Chapters Daring Do and the Soluna Stone
Chapter 1: Adventure Begins
Daring Do and the Soluna Stone:
-Manehattan Library-
In the Library, Spike is sitting on a chair reading, "Daring Do and the Quest of the Sapphire Stone" He seems to be very interested in the book. As Spike is reading on the bottom floor, Twilight is writing a letter to the Princess on one of her many lessons on friendship. As she finishes, she puts the quill away and rolls the letter up with her magic.
"Spike, can you please send this letter to the princess?" asks Twilight.
She hears no response from her assistant and asks again.
"Spike, are you listening to me? I need you to send this letter to the Princess," asks Twilight.
She hears no response again and is getting very annoyed. So she turns around and looks at the bottom floor and sees that Spike is reading a book on a chair in the lounge area. She teleports down to the first floor right in front of Spike. She sees he is reading a book about their friend Daring Do.
Daring Do is a friend of theirs who they met during the whole Nightmare Moon incident where she puts up the persona of Honey Do, a museum professor. While they were looking for the Elements of Harmony, she revealed her real identity in front of them when the situation was dire. Daring Do only changed her identity to avoid being noticed by hundreds of fans and reporters asking about her many adventures, all of which have been exaggerated to the fullest extent. Being the Element of Honesty, Daring knew she could trust Twilight and everyone else and shared her secret with them.
Twilight sees that Spike still has not noticed that she is standing in from of him. Twilight sees that he has a pile of the entire collection of Daring Do books right next to his chair in a messed up pile. She assumes that he has been reading these books for hours or for days. Maybe that's why he hasn't been answering. So Twilight tries asking again this time almost by his ear.
"Spike?" Twilight asks.
But got no response again even though she is right in his ear. So now she takes in a deep breath and yells right in his ear, "SPIKE!!!"
Spike yells from being shocked and falls over off the chair dumbfounded as to what just happened. He then looks over and sees Twilight right over him.
"Oh, hi Twilight, you need something?" asks a confused Spike.
"Yes, I do", says Twilight as she then used her magic to bring the letter to the Princess in front of Spike.
"I needed you to send this letter to Princess Celestia when I asked you a minute ago", says Twilight in a upset mood.
"Why didn't you ask me?" asks Spike.
"I did."
"Well I didn't hear you."
"You kidding? I was calling for you for a minute and you weren't paying attention."
"Oh, sorry."
Twilight then notices that he has bags under his eyes and is starting to yawn.
Twilight sighs and says, "Look, I know reading is good for you, but just looking at you makes me think you've been reading these books all night."
Spike, now looking sad, with his head held down says to Twilight, "I'm sorry."
He then looks back at Twilight. "I've just been getting interested in Daring's books on her many adventures. They're very interesting"
Twilight then face-hooves herself and sighs, "Spike you know that Daring said that the books stretch the truth on her adventures"
"Twilight, it just makes me wonder what her actual adventures are like"
"Well Spike, you can ask her yourself."
Spike then gets up about to go out the door, but Twilight is using her magic to hold him from running.
She then says, "After you send the letter to the Princess, which I ASKED you to do."
Spike groans as he takes the parchment then breathed fire onto it where the ashes then blew off out the window, no doubt being sent to Celestia. Twilight then smiles and uses her magic to levitate the pile of books Spike read to put them back. As she is doing so, she sees Spike still holding onto the book he was still reading while the book was being levitated.
"Please Twilight, I'm still not finished with this book yet. I promise not to get distracted again," says Spike. Spike then made a puppy dog face to try and convince Twilight.
Twilight sighs, then says, "Fine, but no more all nighters for you."
She then let's go of the book as Spike fell to the floor with it still in his claws. Twilight has all of the books back in their proper order.
Now all their tasks finished, as they are about to leave out of the doors, Spike then asks Twilight, "Say Twilight. Are we going to ask anyone else to come with us?"
Twilight then responds, "I don't think so."
"Why not?"
"Cause everypony is busy. Octavia is off practicing for a banquet she has to be at, Blossomforth has come down with a fever, Sherbet is up to her Cutie Mark in loads of work with her catering business, and Trixie is off who knows where."
Spike then responds, "Oh, okay."
Twilight then opened the doors saying, "Hopefully today is more interesting than your books Spike."
My Little Pony, My Little Pony
-Manehattan Museum of Natural History-
As they are about to enter the Museum, Twilight decides to talk to Spike about him reading and walking.
"Spike, you need to stop reading while walking, you almost walked into traffic several times on our walk here," says Twilight.
"I did?" says Spike looking confused.
Twilight gives Spike a disappointed look which made Spike collect his thoughts.
"Oh, yeah sorry. I'm just invested in this book since I'm about to ask Daring Do all of my questions!" says Spike in a very excited manner.
Twilight shakes her head and before opening the door says, "Well, be careful. Before you know it you'll walk into somepony in the doorway."
Just as she said that, in an instant, she is face to face with Daring running out the door. With no time to react they collide and are barreling down the steps. Spike wide-eyed and shocked goes down the steps to help his friends. Twilight and Daring were both dazed but not hurt. Twilight sees that Daring was carrying a sack full of tools and books, but now some of them are out of the sack scattered about when they collided.
"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry Daring!" says Twilight in a shocked state.
Daring, wearing her sweater(the one she saw wearing when she first met her), a pair of glasses, and her signature expedition hat, got up and dusted herself off. Daring then starts collecting her belongings with Twilight helping her with Spike helping too.
"No, I'm sorry Twilight, I'm in a rush. I need to catch a flight now, and remember outside, I'm still Honey Do," says Daring at a rushed pace.
"Oh, yeah. By the way, what's all this stuff for? You going somewhere?" questions Twilight. Daring, still in a rush, hands a letter to Twilight with her mouth. Then Twilight takes the letter and uses her magic to unfold the letter and read.
Dear Daring Do,
This is Sandy Shores. Our team has uncovered the artifact we were looking for. I know that my team and I know you researched this artifact awhile back with us, and could use your expertise on confirming the valid identity of the artifact and recovering it. As we suspect that it may be well guarded given the circumstances. I've arranged a flight to Saddle Arabia for you and hope you accept my help.
Sincerely, Sandy Shores
Twilight dumbfounded on what all this meant, she puts together that Daring has to leave for awhile to help recover this artifact. This comes to mind this artifact is never named in the letter. Twilight then decides to ask Daring what this all means.
"Daring, what's this artifact you have to look for?" Twilight asks.
Daring is giving looks on whether to tell her friends or not. She gives in and decides to tell her and Spike what all this was about.
"Okay, I'll tell you. I believe the object they found is the Soluna Stone," says Daring.
"The Soluna Stone?" says both Twilight and Spike in a confused manner.
Daring sighs and says, "I believe I need to start from the beginning on this location and the artifact itself."
Long ago, there was a tribe in Saddle Arabia that believed that they were the center of the universe and had power that expanded across the land. This was during the time before the foundation of Equestria. So during this time, the Tribe was composed of mostly Earth Ponies, some seers and sages being unicorns. Feeling they wanted more power, they controlled the entire country. They felt they could control more, but the only place left for them to control was the very celestial bodies. So they decided to try and control the Sun and the Moon. So for the longest time, their best alchemists worked tirelessly to work on this project. After many years of work and enchanting, they created a round gem with one half being yellow-orange like daytime, and the other half being blue as night, representing the Sun and the Moon. With this gem, they controlled the Sun and Moon's rotation, thus believing they controlled all of existence. They dubbed it, 'The Soluna Stone', after the names they gave the Sun and Moon, Sol and Luna. Then, one day, a storm came. One they never experienced came by and washed away the entire village the Tribe lived in. The sand mixed with the wind and rain created a mudslide which sank the entire village, including the building which housed The Soluna Stone. It was like the very heavens punished them for their abuse of power. A couple of years ago, Sandy Shores, an old schoolmate of mine, was part of an expedition team to recover this very gem. She invited me to help her research this very thing. We looked through other ruins recording the Tribes history which lead to the downfall of their Tribe. The rest after the downfall is still a mystery. Daring then finishes her story as Twilight and Spike are fascinated by the explanation they were given. Spike is the most focused and asks her a question.
"Wow, that was amazing! So you have to go to Saddle-whatever, and to see your old friend to help her team recover the Soluna Stone?" asks an excited Spike.
Daring nods as Spike continues to speak, "Oh yes. By the way, I wanted to ask you more questions about-"
Daring interrupts him, " Sorry Spike, no time for chatting, I need to go."
Spike moans in dismissal.
Twilight still dumbfounded is trying to collect her thoughts, then wants to know more. Then she sees Daring about to leave. She then asks her quickly.
"Daring wait! Take me with you!" says Twilight.
Daring stops dead in her tracks and turns to Twilight shouting, "WHAT!"
Daring goes over to her and says, "You don't know how this works Twilight. You don't know anything about archaeology," says Daring in a stern tone.
"Yes, but I know about a thing on ancient history. Plus I want to know more and see this gem for myself," says Twilight gleefully.
"I don't know," says Daring.
"I want to see this very gem that even predates Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. With a gem that has almost equal amount of power to control the Sun and Moon, and having Earth Ponies the ability to control this power alone fascinates me," says Twilight.
Daring thinks about this for a couple minutes, then responds, "Well.......okay. You can help document this expedition for me."
Twilight then jumps around gleefully saying yes over and over. Twilight then stops when Spike and Daring are staring at her. She stops and blushes. Then she realizes that she needs supplies, but Daring could have these supplies with her.
Daring then says, "We need to leave now for our flight, Twilight."
Spike then jumps in saying, "Wait, bring me with you too!"
Twilight knew this was coming since he still wanted to ask questions to Daring.
No use in arguing with him, she sighs and smiles saying, "Okay Spike, I could never leave my number one assistant home alone. Plus I do need help with this work."
Spike also jumps for joy and gets on Twilight's back as to get ready for the trip. But he then goes to reading his book as to saying that he knew this was going to happen.
Daring then shaking her head then says, "Okay, now if there are no more interruptions, we need to get-"
Just then a puff of smoke comes behind her as a unicorn jumps out shouting, "Behold, The Great and Powerful Trixie has arrived!"
Daring shocked, but also annoyed says, "Trixie?! Were you spying on us?"
Trixie then says, "This spying you say is a bit extreme. I simply hid and listened on your conversation."
"That's spying," says Daring.
Trixie then tips her hat and says, "Well anyway, with the rest of our friends unavailable to begin with, I want to come with you on your trip for two reasons: One, we're friends and I'll be with you anyway. Two, this will be a perfect way for me to advertise my performance around the world!"
Daring still annoyed, wants to reject her, but knew there was no time to argue as she need to get to her flight now .
"Okay, fine, we need to leave now!" shouts Daring. Daring then trots away as Trixie, Twilight, and Spike while on Twilight's back then follows her.
"I may be the Element of Laughter, but a magician never reveals her secret!" says Trixie in a playful tone.
Twilight rolls her eyes as she continues trotting behind Daring.
She then thinks to herself, "Hope this adventure is worth it."
Author's Note
Please give me likes, ask me edits i need to do if there are any problems with the text. Hope to update later.
Daring Do and the Soluna Stone
Daring Do and the Soluna Stone:
After making it to the landing pad after barely making the scheduled flight, Daring finds a mini-zeppelin waiting for herself and her friends. There's a pilot waiting for them in the lobby of the zeppelin and greets them at the door of the lobby.
"Why, hello my lovely Daring Do. It's great to see you after so many years.", says the pilot as he saluted her.
"Jarvis, it's good to see you again!", says Daring as she gives the pilot a hug.
Twilight, Spike, and Trixie all have questioned looks on their faces as to say what is the relation between them. Daring looks back after hugging the pilot to see her friends faces with the looks then figure they need an explanation.
"Oh, sorry guys. This is Jarvis, he helps me with transportation all over the world. When it becomes too hard for me to handle, he helps me travel long distances and/or harsh environments.", says Daring with a smile.
"A pleasure to meet you all on this lovely day. My name is Jarvis von Krieger, just call me Jarvis.", greets Jarvis.
Jarvis has his mane neatly groomed back which is black in color, but is faded with gray and white hairs on the side. His coat is a shade of dark brown. He also has a neat mustache(which Spike is fascinated by). He is wearing a pilot suit with a chain going into one pocket in the front of his jacket. His Cutie Mark is that of a Aviator Hat, which makes his talent seem to be all about flight travel and navigation as he is the pilot of the zeppelin.
" So you're going to be our pilot today?", asks Trixie, looking unimpressed.
"How long have you known him, Daring?", asks Twilight.
"How great of a pilot is he?", asks Spike, no doubt looking to know anything more about Daring.
Daring breathed in, then spoke, "Yes, 6 years, and one time he flew through a hurricane.".
Twilight has a pleased look, Trixie still looks unimpressed, and Spike's eyes look like they're gleaming as he got a question answered. A ring is being heard somewhere nearby. Jarvis goes into his coat pocket and reaches for the chain and pulls out a fancy pocket watch, and checks the time.
"We must get going, we have no more time for chit-chat. Climb aboard and strap yourselves in.", says Jarvis.
Just as he said so, all four of them get into the lobby of the zeppelin. The inside looks compact, obviously looking like not to accommodate more than 6 ponies. There are four chairs in the middle of the lobby, with three doors in the room. One is in the front for the control room for Jarvis to use. One in the back for a restroom. and the side door for the exit. As they go to sit down, Spike goes to sit right next to Daring, obviously to ask her questions along the entire trip. So that leaves Twilight to sit next to Trixie.
Jarvis closes the door outside and locks it in place. He then goes to the controls to start the zeppelin. Everypony straps themselves in and gets ready to lift off. After several minutes of waiting, the sounds of the engines begin going as they begin lifting off the ground and begin to leave the city. Sounds of static is heard in the corners of the lobby as there are intercoms with Jarvis speaking into them.
"Well everypony, say goodbye to the city, cause it'll take about a day to get to Saddle Arabia.", says Jarvis as his voice is heard over the intercom.
All four of them look outside the window to see a tall building moving away and the city going out of sight. Their adventure to find the Soluna Stone has now officially begun. Twilight can't help that there's to be danger in their journey. Even though Daring is a professional, will they still be in more trouble then they're getting themselves into?
7 hours later...
The flight has been very smooth for the most part and the gang have been trying to entertain themselves over time. For Daring, it has been torture for her when Spike has been hitting her with question after question about her life and her many adventures like if he's going to write an autobiography of her life. Twilight is chatting with Trixie about her actual reasoning for coming with the group and also discussing about her relationship with her friends.
Spike is talking to Daring to death with continuous questions. This appears to be giving Daring a headache as Spike sounds like he never stopped to take a breath in-between questions. Daring rubs her temples with her hooves as she can't stand anymore questions from Spike. She finally snaps and shoves her hoof in Spike's mouth to shut him up.
"Spike, please. You've been giving me questions for hours. I asked about half of them and you haven't stopped since then.", says Daring as she tried to stop herself from yelling at Spike.
"Sorry, but I want to ask you everything I've read in your books and ask for the real facts.", says Spike with sparkles in his eyes.
"You know that all the stuff in my books are exaggerated Spike. How many times do I have to tell you?", asks Daring.
Spike looks very sorry and says, "I've been thinking after the Nightmare Moon incident, that I can act a little more brave and be a hero, like you. So that way, I can help our friends and not get in the way."
Daring looks shocked at Spike's confession.
"You act all brave and kind. You are honest with all your friends and not afraid to reveal yourself in public at times.", says Spike with his head low.
Daring then sighs and decides to give him a long explanation, and also give him a confession.
"Spike, I'll be honest with you. I may reveal myself when I'm with my fans, but I don't like the fame as much as I told you all before. I wish I never became so famous because of my work. The pony who writes my books, is Sandy Shores.", says Daring in a sad tone.
Spike gasps from all the information he's being given.
After my expedition to Saddle Arabia, Sandy contacted me and offered to write books about my many travels. I agreed and figured I could at least give them the truth of my many journeys. After the first book came out, I read it for myself and saw that Sandy exaggerated not only my adventures, but my personality altogether. I asked her why she did this, and said that she thought my life needed a little more flair. Afterwards, I started getting more attention. I tried to avoid this by taking a job at the museum of Manehattan and using my birth name, Honey Do, as 'Daring' is only a nickname. I only appear to my fans if Daring Do meet-ups want me there, so I put on a smile for my fans. For once I want Sandy to write the truth on my books. For years, I just want to settle down and not have any worries. So after this adventure, I'm going to stop my expeditions and settle down at the museum for awhile with you guys to be happy with. Daring smiles after her explanation, but she is tearing up and sniffling a bit. Spike then moves closer and hugs Daring to comfort her. Daring then wipes away her tears and rubs Spike's head, which has made her feel better.
"I'm sorry for annoying you Daring. I never knew you kept this all inside you.", says Spike.
"No, I should've told you all more what I've been feeling.", says Daring.
"I promise Daring, no matter what happens, I'll be sure to get the Soluna Stone for you. I'll make this adventure the most memorable for you.", says Spike with a confident tone.
"Thanks Spike. I know with your help and with Twilight and Trixie helping us, we'll get that gem for sure.", says Daring with renewed vigor.
Daring then gives Spike a huge hug and she feels much better knowing that her friends will always be there to help her out.
On the other side of the lobby, Twilight is talking with Trixie. Twilight, for the last hour or so, has been talking to Trixie about their life and recent events.
"So you being Celestia's student pretty much must be very pressuring for such as you.", says Trixie.
"It is, but I know that the Princess has complete faith in me.", said Twilight with a smile of thinking of Celestia.
"I wouldn't know. I never went to the school for gifted unicorns. You had the chance to go back and live the splendor life of Canterlot. Why didn't you go back?", questions Trixie.
"Well, you all made me think what it means to have friends. The thought of losing friendship would've made me sad of being alone again.", says Twilight.
She then thinks back to the memory of when she decided to stay in Manehattan.
"Spike, take a letter.", says Celestia. Spike then takes out a piece of parchment and a quill to write down. "I, Princess Celestia. Hereby decree, that the unicorn, Twilight Sparkle, will report to me with her findings on the magic of friendship, from her new hometown of Manehattan.", she says with a royal tone. Twilight is shocked as her friends then hug each other as they hear the good news that Twilight will be staying in town now, and to write to the Princess on her findings on friendship."Princess, I don't know what to say but, thank you!", says Twilight." Everypony, I know that I'll be happy here, knowing that I have friends like you.". "Trixie, friendship is something that will never be replaced or removed.", says Twilight.
"Well, I never had friends before I met you all. I always was a sideshow act when I perform around equestria.", said Trixie.
Twilight leans closer to know more about her.
Trixie continues her story, "After a mishap I had in Ponyville, I decided to perform in Manehattan for a couple of months. After what happened with Nightmare Moon and with my boastful heroics last month, I knew Manehattan would be my permanent home!"
Twilight is happy to hear her friend say this, as Trixie has the tendency to be boastful of herself.
"Now you know how precious it can be. Having friends, in the most unexpected of places, was the right path we both decided to take", says Twilight.
Trixie sighs, "Yes I do, I just saw you at first as a new pony to show off my act to. Now that I want to make my show known around the world, I want to bring smiles to many ponies. I want to share our friendship to everypony!", says Trixie gleefully.
"So that's why you wanted to come with us?", asks Twilight.
"Yes. Now I can bring joy to everypony, by sharing smiles and laughter to all!", says Trixie with flair as she raises her hooves like she's performing on stage
With that said, Twilight gets a blanket and covers herself so she can sleep. Trixie then sees Daring and Spike bundling up together and are happily sleeping. Trixie takes off her hat and cloak with her magic to set on the ground, then gets a blanket to sleep as well. Before she drifts to sleep, her last thoughts are of what Twilight told her about keeping friendship close.
Author's Note
I was trying to make this chapter longer, but wanted to save it for next time. The next chapter we'll definitely make it to Saddle Arabia and start our preparation to find the Soluna Stone. Stay Tuned!
Daring Do and the Soluna Stone
Chapter 3: Entering Saddle Arabia
Daring Do and the Soluna Stone:
15 hours later...
After almost a full day of flying, the group finally makes it to Saddle Arabia. The group looks out the window and see- SAND, SAND, and more SAND! Other than a small local village and what appears to be the dig site, the zeppelin begins to land right outside the little village. The group gets ready to land, but as they do, Daring hands the group many robes and cloths.
"Why do we need these?", questions Trixie.
"We need to wear these robes so we can cover our bodies from the intense heat, and to prevent sunburn.", says Daring
"I refuse to wear such, awful rags! I must fix this solution!", shouts Trixie.
Trixie's horn glows and points at her clothes. The clothes then flash and change color to be more bright and blue. Trixie smiles and puts her robes on. The rest put their robes on along with Daring, who then puts her trademark hat on afterwards. The only one to not put their robe on is Spike. Daring sees this and raises a brow.
"Why aren't you putting your robes on Spike?", asks Daring.
Twilight then speaks up, "Since Spike is a dragon, he can handle extreme temperatures, like bathing in a pool of lava."
Daring Do is awed by this little piece of info. Just as this happens, the zeppelin has finished landing. Jarvis then walks out of the cockpit with robes on him as well. He proceeds to open the door, then the group is met with a wave of heat.
"Good luck Daring, I'll be in town to set us up a place to stay at.", says Jarvis.
"Thanks Jarvis, we'll be back at nighttime.", says Daring.
The group then leaves the zeppelin and see that some ponies have gathered around the aircraft. Daring then goes to the group of ponies with colts and fillies approaching them. Daring happily greets the crowd surrounding them. Trixie pushes her way through and approaches the crowd.
"Aha, a crowd to start my world-wide show!", says Trixie as she smiles and waves at the crowd.
"Ponies here barely have any visitors., especially one's who're unicorns and pegasi. They especially love to help travelers and archaeologists.", says Daring.
"Well then, I suppose they won't expect this!", says Trixie as she uses her magic to levitate some sand.
As she does, the ponies are being awed of this rare sight of magic being performed. Trixie then weaves the sand around one spot as the sand is starting to come together. As the whirlwind of sand ends, in its place is a sand statue of Trixie, of course. The Arabian ponies then cheer at this spectacular sight as Trixie then takes a bow for her performance. Even Twilight and the others cheered for her performance, but they have to cut it short for the job they came to do.
"Alright Trixie, now that you did one trick, we need to head to camp. Remember why we came here.", says Daring.
Trixie then frowns and says, "Oh well, I guess good talent can be saved for later.", huffed Trixie.
Daring then starts putting her bags on her back.
When she does, she says to Twilight, "Twilight, I hope you brought something to write with?".
"I made sure to pack that first on this trip.", says Twilight.
Twilight then levitates a notepad and quill out of Daring's bags. Twilight is already starting to take notes on the environment, the natives, culture, etc.
"I make sure to write anything I can come across to study and to help you in your search for the Soluna Stone.", says Twilight.
"Okay then. Let's get to camp now before sunhigh, otherwise we'll be in for a huge heatwave.", says Daring.
Trixie is looking around and sees nothing. "Where is it? I don't see the camp.", says a confused Trixie.
" The camp is north of town. We landed on the outskirts of the northern part of town. We keep trotting north for about 20 minutes, so keep your canteens close and conserve your water.", says Daring.
Trixie then groans knowing this will feel like an eternity to her.
"Better get used to trotting girls, and Spike. There's going to be a lot of this.", says Trixie to the others.
-20 minutes later-
Daring leads the others through the harsh desert, with the heat bearing down on all of them. Trixie has and is still complaining the entire way, even during the first few feet leaving town. Also, she wasted her canteen within 2 minutes. Daring thought ahead with a spare canteen and gave it to her, but this time, Daring only gave it to her in small amounts to try and teach her how to conserve water in the desert.
Within time like Daring said, they finally make it to camp. The camp is gathered in a huge group next to the ruins. The ruins are mostly buried in sand and shows its age with weather and sandstorms. The most notable feature is a huge sand dune with a spire sticking out, and a very small opening just barely noticeable by the naked eye. Ponies are scattered all over the place and are either at camp resting, or by the ruins checking them out.
Daring wipes her head and heads down to the camp.
Spike speaks up and says, "Finally, I get to meet the author of Daring's books!"
Twilight stands next to him and says, "Remember Spike, these stories are exaggerated. So don't say anything to upset somepony. More importantly Daring."
Spike agrees and moves forward with her. Trixie drags behind and is moaning and groaning on the sand.
"Finally! Hope to have a fan and some water with a comfy sofa to lay on.", Trixie moans.
Trixie then heads down the sand with the rest of the group and enter the camp.
The group now enters camp and inspect the many stallions and mares working on artifacts or other items found in those ruins. Daring is inspecting the camp, and at the same time getting greetings from the ponies she knows or worked with. Daring is leading them to a big tent, which is suspected to be the center of camp. They all enter the tent and are finally being cooled off from the heat. As they enter, Daring is caught off guard by a mare giving her a hug. The mare has a short tan mane, with a brown coat and grey eyes. Her cutie mark is that of a sand hill with a shovel and magnifying glass crossed together. She's also wearing the same clothing as Daring, minus the hat.
"Oh, Daring! It's so good to see you again!", says the mare.
She is giggling while continuing to give Daring a hug. It takesDaring a second to register what's happening, then finally responds with a hug back.
"Hey Sandy, it's good to see you again.", gleefully says Daring.
The others respond surprised of the realization that the mare hugging Daring, is her best friend Sandy. Sandy finishes hugging Daring and goes to introduce herself.
"Hello everypony. My name is Sandy Shores. I'm the leader of this expedition and best friend to explorer, Daring Do!"
The group awes at this announcement, especially Spike, who is looking at the author of the books he is reading.
"So, Daring Do, it's an honor to see you again.", says another voice in the shadow of the tent.
The group looks in the direction of the voice and sees a large figure. It walks out of the shadow and its appearance is shown. It has blue fur and resembles a large monkey, but its tail has a hand at the end of it. It also is wearing various jewels on his fingers (tail hand included) and a business suit with a chain leading to its suit pocket. Spike and Daring both gasp at the realization at who it is.
"Ahuizotl!", they both say.
Daring Do's most hated enemy is standing straight in front of them!
Author's Note
Oh boy, what a shocking ending! What's Daring's most hated enemy doing here? Tune in to the next chapter.
Daring Do and the Soluna Stone
Chapter 4: Campside Confessions
Daring Do and the Soluna Stone:
"Ahuizotl!", gasp both Spike and Daring.
Ahuizotl, the main villain of Daring's books, is standing in front of them. Spike might have figured he would've been make believe like the rest of the books. Seeing him in person and not make believe sends Spike in a fit of fury. Spike then lunges at Ahuizotl, begging to attack him.
"Arrragh! You won't hurt Daring, Ahuzotl!", yells Spike as he lunged towards him.
"Spike, wait!", yells Daring.
Right as Daring yelled, Ahuizotl grabs Spike lunging toward him, with his tail hand. Ahuizotl chuckles at Spike with a smile.
"Ha, ha, ha! My, what a rambunctious boy you are.", giggles Ahuizotl.
"Let me go, let me go, let me go!", yells Spike.
"Spike, calm down. He's not a bad guy.", says Daring.
Spike stops right away confused. As he stops struggling, Ahuizotl puts him down and pats him on the head, which makes Spike groan. Twilight and Trixie are also confused at this.
"I'm guessing you read Daring's books too, right?", asks Ahuizotl.
Everypony nods. Ahuizotl sighs and rubs his head. He then sits down on a cushion getting ready to speak.
"I guess I need to explain myself.", says Ahuizotl.
"We don't need to talk to a meany like you!", yells Sandy.
"Only because you make him the meany in your books to begin with.", groans Daring.
Twilight is trying to remember something, then it hit her.
"Oh yeah! Sandy writes the books right?", questions Twilight.
Daring nods.
"Then why does Sandy hate Ahuizotl by making him the bad guy?", asks Twilight.
"Because he always steals my friends prize!", pouts Sandy.
Ahuizotl chuckles at that outburst.
"This stealing is not in my dictionary. I simply make it into a friendly competition.", says Ahuizotl with a smug grin.
"You always make them for profit instead of history!", yells Daring.
"Would somepony explain to The Great and Powerful Trixie on what the flipping hoof is going on?", asks Trixie.
Daring sighs and sits down on a chair, "I'll explain everything.".
When every time I got a job to go after an artifact, Ahuizotl comes to steal all my thunder. Ahuizotl is a businessman of sorts. He also specializes in archaeology, but goes to make a profit. He hires several ponies, griffons, goats, centaurs, minotaurs, whatever. Anypony to hire under his belt. I first met him during my search for the Sapphire Stone. You guys know the book of how I broke my wing and went through tooth and tail to get the stone. Of course, the book like all the others, are far from the truth. Ahuizotl came by during my search, and introduced himself to me. He hired goons to take the stone from me before I did. Ahuizotl got the stone, but I managed to grab it back, and bring it to the proper museums. Ever since then, I told Sandy what happened. I guess afterwards, she made him the main villain of her books because of what he did to get the treasures at all costs. After that, Ahuizotl and I always compete for an artifact afterwards, but I always preferred preserving history than having bits any day. Daring finishes her explanation afterwards and everypony is silenced. Twilight is relieved that this misunderstanding is from the books again. Trixie is still unimpressed. Spike is embarrassed of what he was going to do to Ahuizotl. Sandy is still in a grumpy mood. Ahuizotl then gets up, and proceeds to leave the tent.
"Thank you Daring dear. Now if you excuse me, I need to see my treasure hunters.", says Ahuizotl as he left.
"Good riddance. I don't want that meany anywhere near us again.", says Sandy.
"Honestly Sandy, you are acting so immature.", says Daring.
"I just want no one to mess my Daring.", pouts Sandy.
"You know, you two act like sisters. In fact, you both look like you can be related.", says Twilight
Twilight, Trixie, and Spike all look at both Daring and Sandy. They both have the same build, size, and almost same mane style.
"That's because I adore Daring like a sister to me. That's why I changed my mane, to look a lot like her. Now why don't you all stay the night and get ready for tomorrow morning.", says Sandy.
"Fine by us, we need to relax before the big day. Plus I doubt Trixie wants to go back outside.", says Twilight.
"I happily agree, that I, The Great and Powerful Trixie, don't want to sweat again.", says Trixie.
"Very well. Let's unpack first.", says Daring.
-Later that night-
After the sun went down, the weather got intensely cold outside. Trixie wondered why it was cold in a desert. Daring explained that the heat stored in the desert is released when the sun goes down, and the absence of heat makes the area cold. After that, they all ate dinner. Daring had a pony send a message to Jarvis to let him know that they'll be staying with Sandy for the night, and to just stay on the zeppelin as to not waste bits on a hotel. As that happened, Daring and Sandy were catching up as Spike wanted to catch up on the conversation. Twilight and Trixie in the meantime were getting ready to sleep.
"So you made the books for your admiration of Daring, Sandy?", asks Spike.
"That's right Spike. During my spare time while not doing expeditions, I read up on Daring's trips and find an inspiration for her adventures by making them into books.", says Sandy.
"Yes, about those.", as Daring interrupts.
Sandy and Spike both look at Daring with concerned looks.
" I think we need to talk about the books.", says Daring.
"I thought we went about this already, Daring.", says Sandy.
"Yes, but this time, I need to put my hoof down.", says Daring.
Sandy is shocked at this.
"I may like how you write books for me, but I need to address parts that are far from the truth. You make me look like I'm very arrogant and in your face, which I'm not. You also make people you don't like the villains, without giving concern of their feelings. Also, you make my adventures seem more action packed. It's time I become more honest with my life. I may like the attention from the fans, but to hide my identity during everyday life is almost unbearable! Ever since I met Twilight and everypony else, I decided I wanted to be more honest with my life, and the first thing to do is to come and see you. So for once Sandy, you need to grow up and tell the truth!", huffs Daring after her long rant.
Spike is shocked to see Daring like this, but turns to see Sandy in tears. Sandy starts crying out loud that causes Twilight and Trixie to come out of the other side of the tent.
"What happened?, questions Twilight.
"What's with all the crying?", questions Trixie.
"I'm so sorry Honey.", bawls Sandy as she calls out Daring's real name.
Daring is shocked to hear friend call out her real name. In all the times she first met her, she never heard her call out her real name.
"I'm very, very, very sorry. I've always wanted to be an adventurer like you Daring. Ever since our foal days, I've always wanted to be brave like you.", says Sandy still sniffling.
"What's she talking about?", questions Spike.
Sandy wipes her tears away and calms down, "Alright, I'll tell you all.".
Back then during my foal years, I could never fend for myself since I was always scared of every little thing that startled me. So I was always the target for bullies because of my reputation of being a bookworm. The one subject to always keep me calm and collected was history. I always though of being brave like the ponies that trekked through many lands and discovering new places. I never had the courage to do it. Then one day, when I was being bullied, Honey Do came by and helped me out. She got the bullies in trouble, and ever since then we both became friends. Honey Do was a foal who would do anything daring for a bit, and would do it without having a second thought, even if it did cost a hoof and a wing. We both had the interest of history and archaeology, so we often talked about the same subject. I always thought of making adventures of a pony like the ones in my history books. While Honey always wanted to see the worlds outside Equestria, and see what no pony has ever seen. Then one day, we both got our cutie marks, thanks to our interest in archaeology. My cutie mark represents my knowledge of lost civilizations, and Honey got hers for learning to trek through the harshest of environments, relying only on her instincts. Eventually, we both grew up, and I gave Honey her the nickname, "Daring", after her daring nature into the unknown of adventure. She went on to become an archaeologist, and I became one too, but also became a fiction writer. After hearing her adventures of she's been doing with her life over the years, I decided to write books on her many adventures. I've always admired her as more than a friend, but like as a sister to me. After meeting her again after our initial research on the Soluna Stone, I wrote all of my books about her. Since I was always mesmerized by her personality, I changed her attitude in the books. If there was anypony against her, I made them the villain so as to not bully her like they did to me. I always felt like making these books were a way for me to repay her, and for a way I could have been the pony I could never have been. Everypony is stunned to hear Sandy's revelation. Sandy begins tearing up again. Just then Daring goes to hug her. Sandy stops crying and sees Daring hugging her.
"I'm sorry I made you feel like this. I didn't know you held in you for so long. You don't have to repay me anything. I'm happy to be your friend, and that's enough for me. So please, don't hide stuff like this again.", says Daring in a very comforting tone.
"Thank you Honey, I promise to be more thoughtful and truthful with myself.", says Sandy still sniffling.
Daring smiles as the rest of the group begins to huddle together and hug Sandy as well.
"Thank you everypony. I'll start writing Honey's books differently from now on. I'll stick to fiction writing, but more to the truth of her adventures. The first book I'll write on is an autobiography and the real adventures of Daring Do!", happily says Sandy.
Everypony then all hug together and are happy for each other.
-Midnight-
Spike wakes up in the middle of the night when everypony else is asleep. He goes to get a drink of water, but sees two shadows outside the tent. He then goes outside and sees a griffon and a red unicorn heading towards the ruins. He figured these were the treasure hunters Ahuizotl hired to get the Soluna Stone for him. Spike then goes back inside to go tell the others, but sees Sandy in the middle of the tent packing a sack for herself. Sandy gasps at the sight of Spike.
"What are you doing, Sandy?", whispers Spike.
"I'm sorry Spike, but I want to help Daring more than ever now. The first thing I'm going to do is get the Soluna Stone before Ahuizotl does.", whispers Sandy.
Spike looks like he is going to tell Daring or Twilight, then Sandy stops him with a gemstone. Spike is awed by the sight of the stone.
"Please, don't tell anypony I went to the ruins, please.", pleads Sandy.
Spike looking back at his friends and the gem back and forth gets him thinking.
Then he hesitantly says, "Just be careful, okay.".
Spike takes the gemstone and takes a bite out of it. As he did, he immediately goes to sleep.
"Sorry Spike, I put some 'sleepy time' dust on the gemstone. You won't wake up till morning.", apologizes Sandy.
She then goes toward the front of the tent and looks back at Daring fast asleep, and with a tear in her eye.
"Goodbye, Honey. Thank you for everything. I'll make this up to you, I promise.", says Sandy as she goes into the night.
Author's Note
So Sandy is going to the ruins by herself, and Ahuizotl's treasure hunters are going ahead as well. In the next chapter, we enter the Soluna Ruins!
Daring Do and the Soluna Stone
Chapter 5: The Soluna Ruins
Daring Do and the Soluna Stone:
-The Next Morning-
When Daring woke up, she saw the letter from Sandy. It explains that she's sorry for writing the novels in a way she didn't like it. So she's going to the ruins to get the Soluna Stone all by herself in order to apologize to Daring, and to prove to her that she's actually brave. Daring immediately woke everypony up and told them everything that was in the letter. They also woke Spike up from his snooze with the sleepy gem in his claws. Even after Spike tried telling them again about Sandy, he added that he saw Ahuizotl's treasure hunters leave in the middle of the night. Daring knew that Ahuizotl would take the night as an advantage to get the stone first, so she got everyone dressed in robes and everypony left to the entrance of the ruins.
-Outside the ruins-
Everypony is standing in front of the entrance of the Soluna Ruins and the hallway that leads into the main room. Daring is analyzing the door as it has been recently opened. Only herself and Sandy know the way in, as they did the investigation years ago on how to open the door. Daring couldn't but help and get something off her chest.
"I feel this is my fault. I didn't mean to blow up in her face like that, I was just tired of the media attention because of the false information Sandy wrote in the books.", says Daring.
"No it's not. She's just doing what she thinks is right.", says Twilight.
"Hopefully she hasn't gotten far enough in the ruins so we can have her go back to camp.", says Daring in a depressed mood.
"I hope so too Daring.", says a comforting Twilight.
"I question sometimes if doing these expeditions are to please myself for my sense of adventure.", says an aggravated Daring.
"You do this cause you love them, and it's what also your destiny is.", says Twilight.
"Yeah, my cutie mark shows my interest of archaeology and exploration. Though I feel like it was a mistake, and I just shared my interest with Sandy. If I didn't, she would be better off and safer without me.", says a sadden Daring.
"No Daring! This isn't your fault! If you were never there during Sandy's down moments during fillyhood, she would've been miserable without you.", yells Twilight.
"I don't think so. Sometimes I feel, like I want to stop doing these so called, 'adventures'.", says a even more depressed Daring.
"Don't do something like that Daring! These adventures are what define you as an individual. Your friend is doing what she thinks is right. So what do you think is the right thing to do?", questions Twilight.
Daring starts thinking about what Twilight told her, her own adventures, and her relationship to Sandy. Daring is about to give Twilight a response until...
"Daring, where's that mare I looked up to?", speaks out Spike.
The group turns to Spike and are shocked to hear him speak up.
"Daring. What happened to the mare that we all know? You showed us your bravery against Nightmare moon and were honest enough to reveal your real identity to all your friends. You sound like you aren't being honest or true to yourself at all. So tell me Daring, is the mare of front of me real or a work of fiction as well!?", says an angered Spike.
Spike is then exhaling heavily after speaking loudly. Twilight is actually shocked to hear something like that out of Spike. She then turns to see Daring have another thought from both Twilight and Spike. Daring then turnes to everypony, who's all waiting for a response.
"I apologize everypony for getting you all down. Myself included. I guess I've been putting too much pressure on myself.", says Daring.
"Don't worry Daring. I'm always there to help my friends.", says Spike.
Daring then collects all her thoughts, and stands more proud and determined than ever.
"C'mon everypony, let's find Sandy and the Soluna Stone!", shouts Daring.
"Yeah!", yells the group.
They then open the doors to the ruins and then go inside to find Sandy and the sacred treasure. As they enter in, two mysterious figures follow silently behind.
-Inside the Soluna Ruins-
They then continue down the hallway, but it starts getting darker down the path. Daring then takes out a torch and gives it to Trixie to hold with her magic. Spike lights the torch with his fire breathing, and the whole hallway is then lit up. They all continue down the path until the hallway opens up into a large chamber.
"Please tell The Great and Powerful Trixie, what room this is?", says Trixie.
"This is the main chamber where The Tribe held ceremonies to perform a ritual with the stone to raise or lower the Sun and Moon.", says Daring.
As Daring finishes, Twilight is awed and jots down more notes for herself. Trixie looks unimpressed and looks with disgust by all of the dust and decay in the room. Spike looks around and sees a lamp. Spike takes the torch from Trixie and goes to light the lamp, which lights the entire room. Daring though shocked, is impressed by Spike figuring out a light mechanism in the shrine. Daring is then shocked to see a bag in front of a door leading into another chamber. Daring goes to the bag and yells for everypony to come by.
"Guys, I found Sandy's bag!", she yells.
Everypony is then by Daring and see Daring with the bag.
"Why did Sandy leave her bag here? Wouldn't she take this with her?", asks Spike.
Daring looks at the door, and realizes why, and says, "This door leads to the Trials of Soluna."
"Trials? Like a test? Why have this here?", asks a confused Twilight.
"It must be a defense mechanism in case of robbers. They created three trials only the oracles or shamans can solve. Sometimes I wonder why these traps are still here and operational. Even if the ponies make places like this disappeared years ago.", questions Daring.
"Well we need to go in now.", says Twilight.
"Yes, but we need to abandon our supplies.", dryly says Daring.
"Why?", asks Twilight.
"It appears that the door is sealed with magic and only opens when ponies have little to no supplies with them.", says Daring.
"How? Since when did the Tribe have unicorns?", asks Twilight.
"Unicorns were very rare in the Tribe, and were often shamans or oracles. So they often put them in charge of protecting the stone or reading signs in the stars.", says Daring.
"So those shamans must have also sealed this door with magic. Even if somepony got through, there's traps waiting for them right?", asks Twilight.
"Precisely.", Daring says correctly.
"Okay then. Everypony, leave your supplies here.", says Daring.
As Twilight said so, everypony leaves their bags by Sandy's. Twilight is only bringing her notepad as it won't bother that much. As everypony drops their things, the door opens and the path lights up in front of them.
"Let's go.", says Daring.
Then everypony enters the hallway. Unknown to them, two figures are following them in the shadows.
"Let's have them solve the trials of this place. Then when the time is right, we steal the stone right under them.", says the figure as he smiles.
-1st Trial-
The group continues down the path until path opens up into a small room. The room has no other pathway or door to enter into. Plus, the room is decorated with flowers and covers the entire room from the head of the roof to the floor beneath their hooves. They all gather around the center of the room.
"Ooh, this room is pretty. These flowers are pretty.", says Twilight with a smile on her face.
"Yeah, but this seems off. I know I've seen these flowers before.", says a concerned Daring.
Just as she said it, the door behind them shuts tight, and the room rumbles.
"Oh no! This room is going to come down on us!", yells Spike.
"No it isn't, but look. The flowers are shaking too much. The pollen is coming off.", says Twilight.
The pollen from the flowers gets all over the group and on all of them, except Daring, inhaled the pollen. Daring tears off a bit off her robe to cover her mouth as to not inhale any foreign bacteria. Daring is prepared for situations like this, but everypony else isn't.
"Quick everypony, cover your mouth before you inhale the pollen. This flower is Heart's Desire. If you inhale too much pollen, you hallucinate and see your heart's desire in front of you.", says Daring.
Although Daring warned the group, they are in a daze and loopy eyed. Daring was too late to warn the group of the danger that they are in. Daring is now trying to listen to the group to know their heart's desire so she can find a solution to snap them out of their hallucination.
Daring goes to Twilight first.
"Celestia, you want to make me your right hoof mare? Oh, I don't know what to say, but yes. I'll happily be your assistant!", happily says Twilight in her hallucination.
Daring then goes over to Trixie.
"Oh, what a glorious sight! A magnificent crowd to perform in front of. Now I can leave Manehattan and travel the world to perform wherever I want!", shouts Trixie in her halucination.
Finally, Daring goes to Spike.
"Yipee! An entire cave full of gems! I never want to leave. I'll be happy here and eat to my heart's desire.", happily says Spike in his hallucination.
Daring listened to all their hallucinations, then figures out a common ground to snap them out of their hallucination.
Daring then shouts out, "If you are all happy, then what about your family and friends? Do you really want to leave them?"
Then the three all hear Daring and all made the same realization. They have to sacrifice their friendship to fulfill their heart's desire.
"I'm sorry Celestia. I'd love to be your assistant, but I want to be with my friends in Manehattan more. I could never sacrifice my friendship.", says Twilight.
Twilight then snaps out of her illusion.
"Trixie may be flattered of the attention, but it's no fun without my friends to be with me and seeing my performence. So I must go back to my friends.", says Trixie.
Trixie then snaps back to reality.
"These jewels may be tasty, but staying here forever will be very lonely. I could never leave Twilight or anypony else. They're my best friends, and Twilight is like my big sister.", says Spike as a tear goes down his cheek.
Spike is brought back to reality as well.
Everypony had broken through the hallucination. Then afterwards, they all have a group hug.
"Oh girls, I never knew how much you all meant to me.", says a comforting Twilight.
"Trixie happily agrees to that, I'd give up my performing career to be with you all.", says a soothing Trixie.
"Not even all the gems in the world are worth the friends I've made.", says a sad Spike.
"Glad you all made through it. This must have been the trial. To overcome our heart's desire and value our friendship overall.", says Daring.
As soon as she finishes speaking, a hidden doorway behind them opens up.
"You have passed the first trial, venture forth to the next trial", says a mysterious voice.
The group gets startled, but shake it off as anything else can happen in the ruins. After that, they go into the doorway and move on to the next trial.
-2nd Trial-
After overcoming the first trial, they head down the hidden passage into the next room where it has hexagon shape to it. The passage behind them closes and the group decides to look around the room. Daring goes to the front wall and sees something written on it.
"To pass this trial of two, here's what you need to do. Be an example of the six that connects us all, or in this room, you will fall.", says Daring aloud.
The walls then glow and reveal a large marking as big as the walls themselves. Twilight gasps and knows what the markings are.
"These markings are the Elements of Harmony!", says a surprised Twilight.
"They look nothing like Trixie's element.", says an upset Trixie.
"The elements take shape based on their owners. These symbols are based on the look before Celestia and Luna used them.", says Twilight.
"Okay, but how do we pass this trial?", says a confused Trixie.
Daring speaks up, "Well, the riddle says we need to be an example of the six. So we maybe need to use the Elements inside of us."
"New flash Daring, Trixie notices that only half of the element bearers are here, and that none of us have the elements with us.", says Trixie.
"I know that, but let's use what we have at hoof now. Twilight, Trixie, take a wall.", says Daring.
"Now try thinking about the element you bear."
All the ponies take a wall, save for Spike. They all put a hoof to the wall and think on their elements.
Twilight starts off, "I'm thankful for all my friends and how I care so much for them. As I know, and all my friends know too, friendship is magic!"
Trixie is next, "I adore the awaiting crowd and making them happy. I also enjoy making my friends happy, through my ways of making them laugh."
Daring finishs off, "I'm thankful to show my friends of who I truly am. For showing them my real side is better than making a lie. Honesty is my best attribute, and I will always be true to you my friends!"
They all finish up, and the walls in front of them glowed. The markings change to the shape of their cutie marks, and the colors of the elements gems. Now half of the room is cleared. Only the last three walls are left.
"Okay, we got our elements down. Now how do we get the other half?", asks Twilight.
As the group starts brainstorming on ideas, somepony speaks up.
"I think I know.", speaks out Spike.
Everypony then looks to Spike with confused looks on their faces.
"You do, Spike?", says a concerned Daring.
"You guys thought of your elements. Why not and try thinking about our friends and their elements, it may work.", says Spike.
Daring puts a hoof to her chin and ponders a thought and says, "I don't know."
Spike, not waiting for an answer says, "I try it first, watch."
Spike goes to an unchanged wall and thinks of the only other pony he can think of, Octavia.
"Octavia is very gentle and kind, and always sees the positives in our friends. She's the kindest mare I know of.", says Spike.
The wall then changes to Octavia's cutie mark and element color. The group gasps, and this even surprises Spike.
"S-s-see, it does work!", says Spike making him sound like he's right.
So Daring and Twilight go the last two walls and think of their last two friends, Blossomforth and Orange Sherbert.
Twilight starts thinking of Blossomforth, "Blossomforth has always been loyal to her friends and never lets them down. She is very gentle and kind and was also loyal when she came back to help us during the Nightmare Moon event. She'll always be the most loyal pony I know."
Daring then thinks of Sherbert, "Auntie has always been generous to any filly and/or foal that comes on her doorstep, and will even sacrifice her most valuable possessions to feed a family. Auntie will always be generous to anypony to help them out."
The last two walls then light up and resemble Sherbert's and Blossomforth's cutie marks and element colors. As all the walls light up, one of the walls goes up and reveal another hidden hallway to the last trial.
"You have completed the second trial. Move onward to the final trial.", says the mysterious voice again.
The group again looks around to see where the voice came from, but found nothing.
"Let's go, Sandy must be close-by now.", says Daring.
The group goes through the hallway right away. Spike is left behind, and noticed the group went ahead.
"Hey guys, wait up!", shouts Spike.
As Spike tries to catch up, he hit something on the floor which felt like a button. Spike is then swallowed up by a pitfall that opens up beneath him as he screams falling down.
-3rd Trial-
The group moves on to the final trial room, where the room is just blank as can be. It is just a blank room, nothing out of the ordinary. The hallway closes behind them and the group waits for something to happen.
"There's nothing in here. It's just a blank room.", says Twilight.
"Pretty underwhelming if you ask Trixie. Maybe the Tribe ran out of ideas?", questions Trixie.
"It seems rather odd.", says Daring.
When she is looking around, she notices that Spike wasn't in the room, "Hey! Where's Spike?".
Twilight and Trixie noticed this too and panic.
"Oh no, did he get left behind in the last room?", panics Twilight.
The room then rumbles and shakes. The floor beneath them gives way, and forces the ponies to the center of the room. The only place left standing is the center of the room, where the group realizes they're on a pillar. Below them several feet down, is a bubbling green liquid pool, which is surrounding them completely.
"Acid! Nopony move!", shouts Daring.
Below them near the pool of acid, they hear a cry for help. It sounds like two voices crying out at the same time. The group looks down, and sees.....Spike and Sandy on a smaller and lower pillar!
"Spike! Sandy!", the group calls out.
"Twilight, Daring, Trixie! Help us get off of this!", calls out a scared Spike.
"Hold on, I'll levitate you both off.", says Twilight. The room shakes, and the pillar Spike and Sandy are on gets closer to the acid.
"Stop Twilight! If you do that, they get closer to the acid!", warns Daring.
"I understand Sandy, but can't Spike be burned?", questions Trixie.
"I may be a dragon that can resist lava, but I can still be burned by acid!", shouts Spike.
"Then how do we get you out?", questions Twilight.
"You must solve my riddle.", calls out the mysterious voice.
The group looks around and sees a pony dressed in old robes. The robes are odd looking and they can't make out his mane, coat, or eye color. What made him stand out was the fact he was see through, like a ghost.
"Who are you?", angrily says Daring.
"I'm the spirit guardian that protects the sacred gem from unworthy hooves. If you wish to obtain it and leave here alive, you must solve my riddle.", says the spirit.
"What riddle?", questions Trixie.
"If you wish to obtain this sacred treasure, you must solve my riddle. Fail, and your friends fall to their doom, and you with them.", says the spirit.
The group ponders on their options and try to think of a solution.
"Honey Do, please help us, I need you!", cries out Sandy.
Daring then makes the decision for the group.
"We have no choice. We'll solve your riddle.", says Daring.
"Very well.", says the spirit in a gravely tone.
The group readies themselves for the riddle they are about to be asked.
"The man who invented it doesn't want it. The man who bought it doesn't need it. The man who needs it doesn't know it. What is it?", says the spirit.
The group is confused by this and only get one guess, or else they fall to their doom. Only Twilight walks up and speaks the answer without hesitation.
"A coffin.", says Twilight.
The spirit is surprised, as is the entire group along with Spike and Sandy.
"How did you know the answer so easily?", says the spirit.
"Puzzles and quizzes are my specialties. That was too easy to solve.", happily says a smiling Twilight.
The spirit vanishes as he says, "You are worthy of our sacred treasure. Move onward and claim your prize."
The spirit then completely vanishes. The room then brings Spike's and Sandy's pillar up and the floor back to the room. Then the tiles of the room suddenly reappear with a bright flash and restores the room to its former state. Then the final hallway appears in front of the group. Sandy runs over to Daring crying and hugging her.
"I'm so sorry Honey. I just wanted to be useful to you for once instead of being a nuisance. I tried to get to the chamber. When I went down the first hallway, a trap door opened up and brought me to this room on that pillar. I'm very, very, very sorry.", cries and sobs Sandy.
Daring wants to be mad and shout at her for making a stupid decision, but couldn't have the heart to do it. Instead she hugged Sandy back and comforted her.
"I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have yelled at you like that before.", calmly says Daring.
Daring lets Sandy go. Then goes to the doorway towards the lair of the Soluna Stone.
"Let's go everypony, the Soluna Stone is straight ahead.", says Daring.
The group, now followed along by Sandy and Spike, move on towards the chamber of the Soluna Stone.
-Antechamber-
They finally arrive at the antechamber where the stone is being held. As they enter the room, the first notable thing is a pedestal on top of a tower, with stairs leading to the top. At the top of the pedestal, lies the Soluna Stone. The torches in the room light the gem up and have it sparkle like the night sky, and the glow of the morning sun.
"We finally have made it. Finally no more troubles!", gleefully says Spike.
As if by bad luck, somepony speaks up.
"Yes, for us!", says a voice behind them.
The group looks behind them and see two figures. Instead of another spirit, they are visible.
"We will be taking the stone from you all.", says the same figure.
They step into the light, and the figures are of a griffon, and a red unicorn. They're both covered in robes and could barely make of their appearance other than what race they are.
"Who're you?", questions Twilight.
"Soon to be very rich individuals!", says the unicorn.
Author's Note
Whew, my longest chapter yet. I wanted to get to the antechamber in this chapter instead of doing each trial by chapter. Next chapter is the finale!
Daring Do and the Soluna Stone
Chapter 6: The Soluna Stone
Daring Do and the Soluna Stone
-Soluna Stone Antechamber-
"Twilight, it's them! I saw those two outside the tent last night! They're working for Ahuizotl!", shouts Spike.
"That's what we wanted you to do. You go to the ruins expecting us, but then we deceive you so you can finish the trials and we snatch the stone away from you!", says the griffon.
The whole group raises a brow as to why they just tell them their plan.
"Why would you tell us that?", asks Daring.
The unicorn slaps the griffon for being idiotic.
"You moron! Why would you tell them our plan!", asks the unicorn.
"But, you said that's what you told me what we're going to do.", says the griffon.
"Yes, but not to the other ponies!", yells the unicorn.
The whole group is scratching their heads as to why Ahuizotl hired these guys.
"Trixie thinks Ahuizotl must've been very cheap as to not hire proper treasure hunters.", says Trixie.
"Yeah.", says her friends.
The unicorn gets annoyed from this.
"Hey! We may not look like much, but we're famous!", yells the unicorn.
The unicorn gives a gesture to his accomplice to do something, but the griffon then nods back. The unicorn and griffon get back to back and posed with their front legs in the air.
"We're Team Grifficorn. Hairy and Maximus!", they yell in unison.
The whole group stands there in silence with the only sound being the wind blowing by.
"Ever heard of them Daring?", asks Twilight.
"They're nothing. They are just a bunch of D-Rank treasure hunters. They've never gotten any treasure before and have tried making a name for themselves around their base of operations in Baltimare.", explains Daring.
"So nopony treasure hunters?", asks Twilight.
"Hey! We'll be big after this run!" Now move over so we can switch the stone with this sandbag.", says Hairy the griffon as he holds up a bag of sand in his claw.
Maximus then groans under his breath and says, "Hairy, I swear you, once we get back to Baltimare..."
Daring gets the idea the stone is booby trapped.
"So the stone has a weight mechanism. Now where have I seen that before.", says Daring in a exaggerated tone.
"What do you mean?", asks Twilight.
"The mechanism is meant to bury the temple if the stone got stolen. Only something of equal weight can trick the trigger from activating.", says Daring.
"So what do we do then? We can't move it.", questions Twilight.
"Just move!",yells Maximus.
The two groups then stare down as to not give up any ground.
"Hey guys, I've got the stone, let's go!", yells Spike.
Spike is on top of the tower with the Soluna Stone in his claws. Both groups have their jaws to the ground.
"What's wrong? Let's go!", questions Spike.
Daring is wide -eyed and quickly asks Spike, "Spike put it back fast before..!".
It is too late. The whole temple starts shaking with stones falling from the ceiling. Both groups starts panicking. Spike topples down the steps with the stone still in his claws.
"Hurry Maxy, let's go back through the hallways that opened up when them ponies finished all of them trials.", says Hairy.
Maximus groans at his partner, "I swear, one of these days."
Both of them run through the hallway that the group came through.
"Hurry everypony, through the hallway and back to the entrance!", shouts Daring.
Spike gets on Sandy's back with the Soluna Stone still in his claws. They all go through the hallway to get back to the entrance.
-Entrance-
They all manage to get back to the entrance. There were no signs of the treasure hunting duo, they must have escaped outside. The group grabs their bags next to the door. The whole temple is still shaking as debris fall to the floor and cracks are forming on the floor.
"Hurry, through the entrance!", shouts Daring.
Twilight and Trixie go through the hallway to the entrance as Daring and Sandy, with Spike on her back, following respectively. As Daring is about to go through the hallway, a huge crack forms on the floor and swallows up Sandy and Spike. Daring sees this and dives right after them. She grabs both of them just in time, but just barely holding on. Sandy and Spike are holding on for dear life, but below them is the Soluna Stone on a little ledge.
"Hold on you two, I've got you. Quick and pull yourselves up.", asks Daring.
Sandy and Spike see the Soluna Stone and try to get the stone with their open claw/hoof.
"Don't do it you two, forget it.", asks Daring.
"No, I can get it. I can still get this for you.", says Sandy.
"It's not worth your lives", plees Daring.
"If it's to make you happy, I will get this and make you the most famous mare in Equestria. I promised to help you, didn't I?", says Spike.
Daring then says in a calm comforting voice, "Spike, Sandy, please let it go. You two mean the world to me more than any treasure I will ever find."
Sandy and Spike are both shocked to hear Daring say a very gentle and kind gesture from her. Moved by her words, they gave their open claw/hoof to Daring to help themselves up. Then all three of them see the Soluna Stone fall into the abyss after being pulled up from the crack. Daring is disappointed the stone is gone forever, but happy that her friends are alive, leave towards the entrance. Sandy and Spike leave ahead of her.
Daring gets one last look behind her and sees the guardian spirit pony giving a gesture of farewell.
"Farewell fellow adventurer, none of us knew what true treasure and power is, and that is the magic, of friendship.", says the guardian ghost.
With a smile on his face he then disappears for good. Daring then runs back toward the entrance as the ruins finally fall to the ground and is buried forever.
-Outside-
The ponies are all exhausted from the running and are catching their breath.
"Daring, thanks for saving us. We would've fallen into that crack if you didn't convince us so.", says Spike.
"Same here Honey, I tried to prove myself by helping you, but all I want now is to be truthful and do things for myself.", says Sandy.
"Don't worry Sandy, I know you'll have an excellent life by making truthful books.", says Daring.
Twilight has noticed that neither Daring or Spike had the Soluna Stone with them.
"Daring, Spike, where's the Soluna Stone?", asks Twilight.
"That's what I want to know as well.", says Ahuizotl as he approached them all.
The two treasure hunters that were in the ruins with them are right next to Ahuizotl.
"It's gone. It fell into an abyss back in the ruins. It's gone forever.", said Daring in a depressed voice.
"NO! Now no one has the treasure, and nopony will have proof of it.", says Maximus.
"Not quite.", intervenes Twilight.
Twilight then takes out her notepad out with writings and drawings in them.
"I've made records ever since I came to Saddle Arabia, up until this very moment.", says Twilight in a happy tone.
Everypony is awed by Twilight's reveal.
"Alright Twilight!", happily shouts Daring.
"Now I can write a record book on these notes.", says Sandy.
Ahuizotl then sighs as he takes a look at a pocket watch from his front shirt pocket, obviously to check the time. He then begins walking off and then looks back to Daring.
"Ah well, better luck next time for me. Although neither of us got the treasure, I was entertained none the less. I know will we meet each other in the future. Until we meet again Daring.", says Ahuizotl as he left.
"Wait, wait, wait! What about our pay!", asks Maximus as he and Hairy run after him in the distance.
The group then smiles at this victory and knew they have obtained something in the end, their renewal in their friendship.
3 days later...
-Manehattan Library-
After giving the notes to Sandy after their expedition, Daring and Sandy had some parting words and said their goodbyes. After Jarvis got them back to Manehattan, Daring went back to the museum to prepare a special exhibit in the future based on the records they took for the Soluna Stone. Trixie went back to her normal business, or what her friends considered normal. Finally, Spike and Twilight go back home and settle down after their hair raising adventure. Spike then gave up on reading the books as they were nothing but fiction, and he wants to know the real Daring, here and now. After days of resting, Twilight figured now's a good time as any to write a letter to the princess.
"Spike take a letter for me will you?", asks Twilight. "Sure thing Twilight." as Spike takes out a scroll and quill.
Dear Princess Celestia,
On my trip to Saddle Arabia, my friend Daring and her friend Sandy learned a lesson on friendship. Daring and Sandy learned on how to respect one's feelings and to believe in themself. Although one may seem fine on the outside, take the time to know them on the inside, and you may know some problems they have that may have them doubt themselves. Having confidence not only in yourself but in your friends will bring you through in yourself and your friends to the end. Coming to terms with your true self will make you a better pony in the future.
Your Faithful Student,
Twilight Sparkle
Spike then rolls up the letter and blows fire at the letter with the ashes flying out the window and going to Canterlot. There's a knock at the doors of the library. Her whole group of friends come into the library one by one. Octavia, Blossomforth, Orange Sherbert, Trixie, and Daring Do(disguised as Honey again), all go towards Twilight.
"Good morning Twilight, I hope our forthcoming hasn't gone unnoticed.", asks Octavia.
"No Octavia, you haven't. In fact, I just got the new rough draft of the new Daring Do book.", says Twilight.
"Oooh, what is it called darling?", asks Sherbert.
"Here it is girls.", says Twilight as she shows them the front title cover.
Daring Do and the Soluna Stone: Based on true events.
This title put a smile on Daring's face now that she knows her friend will start telling the truth more often. Not as often knowing her friends imagination. As Twilight turns the page, the first page says it dedicates this book to her best friend Honey Do.
Author's Note
Finally I finished my first fanfic and feel satisfied..
