The Enigma of Indigo Moon

by IndigoMoon

Rating: teen
Tags: Princess Celestia, Alternate Universe, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Science Fiction, Daring Do, Tragedy, Adventure
Length: 7581

Indigo Moon and his friends traverse Equestria at the behest of Princess Celestia, unaware of the evil lurking under their noses.

!THIS IS A NEW VERSION! Consider it a 2.0, if you will.
Indigo Moon, along with his friends Daring Do, Green Crab, and Gaia Tempera, travel across Equestria to document all the magical beings, plants, and artifacts they can at the request of the Princess of the Sun. But unbeknownst to them, and ancient evil has awoken and has plans for them.

Published 2017-07-29 02:10:06 UTC
Last updated 2017-07-29 22:22:03 UTC

Prologue

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, two-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, greenish 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.

"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 Braydenton 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 must 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 and scowled. "Alright, Indigo," she said, sighing. "I'll read your little book."

The bit glowed and Celestia heard Indigo's voice in her head:

'Thank you... '

Celestia lifted 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...

Author's Note

Hi, everyone. I hope you enjoy this redone version of "The Enigma of Indigo Moon"
Now, I am aware the Prologue hasn't changed other than spacing, but the Prologue is the only thing that will remain the same word for word (or very nearly). Also, all chapters from here on out, excluding Interludes, will be from the 1st person POV.
See you soon! :pinkiesmile:

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

March 22nd, 1007 C.R.

I was working in the office reserved for the Head of the Magical Experimentation Division, otherwise known as my office, working on a pile of paperwork, mostly spell copyright permits and experiment requests when a knock on my door distracted me from my thoughts.

My friend Gaia poker her head into the room, her purple antennae bouncing slightly on the stalks that sprouted from her teal and blue mane. I shall take a quick moment to describe my odd-looking friend. Gaia Tempera is part of a race of 4th Dimensional beings called Guardians, who monitor the time-space continuum, and imprison those who mess with it, or those who come from alternate dimensions and try to interfere with history. But Guardians themselves discourage creating attachments to ponies, or any life form other than themselves. They’re typically “stuck up, narcissistic prats” to quote Gaia. They also have exceptionally long lifespans, as Gaia herself was 2,002.

Now, according to Gaia, Guardians can look like whatever they choose. They also discourage any extremely deviant appearances and lifestyles, but Gaia was always odd. Apart from being bisexual, she constantly always did the exact opposite of what the Guardians discouraged. She meddled in history by not arresting Discord when he tried to change the future, instead choosing to assist the Princesses in turning him to stone the first time, she went with a dramatically abnormal appearance, and always wore odd clothes.

Gaia herself was a medium orchid colour, with two antennae of the same colour sticking out of her mane, which was a dark teal colour with two blue strips. She had the back up in a ponytail, while the front was like that of Vinyl Scratch. She had a blue tail that matched the stripes in her mane, that had three blades at the end, the middle, the same blue with the ones on either side the same dark teal as her mane. Her ears were violet colour and resembled bat pony, and she had a raspberry coloured nose. Her antennae functioned similarly to a unicorn horn, giving her the ability to do magic.

Her outfit was another thing altogether, weirder than her “natural” appearance, yet tame in comparison at the same time. She wore green and brown striped socks on all four legs, a brown cloak that attached around her neck, and over the cloak, she wore a striped scarf with the 4-color pattern of green, blue, red, and pink. She had a cutie mark of a paintbrush, with the brush covered in blue paint. Her speciality was art-based magic, hence her position in the Magical Experimentation Division

But perhaps the most distinguishing feature of hers was her eyes. She had black pupils like any pony would, but that’s where the similarities ended. Her irises were a neon pink that seemed to glow, and the whites of her eyes weren’t white, but a vivid cobalt blue.

I looked up from my paperwork to my odd-looking friend. "Yes?"

"I have a summons for you." Gaia pulled a rolled-up document from under her cloak and gave it to me.

"Thanks," I said. I opened the scroll and read it. To my surprise, it was an official summons from Princess Celestia herself requesting that Gaia and myself join her in the Throne Room. I immediately darted out of my office and through the labs, quickly stopping by Gaia’s workspace to get her. We sprinted through the castle to the throne room. We slowed as we approached 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, and Gaia Tempera, Emergency Advisor to the Princesses and Scientist at the Magical Experimentation Division.”

I walked through the door, blushing slightly because of the announcement, while Gaia elbowed me, grinning. 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 us as we walked in. I tugged slightly at the collar of my shirt.

"Ummm... Hello, Your Majesty," I said nervously, while Gaia waved enthusiastically at the Princess.

Celestia's smile seemed to grow slightly. Her glowed and in a yellow flash, three grey bean bag chairs appeared. Gaia and I each went and sat in one. Gaia sat in hers in a peculiar position, similar to the position a mint-green unicorn sat in around Ponyville. I sat with my back straight and sweating slightly with nervousness.

"Hello, Indigo. And hello to you too, Gaia. I see you’re both looking well." she said. "There's no need for formalities here, so you can sit with ease. You already look like you're going to pass out from nervousness."

My face heated up in embarrassment, and I slouched to how I normally sat. "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 two but we are waiting for somepony else first."

“And who might that be?” asked Gaia.

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 and Gaia howled with laughter 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."

I glanced back at the famous author as I walked back to join Gaia in the row of bean bag chairs.

A.K. looked at Celestia warily. "Are you sure?" she asked, looking at me and my friend.

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.

“But I do~,” sang Gaia. A.K. glanced at Gaia, then began staring as she noticed how odd my friend looked.

A.K. pointed at Gaia. “Uh, no offense or anything, but Princess, what is that?”

Gaia frowned and raised her eyebrow at the rather crass comment. Celestia’s smile faded slightly as well.

“A.K., if you’d be so kind as to reveal your secret, I can explain what Gaia is and why she looks peculiar.

As Ms Yearling began removing her hat, cloak, and glasses, Gaia quickly leaned over and whispered in my ear: “She’s Daring Do.”

I’d like to say I was calm, but in truth, I really just shouted, “WHAT!?! She’s DARING DO?!?!”

A.K. Yearling, now most definitely Daring Do glared at me. “Quiet down, will you?” she snapped. I frowned, not liking the attitude Daring was putting across. “Sorry,” I mumbled, miffed. “I didn’t realize that I needed to be quieter than a rock.”

"Now that that’s done," Celestia began, “I guess I shall explain Gaia’s appearance, unless she’d rather do it herself.”

Gaia nodded and rose from her beanbag chair. “To give you a basic explanation, I’m a 4th Dimensional being, meaning I come from a place outside of time, and my kind can move freely through it without any sort of device or anything, though I prefer riding through in a big, cardboard box. As to my appearance, my kind, called Guardians, can look like whatever we want.”

Daring looked at her with a confused expression. “So… you’re an alien?” she asked.

Gaia considered this before a moment. “A time alien, but yeah. Basically.”

“Huh,” Daring said. She walked over and sat down in the third bean bag. “This is going to take some getting used to,” she said.

Princess Celestia smiled. “Daring, since you and Gaia are now acquainted, allow me to introduce the leader of your little group, Indigo Moon.”

Daring turned and looked at me, as I waved hesitantly. “Hi. Hey, wait-, did you say leader?” I asked, turning back to the Princess. She nodded. “Yes, I did.” I have gathered you three here because I have a mission for you.” While the Princess had been introducing Daring to me, Gaia had been slowly floating upwards using the magic conducted from her antennae. But at the mention of a mission, she immediately became focused on the Princess along with myself and Daring, causing her to plop back into the beanbag chair as she cut the spell.

“A mission?” Gaia asked. “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. Gaia giggled knowingly.

"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 while Gaia began cackling like a maniac. All known magical things? 'That’s impossible', I thought.

"There is a fourth member who will go with you, but he was unable to attend this meeting," 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. I was confused as well, and for once, Gaia looked confused too.

Celestia smiled. "You'll know him when you see him," she said. "Now go on, off to Ponyville to begin your crusade."

“Goodbye, Princess,” I said as the three of us got up to leave.

“Goodbye, Indigo,” she said. “And good luck!”

Daring pulled her disguise back on and we both walked out of the throne room while Gaia floated out on her back instead, waving bye to the Princess.

“So, do we head out to Ponyville now?” asked Daring. I shook my head. “I want to grab some things from my office first, and I’m sure Gaia does as well.” Gaia nodded in affirmation. “I can take the both of us back in time to during our meeting to get out stuff, and then meetup with Daring back here and now.”

“Wait, you can time travel?” Daring asked. Gaia nodded. “I can, indeed-y. But I can only take one pony with me other than myself, and I can’t travel any more than 48 hours forward or backwards, lest I risk being arrested by a fellow Guardian and sentenced to death for unauthorized time travel outside of our domain. The only time anyone can get authorized for unlimited time jumps with no restrictions is if they are going assignment to catch a rogue time traveller. There’s only one example of someone who isn’t a Guardian who’s allowed to tamper with time, and that’s only because he ends up saving the world every time. He’s got a codename, too. He calls himself “The Doctor”. He’s also got a time machine and everything. But that’s not important. We’ve got our own world-saving adventure to depart on!”

Gaia looped her hoof around my arm, as I replied, “I highly doubt that this will be a world-saving adventure.” And with that, Gaia and I popped back in time.

Author's Note

Gaia is not OP. I'm saying that now. She's already got restrictions on time travel, so she can't to that willy-nilly. And she can precise levitation, for making art, but basic teleportation and invisibility. And she can't shape-shift willy-nilly either, as it is a severe drain on her energy, to the point where if she does it longer than an hour, she can pass out for up to a couple hours. And the larger the form, the harder it is to hold it for long periods of time. Guardians can change shape as much as they want when they are children, until the pick a form they like, in which they near-permanently fuse to that form, allowing for short periods of shape-changing. I got the inspirations for Guardians as a whole from the Time Lords (Doctor Who) and the Collectors (The Flash TV series). Gaia will more than likely be getting the side-story prequel that details her encounter with Discord in the future. Hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I'll hopefully have the next one out tomorrow since I'm not working.

Chapter 2

Chapter 2
March 22nd, 1007 C.R.

We popped into existence inside my office, which was empty, thankfully. I grabbed my saddlebag, which was empty except for a few mementos, like a spell scroll from Gaia, a pen, a notebook, and a small bag of bits. Gaia never actually brought anything with her, like normal, except for an empty knapsack she wore under her cloak. After we grabbed our things, Gaia grabbed my hoof and sent back to the future.

We appeared back in the hallway in front of Daring, startling her. “How long were we gone?” I asked. She waved a hoof from side-to-side. “About 3, 4 seconds,” she said. I nodded in acknowledgement. “Now we go to the train station.”

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 while Gaia sat on the ceiling, playing with one of the light fixtures 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 nodded before looking up at Gaia, who’d curled up like a cat on the ceiling and proceeded to take a nap. “What about Miss Perfect over there?” She asked. I scoffed, “Oh, she’s hardly perfect. She can’t do much magic for one. Less than a typical unicorn, in fact. The only magic she can do well is levitation, but she’s an artist, so it’s essential for her to be good at that. Plus, she can absentminded and forgetful. And as much as doesn’t like them, she has moments where she acts like Guardians, as in she can be crass at times, not to mention she can be quite childish and easily offended. But despite her less-than-favorable traits, she can be quite brave and resourceful. But most of all, she has a good heart. So that has to count for something.”

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!!!"

Gaia woke with a start and fell from the ceiling as Daring and I gathered our things and departed the train. Gaia quickly darted after us after regaining her balance. We stood out on the platform as the train began admitting ponies who were head out of town. I noticed Gaia was getting some odd looks, but was ignored for the most part, and having seen what other things had been in Ponyville, I knew Gaia wasn’t the weirdest thing ponies had seen.

“Come on,” I said. “There’s something we need to do before we go find our animal expert.” I walked off the station and into the town, with Daring and Gaia trailing along.

"So, where are we going?" asked Daring as I led her through the town. Gaia was bouncing around town looking at all the stands and shops with the same fascination and wonder of a filly, despite the fact this wasn’t her first visit to the heart of Equestria.

"To get you a new disguise," I replied. I reached an arm out and managed to catch Gaia as she tried to run by.

“Gaia, I need you to go to the post office and get a map of Equestria, as I forgot to grab mine in Canterlot. I need you to be serious about this, and don’t get distracted,” I reached into my bag and pulled out a couple of bits. “Take these and go buy the map. DON’T buy anything else, and once you’ve bought the map, meet us at Carousel Boutique. Okay?” Gaia raised a hoof to her forehead in salute. “You got it, boss!” And with that, she trotted off to her destination.

“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 turned a corner to see the Boutique sitting on the row in all its glory. We walked up to the door, and I knocked. 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 couch and waited.

A couple minutes later, Gaia walked in and sat down next to me, leaning her head on my shoulder and handed me the map. “You know,” I began, recalling Gaia’s words from earlier. “I’m not your boss.” Gaia tilted her head to look up at me. “Technically speaking,” she said with a smile, “you are my boss. You are the leader, are you not?” I wobbled my head side-to-side. “I suppose if you look at it like that. I like to think we are all equal, and we all have something to offer that will help us on our adventure.” Gaia sighed. “I suppose you are right,” she conceded. Gaia closed her eyes and began to doze on my shoulder.

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. I woke Gaia up as I got up and walked over to the counter. “Hi Gaia,” said Sweetie Belle. “Hi- *yawn*, Sweetie Belle,” replied Gaia.

“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. “How do you two know that filly?” Daring asked as we walked. “Sweetie Belle? I met her awhile back,” I said. “Her sister, Rarity, was visiting Canterlot with Princess Twilight, and Sweetie Belle tagged along. While Rarity went to check up on her boutique in Canterlot, Twilight and Sweetie Belle stopped by the M.E.D. to see what we were working on. I gave the pair of them the tour and we stopped by Gaia’s station and watched her work for a while. Sweetie thought it was great, and Princess Twilight seemed to enjoy it too.”

As we trotted through town, I led Gaia and 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.” Gaia grinned excitedly. “I can’t wait to see Pinkie,” Gaia said. Daring looked at her confused, so I began explaining how the two had met. “Pinkie Pie is a good friend of hers,” I began, “considered the both of them are eccentric as all get up. Pinkie had thrown Gaia a “Welcome-to-Equestria” party, and the two of them had become fast friends. Now that I think about it, isn’t that where we met, Gaia?” Gaia nodded. “Yep. That’s where I met most of the ponies I know now.”

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, stop 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 finished her bounce. “Oh, then you’ll want Mr. Green Crab.”

Daring’s eyes widened slightly, “Oh! I do know him. He was okay. Talked to much, and was a bit of a pompous dick at times, although that was only when the other pompous dicks in Canterlot gave him a hard time. Still not sure what that was about.” At this point I was the only one listening, as Pinkie and Gaia were too busy saying high with a ridiculously overcomplicated series of motions one could mistake for a double seizure.

“Pinkie,” I said, interrupting the apparently invigorating conversation Pinkie was having with Gaia about something. “Do you know where Mr. Crab lives?” Pinkie looked up and nodded. “He lives on Bagel Street. 221B if I remember correctly.” I nodded in thanks. “Thank you, Pinkie. Daring, Gaia, come on.” Gaia said goodbye to Pinkie as the three of use headed for 221B Bagel Street.

Author's Note

I just finished a binge of Sherlock over the course of two days last week, so I wanted to make a nod to it. see you guys next chapter, which will hopefully be out within the next couple days.

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

March 22nd, 1007 C.R.

We walked down Main Street when I decided to ask Daring what she knew about Green Crab. “Well,” she began, “I don’t know much about his past as he never likes to talk about it, but from what I’ve heard, he’s the heir to a family fortune, but was disowned by his parents after he decided to pursue Magizoology and “liken himself to the filthy riff-raff, or even worse, a disgusting mud-pony” instead of becoming an “upstanding citizen” like his ancestors. Those are rumours I’ve heard from homeless ponies in Canterlot.

“From what I’ve seen of him personally, he’s an agreeable pony, unless you mention his past, or you’re one of the social elite, or what he defines as prats. He’s got an accent though and says some weird phrases sometimes. I can’t think of any, but you’ll see what I mean when we get there.” We turned onto Bagel Street and continued down the road. We reached 221B a couple minutes later. 221B was tall, thin house with a grey exterior and a black door. It looked severely out of place amongst the light tan squat houses that made up most of the residences in Ponyville.

I went to knock, Daring grabbed my arm, stopping me before I could. She turned to Gaia, who looked confused as to why Daring had kept me from knocking. “Gaia, you’re going to want to change shape. Green is a magical creature fanatic, and we don’t want him getting too excited when he sees you. We should probably wait until he’s used to you guys. I know it wears you out, but it’s for the best. Trust me.”

Gaia sighed and nodded. “Sure thing. But for future reference, I’m not a changeling. I can’t just look like whatever I want whenever I want.” She closed her eyes, and in a flash of white, Gaia was gone, replaced by a pale blue unicorn mare, with a short orange mane. Her cutie mark remained the same. “I’ll still go by the same name,” said the blue mare with Gaia’s voice. “So we don’t confuse him too much.”

Daring and I nodded, still recovering from how trippy it was having a completely normal looking mare have Gaia’s voice, after coming to associate it with Guardian’s odd natural appearance. I raised my hoof and knocked on the door three times. After a moment, the door opened to reveal a light purple unicorn mare with a scarlet mane tied up in a bun. She wore a simple black dress with a white apron. “Yes?” She asked, a soft accent touching her voice.

“Hi,” I said. “My name is Indigo Moon, and these are my compatriots Silky Scarf and Gaia Tempera. Is Green Crab home?” The mare nodded. “Yes, sir. Please come in. My name is Feather Duster. I’m the maid here. Mister Green is just in the lounge. Please follow me.” Feather Duster admitted us inside and led us through the house. Daring elbowed me in the side. “Silky Scarf? Really?” She hissed. “Hey,” I whispered back. “You picked Scarf, and I was put on the spot. Besides, it sounded better than Golden Scarf.” Daring rolled her eyes. “I would have preferred that,” she grumbled. “Too late now,” I replied.

A second later, we reached a dark brown door. The maid opened the door and let us in. The lounge had a large fireplace set in the middle of the far wall, with bookshelves lining the walls almost completely around the room, sparing only where the door and windows were. The room was brightly lit as windows admitted light into the room. There were two plush armchairs and a large couch around the empty fireplace. Sitting in the chair facing the door sat a tan Earth Pony stallion with sky blue eyes and a long brown mane the curled up slightly in the front. He wore a white shirt, a light brown vest with a blue bow tie and a green coat. True to his name, his cutie mark was that of a green crab. “Yes? How may I help you?” He asked in a noticeable accent, looking up from the book he was reading.

Before I could introduce us, Feather Duster beat me to the punch. “This is Mister Indigo Moon, with his companions Miss Silky Scarf and Miss Gaia Tempera.” The stallion nodded. “Ah. Feather, dear, would you be so kind as to put the kettle on for us?” asked Green Crab, smiling at the maid. The maid smiled slightly and nodded. “Right away sir.”

“Come. Sit,” said Green Crab, gesturing to the remaining chair and couch. I claimed the chair while Gaia and Daring sat on the couch. “Now, what can I do you for?” asked Green Crab. “Princess Celestia asked us to give you this,” I said. I dug into my saddlebag and pulled out the letter from the Princess. I handed it over to him. He opened the letter and began reading. After a moment, he set the letter down and looked at us. “Going on an adventure, eh?” he said with a smile. “And it seems I’m invited,” he said, waving a hoof at the letter.

Feather Duster walked back into the room with a teacup and saucer in her magic. She handed it to Green Crab, who took it gently. “Would you like anything,” Green Crab asked. “I’d hate to be a terrible host.” I shook my head, signalling that I would pass. Daring asked for an iced tea and Gaia asked for a glass of water. When Feather Duster left, Green Crab immediately turned to Daring. “You can take off that disguise, Silk Scarf. Or should I say, Daring Do?” he said, grinning smugly.

Daring’s jaw dropped. “How’d you know it was me?” she asked as she removed her hat and glasses. Green crab chuckled. “I’d recognize your voice anywhere, Daring. I did have to listen to it for a week, after all.” Daring sighed. “I suppose you right.” Green Crab’s grin widened. “Plus…,” he said. “It mentions you in the letter.”

“What!?” Daring cried. I cracked a smile, while Gaia began giggling. “And you, Miss Gaia,” said Green Crab, “can also drop your disguise. The Princess said in her letter you two would be disguised, although she did say that you had “a rather unique image,” so I’m interested to see what she meant by that.”

Gaia looked at me for reassurance. I nodded, letting her know it would be okay to drop the disguise. Feather Duster walked back into the room with the ice tea and water just then, halting Gaia before she could even start, much to her obvious annoyance. Green Crab noticed this, and said, “Feather, thank you dear, but I’m afraid that until this meeting is over, the lounge is now off limits, to respect the privacy of Miss Tempera. If it’s no trouble, I believe the guest rooms should need to be prepared.” Feather Duster nodded and bustled off, closing the door behind her. Green Crab waved a hoof towards Gaia, signalling that she may proceed. Gaia closed her eyes, and in a flash of light like the one where she changed the first time, Gaia was back to normal. Green’s eyes widened at Gaia. “Woah,” he said, awestruck. “I mean no offence, but what kind of pony are you?” he asked. “No offence taken,” Gaia replied. “I’m a 4th Dimensional being called a Guardian. We exist out of time, giving us exceptionally long lifespans. We have the ability to move through time, and each of us have abilities that are mostly unique to each particular Guardian.”

Green Crab nodded. “Cool. Very cool. But before we depart on our adventure, I’m going to need my knapsack. That’s where I keep the creatures I study. But retrieving that might be an adventure of its own unless the watcher did as I asked and didn’t open it. But we can’t get it today, as the hour grows late, and Princess Luna’s time to reign approaches. We will have to retrieve it tomorrow.”

My friends and I rose from our seats. “Well, it was a pleasure to meet you, Mister Green.”

“And to you too. But I get the feeling that you don’t have somewhere to stay the night?”

“Oh, we were just going to stay at the Ponyville Inn,” I said. Green shook his head vigorously. “Oh, no. You can stay here! Between you and me, it’s much nicer. I’ve even got the guest bedrooms prepared. Gaia and Daring can share a room, and Indigo can have the other. And don’t worry about overstaying your welcome, or pushing my hospitality. It’s truly no trouble.”

“If you insist,” I said. Green beamed. “Wonderful! I’ll have Feather show you to your rooms immediately.” He walked over to the door and pulled on a cord of rope that was attached to a bell that hung next to the door. He pulled the cord, causing the bell to ring. “Feather will be here momentarily. In the meantime, I bid you a good night,” said Green Crab. And with that, he walked out of the room. Daring pulled her hat and glasses back on.

I looked over at Daring. “We can trust him, right?” I asked quietly. Daring nodded. “Yeah, we can trust him.” Gaia meanwhile, had transformed back into the blue mare with the same flash as before. A moment later, Feather Duster appeared in the doorway. “Please follow me to your rooms,” she said. We followed her upstairs to the second floor. It was a small hallway that led into three rooms. She pointed at one room that had to beds. “Miss Scarf, Miss Tempera, this will be your room. And Mister Indigo, this is your room.” She pointed at the room next door with only one bed. “There’s a door that connects the two rooms, and each room has its own bathroom,” Feather said. “Good night, everypony. Sleep well.” Feather turned and back down the stairs.

I turned to walk into my room when Gaia spoke up. “Hey, Daring,” Gaia said. “Do you mind if I bunk with Indigo tonight?” I spun around to see what was going on, but I could only see Daring’s face and the back of Gaia’s head.

“Yeah, sure. Why?”

Gaia was silent for a moment before squeaking out, “No reason.” Daring met my gaze and smiled oddly, as if she had a secret or she knew something I didn’t. “Go right ahead,” Daring said. But before I could interject, Daring had already walked into the room with two beds and closed the door, locking it behind her. I sighed and walked into my room with Gaia trailing behind, wearing a silly grin. I walked into the bathroom to take off my clothes, but it also gave me an opportunity to think. ‘Why does Gaia want to share a room with me?’ I had a sneaking suspicion that I knew why, but quickly disregarded it as false. ‘I mean, there’s no way she has a crush on me, right?’ When I had finished, I found Gaia waiting for me in the main room, undressed as well. I just sighed and tried to not think about the possibility of Gaia having a crush on me as I clambered into the bed. Gaia climbed in next to and proceeded to wrap her legs around me and cuddle me like a doll. I sighed again and just decided to lay there and not bother trying to unlatch her. After a little while, Gaia began snoring softly, making soft squeaks. I couldn’t help but smile as I fell asleep right then and there.

Author's Note

Yes, I gave Indigo a love interest. Sue me. :ajbemused:
I just want to state for the record, that while Indigo may be the OC I default to, he is NOT me. He has his own personality that is based on mine, but only a couple aspects, mostly the negative ones.