//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: "Daring's Determination." // Story: Daring Do Adventures: Daring Do And The Griffin's Goblet // by XombieSlayr //------------------------------// Chapter 2: “Daring’s Determination.” Daring ran as fast she could through the halls of the university, looking for Storm Talon. The one person (er,Griffin) that she knew would have the info she needed. There was no one in Equestria more qualified to talk about griffin history. This was not only because he was one, but because he had in fact lived through much of it. She burst through the door, panting,holding the letter under wing. Storm looked up from his studies. “Daring?” Storm asked in his usual gruff, yet intelligent tone. He looked a bit annoyed. “What have I told you about running in the halls?” he asked. “Y’know I'm supposed to be chastising students about this, you’re a professor for Celestia’s sake!” Storm was clearly annoyed, But Daring couldn’t have cared less in this situation. “Storm?” she asked. “Yes?” “Two things. One: Shut Up. Two: Read this.” Daring handed Storm the letter shed received. Storm took the letter in his talon. “And whats this? Some kind of-“ he stopped noticing the wax seal on the envelope. “Wait a minute…that’s the seal of…the Old Kingdom.” Storm said bewildered. His eyes widened. “I haven’t seen this outside of textbooks. Back from the days of the Elders almost!” He remarked still amazed at seeing the seal. Storm looked over at Daring. “Where did you get this?” he asked still surprised. Daring do rarely ever wore a serious expression. But this time her face was serious enough to give even Storm talon shivers. “Read it storm.” She said clearly. Storm held the letter up,and scanned its first few paragraphs quickly. His eyes widened behind his half-moon spectacles. He could scarcely believe what he had just read. He looked over at Daring. “Do you know if this is true?” he asked earnestly. Daring’s face didn’t show that she was sure of anything right now. She only looked down at her fore hooves and gave a weak smile. “It…was the place he was looking for.Y’know,when he…” Daring’s voice trailed off. Just then Herpy,who had shortly given chase to see what Daring was so concerned with,burst into the room,panting and out of breath. He gave himself a moment to catch his breath. “D-Daring! *cough* There you are!” he exclaimed. Herpy was confused and exhausted. He only wanted to know if his boss (and friend) was alright. “Are you okay?” he asked Daring. Daring had her back to him and said nothing, for she was too lost in thought. “what’s in the letter?” He asked, his curiosity becoming lethal at this point. Neither Storm nor Daring said anything for a minute. Then Storm piped up. “You best read it for yourself.” Said storm solemnly. The old griffin handed Herpy the letter,who took it with trembling hooves. Herpy read it aloud. Long Ago, there was a city in the sky. Larger than Stormton. More populated than Cloudsdale. And with more riches then even the wealthiest of equestrians could hope to attain. And at its center, something far more valuable. The city was lost long ago, in a great battle of hoof and talon. It secrets hidden away from prying eyes and greedy hooves. They say that it vanished in the night, never to be seen again. That no natural force may find it again. I have a feeling, you’re intimately aware of this legend,Ms.Do. One does remember their favorite bedtime stories for a life time after all. But its more then that,you and I both know. And now there is news from the coast of Zebrica of odd cloud formations. Stories from pilots and pegasi alike of lightning storms and strange magic. Perhaps the one who read you those stories, will be waiting. I hear he misses you. Best of Luck. You know what you must find. Herpy finished reading the letter with his eyes wide. If his hooves weren’t shaking before, they were practically vibrating at this point. The room was quiet for several moments. No one said a word,as Daring,Storm and Herpy were all too shocked and lost in thought to say anything. Finally, Herpy broke the silence. “I-Is It?” Herpy squeaked. “Daring answered Herpy’s question before he asked it. “Yes…My father.” She looked up, her face determined. She spun on her hoof,and ran out of storm’s office at a brisk pace. The page and the professor stumbled to keep up with her. The three ran through the halls of the university,garnering several surprised looks and remarks from the students walking though them. Herpy,still tired from chasing after daring before,called out. “W-where are you going?” He called to daring. Daring slowed down as they walked through a slippery hallway that had just been freshly waxed that morning. Daring didn’t look back as she spoke. ‘To the library. Then to Coco’s… Then to Zebrica.” She said determined. This time Storm voiced his opinion. “You can’t just wander off again, you only just got back!” he exclaimed, thoroughly surprised. Daring didn’t answer but kept up her pace as they continued through the waxed hallway. Storm,thinking he was being ignored tried to reach daring again. “Masra will have your head.” He warned. Daring didn’t reply with her usual clever quips or remarks. This situation was much too serious to joke,and she knew that. “If this is my chance to finally find him…she can have my legs too.” Daring said seriously. Needless to say,both Herpy and Storm were taken aback by this remark. The three continued to walk, as they made their way through the entrance hall to the library. Storm sighed. “I suppose there’s no stopping you is there Daring?” He sighed. “Nope.” Daring answered plainly. Storm sighed again. He knew his part to play in Daring’s adventures by now. “Fine…Ill cover your classes, then.” Storm said. ‘I wish you luck, wherever this message takes you-“ Storm was interrupted by Daring . “You’re coming with me.” Daring said plainly. Storm stopped dead in his tracks. He struggled to find words that expressed just how surprised he was. He settled for a traditional response. “What!?” he exclaimed. Daring gave a smile as she trotted along the hall. “This is a griffin’s seal. This is a griffin’s dagger. And this is a griffin’s legend.” Daring glanced back at Storm and smiled slyly. “I’m gonna need a Griffin expert with me.” Storm was speechless. “You’re the only one here who fits that bill. “Besides…Don’t you wanna find him?” She added hopefully. Storm collected himself, and put on a determined look. “Of course I do. But we have no idea if this letter is genuine.” Storm explained. Daring smiled. “I’m gonna find out. Now, come on were wasting time.” Daring said picking up the pace again. Storm marched alongside her. “I’m a professor Daring! And unlike you I don’t go swanning off on adventures and leave my students behind!” Daring stopped and turned to face Storm. “Storm-“ “I mean there’s a test coming up,that I have to present to a lecture hall!” “Storm.” “I mean I have a responsibility, to instill knowledge in the minds of those young up and comers. Pony or otherwise. And I intend to keep-“ “Its Spring break!” Daring finally exclaimed, her voice echoing in the now empty hall. Storm blinked. “What?” He asked, utterly taken back. “Spring break starts in like, two hours.” Storm looked around. While they had been talking, Students had been gathering their things, chatting with one another, saying goodbye to friends and teachers, and leaving through various exits out into the warm spring daylight. The entire school was now empty, save for a few teachers. “Oh.” Storm said, now utterly embarrassed. Daring smiled. “Now shake a mechanical leg. We need to get to the library.” Daring turned towards Herpy, who had been watching earnestly from behind Storm. “Herpy, I need you to locate a book for me.” Herpy gave a smile. “Right away, Daring.” He exclaimed. With that, Daring turned and opened the doors that opened into the library.