them over to Sweetie, who stuck them in the cash register, closing it with a *DING!* She picked up her paper and read off it like a script:
“Thank you for shopping at Carousel Boutique, and have a fabulous day. Come back soon!” She waved us off as we walked out the Boutique and back into town. As we trotted through town, I led Daring down Sugarcube Road. Daring immediately pointed to the building that looked like a giant gingerbread house, with an equally giant cupcake stuck on top. “What in Equestria is that?” Daring asked, pointing at the cookie-like building, aghast.
I put my foreleg around Daring, which was immediately swatted way, while I pointed at the building with my other hoof. “That is Sugarcube Corner,” I said. “Otherwise known as the current residence of Ponyville’s permanent premiere party pony, Pinkie Pie.”
We walked into the store, and over to the counter, where a plump, blue mare was working. “Hi, Mrs. Cake,” I said. “Do you know where Pinkie Pie is?” Mrs. Cake looked up, and smiled. “Hello, dearie. Pinkie is upstairs. I’ll call her down.”
I nodded. “Thank you, Mrs. Cake,” I said. But as soon as I turned towards the stairs as Mrs. Cake opened her mouth to call for Pinkie, said pony sped down the stairs in a blur, stopping nose to nose with me. She grinned widely. “You’re looking for somepony,” she said with the same pride one might have for receiving the Equestrian Pink Heart. “How’d you know that?” I asked, mildly surprised. Daring was gaping as if Pinkie had grown a second head, which could have very well been plausible, knowing Pinkie.
“Pinkie Sense,” she said excitedly. “My mane was vibrating, which means somepony is looking for somepony else for some reason.” As I looked at Pinkie’s mane, I could very clearly see it quivering rapidly, stopping for a moment, then resume quivering, accompanied by a low buzzing noise. “Who ya lookin’ for?” Pinkie asked.
“We are looking for the animal expert-” I began. “Oh, that’ll be Fluttershy,” said Pinkie, as she began bouncing off.
“-but not Fluttershy,” I finished. Pinkie froze mid-bounce, somehow, and slowly drifted to the ground. She leaned in as if she was going to whisper a secret to me. “Oh,” she said in an exaggerated whisper. “You want him.”
“Who’s him?” I asked.
Pinkie opened her mouth and rambled out the longest name I’ve ever heard: “Newt Luna Rover Scamareder.”
Daring’s jaw dropped, and her eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. “Not him…”
