//------------------------------// // Chapter 2. Meet the amazing genie // Story: Daring Do and the magic lamp // by Andy Ray //------------------------------// What came out of the lamp, could be described as a pillar of smoke. Thick smoke, mind you. Almost tangible, at that. Much, as Daring had expected. Yes, be not surprised! Hysteria is hysteria, what can be done about that? Thick smoke rising from-within a seemingly magic lamp? Yeah, sure! It must be a genie! The thick smoke condensing even more? Yup, that's totally what's expected! The smoke gaining a form? Oh, sure! Is a genie some amorphous blob of smoke or is he a properly shaped being, whaddaya think? Uh? The smoke seems unsure of what shape to assume? Why, sure! (Although, why she should be OK with that, Daring could not answer herself.) After all, why should it matter any more?! Trapped down here? Check! Lost to arch-enemy? Check! Arch-enemy roaming free? with the power to destroy Equestria?! Sirs, our company is proud to claim our services' impeccability! The full arch-enemy set is included BY DEFAULT! We can certainly guarantee, your death is going to come for sure! Um, well... the despair levels... Daring might not come unscratched from this adventure, after all... Had her mind been damaged beyond repair? Please, fear not! Maybe, the genie could help! Um, if there was an actual genie, that is. The smoke had meanwhile finally decided to become a whirl -- and what a whirl it was! It swirled, like there had been no tomorrow! It crackled with unfathomable power rumbling inside. It was almost glowing with it! When the power seemed to have become unimaginable even to be existing, the whirl widened, and in its centre Daring could see the white light. The light would have been beautiful, if it hadn't been so unbearably bright. As if someone had placed some very hot liquid metal in the centre! Daring could almost feel its inexistent heat -- the light didn't even burn, in fact. But there seemed to be something in the very centre of this light "sphere" not (at all) of a properly spheric shape. As if there had been more space, than what the eye could capture (even if it couldn't -- only a fraction of a second would pass, and Daring would avert her glance, clouded with some unhealthy aloofness). "I could even pass through the light, if I wanted", -- thought Daring to herself. It was true: it seemed, as if the light had been a window to the whitest room there'd ever been. And someone seemed to be there... behind that window... It seemed to be looking through it -- or was it the light, the window, itself? To Daring it looked, like it was observing the world outside -- albeit not with some kind of eyes -- no, there were no eyes, as if it hadn't needed them! It appeared, Daring was not fazed with this eerie presence -- like, at all! Apparently, something bad had happened to her mind! Oh, if only someone helped her! The being, meanwhile, decided, that it had seen enough, and the white light "sphere" exploded suddenly, filling everything with its light. And when it had faded... Daring had thought she'd been about to die, when the light "sphere" had exploded. The mere thought of it hadn't worried her at all -- hysteria much, huh? But, when she came to her senses and still saw that same scenery -- the little dusty room with nothing much in it to see, walls covered in some ancient symbols, whose meaning eluded her, -- she finally showed a spark of confusion... Was it what the afterlife looked like?.. "Oh... finally!.." -- spoke someone suddenly with joy faintly heard in the speaker's words. That dim spark of confusion inside Daring Do did make her wonder calmly, who was there, but didn't make her panic. This indicated, something was indeed not right with her... "Hello, -- greeted she. -- Are you a local? I'd like some explanations, if you please". "I would like one too", -- answered her the same voice, glinting with mild discontent. Where the smoke and the light had been before, there hovered above the floor a... "Who are you?" -- asked Daring Do with mild interest, which did no justice to the... creature's looks: it might be recognised as a sea horse (which were not sea ponies, mind you!), but its hind legs (if sea horses had hind legs at all) were missing and replaced instead by a wisp of smoke; furthermore, this "sea horse" had arms, rather than pony forearms, but they didn't end with hands: what it had... well... maybe, these were hooves, and maybe, they were not: it was hard to judge, when they couldn't even keep their shape. One moment they were undistinguishable from pony hooves, the other -- they seemed to be a very complicated limb, worth a whole octopus. As for its head -- the creature had no specific features -- just a head, seemingly no hair, a pair of non-pony ears (unnoticed by Daring at first)... Its eyes, however... They seemed to be glowing with ruby light -- not so pierce, in fact, to make anybody worry of the creature's ill intent -- for that matter they didn't even "glow". It just seemed, as though they were dimly lit, almost as if they'd been bloodshot (but not so disturbingly so). The eyes, it appeared, were stealing every bit of attention from the other face features: what nose and mouth it had, if at all, remained unclear to Daring Do. "They don't recognise me... -- spoke the creature thoughtfully. -- Have they forgotten who I am?" It looked about to remind those puny and feeble worms who it was, when... it looked itself over and let out a shriek: "Wait, WHO AM I??!" Daring was knocked off to the opposite wall by that and rubbed her hurting head, letting out an "ouch!". The creature, meanwhile, was freaking out, as if it'd been trying to make the most comical impression of a cartoon character doing the same: there were hyperventilation, more accented hyperventilation, blood-pressure checking, a thermometer shoved into its mouth -- and even a heart monitor, complete with beeps and a bed, as if straight from a hospital! Finally it finished goofing around, sat up with a jump in the bed and tried to calm down somewhat: "Wait-wait-wait, just don't panic... -- although it did seem very panicked. -- I am strong. I am powerful. I can do anything!" Then it seemed to try something... ...But nothing happened. The creature appeared to be terrified by that: "What's happened to my powers??!" -- it let out hysterically, then started scampering about with unreal speed... until it stumbled over Daring Do still rubbing her head -- and sprawled on the floor. "Hey! Watch where you're running!" -- barked Daring at it angrily, her head's hurting helping her to cool off not in the slightest. She rubbed it more energetically, hoping it would make the pain go away. The creature, meanwhile, jumped onto its... inexistent feet -- how it could stand on a wisp of smoke -- who knew? -- and demanded from Daring Do frantically: "Tell me where my powers are! Am I still imprisoned?!" Daring never answered it, too occupied with her head, and only moaned weakly. "Aargh!" -- growled the creature, shaking with fury. It would have blasted Daring Do on the spot, if it hadn't suddenly realised something. Instead of incinerating the poor mare or doing worse things it looked all curious and snapped its "fingers", which appeared conveniently, when the need arose, -- and the lamp Daring had rubbed before floated, and then swooshed toward the creature, who caught it mid-flight and looked at it, studying something on it intently. "Oh, for goodness' sake! -- it exclaimed, when done studying. -- Still imprisoned, then! Great!!!" -- it said and kicked the lamp so fiercely it started bouncing off of the walls, until it hit the creature in its head. "Ow!" It would have kicked the lamp even more fiercely, had Daring not warned it: "Do you want it to hit you even harder?" The creature, its smoky "leg" ready to send the lamp flying, paused, freezing completely, then considered. Then decided, rubbing its chin: "No, I don't... So I... won't", -- with those words said it reached for the lamp and set it gently the way the lamp was expected to stand. Then gave it a little pat. Then, for some reason, produced a saucer of milk and set it down, apparently expecting the lamp to start lapping it up. Seeing that, Daring chortled, not believing the lamp would do that... until the lamp came alive, reached with its spout, sniffed the milk, and then did indeed start to lap it up with its tongue coming out of that same spout. ...Something clicked in Daring's mind. She would have expressed her bewilderment with the most child-unfriendly words she knew, but the creature raised its "hand": "Don't mind my expressing myself. No one may strip me of that power, even if they are my superior!" -- it said, frowning at the mention of stripping of power. And Daring Do -- she seemed to be snapping out of her hysteria finally, as her senses were catching up with reality. The sheer amount of "da hay?!" was so immense she almost slid into stupor -- and she would, had that strange creature not called for her attention. Daring gave a start, snapping out of it, and shook her head. The mysterious guy (it seemed to be a guy to Daring) had examined the lamp more carefully and wanted to ask the mare a question. "Yes?" -- replied Daring. "Did you rub this lamp?" -- asked it (or rather he). Daring became confused: "What?" "Someone's got to have rubbed this thrice damn lamp! -- exclaimed the creature irritably. -- I wouldn't have been summoned otherwise!" "...You? Summoned?.." -- Daring stammered, unable to wrap her head around what was going on. "Why, yes! -- exclaimed the creature. -- I was imprisoned, until someone had rubbed the lamp, be it damned! -- irritation was all over his face, both literally and metaphorically. -- Now I must grant wishes to my new master! Aargh! Could they not come up with something better?!" -- he outcried, cursing some creatures, who, it appeared, had been the cause of his irritation. "Wow, wow, wow! -- exclaimed Daring. -- Dude! Uh... I... don't suppose you're trying to deliver the preposterous idea of your being... a... genie??!" The presumed "genie" raised an eyebrow (which seemed to have appeared just on the occasion of his expressing his bemusement): "What is so preposterous in my being a... who?!" -- he exclaimed suddenly, so Daring so much as jumped up in surprise. He looked himself over, then looked at the lamp once more, trying apparently to spot something on it... until he gave a solemn nod: "Yup. It is called "a genie". Who could have thought?" Daring snatched the lamp out of his hold and searched for what could tell this guy about his presumed being a genie -- but only engravements of strange-looking symbols met her eyes. She directed her gaze at the creature, suspicion seeping from her: "What? Are you trying to prank me?!" -- and she threw the lamp onto the floor. "Me? -- the creature was sincerely shocked. -- Perish the thought!" -- and he threw his... hands? up to his chest in the most dramatic manner. Daring only stared at him, bemused. A pause followed. Then the presumed genie decided to show his determination: "Alright, test me! Make a wish! Something impossible! What no one can do!" It was Daring's turn to raise an eyebrow: "Yeah? Really?" "Well, I won't cease my claim, -- explained the self-promoted genie. -- And only by granting you an actual wish can I prove it to you... So..." "Alright, -- decided Daring Do, -- here we go: if you are an actual (which I doubt) genie, like you say you are, -- then..." -- she paused to contemplate. Then decided: "Then do the impossible! Get me home! And... and nullify whatever Ahuizotl may have wished for himself!" Having said that, she prepared to wait for the miracle to happen... Some time had passed, and nothing had happened. Daring arched her brow: "Well?" -- asked she mockingly. The failed "genie" only smiled mischievously and said: "You forgot to say "I wi-i-ish"!" Daring only rolled her eyes in mild annoyance: "Oh, fine! I wish, -- she started, -- I were at home, and Ahuizotl hadn't taken a hold of the lamp! There! Let's see, what a genie you are!" The "genie" only smiled more widely. He felt unfathomable power surging through him! Oh, how he wished he could have used that power to free himself from the obligation to serve his master!.. But could he? No, nor might he. So he used the power to fulfil Daring Do's wish... ...and to teleport her home! He also made sure Ahuizotl had never gotten the lamp, but, seeing it, as he was indeed a genie (!)... "Why, oh, spirits, WHY DOES THIS LAMP NOT DO ANYTHING?!!" -- was Ahuizotl screaming just outside the temple he'd escaped from, when the room had been collapsing. He threw the apparently fake magic lamp to the ground and stomped it... then howled in pain, as the lamp, fake though it might be, did, however, hurt, when pounded. "Curse you, Daring Do!" -- he roared in her direction, presumably still down the temple's labyrinth of corridors, where he'd left her die. "Eh! -- he waved his limb. -- You shall pay for this anyway! In fact, you ARE already paying for your deceit!" Then he considered and brought out the map that had led him through the labyrinth: "But where -- WHERE can this lamp be??!" -- he outcried desperately, as the map didn't seem to give any hints on that. ...it seemed, the genie didn't have to do that, as it had already been fulfilled. Daring was many things: a writer, an adventurous mare, a fictional heroine... She was, however, not an unicorn and therefore was not accustomed to teleportation. The interdimensional leap had left her dizzy and a bit nauseous. Perhaps, it was a good thing she hadn't eaten for quite a long time... "Ah, home, sweet home!.. -- sighed the apparently actual genie contentedly. -- Even if it's not my home. But -- goo-oo-oodness! The power!" He assumed an epic pose and shouted out: "THE UNFATHOMABLE POWAH-H-H!!!" -- at that a spotlight surrounded him, and, as if an electro-guitarist had been waiting for the cue, a rock-n-roll riff was played. Daring never noticed all that -- the stupor... the stupor! But she did snap out of it, shaking her head, and uttered in disbelief: "So, like, what: has the legend been true??!" She turned her head, as if trying to spot something. Yes, it was indeed her humble house, exactly the same, as she'd left it, when going for the adventure. She then remembered something, putting her disbelief aside: "Wait, where is everything I had with me?!" "What exactly?" -- asked the genie, curious. "My everything! -- exclaimed Daring. -- Was it left back there??" "O-o-oh! -- let the genie out. -- Oops?" Daring only shook her head in mild disappointment, then said: "Now, to make everything clear! I don't still believe you are a genie... but, if you are..." -- she paused, and then inhaled: "I... wish... I wish I-I had everything I've left behind back. H-here", -- she stammered, for the very idea of her wishes coming true... Oh, the possibilities! To her surprise the genie didn't start immediately with the fulfilment: "Please, clarify: what are the things you wish to have back?" "Huh?" -- let Daring out, confused. "Well, what shall satisfy you as my master?" -- elaborated the genie. Daring blinked: "Uh... Can't you just return everything?" "Well, I would like to know what that "everything" is". Daring sighed, frustration showing up: "Dude, can't you grant me my wish or what? You'd better say that right away!" "No, I can do anything you wish for me to do, but what is it you wish for?" "Well, I stated clearly, that I wished I'd had everything back! -- shouted Daring angrily. -- If you can't do that!.." "Alright, -- conceded the genie, his face frowning sadly, -- I can't..." "Huh? -- huffed Daring, hardly surprised. -- Well, yeah, just what I thought!.." "...because you are not specific!" -- accused her the genie, complete with his "finger" pointing at her. Daring only stared at him in confusion. "Please, -- went the genie on, -- specify, what shall serve your satisfaction". "Well, isn't it obvious? -- exclaimed Daring, annoyed. -- My stuff! Back there! In the temple!" The genie wasn't going to listen to it to the end, all fed up, and interrupted her: "Alright, just never forget to express your wish by saying "I wish". That's a must. Now: repeat after me: I wish we returned back to where we had last teleported from", -- with that he produced a slip of paper and handed it to a puzzled Daring Do. She looked at it: on it were written the very words the genie had just said. "I wish, -- she started to recite unsurely, -- we returned back to where we had last teleported from..." No sooner did she say the last word, than they had already been back in that same room Daring had gotten trapped in. This time she hadn't felt nausea, although she had felt dizziness. "Now, -- she heard the genie's voice, -- pick up your "stuff" and wish to have it back at your home. Then we may proceed". Daring stood there, lost completely... It would take some time, before she got used to having UNFATHOMABLE POWAH-H-H! at her disposition. And so some time had passed. Daring was home, and her belongings, including the map Ahuizotl had picked up back there near that lava rift, had been returned to her (to guarantee the foe didn't come up with the idea of exploring more of that temple and the area around). Daring had even wished to eat -- and something simple, yet very saturating had been materialised -- and had the hunger gone away! And, no matter, how much she'd wish, her disbelief would not wear thin (although she wasn't freaking out like before)... "No horse-apples??! Can I really do anything??!" -- Daring Do's excitement knew no bounds. Her wide, unbelieving grin should have been seen! "Well, -- let the genie out calmly, somewhat unamused by Daring's excitement, -- it appears, I can do anything you wish for me to do. You can only wish for the unreal to happen. Oh! -- and he raised his genie hand to his brow with a cry that could rival Rarity's, when at her most dramatic. -- If only I!.." He dropped the dramatical act, becoming excited as well: "And then you say: "I wish!" -- and enunciate your wish, and I, -- he assumed a proud pose, his arm close to his chest, and his eyes shut with pride, -- being your servant, appear at your side!.. -- he reappeared at her side, from which Daring shuddered in surprise. -- and. Make. Your. Wish. Come. True! Exciting, isn't it?" Daring, still shocked by the genie's sudden reappearance, let out: "Y-yeah... It... sure is. Um..." She looked unsure, then continued: "Let's take things slow, one at a time, OK? So... uh, where do I begin from?.." -- she wondered in thought, her hoof at her chin. "Do you wish to know that?" -- asked the genie immediately, trying to come as helpful. Daring only waved a hoof at him: "No, that's OK. In fact, it reminds me". She looked at the genie firmly: "How many wishes have I left?" The latter seemed not ready for a quick response: "Uh... Well... there is no limit", -- he answered finally. "WHAT?!" -- yelped Daring, quite literally, in fact, as her question of disbelief had come out as if a puppy had yelped. The genie found that amusing and snorted with a grin. "No sh... -ame you've got! -- relented she indignantly. -- About everypony knows a genie grants usually about three wishes per master!" Then an idea struck her. "You know what?" "Yeah?" -- got the genie ready. Daring assumed a solemn pose, her hooves standing firm on the floor, her wings flared (and her inexistent horn shining with the power of fiction! What? She used to play-pretend as a princess!): "Genie!" "Yeah-ay?" "I wish I could and did know for sure of how to use your powers best!" ("I hope, I worded it correctly, -- she thought with concern. -- The genies in the tales are, after all, known for their jackassery!") The genie, as before, closed his eyes in content, once again feeling THE UNFATHO... um-m-m... that power surge through him. "As... you... WISH!" It appeared, Daring Do had been lucky, compared to other genie owners. Hers was not mean-spirited -- quite the contrary, in fact. Hers seemed to be enjoying to be serving her, as every time Daring would wish -- the genie smiled happily. Not because he adored his mistress -- being nigh omnipotent, he even despised the very world he had ended up in, -- but because the feel of his power's former glory was indescribably good! So he'd never miss another opportunity to grant Daring her wish. He'd pester her with... well, not exactly "whining", but there seemed no end of it to come! As for Daring, she could indeed know, how to use the genie's powers, thanks to her wish: the mysterious symbols written over the lamp were in fact more than meaningful, for they told the story of how the genie had become a genie. From this story Daring had learnt something that had cooled her desire to make wishes down. The genie did provide her with his own point of view on what had happened then, but the implications still were... Well, let's take a look at it, shall we?