A heavy sigh escaped her lips. Another dull day at the office, nothing new really, but she wanted so desperately to do something more bold. Something that really pushed her beyond the normal every day routine of paperwork, and yelling at new potential recruits.
“Captain.” spoke a voice outside her door.
“Come in Crash.” replied Spitfire, she didn't even bother glancing up from her paperwork. Knowing Rainbow Dash she probably had yet another idea for a crazy stunt.
“Hey Spitfire, how are you?” questioned Rainbow Dash casually, her eyes darted from side to side.
“What do you want Crash? If you don't mind I'm a bit busy.” replied Spitfire moving her glasses down ever so slightly to study her fellow wonderbolt.
“Well...in all honesty you are always busy. You need a vacation so I think you should let me run the Wonderbolts for a few days, give you a break ya'know?”
“Are you serious? Do you really think you could handle the pressure of my job Crash?” questioned Spitfire.
“I'm confident that I can do anything.”
“Sometimes that's what scares me the most. Alright, Crash you're on, I'll let you be boss for a weekend, but come Monday I'd better have a full report of everything that happened while I was gone. Understood?”
“Yes madam!” saluted Rainbow.
Spitfire stood up from her desk, putting her paperwork in a nice stack. She walked right by Rainbow, giving her one final glance before going to prepare for her vacation. She had no idea what she was going to do, but she was excited to have a few days away from all the headaches that came along with being the Captain of the Wonderbolts. She couldn't wait to see the look on Rainbow's face when she returned all relaxed and found her buried in a huge pile of paperwork. Oh she was certainly looking forward to giving her a scolding when she got back, but right now, she was heading to the showers, then she thought about visiting Ponyville. Perhaps see how some of her old friends were doing.
Spitfire flew into ponyville landing in front of her cottage, tapping her forehoof against the door three times, then stepping back a tad, and awaiting an answer.
Spitfire waited at least ten minutes before realizing she wasn't home. It wasn't really surprising, her best friend Derpy just like her had an adventurous spirit.
Spitfire planned to simply relax on her vacation, yet she couldn't help but be curious. She heard a lot of rumors about the Everfree forest, and the dangers it held, but was it really that bad? Spitfire trotted over to the forest, and watched the darkness, and could hear the wind whipping against the leaves of the trees.
Sure, this might startle some ponies, but she was a Wonderbolt, she feared nothing. She took one hoof step into the forest, when suddenly she could feel the ground almost shake between her hooves, and then a loud scream came from deep within. Immediately, she took to the sky, and soared towards the sound of the scream. What she saw next almost had her baffled by silence.
There was a female pony tied to a wooden stake, with an apple shoved in her mouth, upside down over a roaring fire. Around her were five strange diamond dogs. The tan pony seemed to be mouthing something towards her through the apple.
Spitfire didn't really know much about Diamond Dogs, but there was no way she was just going to let them eat a fellow pony. Immediately, and swiftly she bolted forward, aiming her left hind leg towards the closest Diamond dog, and giving him a kick to the head.
The Diamond dog yelped in surprise, and immediately went to grab Spitfire her hoof. But she barely got out of the way in time.
“Stupid ponies! This forest is supposed to be dangerous, and these silly ponies keep getting in the way.” spoke the leader of the diamond dogs. He glared daggers towards Spitfire. Good.
Spitfire was ready. She knew they were all going to try to gang up on her, and make a meal out of her, but she wasn't about to let them. And as they charged her, she waited until the last second, and then she flew up into the air, causing the diamond dogs to slam into each other at full force, and began to spin downwards while the pile of them were still disoriented from bumping into one another. She slammed her forehooves against their heads at great speeds, knocking them out and causing them to a form a pile beneath her. She was then prompted to slam down her forehooves against their heads, just for added measure before swooping back up again. Once she saw that they were unconscious , she landed in front of the tan mare, and released her from her restraints and undid her gag.
“What the heck are you doing traveling the Everfree Forest all by yourself? Don't you know how dangerous it is?” questioned Spitfire concerned.
Daring Do raised an eyebrow towards the yellow pegasus before her. “Of course she has no idea who I am. Chill.”
“Listen, I appreciate the assist, but I can handle myself from here. It's best you get out of here before something truly dangerous happens.” replied Daring Do, a slight sigh escaping her lips. She knew she had her work cut out for her if she wanted to stop them this time, but there was no way she was just going to give in and let them think they had won.
Spitfire blinked and opened her mouth to speak, but found herself muffled by a hoof.
“No need for names.” replied Daring Do. Mostly, there was no need to get this pony involved in this matter. This was her business, and her problem.
Spitfire simply blinked as she watched the tan mare take off deeper into the forest. She felt breathless. She could feel her adrenaline rushing like she had just completed a major routine for the wonderbolts, and all she had done was save this mare from certain doom, and then just like that, she was gone in the blink of an eye. Spitfire's eyes stared down at the ground. What was wrong with her? She dug her forehooves into the ground.
“Ugh! I'm not letting her get away without at least knowing her name.” she spoke to the trees. And with that, she trotted off deeper into the forest. She wasn't about to simply let this go. There was something special about this pony, and she had to know what it was.
Spitfire tried to brush off the eerily feeling of being in the Everfree forest. Spitfire could barely make out the hoofsteps of the pony ahead of her. “Could it be her?” Who else was in this forest? She sighed as she ventured further, wondering if she would ever catch up to the mysterious mare whom had made her heart ache with such a rush.
Spitfire paused in her tracks, when she finally saw the tan pegasus from before, her hues focused on what she was doing.
Daring Do seemed to be looking around for something. Spitfire had no idea what would be out here in the middle of the Everfree, but then she watched as Daring Do dug out a hole in the ground. In the hole, Spitfire noticed an egg, but not just any egg, a phoenix's egg. They were said to be extremely rare and valuable, so why did this pony have one, and why was she trying to hide it? Well....the Diamond Dogs would probably eat it, the same way they tried eating her. Spitfire couldn't help but wonder.
“Hey! I thought I told you to mind your own business? You ponies never listen.” spoke Daring Do, gazing at her.
Suddenly, the heat from her body rose in temperature, and she felt like a guilty criminal that had been put on trial. She took a deep gulp, and revealed herself. She was about to open her mouth, when suddenly, five ponies leaped out and surrounded the pair of them.
“Daring Do! You have interfered with my plans for the last time. It's time I rid myself of you once and for all.” spoke Doctor Caballeron hitting his forehooves heavily into the ground beneath him.
Daring Do rolled her eyes, shifting her forehoof into the dirt, cradling the egg with her one wing, tightly to her chest. Glaring daggers at them, she wasn't about to let them get this egg.
“Good luck with that.” spoke Daring Do, a smug grin forming on her lips, she quickly glanced around her surroundings. The vines of the Everfree would be perfect. She grabbed hold of Spitfire with her other wing, leaping into the air, and quickly extending her forehoof to take hold of one of the vines, swinging them both deeper into the forest in one fell swoop.
She landed with a harsh thump onto the ground, she steadied the egg close to her chest, and looked to the pony beside her. Free wing extending, pointing a wingtip directly at her, her muzzle, causing her to wince, as Daring’s eyes eyes narrowed.
“Just what exactly are you trying to do? You saved my hide, I appreciate that, but it's time you go.” replied Daring Do.
Spitfire trembled, fidgeting in place as she opened her muzzle to speak, but nothing came out, gasping.“Say something you idiot!”
“The egg needs to be placed somewhere safe. You could really use a helping hoof with those....creeps after you.”
“They're not after me.” replied Daring Do sighing. “What's your name?”
“Spitfire ma'am!” she spoke out loud.
“A bit serious aren't we? Name's Daring Do, it's a pleasure to meet you.” replied Daring, extending a hoof. Her eyes narrowed, and her nose wrinkling a bit.
“Sorry, used to dealing with a bunch of rookies that think they know it all.” replied Spitfire, brushing her forehoof against her fiery mane. Now that she had a chance to get a closer look at the tan Pegasus, she could tell how well toned her body was. She would make an excellent recruit.
“Say, have you ever considered trying out for the Wonderbolts?” asked Spitfire curiously.
“Nope. They couldn't handle the things I do.” replied Daring Do. Now, she had to figure out what to do about the egg. She hadn't seen the parents anywhere within the forest, did that mean she was already too late? She dreaded the thought.
“What exactly do you do?” questioned Spitfire, with intrigue.
“My work isn't something most ponies would
understand, which is why I try to avoid getting other ponies involved. It just leads to more trouble.” replied Daring Do.
“Listen, I just want to help that egg just as much as you do. Besides, you could use some pony to get those idiots off your flank.”
“They won't catch me.” replied Daring Do, flatly. She bolted up off the ground and out of line of her sight. It was simply astounding.
She found herself memorized, her hooves trembling as she struggled to move. “Come on get it together. What is wrong with me?”
“Am I really just going to let her go like this? She needs help. She's clearly just too stubborn to realize it. I admire it, but I'm going after her.” Spitfire spread her wings and soared into the sky. The only problem is she had no idea where Daring was going. She closed her eyes, concentrating on the sound of the wind whipping against her wingtips.
Following the sound of the wind, she landed down in front of a rather strange sight, had this always been here? Her hues gazed upon what looked to be some kind of ruins. Spitfire wasn't usually one to wander into the Everfree forest, but she was fairly sure that hadn't been there before. Catching her breath, she ventured into the ruins, her chest puffed out, head held high, there was nothing to be afraid of. It was just a weird cave made of rocks. What could possibly go wrong?
Spitfire hooves stepped onto the strange rocks of the cavern floor, and she quivered a bit hearing something moving. She quickly dashed behind a rock, and simply kept her eyes and ears open.
“Daring Do!” shouted the voice of a male pony she barely knew. These were the guys that were after Daring. She said they wanted the egg, but why? Spitfire knew she had no real reason to be here, other than her own concern for the Phoenix egg. She wasn't simply here just to admire the physique of Daring Do, she was on a mission to save a child in need. Spitfire wasn't about to leave the egg, or Daring hanging, even if one of them refused to talk.
Spitfire kept herself hidden behind a few rocks in the cavern. Why were these ponies after her? And what did any of this have to do with the egg?
“Hey boss, I found something.” Smirked a gray coated pegasi with dark blue mane and tail, his sword pointed right under her chin.
Shit. She was discovered. Think...Things were getting complicated.
“What should I do with her boss?” questioned the mercenary, a slight snicker.
Spitfire didn't even wait for the other stallion to answer, she bolted into the sky, and flew deeper into the ruins. She had no idea what awaited her in the darkness, but there was no way she was going to get captured by those...freaks. She suddenly heard the muttering of a familiar voice. She flew down closer, and sure enough, on the ground below her was Daring Do.
Daring Do frowned at the puzzle under her hooves. She had seen this pattern before. Different patterns across the floor. She studied the texture, carefully she lifted a hoof, and pressed on the symbol that looked to represent water. Nothing.
“Water, fire, wind, earth, light and dark. One of these will lead to a trap I just know it. I'd best be cautious.”
“Daring.” whispered Spitfire as she flew down beside her, not really noticing the strange patterns on the floor.
“No, don't!” replied Daring with a slight shudder as she felt the ground start to shake. She quickly grabbed Spitfire, and rolled them both to the left side of the cavern.
Suddenly a gap in the wall opened and a giant boulder rolled over the floor's cavern. Daring Do glanced to where Spitfire had pressed. Earth. She looked to Spitfire, and slapped her on the head, while giving a scowl.
“What were you thinking!?! You have to be more aware of your surroundings we are in a ruins. Who knows what kind of crazy ancient traps were set up here to keep out ponies like us!”
Spitfire groaned a bit at the slap. An apology now seemed kind of stupid, and wouldn't change anything. Spitfire opened her mouth to speak, when her ears shifted as she heard the trek of many hoofsteps. She grew quiet, and Daring Do shoved both of them behind the rocks, keeping alert, and peeping around the corner to see whomever was about to enter.
“Sorry, boss. I didn't mean to lose her.” replied the gray pegasi, head hung in shame.
“How about you do something useful, instead of apologizing! Find that blasted Daring Do, and bring her to me. I don't care about some other pony that just happens to be here!” replied Doctor Caballeron with a frustrated whiny, muttering. “Wish I could just rid myself of the lot of you.”
Spitfire batted her eyes, giving Daring Do a silent glance, Daring Do retorted by putting a hoof against her lips, and shaking her head. Urging her to remain quiet and hidden. If they were lucky those idiots would set off most of the traps, and then Daring Do could get to the artifact she was looking for. She still cradled the egg in her left wingtip, keeping it cradled against her chest.
Doctor Caballeron looked around almost as annoyed as Daring Do was with her accidentally setting off that trap. She kept low and to the ground, her heartbeat beating rapidly against her chest. No amount of wonderbolts training could have prepared her for this. It grew quiet, and she shifted a bit on her rump as she felt Daring Do let go of her lips, and glance around the rock.
“They're gone. Good riddance.” spoke Daring Do, standing up on all four hooves, and approaching the cavern puzzle.
Spitfire followed behind her, eyes darting from side to side, a slight whiny escaping her muzzle. “Maybe I should just go, I'm only getting in the way...”
“That's it! Why didn't I think of it before? It's so obvious to me now.” spoke Daring Do pressing on one of the many fire symbols on the floor tiles, and suddenly the walls in front of them began to shift, and rumble, and suddenly a secret passageway was revealed.
Spitfire just stood there silently in awe of it all. She recalled Rainbow Dash spouting off about some pony named Daring Do, but she had never really paid much mind to it, thinking it was all just a mare's tale, but here was the very pony she had once thought to be just a fantasy. Now, it seemed the fantasy was all too real.
“What in Celestia Blazes is going on here?” questioned Spitfire as she just glanced towards Daring Do, back to the opened passageway, then back towards Daring.
Daring Do sighed heavily, and without even answering her question, began trotting on into the passageway.
Spitfire was not about to lose her again, so she quickly trotted after her, as she noticed the passageway was beginning to close behind them. She certainly didn't want to be trapped in here forever! Though the thought of being trapped with an adventurous pony like Daring Do might not be so bad if the circumstances of it were a bit different....Wait. What was she thinking?
Daring Do ventured on deeper, keeping the egg close to her chest as all times. She seemed to be looking for something, but Spitfire had no idea what it was, or why it was so important. Man, now she was really wishing she had paid more attention when Rainbow Dash spouted off about those crazy books she loved so much.
Spitfire hurried after Daring Do, as she glanced from side to side. She almost felt like the walls were beginning to close in on the two of them. Daring Do didn't even blink from what she could tell. She didn't even stop for a second to glance back. She just kept pressing forward. Spitfire had no clue what was going on, or if she was simply delusional, but she swore she had felt the walls moving. She took a deep gulp of a breath. “No need to panic, Spitfire.”
Spitfire reached the end of the passageway as she almost bumped her muzzle right into Daring's flank, stopping herself just short of her. She straightened her mane out a bit, as she looked towards Daring Do.
Daring Do sighed. “Why are you continuing to follow me! Don't you ponies ever learn?” Daring just shook her head.
Spitfire could sense her anger stirring. She gazed back towards her with a snarl upon her lips, as she seemed to be muttering something, she couldn't quite make out.
“We've already been over this, you need help, and I'm not about to leave you hanging.”
“Ponies like you only get in my way.” replied Daring Do as she rolled her eyes a bit. She cradled the egg as she lifted it up to this strange pedestal that seemed to be positioned in the center of the room.
The room itself didn't seem to have a lot going for it. The walls had some sort of strange runes upon them, and under her hooves, Spitfire could see a flame pattern among the cavern of the floor. She was beginning to wonder what a Phoenix egg had to do with any of this. Once the egg was placed upon the pedestal, Daring Do backed up a bit, and wiped her brow, a droplet of sweat running down her face.
Spitfire was about to ask Daring Do a question about what egg had to do with this, when suddenly the patterns on the floor literally began to flame up around them, causing her to jump back, startled.
“Woah!” she jerked quickly out of the way of the dancing flame patterns. They seemed to be focused around the egg, and then from there they went towards what looked to be a dead end. Once the flames reached there, the doors slowly began to crack open, revealing a secret passageway. Spitfire was baffled, and somehow during all of this, the egg was completely okay.
“What in blaze's name is going on here? Would you care to explain any of this to me?” questioned Spitfire. It wasn't like she was expecting an answer, but it would be nice to know something. Anything really.
Daring Do tilted her head towards Spitfire for a split second, and shook her head, gesturing with her hoof for her to remain quiet.
Spitfire could feel the fire within herself burning. She really wanted to give this mare a piece of her mind, but she jolted back when the doors swung open to reveal what appeared to be an empty room. Spitfire just blinked, and stood there almost dumbfounded. Seriously? Shouldn't there be like treasure or something for all this effort?
Daring Do walked into the empty room, her head going back and forth, almost as if she was looking for something. The room was empty. What could she possibly be looking for? Spitfire had a puzzled expression upon her muzzle as she continued into the empty room. Once inside, the doors slammed shut behind her, almost catching the end of her tail, and causing her to jerk in shock.
“Ack! What kind of crazy place is this?”
“Would you please keep your voice down.” replied Daring Do with a slight groan, and rolling her eyes.
Spitfire just looked towards Daring Do with a serious expression, as she held her fiery tail within her forehoof.
“You try being quiet when your tail is almost caught in a wall.”
“Listen, filly if that bothers you so much, go home and sell some cookies, because this place isn't for the faint of heart.” snorted Daring Do, as she tapped her forehooves against the ground.
“Filly. I ain't no filly, and I'm not scared. Wonderbolts fear nothing.” replied Spitfire tilting her chin up and letting out a huff.
“Then prove you got what it takes to follow me, or go back to whatever life you led before. The path I have chosen isn't for the weak, and if one little scuff makes you jittered, then you aren't meant to be here.” replied Daring Do.
Spitfire just wasn't sure what to think of this pony. “Geez, she sure is stubborn and bullheaded, reminds me of a certain recruit.”
“Are you coming or have you finally got some common sense?” questioned Daring Do, as another passageway opened from her pressing her hoof against what seemed to be a normal part of the wall, but was secretly disguised and was actually a lever. The pathway was long, and there was a rope bridge that crossed over a long empty valley of nothing but darkness. Spitfire for even a brief moment, gulped.
Daring Do was already crossing the rope bridge without her. If she really wanted to impress this pony she had to stop letting things get to her so easily. She then followed behind her. Wondering why Daring Do hadn't thought to bring the egg with them. She was just really going to leave it there on that rock?
Spitfire glanced back in the direction of the egg, and it was gone. She blinked again, looked around, and it was nowhere to be seen. What in Celestia was going on? She knew better than to ask, she'd probably just get another sarcastic remark from Daring Do about how she should just go home to mommy.
Spitfire steadily made her way across the bridge, it shook occasionally, but she didn't let it startle her nerves. She stopped right behind Daring Do as she seemed to be gazing upon a giant wall in front of them. On the wall, there appeared to be many different tiles, with different patterns upon them. Spitfire just looked at the wall, then towards Daring, and figured rather quickly it was best just to observe rather than continue to ask questions that would be answered with a roll of her eyes, or a groan out of her lips. Why do I keep following her? The egg is safe, you could go home...so why?
Spitfire gazed upon Daring Do, and found herself staring. She was just so gorgeous. Spitfire raised her eyebrows, there was no way she was endangering her own life just because she thought some other mare was sexy. She had figured she'd help with the egg and that was it, but she still had this feeling within her to follow, and for whatever reason, she couldn't seem to shake it. She had to see where this led, even if it might very well lead to a very bad outcome. It wouldn't be the first time she had done something crazy, or outright insane.
It seemed like a long time ago now, but she clearly remembered a much younger version of herself, trying some out there trick that it was said no pony had ever accomplished. Well, she had ended up crashing and ended up in the hospital for a whole month afterwards. She shook that thought out of her head. No time to dwell on the past. She had to focus on what was in front of her, and right now, that was Daring Do, a very stubborn Pegasus, that was more bullheaded then Rainbow Dash. She never thought she'd meet anyone more stubborn than her.
Daring Do pressed something in with her forehoof. Spitfire watched and stood silently. This time there was no passageway that opened in front of them. Instead it seemed the wall right in the middle opened up a staircase further down.
“Why are you here? What are you looking for? What does the egg have to do with any of this?” questioned Spitfire, unable to keep her more inquisitive side at bay. She just had to have the answers. Surely no pony would do all of this without reason.
“Listen, what is with you ponies and your needless need to ask a bunch of questions? First off even if I told you what I was looking for, you wouldn't believe me. Secondly, I needed the egg to open the passageway. And as for why I'm here it's my chosen occupation. Now, let me ask you something. Why are you following me?” questioned Daring Do, as she pressed her snout right against hers.
Spitfire took a gulp of a deep breath, as a droplet of sweat ran down her cheek. What was she supposed to say? Her eyes darted from side to side. Think...recruit...quickly.
“You wouldn't believe me even if I told you.” replied Spitfire, trying to get them to talk about anything else.
“Try me.” replied Daring Do, lowering her gaze, giving her that bold, fearless look.
Spitfire still didn't know what to say, but she found her heart beating rapidly, faster than it ever had before. What was wrong with her?
“I...I...” she began nervously, her fore hoof fidgeting against the dirt.
“I'm waiting.” replied Daring Do.
Spitfire was about to give up the ghost and tell her the truth, that she had no reason to follow her, but then she thought about what Rainbow Dash might do, and with no better plan in mind. She leaned in and pressed her lips against Daring Do's. What are you doing, you idiot?
Daring Do mmphed in response, but didn't pull away from the kiss. She kissed Spitfire back, outright tonguing her, and pulling her into a deep and truly intimate kiss.
Spitfire had a shocked expression on her hues when Daring Do suddenly pressed her lips against hers. She certainly hadn't been expecting this kind of reaction. She didn't pull away from the kiss though. She just went with it. It felt really good, her lips against hers, their bodies so close, their manes tangled up in each other. And for just a split second, Spitfire felt like she was in heaven.
This felt amazing, and Celestia it felt so right and yet so wrong. She pulled away from the kiss first, it was time to confess. Time to tell her the truth. Though she was surprised when Daring Do pressed her forehoof against her mouth, and shook her head.
“Listen, I've had a lot of admirers over the years, so you don't need to explain anything to me. I get it. You admired me for a number of reasons, and you were afraid to tell me the truth, and yet you risked your own life to follow me, knowing the dangers it entailed. I say that takes guts. A lot of guts, I admire that about you, Spitfire. Say...normally I don't do this, but how would you feel about being my partner for this little adventure? It would be nice to have some company. Just please no more questions, alright?”
Spitfire couldn't believe what she was hearing. Wait she wasn't the first one to like Daring Do? Daring Do didn't look much older than she was. How many stallions and mares had she....no. She didn't want to think about that. She quickly shook that thought out of her head. Well...she needed to say something. She could simply let it go here, and go back to her duties as a Wonderbolt, but she really wanted to see this through to the end, no matter how crazy it might get from here. She honestly was simply shocked that Daring Do was inviting her to continue following her now. Would she say yes? Heck yes.
Spitfire pressed her lips to Daring Do's once more, in an intimate kiss of passion, tongue against tongue, their tongues battling for control of the kiss, as she closed her eyes, and nodded. She didn't know where this was going to take them from here, but she was really excited to find out just how much more thrilling it could get. And there's no pony she'd rather be with than Daring Do, and she was sure that Rainbow Dash could handle the Wonderbolts for a few more days, or a good week, or however long this would take. She was certain she'd do fine. Damn...this was getting steamy. She lingered the kiss before finally saying.
“Yes, you've got yourself a partner.”
Spitfire couldn't help thinking to herself. “Celestia, this is one cracked up ship.”
Author's Note
This story is dedicated to “Skyward Sword” he challenged me to write a one shot about Daring Do and Spitfire, and boy there was more than once where I thought “how am I going to do this?” I hope that I've at least kept Daring Do in character, while making their odd romance believable, and who knows, maybe this is just the beginning. Let me know what you think.
-Nailah.
