Fallen

Chapter One

To Seek The Truth

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"Say that again ya' mutt! I dare ya'..." hissed a voice.

"I will not waste my breath repeating what you too stupid to hear!" Barked a second.

"Har har, and that is coming from a Diamond Dog!" Bellowed a third voice.

Daring meanwhile sipped a mug of spiced cider, a specialty only brewed here in the town of Brimstone, a backwater town near the gates of Tartarus. She loved taverns like this, there were always interesting people to meet, and even more interesting stories to be told. And if Daring had learned anything about stories, it was that most of theme had some shred of truth to them. It had been through stories told in such taverns that Daring got a lead on most of her adventures.

Daring grabbed her mug and flew up sever feet to avoid a flying Diamond Dog. Daring looked towards where the heap of fur now lay on the ground not far away, as a muscular kobold walked over to its victim. Daring shook her head and smiled as she hovered and sipped her beverage. She then cast her eyes around, weighing the bars current contents for any promising looking storytellers. Daring's eyes caught on a grizzled looking demon.

The Demon in question had the head of a jackal, and the body of a hairless ape. The demon wore a white linen skirt, brown sandals that wrapped up to the knee, and was adorned in gold jewelry on his arms and ears. He towered over all the other bar patrons, and his muscular frame was covered in scars. Anywhere else the demon would have raised eyebrows or struck fear, but not this close to Tartarus. The guardians of the gates often ventured to nearby towns on their days off from guarding the entrance to the underworld. The demon suddenly met Daring's eyes with his own predatory stare as if he could feel her gaze upon him. A chill passed slowly down her spine, and she smiled at the sensation. She loved the dangerous ones like this, they had the best stories to tell.

"Can I buy you a tall drink?" Daring asked as she flew toward him.

"I am no mere pup, what is the game you intend on playing with this ancient one?" The demon said with a slight snarl.

"Woah there, no game. I was merely hoping to loosen your lips for a story. I am hoping to find my next lead for an adventure, and you look like a knowledgeable-"

The jackal headed demon cut her off with a deep gravely laugh that shook the entire tavern itself. The inhabitants of the bar all stopped and stared at the ancient demon. Some of the less hardy fled the tavern, not wanting to see if the demon grew violent. Daring held her ground however, and pressed on.

"As I was saying... I am Daring Do, and I have traveled far and wide on adventure uncovering secrets and finding ruins. I was wondering if you could enlighten me of any stories of lost knowledge or treasure." Daring said with an air of confidence that stunned the other bar patrons.

"You are not familiar with me are you? No, of course you are not, lest you would not have approached me. But I tell you what, you interest me. How about a tale for a tale, if you tell an interesting story, I will tell an equally interesting story. Quid pro quo if you will..." The demon smiled his eyes still eyeing Daring as if she was prey.

"Hmm, what if I am looking for something more interesting than any of my other stories?" Daring stated matter of factly.

"Quantity over quality then, it has been awhile since I have heard a tale. Most know better than to approach me." The demon grinned.

"We have a deal then, bartender keep the drinks comin' we're going to be here awhile." Daring called as she pulled up a chair and stopped hovering over the table to recite all of her exploits.

Hours had passed of Daring regaling the demon with her exploits and adventures. She had gone through many drinks and had used up a fourth of her bit pouch on the drinks. As she finished her most recent tale she nodded and looked expectantly to the demon who sat there leaned back and smiling.

"You have entertained me well, I am willing to part with some ancient secrets and a tale of my own."

Daring smiled at this and shifted her explorers hat forward, meaning business.

"This tale is older than any of yours however, so old that it happened far before the two sisters who now raise the sun and moon. Only the eldest of dragons remember this tale. Well, them and the damned." The demon's grind grew wider at the mention of his kin.

"Older than Princess Celestia and Luna? This has to be good!" Daring was getting giddy at the thought of what the story could entail.

"There is an old shrine which holds secrets of the past, secrets that tell a tale of when the world was much younger. There is a statue that was built by a beloved brother inside of the shrine. It is said only those who wish to pay their respects may enter. For the shrine was built to honor an angel who died there." The demon began.

"Wow... But, I was kinda hoping there would be something to uncover or explore..." Daring said, for once showing nervousness as she asked the demon for more.

"The shrine still stands mortal, And it's guardian still watches over it." The demon said, a solemn look on his face.

"It still exists?! How can anything so ancient still stand? Even naturally anything should have been overtaken by nature or destroyed by animals or new inhabitants." Daring reasoned.

"The architect left a guardian to tend forever to the grave, be warned when you venture there however. Violence is not allowed in the area the guardian protects." The demon said, gazing into Daring's eye as he gave his warning.

"Do you... know where it is?"

"Yes, it lies deep in a forest that retains some of the old natural magics that kept the world in check so long ago. The land is harsh and only the strong or wise survive there. The forest stretches far beyond what you mortals have explored of it, and it is in the deepest part that the shrine that serves as the grave is found." The demon said as he picked himself up and grabbed a golden staff that was propped against the chair. The demon began to make his way towards the door, the other patrons scurrying to get out of his way.

"That sounds a lot like the Everfree..." mumbled Daring as she watched the demon leave.

After the demon's departure some of the other patrons came over to the explorer and one began to talk to her in a panicked tone.

"Don't you know who that was?!" The gargoyle said.

"No... why?" Daring asked, her ears flattening as she realized she was surrounded by the patrons.

"That demon was once a lord of the afterlife. They say he even had a religious following long, long ago. That was Anubis!"

Daring gasped at this, even she had heard of Anubis, but she did not in a million years expect to meet the once god. But if that truly was Anubis, then the story held weight to it. She would have to prepare for an expedition into the dark forest known as the Everfree. Perhaps she could even visit her cousin when she stopped at Ponyville for supplies.

Daring knew if she could find proof of what Anubis had said, that she would truly go down in history as the greatest pony explorer of all time. Daring felt giddy at the aspect of such a find. Perhaps she could even convince the guardian to part with a trophy for her personal collection. Daring left the town of Brimstone without further delay as she flew towards Ponyville.

Rainbow Dash was resting on her cloud bed as she read the most recent Daring Do book. The day had been peaceful, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were staying out of trouble today, The apple Family was busy working, Rarity and Fluttershy were at the spa, Pinkie was working, and Twilight was staying out of trouble instead of looking for something worthy to put into a friendship report. All in all, it was a perfectly peaceful day for Rainbow to laze and read her favourite book series.

Even the weather was perfect, it was a warm summer day and the weather team had made sure that there would only be a couple of clouds in the sky today. Were the story not so captivating, Rainbow would have surely fallen into her beloved state of slumber. Something was off though Rainbow realized as she heard a commotion from Ponyville below her.

Rainbow peeked over the edge of her cloud and noticed a crowd had gathered around the marketplace. This piqued Rainbow's curiosity and she stuck her bookmark in and flew down with the book stuck in her saddlebag. As she landed, Rainbow looked around at the crowd and tried to find what the commotion was over. She read the sign of the shop she was outside of, it read 'Pitch's Camping and Tent Emporium'.

Rainbow wondered what the fuss was about with the camping supplies store until she saw her. Daring Do herself walked out of the store with a backpack filled to the brim with what one could only suspect was camping supplies. She even had a machete strapped to her side. The crowd gave awed ooh's and ahh's as Daring passed them by.

Rainbow zipped in front of Daring, causing the explorer to give a startled intake of breath and step back slightly. Rainbow hovered towards her with her book and a pen in an outstretched hoof.

"Ohmigosh ohmigosh ohmigosh, Daring Do will you please sign my book? I am like your number one fan!" Rainbow squealed like a fangirl.

Daring smiled at this and kindly accepted the book and pen as she set the book on the ground she gave her signature on the inside of the front cover.

"Hey, thanks for being a fan of my books. I may not write them, but a close friend does and the revenues from the books really help her care for her family." Daring said with a smile.

"Huh, really? you let your friend take all the revenues to care for her family? That is a loyalty I can respect, I can't believe it but I think I like you even more Daring!" Rainbow beamed as she took the book back and replaced it into her saddle bag.

"Thanks, would you like to meet her? The author is my cousin and she actually lives in this town. Perhaps you can even help me find the address, I'm not too familiar with the streets here even though I know the address." Daring said.

"Sure thing! Who is it by the way I bet they are totally awesome if they are related to you." Rainbow smiled back.

"Here I have the address written down here, she should be home by now too. She works as a mailmare you see and since it is sunday she should be off." Daring explained.

"Ahh, thats cool. The house is down this way I believe follow me!" Rainbow said as she zipped off through the air leaving a rainbow trail behind her. Daring stared for a second before she took off to follow her speedy fan.

"Here it is! Wait... I know this place... Don't tell me your cousin is-"

Rainbow was cut off by the sound of Daring knocking on the door. In mere second the door opened to reveal a gray pegasus with a blonde mane and crossed eyes.

"Ditzy!" Daring said as she pulled her cousin into a hug. Ditzy in turn smiled and exclaimed.

"Cousin Daring what brings you here?!"

"I am going on an expedition near here and decided to stop and say hi for once instead of just sending a letter." Daring smiled as she broke the embrace.

"Derpy is your cousin?" Rainbow said a look of shock on her face.

Daring shot a look at Rainbow before growling, "Don't call her that."

"It's okay Daring, I kinda like my nickname. It grew on me and I don't mind. Besides, Rainbow is my friend." Ditzy said with a smile.

Daring humphed at this and turned away from her fan.

"Wait, did you say you were going on an adventure near here?" Rainbow said, eyeing the backpack again.

"Yeah, there is supposed to be something very interesting in the Everfree Forest, something older than anything else in all of the Equestria." Daring said, a look of wonder on her own face and the look of anger gone from her face.

"Wow, are you going to stay for dinner though? My little muffin would like to see you, she is a fan as well!" Ditzy said to her cousin with a smile.

"Sure, if you don't mind serving one more." Daring said.

"No problem at all." Ditzy said as she smiled brightly.

"Well thanks... Rainbow was it? Perhaps when I get back from my expedition I will tell you some of my adventure before I tell Ditzy for her to start writing her new book." Daring said with a small smirk.

Rainbow beamed at this and waved to Daring before zipping off to tell Twilight about what had just happened.

Daring had only been in the forest for an hour and she was already flying for her life. She had to hoof it to the inhabitants of the forest, they were truly impressive hunters. She had more than one close call as various creatures jumped out of trees or from under cover at her. If this kept up for much longer she might mess up. On the bright side however the pace she was keeping was quickly taking her to the edge of the map of the Everfree, this meant she was making her way closer to the destination. It was a good thing she decided to stay with her cousin for the night and rest before taking off for her adventure. Daring was going to need all her strength because she suspected she might be flying all the way to the shrine with no rest.

This went on for another half of an hour before she attempts to eat her became fewer and fewer, the further she went, the more massive the treas became, some towering to half the height of Canterlot Castle itself. In this larger part of the forest the creatures were bigger, and Daring suspected deadlier.  Most did not find her to be a worthy meal, and Daring wondered if she should take comfort, or dread this fact.

Daring did not slow when the attempts to eat her stopped however, she knew better than to let her guard down. Most likely there were stealthy predators waiting to pounce the moment she stopped. It was another two hours before she noticed the forest begin to thin, and she noticed a lacking of forest life. Was she already there? Daring decided to risk landing so she could take a drink from her canteen and eat some dried grass jerky she had packed.

As Daring drank and ate she took note of how silent the forest was, as if it was holding it's breath. Daring soon realized her mistake as she stuffed her canteen in her pack and flared her wings. She flew close to the ground and fast as the predator moved through the trees above her.

Daring risked a peek up and noticed glowing red eyes filled with murderous intent that leapt from tree to tree after her. Daring could not believe her eyes, that creature was definitely supposed to only be a myth. The creature had dark gray skin, with black spines coming from its back and head, its had a long rat like tail, and its legs ended in terrifying black claws. Daring was being chased by a chupacabra.

"Oh come on!" Daring yelled as she tried her hardest to out speed the creatures that was gaining on her, there were now three of the red eyed monsters following her. They hissed at each other as they chased, daring each other and warning that the meal was their own.

Daring was growing tired at this point, and she knew she could not continue on much further. She was just about to give in to her exhaustion when she noticed something was amiss. The sounds of pursuit had stopped. She looked back and saw that the three chupacabras were staring at her from a distance, as if they dared not cross an invisible line. Daring then set herself down on the ground and caught her breath before looking around herself. She noticed that the trees slowly thinned out. As Daring made her way forward she came across a lake, and on the other side was a flat grassy field. In the middle of the field stood tall a large marble temple. The temple itself sat on a large platform and was nothing more than pillars supporting a large marble roof.

Daring could not believe how pristine the temple looked. The marble was in perfect condition, as if it was only built a few years ago. Daring flew over the lake and slowly made her way into the temple. Daring took in the fine detail that was put into every pillar and she noticed carvings on the roof. Whoever made this put a lot of love and care into the craftsmanship. As daring made her way around a pillar she took in a large statue of a winged bipedal creature, clad in a robe with a solemn look on it's face. The statue was on a platform that bore a golden plaque that was written in an unknown language to Daring.

Daring made her way over to get a better look at the letters on the plaque to see if she could recognize any of the letters to begin deciphering its message, but as she got close she noticed that to read the plaque you had to stand under the sorrow filled gaze of the statue. Daring hesitated a second longer before she bowed her head to the statue and gave a silent prayer to Celestia for whatever poor soul this shrine was honoring. As daring lifted her head she got to work trying to figure out what language the plaque was in.

"Here lies the fallen prince of heaven

Branded as on of the sins of seven

Unjust was his banishment to hell

Cast down to the bottom of that well

captive to a demonic horde

saved only by a brother's sword

were it not for his sin of pride

he may not, on earth, have died."

Daring jumped and turned around at the sound of a deep voice behind her. There stood a white pegasus with a jet black mane and cold blue eyes. The stallion was larger than a normal pony, and his cutie mark was that of a large tome. Daring took in the stallion for a couple of minutes before she finally responded to the intrusion.

"What are you doing here? I thought this place was supposed to be well hidden and out of the reach of anypony..." Daring said, fearing someone else could claim the glory of this find.

"I am the caretaker of this temple." The stallion stated matter of factly.

"Wait, you are the guardian the demon spoke of?" Daring said, sounding scandalized.

"Hmm, a demon told you of this place did he?"

"Yeah, wait..." Daring looked back at the plaque, "Is that poem what the plaque says?"

"Yes" He stated matter of factly.

"How can you read that? What language is that?" Daring inquired.

"It is in the tongue of the angels, and I can read it because I am the guardian of this place." The stallion returned with no emotion.

Daring thought over this for a second before finally asking, "What can you tell me of this place?"

The stallion walked under the statue's gaze and met it with a solemn look. Without looking away he began to recite a tale to Daring Do.

"Long before the two sisters, and even before Discord plagued the surface world, the land was much different. Tartarus was not accessible from the mortal plane for the gate did not yet exist. The world moved on its own accord, the weather was governed by the natural forces of the world, and the sun and moon moved all on their own. During this time the world's dominant species was the humans, a greedy war driven race who ultimately destroyed themselves and almost the world around them. They did not do this of their own however, for they were influenced by higher powers." The Stallion paused as he cracked his neck to both sides.

"You mean the humans actually existed? I thought they were an old tale to tell fillies to be good..." Daring mumbled.

"Oh they were real, and so were their deities. They worshipped many higher beings of both divine and evil nature. Over the millennia that the humans ruled the world, the gods used them as entertainment and a source of power. For these higher beings could be fueled off the worship of lesser races, and some even gained power from the bloodshed of the wars the humans waged on one another. But the gods grew greedy with their power and wanted more, so the wars grew in scale and power, until all of the humans had destroyed one another. The world was left scarred and desolate because of the weapons the humans had developed. The higher beings of hell became busy with the task of watching over the underworld and accepted that their time of fun had come to an end.

The heavens however, were not content. They began to cast blame around, and eventually some of the angels spoke against the rest and their lord, he told them that they were all to blame for pushing the humans so far. The angels who spoke up were cast out, and their leader was banished to the lowest layer of the underworld to suffer eternally for speaking against their master. The leader however had a younger brother, the most powerful of the angels who was not in heaven at the time.

When the younger brother returned and found out what had happened, he swore vengeance. He broke heavens gates on his way to the world of the mortals, and there he tore a hole open into Tartarus itself. He marched for seven days through the depths until he found his brother, slaying all that stood in his way. He was an unstoppable hurricane of hatred and death. I suspect he even absorbed some of the underworlds powers into himself.

After freeing his brother he returned to the mortal world and was stopped by the entire host of heaven. He fought alongside his brother against the other angels, but the fight ended up being in vain. While the younger of the two brothers was unmatched in combat, the older was felled in battle, and his essence was ripped asunder." The stallion finished his tale.

"What happened to the younger brother?" Daring asked in wonder, the story had nearly taken her breath away.

"Driven by the loss of his brother, the younger went on and destroyed all of heaven. In the end he, like his brother became a fallen angel and was named by hell the embodiment of wrath. The world suffered for many years after the loss of heaven. And soon the divine magic that moved the sun and moon failed. Immortal creatures then were forced to use their own power to raise and lower the celestial bodies. All because of the lust for power the gods had." The stallion explained.

Daring did not know what to make of this discovery, could this stallion be trusted? The notion that this was the history of the land was absurd. But she could not be completely skeptical, she had been chased here by mythological creatures, and she was sent by an elder god.

"I am an explorer, and I would like to know if I could bring back any proof that I found the shrine, or proof of the past you have told me of." Daring asked, putting on her best smile.

The stallion finally looked away from the statue with his sad eyes and met hers, "Stay here for three days and fast with me. If you show good faith in my words I will grant your prayer and give you the proof you wish for. But if you break the fast and fail my task you must leave and never speak of this place to anyone you meet."

"You mean anypony right?" Daring corrected his grammar.

The stallion merely stared for a second before shaking his head, "Do you agree?"

Daring hesitated for only a minute. She weighed the option she had been given. The summer was warm,  but here in the forest it was comfortable in the shade. Three days without food or water should be easy. But the part about faith, that had to mean something. But Daring did not come this far to return empty hoofed.

"I accept."