Learning to Love: A Daring Spectrum of Apples

Chapters

A Daring Situation
Daring Versus Wild
Separate Trails
Sparkling Diamonds
Ahuitzotl
Epilogue

A Daring Situation

Chapter 1

Rainbow smiled sleepily as she awoke from her mid-morning/early afternoon nap and rolled over. She hadn't awaken normally...What woke her up? "Hello?" She sat up and rushed to her bedroom door and paused. Someone was in her house? She slowly opened the door and snuck down the hall, her belly to the ground, creeping around the corner to look down the stairs. Standing in her living room with her flank to her, was a brown pegasus with a green shirt and brownish pith helmet, curiously looking around. "Hello? I'm looking for a pegasus named Rainbow Dash?" Rainbow bit her lip then slowly moved down the stairs and peeked over the railing and frowned.

"Who are you?" The pegasus turned and grinned.

"Ever read ‘Daring Do’?" Rainbow cocked her head to the side in suspicion and nodded slowly. The pegasus puffed up her chest and grinned. "Well my parents wrote the books about the adventures I've been on."

Rainbow's eyes widened and she said, "Wait you're Daring Do?" The pegasus nodded and grinned as Rainbow squealed and bounced around. Daring Do was in her house! The Daring Do!

"I'm still suspicious..." said Rainbow as she felt the cold hand of unease crawl up her spine.

"Rightfully so my dear. How about we talk to my former assistant, Twilight Sparkle!"

Twilight grinned as Daring flipped, twirled and practiced Hoof to Hoof combat around them. "Sorry Rainbow, but it's true. I used to be her assistant before Princess Celestia had me ordered to return to the castle. We went on many adventures together. I thought the books would appeal to you since you liked danger. I was a bit rebellious back then. By the way, where have you been Daring?"

"Oh just in the deserts of the Griffin Empire looking for the Griffin Chief's Daughter." Rainbow tuned out Twilight as she rambled off facts and other stuff, preferring to watch Daring do more exercises, or rather watching her drink some tea. Daring grinned and was about to speak when a yell came from behind them. They spun around and Daring jumped out of her seat. "Look!" A baby carriage rolled down a hill at a dangerously fast pace and Rainbow smirked. She readied to get up but Daring was already in action. She flared out her wings and shot forwards and towards the carriage, a grey scale rainbow following her. She crashed into the carriage and snatched the child up as it flew through the air. She flew up then flared her wings out again, floating in air. She glided down and landed, bouncing slightly. She looked around and trotted up to a distraught mother and handed her the baby. "Here you go ma'am. Try to be more careful next time."

"Oh thank you! What's your name?" Daring grinned and turned away.

"Daring, Daring Do." She looked over her shoulder at the woman dramatically and the woman swooned, Daring shot into the air then free fell to her seat. She landed gracefully and lifted her cup, taking a deep sip. She looked at Rainbow and giggled at the awestruck filly, mouth still agape. "Dear, you should shut your mouth before you catch flies." Rainbow's mouth snapped shut and she squealed, beginning to bounce around Daring and Twilight. Daring smiled and looked to Twilight, who smiled tiredly back. "Twilight, I am here on the insistence of the Princess to find the legendary statue of infinite energy, or the Statue of Pony. It’s said to corrupt any wild creatures in vicinity of it, turning them into intelligent beings. Corrupt, but intelligent beings.” she said, before pausing for dramatic effect. “The Princess thinks my old nemesis is going to go after it." Twilight nodded, frowning slightly.

"So you need my help?"

"If you don't mind that is. I also need the other Elements of Harmony to help. Just as a fail-safe. The Elements should be able to cleanse the statue if the power becomes too much." Twilight nodded and used her magic to grab Rainbow, holding her a foot off the ground.

"Rainbow, go get Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie and Rarity right away!" Rainbow squealed and saluted, shouting, "I'll be back in ten seconds flat!" She took off, kicking up a cloud of smoke leaving behind a chuckling Daring Do.

"She's an excitable one huh?" Twilight nodded and trotted into her house, looking back briefly.

"Coming Daring?"

"Ah yes. We have much to catch up on don't we?"

Sure enough ten seconds later, Rainbow was bouncing around outside the library while her friends looked at her in confusion and irritation (Pinkie was happy but she always was). Pinkie looked close to joining in, while Applejack was close to bopping her one for interrupting her work. Rarity was trying to get her wet mane dry while Fluttershy tried to help. "Rainbow what's going on?!" Snapped Rarity while Fluttershy toweled off her mane. Rainbow stopped mid-bounce to knock on the library door but flew out of the way as it was ripped open and Daring rocketed out, head first. Daring hit the ground hard then rolled before bouncing to her feet, grinning like a maniac.

"Great throw Twilight but next time, try to aim for a window!" Twilight trotted out and grinned, saying, "Sorry. I'll aim for the big window next time." She flushed bright red when her friends looked at her in shock and confusion.

"Um, sorry guys. Everyone come in. We have much to discuss.” Rainbow rushed in grinning, while the others followed her at a more leisurely pace. Daring walked in and grinned.

"Wonderful! Now that you are all here, I must tell you about the Statue of Pony! Under the decaying kingdom of the Pony Sisters houses a tomb where the Statue of Pony rests. Crafted by Princess Luna from a dying star and heated on the sun itself. Cooled in the Cecil Sea. The statue was created as a gift from sister to sister. Princess Luna creating the Statue of Pony and Princess Celestia creating the Statue of Eternal. When Princess Luna was corrupted by Nightmare Moon the Statue of Pony gained corruption too. Nothing was special about it before but after the corruption it became intelligent, more magical and very dangerous. To protect her subjects Princess Celestia sealed the statue under her grand city and left it to rot and disappear. She headed to New Canterlot to begin anew but she never counted on the statue being indestructible."

"Why would she want it though? It's a dangerous item of destruction."

"It might be because an old enemy of mine's is after it. He's pure evil so I don't think the idol will corrupt him, only give him more power. We can't allow that to happen!"

"But why ask us for help? We're only a few mares. I can see if you ask Twilight but why the rest of us?" Everyone looked at Dash in shock then at Daring, grinned. "I called upon you all because you guys are the Elements of Harmony! If I should fail I need a back-up. Plus having back up on sight would be better than going in and getting my ass kicked and having the statue corrupted further. Are all of you in or out?"

The Elements looked at each other but Rainbow yelled in excitement, "Me!" Twilight grinned and nodded her head. "Me too." The others nodded an affirmative, Fluttershy was trying to shake her head but Pinkie forced it into a nod, and Daring clapped her hooves, a wide grin on her face. "Fantastic. Tomorrow we leave just as dawn arrives. If it is alright with you Miss Dash, I will stay with you. I would love to see how a pegasus house works since I'm always moving." Rainbow nodded, practically drooling at the thought of having an idol of hers in her house, and Daring gave her a sheepish look. Such an excitable mare.

Rainbow peeked into the room to see the mare of her books obsession (and we-dreams! Just dreams!) doing push-ups. Rainbow bit her lip, a bit red in the face from her internal argument, then moved back, shutting the door. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves then knocked on the door softly. "Come in." Rainbow poked her head in and smiled at Daring.

"Dinner's done." Daring grinned and nodded to her. She jumped to her hooves and they trotted down stairs, heading to a small table near the kitchen. They took their seats and Daring began to eat, while Rainbow bit her lip and drifted. Part of Dash hoped she didn't poison the other mare from her cooking, she never cooked so she was a bit nervous. "So, Daring..." Dash began as she drifted, she wasn't used to silence she usually kept music on while she ate. Her unfinished question caused Daring to look at her, with a gentle smile.

"Yes?" Rainbow blushed as her voice, high class and smooth but lacking the snootiness, washed over her and looked down to keep from showing the other mare her burning face. Oh buck, what do I say?! Dash thought as she hung her head.

"Um..." Rainbow grew silent from nervousness and Daring smiled slightly, sensing the other mare's was probably embarrassed about something.

"I heard you've pulled off the Sonic Rainboom?" asked Daring, in an attempt to salvage Rainbow’s dignity. Rainbow smirked and nodded, feeling her confidence rise from the ashes. She puffed up her chest and smirked at Daring, her confidence now to a manageable level.

"Pulled it off twice actually!" Daring raised an eyebrow and whistled softly then took an other bite from her food, not seeing Dash cringe. Okay she really hoped she didn't poison her or herself for that matter.

"That's simply amazing." Rainbow flushed and her smirk morphed into a grinned as she nodded, her confidence giving her strength she need to not spaz out again.

"So Daring, what made you start treasure hunting?"

"It’s a funny story really; I started doing dangerous and reckless stuff as a filly. I was always different than the other fillies in school in more ways than one. I was the only school filly with an unusual grey scale rainbow mane. I loved adventure and danger more than school but I kept my grades up. Keeping my grades up became more of a hobby than anything else. Kids picked on me but avoided me at the same time. I could hold my own in a fight so that contributed to the fact that fillies and colts my own age didn't want to come close to me, lest they get on my bad side. I was usually all alone until one day one of the kids got his bag stolen by some older ones. I told him I could get it back and after a terrible adventure style rescue, I did. I impressed the other kids and gained friends but shortly after that I began to travel a lot with my mother and father. After travelling with them for a couple months, I got a job at the local museum. One day some robbers stole an artifact from the museum I was working at and I chased them down. I got the artifact back and returned it to the curator and got promoted to head security guard. Working in the museum inspired me to become an archaeologist and the rest as they say is history." Rainbow nodded slowly in thought and Daring smiled at her, hoping the mare would keep her confidence.

"So what do you do Miss Dash?"

"Dash is fine Daring. I'm actually just a weather mare." Daring smiled and cocked her head to the side, looking close to giggling.

"No offence, but that sounds rather boring." Dash chuckled and nodded, scratching the back of her head sheepishly, her blush appearing yet again.

"It really is." Daring laughed then finished her food, slowly getting up.

"Do you need help with the dishes?" Dash shook her head and Daring nodded then excused herself from the room to get some stuff prepared. Later as Dash lay in bed, she rolled onto her belly and looked out the window to her right grinning, she was so excited!

Daring Versus Wild

Chapter 2

Dash sat up and groggily looked around as she was woken violently. What the..? "Dash?" She frowned and looked up to see that Daring was standing over her. She was smiling at her and holding a plate of food. "Eat quickly. We have a lot to do today!" Dash rushed through breakfast, still groggy from the early awakening. As soon as she was done, two saddlebags were tossed onto her bed. "Quickly dear! Times a wasting!" She slowly got to her hooves, pulling the saddle bags on as soon as she was up, and followed after the faster, more awake pony. "Whoa! What's the hurry?"

"I want to get into the forest and through most of it before nightfall. Traveling at night is dangerous as it is. And if the stories I've heard about the forest are true, I want to get a head start." Dash nodded and followed the pony outside into the crisp morning air.

Dash shivered and felt something move around her neck. "I'm used to the early morning wake ups, but I don't think you are. You should take my scarf since I don't need it right now." She flushed as Daring draped a brown scarf around her neck and tied it with her hooves and mouth. Dash nodded her thanks, still a bit red faced, and they took off. It was still dark out and everything was still as they flew through the chilly air. Daring nodded to Dash and Dash dived towards Sugarcube Corner. They landed easily, trotting to the door and knocking lightly. It burst open and an excited Pinkie grinned at both shocked and mildly freaked out mares.

"Hey guys! Ready to go!" They nodded, a bit fidgety as she closed the door behind her, saddlebags swinging to her bouncing. The three mares made their way over to the Carasole Boutique and knocked on the door. Rarity rushed out smiling, saddlebags stuffed to the brim.

"Oh I did not know what to pack!" Daring smiled and the four set off for the library. As they trotted along, Dash took a look at Daring. She looked and oozed a confidence, a confidence Dash found she liked more and more as time passed. Daring was currently grinning and talking to Pinkie. A spike of jealously lanced through her belly and chest, causing her to flush deeply and look forward. She was shocked to see they were at the library and Twilight was trotting out, locking the door behind her. Twilight was dressed in a forest green shirt with a pith helmet on her head, her mane in a bun on the bottom of her neck. She was wearing a scarf around her neck and she was checking herself over. Dash took a look around and realized the others were wearing scarfs too. She flushed and moved to remove the scarf until she realized Daring had a replica on her neck of the one she wore. Dash sighed softly and they took off towards Applejack's house.

When they got there, she was waiting for them, munching on an apple. She was wearing her usual Stetson hat, but in addition she wore a brown shirt with a couple of pockets on the chest and a knife was strapped to her left hind leg. She grinned and trotted up to them. "Let's get ta Fluttershy's house." They left at a brisk pace and Dash moved next to Applejack, looking her up and down as they trotted along. "Look at you, big bad adventurer." Applejack flushed then rolled her eyes.

"This is all mah pa's old stuff." Dash nodded then elbowed her.

"So your pa was a big adventurer?" Applejack laughed and Dash flushed, the others looked at them in confusion. Applejack shook her head then grinned slightly. "Nah. Pa was too much of a sissy. Ma taught us everything. Pa just got this stuff so he could try it out. Didn't work out so he gave it ta ma." Dash nodded slowly then looked forward. "What was your mother like?" Applejack smiled then looked off, drifting into a memory.

Three ponies trotted through the forest. The biggest was a red mare with golden locks, cropped short for her farming activities. The mare wore a brown stetson on her head, a brown vest over her brown shirt, and some boots. She was looking around to keep herself aware of everything. "Macintosh? Applejack?" Both fillies behind her perked up and trotted into her line of sight and she smiled softly. Remember kids, stay in mama's line of sight, we don't want you getting hurt or yer pa'll make me regret it." The mare rolled her eyes as she finished that and sighed softly. He'd whine till she bore him another child.

She cringed at the thought of his whining before hopping over another log, turning back and help Macintosh over then Applejack. They continued on their way until they came to a clearing. The mare grinned and said, "Here we are kids. The camp grounds!" A younger Applejack snorted then said, "It don't look more special than our orchard." Macintosh nodded and the mare, Zap Apple Gala or Zag as she called herself, smiled and nuzzled the disgruntled filly. "Hush you." Applejack stuck her tongue out at Macintosh, who was giggling, and looked back. "Ma? Was Pa supposed ta come?" Zag frowned then turned to see her husband, Wild Citrus, standing their panting. "Zag!"

"Wild Citrus."

"Bloody hay woman! You are pregnat! You should be resting at home!" Zag rolled her eyes then trotted over to her disgruntled husband and nuzzled him. "Hush." He frowned slightly then glared at his two giggling children. The family of four trotted into the clearing and they began to set up camp.

"Applejack?" Applejack jolted out of her memory then grinned sheepishly before saying, "Nice scarf." Dash flushed and looked away from Applejack and as soon as she looked away, Applejack frowned. "Where's ya git it from?"

"Daring." Applejack’s frown turned a little darker and she glared at Daring in irritation. Who'd she think she was? Applejack shook her head and focused on the path, a blush staining her cheeks. Why was she getting so angry? Stupid feelings for a stupid wonderful, but still stupid cyan pegasus.

Fluttershy only took a second to tell Angel to take care of the animals before slowly and shyly trotting out and smiling at them nervously when they reached her house. "Do we really have too...."

"Yes Fluttershy. This is just like the dragon." Daring looked at Twilight in confusion and Twilight sighed before bringing her hoof up and shaking her head. "Don't ask. Well we’re all ready." Daring grinned, sat back on her haunches and pulled a map from the inside of her hat. She looked it over and the others crowded around her to get a look. "It's time to set off then. Into the forest we go!"

Daring jumped over roots and fallen branches as they trotted deeper into the Everfree Forest. The rising sun cast a warm glow on the old path she walked down. She looked back and found Twilight was marking trees, Rarity was trying not to get dirty, Pinkie was playing with Fluttershy's wings, Fluttershy was red faced and whimpering slightly as her excited friend sat on her back, Applejack was close to Dash and whispering to her, pointing at different plants, and Dash was nodding, listening to her mildly experience friend talk. Daring frowned at the two mares not too far away, whispering about roots and other things then turned back to the path. She blushed and made a small face, no need to get jealous of a blooming attraction. She shook her head then looked forward and stopped.

"Girls!" They stopped and looked forward to see a huge spider in their path. It was looking at them hungrily, taking slow steps forward. Daring grinned and pulled out a knife, gripping it tightly in her mouth and flaring out her wings in excitement. Oh how she wanted to get rid of some frustration. "Wait!" She paused at the meek and soft sound and looked back to see Fluttershy trotting forward, a mighty glare on her face directed at the beast.

The beast snarled in rage, moving forward in warning but the meek pegasus said in an angry tone, "Hush mister! What would your mother say! Glaring at ponies and trying to hurt them! I know you're hungry but to prey on poor ponies out in the wild?! That's terrible!" The spider whimpered in shame and fear then moved back as she glared harder at it. It scuttled off and Daring raised an eyebrow then sheathed her knife, quite amazed.

"Amazing, but I do want to warn you, the closer we get to the statue, the more and more likely that the animals will be able to resist that. One might get lucky enough and be able to attack us because it’s immune to your...Stare." Fluttershy nodded and Daring took the lead once again, urging them onward. Humming a gentle melody, she led them to a clearing and nodded to herself in thought. "Twilight! If you would secure the perimeter?" Twilight nodded and her horn encased it’s self in its signature glow, her magic slowly covering the clearing, before going out.

"Perimeter secure."

"Great. Time for lunch!" Everyone took a seat inside the clearing, pulling food out of their bulging saddle bags and beginning to eat. Pinkie bounced around Daring, talking a mile a minute, and Daring was nodding politely. Dash was watching Daring with a mildly sappy look on her face and Applejack was frowned at the open display. Yeah this trip wasn't going well so far. She took a look around then smiled to herself before getting up and trotting to a tree close to the next part of the path.

Weird that they would stop here. Carved into the tree was the initials, Z.A.G., her ma's initials. She shook her head then trotted back to Dash, who hadn't seemed to have moved in the last five minutes she was gone. Applejack rolled her eyes and muttered, "Man, this is worse than her Wonderbolts obsession."

"It's not an obsession." Applejack blinked then laughed at her. Dash glared, her face a bit red. Daring looked away from Pinkie then frowned. Not a good trip indeed.

Three hours later, they came to the Grand Sister Pony Kingdom and Daring looked up grinning. "Splendid! Now let's get inside and find that idol!" They trotted inside excitedly after her, Rarity at a slower pace since she was exhausted, and she took a quick look around. A growl rumbled through the ruins in front of her. She looked up, staring at the rather large body of a grown black bear that was moving from behind a ruined throne.

Fluttershy trotted in front of her, eyes narrowed into her signature stare but the bear ran forward at full speed and batted her to the side with a swipe of its gargantuan paws. She squealed in shock, fear, and pain, flying through the air towards a wall. Applejack managed to catch her, using her body to stop her unexpected flight through the air and growled. "So we gotta kill that bear?" Daring nodded with a grim smirk and pulled out her knife, her jaw tightening and wings flaring out. Time for a dance with a bear.

Separate Trails

Chapter 3

Daring dodged left and right as the bear took swipe after swipe at her. Applejack kicked her left hind leg up and flipped out her own knife, catching it in her mouth tightly, rushing forward to help. She buck-kicked the bear in the small of the back and bounced away from the enraged bear. The bear snarled, spinning around and batting at her. She ducked, slashing up and cutting open its paw. She jumped back and Daring kicked the bear in the legs from behind. The bear snarled then turned and backhanded Daring to the side. She hit the ground hard and rolled, Applejack cut into the bear's back to distract it from her. Roaring in pain and something akin to frustration, it turned back to Applejack and grabbed her by the tail. It jerked her up then back into the air. It spun her like a lasso then tossed her into the ruined throne of the sun goddess, which she hit with a sickening thud.

Applejack bounced off the throne and hit the ground hard, groaning softly and she slowly pushed herself up, shaking her head. She looked down then gasped and yelled, "Wait!" Daring moved out of the bear’s range looking to Applejack in shock. Standing on shaking hooves, Applejack held up a small cub a light grin dancing on her face. "Yer a smart cookie, right miss bear?" The bear growled and slowly fell to four paws, Applejack nodded then tossed the cub towards her. "Take this and let us go." The bear caught the cub in her mouth then rushed off, causing Applejack to sighed in relief.

"Great thinking, Miss Applejack. Are you okay?" She looked up at Daring, who held a hoof towards her. Applejack blushed lightly then took it and nodded.

"Ah'm fine. Just some quick thinking. You okay?" Daring nodded turning away to look around the room. Twilight herded the others in and Pinkie cheered for Applejack and Daring. Dash was pouting and pointedly glaring at Twilight. "I could have helped them."

"No offense Dash but it seems like Daring and Applejack had this covered." Dash glared at Twilight and soon they began to argue. Daring rolled her eyes then looked around. "Now we look for the entrance to the underbelly." She jumped down from the ruined throne and trotted down the throne stairs to where everyone was waiting.

Fluttershy fluttered away from the group, over to Applejack and hugged her tightly. "Thank you Applejack! I'd hate for anyone to get hurt." Applejack waved off the pony with a smile before following the timid mare off the throne and towards the group. Applejack winced lightly as her leg pulled and protested. She gulped softly then set her chin. She wasn't hurt just a bit tense was all. She nodded and trotted over to Dash and Twilight.

Dash and her hoof bumped while Daring frowned as she scanned the room. "Princess Celestia said when the sun dips, only then will the path be clear. So I guess all we can do is play the waiting game." The other mares nodded and she took a seat, closing her eyes.

Applejack looked around and frowned at Daring, who was sitting with her eyes closed. One of her hooves was holding a cup and another hoof was a bottle of water. She was breathing deeply as if she were sleeping, her face blank. She slowly moved the hoof with the bottle towards the hoof with the cup but paused when they were an inch apart. Her eyes snapped open and she looked around. "It's time." The other mares looked up from their activities and packed up before trotting over to her.

Applejack moved at a slower pace, wincing. She hadn't want to admit it before but now it was clear she was injured but she just didn't know just how badly her leg was damaged. She winced again and hoped nothing else would surprise them when they went down there. The sun was beginning to dip as Daring was scanned the room. The others did the same and Pinkie squealed. "Look!"

They spun around and gasped as the statue of Princess Celestia began to glow and a beam of light shot out of her horn and hit the ground under them. "Quickly! Out the door!" They rushed out as the room behind them began to glow and the sound of crashing broke the silence that had surrounded the kingdom they were in. As soon as the noise ended, rather abruptly really, they turned back.

They trotted back in cautiously, gasping simultaneously as they realized the ground was gone from where they had just been standing and a flight of stairs in its place. Daring looked back and nodded her head to them. "Okay, team, stay close. We don't know what else could come out and try to harm us." They nodded and trotted down the stairs, keeping close to their temporary leader. Daring looked to Twilight, who nodded, and shot a beam of light shot out of her horn, lighting the corridor. Everyone gasped as the light went from her horn to the jewels that aligned the walls causing it to become lit and glow a pale lavender. Daring grinned at Twilight and they began forward.

They weren't very deep in when they came to a large room. She looked around then forward and stopped everyone. They looked past her and found two passageways. Frowning deeply, she looked at them both and Pinkie bounced over. "Cool! Looks like we have to split up!" Daring nodded and looked to Twilight, who was examining the tunnels with glowing eyes.

"I can't tell which one will lead us to the statue but if we split up one team is sure to find it." Daring nodded and was about to speak but Pinkie bounced over and said, "Okay team! Rarity, Fluttershy and I will take the left tunnel! You guys take the right!" They looked at her in confusion then to Daring, who coughed and nodded.

"Um, I guess that's okay." Twilight frowned slightly, since it seemed they should have Applejack go with the others but nodded at Daring look, then trotted over to Rarity. "Rarity do you trust me?" Rarity nodded in confusion and Twilight's horn lit up, before she leaned forward and pressed it against Rarity's. Rarity flinched and moved back but Twilight hushed her softly,moving with her and closing her eyes.

Rarity's eyes widened briefly then slowly slid shut and she leaned into Twilight. For a short second everything grew to a painful brightness, leaving an imprint of the scene as it slowly dimmed. Twilight moved back, still a little groggy from the use of her magic to that extent.

"Okay. I synced Rarity's mind to mine for the next few days. I know we're probably only going to be down here for a short while but I still want to make sure that we have a way to communicate." They nodded and she looked to the left tunnel and carved an R at the top then did the same for the other but a T in place of the R. "T stands for Twilight, R for Rarity. If one group comes back empty handed then head down the other path to meet up with everyone." They nodded again and with a look to one another they began down their trails.

Applejack winced again as her leg protested painfully, threatening to buckle once again. Their tunnel led them up and down and all kinds of around, yeah, it was a feeling she didn’t like. Daring and Twilight were talking about the statue, while Dash admired Daring from behind. Applejack was a bit thankful Daring had ordered her to take rear in their group, she hated looking weak in front of others. Especially a certain cyan pegasus, who was looking at damn Daring! Applejack grimaced as her leg buckled again and finally decided to call out,"Hey Twi', how much farther do ya think?" Twilight stopped talking then frowned. "Not sure. The statue is said to be in the center of the kingdom. The garden is the center of the kingdom but that’s miles from the front of the castle."

Applejack held in a pitiful groan as she looked back and blanched at how pale her leg looked. It was a light shade of yellow orange while the rest of her was orange. Not good. Not good at all. Dash was still grinning at Daring, who was looking around. "How about a break?" Dash nodded and Applejack collapsed onto her haunch in relief. Twilight pulled out some food and offered it to the other mares, who took it happily. They began to eat slowly and Dash smiled as Daring looked at her and said, "So Dash, how do you like your first adventure?"

"Great. Is this what it mostly is? Seems easy." She leaned against a wall trying to look cool but failed when she slipped and fell back, causing Applejack and Daring to laugh.

"Sorry Dash, that was just too cute, but yes this does seem easy. Too easy." She frowned then studied the wall, her eyes widening in panic. "Dash, don't move!" Dash grew tense and looked around with her head.

"What? What's wrong?!" Daring moved towards her and tried to pull her forward but Dash flinched, moving fell back reflectively. She moved into the wall and winced as a clicking sound came from behind her. "What was that?" She whispered. Suddenly a low rumbling came and filled the room, causing them to look around, nervously. Daring winced then looked up. Her face paling slightly. "Oh dear."

"What was that?"

"It seems a booby trap had been activated." The rumbling grew and they turned to see a huge rock heading towards them. They froze all froze for half a second before taking off. "Damn it Dash!" Was the only thing that could be heard as the mare’s ran for their life.

Sparkling Diamonds

Chapter 4

Daring and Dash kept a neck to neck pace as they race down the corridor in pure terror. Twilight and, surprisingly, Applejack trailed behind. Twilight wasn't used to such activities, her partial shut in lifestyle catching up to her, and Applejack was in serious pain and it was only getting worse. Applejack's lungs burned, her mouth was shut tight to keep her pain nausea at bay, her eyes were filling with tears, and her surroundings were growing fuzzy faster and faster. She looked back and groaned when she found the rock was only gaining speed and getting closer not close enough to worry but still close. Gritting her teeth tighter, she pushed herself to catch up with Twilight, who seemed to be getting hazier. They leaned into a turn and Applejack screamed out in pain as her leg gave out with a sickening crack. She tumbled to the ground and rolled for a while before lying perfectly still.

Daring looked over her shoulder and gasped before pulling back, racing to Applejack’s side. She managed to get to Applejack and get her onto her back before running twice as fast, to catch up with the others. She rushed to Twilight's side and yelled, "Run faster Twilight! Faster damn it!" Twilight groaned but picked the speed up regardless. They ducked into a corridor that Dash waved from and collapsed from exhaustion. Daring panted then rolled Applejack off of her back, looking to Twilight. "Check her over please. Something's be wrong." Twilight nodded and looked down at Applejack then pressed her horn against her side. Her horn was alight for a short second before she moved back.

"Her leg broke while she was running. I can fix it but need your guys’ help." Twilight moved, looking from Daring to Dash. "Dash, you need to hold her down. We can’t have her bucking around or it’s only going to make this worse. Daring, can you move her leg back into position? I'll try to direct you the best I can." Daring and Dash nodded and moved into their positions. Dash straddled Applejack's chest and put her hooves on her shoulders to prevent her from rising, while Daring moved into position by Applejack’s broken leg, looking at Twilight. Twilight's eyes began to glow and she said, "Okay, press it up." Daring did as Twilight instructed trying to be as gentle as possible while still attempting to move it fast to limit the pain. Applejack jolted awake and shrieked in pain as her leg was moved quickly, causing an immense amount of pain. "Now to the left and inward." Daring again did as instructed and Applejack withered in pain, whining softly.

Dash held her down and looked away while she whined. She felt sick seeing her friend in pain. "Damn, now a bit to the right. She moved it out of place." Daring moved it again and Applejack cried out loudly and twisted slightly then screamed as her leg moved out of its place completely, creating a nasty and flinch worthy looking sight. "Damn it! Push it in! Dash, hold her better!" Dash bared all of her weight down on her then closed her eyes and braced herself. Applejack screamed in pain as Daring moved her leg back together; Twilight moved forward at once and pressed her horn into the broken segment before it could be moved out of place again.

Applejack screamed loudly once again and her fore hoof took a swing at Dash, missing by just an inch. "Calm down Applejack! It has to be done!" Applejack tried to hit Dash again but missed and hit the wall next to her, causing a pain induced hiss to come from her. Sweat poured down Twilight's face as she poured more magic into the bone and forcefully mended them together as fast as she could. After a while, that felt like hours, she moved back and Applejack's twisting and swings grew weaker. Applejack stopped, panting heavily, tears rolling from her eyes and into her mane. Dash hugged her tightly, sniffling after having to hold her friend down and watch her in pain, Daring sat next to her head stroking her mane and Dash's, whispering, “There, let's take another break before we continue. I think we need it."

Twilight looked from her food to Applejack, who was unconscious, snoring softly, into Dash's side. Daring and Dash were speaking softly over her body, which was sandwiched between them. Dash had a light flush on her cheeks while Daring was smiling and taking an occasional glance at Applejack. Applejack snorted in her sleep and both mares paused to look at her and grin at each other, giggling at her snort. Twilight cocked her head to the side and smiled lightly. Cute. She took a bite from her sandwich and blinked. Rarity's group had come up with nothing so they were headed back and to them.

Over by Dash and Daring, Applejack slowly came awake and raised her head, groaning softly. "What in..."

"Nice to see you awake sleepy head." She looked to Daring then Dash and winced lightly. "How's the leg?"

"Hurts a little but nothin' Ah can't handle." They nodded and Daring slowly got up, stretching as she did so. "Well we've had enough time to rest. It’s time to get a move on. Applejack if you have a problem with your leg tell us okay?" Dash stood and, both, her and Daring helped Applejack up to her hooves. She stood a bit unsteadily for a second before stretching out and moving her leg.

"Yes'em. Well my leg feels much better. What happened after Ah fell?" Dash and Daring looked at each other than shook their heads, sharing a grimace.

"Don't ask."

Soon, the four mares trotted down the corridor at a leisurely pace. Twilight was examining the walls, while Dash and Daring argued over something not noticing Applejack looking thoughtfully from Daring then to Dash, giving them both her attention. She was thankful about being rescued and there was a new feeling in her chest that was starting to bloom but she still liked Dash right? Did she like them both? She shook her head then scowled at the ground, her face getting red at the thought. What the hay was she thinking like that for in a corridor of traps and death?! She sighed then pulled the front of her Stetson down and trotted after the two confusing mares. Daring smiled as Dash talked in detail about saving someone during the young flier's competition and then looked forward. "Company halt!"

She stopped and looked back to see Dash and Twilight were looking at her in confusion but stopped while Applejack stood ramrod straight and to attention. "Applejack have you had military training?" Applejack seemed to snap out of a stupor and flushed a deep red.

"No! Just....mah pa and ma...oh ferget it." She grew redder then snorted. "What'd you stop us fer anyway?" Daring smirked then turned back and pointed to down to the hole in front of her. Their eyes widened and Dash squealed. "The statue!" Daring nodded, frowning as she looked around. "Something must be out of place. This seems just too easy." Twilight's horn lit up then went out abruptly and her eyes widened, her mouth falling open in a bit of shock and horror. "My magic!"

Daring nodded, trying to flared out her wings but gasped when they refused to open. "My wings seem to be out of commission too." Dash whined as she came to the same conclusion and they looked down and around. The statue rested in the center of the room below them on top of a huge mound of diamonds and other jewels. It was too low to jump to and Twilight couldn’t use her magic to grab it either.

Daring frowned and looked for a way to the mound only to see Applejack grin as she pulled her signature rope from under her hat. "Rope. Never leave home without it." Daring laughed as she tied one end of it around a large rock and motioned to it. "After you my ladies." The four slid down to the ground and looked around. A treasure room. The two inexperienced mares looked around the room in awe while Twilight stuck to Daring said, "Don't touch anything. It’s more than likely to be booby-trapped." The other two moved closer to them and Daring inched her way up a flight of gold coin stairs to the statue.

She took a deep breath, wiped the sweat from her forehead, and flexed her hooves, only to get smacked for taking too long from Applejack before she finally snatched the statue off the mound of jewels. She smiled and ushered them down the mound and they gasped when the mound began to melt down and turned into a spinning vortex before their very eyes.

Ahuitzotl

Chapter 5

The vortex began to spin faster and faster, as they galloped towards the rope, the statue in Daring's mouth. She tucked it under her hat as they got the rope and began to shimmy up it. Dash, who was on the end, turned her head and gasped in shock as the vortex bubbled up like a volcano, going higher and higher until it exploded, spewing flames and debris outward. They all watched in mute horror as the coins spun in a circle then fell one by one and a wolf-like creature floated down. "So we meet again Daring Do!"

"Ahuitzotl." The creature laughed and walked down a set of imaginary stairs and stopped in front of the mare, snatching her hat off her head. "Ahhh, the Statue of Pony. I'll be taking that." He placed the hat on his head as he turned and blasted a hole with a beam of energy into the roof before flying out of it. "Farewell Daring Do! And your little sidekicks too." He snapped while he cackled at his rhyme, the jewels and coins began to spin and melt together. They rushed to the ledge and turned to see that all the jewels and coins had melted together and formed a huge towering pony of gold. It snorted as they turned and took off as fast as they could.

"Run!" Daring yelled in fear. They rushed down the corridor and found Rarity, Pinkie, and Fluttershy were heading straight for them. "Turn around and RUN!" Twilight squealed, causing the others to frown in confusion before taking off after them. Dash looked back and gasped. Behind her she saw seven golden horses were chasing them. She sped up and yelled, "Come on! We have company!" They ran faster and harder after they saw the gold ponies. They ran up, down and all around until they reached the original set of stairs, thundering up the steps into the early morning air and looking around in shock. "Why are the stairs still open?" Daring whispered in confusion.

"Girls!" They spun around and found Princess Celestia standing there. "Get out of the way so I can seal it!" They all ran to her side, which was out of the way. She pointed her horn down and shot a beam of pure energy at the stairs and it sealed with a near deafening crack. "Thank goodness. Where's the statue Daring?" Daring cringed then sighed.

"Ahuitzotl has it." She cringed as Princess Celestia let out a snort of anger and looked up. "There!" Daring yelled before taking off into the sky, all of them looking up to see Ahuitzotl flying overhead. Dash flared out her own wings and shot off after him too before anypony could voice their opinion of that being a bad idea.

Ahuitzotl smirked and spun around to face the mares behind him, he chuckled to himself before yelling, "You think you can defeat me?!" Daring smirked and nodded.

"Of course we can!" Ahuitzotl laughed shooting a beam of black energy at them. They twirled away like ballerinas then shot up towards him like missiles. He snarled silently and took a swing at Daring, while using his tail to grab Dash by the mane. Dash cried out in pain, bucking out. She hit him in the back hard enough to cause him to yelp in pain and toss her into Daring with a tremendous force.

They tumbled through the air for a short while before righting themselves and heading back for another round. He snarled through an angry grin, shooting another beam out towards them. They circled around it and headed back, only to be thrown back again by a field of energy.

Daring growled and moved to attack but he shot another beam towards her. She closed her wings and let herself free fell before she shot back up as she let them out. She kicked him in the mouth, flipping backwards, reaching for the hat but was grabbed around her midsection and thrown at Dash. They tumbled again then spun away from each other and flew up. From the ground, the others watched as they fought him, Applejack looked to Twilight a bit desperately. "Twi! Ah gotta help them!" Twilight frowned then nodded and pointed her horn at Applejack but Princess Celestia stopped her before saying, "No Twilight, I've got another spell in mind."

Dash and Daring groaned as he laughed and shot another blast at Daring. She dodged it just barely wincing as it singed her skin. She looked to Dash and growled as Dash nursed a broken hoof. "This is getting us nowhere!" Dash winced through the pain and nodded, though the action disoriented her.

"What can we do?" Dash said softly. Suddenly an orange blur slammed into Ahuitzotl’s side and knocked the hat off his head. The hat fluttered away and the statue took a straight drop. Daring's eyes widened and she shot down after it, with Dash doing the same as did the orange blur. Dash looked and gaped at the newly winged Applejack. "What?"

"Like'em? A gift from Princess Celestia." She smirked then circled around them and all three of them looked down, Daring winced in pain as her wounds pulled so pulled back. "Can't get it. Not enough strength." Daring grunted out while the other two continued their descent.

Applejack and Dash raced towards the statue, circling one another creating a spiral of rainbow and orange, but Applejack pulled back too after a short while, leaving Dash to move faster. Dash was met with resistance and slammed both of her hooves forward and with a boom she grabbed the statue and pulled up. Princess Celestia gasped, as did the others and Dash screamed in triumph. "Yes!" Ahuitzotl howled in rage then pointed his hand at Dash and fired a beam of black energy. Daring screamed out in fear and rushed to intercept the blast. At the last minute, she knocked Dash out of the way and closed her eyes.

She was waited for impact but Applejack crashed into her and forcefully shut both of their wings. They free fell for a short second before Applejack flared her wings out and spun around snarling, "Now yer getting a buck to the face!" She released Daring then shot towards him like a bullet and slammed her hind hooves into his mouth. Daring growled and flared out her wings too, shooting up to help while Dash landed, bouncing slightly on three hooves before quickly limping towards Princess Celestia, tossing the statue at her.

Up above, Daring slammed her hooves into his stomach and Applejack kicked him in the mouth again. They moved back then grinned at each other. Their grins twisted into sadistic smirks as they looked at him. He whimpered and moved back but they rushed forward to attack.

Twenty fun and violent packed minutes later, Applejack and Daring floated down and landed gracefully on the ground while Ahuitzolt landed with a thump next to them, causing both mares to snort at him. Princess Celestia moved forward and smiled softly. "Great work all of you. If you all wouldn't mind? This statue must be cleansed of its evil before it has the opportunity to corrupt the world around it.”

"But we don't have the elements." Twilight said softly. Princess Celestia smiled warmly at them then moved back.

"You don't need them. The jewels are just to focus the energy. Twilight, ask of the power from the Goddess of the Dawn and you'll be able to use the powers of the Elements."

Twilight bit her lip then nodded and looked to her team. "Everyone into formation!" Everyone moved into their spots and she moved to the center and said softly, "Oh Goddess of the Dawn, hear my plea! Help me cleanse this statue of the evil that has corrupted it." A deep rumble came from the earth and suddenly a wave of power shot up and consumed the six mares.

Daring took a step forward; her eyes going between Dash and Applejack but Princess Celestia stopped her. "They’re not being hurt. Give it a minute. Now let’s talk. You've begun to care for those two haven't you?" Daring flushed and looked at the glowing mares. "They can't hear us if that's what you're worried about."

"Then yes, I do care for two of them. How are you not disgusted?"

"I've lived for many years and I've heard and seen worse. I think it's cute really."

"For three mares to be together?"

"I think of it more like a herd."

"Again not common."

"Not uncommon either." Princess Celestia smiled and nuzzled the disgruntled Daring who mumbled, "I'm getting too old for this. How did you give her those wings? They look like real pegasus wings." Princess Celestia smiled and looked at the glowing Applejack.

"It's the Remaker spell. I can only cast it once or twice every two hundred years. It makes it so I can add or remove a piece to a pony." Daring looked at her in shock and said, "You gave her wings?" Princess Celestia nodded and sighed softly.
"If you do pursue them both give them equal affection and love." Daring nodded then watched in shock and awe as the six glowing mares fired a beam of pure energy at the statue and it cracked open, exploding before reforming into a statue of pure, beaming white, instead of the black it was before. The six mares lowered to the ground then collapsed and Daring rushed to Applejack's and Dash's sides. "Are you guys okay?" Slowly all of them came too and got up. Applejack looked to her new wings, flaring them out and flexed them.

"Cool." Daring smiled then nuzzled her neck.

"You okay?" Applejack blushed and nodded then watched as she did the same to Dash. Dash nodded and smiled, flushing red as she did so. Daring sighed in relief then looked up at Princess Celestia. She grinned and nodded her head to them before turning.

"Thank you Daring Do!" Princess Celestia took off into the air, holding Ahuitzotl in her magic, and Daring smiled slightly. She looked to the mares and smiled, nuzzling Applejack and Dash in turn.

Epilogue

Chapter 6

Daring smiled tiredly as she finished her final report and trotted down the stairs. "Thanks again for letting me stay here Twilight."

"Anything for an old friend." she said as Daring trotted out of the library and down the street towards town waving good-bye. She smiled and took in a deep breath. She looked up the street to see Applejack tugging her cart along, her wings hidden by a brown vest.

"Applejack!" She called out, trotting a little faster to catch up to the mare. Applejack stopped and looked back, grinning and flushing a bit.

"Well howdy hon. How've you been?"

"I’m good. And how about you?"

"Pretty good." Daring smiled then nuzzled her and looked around.

"Pretty early for selling apples don't you think?"

"Nope. Ah'm off to set off mah cart, stop by sometime hon and Ah'll set ya up k?" Daring nodded then kissed Applejack softly before trotting off and leaving the apple mare to sigh and stare after her with a goofy grin. Daring trotted into the post office and dumped her mail into a basket before trotting off towards the Ponyville Museum. She trotted in and grinned at the museum mare walking around and talking to children. "Ahhhh and here's the mare of adventure herself, Daring Do!" The kids gasped and Daring grinned.

"Hello kids. I'd stay and chat but I must be getting to my paperwork." The children awwwed and she smiled before sauntering off to her office.

She was reading some papers when her window burst open and Dash crashed in. She giggled then trotted over and nuzzled her softly. "You okay love?" Dash bounced to her hooves and grinned at her, nuzzling her back. "I'm fine, takes a lot more than one measly little crash to keep me grounded. Say, do yah wanna go out for lunch?"

"I've got work."

"Hey! You're not working through another lunch. You already called a rain-check for the last one." Daring smiled then nodded and called her assistant.

"Twinkle? Can you handle my paper work? I'm taking the day off."

"Yes Miss Do." Daring grinned and took off after a giddy Rainbow Dash. They flew quickly to the edge of Sweet Apple Acres, landing gracefully. On a picnic blanket was Applejack, who was lying on her back and napping. "I think some of your laziness rubbed off on her." Dash pouted then nudged her towards Applejack.

"Hey let's nap then. She has the right idea!" Daring rolled her eyes but nestled herself next to Applejack and dug her nose into her mane. She smiled tiredly then relaxed as Dash nuzzled the back of her neck and fell asleep. She grinned then closed her eyes and fell asleep.

It was going to be a trial but she was willing to Learn to Love.

Author note- Well thats the end of this journey. Stay tuned for the next story Learning to Love: An Apple Tiara. Here is an excerpt.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle sighed softly as they zoomed around town. Scootaloo slowed as they neared Sugarcube Corner and said, "Where do you think Apple Bloom is?" Sweetie sighed then said, "Not sure Scoots." They stopped in front of the bakery and were about to go in when the door opened and Apple Bloom trotted out with Diamond Tiara at her side.

Both crusaders hid themselves in the bushes and watched in shock as Diamond Tiara nuzzled Apple Bloom and giggled as Apple Bloom flushed and looked around. Scoots looked close to fainting while Sweetie looked ill when Apple Bloom looked around again then nuzzled her back.