G5 Adventures in Treasure Buddies

It was truly a gift for Violette Rainbow and the Mane 6 to be back in Fernfield after such a long time of not seeing their Golden Retriever friends, the Buddies.

And Violette seemed to be getting rather close to a young zebra filly named Skye, who was close to Mudbud's owner, Pete, and whose mother, Mariama, was close friends with Pete's grandpa, Thomas Howard, a famous archeologist.

But, there was something a bit off with the Buddies-- the hairless cat that Skye had seen during the tour was right near the Buddies, Violette and Deputy Sniffer as the deputy was telling them the story of Cleocatra's magical necklace.

Now, I'm sure many of you are wondering what's going to happen next, so I say we jump right back into it.

XXXXXXXX

The Mane 6 soon followed Skye, Mariama, Pete and Thomas into the office where Thomas did most of his important paperwork, and as the Mane 6 looked around in awe, Thomas remembered something and went to one of the shelves near his desk to find it. “Now, just wait a minute, Peter. Here's some stuff you and your friends might like,” he said, setting a toolbox full of explorer things on his desk. “Tools of the trade,” Mariama added. “Anything you want is yours.”

“Mariama, Mr. Howard, this is so generous!” Sunny said as she and the others gathered around. “Thank you!”

“Call me Thomas, Sunny,” Thomas said politely as the group dug through the box to see what they could find. “Our time as explorers is over, but I’m sure if you kids use the stuff in this box, you could be great explorers yourselves someday.”

That was when Pete pulled out two compasses, both of them matching, and gave one of them to Skye while looking at his grandfather. “Even your compasses?”

“Better young explorers like the two of you have it,” Mariama added kindly as Skye and Pete put them on. “Those compasses are very special. When infused with just a little magic, one of those compasses can lead you to the holder of the other one.”

“Ooh, that might come in handy!” Skye said with excitement. “Thanks, Mom.”

That was when Misty pulled out a small purple key with some intricate designs on it, causing her to hum in thought. “What’s this?”

“Oh, that’s a very special key I picked up in China, on another archeology assignment,” Mariama explained as Misty put the key on a lanyard and then put it around her neck. “That key has the power to open any door, whenever you need to get inside a locked room. Take it, Misty-- it seems fitting that you have it, in case you get into a tight situation.”

“Wow!” Misty smiled at Mariama gratefully. “Thank you so much!”

“Now let me see here… ah, yes!” Mariama pulled out a silver sun brooch and put it on Sunny’s saddlebag. “Sunny, this is a magical brooch. Whenever you’re near danger, it’ll flash repeatedly-- sort of a magical danger radar, so to speak.”

“Wow, it’s beautiful!” Sunny said as she smiled at the zebra mare. “Thanks, Mariama. I’ll take great care of it.”

“Hey, I didn’t know you were so into music, Mariama!” Pipp said as she pulled a small flute out of the box. “This flute is so… unique!”

“Oh, that is a very unique flute, Pipp,” said Mariama. “That flute has the ability to control the wind.”

“The wind?” Pipp seemed surprised. “And you want me to have it?”

“Why not? I feel it’ll come in handy on these missions of yours,” said Mariama with a wink before pulling a small jar of glitter out of the box and reaching it out to Izzy. “Here, Izzy. This is a special kind of glitter, used for…”

“Totally out of the box, super-charged ideas?” Izzy guessed, causing Mariama to chuckle. “It can be, yes. But… it can also reveal hidden objects and footprints when tossed around you,” the zebra admitted. “Something I think you’ll enjoy.”

Then, she pulled out a whistle and a glowing lasso from the box, giving the whistle to Zipp and the lasso to Hitch. “Hitch, this lasso will allow anyone caught up in it to tell the truth, whether they want to or not. And Zipp? That whistle will only let those closest to you hear it, so they’ll hear the whistle when no one else can.”

“Wow… Mariama, this is so generous,” Hitch said as he put the lasso on his side. “What can we do to thank you?”

“Just take good care of them,” Mariama said as Violette and Mudbud came into the office. “I have a feeling they’ll do you well in future endeavors.”

“Oh. And here’s something for Violette and Mudbud,” Thomas said, getting an old off-white bandanna, a red bandanna and an explorer's hat down from the shelf. “It’s Mariama’s old explorer outfit and Digger’s favorite bandanna.”

“Cool!” Pete said as he held the bandanna in his hands. “Come here, Mudbud,” Sunny said as she lifted Mudbud up. “Let Violette put her stuff on and we’ll put Digger’s bandanna on you.”

And so, as Violette put on Mariama's old hat and bandanna, Pete replaced Mudbud's usual blue bandanna with Digger's off-white one, and Violette couldn't help but smile in pride. “Well… how do we look, guys?”

“There’s no denying you look great,” said Zipp, “but Mudbud? He’s the spitting image of his great grandpappy!”

Mudbud let out an excited bark to this, causing everyone to laugh in amusement as Sunny set Mudbud down onto the floor. It was then that Misty remembered something that she wanted to ask Thomas and Mariama, so she stepped forward. “Excuse me, Mr. Howard-- I-I mean… Thomas? I was hoping… do you and Mariama have any exhibits about Equestrian creatures? You see, we have this important mission to uncover something lost ourselves, and any information you can provide would really help.”

“...well… I do remember putting an exhibit about different species of Equestrian creatures in the far wing of the museum,” Mariama said, pointing out the door with her hoof. “I think your best bet to find any information on whatever you’re looking for is out there.”

“Then let’s go out there and take a look!” Sunny said eagerly. “Misty, Pipp, do you mind staying with Violette while we go look at the exhibit? I don’t wanna drag all of us over there in case we don’t find anything.”

“Sure, Sunny. We’ll stay here and keep everyone company,” Pipp nodded. “You guys go ahead.”

“But keep us updated on what you do find!” Misty called out as the other ponies ran out of the room. And after they were gone, Misty's eyes trailed to the key that Mariama had given her. She couldn't wait to try it out, but then again, she couldn't help but wonder what she was going to use it for if their main mission was going to be in Fernfield this time around.

However, they were soon going to see that this wasn't the case at all.

Pete saw that his grandfather was now looking at the half of the Bronze of Bastet that Digger had recovered before the cavern collapsed, and couldn't help but be curious about the item's fate. “What are we going to do with this now?”

“Well, I'm not sure what we should do with it, Peter,” Thomas admitted as Violette and Skye played with Mudbud. “Well… we should definitely try to keep it safe,” Misty said out of thought. “Just in case somebody thinks about taking it right from under our noses.”

Mariama looked at Misty in surprise. “You truly think that might happen?”

“Knowing what we’ve been through in the past,” Pipp said, “I wouldn’t doubt anypony to pull something like this off.”

Suddenly, there came the sound of someone clearing their throat, and everyone’s attention turned to a posh British man bringing in a hairless cat… the same man and cat that Skye saw during the tour. “Oh, my, I apologize,” Thomas said as he went to greet them. “I didn't see you there, Mister…?”

“Wellington,” the man set the hairless cat down on the table to shake Thomas’ hand and Mariama’s hoof. “Dr. Philip Wellington.”

“Of course, Dr. Wellington!” Thomas said with a proud smile. “What an honor,” Mariama added with just as much excitement as Thomas. “Your work is legendary.”

Skye hummed in thought as she, Pete and Violette approached the hairless cat on the table, who seemed to be staring at them with the least bit of emotion in her gaze. “That sure is a strange cat… she doesn’t have any fur on her body!”

“I think she’s a hairless sphinx cat,” Violette said in thought. “I remember Hitch saying from the ponies’ last Unity Quest in Egypt that cats were sometimes worshiped in ancient Egypt, and the hairless kind is pretty popular.”

The cat meowed at them rather eerily, causing the fillies to jump back and run to Pipp and Misty out of fright, and despite her concern for her daughter, Mariama cleared her throat and turned back to Dr. Wellington. “Now, what can we do for you?”

“May I... as you say in America, cut right to the chase and get to it with you and Ms. Mariama, professor?” Dr. Wellington pulled something out of his bag that was in a small drawstring pouch. “I have something that I think might... interest you.”

Intrigued, Misty and Pipp tilted their heads so they could get a closer look, and what they saw stunned them-- Dr. Wellington was holding half of a bronze disk... and it had the same symbols as the Bronze of Bastet!

However, no one could be more surprised than Thomas and Mariama themselves. “It can’t be…” Thomas muttered. “May I?”

Dr. Wellington handed over the half of the disc, then with the others watching, he connected the two pieces, letting them fit just like a glove. “I-It’s unbelievable!” Mariama stuttered. “The complete disc! How did you find this?”

Dr. Wellington took the chance to explain while taking his half of the disc back. “Well, let's just say it took a very long time and... considerable effort.”

Skye and Violette looked at each other in complete confusion from where they were listening, and Misty and Pipp seemed just as confused, if not more. “But, if you found the other piece of the disc,” said Pipp, a bit suspiciously, I might add, “then why weren’t Thomas and Mariama informed of your discovery?”

“Well,” Dr. Wellington told the pegasus, “the Egyptian government and I thought it best to keep it on the QT until we discover…”

“Cleopatra’s tomb!” Thomas interrupted, his eyes wide. “Precisely,” Dr. Wellington said with a nod. “I have a plane waiting on standby. The three of us, we could go together and make history, old chap!”

“T-This… this is completely flattering,” Mariama said, trying to process all of this information, “but… Thomas and I can’t just pick up and go to Egypt. We have lives here in Fernfield, and families to look out for!”

“...I know we’re new to the whole archeology business and everything,” said Misty as she came forward, “but… I do think that if you and Mariama don’t go, Thomas… you’re gonna regret it later on. Dr. Wellington has a valid point-- this is your chance to make history by finding the lost collar of Cleocatra!”

And while he had to agree with Misty on this part, Thomas was still a bit reluctant. “But Mariama and I promised her daughter Skye and my grandson a camping trip for spring break.”

“Well, bring the young ones along,” Dr. Wellington invited warmly, looking at Pete and Skye. “Surely, a trip to Egypt is more exciting.”

“Yeah!” Pete instantly agreed, while Skye seemed a little unsure. “Well… I’ve never been that far away from Fernfield before…”

“Come on, Skye! This is the chance of a lifetime to go to Egypt! Sunny and her friends have already done it, and you can do it too!” Violette tried to encourage. “Besides, don’t tell my mom I said this, but helping with a huge archeology treasure hunt is WAY cooler than camping.”

Skye considered this for a few moments, and seeing the encouraging look on Misty, Pipp and Violette’s faces made her slowly nod. “Okay… I guess it would be cool to see where a lot of other zebras live. Mudbud can come with us too, right?”

“T-That?” Dr. Wellington seemed nervous as he looked over at Mudbud, who barked and tried to jump on the table to playfully bite at Dr. Wellington’s hand. “No, no, no. No dogs. I'm afraid my dear, sweet cat, Ubasti, is allergic to them, so your Mud dog will have to stay here.”

“Oh…” Skye seemed a bit sad when this was said but quickly tried to understand where Dr. Wellington was coming from. “I guess if that’s what Ubasti needs, I’ll try and be supportive of it.”

“Don’t worry. Me and the ponies can stay with Mudbud so we can keep him company,” Violette reassured. “Along with all the other Buddies too.”

However, the more Misty got a good look at Ubasti, the more shivers went up her spine. “I don’t know about you, Pipp, but… that cat is sending out a flash warning to my brain.”

“Well, even though her name is translated to ‘she of the ointment jar’ in Egyptian,” Pipp said as she looked this up on her phone, “I gotta admit… something about her definitely doesn’t feel right.”

“Hey, guys!”

Misty and Pipp looked up to see Sunny, Hitch, Zipp and Izzy re-entering the office with excited smiles on their faces. “This place is amazing! There are all sorts of artifacts about Equestrian creatures here!” Zipp said. “And while we didn’t find anything on alicorns yet, I’m sure we’ll find something by the time this is through.”

“Oh! We’re sorry for interrupting,” Sunny said upon noticing Dr. Wellington. “Is there something we can help you with, sir?”

“Actually, Dr. Wellington has proposed a… very interesting offer to me and Thomas,” Mariama admitted, trying to get over the initial shock. “He wants us to come to Egypt and help find the lost collar of Cleocatra, and he wants us to bring Skye and Peter along!”

“No way!” Hitch smiled. “That’s incredible!”

“But… Mudbud has to stay here,” Misty said, “so Violette said we could stay here in Fernfield to keep him company.”

“What do you say, Thomas?” Dr. Wellington asked. “Do we have an arrangement?”

“I-I don’t know,” Thomas said, unsure of what really to say… that is, until Dr. Wellington chuckled again. “Oh, my dear man. You don't want to be an old relic, like the things in this quaint, little museum, when you could show the world what a great archeologist team that Thomas Howard and Mariama really are.”

“...you know, that is a good point,” said Sunny as she came forward. “Guys, finding Cleocatra's necklace is one of the greatest archeological finds in history. You’ve worked for this your whole lives!”

“And, I know as well as anypony,” added Zipp with a smile, “that opportunities like this only come round once in a lifetime.”

Thomas glanced over at the picture of Digger that was sitting on his desk, then to Mariama, who seemed rather enthusiastic about going back to Egypt and finishing where they had left off.

Besides… this was what Digger would have wanted.

How could he say no to this rare opportunity?

Then, after a moment, Thomas finally smiled and spoke up again, turning to Dr. Wellington and Mariama. “You're right. Let's find that tomb!”

“All right!” Zipp pumped a hoof while the Mane 6, Violette and Skye cheered, and Mudbud barked in agreement. “And, if I’m right,” said Mariama, pointing to a map of Egypt, “here is the town of Bastati-- that’s where we need to go.”

Skye and Pete smiled excitedly at one another-- going to Egypt and being archeologists like their mom and grandpa was a dream come true!

However, Violette couldn't help but be a little sad that she wasn't able to go with them, and Izzy could sense it a mile away. “Violette? What’s wrong?”

“I know I promised that we would stay here in Fernfield with the Buddies,” Violette shrugged, “but… I kinda wanna go with them too. Helping uncover a treasure like that would be incredible.”

“Aw, I know,” Sunny said gently, rubbing Violette on the head with her front hoof. “But sometimes, the greatest adventures come to those who wait. And I bet if you wait long enough, there’s gonna be a great adventure popping up anytime now.”

“...tell you what?” Hitch said as he knelt down to Violette’s level. “Why don’t you and Skye have a sleepover with Mudbud and Pete tonight before you guys leave?”

“Yeah!” Misty nodded. “That way you can spend all the time you want together before they have to head to Egypt!”

“I think that’s a wonderful idea,” Mariama smiled. “What do you think, kids?”

“Sounds great to me!” Skye smiled. “Me too!” Pete added before turning back to the Mane 6. “Do you guys wanna join?”

“I wish we could,” Zipp said gently, putting a hoof on Pete’s shoulder, “but we really have to get back to looking for alicorn stuff in the archives. The mysteries of Skyros aren’t going to solve themselves. We’ll be back in time to see you guys off to Egypt in the morning-- promise.”

This caused Violette and Skye to nod in compliance before smiling at each other.

One thing was for certain-- this was DEFINITELY going to be fun.

XXXXXXXX

“Thanks for letting us use one of your guest rooms, Mrs. Howard,” Violette said to Pete’s mother later that night as she was guiding the two fillies to their room for the night. “We’re more than happy to sleep on the couch, though.”

“Oh, that’s nonsense, girls,” said Mrs. Howard with a kind smile as she opened the door for them. “Any friend of Pete and Mudbud are friends of this family. Just let me or Pete’s dad know if you need anything.”

“Thank you!” the fillies said before entering the bedroom to get settled for the night. The bedroom was quite cozy, with a plush bed that could fit both of them, along with a warm wallpaper color, a TV and a lamp so that way the girls would have a night-light, in case the dark made them a little bit uncomfortable.

After getting into their pajamas, Skye sighed and flopped down onto the bed. “Man… going to Egypt is going to be super awesome! I really wish the Buddies were able to go with us, so you can come with us too.”

“Aww, thanks, Skye,” smiled Violette. “But you’re gonna have a great time, with or without us. You’re gonna make an archeological discovery that no one has before!”

“I guess that is pretty amazing in itself,” Skye said with a smile before realizing something. “Hey… you acted kinda peculiar with the Buddies at the museum when you and the older ponies first saw them, and you said you would tell me about it later. Do you… think you can let me in on your little secret?”

Violette seemed to hesitate for a few moments, trying to decide if she should tell Skye the fact that she and the Mane 6 could understand the Buddies and other animals… but then again, she had never told anyone else about it before.

What if Skye laughed at her, or thought she was crazy?

No... Skye wouldn't do that. Even though they had just met earlier that day, Violette thought that Skye was a true friend.

And a true friend is someone you can share practically everything with.

After a few moments, Violette sighed and turned to Skye with a smile on her face. “Okay… so, the last time that me and the older ponies were here, we noticed something… different about us. We could do something that nopony else around here could.”

“Really?” Skye tilted her head. “Was it flying? Levitating stuff? Growing plants?”

“Well, sort of, but not quite. The second we got to Fernfield,” said Violette slowly, bracing herself for Skye's reaction, “we… realized we could understand the animals around here. Just like Hitch could back home in Equestria.”

“Wait…” Skye paused the conversation. “You can… understand the animals? Even the Buddies?”

“Even the Buddies,” Violette nodded. “But most of the other creatures and humans in town can’t, so we had to keep it on the downlow for as long as we could remember. You’re the only other one beside us who knows about this, so we need you to keep this a secret for now… okay?”

“Of course I’ll keep your secret!” Skye said with a warm smile and an eager glimmer in her eyes. “I’ve never met anyone who could understand animals before!”

“Really?” Violette blinked. “You’re not weirded out or anything?”

“No way!” Skye shook her head. “I know that a lot of creatures have special gifts, and sometimes it can be really hard to share those gifts with others. But… I’m really glad you shared your secret with me.”

“I’m glad I did too,” smiled Violette. “Hey, what do you say we watch a movie before we go to bed?”

“Sounds good to me,” Skye nodded, picking up the TV to turn it on and decide their movie before they drifted off to sleep.

XXXXXXXX

The night seemed to pass by quickly, and as the sun rose over Fernfield the next morning, Thomas and Mariama arrived to see if Pete and Skye were ready, and the entire family, including Pete’s parents, helped bring the luggage outside.

Thomas turned toward his grandson as Mudbud, Skye and Violette raced outside. “Are you and Skye ready to go, Peter?”

“Oh, we’re ready,” Pete answered as a large SUV pulled into the driveway, and Dr. Wellington stepped out of it while Ubasti stayed in the car. “This is gonna be epic!”

“Yeah!” Skye giggled. “Insanely epic!”

Mrs. Howard turned to her father with a look of excitement and concern mixed into one. “Take care of my baby, Dad. Remember he's only ten,” she said as Mudbud barked. “And call me when you land. And then every day, twice.”

“Don’t you worry, sweetheart,” Thomas reassured his daughter before Dr. Wellington checked his watch. “Well, we mustn't dawdle. Wheels up in precisely… 26 minutes. Chop-chop. Let's go.”

“Let me help you, Mr. Howard,” Violette used her magic to lift some of the suitcases to the car. It was then that Mudbud whimpered, not wanting Pete to go, and Pete immediately reached down to pet his loyal dog before he left. “Hey, Mudbud. Bye…”

“Violette and the older ponies will take good care of him, Peter, I know it,” Mariama assured with a gentle smile as Violette and Mr. Howard came back over. “And you’ll have plenty of stories to tell him when you get back.”

Mrs. Howard then picked Mudbud up into her arms to comfort him while Skye and Violette hugged. “Make sure to tell me about Egypt when you get back,” Violette told Skye with excitement. “I wanna hear EVERY detail.”

“Don’t worry,” Skye assured. “I’m gonna ask Mom to use her camera to take pictures of everything, so you won’t feel left out.”

Mariama hummed in surprise, not seeing Sunny or the others anywhere in sight. “I thought Sunny and the others were going to meet us here to see us off.”

“Maybe they got caught up at the museum or something,” Pete shrugged. “I’m sure we’ll see them when we’re driving through town.”

“Hmm… yes,” Mariama nodded. “I suppose you’re right.”

“Bye, Mom,” Pete hugged his mother and let her kiss his head. “Bye, baby,” Mrs. Howard bid farewell before Pete turned to his father. “Bye, Dad.”

“Be good,” Mr. Howard offered Pete a fist bump and tussled his hair. “Have a good time.”

“Let’s go, kids,” Thomas said as the four began to walk toward the SUV, and Mariama held the door open for Skye, but Pete turned back to Mudbud before he got in. “I'll bring you back some Egyptian mud!”

However, unbeknownst to the other humans, Skye and her mother, Ubasti turned to Violette and Mudbud with a sinister smirk on her muzzle. “He won't be bringing you back anything, Dirtbud. Or you, Failette.”

“Huh?” Mudbud and Violette chorused in surprise. “When we find the Cat's Eye jewel,” Ubasti continued sinisterly, “it'll be mine, and cats will finally rule, with me as their queen.”

Knowing Violette couldn’t risk exposing her secret, Mudbud decided to take a stand against the hairless cat himself. “Not if the Buddies and ponies of Equestria have anything to say about it.”

However, Ubasti only shot him a nasty look. “Bye bye… fleabag. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!”

“No…” Violette murmured as the SUV began to drive away. “No no no no no no!!!”

Mudbud began to squirm and bark in Mrs. Howard’s arms, and Mrs. Howard only thought of this as Mudbud missing Pete already. “Ohh. Poor Mudbud's devastated.”

Mudbud continued to bark as the SUV drove out of sight, and Violette plucked the Golden Retriever pup out of Mrs. Howard’s arms. “I… uh… I got him, Mrs. Howard. You and Mr. Howard should go and relax. We’ll probably go find the other Buddies and go play.”

“Oh, thank you, Violette,” Mrs. Howard smiled. “Such a responsible young filly.”

And with that, she and Mr. Howard retreated into the house, leaving Mudbud and Violette on their own, and once they were FULLY alone, Mudbud let out a growl of anger. “That cat dudette cannot get away with this.”

“And she won’t, Mudbud. We’re gonna save Pete, Skye, Thomas and Mariama from her plan,” Violette said. “But we’re gonna need some backup.”

“You’re right,” Mudbud said after a moment of realization before turning to the way the car had drove off in. “Don’t worry, guys-- we’re coming to save you!”

Then, releasing a determined howl to the sky to alert the other Buddies and the Mane 6, Mudbud led Violette away from the house and down the road, hoping to catch up to the plane and become stowaways to Egypt...

...and hopefully, they were going to be able to stop Ubasti and her evil plan before it was too late.