Bonds

Chapters

Chapter 1: Denial
Chapter 2: An Epic Adventure
Chapter 3: A Daring Adventure
Chapter 5: Museum Hijinks!

Chapter 1: Denial

Rainbow Dash flew off to Ponyville, wasting little to no time landing in front of Twilight's castle. A twinge of fear coursed through her as she gulped for breath, trying to remain calm.

Rainbow tried to steady the pace of her rapid breathing as she trotted up the stairs leading to the massive front door. She tried telling herself that she must have worked up a sweat while on the way over here, but something in the back of her mind told her that wasn’t the reason. Giving a slow exhalation to steady her nerves, she lifted a hoof to knock. Here goes nothing.

“Yeah?” The door opened to reveal a none-to-pleased Spike as he stood there with his arms crossed, his claws of his right hand drumming a rhythm over his left arm. Maybe somepony hadn’t had their coffee yet this morning?

Most ponies might be nervous about an impatient dragon answering the front door. Rainbow Dash was not most ponies. “Hiya, Spike! Is this a bad time?” Rainbow Dash was sure to spritz a little extra cockiness on her grin. “It could be better.” Despite his acerbic tone, Spike stepped aside, allowing Rainbow to step past him into the castle. As soon as Rainbow placed her hoof on the castle’s crystal tiles, her ear twitched at the sound of frantic mutterings coming from the East Wing.

Spike gave an exasperated huff. “Follow me.”

Rainbow looked around perplexed, noticing stacks of boxes and books, in addition to other odds and ends heaped up in disorganized piles along the corridor. Suddenly she grimaced in realization. “Last Sunday of the month?”

“Yup.” Spike replied sardonically as he shuffled further into the castle until he arrived at the doors to the library. “Don’t know what a dragon has to do to get a nap around here.” Spike rolled his eyes to make his point.

A grin popped back up on her face as Rainbow finally caught a view of her closest friend. “Hey Twilight! Organizing day, huh?”

Twilight grinned as she set down the book she was holding in her magic. “How’d you guess?” She rolled her eyes.

“Hay! Give me at least some credit here. You have to be pretty observant to manage the weather team! Observant, loyal, and fast! What more could you want?”

“Uh. Want for what?”

“Never mind!” Rainbow Dash shook her head suddenly. By the way, I still have that latest copy of Daring Do!” She pulled the book from her saddlebags. “I tell you, she just keeps getting better with each book! I can't wait for the next one.”

“Oh, hello there Rainbow Dash. I'm glad you are enjoying it so much. But, didn't you borrow that a few days ago? You must have really enjoyed it to read it so quickly. Is there any other books you might be interested in? You know, hold you over until the next Daring Do book?” questioned Twilight Sparkle softly. The purple alicorn always had time for her friends, but she couldn't help but notice how often Rainbow Dash seemed to be stopping by to borrow books. It couldn't just be a coincidence. She simply shrugged her shoulders, deciding not to question it that much. After all, Rainbow Dash really seemed to finally be enjoying reading.

“Nah, Daring Do books are the only books for me. All that other stuff is totally dull.” Rainbow waved her wingtips, furrowing her nose a bit up in the air, almost looking totally disinterested in anything that wasn't Daring Do. However, her eyes were certainly focused on the majesty in front of her. The cyan Pegasus licked her lips at the sight in front of her.

“Are you hungry, Rainbow? I could have Spike whip us up something. I'm sure you're exhausted. Why don't you stay for awhile.” suggested Twilight clapping her front forehooves together.

Rainbow Dash's eyes darted from side to side, almost as if avoiding the question. She was hungry alright, but not for what Twilight was thinking.

“Um...” she paused stuttering a bit. Damn it she should say something. She had sworn she had finally mustered up enough nerve to actually tell Twilight how she felt, but what if she responded negatively. What if she only wanted to be friends? She'd be crushed, and she wasn't sure she could recover from such an outcome, so she was nervous. Her hooves shivered a bit as she stood, rubbing a forehoof across her mane, fidgeting a bit, trying not to stand still.

“Thank you for the offer Twilight, I really appreciate it, but I was just hoping I could borrow another Daring Do book. That is if you don't mind.” spoke Rainbow Dash, tapping her forehoof against the floor in front of her. Books....yeah, she was here for books, not here for the amazing purple alicorn with the stars on her flank. Nope, she was here to read, and admire the sights while she read the way Twilight's body swayed from side to side. Simply indulging in the pleasure when she turned around so that her rump was in plain view. Oh, she could easily get addicted to this sight. It was hard to keep herself composed, and not just lunge forward and seize the opportunity that Twilight had no idea she was giving her.

“Which one would you like this time?” questioned Twilight Sparkle, scanning her somewhat emptied shelves for her collection of Daring Do books. Of course they were organized by release date, from oldest to newest. She knew Rainbow Dash had read all of them multiple times, and it wasn't surprising she often wanted to borrow them. However, it did seem a bit odd, how often she came over just to borrow a book. Even if it was Daring Do. There was just something puzzling about it, but she couldn't quite put her tongue on what it was.

Rainbow Dash tilted her head slightly to the left, a puzzled expression on her violet hues, almost as if debating on which one she wanted to read most. Then she tilted her head to the right, however, it wasn't the books she was gawking over.

“Hmm....you know how about I borrow all of them? You know refresh my knowledge on the series as a whole.” she spoke in a determined, almost soft spoken tone.

“Of course.” smiled Twilight Sparkle softly, she illuminated her horn, and each book began to float down from where they were sitting on the shelves into Rainbow Dash's hooves. There was quite a good amount of reading there, she'd be busy for at least a few weeks. Though, admittedly it was kind of nice having her visit so often. Often, Twilight Sparkle couldn't help but let out a soft sigh. There hadn't really been any need of her lately, and as much as she enjoyed Spike's company, it just wasn't the same.

“Thanks, Twilight you're the best.” smirked Rainbow Dash, before dashing off back to her home of cloudsdale. She knew she had her work cut out for her, it wasn't going to be easy to surprise someone as intelligent and cunning as that special purple alicorn. She swiftly made her landing in front of her door to her home on the clouds, smiling. A big wide beam crossing her muzzle as she opened the door with her wingtips, holding the books closely to her chest, and neatly putting them on her bed, in order of oldest to newest.

“Hmm....” she mumbled aloud. “Now how am I going to come up with an adventure that is just as awesome and special as she is?” questioned Rainbow Dash, rubbing her forehoof against her chin. Every book of the Daring Do series was simply awesome in story telling and keeping her on the edge of her seat. The adventure she wanted to plan for Twilight had to be just as good, if not even better. This was going to be tough, but they didn't call her Rainbow Dash for nothing. There was no way she was backing out now. She had been planning this for weeks, thankfully Twilight Sparkle didn't seem to catch on to her plans.

*******8

“Spike, is it just me or is Rainbow visiting us a lot more frequently lately?” questioned Twilight.

“Seems normal to me.” Spike shrugged his shoulders slightly.

“Hmm....” began Twilight, placing a hoof under her chin. There was something off, but she couldn’t quite put her hoof on what it was.

Spike simply shook his head, almost dismissing her concern. “She really likes Daring Do, it's not like we're not used to odd behavior from her.”

“She really has been coming by an awful lot lately.” Twilight was thinking out loud, trying to put the pieces together, while pacing back and forth. She needed her notes! Of course that's what she was missing. She hurried to grab a quill and paper, and began to write down the things she knew. Rainbow Dash loved Daring Do books, and often would reread them, but she had borrowed each book of the series, over the course of two weeks. Then she had requested to borrow them all today. It seemed relatively normal. She probably was just overthinking things. Nothing seemed to really stand out to her so far. She had to address Rainbow Dash directly, confront her about it. However, if she pressured her, and her words came off negatively, she knew Dash wouldn't respond well. She had to really think about what to say.

“So she likes Daring Do books.” shrugged Spike, simply not understanding why Twilight was concerned about the matter at all. This was actually pretty normal, all things considered.

“It's more than that, I just know there's something more...but what?” questioned Twilight Sparkle. She decided rather quickly she'd take a break from thinking about it for now, and head over to Sugarcube corner. She herself had really worked up quite the appetite.

“Are you coming Spike?” questioned Twilight, hunkering her forehooves down a bit, to allow Spike to jump up on her back.

Spike didn't hesitate at all to get out of the castle, specially for food, and cupcakes nonetheless. The only thing that would make it better would be if Rarity just happened to be there. He knew he didn't stand a chance, but a dragon could dream.

Twilight Sparkle smiled softly, and once Spike was situated on her back comfortably, she pressed on her forehooves slightly and dashed out the door. The sun beaming down onto the two of them. It was always nice to get out of the castle, even if just for a day. Often she stayed, hoping the map might call her, or simply researching more about the elements of harmony, or simply reorganizing her library. She couldn't deny she did enjoy the thrill of an adventure. It was one of the reasons she had fallen in love with the Daring Do series, and was also why she recommended it to Rainbow Dash. Twilight smiled softly, she was glad to see Rainbow embracing a love of reading. It was good for her.

********8

“Hmm...” muttered Rainbow Dash rubbing her forehoof under her chin, as she paced back and forth in front of the Daring Do collection. Mumbling under her breath, so low no pony would hear her. “None of it is good enough. I mean sure, Daring Do stories are amazing, but Twilight has read these all before, if I use any of this it might seem repetitive, or worse....boring. I can't possibly bore the pony of my dreams! Ugh...this is so frustrating.” she let out a soft sigh, tapping her forehoof back onto the ground once more, standing in place. She had to think.

Think, Rainbow Think. What would be the best way of showing Twilight just how much she cared without being sappy or mushy, and especially not “dull”. She stared at the Daring Do books and tried to recall all the amazing things about each and every little detail. Ugh...thinking wasn't her strong suit. No, that was more Twilight's talent. She was a mare of action. Wait! That was it. A big wide grin spreading across her cheeks. Her violet hues gleamed with a certain sparkle within them. She didn't need any books or any special plans to give Twilight the adventure of her life. All she needed was the two of them, and an unexplored place of Equestria. She considered talking Daring Do into the whole thing, but Daring wasn't much of a pony to socialize with other ponies. It might just be best to make this as epic as she could. Now all she had to do was get a good night's rest, and go see Twilight Sparkle in the morning.

She had been through quite a bit today already. She cleared the books off of her bed, carefully stacking them in a nice pile beside her bed. One of these days she was going to own the entire collection herself. She pulled back the covers with her lips, and eased her way into her bed, sighing softly to herself. Already imagining how wonderful it would be, shifting off to a deep slumber, beginning to snore. Tomorrow would be here before she knew it, and this time she'd finally tell Twilight the truth of how she felt. After all, Twilight Sparkle deserved the best, and it wasn't right of her to keep her feeling a secret any longer.

Author's Note

I realize it's been awhile since I've really done anything serious. A simple lesson was just a silly little thing, so I'm hoping you will all enjoy this story, and my return to the keyboard. Updates to A Derpy Princess will be slower, but I promise I will still finish it for you guys.

Chapter 2: An Epic Adventure

A loud crash suddenly startled Rainbow awake. Rainbow Dash sat up with a start her hooves suddenly becoming entangled with her quilted blanket before she shucked it to the side, her eyes widening with a sudden shock or realization.

“I love Twilight!” she shouted to the empty room.

Tank, her pet turtle who normally slept beside her, simply let out a slow long yawn before retracting his head further into his shell to go back to sleep.

Regaining her bearings, Rainbow looked wildly about before her eyes came to rest on Tank., Wiping her forehoof against her mane, she let out a relieved breath. Thank Celestia no one had heard her. She had just been having a dream. Yeah...absolutely nothing to worry about.

She reached over her head and let out a long yawn, smacking her lips a few times before slowly crawling out of bed. Turning to nuzzle Tank for a moment, she turned towards her bedroom window, which was far more convenient than making her way down to her front door. Lifting the sash, she took a deep breath of the crisp morning air before she leapt out, pointing her nose towards Ponyville below.

She could see several of the weather pegasi already at work pushing clouds together for the scheduled late morning rain-shower, and was glad that today was a scheduled day off. In mere moments, she had landed in the front entryway of the castle before the large crystalline doors.

Rainbow looked around to see if anypony was about. She couldn't help but feel some nervous jitters. It was worst in her hooves, but it also felt like there was a cement block on her back weighing her down. She closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.

C’mon, Rainbow. Focus! You got this.

“Good morning, Rainbow!” Starlight Glimmer’s voice popped up without preamble. “Are you planning on knocking any time soon?”

Rainbow Dash jumped into the air, her wings flaring in shock before she did a one-eighty, spinning to hover while glaring at Starlight.

“What’s it to you?! Maybe I just appreciate crystal doors!”

Starlight only raised an eyebrow, her mouth drawing sideways into a smirk.

“Aw, nevermind, Starlight!” Rainbow dropped back down to the ground and looked to the side muttering. “You wouldn’t understand anyway…” Starlight Glimmer just chuckled, lifting a forehoof to cover her mouth. Leaning closer to whisper in Dash’s ear, she whispered. “I think some pony protests too much…”

Rainbow gulped in surprise. How could Glimmer have gotten a clue about any of this? Maybe that wasn’t what she was talking about.

“You know, it’s not like I’m going to go out and tell any pony. Your secret’s safe with me.”

Frozen for a moment, Rainbow took a step back and turned her head, staring at Starlight for a second. Her smile was just so… lucid! She had known Starlight for years now, but after all that time, there was still a lot she didn’t know about the pony.

“I uh… don’t know what you’re talking about.” Rainbow gave her best, most innocent grin. Starlight only cocked her head in amusement.

Grumbling under her breath. Dash turned and knocked on the castle door. She wasn’t sure, but she could’ve sworn she heard Starlight let out a little giggle behind her.

The resonating sound reverberated from inside the castle’s crystalline walls. Rainbow waited, trying to keep her nervousness down. Starlight piped up once again.

“Twilight doesn’t have much going on today, you know? Just rereading some of her reference materials…” Starlight gave another grin, making Rainbow raise an eyebrow at her.

The awkward moment was broken up by Twilight’s voice calling out from further inside the castle. “Spike! Would you mind getting the door for me?”

A murmured reply was heard before the tapping of Spike’s clawed feet drew near and the door opened. Without further comment, he simply raised and arm and directed Rainbow inside.

“It’s you. Here to see Twilight I suppose?”

Rainbow paused, trying to come up with an ulterior motive. “I could be here for another book!” Then what she said caught up with her. “Or… Ugh. I don’t need an excuse to visit my best friend!” Did that come out a little defensively? Shaking her head, Rainbow crossed the foyer and pushed the main door open to Twilight’s throne room.

Twilight Sparkle was relaxing on her throne, reading through a pile of scrolls. By the comparative stacks, Rainbow could tell she had a rather long way to go to wade through that much material.

Without looking up, Twilight addressed the room. “So, who was at the door, Spike?”

Rainbow Dash stopped walking and sat down with a hammy grin. “Hey, there Twilight, how's it going?”

Twilight sat up with a start, her hind-end swinging into one of the stacks of scrolls, causing them to scatter across the floor. “Rainbow Dash! Uh, I didn’t know you were coming over—I would have made some tea or something!”

Rainbow tried to cover her snicker, but if Twilight's crinkled expression was any indication, she hadn’t covered up well enough. “It’s fine, Twi. Of course, if you had any cider around… Well, what are you up to today?”

Twilight looked around, her eyes going from the neat stack of scrolls on one side of her to the chaotic mess all over the map-table on the other.

“Oh! Uh…” Twilight looked sheepish for a moment. “It's just that I was trying to find something. I thought I would find it under the letters “C” or “L” but for the life of me I can't find it!” She clopped a hoof cutely against one of her throne’s armrests. “And I thought I had everything perfectly organized.”

Twilight’s gaze fell upon Rainbow, and as she looked, she began to appear more concerned. “You… aren’t already done reading that Daring Do book I gave you yesterday, are you?”

Rainbow’s eyes widened. What should she say? What would work to explain why she was back in less than half a day? She didn’t want to return the book, as she was only on chapter four, and she hadn’t brought it with her anyway.

“Well, no, it wasn’t that…”

Twilight looked more concerned. “Oh, was there a problem with the book? Is a page torn?”

“No! I mean, no, the book is fine. Great even.”

Oh, Celestia, why was this so weird? The pause just felt all sorts of awkward, and Rainbow did not like feeling awkward. She was too radical for that.

“Oh, okay then.” replied Twilight. She took a deep breath, letting it out as a sigh before she looked out the window. For some reason she looked a little morose.

On a whim, Rainbow just acted. It was what she would good for anyway—instantaneous acceleration and all that.

“Oh, the books are amazing Twi, but that's not what I came here for.” Wasting no more time, Rainbow swept up and took Twilight by her hoof, pulling her right off of her seat so that she had to flap her wings to maintain pace.”

“Wh-What are you doing? Where are we going, Rainbow?”

Rainbow gave her a cocksure grin. “I came here for you, Twilight. You’ve been cooped up in your castle plenty. It’s not like we have to have a natural disaster or new villain of the week in order to get out and do something together!”

Twilight’s cheeks reddened a little “Together?”

“Sure!” Rainbow crowed, now feeling like she was on a roll. She was all about inertia, and now that she had this thing moving, she wasn’t going to stop now! “I mean, your castle is nice and all, and Spike is great for company for a while, but…” Rainbow’s voice began to lower into a slightly less cool level. “I just thought you might want to get out and check out something new. Something even better to be shared between the two of us...”

Rainbow let go of Twilight’s hoof, now that her crush had followed her out the side window of the throne room. Twilight seemed willing to entertain the idea, and that made Rainbow’s heart sing with excitement. Rainbow couldn’t believe herself what she was doing, but barreling straight ahead seemed to be working, so she couldn’t stop now. She wanted Twilight to enjoy something with her and her alone, and maybe in the experience find out that she could care for Rainbow as something even more than a friend. There was no doubt now, and perhaps her inner thoughts were starting to cloud her judgment a little bit. Oh well— there was no turning back now. It was now, or never. Sink or swim.

Twilight Sparkle barely had time to blink as Rainbow Dash suddenly pulled her out of her chair, and out of the castle. She wanted to protest, but it actually was nice to get out, without some kind of threat invading or trying to destroy their homes. It wasn't like Rainbow Dash to just suddenly show up and just take her without telling her anything though. There was definitely something quite puzzling about her behavior, Twilight hummed under her breath. Something was certainly going on with her best friend, but what was it?

“Where are we going?” questioned Twilight Sparkle, blinking. “I should at least inform Spike of how long I'll be gone.”

Rainbow Dash seemed to pause. She raised her forehoof against her chin, almost as if she was deep in thought as to where. Twilight Sparkle might like Daring Do, but she wasn't as much a thrill seeker. Maybe something calmer to strike the mood. Suddenly she had an idea. A museum! There wouldn't be a lot of danger, and the two could enjoy a quiet tour together, and it wasn't nearly as boring or dull as a library might be. Only problem is Rainbow Dash had never been to a museum before. She was going to need to ask someone that knew more about this kind of stuff then she did, without letting on to her true motions. It wouldn't be easy, but the perfect one to ask, was the very mare she wanted to confess too. She took a deep gulp, before finally speaking up.

“I want to take you somewhere unique, with lots of stuff. It'll be up to you to figure out where though. Kind of make it like a puzzle.” smirked Rainbow Dash, having come up with a hap hazard plan. Twilight Sparkle wouldn't have a clue to what she was actually doing, which is exactly how she wanted it to be. At least for now. She had to time things just right, if she let her words slip out the wrong way, it might not get across to the mare of her dreams. She felt her heart flutter, it would be clear to tell for most ponies she was starring.

“Hmm....a place with lots of stuff huh? Well that isn't a very good clue. It could be my own castle for Celestia's sake! I mean, you got to give me more to go on Rainbow.” replied Twilight, a slight groan escaping her lips. She tilted her head down slightly, letting out a soft sigh. Knowing Rainbow, she was certainly being vague for a reason, but why?

“Come on Twilight! You're supposed to be smart and all that boring stuff. You should totally know what I'm talking about.” replied Rainbow Dash.

Twilight Sparkle closed her eyes, and tried to run through her mind, of all the possible places with lots of stuff, that might somehow be related to Daring Do. And then, she opened her eyes with a big gleam.

“A museum! You're taking me to a museum. Oh, this is quite the surprise. I wouldn't expect a pony like you to even like those kinds of places!” spoke Twilight Sparkle, eagerly giving her friend a hug.

Rainbow Dash froze, feeling Twilight's body so close to her had her panting for breath, she took a deep breath, feeling a beat of sweat running down her cheeks. Damn, this felt so nice. She wrapped her own hooves around Twilight Sparkle after a brief pause of not letting her thoughts of how close she wanted to be consume her.

Twilight Sparkle couldn't help being excited. This was totally unexpected, but not unwelcomed. She simply held her friend for a few more seconds before letting go.

“I bet your taking me to the famous Starswirl's museum of ancient magic and artifacts! Oh I've always wanted to go there. How did you know about it?” questioned Twilight Sparkle, curiously. After all, it wasn't like Rainbow Dash cared about Starswirl, she was typically obsessed with two things, the Wonderbolts, and Daring Do.

“Um...I asked Spike. He told me ALL about it. Boy, when you ask that dragon for details, he's currently no slacker. No doubt at all, you raised him.” chuckled Rainbow Dash, giving Twilight Sparkle a bit of a hard time, but it was meant with endearment. It was one of the things she adored about her, just how wise she was. She herself could never be that smart, not like she tried to be, but still!

“Hey!” replied Twilight her nose scrunching up a bit, glaring at Rainbow Dash, tapping her forehoof into the dirt beneath her, lowering her head just a tad. “I'm not that bad....”

“Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!” replied Rainbow Dash, taking Twilight Sparkle by the hoof, and soaring into the air. Twilight barely had time to blink, before having to unflap her wings, just to keep pace beside Dash, and that was no easy task to accomplish. Once she gained her composure, she let go of Rainbow's hoof so she could fly next to her. The beauty of the sky was always wonderful to gaze at during a flight. She could see the weather ponies hard at work with the clouds. She could even seen mountains in the distance. She wasn't sure how far away it was, but she certainly didn't mind the travel. It was nice to simply enjoy herself, and not be loomed over with some threat against Equestria. Just a quiet trip to a museum with her best friend, nothing could possibly go wrong. Right?

Rainbow Dash landed first in front of the tall building. The building itself had a banner on the top, saying about a grand tour today. It was perfect. The perfect way to confess her feelings, but she'd have to make sure it was just her and Twilight when she did. She didn't need any other pony barging in on her business.

“Oh wow....it's simply amazing. I can't wait to see inside.” exclaimed Twilight in pure delight. She practically bounced on her hooves, Rainbow barely had time to blink as she was being dragged along into the museum. Right at the very front of the building on the inside was a statue of none other than Starswirl the Bearded. Rainbow Dash couldn't really care less about some old guy wearing a cape, but seeing the joy on Twilight's face, was certainly worth it in her mind.

Twilight Sparkle gawked in awe and sheer joy at the statue. It was so life like! If it wasn't for the fact she knew it wasn't a statue, she might have thought it to be the real deal. After all, Starswirl had disappeared over one thousand moons ago, and no pony ever knew what had become of him. Twilight had looked up to him ever since she was a filly, wanting to be just like him someday herself. Her hooves shifted against the ground, like an excited filly, bouncing around in place. She finally stopped when she heard Rainbow Dash asking if she was going to fan gasm all day long.

“Eh, what's so special about a guy with a beard anyways? I mean, sure he saved Equestria, but so have we. If anything I think we deserve a statue in our honor. What do you think?” questioned Rainbow Dash, but Twilight Sparkle was already walking off without her.

“Hey, wait up!”

“Oh, come on Rainbow Dash. Let's enjoy the tour together.” replied Twilight, noticing the other bunch of mares and stallions lined up to sign up for the tour of the museum. Great a line...just what she needed. She felt her stomach rumble, realizing rather quickly, she hadn't thought to eat breakfast before leaving her home.

The tour itself wasn't very interesting, Rainbow Dash was barely listening to the head stallion whom was giving the tour. At least she had something to look at during this whole thing. Boy, was this every bit as boring as she imagined it to be. She wanted an adventure, but Twilight seemed to really be enjoying herself, eyeing up all the many strange artifacts, and asking a bunch of questions. Rainbow Dash was surprised that the head pony wasn't overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of how many questions one mare asked about some old guy.

“Here we have the Guardian's Stone, it's said this stone has the power to change the very fabric of time and space. However, no one knows how. Starswirl the beard cast a spell on it, so that no pony could use it for evil. It has been safely guarded here in this museum for over a thousand moons. There is a strict glass wall that protects it on the outside. Even if some pony got past the glass, there is trip wires all over the ground around the display case. And cameras on every corner, assuring it's safety.” spoke the head stallion.

“Hmm...a stone that can change time? Oh boy, that does sound dangerous. Let's not tell Starlight about this.”

“Yeah...right.” replied Dash with a heavy sigh. This was so boring! Listening to the old pony go on and on about item after item. She could see Twilight's gleaming smile, and it was the only thing that kept her going, and just when she thought she'd fall asleep, the stallion announced they had arrived at the end of the tour. Finally! She thought, She had just about enough of this place. She pulled Twilight Sparkle aside, away from the crowd, her violet hues staring into her own. She couldn't help but take a nervous gulp of a breath before finally attempting to speak.

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the hallways, just as Rainbow Dash was about to blurt out her confession. She blinked, brows furrowing, as both she and Twilight went to investigate the source of the crash, finding what seemed to be like a pile of rubble from the ceiling, but clear sounds of groaning from underneath. Slowly, they saw a shadow rising against the wall, and Rainbow Dash couldn't believe her eyes.

Author's Note

I apologize for the wait, but I'm trying to improve my work, so you can enjoy better stories. Let me know what you guys think. Now, I must go work on the next chapter of A Derpy Princess. I just love crushing Dash, she's just too adorable. <3

Chapter 3: A Daring Adventure

Rainbow Dash shook her head, having to do a double take, to make certain she wasn't seeing things. Daring Do? Here of all places? Why?

“Daring Do?” questioned Rainbow Dash, lunging forward to assist her fellow pegasi out of the rumble.

Daring Do grumbled and muttered under her breath. Ugh! Her again. She didn't have time for games.

“I certainly ain't no statue Rainbow.” replied Daring Do with a slight sigh. “Listen, I don't have time to explain things, just try to stay out of my way. Okay?” and with that Daring tried to move on, finding herself to be rather sore from her fall. She groaned mentally.

“I think you could use a hoof, and I wouldn't be the Princess of Friendship, if I didn't offer to help a pony in need.” replied Twilight Sparkle finally speaking up.

“Listen, I work alone. There is no need to involve either of you two in this.” sighed Daring, though she truly doubted Rainbow Dash would listen she rarely did. She didn't know as much about Twilight Sparkle admittedly. Now her mother on the other hoof....that was an entirely different story, one she'd rather not think about right now.

“Come on, Daring just tell us what is going on. I'm sure we can help.” smiled Rainbow Dash softly. Man this was so cool! She never imagined her hero to just show up so suddenly. Even though it did kind of ruin the mood, she was certain she'd have plenty time to actually confess her feelings to Twilight. Her eyes darted over to Twilight with a bit of worry that she might feel a little left out, seeing that she knew Daring Do a lot more than Twilight from their time together.

Daring Do only groaned. She knew she was never going to hear the end of this, but she wasn't about to drag innocent ponies into her problems. She already trotted off as though there was nothing wrong, however it was easy for them both to see her limping in her steps.

“Listen, you need help.” spoke Twilight Sparkle, stopping in front of her. “At least let us bandage up that hoof.”

“Fine...” grumbled Daring Do, lifting her rear left hoof, it looked like it had been stuck somewhere, and was quite scuffed up. Dried blood ran down her hind leg, and she tried her best to lean on her forehooves, even if the position was difficult to keep for an extended period of time. Daring held her composure admirably.

Twilight Sparkle didn't have a lot to work with, but she knew all proper museum's had a medical kit for any pony that might get hurt. She just had to study the map, and remember where it was located.

“You keep an eye on Daring, I'll go look for the medical kit.” explained Twilight Sparkle as she trotted off.

Rainbow Dash was sad to see her go, but knew she'd be back. So she looked to Daring. “So what kind of crazy artifact is he after this time?”

“None of your business Rainbow.” groaned Daring Do with a heavy sigh.

“Come on, you know any second now, a bunch of hench ponies are going to come chasing after you and then you'll have no choice but to accept my help, whether you want it or not.” replied Rainbow Dash with a slightly annoyed huff. She thought Daring and her were close friends by now, but she was still playing the “I work alone” card. Some ponies never learn do they?

Daring Do didn't speak, she simply rolled her eyes. She could see Twilight Sparkle returning with the medical kit, good. She could put all of this behind her once she was patched up a bit.

“Thanks.” she managed, lifting her gaze towards Twilight. After all, she was certain that she might understand more than Rainbow Dash about how dangerous it was to involve other ponies in her problems. More often than not, some pony could get hurt or worse.

“You're welcome, but I do agree with Rainbow Dash, you should tell us what’s going on, maybe there’s some way we could help.” spoke Twilight as she unrolled a patch of gauze, got out rubbing alcohol and applied it directly to the wound on Daring's rear hind leg, which caused Daring to immediately whimper, clenching her jaw at just how much it stung. Twilight Sparkle then carefully used her magic to wrap the bandages around her hoof. It covered most of it, but left her foot bare so she could walk.

“There, now I wouldn't recommend doing anything crazy for the next few days, and you should be back to normal.”

“Yeah...” replied Daring Do. She noticed it in the distance. The sacred artifact said to be able to shape time itself. It certainly looked like it was protected by a good amount of security, but she just knew that Dr. Caballeron was after it once again, and she was here to ensure it didn't fall into the wrong hooves.

Rainbow Dash fidgeted in place, rolled her eyes and sighed, simply waiting for Daring to clue them in on what was going on. "But, just as Daring was about to tell them, an all too familiar voice, accompanied by the sound of armor clanking down the hall caught the groups attention.

"You! How dare you case me such Mayhem!" Spoke Dr.Caballeron, his muzzle lowered, almost snarling towards Daring Do as four heavily armed ponies marched alongside him. [Tab]

On his far right being a light brown Earth pony stallion with deep black mane and tail, green eye, part of his one eye was covered by his mane to hide a scar. He wore a simple vest, and belt around his waist, that held his rapier at his side, a long scar that ran down his covered eye. Drawing his rapier and pointing it directly towards Daring Do
and it was clear why. The stallion in the front shouted at Daring.

“You! How dare you cause me such mayhem!” spoke Dr. Caballeron his muzzle lowered, almost snarling towards Daring Do.

There was just a silent look between Dash and Daring, before everything erupted into chaos.

Rainbow Dash immediately leaped into action attempting to tackle Dr. Caballeron to the ground, but as she leaped forward, the one solo unicorn among the group stood in his defense and wrestled Rainbow Dash to the ground.

Twilight Sparkle merely had time to blink before this all happened. She knew there was likely no discussing things with Dr. Caballeron, so she illuminated her horn

and simultaneously as she did so, the female Pegasus shot an arrow right towards Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash attempted to leap out of the way, but the arrow clipped at her wing. Causing Rainbow Dash to yelp and collapsed onto her belly, looking up only to find two earth pony stallions pointing their blades at her.

“Now...If I were you I wouldn't try anything funny.” spoke Dr. Caballeron looking to Twilight Sparkle.

Twilight Sparkle could see the distress Rainbow Dash was under. She sighed, and stopped the spell. She merely glanced over towards Rainbow Dash, a expression of concern crossing her hues. Twilight Sparkle wasn't about to give up, but she wasn't about to risk the safety of her friend either.

Doctor Caballeron smirked a mischievous grin. “Now that's a good girl. Tie them up! I don't want either of them interfering with my plans.” he spoke giving orders to his Hench ponies.

Rainbow Dash grunted as she felt the ponies pointing their blades even closer to her chest, and wings ensuring she didn't have any funny ideas running through her head. Rainbow Dash couldn't help but glance over towards Twilight, as the two of them were tied tightly against one another.

Doctor Caballeron seemed to pause in thought, and Rainbow Dash knew he was already planning on how to get rid of them once and for all. At the very least, maybe Daring Do had managed to escape.

“Now...what to do about you two.” spoke Doctor Caballeron pausing in thought as he lifted his hoof to his chin. He looked around the museum at the different displays, then he saw a particular display with fossils of snakes and had an evil idea.

“Hang the two of them up towards the ceiling in that pit. I'm going to have you use your magic and animate these statues to life.” he spoke to one of his unicorn henchmen. He even found an artifact for the snakes in particular that would bring them to life.

Rainbow Dash gave them all a dirty scowl. How dare they think they could do this to her! Not only that, but they were endangering the very pony she loved.

Rainbow Dash could only struggle against the ropes that bound her and Twilight as the hench ponies went to tie a rope to the ropes around them, and dangle them both from the ceiling. They wouldn't be able to fly with how tightly the ropes were wound around their bodies. Rainbow Dash couldn't help but lower her ears a bit, feeling as though she had failed Twilight, by not being able to stop this from happening in the first place, but she knew it wasn't over yet. Doctor Caballeron would leave them to their deaths, and then they'd be able to make a grand escape.

Daring Do had been keeping an eye on them the entire time, merely watching it all as it occurred. As much as she wanted to bomb rush in and give Doctor Caballeron a piece of her mind, she cringed in pain. She was still hurt from their last encounter, and all she could do was watch. It seemed as much as she hated it Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash had gotten mixed up in her problems.

“Now, we must find Daring Do. She shall not escape me this time.” spoke Doctor Caballeron laughing menacingly.

Daring Do hurried to hide herself among-est one of the statues of the Wonderbolts, it was all she could do to hold her breath. She felt a twinge of a sweatdrop running down her cheeks and onto the floor. She could hear their footsteps as they searched the area for her. Damn it all.

“Hey, Doctor Caballeron, how stupid are you?” questioned Rainbow Dash. “You honestly think you'll catch Daring Do? She's long gone by now.”

“Shut up.” he replied hitting his front left fore hoof against the ground. Ugh! This stupid pony just made him so frustrated. He simply tried ignoring her and continued his search for Daring Do further into the museum.

“We've gotta get out of here before he finds her.” whispered Twilight, low enough that no one but them could hear.

Rainbow Dash struggled a bit against the bindings, causing the ropes spring more downwards the more she struggled, bringing them closer to the pit of dangerous, poisonous snakes.

“Why is it always snakes?” questioned Rainbow Dash, groaning a bit. Man, if she was tied up with Twilight in a less dangerous sense, it might be kinda hot, but this? This wasn't hot at all! She wasn't about to get defeated by such an annoying villain like Caballeron she had to figure out how to get them both out of this, and figure out where Daring Do ran off too. She had to think. What would Daring Do in this situation? There had to be a way out of this, even if it seemed like they were at the end of their ropes. Literally.

Twilight was probably already going through every possible solution to their situation in her head. Rainbow had always teased Twilight about being an egghead, but right now, her knowledge would be what saved their lives. She was not about to let snakes be the end of her. No one would ever respect her if that happened!

“Rainbow! Stop moving. I'm trying to focus!” snapped Twilight, illuminating her horn and teleporting the two of them next to the broken statue Daring Do had showed up under. The statue was still a crumbling mess, but Twilight used her magic to restore her back to normal again.

Rainbow Dash had frozen in place, when Twilight had suddenly shouted at her. Her ears lowered a bit, and she whimpered. She certainly didn't like the tone Twilight had just taken with her.

“Listen, Rainbow, what all do you know about that guy? We need to stop him before he ends up endangering the ponies of Equestria.

“Because endangering us wasn't bad enough? Don't worry, once we find Daring Do, she'll put a stop to all of this, but I have no idea where she went. Knowing how scuffed up she was, she couldn't have gotten very far.” replied Rainbow Dash with a slight sigh. She knew Twilight was concerned about the safety of Equestria, but all Doctor Caballeron cared about was defeating Daring Do once and for all.

This wasn't about them anymore and she had to help her hero fix this mess. On top of that, she had to fix things with Twilight, even if Twilight still had no idea why she had wanted to come here in the first place. Man...why did love have to be so complicated?

Author's Note

Well, every pony it's finally here. Sorry it took a while. You know how things are with real life. I hope you will enjoy the new chapter, and welcome my new editor to the team! What do you think might happen now? Will Rainbow Dash finally be able to confess her feelings, or will her love of Daring Do get in the way of true love?

Chapter 5: Museum Hijinks!

“Damn...this bucking sucks.” Rainbow sighed as she glanced towards Twilight, who was stomping her forehoof against the pavement of the museum’s floor.

“We've got to find Daring before they do! Who knows what they'll do to her...” Twilight furrowed her eyebrows, biting her lip.

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “Right ahead of you!” She gritted her teeth and scowled. This was not how it was supposed to go. She looked back towards Twilight; a slight pout formed on her face as her ears drooped.

“Listen, Twilight, I came here for a reason.” She fidgeted around, lifting a forehoof and brushing it through her mane.

The soft crack of glass breaking drew Twilight’s attention towards one of the displays, a boulder slowly rolling off its pedestal.

“Rainbow! Look out!” Twilight tackled Rainbow just as the boulder smashed through the glass of the display, sending shards flying everywhere. The boulder thudded hard, rolling away from them. Twilight breathed heavily as she lay atop Rainbow Dash, using her magic to shield them both from the impact of the shattering glass.

Rainbow’s ears perked up. Was it Caballeron, or something far more sinister? Then she looked up from under Twilight. “Where’d that-” She suddenly felt Twilight's hoof against her lips.

“Shhh....not so loud. Do you want everypony in this place to find us?” Twilight scanned the surroundings, glared at Rainbow’s eyes, then let out a half-groan half-sigh of relief.

Rainbow moaned as Twilight removed her hoof, spreading out her wingtips a bit. She hesitated, groaning at the strain on her wings.

“I know I’m awesome but try to control yourself, Twi. There’s enough of me to go around.” Rainbow winked, fighting through the ache. Granted, she wasn't injured, but she felt like she had just gotten the wind knocked right out of her.

“Oh...sorry.” Twilight scrambled off Rainbow and helped her up off the cold, dusty floor.

Rainbow folded her wings in tightly to each side of her and shook her head. Was that another Twilight…?. She shook her neck from side to side, attempting to look for the doppelganger in the distance, but there was nothing but statues and other museum displays.

“I'm sure Daring’s still here. She couldn't have left so quickly with that injury. I mended it the best I could, but it's likely she'll be quite sore walking on it,” Twilight explained. She sighed a bit: if she had cast that spell a few seconds faster, they might not be in this mess. Her ears drooped slightly, as she cast her eyes towards Rainbow, hoping she hadn’t made a muck of things.

“Well why are we still standing here? Let’s go find her.” Rainbow grabbed Twilight and zoomed further into the depths of the museum. Her eyes darted around throughout the museum’s exhibits. She could see a lot of ancient statues of famous ponies. Their names escaped her at the moment, not that she cared to learn them in the first place. There were more pressing matters at hoof. Daring would be hiding somewhere in the museum.

A shadow zoomed at the corner of Rainbow’s vision. Their eyes tracked the cloaked figure as it retreated behind a statue—the only one Rainbow recognized as a statue of Flash Magnus, one of the ancient pillars of Equestria. Rainbow hurried to catch the figure, tackling them to the ground.

“Rainbow Dash!” shouted Daring, who raised her eyes up, glaring daggers. “Do you mind? How many times…” she began, when Rainbow Dash covered her mouth with her forehoof.

“Enough of that, Daring. We need to know what is going on. You can’t face everything alone. I mean seriously? Just tell us…” questioned Rainbow, who let go of the hold she had on her, and went over to Twilight.

“Wow, they really captured Flash Magnus’s look. It’s almost real,” stated Twilight, engrossed in the statue. Rainbow facehoofed.

“Twilight! We don’t have time to gaze at statues. We’ve got to help Daring…” sighed Rainbow. Of all the times, why now? She mumbled under her breath.

“Oh...sorry. I couldn’t help myself. It’s just so fascinating! I wonder what Maud would think of the rock structure used to create this. I’ll have to ask her, the next time I see her.”

Daring coughed into her forehoof. “Listen, I try very hard not to involve other ponies in my business because it’s dangerous. You ought to know that by now, Rainbow. However, I see now there’s no avoiding it. I found out that Doctor Callebron was trying to get his hooves on an artifact that could allow the user to travel in time. I couldn’t risk him getting a hold of it; Just in case he was going to try and use it to stop me from stopping him in the past!Thankfully, I managed to retrieve the artifact before he could, and keep it safe from him. However...it seems like he’s not about to give up so easily. If I can lose him here, I can finally to deliver this puppy to a safe location, so nopony else can chance upon it.” Daring explained, briefly flashing the small golden ornament before continuing. “then I must look into an artifact that supposedly allows the wielder to control all felines…” explained Daring.

“Oh dear, time travel is nothing but trouble. Believe me, I know!” Twilight coughed into her front forehoof her face flushed.

“Duh,” snorted Rainbow, her tail swaying back and forth. Her right eye twitched as her breath turned shallow, her muscles tensing. She raised an eyebrow. “Um...Fluttershy?”

“What about her?” Twilight glanced towards her friend, then covered her mouth with her hoof. “Oh!”

“You know, Daring, maybe if you weren’t so stubborn you wouldn’t have to do this all on your own.”

“I prefer being on my own. I’ve seen so many things you could only imagine, Rainbow. Believe me when I say it’s in your best interest to stay out of my adventures. Now come on, we’ve got an artifact to return.”

Rainbow’s tail flickered back and forth, eyes narrowed, watching Daring Do trot off with a limp in her steps. She grumbled under her breath. “Be nice if somepony didn’t show up just when I was about to tell Twilight I liked her!”

Twilight Sparkle trotted along after Daring, stopping for a brief moment to address her friend. “Don’t worry, Rainbow. We can always come back to the museum once this is all over.”

Rainbow Dash starred at Twilight, rolling her eyes. She let out a heavy sigh, scuffing her forehoof against floor. She followed alongside Twilight, biting her bottom lip.

“Is everything alright?” Twilight tilted her head towards Rainbow, noticing her friend seemed a bit stiff.

Rainbow’s lips parted to speak, but stopped as shook her head. She looked towards the hall; Twilight gently flicking her tail back and forth as she scanned the room ahead of her. Daring was only a few paces ahead of them. She clicked her teeth back and forth within her jaw.

“Seriously, Twilight, now’s not the time,” Rainbow muttered, giving a flap of her wings.

Twilight let out a sigh; she lifted her forehoof to speak when she heard Daring call.

“Are you two lovebirds coming or not? I don’t have all day,” snorted Daring, holding the artifact closely against her shirt before tucking it under her wingtip.

“Sheesh… we’re coming.” Rainbow stuttered, muttering. We were just discussing how to take down Doctor Callebron and his goons flanks, while you were...doing stuff.”

“We were?” Twilight furrowed a brow at Rainbow, but she felt her pushing her along, and the two mares followed closely behind the golden yellow pegasus with the gray mane and tail.

Once outside of the museum, Rainbow took a moment to stretch out her limbs, her wings especially. She cringed as a few loose feathers had gotten nicked up in the last exchange. She glanced over towards Twilight: Her coat almost sparkled, her mane a bit ruffled. But, as she studied her frame, it was clear to her of one thing: Twilight was as perfect as could be. She felt herself sigh, relieved. She folded her wings back against her body before stretching out her front forelegs, and then her back, getting the stiffness out of her joints.

Twilight turned her gaze back toward the museum. “It’s such a shame we have to leave so soon. I didn’t even get to see all the exhibits!”

“Hehehe. We can always come back later,” snorted Rainbow Dash, raising an eyebrow and giving her a look.

Daring Do trotted ahead of them, she occasionally glanced back at the pair of mares, making sure they were still behind her. Anything could happen on the road, and you could never be too cautious.

Rainbow huffed, whinnying harshly. She tilted her head towards Twilight, watching her walk. She fidgeted as she pressed forward. As much as she loved Daring Do adventures, now wasn’t really a good time for her to get caught up in one!

The walk to the temple was nothing really that interesting, at least not to her. Rainbow had just wanted to confess her feelings to the pony she cared about, and now here she was traveling through the thick of the brush of a jungle terrain. The wind whipped at her mane eliciting a shiver, her teeth chattering. She glanced over at Twilight, who seemed lost to the world amidst her own thoughts. Rainbow considered asking how she was holding up, but decided unless Twilight was complaining about the chill, there was no point.

Rainbow had lost all track of time as they pressed on. She didn’t remember if they passed ponyville on their way to the temple. Daring had briefly mentioned it wasn’t that far away, but Rainbow Dash felt like they had been traveling in the same direction for hours!

“Are we there yet?” Rainbow groaned.

“Just a bit further.” Daring sighed for the fifth time.

“Hey, Twilight? A-are you cold?” questioned Rainbow, her teeth chattering.

Twilight tilted her head towards Rainbow. “Cold? No, not really. The air is a bit bitter today. I wondered if the pegasi are calling for a storm, but the clouds aren’t dark at all.” Twilight pondered aloud, shrugging. Then she blinked, noticing how Rainbow shivered, and immediately went to wrap a wing around her.

“Are you cold?” Twilight gave a friendly smile.

“Me? Cold? Pfft! As if the weather would bother me!” Rainbow laughed, lifting her chin up with pride as her eyes darted from side to side; her wingtips tensed up against her frame and she clenched her jaw.

Twilight giggled, amused and bewildered.

“Rainbow, you are a terrible liar, you know that?” questioned Twilight towards her wing, keeping her wing around her fellow friend to help warm her up, she nuzzled her cheek against hers, noticing the red flush on Rainbow’s cheeks.

Twilight immediately illuminated her horn forming a shelter with the trees around them. Using the leaves to make a custom made tent. Twilight hurried under the comfort of the structure she had made, bringing Rainbow under her wings more securely. Trying to keep her warm.

Rainbow’s cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red, feeling how snugly she was to Twilight, she coughed against her wingtip, shivering.

Daring entered the tent not long afterwards, sitting down on her haunches. The golden pegasus glanced at the two of them all snuggled together.

“You know if you two wanted to make out I could form my own shelter elsewhere.”

“Make out! I don’t know what you’re implying Daring. This isn’t some kind of sappy romance novel!” snorted Rainbow, trying to hide her flushed face, her eyes lidding as she relaxed under Twilight’s embrace.

“Right...Twilight tell me have you read much about the Amulet of Roar? I’m not quite sure why Doctor Callebron wants it other than to gain more bits,” Daring huffed.

“I don’t recall many books on that artifact in particular, but I am certain there are books in my library about it. However, I don’t have access to it here,” Twilight retorted.

“There’s no time to waste. I need to find it before he does. It’s important he not gain anymore power over ponies,” Daring snorted.

*****8

The sun rose into the sky, bringing with it a new day, and it’s warmth spreading through the area. Rainbow’s lips curled upwards into a warm soft smile, content to just stay here under Twilight. She could lay like this forever.

“Good, the wind has died down. We can make it the rest of the way before dark. We will walk, flying is still too much of a risk.” Daring spoke aloud, almost to herself than to her fellow comrades.

“Ugh...it would be so much faster if we flew,” grunted Rainbow, rolling her eyes. Twilight put her wingtip in front of Rainbow.

“Daring’s got her reasons, we need to trust her, she knows more about this than we do,” Twilight stated calmly, sighing slightly. She could see Rainbow was frustrated, but this was something important. Twilight visibly cringed, her head swirling through every slight little thing that might go wrong, could very well end up with them captured or worse.

Rainbow huffed out in annoyance, nodding her head, her tail swishing back and forth.

“Yeah that doesn’t make it any less annoying,” Rainbow grunted. She felt Twilight using her wingtip to tilt her chin up to look into her lavender eyes. The cyan pegasus found herself staring, jaw dropped at the sight before her, a bit of saliva running down her lips.

“Think of it as an adventure of our own,” suggested Twilight as her lips rose upwards into a grin, lidding her eyes, tilting her head slightly to the right, and patting the top of Rainbow’s mane.

Rainbow muttered something under her breath, quickly coughing into her own hoof.

“Did you want to say something?” Twilight questioned. Rainbow was sighing heavily, ears drooping, muttering under her breath.and it puzzled Twilight that she didn’t know what “it” was.

Rainbow parted her lips to speak, when Daring interjetted.

“Are you two coming or not?” questioned Daring, sighing. With that said, the two ponies followed behind her. The path ahead wouldn’t be easy, they had a lot of ground to travel, and they never knew when danger might lurk right around the corner. Rainbow stayed close to Twilight, a slight possessive demeanor as she gazed from side to side, as they pressed further into the unknown. She didn’t know what lay ahead, or how far it would be, the one thing she did know, was that she was going to make sure Twilight was safe.

The road seemed to stretch on and on, and Rainbow was visibly showing her annoyance at how long it was taking for them to travel by hoof, muttering to herself.

Daring pushed a few loose hanging branches out of the way as they approached a jungle terrain. She could see the temple out of the corner of her eyes. She glanced back to the two ponies.

“We’re almost there, not much further now.” explained Daring as she trotted deeper into the jungle. The brush of the tall grass scraped against her hooves, but it didn’t seem to slow Daring down at all.

Twilight trotted forward, enjoying the feeling of the gentle breeze that was whipping through the air. She felt the front of her forehoof hit against something sharp and solid as she walked, causing her to trip up and stumble.

Rainbow leapt into action, immediately going to cushion her fall.

“Hey there, you don’t have to go and fall for me now.” teased Rainbow with a smug grin raising to her lips. Twilight just blushed slightly, letting out a chuckle.

“What? I’m not falling for you! Well maybe I literally fell, but I tripped!” snapped Twilight, her face flushing at Rainbow’s accusation.

“Uh-huh. Sure you weren’t, but here I am saving your flank again. Though I can’t say I mind the view from down here.” Rainbowspoke, grinning devilishly.

Twilight lifted herself up off of her friend, standing up to her full height, sighing. She eyed Rainbow who was already up and brushing off the dirt on her feathers of her wings.

“Are you two coming or not?” questioned Daring, narrowing her gaze, rolling her eyes, sighing. Daring was already trotting onwards. She held the artifact safely tucked under her wingtips. Glancing back one last time to ensure the other two weren’t too far behind.

Rainbow fought against the jungle with every step, but she finally could see the sunlight shining in. Twilight was right next to her as she held her breath in by the site ahead of them, dashing ahead, right past Rainbow and gazing upon the temple. Twilight had never seen anything quite like it before. Sure, she had seen plenty of things in books, but this was real!

“Oh just imagine the discoveries we could make.” Twilight stated gleefully, clapping her forehooves together, lidding her eyes, for a moment.

Rainbow came up the rear, and she gazed upon that beautiful...sexy…plot. She shook her head, hitting her hoof against her forehead. Daring Do was right there! Rainbow muttered under her breath.

“This was supposed to be my adventure, not another Daring Do story.” Rainbow hushed, snorting.

“You’ve got a bone to pick with me Rainbow?” questioned Daring, raising an eyebrow and turning to face her fellow pegasus.

“Yeah I do! You see Daring, I’ve been trying really hard to tell some pony important to me how I feel and then you just barge in and have to ruin all my carefully laid plans.”

“Wait, since when do you plan anything? No offense Dash, but thinking isn’t your strong suit. You’re friend here is much better at that. Stick to your strengths, not your faults, and maybe...just maybe she’ll understand what you are trying to say.” snapped Daring. Both ponies nose to nose with one another, bumping forehead to forehead.

Twilight had already trotted on ahead of the two ponies, admiring the structure of the temple. From the outside, it looked to be an old stone building. Twilight furrowed her eyebrows, tilting her head from side to side. The entire front of it was covered in moss.

“Hmm...I don’t see any way in or out of this place. I wonder if there’s some kind of riddle or clue on how to open the passage.” Twilight muttered aloud. She hummed to herself as she stepped closer. She felt herself stepping on something. She lifted her hoof quickly, not wanting to set off a trap.

Twilight looked at what she had stepped upon, it looked like a simple square. However as she looked around here, there were many squares, so many she counted at least twelve rows with four squares each. Twilight lifted her left front forehoof to her chin pondering.

“There has to be a pattern. By simple math alone I have a three out of twelve chance of hitting a trap, and if I’m really lucky finding a way to open the passage.”

Daring trotted up beside Twilight, she felt the lavender alicorn, spreading out her wing fully to alert her to stop.

“There’s some kind of trap here. We need to be careful.”

“Twilight, are you forgetting we have wings?” questioned Rainbow trotting up on her right side, and going to spread her wings and lifted herself into the air.

“RAINBOW!” shouted Twilight Sparkle, hurrying to grab her by her tail, and using all her strength to pull her back.

Rainbow felt herself collapse to the ground, groaning as she shifted her wings back against her body, and scowled at Twilight.

“What was that?” questioned Rainbow pouting her arms folded across her chest as she sat on her haunches, tilting her head away from Twilight.

“Isn’t it obvious? There very well could be traps we can’t see in the sky to prevent a pegasi from just flying over these squares to access the secrets within the temple.” snorted Daring, rolling her eyes. Daring lifted her forehoof to her chin as she studied the hieroglyphics on each individual square.

“Do you know how to avoid the traps?” questioned Twilight.

“Hmm...these squares stand out to me, you can see the pattern if you look closely, though if you can’t read what they say it would be difficult to just blindly leap in.” Daring Do explained and would press her hoof to a square and as she did, Twilight swallowed a breath, a sweatdrop running down her face, but nothing happened.

“You both ought to know all this stuff from my previous adventures. When the bait is obvious, don’t take it.” snorted Daring as she made her way across the squares like it was second nature. She paused at the square in the center, pressing it down, and suddenly the ground shook beneath her hooves, and Daring grinned as the temple door began to open to reveal their path. She trotted into the ruins.

Twilight and Rainbow wasn't far behind, but Twilight was still cautious about the squares, carefully making her way across, Rainbow heaved a sigh, waiting.

Rainbow eyed Twilight up and down, her forehooves still crossed across her chest. “It’s about time you got here! I thought I’d be here all day.”

“Rainbow Dash…” muttered Twilight. “I didn’t take that long. I was just being careful.”

“Too much caution is just as bad as me just charging in without thinking! Daring showed us how to cross without setting off the traps, and you have an excellent memory. It you weren’t so busy worrying about setting off the traps, we’d be inside already.” snorted Rainbow standing up, and trotting inside with Twilight by her side.

“And here I thought you wanted some alone time with me before Daring Do showed up.” Twilight teased slightly.

“I...wait. What are you talking about?” questioned Rainbow fidgeting in place, her wings folded tightly against her frame as she tilted her head away from Twilight’s gaze, flushening. Now was her chance to admit things....She opened her lips to try to speak, when Daring shouted.

“Hurry up you two! The passage into the temple won’t stay open for more than a few minutes!”

“Gosh darn it. Daring Do, you really like interrupting me don’t you?” spat Rainbow grabbing Twilight and dashing inside just before the door to the temple began to lower blocking their exit. The three of them were now trapped together, in a place filled with mystery.

“Oh yeah. It’s my favorite past times.” snorted Daring with a mirthful grin, eyeing up Rainbow, and shaking her head. “This is why I work alone. Other ponies just complicate things.”

“Yeah, well, I would’ve loved to let you work alone this time! I was trying to do something important you know. Then you just show up out of the blue! I mean come on Daring! I love a good adventure and all...but I really wanted too…” her gaze fell to her good friend Twilight Sparkle, finding her lips feeling suddenly parched.

“Wow.” spoke Twilight as she gazed upon the inside of the ruins. There were many levels, they of course we’re on the top, but it seemed to descend deeper into a shadowy darkness. The lighting in the temple made it difficult to see, so Twilight illuminated her horn to see what she could make out. The whole area was filled with bats. She quickly seized with her magic, but it was already too late. The brief illumination caused the mass of seemingly hundreds of bats to move in hiss, as they started to awake, only to screech at the three intruders.

“Great first snakes now bats! How much worse can it get?” questioned Rainbow, grunting, and stomping her forehoof against the ground, feeling how it suddenly shook from under them.

“Hurry and move you fools!” Daring quickly leapt across the cavern over to the other side. Rainbow grabbed Twilight and flew them both safely to the other side. She looked at Twilight, and mumbling something incoherent, embraced her friend tightly. They were in this together and they had to work as a team if they wanted to get through this adventure in one piece. All she wanted to do was tell Twilight how she felt, but things kept getting in the way and it was frustrating!

“Don’t worry Rainbow, we’ll be okay. Just try not to be so brash.” stated Twilight wrapping a wing around Rainbow, causing her to flush darkly. If Daring wasn’t here, she’d just kiss her, then she could avoid telling her part and just show her how much she felt. Rainbow sighed, this was going to be harder than she thought, and it was difficult enough to think of something she and Twilight could enjoy. At least they both liked Daring Do, that was something right?