Daring Do and the quest for the golden Scootaloo

Daring Do trudged through the muggy forest, each step slowing profusely as she dragged on. If only she had brought an extra canister of water! It would have dramatically eased her journey. She had tried to fly up into the brisk, clear sky many times, but the sweltering heat sapped her energy beyond enough to lift her self off of the ground.

As if her pleas were answered, a long stretch of water gleamed in front of her. However, she didn’t race forward. She knew it was just a mirage caused by her exhaustion. But as she slowly shuffled forwards, the glittering illusion didn’t disappear. Daring Do stared with wide eyes. Mustering the last of her strength, she sprinted the few yards to the cool, refreshing water. The bay was more than clear, glistening and scattering shards of sunlight everywhere.

She eagerly dove in, drinking up the crisp water and letting it run through her monotone mane. This was nearly heaven to Daring Do. When she resurfaced, she tossed her hat onto shore along with her rugged saddlebag, which had her cutie mark branded on the outside and along the strap. Not having the weight pulling her down felt luxurious, so she unfurled her wings and let herself float around.

But of course, something had to happen to her while she was having a well-earned nap. Back on shore, she heard snarling and barking.

“Pony has lovely belongings,” There were three diamond Dogs rummaging through her bag. The shortest one lashed his tail and tossed the bag to the third, smiling a twisted, rotten-toothed smile. “Will make good bits in market.”

“Pony is strong,” the second mutt grunted, glaring at Daring Do. “Will make good miner.” He dove in and began swimming towards the tan pegasus, giant arms sweeping large wakes of water behind him.

Diamond dogs, she thought, getting ready to fight. Don’t know a thing about fighting. Knock ‘em down, play fetch, and bam, they’re out of your mane.

From what little she could see, it appeared that the Diamond Dogs had emptied her bag into a large burlap sack. Uh oh, she thought. Daring Do had just found the golden Scootaloo and had hastily shoved it into her bag instead of under her hat like she usually did.

With a small shriek, she dove under water and swam beneath the large cur barreling towards her. With a large sweep of her fore legs, she bit down on the Diamond Dog’s tail and pulled like her life depended on it.

The mutt recoiled and curled his tail inwards, and Daring Do let go. She furiously swam towards shore, using her large wings to push her forwards.

As she resurfaced, she saw the pair of shorter dogs racing off. Her saddlebag was shredded and the scraps were strewn about, but that didn’t stop her from flying as fast as she could through the thick forest. The three were in hot pursuit, and Daring Do wasn’t going to give up so easily.