//------------------------------// // The mission // Story: Daring, Dash and A Certain Railgun! // by maxxxxxx //------------------------------// “I'm glad you made it Rainbow Dash and that you are already familiar with Ms. Daring. Now that the three of you are here I can better inform you of why I have summoned you all. It seems Fancy Pants has been ponynapped and I need you three to rescue him, I fear that much is at stake if we do not recover him soon.” “Wait, princess. If this is such a big deal shouldn't we tell Twilight and the other girls?” “This is something the three of you must do, I cannot send Twilight and the others.” Rainbow Dash looked concerned for a moment. Misaka couldn't escape the feeling that she was missing something. Has she done things like this before? What are her and her friends some sort of pony task force? “Wait the three of us?” Dash's gaze wandered over to Misaka, eying her curiously for a moment before fluttering over to her. “Hey, nice to meet you. The name's Rainbow Dash, I'm sure you've heard of me but what's you're name?” She spoke amiably. Rainbow mane and tail, Boyish attitude, that mane cut... Is she a lesbian? “I'm Misaka Mikoto” She said with a slight edge to her voice. Dash's attitude rubbing her the wrong way, though Dash seemed oblivious to it. “Misaka Mikoto? That's a weird name. Where are you from?” Misaka shrugged. “It's a long story...” “Eh-hem, I'm afraid time is of the essence girls.” Celestia spoke up, effectively getting the three ponies attentions. “There are reasons why it must be you three. Daring Do, Ahuizotl is the one responsible for abducting Fancy Pants. I have information that they are hiding in the Old Capitol Catacombs in the Everfree Forest. I trust you are familiar?” “Of course princess, the Old Capitol Catacombs are an archeological holy grail. Colleagues of mine have been searching for it all their careers. Do you know where it is princess?” “I do, but I have tried my best to keep my subjects away from it. There are many dangers within those catacombs. Which is why the three of you must go together. One of the many dangers that the catacombs poses is that if too many ponies enter at once, the old defenses will active as though it were an invasion on top of the normal traps to keep away looters. Rainbow Dash, I have no doubt that you're speed, agility and loyalty will be an invaluable asset. I want you and Ms. Misaka to protect Daring and each other. Misaka, again I apologize for taking you away from your world so suddenly but I must ask you for your help. Your raw power and quick thinking will surely aide in this journey.” Misaka smiled and shook her head. “No princess. If someone is messing with my friends, I don't care what world they're from, they're going to answer to my railgun!” “Thank you Misaka Mikoto, I knew I could count on you.” “You can count me in to princess! If someone is giving you trouble just let me at 'em!” The princess smiled at Rainbow Dash, then looked to Daring. “And you Daring Do? Will you accept the task? You will be the first pony to set hoof in the catacombs for over eight hundred years.” Daring contemplated it for a moment, looking from the princess to Misaka before she sighed and gave in. “If you ask it of me princess, of course I'll go but, I'm no stranger to danger. I think I can handle it on my own. There's no need to put these two at risk.” “I don't think you are giving Ms. Dash and Ms. Misaka enough credit. If you want to go it must be in the company of these two, I'm afraid this is one dungeon that you can not handle alone.” Misaka was beginning to get annoyed. I should be the one asking why I don't just go on my own! I'm Misaka Mikoto the third most powerful level five! The Railgun! Come on, 'Daring Do' and 'Rainbow Dash'! How much help could they be? They can't even use magic right? “Okay princess, we'll go together.” She turned to Misaka and Rainbow Dash. “Listen, if we go together you both need to follow my lead to the letter! One wrong step and that could be it for you!” “Yes ma'am!” Rainbow Dash hovered in the air and gave a salute. Meanwhile Misaka could feel rage building within her. Your doing this for the princess Mikoto! The princess and Fancy Pants and so you can go home... Don't shock her, don't shock her, don't shock her! “Do you understand Misaka Mikoto?” Daring pressed, Misaka's eyes shut tight, willing herself not to start shooting lighting bolts in the palace. “Yeah, yeah. Let's just get this over with.” Misaka resigned, burying her anger for later. Having come to an agreement, Princess Celestia continued. “I thank you all for you're cooperation. Daring Do, here is the map that will lead you to the catacombs.” An old worn parchment magically appeared in front of Daring, she took it in her mouth then opened it. Celestia turned to Misaka as Daring scanned the map. “Misaka, I have a feeling you will find these quite useful.” A small bag with a long string attached appeared before her. It was made of soft red cloth. As she looked at the contents of the bag a devilish grin spread across her face. Inside the bag, were six steel bits! Engulfed in a magical aura the bag lifted above Misaka's head and dropped around her neck, tightening it's self to a comfortable level. “Now, as I said before, time is of the essence. I can conjure a portal that will take you to my old castle in the ever free forest. You must leave quickly.” Her horn began to glow. “Wait! Princess!” Dash interjected, causing Celestia to lose her focus. She looked at Dash expectantly. “Well, don't I get something cool?” Misaka rolled her eyes. “Is there something you need for you to complete the mission? I thought that Rainbow Dash could do this without anything unnecessary?” Dash looked at the floor in defeat, prodding the floor with her hoof. “You're right princess.” She nodded and started up her spell again. A runic circle appeared on the floor in front of them, inside it they could see a ruined castle. “Daring, I ask you to stay behind for a moment. Rainbow Dash and Misaka Mikoto, please go on ahead into the portal.” Dash's demeanor did a complete one-eighty as she gave her characteristic dare devil smile. “You got it princess!” She took off into the air and laughed herself head first into the portal, leaving a train of rainbow behind. Misaka shrugged in exasperation. Lets just get this over with... With that thought she leapt into the rift following Rainbow Dash.