Mothers Return

I didnt sleep well last night.... All I could think about was Ditzy.... losing her... I was scared... I maybe slept collective of four hours.... but mother kinda helped lull me to sleep.... warm almond milk and some much needed cuddles. We went and had a bit of a quick breakfast and left with the artifact which I have dubbed the Succubus Stone because of what it does. Steals the life force of loved ones and makes it so that the owner lives through everything... Sickness and life itself. And... apparently my mother is just a bit over a hundred and thirteen.... She said she had it before my father and her even met... that he was barely a teenager when she found it. Amazing that I've known three immortal beings and two of which I didnt know were immortal until recently.... But as of now my mother and I are a couple miles due west into the wilderness staying away from main roads. She's wearing that robe which apparently she had gotten off of... an old and long dead stallion she was married to... he was a monk and she disappeared without a trace. Thought the order he was in would point to her after his death. Nope. Just laid him to rest, thought nothing of the woman he was with and moved on with their lives. I looked to my mother as we were crossing a rock bridge over a stream. "Mother.... Might I ask something....?" I said.

My mother sighed. "I owe you a lot of answers dont I...?" She asked. I gave a nod not even meeting her gaze as I kicked a few rocks aside. "Ask away... I'm nothing but a library to you for now...." I hesitated a bit.

"I know this is strange for me to ask... I feel as strange for even asking it... How many stallions have you been with...?"

"...Hard to say. I've had multiple lovers, some I tried to keep as close friends who I ended up falling for and losing them all to the same fate. Your father was the one I got with the furthest.... Married him, settled down and had you two.... I had a stallion other than him at the time just to keep him alive a little longer but it wasnt long enough until he passed. Only a matter of time before the stone consumed your father as well... Now you see why I quickly distanced myself from you and Ditzy... I hate myself that its come to this but... this stone is causing nothing but trouble for me and now... for you..." I sighed.

"How long do we have before we lose Ditzy? I wanna make sure that stone gets back to where it was and save my sister." I looked back at the nonexistant path in front of us veering off at a tree in front of us.

"Hard to say. Few days? Months? Hours.... How long has she had this sickness?"

"A week or so. Thought it was just a common cold... only until you showed up. I'm actually glad you did even though it was a face I didnt wanna see at all for the rest of my life...."

I had honestly come to resent my mother after she had left us when we were fillies. Ditzy hurting, me trying to be there for her and the doctor doing everything he could to see us happy, healthy and safe. I still remember the days after mothers departure. Me and Ditzy were at home, I was at the kitchen table with the nanny mother hired before leaving. Mare was young but old enough to know what she was doing. Late twenties to early thirties if I remember correctly... The nanny was an orange coated, redish maned mare. Cant rightly remember her cutie mark. Wore a dress most of the time... sometimes my mothers old ones. Think that day she was wearing a dark blood orange dress. I was just coloring sadly with a sandwich right next to me. PB&J with a blueberry jam made with an alternate sugar. It was around that time we figured out it wasnt strawberries but the certain type of sweetener from those plants. Gardener made all the jams, jellies and what not. Blue berry was my favorite. What was I coloring? A little picture of our... family... drew the doctor, me and Ditzy flying around, dad in a cloud and mom nowhere to be seen. Had the gardener under us with the doctor around a few fruit baskets. The nanny looked to me as she finished her sandwich. "Daring sweetums? Arent you hungry?" She asked. I gave a shrug. "Still sad huh...? Well please dont go crying. Dont want your tears making the sandwich soggy!"

I gave a sigh thinking about life without daddy or my mother... its been a month or so at this point that mother left us and dad passed on. I had nightmares about mom coming back... hurting Ditzy more. Or me... I wont ever forget the last look I ever had from my mother... the one of regret from when Ditzy and I were carted off to the hospital for some time. When I was so young I didnt think we'd even make it this far. Thought one of these days we would've been carted off by the doctor, gardener and nanny all at once for the last time... I kinda spaced out with my drawing. Just stared at me and Ditzy. Almost got teary eyed as the nanny left me. Stopped myself as I heard another set of hooves and a whimpering filly. I looked behind me and saw the doctor walking in with Ditzy on his back. She still had a busted arm and a bandage over her eye but the one I could see was always looking straight forward. The doctor smiled warmly at me as he set Ditzy down carefully on the counter. "There we go.... Careful now Ditz. Stay as still as you can!" He said glancing at Ditzy. He looked at me as he crossed the kitchen and grabbed a bowl from the cupboard and went into a fruit bowl grabbing a few apples and a banana out of it. "Daring you make sure your sister is alright while I make her some apple sauce. Gonna take me just a minute!"

As he turned away from us I looked to Ditzy. "You doing okay sis?" I asked.

Ditzy sniffled a little. "...I-it still hurts....." She said. We didnt really know how much damage she went through until maybe a few months after this. So... at this point she was still the same ol' sister I've known before the accident.

"I know it does... but... you'll be okay... you're gonna be better soon!" I gently climbed up on the counter and nuzzled her a bit. "...I'm gonna be here for you... always and forever..." I didnt really know how much that would ring true. Knowing I'd be there for her for many years beyond mother leaving after fathers death gave me hope for the future I guess. I sat back down carefully moving my sandwich out of the way swapping it with my drawing. "Look! I drew you something!" Ditzy looked it over, smiled at a few parts. She looked back at me realizing someone was missing.

"Wheres mommy at...?" To be honest I wanted to say it but my mind forbid me to even say anything about my mother after she left. She hurt me that much. I missed her sure but part of me would bite her for causing Ditzy's injury. Showing her the pain I felt seeing Ditzy hurt like that. Talking about her was a swear in my mind. The doctor looked back at us.

He kinda gave a huff because I've done this before. Ditzy refused mom was actually gone forever. Even with evidence of the note and mom not even coming around the house or even our room to say goodnight. "She didnt draw her in yet Ditzy." He called out putting a few slices of apple into the bowl. "Daring do you think you can help me here for a moment?" I huffed and flew over to the doctor landing on the counter next to him. "Daring sweetie... is everything okay? The Nanny is telling me you arent eating.... You need to eat sweetie otherwise its back to those mashed peas. I know how much you hate that stuff but its all your stomach can take when you're sick. So please eat?"

I sighed. "...But... I cant... I just.... " I looked to Ditzy who was just staring at us. "Can... can we talk later Doctor...? I... got something to say... just... not in front of Ditzy..." He met my gaze and I looked away.

"Ah... I see... Well... at least eat something... half the sandwich the nanny made if you can... we can talk after Ditzy is fed okay?" I nodded and flew back to my seat. I ate what I could of my sandwich, talked with Ditzy, see how she felt, asked if there was more I could do. She asked me if I could at least do a puppet show later. She loved those. The nanny thought them up to keep Ditzy entertained sometimes. All of us took part at times. Sometimes it was just me, others it was The Doctor and Gardener. Other times it was even me and the nanny. But anyways after I ate a bit I went upstairs to mine and Ditzy's room. I sat there for maybe ten minutes cuddling with my stuffed rabbit. I know I gave it to Ditzy but Mr. Bunbun was the only one to keep me calm, collective and comforted. I was thinking of mom and the way she left... dad and when he died... Questions ran through my mind as I lied there in bed. My cute little mind not even comprehending anything about the concept of death or abandonment. I sighed as The Doctor came in shutting the door behind her. "There. Ditzy's all fed, the nanny is keeping her distracted... What's on your mind kiddo?" He sat down on the bed next to me as I cuddled up to Mr. Bunbun.

"...Does... does mommy even love us anymore...? Why did she leave us...?" The Doc sighed.

"She left because she regrets lying to you about your father... you kinda knew what was happening but... it just... its not easy losing someone you love... I would know... but... she should've told you the truth... At first I thought he was going to recover but as I kept checking him over, looking at him closely, medicating him to see if he could kick it I saw his decline... I wanted to say something but... that day he was going to changed things... I didnt know what to do when you girls left the house for the hospital. And your mother? She never spoke a word to me the whole time... we said goodbye to your father... long and heartfelt... I just wish I could've saved him... done better... but... he was proud of you girls..." He looked out the window. Almost the way mother did when she was trying to tell what time it was. "But your mother... when she left she just had a bag packed and ready. Told me to give you two a letter and said she wouldnt be back for some time... but... after reading the letter I dont think she's gonna be back at all..." He looked back at me. "You're lucky you still have me, Ditzy and the gardener around. Sprout and I will be here for you no matter what... I swear when he saw Ditzy hurt he wanted to cry. We both did... You're a big girl for standing up for your sister when she couldnt.... Its a little secret but your mother didnt much trust medicine she didnt see me make. Yet... hospital was the only thing saving Ditzy from getting infection... Those arent fun. Trust me. But... to the point even though I've rambled enough... Your mom does love you... she left because she did love you... she regrets lying but... she wanted you two to grow up, be nice to each other and even be there for each other." He pulled me in close and hugged me. I hugged him back. I feel this was the only time I cried for my mother. Sad as I was these cries were kinda for wanting our mother back in our lives to no avail.

After my crying episode The Doctor and I were starting our walk into town. I kinda rode on his back most of the way. Just kept close to him. He basically suggested Ice Cream and I kinda agreed that sounded good. But as we walked I couldnt shake the feeling about something. Something I just couldnt put my hoof on. I just started getting panicky for some reason. Unsure why but it didnt sit well with me. Later that night I just went to bed but had a nightmare. My mother was there.... We were in the foyer of our home, I was crying just begging her to stay. I was just holding onto her hoof as she dragged me along upstairs. As we got to the top of the stairs she just looked back at me and didnt say a thing before just bucking and sending me flying all the way back down. I woke up and screamed starting to cry. I was just lucky Ditzy was medicated enough to where she actually could pass out and sleep without a problem. I got out of my bed and ran for the door opening it and flying out into the arms of the nanny who was just at my door. I quickly just latched onto her like one of those weird alien spider things in those movies... ugh... "Daring! Daring sweetie what's wrong?!" She asked. All I could do was just cry.

Then came The Doctor from his room. And the gardener. "What's going on up here?!" The gardener asked from the stairs. He was kinda panicked hearing me cry. To this day I wasnt sure why he was still up at that time.

The Doctor sighed. "Clear Cut go back to bed! We got this here." He said joining in on the embrace. I heard the gardener sigh and walk back downstairs. The Doctor turned his attention back to me. "It's okay Daring... you're okay..."

I sniffled and just... Just mumbled something. "...M-mommy...." I said. The Doctor sighed looking to the nanny.

"Why dont you go back to bed too? I think I can handle it from here." I felt the nanny nudge me towards the doctor and kiss me on the forehead before going back to her... well... my mothers room. The Doctor got me up onto his back and we went into his room. He sat me down on his bed and sat with me, covering us both up a bit with his covers. Warm. "...Daring did you have a nightmare about your mother...?" I nodded sniffling and sobbing. "At least you're honest... Do you wanna tell me what happened?" I hesitated. "It's okay... just us here.... take a few deep breaths... Do you need some water?" I kinda hesitated but nodded. He got up and went to his dresser. Always kept a pitcher of water near his bed. He poured me a small glass of it. I took a few sips before setting the glass down on his nightstand. "Alright... just tell me ... Slowly and calmly okay?" I nodded again.

"...I... I want mommy back... sh-she has to come back! She has to!" The Doctor sighed.

"...Daring... I think... I think its best if I just tell you but... please...dont hate me for this... I'm here for you... to help you, to hold you... Okay?" He held me close. "...I know this isnt what you wanted to hear but... mommy isnt gonna come back... She loves you yes but.... she told me she just cant handle being a parent without your father... sure she had me and Clear Cut to help but... she told me we were in charge as well as the nanny... She could barely handle the situation with Ditzy.... but... you need to be a big girl about this Daring... for your sister... i'm sorry if you do end up wanting to hate me for telling this to you this late... but... I was gonna tell you at some point... it was eating me up inside seeing you just mopey, sad and such...." Oh how badly I wanted to scream. But... I didnt. Didnt hit him, didnt scream, didnt run away. Just sat there and cried. He held me close and shushed me. "It's okay... Docs here... I gotcha.... always gotcha..."

I guess I fell asleep after that because I dont remember much after there. Snapping back to reality My mother and I had walked a long way. From that rock bridge to what was now... oh say a few miles away in the middle of a field. We sat on a few logs around what was once a campfire from ponies camping. Mother sighed as she sat down setting the bag with the succubus stone inside. "How do you even do these things Daring?" She asked. "I raised you to be a lady but you're dodging traps, fighting monsters and trekking through harsh terrain!"

I huffed. "You didnt raise me at all growing up!" I snapped. "My cutie mark basically raised me! The Doctor and Gardener did after that wretched nanny made off with most of our inheritance! I'm surprised you didnt even take that or any of your clothing with you!"

"And what? Remind myself of home killing you both faster? Honestly I didnt plan that nanny taking that much of the family fund. I took what I needed, worked for the rest of it. You and Ditzy should've gotten half each!" I took my saddle bags off and dug into them taking out a flask full of water passing it to my mother.

"Here. Drink this. Be quiet. Let me talk." My mother took the flask from me and popped the cap open. Took a big swig of water. "I had to give Ditzy most of that fund because she was going to need it the most! My part was a fraction of what she had! I only had enough to print out my books, hide away in an apartment in Canterlot and once my books took off I secluded myself fearing something like what you pulled coming to my home and scaring the living shit out of me! It could've been ANYONE! Murderer, rapist, thief looking to rob me, make millions off all the treasures I've collected over the years! It even could've been a pony who seeks objects to end the world, possibly rule said world! Change it to what they wish!" I watched as my mother capped the flask and tossed it back to me.

"Look I'm sorry I needed help so badly! I'm lucky to even have found you at all! What would you have done if Ditzy up and just passed away?!" That shut me up. My anger kinda got the best of me in that moment but receded getting me lost in a sea of thought. I looked around me. "Your sister would be gone. Your beloved sister you gave everything to. Gone in an instant. You'd be a wreck. Maybe you'd fall ill just like her, yet nopony would know what happened to Daring Do. Only A.K. Fucking YEARLING! No conventions, no book signings maybe not even a funeral! With the way you're acting right now I bet nopony would even care that you'd be dead!" My heart dropped. Sunk like a rock in a box of cotton. Made me think back... to... To... My mother looked at me as I started tearing up. "What now? Big baby book writer gonna cry? I thought you were supposed to be tough!" I clenched my eyes shut trying to stop the tears.

"SHUT UP SHUT UP JUST SHUT THE FUCK UP!" I heard nothing but the wind blow. Silence. Until I sobbed a bit looking to my mother. "You would care... knowing I died because of your screw up... And its not like I havent tried to take my own life because of you!" She looked to me curious. "One year after you left I fell into depression. I remembered Dad making his pancakes for me years prior and then the way we'd cuddle by the fire place on cold nights and even the games we'd play... But then I thought of how he was ripped away from us by death... The way Ditzy got hurt because of your LIES. The way you fucking left us to fend for ourselves. Were you expecting the doctor and gardener to just up and leave knowing they wouldnt have anyone to pay them? Anyone to call boss? Well they stayed and I'm glad for it! That year after you left I nearly died. I grabbed a fork, hid away in a room for a while, thought about things. You, Dad EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED TO ME THAT YEAR. And I took that fork and shoved it into a power outlet. I got hit with so many volts of electricity it could've killed me but didnt! The doctor found me barely awake. Started preforming CPR on me until I started breathing on my own. Within a few breaths I cried. He had to keep watch over me for two days, one or two hour naps in between just to make sure I didnt do that again. The Gardener had to take his shifts for those hours. Keeping an eye on me. Ditzy even talked me out of trying it again. The Nanny barely cared. Played it off like it was an accident." I took my pith helmet off revealing my mane. "This is forever going to be a reminder of that day. All of the pain you caused me and I tried to end it." I put my helmet back on and hung my head. "...I hope you're happy knowing what you caused."

I sobbed a bit and hugged myself. Couldnt tell whether it was hating myself for doing that, remembering that and having to yell at my mother about that or just the fact that she told me nobody would love me or miss me if i died... I sat there crying for what felt like a long time before I felt my mother hug me. I wanted to push her off so badly but this hug felt so warm. I hugged my mother back just tightening my grip on her. She just hugged me, trying to calm me sitting there until I fell asleep. Yeah. I passed out crying here cuddling with my mother. Combination of fatigue, not enough sleep and me crying definitely made that easy. But as I slept I found myself running through a forest alone, scared out of my wits from what ever was chasing me. All I heard were roars, barks and what ever else was there. Only until I came to a cliffs edge where I stopped but not in time. I tipped over my balance point and just saw the fall before me. Jungle below, sharp cliff rocks and a small river. Small... Barely enough to aim for for a slight chance of survival. But I didnt fall far. Only about a few feet below the cliffside. I looked around and saw I was just... floating. Not flying but actually floating mid air. Nothing under my hooves. It was trippy but I'm used to trippy. I saw a cloud of dust behind me before hearing some roar but it turned to violent coughing. That of a mare nonetheless. I saw a shadow shoot up from the dust and use wings to blow away the dust before landing back and extending their wings before looking at me. Before me now stood Princess Luna, Princess of the night, walker of dreams and such. She cleared her throat before looking to me. "I know who you are Miss Do... but I say nothing except I sense the troubles in your mind." She said. I flew up to the cliffside and landed on the other side of her bowing in respect.

"...You're right about that Princess... I... I'm going through lots of emotions at the moment... fear, sadness, confusion... only one feeling i dont have is happiness at the moment..." I collapsed onto my stomach tearing up. Luna sighed making the environment disappear.

"Clearly. Do you want to let thy princess aide in your problems?" She sat down at my side and rested a hoof on my back. "When you're ready you can talk with me." I sobbed a bit.

"...M-my mother... she abandoned me and my sister when we were young... nearly caused a suicide by electrocution... its been revealed that... that she's in possession of a magical item that... that st-steals loved ones life forces... and... grants her immortality... M-my sister is gonna die if we cant get rid of it... it needs to stay out of possession from ANYONE...."

"Hm... So... your mother caused dozens of unexplained deaths using an artifact that sucks the life out of somepony due to sickness and such... And now your sister is next?" I nodded hesitantly. "Ah... I've heard of this stone before... I thought it was locked away long ago during my banishment. Somepony who created it knew powerful and prohibited magic. They enchanted it so who ever he took on as a suitor he'd live forever but things didnt pan out the way he thought. He was too in love with himself for his creation and died as a result. Strange for it to steal his own life force but it had no life to take or to give once created... so it took on his life. I'm not sure how many have taken it on but your mother must be the last one to have it. Return it at all costs, even move through the night, few hours of rest if needed. But do this quickly. Your sister must survive this. Dont let her be just another statistic for your mothers nefarious deeds... And I know you said she abandoned you but... please at least try to accept her back into your life. If she's willing to come back to save your sister she might be worth saving. Understand me?" I gave a hesitant nod. "Good. No matter how much pain, how much hatred you have because of them youre supposed to still love them... My sister learned that lesson during my thousand years on the moon. Now for you its time to wake up, continue thy journey. Eat something if you must. I sense hunger within you." I blushed as my stomach growled and everything started to fade.

As I woke up I saw my mother setting up a tent. I was laid out on a bedroll with the stone in front of me. The wretched thing... I got up and stretched. Felt the cool air brush by me, sending the warm smell of a burning fire. I stretched a bit. Mother looked to me as I shook the dust from my mane. "Ah Daring! You're finally awake!" She said.

I cracked my neck a bit, stretching my wings out a bit. "Mother... Where did you get all this?" I asked.

"Nearby town. They offered to put us up but I just said we were camping and forgot our gear. Bought a tent, a few bed rolls and a few bowls for food."

"And did you get food?" My mother dropped what she had of the tent and huffed. "You didnt get any food did you?" She said nothing before just dropping the rest of the tent and walking off the camp site.

"...Allow me to get out there... Get what ever I can."

"Canned foods, snacks, granola, perhaps some drinks would do. And mother?" She stopped and turned back to me. I dug into my tail and pulled a small bag of bits before tossing it to her. "See if you cant pick up a medkit. Dont want any owies." She gave a smile and walked off, bit bag dangling from her mouth. To be honest that which what I said was a bit of a bad choice of words on my part. Basically made a joke of my own sisters injuries... Regret that but hopefully mother doesnt catch on. I had a map tucked away as well. Always had a mark to where my home was. As I pulled my map out it felt... heavier than usual. I carefully opened it up and a scroll fell out of it. I looked around a bit frightened. Wondering who was around.

I picked it up and carefully unraveled it. It was tied together with a dark blue ribbon. I saw words forming as if they were being written at that moment. 'Daring. No need for alarm but I hope this scroll found you well. My sister and I have been practicing these new spells to keep a scroll for us to read when someone writes to us, Twilight Sparkle for example who I must say is a huge fan of yours. If you would I would ask for you to meet with her after this is all said and done. But as for now I gave you this as a form of keeping in touch with whomever you wish to speak to. Usually we burn the enchanted notes we wish to send. New formula of the parchment used is causing some wheezing and coughing in some ponies who either receive or send. I used a duplication spell before sending this to you. The duplication spell should be active on that one still so please send it to who ever. I can actually suggest Twilight. Her assistant can write back and you can ask her to give you updates on your sister. Even advise going to the hospital for at least some medical equiptment. Any and all medical bills will be handled by me and my sister out of good faith for you. Stay safe, stay quick. Princess Luna. PS: Remember what I said about your mother.'

I watched in the light of the fire as the text disappeared. All I could do was think who to write to. Twilight? The Doctor? Luna again? I couldnt decide but... my decision came with my thoughts of Ditzy... Sick and such... I took a deep breath and sighed. "Um... Dear Doctor Whooves.... Its Daring... I've been given a magical scroll to speak to as weird as it is... Do not say anything to Ditzy about this. But... I... It's gonna be okay... I'm trying to find a cure for her sickness strangely enough. The weirdest thing is I'm with... someone who abandoned us long ago... I'm not crazy... not sick.... I just... found her... Scared the hell out of me... I'm having to deal with her at the moment but... I must say even with all my feelings it just.... it feels nice to know she's back helping me find this cure... But again please do NOT mention any of this to Ditzy. If she asks just give her a shortened version without the mention of... you know... Just tell her I'm looking for a cureall plant I've had to use in the wild on my adventures. But please please please PLEASE... I cant stress this enough... keep her happy, keep her well. I should be back soon. No telling how soon but hopefully before this is all over. Daring. PS... Give Ditzy a hug and a kiss for me.... Maybe not a kiss but... Do kiss Dinky goodnight for me and tell her auntie Daring loves her." My eyes kinda welled up with tears as I spoke. I just looked to the sky. "Please... let me save my sister... I love her too much to lose her..."

To be continued.