> Daring, Dash and A Certain Railgun! > by maxxxxxx > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Canterlot again > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Don't you ever learn?” She stood in a desolate back ally surrounded by a gang of less than upstanding citizens. They smiled cocksurely. “Do you really think you're in a position to mouth off to us. You know, most of us are level three espers, so you better watch it.” A young man with short blonde hair and cheap tattoos stepped uncomfortably close to her, she nonchalantly leaned against the with a blasé expression. “Level Three?” “That's right, now you understand. I can tell by you're uniform that you have money. Why don't you hand it over.” “What a waste.” She said unimpressed with a shrug. “What did you...” Before he could finish his sentence a bolt of lightening discharged from her body quickly closing the distance between herself and the thug. He convulsed then fell to the ground, smoke rising from the hairs on his body being seared off. The others looked on in surprise before one of them took initiative and lunged at her. Without even looking in his direction she blew him away with another powerful blast of electricity. One of the men staggered back in fear. “W-wait! An electro-master, in a Tokiwadai uniform... I-it cant be!” As the men realized what he was implying they tuned slowly to the girl. “Y-you mean that's the Railgun!? Misaka Mikoto!?” “It doesn't matter there's only one of her and tens of us!” A large muscular man stepped forward, a flame alight in his hand. Pyrokinesis? Misaka thought to herself, vaguely interested. “Get Her!” All the men jumped at her at once, Misaka closed her eyes and sighed before releasing shock wave that zapped everything within ten meters and causing a blackout on the whole city block. Don't they ever learn? She opened her eyes to find that the dimly light ally way had been replaced by a scenic garden with beautiful flowers surrounding it's perimeter. Her heart skipped a beat. No way! She looked down at her feet and sure enough... Hooves! She spun around to see an all to familiar fountain, though admittedly it was in much better condition now than last time. It had been over a month since the last time she had been here, she was actually beginning to think it was all just a dream. “But.. Why!? How did I end up here again!?” She growled in frustration. Okay, calm down Mikoto. You just need to find that princess and she can send you back. She looked back and forth scanning the city. Crap! I don't know where to find her! Last time she came to me! Wait I know! I'll just ask one of the guards! She smiled triumphantly and made her way out of the Canterlot Public Gardens. She strolled around the streets of Canterlot with an unexpected feeling of nostalgia. I wonder how Fancy Pants is doing? Maybe the princess will let me say hi to him before she sends me back, after all, time doesn't pass in Academy City while I'm hear relative to my perspective. She became so lost in thought she didn't notice the pegasus in front of her until she bumped into him. “Careful citizen, you should watch where you're going so you don't get... It's you!” He blurted out in astonishment. Misaka looked at him quizzically for a moment before his face and voice snapped him into memory. “No way! You're that vandal!” The memory of her fight with him was pretty clear, it's hard to forget you're first fight with a pegasus. In the end her railgun did him in though. “Actually I'm a royal guard now. I retook the test and I passed!” “I'm surprised they let you after all the trouble you caused.” “Well the princess is very understanding and forgiving. She let me off the hook.” “Oh! Yeah, since you’re a royal guard now and all do you think you could tell me where to find the princess? I kind of need her to get me back home.” “Sure, she is in the castle over there.” He pointed with his hoof to a large grand castle that loomed over the rest of the city. Oh... She laughed nervously from embarrassment. “Uh, thanks. Well It was nice seeing you again.” She said unsure. “You as well.” Misaka began walking away but then stopped and turned back to face him with a more relaxed smile. “You know, I never did get you're name?” Misaka asked feeling somewhat rude for not asking earlier. “Oh, um, my name's Frost Cloud. You're Mikasa right?” “Misaka, Misaka Mikoto.” She held out her hoof... Wait? How do I hoof shake? “We'll It's nice to see you again Misaka Mikoto. And, well, thank you.” He shook her hoof. “No problem. Anyway it was nice seeing you again to, keep up the good work.” She turned around and made her way to the castle. ************************************************************************************************************* Misaka stared at the castled, she had never seen architecture like it before. Though that was to be expected, she was in an alternate universe, or something? She approached the door, two pegasi in royal guard armor stood on opposite side of the entrance. As soon as Misaka got to the final step just in front of the door they spread they're wings out crossing over each other, blocking the door. Without changing expression or even looking at her they spoke simultaneously. “Halt! Who goes there!?” Misaka raised an eyebrow at them. Are they serious? “Um, I'm Misaka Mikoto. I'm a friend of the princess and, look I just need to talk to her for a minute okay?” Somewhat to her surprise they retracted their wings. “Proceed, The princess is expecting you.” The door opened on it's own and she walked into the palace. The princess was expecting me? Well she did say last time that she knew that I was here before she met me. The interior of the palace was ornately decorated with stone statues, and a bright red carpet lay on the floor leading into a singular hall way. I guess this must be the right way She affirmed, proceeding down the hall. Coming to the end of the corridor she was met with a large wooden door. She lifted her hoof to knock but was met with air as the door opened it's self. There, standing in the middle of the room was the regal Princess Celestia. But who's that? Standing facing the princess was a female pegasus with a gray-scale mane and tail and she was wearing.. Is that a pith helmet? The princess smiled at Misaka. “Ah Ms. Misaka, I'm glad you're here and I do apologize for bringing you hear with out any notice.” Misaka's jaw almost dropped. “You brought me here!?” “Yes, and I am sorry but you see, we have a situation. It seems fancy Pants has been Ponynapped and I need you and Ms Daring to work together to rescue him.” Her voice carried an amount of gravity with it that made Misaka question if there was something the princess was not telling them. The pony in the pith helmet spoke up. “Princess, I can handle this by myself. I work alone, she would only get in the way.” “I think you would be wise to not underestimate her, and I had a feeling you would say that. That's why I also..” She was cut off as a blur of rainbow burst into the room, coming to a screeching halt right in front of the princess. It was another pegasus, she actually looked allot like the other one, but she was light blue with a bright rainbow mane and tail. “Sorry I'm late Princess I.. Daring Do!?” She looked excitedly at Daring. Seriously!? Daring Do? Where do they come up with these names? “Rainbow Dash?!” Misaka rolled her eyes. Uhg! I get the feeling I'm going to be here a while. Still, who would kidnap.. Uhm, ponynap Fancy Pants? And why would the princess need me? > The mission > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “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. > Mission Start > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Misaka looked around her, the air was heavy, saturated with moisture and the sent of trees. The ornate stone of the castle had been replaced by an expansive forest. The jump through space felt all too familiar as she remembered the countless times she had teleported with Kuroko. Every time she instantly traversed space like that, especially early on, she felt a weird disassociation with her surroundings, like her mind was lagging. It's taken a while, but I've gotten used to it. It's never been a problem for Kuroko though. Sometimes I'm jealous of her, her power seems much more convenient. Looking to her side, Misaka saw that the rainbow maned pegasus was less adjusted as she took in her surroundings. Why did the princess have to send me with her and that other one? I'm Misaka Mikoto, I can handle a few stone age traps. “Just stare at the ground, It'll pass...” Misaka said with a sigh as she made her way to Rainbow Dash's side. “Huh? What do you mean?” Rainbow looked up at her seeming perfectly fine. “Don't you feel dizzy teleporting? You looked a little off balance...” Misaka glanced away nervously. “Well, I was a little, but I'm training be become a Wonderbolt so I have to know how to handle a little disorientation. I mean, that was nothing compared to the dizzitron at the Wonderbolt's Academy.” Rainbow puffed her chest out pridefully and smiled. Misaka cocked her eyebrow. Dizzi-what? What's up with this place and it's weird names for things? Ugh, Rainbow Dash, Dizzi-whatever, Fancy Pants, and I thought Anti-Skill and Imagine Breaker were bad. “Okay then...” Misaka said, lacking any better idea what to say as she shifted awkwardly in place. She's nothing like Fancy Pants. Last time, I didn't talk to anyone, he was the one that saw me and talked to me first, I have no idea what I'm doing in this world and... Damn it, I just want to get Fancy Pants and go home. Another sigh escaped her lips. Teleporting may feel weird but it's nothing compared to being in an entirely different world. “You okay? You're sighing a lot...” Rainbow Dash chimed in, looking dubiously at Misaka. “Y-yeah, I'm fine...” Misaka shuffled her hooves. She's still staring at me, I should say something but what? All I got out of that was Dizzitron and Wonderbolts? What the heck is that? Well, I guess I'm going to be stuck with her I might as well ask... “So what is that anyway? The Wonderbolts?” “You've never heard of the Wonderbolts?!” She gasped before a flap of her wings propelled her right in front of Misaka, hovering only a meeter off the ground. “The Wonderbolts are only the most awesome, fastest, most radical and amazing fliers in all of Equestria!” As she excitedly spoke she preformed fast aerial acrobatics, twisting, flipping and rolling in mid air. “They're the best of the best and I'm going to join them!” “Flying huh...” Misaka had been in free fall plenty of times, and she could sort of fly when she's over water, but true flying always seemed so freeing. It's the same reason she felt that Kuroko's power was more convenient. No one has to get hurt, you can just go where ever you want. “That actually sounds kind of fun.” “Fun!? It's more than fun! It's serious!” Rainbow Dash blurted out in shock. “Only the very best are allowed to join the Wonderbolts and I've been dreaming of joining them since I was a filly!” “Okay, okay, I get it, sorry.” Misaka huffed, blowing her bangs away from her face. “So, what about you?” Rainbow asked landing beside Misaka. “What about me?” She replied, vaguely annoyed. “You know, the princess seemed to know you, and you're friends with Fancy Pants so I was wondering if your some sort of Canterlot big shot or something?” “No, it's nothing like that. When I first came to this wor- when I first came to Equestria, I was lost and didn't know where I was or what to do, Fancy Pants helped me and we became friends...” Misaka looked to Rainbow Dash to see if she was suspicious, part of her wanted tell this pony about her world. But that would just make things complicated, besides, I just want to save Fancy Pants and get back to Academy City. “Yeah, I've met him once, he's actually pretty cool, for one of Rarity's friends.” “Rarity?” Misaka asked before thinking. “Yeah, she's a dressmaker back in Ponyville and a friend of mine. We all went to Canterlot to celebrate Twilight's birthday party, but she ended up going to this fancy garden party thing at the same time. I guess she didn't want to look bad in front of all those important ponies, but we all ended up going to the party with her and making a big mess. Despite that, she still stood up for us and Fancy Pants did to. He got all those stuck up Canterlot types to buy her dresses and we looked like the cool ones! I mean, well, I was always cool but that's beside the point.” “That sounds just like him.” Misaka chuckled to herself, remembering how he had helped her fool the stuck up couple at into thinking she was some foreign princess. “Um, you okay? You're kind of laughing for no reason?” Rainbow Dash asked with a hint of concern. “Yeah, I'm fine, you just reminded me of when I first came here. He convinced some ponies that I was a princess. Then we chased down a vandal who messed up a statue of the princess... It's been a while since I've been here but I kind of miss it. This place doesn't have the problems my... the problems of where I'm from.” “Trust me, we get a fair share of our own problems here.” “Oh yeah?” Misaka sighed halfheartedly. I wonder if they have monsters like Accelerator killing people by the thousands, or conspiracies like Level-Upper or crazy espers like Meltdowner... Probably not. “Alright you two, let's get going.” A stern voice said from behind them. Misaka and Dash turned around as a circle of light faded, leaving behind the pegasus known as Daring Do. Without another word, she began walking into for forest. “Stay close to me and do what I say and you'll both make it home just fine.” “Right! Let's go!” Rainbow said enthusiastically, galloping after Daring. “Whatever, I'll get Fancy Pants back and then go back home.” Begrudgingly, she followed the bossy pegasus into the jungle.