//------------------------------//
// Work Day 
// Story: Snapshots 
// by Shingo 
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“Sold!” a beige unicorn stallion yelled. “One of the first known printed versions of Ashputtle goes to Jet Set!” The sound of murmuring echoed in the room as a worn out book was moved from the stage the unicorn stood on. Standing in the crowd in front of the stage were three ponies: a sand coloured pegasus mare with a black mane and tail wearing a dress, a white unicorn stallion wearing a tuxedo with a monocle over his left eye and a blue mane and tail, and a violet earth pony stallion with a red bow tie around his neck and a blue mane and tail. The mare shifted in her dress as her companions looked at the stage.

“Faust damnit,” she said. “I hate dresses. Why did I have to come here anyways? Doesn’t Fleur come with you to these things?”

“She’s out with Thunderlane on an expedition right now,” the unicorn answered. “I believe that they’re searching for the Rainbow Cloth. Besides, this is a good experience for you, Daring. You could learn a thing or two from these ponies.”

“Yeah, I’ve learned that they wear uncomfortable clothing on a daily basis,” she grumbled. “Harpo, why didn’t you say anything when Fancypants suggested that I come with you two? Hell, Octavia would thrive in this kind of setting. Why couldn’t you bring her?” The earth pony gave a stoic glance to the pegasus.

“He makes a good argument,” Fancypants said. “Besides, Octavia has been working on the Staff of Anubis. She won’t be joining us for a while.”

“I still think that somepony else should have taken my place. I want some action! I can’t just stand here and…”

“And our final item of the night,” the beige unicorn interrupted. A small red locket in the shape of a heart was placed on a small podium beside him. “The Rainbow of Light. Legend says that a terrible force known only as the Smooze once covered Ponyland. The only thing that could stop it was the Rainbow of Light and its wielder, Megan. This was excavated from the newly found ruins of Dream Castle, and was generously donated to us by Professor Night Light.”

“The Rainbow of Light, huh?” Daring said. “That could mess up the balance if in the wrong hooves. What’s the hazard level on it?” Fancypants pushed his monocle up to his eye. Cross hairs appeared in the glass and focused on the locket. Bright red numbers flashed in the center and rose. Both the rising numbers and the flashing stopped after a few moments.

“Hazard level at 1986, it’s definitely a Precious,” he said. Harpo let out a low whistle. “I know. That’s one of the most dangerous things I’ve seen too. We have to get it.”

“Let’s get started shall we?” the beige unicorn continued. “The bidding starts at two thousand bits. Do I hear two thousand?” The room was left in darkness as the first bid was made. Panic screams could be heard in the room.

“Calm down, ladies and gents. There’s nothing to worry about,” the unicorn said. The lights regained their power and the room was once again illuminated. “See? Nothing to worry about. Now, do I hear…”

“The Rainbow of Light!” a mare’s voice screamed. “It’s gone!” Like the mare had said, the podium was empty. Worried murmurs moved around the room. Harpo’s ear twitched and he turned to the exit. From there he could hear the sound of receding laughter.

“Harpo? What’d you find?” Fancypants asked. The violet earth pony pointed to the exit. A grin appeared on Daring’s face.

“Ahuizotl. Now this is more like it,” her dress was thrown into the air. She ran towards the end of the room and placed a pith helmet on her head. “Fancypants! Harpo! Come on!” The two stallions ran after their friend as she laughed down the exit. Harpo looked to Fancypants and raised an eyebrow.

“I don’t know where she was keeping her pith helmet either,” he said.


*


“The Rainbow of Light,” a deep male voice said. “Such a powerful yet fragile Precious. I’m rather amazed that it took this long to unearth it.” Standing outside of the auction house was a large dark purple feline creature. He had two hands at the ends of his forelegs and one on his tail. His head looked up from the locket in his hand as footsteps reached his ears. Approaching him were three ponies.

“Ahuizotl!” Daring yelled. She and her companions stopped in front of him. “Return the Rainbow of Light!” The locket was tossed in the air and caught by the creature’s tail.

“Really now, what thief would do that after hearing that command, Daring Do?” Ahuizotl asked. Harpo glared at the feline. “Pretty words you’ve shared, Harpo Parish. But that’s all they are.”

“Retrieve the Rainbow of Light,” Fancypants said. “Stop Ahuizotl from using its power, and…”

“And secure it?” Daring interrupted. “I know the drill.” Her wings pushed her up in the air as Harpo charged at Ahuizotl. She could see Fancypants light up his horn and Harpo kick their enemy. Daring tilted her body down and flew towards the fight. A manic grin was on her face as she did so. I love my job.