//------------------------------// // Daring Don't and Spike's Day Out // Story: As the Sands Start to Fall (Updated) // by Hikarikurai24587 //------------------------------// Chapter Nine: Daring Don’t and Spike’s Day Out A week had passed since the Castle of the Two Sisters and Spike was preparing to return the books to Aurora. He had promised after all. He glanced around taking note that Twilight was dealing with Rainbow Dash for a moment. He walked up to her saying. “Hey Twilight, I’m going to return these books.” “Alright, just be careful. I’m sorry I can’t come with you. Rainbow Dash wants to check on A.K. Yearling because the new Daring Do book isn’t coming out,” sighed Twilight and Spike smiled as he told her. “Alright, just don’t do anything too crazy while I’m not around. Maybe next time you can meet her.” “Thanks Spike,” Twilight said as Spike walked out of the library and towards the place where he met Aurora.  While he was walking through the Everfree Forest he spotted an unfamiliar pony  looking around. Shrugging his shoulders Spike approached not having talked to her before but had seen her with Rarity and Fluttershy. He figured she was new to Ponyville. “Hello!” he called out, causing the pony to turn around her horn glowing. “Don’t hurt me!” “Apologies, I was not expecting any other… creature to be in the forest today. Other than the ones who live here,” the pony said before glancing around again. “You were with Twilight last week, were you not?” “Oh! You’re Aqua Star! Sorry, I didn’t recognize you right away,” Spike explained and Aqua Star shrugged. “That is alright, we did not speak to each other much back then and I have been busy with my shop.” “Is it alright to leave it alone while you’re exploring the Everfree Forest?” asked Spike and Aqua Star sighed. “I am looking for an ancient library nearby. I found an Arcane study within the Castle of the Two Sisters. It is normally a sign that it was built by an ancient dragon or that there is an ancient library nearby.” “Oh! I’m heading there now!” Spike exclaimed and Aqua Star looked at him taking a step back and tilting her head to the side. “Do you want to come with me?” “I would like that,” Aqua Star gave Spike a friendly smile as she walked next to him and the two ventured to the Ancient Library together. Twilight sighed, not knowing why she had agreed to help Rainbow Dash by finding out A.K. Yearling’s address and go with her. She also wished Spike had stayed a little longer to be the voice of reason she played off of. Looking around Ponyville for someone to watch over the library on a short notice. The pony had to be well read and able to run the library with ease. At first she thought of Aqua Star and Chitin, but when she stopped by the antique shop she noticed that Chitin was in charge and Aqua Star was nowhere to be found. She was on her way back to the library when she bumped into a unicorn. He had been intently shopping when she had run into him. “Are you alright?” the stallion asked, his voice suggesting that he was from Trottingham as he helped her to her hooves. “Yeah, sorry,” Twilight replied, blowing her mane out of her face. “Just looking for some pony to watch over the library for me.” “A library? I can help with that,” the stallion offered and Twilight stared at him for a moment trying to determine if she could trust him. Wording herself wisely she stated. “I’d prefer it if I knew the pony, what’s your name?” “My name is Kenobi,” the stallion introduced himself, earning a confused look from Twilight. “I am not from around here.” “I’ve noticed.” Twilight replied before shrugging and leading him to the library. “Let’s see what you can do.” Kenobi looked at the organized mess that Twilight had left the library in during her research and Rainbow’s last visit. He walked around to each of the shelves, his grey-blue eyes narrowing as he studied how she had organized it previously. The books were lifted in the air as he began his categorization, the books sliding into the shelf with ease. Twilight watched him carefully before her attention shifted to the book placement and nodded her head. “Alright, you’re perceptive and can adapt to a unique organization system. I’ll be gone for hopefully a few hours... Hopefully,” Twilight told him before rushing out causing Kenobi to sigh walking up to the door. He poked his head outside before glancing to the left seeing a tan colored pegasus leaning against the wall his front hooves crossed over each other. “Do you think that it was smart giving that name?” the stallion asked uncrossing his hooves and set them on the ground. “What if she tells Rainbow Dash?” “I don’t think she will, it is most likely that she will view this as a one time request and think nothing of it afterwards,” Kenobi replied before shaking his head. “And I am not giving some ridiculous name, nothing sounds good, Star Glider.” “I like it and I’m keeping it. If that is our Rainbow Dash I think it won’t be too much longer until she does remember,” Star Glider replied before walking in. “We have to be prepared.” “I still think that this is a bad idea. We should be waiting until we find the others and not just….” Kenobi was interrupted by Star Glider. “Don’t worry, we’re just taking a look around and getting a feel for the place. I’m not going to blow anything up.” “That’s what you always say.” Twilight walked through the woods with her friends, she still thought this was a bad idea. She knew once Rainbow set her mind to something it would be near impossible to talk her out of it. That was when she felt something hit her hoof causing her to stop and look down. It looked like a necklace made from fangs from a wolf. ‘I know this.’ she thought as she picked it up with her magic her mind flashing back to their time in the Core Realm. It was only a glimpse but she was sure she had seen it around the neck of… ‘Fen’harel.’ A snap of a twig caught her attention causing Twilight to jump and look around. “Come on Twilight!” groaned Rainbow Dash causing Twilight Sparkle to look at Rainbow Dash as she replied. “Rainbow Dash, don’t you see what I mean? Why would she live in this remote part of Equestria except to keep folks from intruding on her privacy? We should respec….” She was cut off by Rainbow Dash who flew up exclaiming. “I think I spotted the house! We’re super close! This way!” Rainbow Dash flew forward quickly with the other ponies rushing behind her. Twilight calling out. “Wait!” She came to a halt seeing the cottage letting out a gasp. “Oh no… what happened?” The group moved towards the door, Rainbow walking up saying. “Apparently somepony has intruded on her privacy pretty hard already…” She knocked once only for the door to crash forward beneath her hoof. Rainbow Dash looked at her hoof before walking in. Applejack whistled as she followed looking around. “Hoo-wee, somepony really trashed this place.” “Hmmm… Maybe,” Pinkie glanced around for a moment before bouncing around. “Or maybe A.K. Yearling is just a terrible, horrible, unbelievable slob!” “I hope A.K. Yearling is alright,” Rarity said as Applejack touched an object, images rushing through her mind. Twilight was already in panic mode as she began to pace. “Oh no! What if something terrible has happened to her!” “I know! There might be no more books!” complained Rainbow before turning around and almost bump into Twilight who was giving her an angered look. “Uh… but of course I’d be worried about her, too.” Rainbow let out an embarrassed laugh but the look from Twilight didn’t fade. “Twilight? Are you… mad at me?” “Rainbow Dash….” Twilight growled moving forward ready to tell her exactly how she was feeling at the moment when a voice cut in. “What are you all doing here?” The group turned around to see a mare with a light gold coat and a greytone monochromatic mane fixing them with an irritated look. “Uh… A.K… Yearling?” Rainbow squeaked, finally seeing her favorite author in person as Twilight said. “We didn’t do this! We swear!” “So why this forest?” Aqua Star inquired as she looked around the Everfree Forest and Spike shrugged as they neared the cave saying. “I think you’re going to have to ask Aurora that question. I just told her I’d help out and return the book.” Nodding her head, Aqua Star watched as they walked into the cave, she focused allowing her horn to produce a light. “Thanks,” Spike replied as they continued on. “So… how are you adapting?” “I’m still uneasy with everything, though I should not just shirk my responsibilities onto Comet… my assistant. Yet I can not seem to be able to settle. I want to find out what happened while I was sealed,” Aqua Star sighed, shaking her head before looking at Spike. “It is strange in Equestria. Much different from what it used to be. I do not know the cities, even Canterlot is different from what it once was. It was not the home to the castle, it was a major city in trade and commerce, but it was not the capital.” “What was?” Spike looked at Aqua Star as they entered the main cavern, Aurora answering the question. “Archon, the ancient city of magic. It was the first attempt of showing unity of the three tribes. Crystals found and mined by Earth Ponies would line the paths, yet it didn’t just line the paths and roads. Plots of earth and crystals would be seen floating through the air. So the Pegasi hybrids could live with their families. The Pegasi themselves would contain rain and other parts of the weather and the unicorns would fuse them with the walls. The magic of the unicorns was seen throughout the whole of the city.” “There was still minor conflict between the tribes, especially with the Unicorns holding onto the secrets of the Core Realm. It did not take away from the beauty of the city, but it did still hurt that Unicorns would do something like that until they forgot,” Aqua Star sighed before looking up and bowing to Aurora who just smiled at her. “Hello, you really don’t have to bow. I might have lived longer, but I don’t really think it should be done. I haven’t done anything to earn that respect.” Aqua Star climbed to her feet as she looked around. Spike moving forward with the book saying. “I’ve finished reading it, thanks for lending it out to me.” “Oh, no problem Spike… hey mind showing me Ponyville?” Aurora asked, her form shrinking and Spike glanced over at Aqua Star before saying. “I thought we were going to help organize the rest of the library.” “We can do that when we get back! I haven’t seen ponies in a while and I want to see what you do for fun!” a light shown from Aurora as her form changed into a Crystal Pony. “Oh, was there something you needed… what’s your name?” “Aqua Star, I came to see the Ancient Library and was wondering if you had built the Arcane Study at the Castle of the Two Sister,” Aqua Star replied and Aurora paused before shaking her head. “No, I did not build that. In fact, I didn’t know there was one nearby. Strange… I would have sensed it, even while I was asleep. That would mean no dragon had built it.” Aurora smiled at Aqua Star saying. “Do not worry, we will look into it when we return. First I want to try these cupcakes Spike has told me about!” Spike grinned before leading them out, Aqua Star feeling unsure about whether or not she should go with them. However she put one hoof in front of the other and ran after them to catch up. It would be nice to relax a bit. She glanced behind her seeing the entrance to the cave vanish, relief washing over her. At least she knew that Aurora had the right precautions when she left. Twilight stared at A.K. Yearling as she began to search through her house. She had barely responded to Rainbow’s question, deciding to ask them. “What did you do to my house?” While throwing things around as they tried to convince her that they just got there. Twilight frowned, glancing over at Rainbow Dash who was dodging out of the way of the flying debris. Taking a deep breath as A.K. Yearling walked over to her Twilight spoke. “We’re awfully glad that you’re alright.” Only for the words to fall on deaf ears as A.K. Yearling. Twilight noticed she seemed preoccupied looking around, Rainbow Dash was trying to peer at some papers. Twilight shot her a glare as Rainbow straightened up and whistled when A.K. Yearling came close.  “Okay, clearly this isn’t the best time,” Rainbow admitted with a sheepish look on her face, it was evident she wasn’t thinking about the situation. “But I just got to say how we all really love your books.” Rainbow let out a nervous chuckle, only for her words to be ignored as the author spotted what she was looking for, Underneath Rainbow Dash, she swiped it causing Rainbow Dash to go flying. She fiddled with the spine unlocking the book revealing a golden ring. A.K. Yearling took the golden ring before slipping into her coat letting out a sigh of relief. “It’s safe.” “Great!” Rainbow exclaimed looking at Twilight who seemed surprised. “Maybe now would be a good time to ask her how we can help move the new book along a little faster. Chop, chop.” Twilight rolled her eyes and A.K. Yearling glared at Rainbow Dash before walking away. Twilight gritted her teeth together as her eyes narrowed. She walked towards her friend saying. “Rainbow Dash!” She enveloped the fast flying pegasus in her magical aura and pulled her away to talk to her. “A minute, please!” Twilight walked them outside before setting Rainbow Dash on the ground and began her lecture. “A.K. Yearling has made it pretty clear that she wants to be left alone and we should respect her wishes.” While she was telling Rainbow Dash that, Pinkie spotted strange stallions approaching the house. So she decided to pop up in between them saying. “You should tell that to those guys!” She pointed her hoof at the stallions causing her friends to watch as they snuck in through the window near the roof. The group ran over to the window to watch as the mysterious stallions approached the author. She did not seem fazed as she glanced at them before removing her coat, hat, and glasses using them to block the stallions’ view of her. The mares looked on as A.K. Yearling put on a hat revealing not only was she the author that they loved but the character that they adored. “A.K. Yearling is Daring Do!” both Twilight and Rainbow Dash exclaimed at the same time looking at each other. They returned to watching the scene in both worry and amazement. “A.K. Yearling and Daring Do are one in the same.” Twilight observed amazement in her eyes. “My mind is officially blown.” “Ah come on.” Rainbow Dash slid in next to Twilight. “I knew it all along.” This earned yet another eye roll from Twilight and a raised eyebrow before they continued to watch the fight. Gasps of amazement and exclamations of how well Daring Do fought was escaping from their throats. Pinkie watched on before she felt like something was watching them. She turned her head spotting what she assumed was green eyes peering at them from the bushes. “Daring Do!” Rainbow exclaimed, causing her attention to return to the fight. That seemed to have distracted the mare causing them to pile on her. “That didn’t seem to be the right choice,” Pinkie told her, but her words fell onto deaf ears. She saw the eyes glance behind them and she turned around seeing another stallion approach the door just as the ring Daring Do was desperately trying to keep away from the other stallions was flung from the fight. It rolled before it was stopped by the newcomer. “Many thanks, Daring Do, as you probably surmised our earlier search for this treasure was… unsuccessful. So kind of you to find it for us.” Daring Do managed to throw off the hoof pinning her to the ground but found that she couldn’t stand up. “Give it back Caballeron!” “That’s Doctor Caballeron to you,” the stallion corrected and Pinkie noticed her friends weren’t doing anything so she went over to investigate the owner of the eyes. As she approached the bushes the eyes didn’t move away instead a strange looking fox wearing goggles walked out. “Oh! The green tint was from your goggles.” Pinkie giggled as she looked at the fox who grinned at her. “I’ve never seen a fox like you before!” “That is because I am not your normal fox,” the fox told her and Pinkie nodded her head. “You are not surprised?” “Not really, but that’s because I see lots of strange things in Ponyville,” explained the pink party pony. “It was nice talking to you, but I should really return to my friends.” She slid in next to the fox’s ear whispering. “We are about to get to the good part! See ya later Mr. Fox!” “Oh I am sure later is sooner than you think,” the fox said before leaping into the bushes bringing his tail forward with a small bag of bits. “After all, you will be wanting this back my friend.” “So this is Ponyville, how cute!” Aurora exclaimed as she looked around, Spike was going to give both Aurora and Aqua Star a thorough tour. He figured that Aqua Star was just trying to get settled in and hadn’t seen Ponyville in its entirety.  “Over there is Sugar Cube Corner, owned by the Cakes. They sell a lot of sweets and baked goods for everyone in Ponyville,” Spike told them, watching as Aurora moved to the store quickly. “Apparently she loves sweets.” “She would have been alive during the time they were first invented,” Aqua Star surmised before feeling herself pulled forward. “Magic of dragons.” “So what kind of magic can Dragons cast?” Spike asked and Aqua Star nodded her head as she explained. “From what I’ve heard there are many different kinds. It is a lost art, but they did know how to weave their own magic without the use of horns. According to legends anyways.” “Well hello there Spike and you must be the new store owner we have heard so much about,” Mrs. Cake greeted as Aurora looked at the sweets on display. The bell jingled behind them as a tan unicorn stallion walked in. “Oh! Inkwell, I have your order ready right here. Please be careful this time,” Mrs. Cake said, setting a box on the counter. The unicorn pulled out his bit bag just as a pony exclaimed. “Don’t worry about it, Inkwell! This one's on me.” “Thanks Astral,” Inkwell replied as Spike and Aqua Star moved out of the way. Inkwell reached for the box but his friend shooed away his hoof saying. “I’ll carry the box, you and cupcakes seem to not get along.” “...Good point,” admitted Inkwell before the two left after paying. Aqua Star glanced at Spike who explained. “Inkwell and Astral Pen are local writers. Though, I don’t see too much of Astral Pen outside of hanging out with Inkwell.” “I’ll have two of those and three of those,” Aurora finally spoke, pointing at the sweets she wanted and Mrs. Cake smiled as she packed them up. “I must say, you have such a lovely establishment here and such cute children. They seem to be of mixed blood.” “Oh my great aunt’s second cousin twice removed was Pegasus and my husband’s great-great-great-great grandfather was a Unicorn.” explained Mrs. Cake looking at her children. “Something that must have skipped a few generations.” “It is a great gift for them,” Aurora mused, tilting her head to the side. “The traits for both of you are not as obvious.” “I don’t think we have ever been introduced,” Mrs. Cake observed and Aurora grinned. “Oh, my name is Aurora. I’m just visiting my friend here.” Aurora waved her hoof to Spike just as a Pegasus entered grumbling. “‘I have to take care of the library, why don’t you find us something to eat?’ I wasn’t doing anything, this is just ridiculous.” “Wait… what?” Spike looked at the stallion before running up to him. “Are you talking about the Golden Oaks Library?” The stallion looked confused at the dragon before saying. “Yeah, the mare who runs it had to go off and since her assistant was busy brought my Master in to take care of until she gets back.” A look of sadness washed over Spike and the stallion looked a little taken aback before Aurora approached him saying. “Spike, I’m sure Twilight assumed you were going to be busy with me all day. Otherwise you would have been her first choice.” “Why don’t you just enjoy the day off? My master can handle the library, I mean he handled way worse than keeping a library organized,” the stallion chuckled and Spike looked at him in confusion. “Long story.” “Thank you stranger,” Aqua Star told the stallion who looked to the side before saying. “Star Glider, the name is Star Glider.” “My name is Aqua Star, this is Spike, and Aurora,” Aqua Star replied, bowing her head slightly. “Spike is just showing us around. We do not mean to keep you from getting your… sweets.” “It’s fine, still got to figure out what to get,” Star Glider chuckled as he waved them off. Though he didn’t take his eyes off of them until they were out of sight muttering. “She’s got some interesting friends alright.” “Are you alright dearie?” Mrs. Cake asked, causing Star Glider to return his attention to the case in front of him. “Yup, I haven't seen many dragons in this area before. Just a bit surprised.” “Oh, Spike isn’t dangerous, he’s Princess Twilight’s assistant. He’s been with her ever since he hatched from his egg,” explained Mrs. Cake as she organized the display. “He’s a true friend, though lately he’s been out of luck. I think he needs good friends outside of Twilight and her friends. Oh what am I saying?” “I get it,” Star Glider replied before pointing at the products he wanted. “I’ll take thre… four of those.” “Coming right up,” Mrs. Cake gathered the cupcakes into the box and set the payment on the counter taking the payment. “Have a nice day dearie.” Star Glider smiled as he left the store returning to the Golden Oaks Library with the package. “He’d better be alright with these.” “She shouldn’t have flown off like that,” Twilight grumbled as she and the rest of the group tried their best to follow Rainbow Dash and Daring Do. “Pinkie Pie, Applejack, anything?” “They went this way alright,” Applejack replied as Pinkie looked around saying. “It’ll take us until tomorrow morning to find Rainbow Dash.” “Impressive,” a voice spoke from behind them, causing the ponies to turn around spotting the strange fox. The mares yelped, jumping back except for Pinkie Pie who bounced forward saying. “Hello again! You know it wasn’t really fair of you to take my coin bag!” “Me? You think I took your coin pouch. Oh I am hurt!” the fox said as Pinkie bounced around him. “Nope! I know you did, it’s under your hat. I can smell the cupcake I left in there.” The fox paused before laughing before climbing onto his hind paws. Taking off his hat with a flourish producing the purse. Twilight moved up to him with a frown on her face as she observed the stranger. He had the features of a fox yet there were strange frills along the sides of his jaw. There were two long parts of his fur pulled into braids. “Now why were you following us?” Applejack asked and the fox-like creature glanced at her before seemingly remembering why he was there. “Ah right! I know exactly where they are headed. You see, Daring Do owes me a favor. I am willing to put this aside if you allow me to borrow the pink one after this.” “For what rea…” Twilight was cut off as Pinkie chipped in. “Deal!” “Pinkie!” gasped Rarity as Pinkie shook the paw that the creature offered. Twilight just stared at Pinkie who told her. “Rainbow Dash first!” “Excellent!” the creature told them returning to all fours and the more fox-like appearance. “This way my pony friends!” He took off and the ponies hurried after him. Twilight frowned trying to remember if Daring Do had mentioned a creature like him in her books.  “And this is the Golden Oaks Library!” Spike concluded the tour by showing them the library where he and Twilight stayed. Aurora had a look of excitement on her face as she entered. Aqua Star was about to follow when Comet’s voice spoke behind her. “I see you’re slacking on actually running the store. I thought you went to find a dragon.” “I did find the dragon, Spike is showing both her and I around Ponyville,” Aqua Star replied, causing Comet to look around. Aurora poked her head out of the library saying. “Changelings have a natural magic allowing them to shapeshift for a long time. Other species that can cast magic can change their form for a limited amount of time.” “How much time do you have left?” Spike asked and Aurora paused as she glanced at the sun. “Until sunset.” “That’s only in a few hours,” commented Spike and Aurora nodded her head. “We should head back now if we want to get back in time.” “Nonsense! I can easily create a passage to my library from here. I will have to rest afterwards,” Aurora told him, causing both Spike and Aqua Star to ask. “You can do that?” Aurora chuckled as she walked back in and the three followed after her. The unicorn stallion in the library looked up from his sorting as Aurora looked at the books on the shelf. “Aha! Here we go. I have this one as well,” Aurora touched the book she found with her hoof. The book glowed for a moment before the shelf vanished revealing a tunnel. “Excuse me, I still need to sort that shelf!” huffed the stallion walking over, Aurora looked at him before saying. “I’m just borrowing the shelf for a little bit. Don’t worry, it’ll come back!” She slipped through the newly formed passageway with Spike right behind her glancing at the Unicorn. He wondered how Twilight even met him or even knew his abilities. His shoulders slumped before jumping as the Unicorn spoke. “If you want I will need some help. My apprentice seems to find reading the books is more entertaining than helping me sort.” “You’ve been sorting for the best part of the day,” the pegasus replied, walking in with an Earth Pony mare. “The books are meant to be read.” “You have only read the Daring Do adventures,” Spike glanced between the two before the Unicorn stallion sighed. “Although it is getting rather late, I wonder if anything has happened.” “Knowing Twilight, her adventure has taken a lot longer than usual… again,” Spike pointed out before saying. “I’m Spike by the way.” “I am Kenobi, this is Star Glider and his wife Lily Song,” the unicorn introduced the others. Lily Song smiled gently at Spike who nodded his head shyly. She could tell he was still upset about being by himself. “I think it should be alright if you stay the night. Unless you have a place of your own,” Spike told them, getting the feeling that they weren’t ponies with ill intentions. Star Glider kind of reminded him of Rainbow Dash. “Thank you for the offer, yet I think it would be better if we just return in the morning. That way you have some time to yourself,” Kenobi told Spike as Star Glider settled in a spot pulling out the sweets that he had bought earlier. “I said food!” “This is food,” Star Glider replied, earning a sigh from Kenobi. He sent a grin towards Spike who waved at them saying. “Enjoy those you guys. I’m going to check out the passage Aurora created. See you later.” Spike wandered down the passage, the bookshelf returned, sealing the entrance up behind him. He was concerned about Twilight but knew with her friends she would make it back. Aurora greeted him as he approached and he resumed helping her organize her library. Comet was sitting on the ground looking rather unhappy, like someone had tricked him into doing something he didn’t want to do.  “So are you spending the night?” Aurora asked with a huge grin on her face as she placed one of the books rather carefully onto the shelf. Spike glanced back before saying. “Yeah, just as long as I’m back in the morning.” When Spike returned through the passage he was not surprised to see that the library had been closed up properly. All the books were organized and put away as well as some of the sweets left for him. He smiled to himself as he saw Comet and Aqua Star out as they headed back to their store. Aurora was in her smaller dragon form already reading a book. Opening up the library Spike waited for Twilight’s return. When she did arrive back, she was tired and had a worried expression on her face. “Everything alright Twilight?” Spike asked, moving next to her and placing his hand on her back. She gave him a small smile. “You wouldn’t believe the adventure I just had.” Spike sat down on the ground and Twilight began to tell him why she got back later than intended.