Acquaintances on a Train

"I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU~!"

Fluttershy couldn't help but giggle as she watched Pinkie Pie chase after the train. It was an over-the-top reaction that she'd come to expect from her extroverted friend, but expecting it didn't make it any less ridiculous. After all, she was only going to be gone for the day.

With a sigh and a shake of her head, she departed into the train car. After a pause, she squealed with delight.

"Ooh~! I'm so excited!" she whispered to herself. "The rarest, most adorable creature in all of Equestria, and I'm going to see them with my own two eyes! I-it's like a dream come true! I—"

"Um, ma'am?"

Fluttershy snapped out of her reverie when a stern voice called out to her. She looked up to see the conductor standing over her, with an eyebrow raised. Looking around, she noticed that the other passengers were also staring at her. Blushing profusely, Fluttershy reached into her saddlebag with her wing and gave the conductor her ticket.

"I'm very sorry," she whispered. "I-I just, um... Sorry. Sorry."

The conductor rolled his eyes and continued on his way. Fluttershy let out a sigh and massaged the bridge of her nose with her hoof.

"Whoa, girl. You look pretty psyched. Like, ease up a skosh."

Fluttershy turned her head as an unfamiliar voice called out to her. The voice belonged to a green Earth Pony with red dreadlocks and a tree with a heart on it for a Cutie Mark. She was wearing a pair of rose-tinted shades, as well as a satchel that was filled to the brim with all sorts of miscellaneous trinkets, including binoculars and a canteen.

"A-again, I'm very sorry," said Fluttershy sheepishly. "I-I didn't mean to cause such a ruckus. I-I'm usually not this, disruptive."

"Nah, it's all gravy," said the stranger. "Enthusiasm is like chocolate for the soul, y'know? It's good to have it, but don't have too much."

"Right. I'll keep that in mind," said Fluttershy. "Um, my name's Fluttershy, by the way."

"I'm Tree Hugger," said the stranger, extending her hoof. "Really digging your vibe, Fluttershy. Blessed be."

"Um, thank you," said Fluttershy, hiding her face behind her bangs.

"So, what's got you all psyched up, girl?" Tree Hugger asked.

Fluttershy's expression brightened. "Get this. The Equestrian Society for the Preservation of Rare Creatures actually invited me to observe the cutest, most adorable magical creatures in all of Equestria!"

"The breezies?"

"Yes! How'd you know?"

"'Cause, like, that's where I'm heading, girl."

Fluttershy's eyes widened. "Wow. Small world."

"Totally. It's like the stars have aligned," said Tree Hugger with a wide grin. "I heard the ESPRC was inviting some sort of celebrity this time around, too. Really far out, y'know?"

"This time around?" asked Fluttershy, titling her head. "You mean you've seen the breezies before?"

"Oh, fer sure, girl. Fer sure," said Tree Hugger with a nod. "It's a pretty long trip from my home up in Wooddock, but it is totally worth it. Where're you from?"

"Oh, me? I-I'm actually from Ponyville," said Fluttershy.

Tree Hugger lowered her shades. "Ponyville, huh? I heard that place is pretty chill."

Fluttershy blinked. "Chill? Um, it's not actually that cold there. Except during the winter, but—"

Tree Hugger cut across Fluttershy with a laugh. "No no no. Not chill as in cold, girl. Chill as in cool."

Fluttershy rubbed the side of her head. "I, still don't follow."

Tree Hugger laughed again. "You're a pretty funny girl, Fluttershy. And pretty lucky, too."

"Lucky? How so?"

"I heard on the grapevine that the breezies are gonna be heading through Ponyville this year as part of their migration."

Fluttershy's eyes sparkled. "Really?"

"That's the word from the ESPRC, girl," said Tree Hugger. "I remember when they flew through Wooddock last year. The whole place was, like, alive. Blessed be."

Fluttershy trembled as she did her best to contain her excitement. "Omigosh omigosh! This is wonderful! Now all of my friends back home will get to see the breezies! Eee~!"

Tree Hugger chuckled. "You're really psyched about this, huh? Right on. But keep in mind, the breezies don't respond well to that kinda thing. It, like, bums them out big time. You need to be quiet and calm, y'dig?"

"Huh? Oh, of course," said Fluttershy meekly. "Anyway, I'd actually love to learn more about the breezies. Is there anything else I should know?"

"Nothing our official tour guide won't be able to enlighten us with," said Tree Hugger with a shrug. "Hey, how's about you sit with me? We've got a whole train ride to gab, and I'd like to hear more about you."

Fluttershy smiled. "Oh, that's very nice of you, Ms. Hugger—"

"Please, girl. No need to be so uptight," said Tree Hugger with a shake of her head. "C'mon, sit down and set a spell. I insist."

Fluttershy brushed the back of her foreleg sheepishly. "Well, you really do seem like a nice pony. I guess I could—"

"EEK~!"

A shrill shriek interrupted Fluttershy's train of thought. She turned around and saw a high-class unicorn couple sitting near the front of the car. The mare was standing on her seat, shaking in fear at something on the floor, while the stallion held a rolled-up newspaper with his magic and was poised to strike.

"It's hideous!" the mare yelled. "Kill it, kill it!"

Upon hearing these words, something stirred in Fluttershy's heart. "Please excuse me, Tree Hugger. There's something I need to take care of."

Before Tree Hugger could say anything, Fluttershy flew over to the couple. As she landed, she spotted something skitter along the floor. The stallion drew back his newspaper.

"Wait!" Fluttershy cried, jumping in front of the stallion. "There's no need for this."

"B-but that thing!" the mare exclaimed, pointing with her hoof. "It shouldn't be here! This car is infested with insects!"

Fluttershy turned to where the mare was pointing. It was a small, light green tarantula, scurrying along the floor aimlessly. Fluttershy turned back to the rich couple and raised an eyebrow.

"First of all, that's not an insect," she said in a matter-of-fact tone. "It's an arachnid. There's a difference."

"I don't care what it is!" the high-class mare screamed. "It should not be on this train!"

"Well, maybe he has a good reason," Fluttershy argued, turning back to the tarantula. "Isn't that right, little guy?"

The tarantula looked up at Fluttershy and tilted his head.

"Don't worry, little fellow," Fluttershy cooed, holding out her hoof. "I'm not going to hurt you."

"Madam, what exactly are you doing?" asked the gentlecolt. "This is none of your business."

Fluttershy completely ignored the stallion. "What's the matter, little guy? Are you lost?"

The tarantula shook his head.

"No, it's okay. You can trust me," Fluttershy insisted.

The tarantula stroked his chin and furrowed his brow, letting out a few barely-audible rasps.

"Your master? You mean you're somepony's pet?" Fluttershy inquired.

"Preposterous," huffed the gentlecolt. "What sort of deranged pony would keep something like that as a pet?"

The tarantula hung his head. Fluttershy shot the gentlecolt a glare.

"You didn't have to go and hurt his feelings," she scolded, turning back to the tarantula and petting him. "There, there. He didn't mean it. I'm sure you're a wonderful pet."

The tarantula nodded and saluted. Fluttershy giggled.

"Well, aren't you a brave one," she said. "C'mon, boy. Let's go find your master. He must be worried about you."

The tarantula rasped indignantly.

"Oh, sorry. She. My mistake," said Fluttershy sheepishly. She then scooped up the tarantula in her hooves and placed him on the brim of her hat. "Just tell me when you see her, okay? Okay."

With that, she trotted over to the next car. The rich couple shared a look of bewilderment.

"Um, what just happened?" asked the gentlecolt.

Tree Hugger's jaw dropped as she watched Fluttershy leave. "Whoa. Far out. I'm really digging that girl's vibe."

***

"Ugh. I am so bored~."

Daring Do pretended not to hear the groan coming from seat across from her. She simply continued to lie back, her legs sprawled out and her pith helmet draped over her eyes. Sitting across from her was an agitated yellow pegasus with lavender eyes and a silver aviator's medal for a Cutie Mark. The younger pegasus snorted, flexing her wings and constantly readjusting the flight goggles that sat atop her brown aviator helmet.

"Give it a rest, Tailspin," Daring said, not even looking up. "You're the one who insisted on joining me, remember?"

"Yeah, but I didn't know it would be this dull," Tailspin grumbled. "Seriously, why aren't we flying? That would've been so much cooler."

Daring sighed. "I thought I made this abundantly clear, Tailspin. This is my vacation. I have every right to kick back and relax."

Tailspin folded her forelegs. "You didn't say it was this kind of vacation, though. If you did, I wouldn't have bothered to come."

"Well, what did you expect when I said I was taking a vacation? An epic adventure?" asked Daring.

"Yes! Exactly that!" Tailspin cried. "That's always what happens! Whenever you tell the class that you're going on vacation, that's code for 'I'm going on an epic adventure!'"

"That doesn't happen every time," Daring snarled defensively. "Sometimes I legitimately need a vacation, Tailspin. Didn't you see what happened to me on my last adventure?"

Tailspin deadpanned. "You mean the one where you admitted that having partners is a good thing?"

Daring lifted her pith helmet and narrowed her eyes. "Hey, I never said partners were bad. I just don't like putting other ponies in danger."

"That's not what you said in the book."

"I was very stressed out at the time, okay? Defending a destructive relic from a egomaniacal maniac while a fangirl pesters me is not exactly what I'd call therapeutic."

Tailspin said nothing, but instead turned away. Daring sighed and sat up.

"Look, Tailspin. This has nothing to do with my attitude towards partners. The fact of the matter is even I need to recharge my batteries every once in a while. Now, I know I promised I'd take you on my next adventure to give you extra credit for my class, and I plan on keeping that promise. But this isn't my next adventure."

"You could've fooled me," Tailspin muttered bitterly.

"And you could've avoided all this by not jumping to conclusions," Daring retorted. "Face it, we're both to blame for what happened, and we can't change it now. Let's just put that aside and try to have a good time."

"That's gonna be pretty hard to do if all we're doing is sitting around looking at fairies," said Tailspin.

"Oh, don't be such a grump about it," chided Daring. "You need to learn that there's more to life than risking your neck."

Tailspin opened her mouth, but decided that it was useless to force the issue. "I can't believe Daring Do of all ponies is lecturing me about this."

"Well, somepony has to," said Daring with a snicker. She readjusted herself and tipped her helmet over her eyes. Just as she was about to go to sleep, she heard somepony clearing her throat.

"Um, excuse me."

Daring snorted indignantly and lifted her helmet. Her eyes went wide as she saw a vaguely familiar pegasus staring at her. The pegasus was equally surprised.

"D-D-Daring Do?" she squeaked.

"That's my name; don't wear it out," said Daring, arching an eyebrow. "Huh. I feel like I've met you somewhere before. You're one of Rainbow Dash's friends, right?"

"Um, yes," said the pegasus, hiding her face behind her bangs. "M-my name is F-Fluttershy."

"Ah. Well, nice to meet you, Fluttershy," said Daring, holding out her hoof.

Fluttershy whimpered sometime unintelligible and averted her eyes. Daring let out a warm chuckle.

"Hey, easy there. I don't bite," she said.

"O-oh, sorry," said Fluttershy. "I-I just didn't know you, well, you know."

Daring tilted her head. "Uh, no. I don't know."

"W-well, why are you traveling like, that?"

"Like what?"

"Aren't you afraid of exposing your secret?"

"Wh—? Oh~! That's what you mean," Daring said with a laugh. "Don't worry about that. My secret's safe." She then took a quick look around and dipped her voice. "Ironically enough, I get more attention when I dress up as A.K. Yearling."

"Oh? Why's that?" whispered Fluttershy.

"'Cause most ponies out there know that there's an actual pony named Daring Do," said Daring. "They just don't know that she's the same pony as the one in the books. Outside of that world, all I am is an eccentric archeology professor with a horrendous attendance record."

"Um, oh," said Fluttershy. "I didn't know that. Uh, anyway, does this belong to you?"

She reached up to her hat and showed Daring a small green tarantula. Daring smiled.

"Recon, hey! I was wondering where you went!" she laughed. "Come here, you little troublemaker."

She took the tarantula from Fluttershy's hoof and deftly placed him in her pocket. The tarantula poked his head out and brushed his head with his foreleg.

"Oh. His name is Recon?" said Fluttershy, leaning in with interest. "He's really cute."

"Not just cute. Smart, too," said Daring, petting Recon. "Seriously, I owe this guy my life."

Fluttershy's eyes sparkled. "Wow. How did that happen?"

"Sorry, that's a spoiler," said Daring with a wink. "If you wanna find out, you'll have to read the book like everypony else."

"Oh. Okay," said Fluttershy. She paused and brushed the underside of her foreleg sheepishly. "Um, Ms. Do?"

"Please, call me Daring," said Daring.

"Oh, sorry," said Fluttershy. "A-anyway, um, Ms. Daring, what exactly are you doing on this train?"

Daring shrugged. "Well, after my last adventure, I thought it'd do me some good to get some R&R. And between you and me, there's nothing more relaxing than a breezie safari."

Fluttershy did a double take. "Wait. You're going on the breezie safari, too?"

"Oh, don't act so surprised," said Daring, rolling her eyes. "I'm allowed to enjoy things that don't involve high-flying adventure. Besides, the host of the expedition just so happens to be a fellow colleague of mine at the Royal Canterlot University."

"Th-that's not what I meant," said Fluttershy meekly. "I-I was surprised because that's where I'm going, too."

"No kidding," said Daring. "Huh. Small world, isn't it, Tailspin?"

"Yeah, I guess," said Tailspin, looking over at Fluttershy. "Oh, pardon my manners. I'm Tailspin, Professor Daring's student and soon-to-be partner."

Fluttershy tilted her head. "Soon-to-be?"

"It's a long story," said Daring. "Basically, Tailspin has always wanted to join me on one of my adventures. I've, always been hesitant about taking her along, though. For her own safety, y'know. I don't like putting other ponies in danger if I can help it."

Fluttershy blinked. "Is that why you told us you work alone?"

"Amongst other reasons," said Daring somberly. "That's part of the reason I'm taking this vacation. I need some time to unwind before I snap like I did back then."

"Mmm," Fluttershy hummed with a nod. "Well, I suppose I can understand that."

"I just wish she was more direct about it," Tailspin mumbled.

"Pardon?"

"Nothing."

Daring sighed and shook her head. "You'll have to forgive Tailspin. She thought I was going on another adventure, so she insisted on tagging along."

"I swear, she never mentioned anything about ruddy breezies," said Tailspin.

Fluttershy gave Tailspin a quizzical look. "You don't like breezies?"

"Nah, nothing like that," said Tailspin. "I was just hoping for something more, stimulating."

"Trust me, Tailspin. Once you get a good look at the breezies, that's not gonna matter," said Daring. "This'll be good for you, I promise."

Fluttershy awkwardly brushed the back of her foreleg. "Well, it was nice talking to you, Ms. Daring. I should probably go find a seat. I actually haven't gotten a chance to sit down yet."

"Yeah, that's probably a good idea. Dodge Junction isn't exactly close," said Daring. "Oh, and thanks for finding Recon for me."

"Oh, no problem. I'm glad I could help," said Fluttershy with a smile. "I do hope you and Tailspin enjoy the safari."

"That's the plan. I guess we'll be seeing you around then."

"I guess. Well, goodbye."

With that, Fluttershy trotted off. Daring turned to Tailspin and shrugged.

"Well, that was interesting," she said.

"Meh," Tailspin said with a shrug of her own.

Daring sighed. "One of these days, Tailspin, you're going to need to learn how to relax. Remember, if you lose your head figuratively, you're gonna lose it literally."

"Except for the fact that I'm not really in danger of losing my head in a breezie safari," Tailspin retorted.

"You know what I mean, Tailspin," Daring said sternly. "Look, I'm worried about you. I know you like dangerous adventure and stuff, and I'm not gonna fault you for that. I like it, too. But my life doesn't revolve around it, and the same should go for you. It's not healthy."

With that, Daring promptly lowered her pith helmet over her eyes and fell asleep. Tailspin let out a long sigh.

"I just want to go on an epic adventure with you, Dare," she muttered under her breath. "Is that too much to ask...?"

Eccentric Educators

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"Dodge Junction, everypony! Please watch your step while getting off the train!"

"Dare, this is our stop. Wake up."

Daring Do didn't react to the conductor's call nor Tailspin's cajoling. She simply continued to lay back with her pith helmet over her eyes, snoozing away. She only began to stir when a fuzzy feeler poked her cheek.

"*snort* Wha huh? What izzit, boy?" Daring said groggily.

"We're here, Dare," said Tailspin flatly.

Daring immediately perked up. "O-oh, rightrightright! Yeah. S-sorry 'bout that," she said, scrambling to her feet. "Man, that train ride really flew by."

"That's one pony's opinion," Tailspin muttered bitterly.

Daring simply sighed. "C'mon, Tailspin. We wouldn't want to keep everypony waiting."

The two of them trotted off the train. Daring managed to spot Fluttershy coming out of another car and waved to her. However, Fluttershy didn't seem to notice. She was too busy looking around nervously while a green Earth Pony stood by her side and also kept a sharp lookout. Noticing that something was amiss, Daring approached the two.

"Hey there. You lost?" she asked.

Fluttershy jumped. "O-oh! I-It's just you, Ms. Daring," she panted, taking a moment to catch her breath. "Um, I'm okay, thank you. I'm just a bit excited about the breezies."

Tailspin raised an eyebrow. "What's there to get excited about, exactly?"

"Hush, you," Daring chided, turning back to Fluttershy. "Anyway, if you're looking for our guide, don't worry. I know who to look for. Trust me, he's not exactly hard to miss. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if he found us first."

"Braaaaa-hem!"

As if on cue, a loud clearing of the throat sounded behind Daring. Unfazed, Daring turned around and smirked. A wizened old pegasus with a pink coat, molted wings, and a bushy red mustache hobbled over towards her. He wore a grey knapsack on his back and large, opaque glasses over his eyes. His Cutie Mark depicted a pair of insect-like wings with a sparkling current flowing between them.

"Long time no see, Bluster," said Daring.

The old pegasus snorted and adjusted his glasses. "That's Professor Windsday to you, Professor Do," he said indignantly.

"Hey, that's Daring to you, Bluster," Daring retorted.

The two pegasi stared each other down for a moment before breaking into fits of laughter and embracing each other.

"You never change, you rascal," said the older pegasus.

"You're one to talk, old timer," Daring chuckled.

Fluttershy shuffled forward and cleared her throat. "Um, excuse me..."

The old stallion caught sight of Fluttershy and made a beeline towards her. He adjusted his glasses, causing them to shimmer a bit.

"What have we here?" he said, looking over Fluttershy as if she were a prized statue. "I was worried you weren't going to accept my invitation, but here you are! Oh, joyous day! How wonderful of you to join us!"

Fluttershy squeaked and whimpered, hiding herself behind her bangs. "U-um, it's a p-pleasure to be here, Mister—"

"Up bup bup! That's Professor to you, my dear," the elderly pegasus interrupted, getting right in Fluttershy's face. "I know you're famous here in Equestria, but I didn't attend university to be called 'Mister,' thank you very much."

"Ulp! Y-yessir," Fluttershy stammered, shrinking before the older pony.

"Oy, if I had a bit for every time a teacher said that," Tailspin muttered under her breath.

"Now now, Tailspin. Be nice," Daring scolded.

The green Earth Pony titled her head. "You in charge of our little breezie shindig?"

The older pony beamed and bowed. "That I am. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Professor Bluster E. Windsday, entomologist extraordinaire, chairpony of the Equestrian Society for the Preservation of Rare Creatures, and Equestria-renouned expert on all things breezie." He then looked up and stretched out his hoof. "And you are?"

"I'm Tree Hugger. It's, like, really cool to meet you," said Tree Hugger with a smile. "I'm actually a long-time member of the ESPRC myself. I've met a ton of rare creatures, each one more special and magical than the last. Blessed be."

Professor Windsday stared blankly at Tree Hugger before letting out a cough. "I-I see. Well, I do hope this safari is enlightening, Ms. Hugger. It's times like this when educators like myself truly shine."

"Times like what?" asked Tailspin, folding her forelegs.

Windsday turned his head, adjusting his glasses and causing them to shimmer. "Young filly, don't you know? All times are good times for educators to share their knowledge. It's how we keep the masses from becoming ignorant! After all, everyone in Equestria deserves the opportunity for a proper education, don't you agree?"

Tailspin's eyes darted every which way as she swallowed a heavy lump in her throat. "Uh, I-I never implied that wasn't the case, P-Professor," she stuttered.

"Whoa. Take it easy, Bluster," said Daring, getting in between the two. "Tailspin didn't mean anything by it. She just speaks without thinking sometimes."

"Hey!" Tailspin protested.

"What? You do," said Daring frankly.

Windsday furrowed his brow and wrinkled his nose. "Professor Do, I wish you'd be more strict with your students. This doesn't exactly help your reputation at the university."

"You should know by now that I've come to accept that," Daring chuckled. "I promise Tailspin will behave herself, though. Isn't that right, Tailspin?"

Tailspin mumbled something incoherent and shrugged.

"Just, take that as a 'yes' for now," said Daring sheepishly.

Windsday sighed. "Very well. But I'm keeping my eye on her. The start of the Great Breezie Odyssey cannot afford any interruptions of any kind."

"Um, odyssey?" asked Tree Hugger, arching an eyebrow. "Isn't that a bit, like, melodramatic?"

Windsday stared blankly at Tree Hugger. "Why, whatever do you mean, Ms. Hugger?"

Tree Hugger shrugged. "Dunno. It just kinda seems like an extreme term to describe a migration, dude."

Windsday scoffed. "Ms. Hugger, you must understand. Birds migrate. Butterflies migrate. Breezies, however. Breezies do not migrate. They embark on an epic journey! They venture forth from the safety of their home, gather their food out in the far west, and make a long trip back to the east to feed their kin! What would you call that besides an odyssey, Ms. Hugger? Hmm? What other word describes such a miracle of nature, I ask you?!"

"Okay, okay! It's an odyssey," Tree Hugger conceded. "Sheesh, didn't mean to harsh your mellow there."

"You'll have to forgive Bluster. He's been trying to get that term into biology textbooks for years," said Daring. "And from the sound of it, he still hasn't been that successful."

"It's cognitive dissonance is what it is," Windsday huffed. "All scientists agree that I'm an utmost expert on breezies, yet they still reject the proper terminology."

Tailspin massaged the bridge of her nose with her hoof. "Dare, please tell me we don't have to listen to this windbag the whole time."

"That's Windsday, missy!" Windsday barked, causing Tailspin to flinch.

"Now now, everypony. Let's not start a fight here," said Fluttershy, flying into the center and raising her hooves. "We're all here to see the breezies, after all. There's no need for this."

Windsday sighed. "You're absolutely right, Ms. Fluttershy. I do apologize for my outburst; I just tend to get very passionate about my work."

"Noted," said Tailspin, wiping a bit of sweat from her brow.

Windsday straightened up and adjusted his glasses. "Well, on that note, we should not dally! I have a carriage waiting and plenty to teach you all. Tally ho!"

With that, he marched off. The other ponies slowly followed.

"Well, he seems, interesting," said Tree Hugger.

"That doesn't begin to describe him," Daring said with a laugh. "Still, he's a good guy once you get to know him. He's just very uptight about a lot of things. I suppose you have to be when it comes to breezies."

"Oh dear. Are breezies really that delicate?" asked Fluttershy.

Daring smiled. "I think it's best to let him explain. It's his area of expertise, after all."

***

The five ponies mounted a large station wagon parked just behind the train station. Windsday guided Fluttershy to a seat next to him while the other ponies sat across from them. Once the carriage started to move, Windsday cleared his throat.

"Everypony, I wish to start off by thanking each and every one of you for taking part in this safari," he said, turning to Fluttershy. "I especially want to thank our guest of honor, Ms. Fluttershy, for graciously accepting the ESPRC's invitation to join us as our guest of honor."

Fluttershy blushed and hid her face with her bangs. "G-guest of honor? M-me? Oh, I'm not that special."

Windsday gasped. "Not that special? Hogwash, Ms. Fluttershy. The ESPRC has heard great things about your work with animals. You managed to tame the great Cerberus, did you not? Humph, not that special my hoof."

"Oh, that? That was nothing," said Fluttershy meekly. "Taking care of animals just happens to be my special talent, that's all."

"Bluster, don't tell me you've been spying on this poor pony," said Daring, arching an eyebrow.

"Perish the thought, Professor Do!" Windsday barked indignantly. "We simply heard about her great feats from our members, and we decided it would be best to invite her to see the breezies. There's nothing more to it than that."

"And you still can't determine when I'm messing with you," Daring snickered, shaking her head. "Some things just never change."

Windsday grumbled something unintelligible and cleared his throat. "A-anyway, I understand that some of you are wondering about the breezies. Well, I will be glad to take this opportunity to enlighten you all to these graceful, adorable, and intelligent creatures."

"Hang on, intelligent?" inquired Tree Hugger.

Windsday smiled and adjusted his glasses, causing them to glisten. "Precisely, Ms. Hugger. For you see, in my studies, I have concluded that the breezie is perhaps the most intelligent creature amongst all the birds and beasts in Equestria. There simply is more to a breezie than any other animal you can think of."

Fluttershy tilted her head. "Oh, I'm not sure any of my animals would be happy to hear that."

"The truth can sometimes be offensive, I'm afraid. But it's what I have determined through pure scientific inquiry," said Windsday. "For example, you may claim that ants have complicated nests. Well, they do. But no matter what, an ant's nest simply cannot compete with the complexity of the grotto of the breezies. From the magical enchantments they use to protect their home to the complex architecture they utilize, they practically have their own civilization!"

"And yet I've never seen a breezie write a book," said Daring, rolling her eyes.

Windsday's mustache bristled. "I-I'm sure they could if they were given the chance, but my ethics as a scientist prohibits me from experimenting on these delicate creatures. They are protected by the ESPRC, after all. Now, if you could be so kind as to not interrupt me with wisecracks..."

"Okay, okay. Sheesh, Bluster. You need to learn to lighten up," said Daring.

Windsday simply cleared his throat and continued. "As I was saying, there's much more to a breezie than any other animal. A breezie can laugh; a breezie can cry. A breezie can be reasoned with. A breezie likes to gossip. A breezie has a sense of humor."

"Um, Professor Windsday?" said Fluttershy, raising her hoof.

"Yes, Ms. Fluttershy?"

"I can say that about any of my animals back home. True, not all of them like gossip, and some of them are pretty stubborn. But I know there has to be something even more special about the breezies."

Windsday's nose twitched. "Um, yes. I-I was just getting to that..."

Daring stifled a laugh. "'Bout time somepony knocked you off your high horse, Bluster."

Windsday ignored Daring and continued his lecture. "Anyway, there is indeed something special about the breezies. Not only are they rare, graceful, and intelligent, but they form the liver of pegasus society!"

"Dude, I think you mean the backbone," said Tree Hugger. "That's, like, how the parlance goes."

Windsday deadpanned. "No. I said the liver, and I meant the liver."

"Alright, alright. Chill out before you bum me out, man," said Tree Hugger defensively. "I'm just not comprehending your groove."

"It's actually quite easy to comprehend if you'd simply pay attention, Ms. Hugger," said Windsday. "You see, it was discovered long ago that the nectar of the breezies can be utilized in various medicines we pegasi use every day. This in turn has created a symbiotic relationship between us pegasi and the breezies. We help them on their odyssey; they give us some of their nectar in return."

"Oh, right. I've seen the pegasi make a big deal about providing the right breeze for the breezies to travel by," Tree Hugger mused.

"Ah, I see you've done your homework, Ms. Hugger," said Windsday, sounding rather impressed. "Yes, the breeze of the pegasi is what the breezies need to travel back home. It activates their breeze magic so that they can protect their pollen from predators. Now, before the founding of Equestria, it was speculated that..."

From there, Windsday continued to ramble on and on as the stagecoach rattled along the dirt road. The only one not paying attention was Tailspin. She merely stared out the window, a bemused expression plastered on her face.

This is so boring, she griped mentally. I wish something exciting would happen.

Just then, she spotted a silhouette just beyond the horizon. The silhouette had a familiar ape-like shape, which already set off alarm bells in Tailspin's head. She rubbed her eyes and leaned against the window to get a better look. Just before the stagecoach pulled out of view, she could make out a long tail with a hand at the end of it. Without a second thought, she opened the door to the stagecoach and slipped out, flying towards the shadow.

While everypony else was engrossed in Windsday's lecture, this act did not go unnoticed. Startled by the sudden gust of wind, Recon poked his head out from Daring's pocket and caught Tailspin in the act. Wasting no time, he skittered up Daring's vest and prodded her cheek.

"Huh? What is it, boy?" asked Daring.

Recon pointed to the empty seat where Tailspin was supposed to be. Daring slapped her forehead.

"Darn it, Tailspin. He's not that boring," she muttered before clearing her throat. "Hey, um, Bluster?"

Windsday turned to Daring and arched an eyebrow. "What is it now, Professor Do?"

"Could you excuse me for a bit? My student needs to be disciplined," said Daring. Before Windsday could respond, she followed up with; "Thanks, I'll catch up with you guys later."

Before anypony could say another word, Daring flew out after her student. She let out a heavy sigh.

"Well, this is a great start to my vacation," she grumbled sardonically. "And knowing my luck, it's just gonna go downhill from here..."

Dangerously Hilarious

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"Hmm. I'm sure he was back here somewhere..."

Tailspin tapped her chin thoughtfully as she flew across the vast desert. Her eyes scanned the ground, looking for any sort of trail she could follow. After a bit of flying, she spotted a set of tracks left by what appeared to be a monkey's paw. She smirked.

"Ah-ha! Gotcha," she said. "Now I just need to follow this and—"

"Tailspin!"

Tailspin jerked up and spun around as soon as her name was called. She then swallowed when she saw Daring Do flying towards her with a disappointed frown on her face.

"O-oh! H-hey, Dare!" Tailspin said nervously. "I-I guess you saw him too, huh?"

Daring folded her forelegs. "Tailspin, I understand you're less than thrilled about this breezie safari. But that doesn't mean you get to act like a spoiled brat about it. You're not a child; I shouldn't have to treat you like one."

"B-b-but Dare, I saw him!" Tailspin exclaimed. "He's out here in the desert!"

Daring raised an eyebrow. "Who is?"

"Ahuizotl!"

Daring deadpanned. "Seriously? You really think I'm going to fall for that, Tailspin? Last time I fought Ahui, I completely destroyed his fortress. There's no way he'd bounce back from something like that. At least not this quickly."

"I'm not joking, Dare! I saw him with my own two eyes!" Tailspin insisted. "Look, there are even tracks here!"

She pointed with her hoof at the tracks in the sand. Daring kneeled down and looked at them with a critical eye while Recon poked his head out of her pocket.

"Well, I'll give you this much, Tailspin," said Daring, furrowing her brow. "Those are some pretty unusual tracks for this region of Equestria."

"Exactly! Which means we should go investigate, right?!" Tailspin asked hopefully.

Daring sighed and massaged the bridge of her nose with her hoof. "Tailspin, you do realize that this is exactly what I didn't want to deal with on my vacation, right?"

"I, suppose," said Tailspin sheepishly. "But if Ahuizotl has come back, you can't just ignore it, can you?"

"That's assuming that this is Ahuizotl we're dealing with, which I highly doubt."

"How do you know it's not Ahuizotl?"

"I don't know, how do you know it is him?"

Tailspin gulped. "I-I saw his silhouette from the stagecoach..."

"And that's seriously all you're going on?" inquired Daring. "We're in a desert, Tailspin. And in deserts, there are these little things called 'mirages.' You can't always trust what you see out here. And before you say anything, I've travelled through my fair share of deserts. I think I know what I'm talking about."

"W-well, how do you explain the tracks then?!" Tailspin fired back, pointing at the footprints in the sand.

Daring opened her mouth to respond, but found that she didn't have much of a retort. "Touché, Tailspin."

Tailspin gave Daring a smug grin. "So, we're gonna go investigate now, right?"

"Don't get cocky, kid. I'm still mad at you," Daring said sternly. "Look, let's just see where this trail leads. If it turns out not to be Ahui, we're heading back to the safari."

"But what if it is him?" asked Tailspin.

Daring sighed and rolled her eyes. "Let's just cross that bridge if we get to it, Tailspin. I find that's always the best approach. Now c'mon. I don't want to be out here any longer than I have to be. This is supposed to be my vacation, after all."

With that, Daring flew on ahead. As Tailspin followed, she noticed Recon climb up onto Daring's pith helmet just to give her the evil eye. Tailspin groaned.

"I didn't ask for your opinion," she growled.

***

After combing the desert for a while, Daring stopped in midair and held up her hoof.

"What? Why are we stopping here?" asked Tailspin.

Daring said nothing, but instead pointed with her hoof. Up ahead, there were a few tufts of grass scattered throughout the desert. These tufts were decorated by wild flowers. And from the flowers, there was a collection of small voices accompanied by a flurry of wings. One by one, tiny creatures emerged from the flowers, each carrying a pair of baskets filled with golden pollen. Daring smiled.

"Well, whaddya know? We got to the breezies first," she said, dipping her voice.

Tailspin deadpanned. "Seriously, Dare? We're stopping our hunt for Ahuizotl to look at some ruddy—"

"Shh!" Daring hissed. "We don't want to startle them."

Tailspin groaned. "Dare, doesn't it bug you just a little bit that your greatest archenemy is running loose?"

"We still don't know that for sure, Tailspin," said Daring. "Look, just relax. There's nothing to worry abou—"

No sooner had she said that than a large creature pounced on the breezies. The breezies shrieked and tried to scatter, but not before one of them was snatched up by the apelike creature. Tailspin snorted.

"See, Dare? I wasn't hallucinating! That's really Ahuizotl!" she exclaimed. "Let's go get him!"

"Tailspin, no. That is a terrible i—"

"Oy, Ahuizotl! Drop that breezie!"

Tailspin rushed up to the creature and struck a fighting stance. Daring let out an exasperated groan and smacked her forehead while Recon did the same.

"You just never listen, do you?" Daring muttered to herself.

When she looked up, she couldn't help but stare in confusion. The creature had turned around, revealing itself. At first glance, it looked just like Ahuizotl. The same blue fur; the same prehensile tail with the paw at the end; even the same eyes. But this creature appeared to be a lot older, and it wore a heavy application of makeup and lipstick; something that Daring would never associate with the likes of Ahuizotl. Tailspin stifled a laugh.

"Sheesh, mate. I knew you'd be taking your last defeat pretty hard, but you look like you just went over the deep end," said she.

The Ahuizotl-esque creature snorted. "And what is that supposed to mean?" it asked. Unlike Ahuizotl's smooth, cultured tongue, this creature appeared to have a screechy feminine voice.

"Don't play games with me, Ahuizotl," Tailspin snarled. "I know it's you under that disguise. The game's over, and you lost."

The creature laughed. "My, my. Such bold words for such a stupid little pony. Who do you think you are, Daring Do?"

"No, that would be me."

The creature's eyes went wide as it saw Daring flying in and standing with Tailspin. She then glared and pointed an accusatory finger.

"You," she snarled. "I knew you'd come. Was humiliating my son not good enough for you?! All he wants is to make his mother proud, and you always have to come along and—"

"Hang on, hang on, hang on. Back up," said Daring, holding up her hoof. "You're Ahuizotl's mother?"

"Of course I am! Hasn't my son ever mentioned me?! The great Atotoztli II?!" the creature barked.

Daring rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "Um, no. No, he hasn't."

Atotoztli II scowled. "He hasn't? Ugh, that boy of mine. Always willing to flaunt his own ego, but he never acknowledges his own flesh and blood. I mean, sure I'm not empress anymore, but I'm the one who discovered the dark magic of the great Quetzalcoatl Empress in the first place! But does he ever credit me? Nooooo, of course not! It's always about him, him, him. What about his dear old mother, hmm? I always write him, but he never responds. Well, he does, but all he feels like doing is complaining. It's always 'Daring Do foiled my latest plan,' or 'I would've succeeded if it wasn't for Daring Do,' or 'Do you think you can lend me some gold? I normally wouldn't ask, but Daring Do set me back a bit.' I suppose it runs in the family. I remember drifting away from my father when I was his age to pursue my own ambitions, but even so—"

"Yeah, I'm beginning to see why Ahui doesn't talk about you all that much," said Daring, cutting across Atotoztli II. "Anyway, what the heck are you doing here?"

Atotoztli II narrowed her eyes. "What makes you think I'd tell you? I know my son tends to run his mouth when it comes to his evil schemes, but with age comes wisdom, and I refuse to tell you a single thing! You won't get a word out of me, you hear? Not a single solitary word! I've learned my lesson, just as my son will when he gets to be my age. At least I hope he does. He'd better not stray down the same path as his brother Tizoc, may he rest in peace. Not that my dear Ahuizotl ever looked up to Tizoc in any way, mind you, but a mother sometimes has to worry about these things. Rest assured, I wouldn't be out here breaking my back like this if Tizoc was the one who needed to get back on his feet. That boy always got what he deserved. I don't mean to disrespect the dead or anything, but when you try to blatantly steal from a dragon's nest on a dare, you can't expect to get away with it without some sort of—"

"Hold on, back up," Daring interrupted. "You said that you're out here trying to avenge Ahuizotl?"

Atotoztli II blinked. "Did I? I don't remember saying that. If I did, that would ruin the whole pl— Oh, rats!"

Daring clamped her hooves over her mouth, trying to hold back her laughter. "I-I'm really starting to see the resemblance here. You really are your son's mother," she snickered.

"W-well, I'm not telling you any more than that!" Atotoztli II snapped. "You won't ruin me like you've ruined my son!"

"We already know it has something to do with the breezies," said Tailspin, letting out a chuckle herself. "Sheesh, you must've really trounced him bad last time, Dare."

"No kidding," Daring said, snickering even more. "Man, I always knew Ahui was pathetic, but never would I have ever dreamed that he'd be such a wimp that he'd have to run to his mother for help. Th-that's just... I-I can't... Pfff-bwahahahahahaha!"

Soon, Daring and Tailspin found themselves rolling on the ground doubling over in laughter. Recon joined in as well, falling out of Daring's pocket as he rasped and guffawed. Even the breezie Atotoztli II was holding let out a few giggles, but it quickly clammed up when Atotoztli II shot it a glare.

"Stop that! I-it's not funny!" she roared, blushing through her makeup.

"Oh man, it so is!" Tailspin wheezed, pounding her hoof against the ground. "Y-y'know, it wouldn't be so bad if her first idea wasn't to use the freaking breezies! Seriously, what're the breezies going to do?!"

Atotoztli II stomped her foot in anger. "N-no! I'm not telling you that! In fact, I'm going to deal with you right now! Prepare to meet your doom, Ms. Do!"

She then muttered some sort of incantation and pointed at the ground before her. Suddenly, a large black puddle formed where she pointed, causing Daring to stop laughing. From the puddle, a shadowy figure emerged. The figure in question was a giant bipedal elephant wearing a silken sash, a decorated loincloth, and a scabbard that housed a large scimitar. Its midnight blue body was decorated with red spiraling tattoos, and it had but one eye embedded in the middle of its forehead. Daring blinked.

"And just who is that?" she asked.

Atotoztli II sneered. "Oh, you poor naïve fool. This gentleman before you is none other than Girimehkala, the great warmonger of the east. Getting his assistance was rather, expensive, but for a pest like you, it's worth every penny."

"Uh-huh," said Daring, nodding slowly. "And, what exactly is he going to do?"

Atotoztli II gave Daring a quizzical look. "You mean you haven't heard the legends of the great Girimehkala?"

"Lady, I don't even know how to spell his name," said Daring, crossing her forelegs. "Seriously, just because I'm a great explorer doesn't mean I know every little detail about every little legend ever."

Atotoztli II blushed. "Oh. Um, pardon my presumptions," she said, clearing her throat. "Anyway, it is said that those that stare into the eye of Girimehkala are met with eternal misfortune. And that, Ms. Do, is what's going to happen to you!"

Daring deadpanned. "Wow, you really just gave me such great incentive to stare this ugly palooka in the eye," she said sardonically. "You know, I can fight him without doing that."

"You can try," said Atotoztli II smugly. "Girimehkala, do your worst."

Girimehkala unsheathed his scimitar and pointed it at Daring. "I've heard a great deal about you, Daring Do. I hope you don't disappoint me," he rumbled.

"Depends on what you mean by 'disappoint,'" said Daring, arching her back and pawing the ground. "If you want me to provide a challenge, then I'm more than happy to deliver."

"Alright! That's the Daring Do I know and admire!" Tailspin cheered. "Show those blockheads who's boss!"

Girimehkala noticed Tailspin and chortled. "You'll find that I've fought many heroes in my day, Daring Do. Heroes that have tried to end my wars and quench the fires that I fan. But they all had one weakness."

"Oh, yeah? What's that?" inquired Daring.

"Selfless sacrifice."

With that, Girimehkala swung his sword at Tailspin. Tailspin flew out of the way just in the nick of time. Daring scoffed.

"It kinda undermines your point when your target can take care of themselves, big guy," she said frankly.

Girimehkala snarled. "Don't even try to make a mockery of me, Daring Do. You will bow before me yet!"

He swung again at Tailspin, who once again dodged the strike. This went on a few more times, until Tailspin started to get fancy. She spun and swerved around the air, occasionally pausing to blow a raspberry at Girimehkala. Daring saw where this was going and sighed.

"Better nip this in the bud," she said, flying towards Tailspin. Sure enough, Girimehkala aimed his strike and slashed Tailspin from the sky. His eye intensified, staring down eagerly at his target. Daring flew in a shoved Tailspin out of the way, only to find herself locking gazes with Girimehkala. She swallowed.

"Aw, horse apples."

Suddenly, a sharp, violent itch coursed throughout her entire body as it became enveloped in a sparkling blue aura. Tailspin pulled out of her spin and shook herself, only to see Daring writhing in agony.

"Dare!" she gasped.

"T-Tailspin, g-get outta here!" Daring grunted, her voice gradually gaining a higher pitch. "I-I'll be fine!"

Tailspin bit her lip. "Th-this is all my fault," she whimpered, tears forming in her eyes. She looked up. "D-don't worry, Dare! I-I'll come back for you!"

With that, Tailspin flew off. Daring continued to squirm and struggle, her eyes glued to Girimehkala's intense glare. She didn't even notice her body becoming smaller and smaller, nor her wings changing shape, nor the antennae that sprouted from her head. All she could see was a single, monstrous eye staring back at her. Finally, she blacked out, falling unconscious to the ground. Atotoztli II sniggered nefariously.

"Get out of that if you can, Ms. Do," she gloated. "Of course, that's highly unlikely, considering the predicament you're in. I do hope my son appreciates this. Come along, Girimehkala. We still have much work to do."

She then hobbled off. Girimehkala turned his back to Daring and closed his eye.

"Such arrogance in that dense ape," he mused. "But no matter. With the famous Daring Do out of the way, nothing will stand between me and the wildfire that will be upon this detestably tranquil land. No nation can avoid the flames of war. So says Girimehkala."

He trumpeted out a sinister laugh as he dissolved into shadow, leaving an unconscious and cursed Daring Do behind. As he left, Recon shook his feeler at him and rasped angrily before turning around to tend to his mistress. Meanwhile, a pair of breezies poked their heads out of their hiding places, wondering what all the commotion was about. They turned to each other.

"Dida dome kaleng," said one.

"Pera monto malenki?" asked the other.

"Metzipa! Molo meit!"

"Ni ni ni, Tra-La-La. Molo meit."

"Ni, Tiddlywink. Molo meit."

"Mo nata, Tra-La-La. Molo meit."

"Monta mechani, Tiddlywink. Molo meit."

"Mey! Mata nello! Meto mala meit!"

"Tooley?"

"Faldarei!"

The two then flew off together while Recon stood by his mistress's side, vigilantly looking out for any other danger that could befall her in her current state.

Unfair Warning

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"...And so, that's why it's important to note that breezies cannot collect pollen from any old flower. They need the flowers that are native to this area specifically. Otherwise, they wouldn't even bother with their odyssey. Now then—"

"Um, Professor Windsday?"

Windsday sighed and turned to Fluttershy. "What is it, Ms. Fluttershy?"

"I think we've stopped."

Windsday took a moment to check his surroundings. Sure enough, the stagecoach had stopped, and the driver outside was impatiently tapping his foot. Windsday blushed and cleared his throat.

"Ah. So we have," he said. "Right. Let me just wrap up with some ground rules for our expedition. The main thing to remember is that breezies are very, very timid creatures. If you must speak, keep your voices no higher than a whisper. Also, no sudden movements of any kind. We don't want to frighten or hurt them. Beyond that, just sit back and witness these miraculous creatures in action. Any questions?"

"Um, just one," said Tree Hugger. "Aren't we gonna wait for the other prof and her student?"

Windsday smirked and adjusted his glasses. "Do not underestimate the fortitude of Professor Do, Ms. Hugger. I'm sure they'll be joining us momentarily. Now then, let us disembark. The breezies await."

The three ponies stepped off of the carriage, and Windsday paid the driver. Fluttershy took a moment to survey their surroundings. Although mostly desolate, the desert was peppered with wild flowers of all shapes and sizes. A gentle gust blew into her face, carrying with it the pleasant scent of camomile and lavender. From the flowers, she heard faint chittering sounds. Her eyes sparkled.

"I-I think I found them," she whispered, beckoning Tree Hugger and Windsday over.

"Careful, Ms. Fluttershy. Don't get too close," Windsday warned, trotting over. "Remember, they're easily frightened."

Fluttershy nodded and took out her binoculars. Although the atmosphere was relaxing and tranquil, her heart was going a mile a minute. Forcing back a squeal of glee, she raised the binoculars to her eyes and focused on a nearby flower.

As soon as her vision came into focus, her heart swelled with overwhelming joy. She watched in awe as a modest swarm of breezies flittered about from flower to flower, filling the pouches they had strapped to their backs. Some sat underneath the flowers, sipping dew from makeshift cups and munching on cherries. The whole scenario was enough to give Fluttershy goosebumps as she trembled all over.

"You alright there, Flutterslice?" asked Tree Hugger.

"Th-they're so adorable~!" Fluttershy squeaked, her eyes glistening. "Oh, I've always dreamed of this moment, but I never thought it'd be like this. Th-this is more wonderful than I could ever imagine! They're just so tiny, and cute, and... Ooh~! I wish I could just go over there and take them all home with me!"

"Um, do try to fight that impulse, Ms. Fluttershy," said Windsday. "Even with your prestige, I doubt the ESPRC would support such actions."

Fluttershy's expression deflated slightly. "Oh. I-I understand," she sighed, a twinge of disappointment seeping into her voice. "I'm sorry, Professor Windsday."

"No need to apologize, my dear," Windsday stated warmly. "Just remember that we're only here to observe for now."

Tree Hugger gave Windsday a quizzical look. "For now?"

"Well, you can't expect the breezies to start their great odyssey without a breeze to protect them," said Windsday. "Once the breezies are done harvesting their pollen, it's up to us pegasi to see them off."

"Cool, cool," said Tree Hugger with a nod. "How do you know when they're ready to head off?"

"You listen," said Windsday. "Breezies have a very distinctive call when they are rallying their brethren together. That in turn is our cue to prepare the breeze for them."

"Righteous, dude. I hear ya," said Tree Hugger. "I'm, like, always in-tune with the natural vibrations around me, so a sound like that would probably be easy to pick up on. You pegasi probably have that stuff memorized, yeah?"

Windsday knitted his brow. "Well, that's a bit complicated. It's actually one of the things that separates the breezies from other forms of fauna. See, unlike other animals, breezies have their own language."

"Actually, that's not true," said Fluttershy, not even looking up from her binoculars. "All animals have their own language."

Windsday wrinkled his nose. "Ah, um... Perhaps I misspoke," he said. "What I meant was that breezies have a language that can actually be deciphered."

Tree Hugger's eyes went wide. "You for real, man? You can, like, actually write down what these creatures are saying? That's, like, far out."

"It's true, Ms. Hugger," said Windsday, adjusting his glasses. "Of course, we've never seen an actual instance of breezies writing, but after much research, I have managed to construct a competent codex. It is currently available at the Royal Canterlot University bookstore if you're interested."

"Hmm. That's odd."

Windsday turned to Fluttershy, who was still watching through her binoculars.

"What? What's odd?" asked Windsday.

"Shh," Fluttershy hissed. "I'm trying to listen. I think there's some sort of argument going on."

Windsday stood still for a moment and listened intently. "Hmm, yes. It's faint, but it does sound like some of the breezies are having a bit of a spat. Hang on, I'll get my codex and—"

"They're arguing about which one of them should fetch the dew. I think."

Windsday did a double take. "Wait, what? How can you tell?"

"Part of my special talent is being able to communicate with animals," said Fluttershy plainly. "That includes fey creatures such as will-o-wisps or the star spiders found in the Everfree Forest."

"Oh. Um, I see," said Windsday, letting out a disgruntled snort. "Well, what are they saying now?"

There was a pause as Fluttershy continued to listen. "They agreed to fetch the dew together."

Tree Hugger took out her own binoculars and peered through them. Sure enough, a pair of breezies were delicately brushing dewdrops off of the leaves of a flower. "Yeah, I'm seeing what you're seeing, Flutterslice. Hey, Prof. Breezies don't really do stuff like that, do they?"

"Well, it's not unusual," said Windsday, tapping his chin. He then raised his own binoculars and furrowed his brow. "Wait. This is wrong."

Fluttershy perked up. "What? What's wrong?"

"There are too few breezies here," Windsday said darkly. "There should be a lot more. Something must have them spooked."

Tree Hugger raised an eyebrow. "Dude. Like, how did you not notice that? I knew something was wrong with the aura of this place the minute we got here."

"Then why didn't you say anything?!" Windsday hissed.

Tree Hugger shrugged. "Didn't want to ruin the mood, dude. But it's just like you said. The aura of the breezies is totally messed up."

Fluttershy gasped. "Oh my! That sounds serious! We have to go help them!"

"Hold on now, Ms. Fluttershy," said Windsday sternly. "While I agree that this is a problem, we cannot act rashly. We need more facts."

"The breezies are in trouble. Those are all the facts I need," said Fluttershy flatly.

"Yes, but where do we start?" asked Windsday. "We can't just charge in and scare the breezies."

Fluttershy knitted her brow and tapped her chin. "Hmm. You're right about that. Hang on a moment."

She looked through her binoculars again and focused on the two breezies gathering dewdrops. Windsday arched an eyebrow.

"Ms. Fluttershy, what are you—?"

"Shh!" Fluttershy interrupted. "I'm trying to listen to them. Uh-huh. Mmm-hmm. O-oh my goodness!"

"What? What is it?" asked Tree Hugger.

"Those breezies mentioned something about finding an injured breezie out in the desert," Fluttershy explained, desperately trying to keep her voice low.

"That might explain why they were gathering dewdrops," said Windsday. "But I'm afraid it doesn't appear to have much to do with our—"

"I'm going after them."

Windsday bristled at Fluttershy's sudden statement. "You're what?"

"I'm going after them," Fluttershy repeated. "These creatures obviously need my help."

"H-how can you be so brazen?" asked Windsday. "You don't know how to take care of these creatures!"

"No, but I know that there's something wrong with them," Fluttershy retorted. "You said so yourself; this isn't natural. Besides, there's a cute, defenseless creature suffering in the middle of the desert. I cannot and will not simply ignore that."

"N-now now, Ms. Fluttershy. Let's not be so hasty," said Windsday. "The ESPRC—"

"Would probably side with Flutterslice on this one," said Tree Hugger, cutting across Windsday. "I've seen her work her magic on the train ride over here. She's a natural, and she has a big heart. It's not really our place to deter her, know what I'm saying?"

Windsday coughed. "I-I can't be too careful, Ms. Hugger. These are breezies we're talking about. I can't simply leave them in the hooves of somepony who's never worked with them before."

"Then why don't you teach me how to take care of them?" inquired Fluttershy. "I'd be more than happy to learn."

Professor Windsday paused before a streak of light flashed off of his glasses. "Hmm. You have a point, Ms. Fluttershy," he said, stroking his chin. "I suppose it would behoove you to learn this sort of thing, seeing as the breezies will be traveling to Ponyville this year. Very well, let us investigate. But we'll do so quietly and cautiously."

"Of course," said Fluttershy with a nod. "I find that's the best way to—"

"Oy!"

A loud voice echoed from the right, causing the breezies to scatter every which way. Windsday slapped his forehead and growled while Fluttershy whipped her head around in a panic.

"Oh no! Oh dear!" she panted, flying after the breezies she eavesdropped on before. "P-please don't be scared, little breezies. It's going to be okay. We're here to help you."

"Ms. Fluttershy, please wait!" Windsday called out, taking off after her. "I'm not as young as I once was!"

Tree Hugger started to follow them herself when a firm hoof grabbed her shoulder and spun her around. When she recovered from the dizzying experience, she saw Tailspin before her, wide-eyed and panting heavily.

"Oh, hey. You're the student girl, ain't ya?" said Tree Hugger, seemingly unfazed. "What's up?"

"I-I need your help!" Tailspin blurted out in one breath.

"My help?" asked Tree Hugger. "What do you need my help wi—?"

"There's no time to explain! We have to hurry!" Tailspin interrupted, grabbing Tree Hugger's hoof. "C'mon!"

Before Tree Hugger could say another word, Tailspin ran off into the desert, dragging her along. As the desert plains became still and quiet again, the breezies emerged from their hiding places, wondering what all the fuss was about.

Foul Wind

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"Ni, Tra-La-La. Melo melenka."

"Ni, Tiddlywink. Melo melenka."

Daring Do awoke to the sound of chittering voices arguing back and forth in some unknown language. She tried to stand up, but her legs felt completely numb and unresponsive. Before she could try again, she felt an appendage hold her shoulder.

"Ota, pommella," said an unfamiliar voice. "Ulaana owar tonole, yipo cryo meicha pitoo."

The next thing Daring knew, a cup of some sort touched her lips, and a cool refreshing liquid flowed into her mouth. Too dazed to resist, she slowly drank from the chalice. Bit by bit, she could feel her strength returning. Once she finished every last drop, she finally opened her eyes.

"Mmph. Thanks, fellas," she panted, blinking a few times. "I probably would've been a goner if you hadn't—"

She stopped mid-sentence as her vision slowly returned. The first thing she noticed was a tarantula that was roughly her size standing over her with a concerned look on its face. She tilted her head.

"Recon? Is that you, boy?" she asked.

Recon nodded and hung his head. After taking a deep breath, Daring made another attempt to get to her feet. However, for some odd reason, her legs were too flimsy to support her weight. Growling, she twitched her wing muscles in the hopes of lifting herself off the ground. Much to her surprise, even her wings felt stiff and strange. She looked behind her and nearly doubled over in surprise. Her strong feathered wings had disappeared. In their place were a set of thin, insect-like wings that flowed behind her like a cape.

"Okay, this is really starting to get weird," said Daring, furrowing her brow. "And the fact that I sound like I just swallowed a bunch of helium is seriously not helping right now. What the heck did that Girimehkala guy do to me?"

"Nopo pana kelatachoo melai lom. Seco tonyo pelo cha ptoo, Tra-La-La?"

"Mot zechung, Tiddlywink?"

Daring turned towards the voices, recognizing them as the strangers that helped her before. Her eyes went wide as she saw that they were a pair of breezies; one lavender with wavy white hair; the other white with lavender curls. What surprised Daring most was that they both appeared to be the same size as her.

"I think I just answered my own question," she said. She then reached up and touched the side of her forehead. Sure enough, she felt a long, alien protrusion sprouting out of her head and brushing against her pith helmet. As she continued to probe the protrusion and fiddle with it, the two breezies stared at her in wonder.

"Kiro gelis remumu, pommella?" asked one of the breezies.

Daring didn't pay the breezie any mind, but instead yanked on the protrusion and brought it down to eye level.

"Yep, that's an antenna," she stated, releasing it. "Marvelous. No wonder my body feels so strange; that pachyderm jerk turned me into a freaking breezie."

"Roroti michapt malai michapt mineow, pommella?"

Daring turned to the two breezies and raised an eyebrow. "Um, pardon?"

"Roroti michapt malai michapt mineow, pommella?" the breezie repeated.

"Nope, I still don't understand a word you're staying."

The breezie turned to her comrade. "Po mi. Netanno heuy potha faldara con. Sulpa tenitse, Tiddlywink?"

"Nuna makcho, Tra-La-La," said the other breezie with a shrug. "Tula pom a melenki."

Daring let out a strained sigh and massaged her temples. "This day just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?" she growled. "Well, on the bright side, Tailspin got her wish to go on an adventure. Yay for her. Though I doubt she's having the time of her life right now, wherever she is. I just hope she's safe."

She then flopped down onto a nearby rock and sulked. "Man, just my luck. The one time I try to have a relaxing day with nothing to worry about, and it all just falls to pieces. I still can't believe Ahuizotl's mother of all people is behind this one, nor do I know why she's going after the breezies. It just sounds completely absurd, doesn't it, Recon?"

Recon shrugged one shoulder.

"Well, absurd or not, she's clearly up to no good," said Daring darkly. "And by golly, she's not gonna get away with this. Well, that and this." She pointed to her body.

Recon suddenly perked up and skittered to Daring's side, nudging her shoulder.

"Huh? What's up, boy?" Daring inquired. She soon got an answer to her own question as a pair of familiar voices made themselves known.

"I'm pretty sure they went this way, Ms. Fluttershy. This trail is unmistakable."

"Oh, I do hope you're right, Professor Windsday."

Daring swallowed. "Not sure whether I should be grateful or afraid right now."

Sure enough, Professor Windsday and Fluttershy emerged, casting large shadows over the land and completely blotting out the sun from Daring's point of view.

"Ah, see? There they are," said Windsday proudly, pointing to the other two breezies.

The breezies squeaked and hid themselves behind another rock. Fluttershy flew over to them and quietly tapped their hiding place.

"Shh. It's okay, little guys," she cooed. "We're here to help you."

The two breezies slowly emerged. "Poko re?"

"That's right," said Fluttershy with a nod. "I'm Fluttershy. What are your names?"

The breezies turned to each other. "Illa mem, Tra-La-La," said the lavender breezie.

"Ni, Tiddlywink. Melo tona. Illa mem," said the white one.

"Ni ni ni ni ni, Tra-La-La. Illa mem."

"Melo brenete, Tiddlywink. Illa mem."

Fluttershy tilted her head. "Um, why don't you two just introduce yourselves together?"

The breezies' eyes sparkled. "Bene guasta!" they cheered in unison. The lavender one then turned to her counterpart. "Lalu lazu, Tra-La-La."

"Ay ni, Tiddlywink. Lalu lazu."

"Melo brenete, Tra-La-La. Lalu lazu."

"Ni ni ni, Tiddlywink. Lalu lazu."

Windsday snorted indignantly. "Can we hurry this along, Ms. Fluttershy? If we want to help these breezies, we shouldn't dally."

"I-it's not my fault. They just can't decide on how to make their introduction," said Fluttershy. "Though, you are right. We should probably go looking for their wounded friend. We'll work on introductions later."

"Well, of course I'm right," said Windsday, adjusting his glasses. "Now, since those two have stopped here, their wounded friend should be nearby. We just need to follow the pheromone trail that they left, and using that, we can determine—"

"Hey! Isn't that Recon?"

Windsday shot Fluttershy an angry look, only to notice that she was pointing at a familiar green tarantula perched on a rock. He looked back at Fluttershy and raised an eyebrow.

"What in Equestria are you talking about?" he asked.

"Recon. Daring Do's pet tarantula," Fluttershy explained. "We met on the train. Hello, little guy."

Recon gave Fluttershy a salute.

"Wait. Are you saying that Professor Do is here?" said Windsday.

"Brilliant deduction there, Bluster."

Fluttershy and Windsday looked down. Right next to Recon was a small breezie wearing an all-too-familiar pith helmet. Fluttershy gasped.

"Omigosh!" she squeaked. "Um, Professor? B-breezies don't speak our language, do they?"

"Not that I know of," said Windsday, giving Daring an odd look. "Is that you, Professor Do?"

"Gee, what tipped you off?" said Daring, placing her feelers on her hips.

Windsday wrinkled his nose and knitted his brow. "I'm almost afraid to ask what happened to you, Professor Do."

"Long story," Daring huffed.

Fluttershy gave Daring a concerned look. "Are you okay, Ms. Daring?"

Daring deadpanned. "I'm in an unfamiliar body, my archenemy's mother is out wreaking havoc on the breezies, and Tailspin is probably hysterical right now. 'Okay' is not the word I'd use to describe my current predicament."

"Wait, back up," said Windsday, holding up his hoof. "What's this about the breezies?"

Daring sighed. "Listen, Bluster. You know how I completely trounced Ahuizotl in my last adventure?"

"You mean like every other one?"

"Don't get cute with me, Bluster," Daring snarled. "Look, the point is that Ahui's mother is out for revenge, and her big plan involves the breezies, somehow. To get me out of the way, she had some goon she hired turn me into this."

"Oh my," Fluttershy gasped. "I-I'm so sorry, Ms. Daring."

"You've got nothing to be sorry for, Fluttershy," said Daring, cracking her neck. "It's Atotoztli II that's gonna be sorry when I'm through with her."

"And how do you plan to go about doing that?" asked Windsday, adjusting his glasses.

"I haven't really gotten to that part yet," Daring admitted, staring down at her feelers. "I don't know how this body works, and from what I understand, even a leaf can be fatal to a breezie. Charging in blindly is not a smart thing to do right now."

Windsday nodded. "You're right about that," he mused. "Besides, a breezie cannot fight anything alone. You're going to need some assistance."

Suddenly, his glasses sparkled. "Wait! I just had a wonderful idea!"

"What is it, Professor Windsday?" asked Fluttershy.

"We can help Professor Do adapt to her new body!" proclaimed Windsday. "This is the opportunity of a lifetime! Imagine if you will, Ms. Fluttershy! A pony able to describe firsthoof what it is like to be a breezie! It'll be sensational!"

"Um, let's try to keep our priorities straight here, Bluster," said Daring, arching an eyebrow. "I'm not some guinea pig."

"I agree with Ms. Daring," Fluttershy added. "We should focus more on helping those poor breezies."

Windsday blushed and cleared his throat. "Uh, yes. Quite right. Now, Professor Do, breezies have a better chance of surviving in numbers."

"Well, what about those two?" asked Daring, pointing to Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink. "They helped save my life."

"Capital idea, Professor Do," said Windsday. He reached into his saddlebag with his wing and took out a dusty brown book. "I'll go ask them right away."

He marched up to the breezies, opened up the book, and cleared his throat. "Hoy, pommellai. Yando malte aan Professor Windsday. Kotello rala simparcha ulto bongo. Meis ey pon al conquistadors?"

The breezies looked at each other and back at Windsday. "Ama?"

Windsday looked back at his codex and wrinkled his nose. "Wait, this can't be right. They're wondering what I just said."

"Um, Professor Windsday? I don't mean to contradict your codex, but you just called them coal miners," said Fluttershy.

Daring tilted her head. "Why in Celestia's name would the breezies have a word for 'coal miner?'"

"They don't. Other fey creatures do, though," Fluttershy clarified. "Here, let me try."

She then walked up to the breezies and cleared her throat. "I'm so sorry if we're taking up your time, but you know that breezie you helped? She could use more of that, and we'd be very grateful if you considered it."

The breezies turned their backs to Fluttershy and started whispering to each other in hushed tones. After a few seconds, they turned back and nodded.

"Mepo nah, mapon. Faldara!" Tra-La-La said.

"Oh, good. Thank you very much," said Fluttershy with a warm smile.

Windsday let out an aggravated grunt. "I should really work on updating that codex."

"Hey, if you want my opinion, your ego could use being taken down a few pegs," said Daring. "So, how are we gonna start this training, hmm?"

"Well, first, we should discuss your wings," said Windsday. "Ms. Fluttershy, could you ask one of our friends to demonstrate for us?"

"Oh, of course," said Fluttershy, turning to Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink. "Um, if it's okay with you, we'd like a demonstration of your flying."

"Na, na. Ni opina," said Tra-La-La. "Tiddlywink, son scudeva."

"Ay, ni ni ni ni ni, Tra-La-La. Son scudeva," said Tiddlywink, shaking her head.

"Melo brenete, Tiddlywink. Son scudeva."

"Melo tonate, Tra-La-La. Son scudeva."

Daring and Recon palmed their faces. "This is gonna be a loooong day," Daring muttered.

Spiral of Shame

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"Alright, just follow me here. We should find her any second now."

This was the third time Tailspin said this to Tree Hugger as she dragged her across the desert plains. By this time, Tree Hugger had recovered from the shock of being abducted without explanation, and her stunned expression slowly turned into one of mild irritation. She dug her hind hooves into the ground and pulled away from Tailspin, screeching to a halt. Tailspin whipped around, her eyes wide in astonishment.

"What're you stopping for?!" she yelled. "We have to hurry!"

"No, you have to chill out and tell me what's going on," said Tree Hugger, folding her forelegs. "You're the other prof's student, right? The one who bailed on us without warning?"

"Um, yeah. That's me," said Tailspin with a nervous chuckle. "Name's Tailspin."

"I'm Tree Hugger," said Tree Hugger calmly. "Now, what exactly flew up your butt and got you so uptight?"

"We don't have time for this!" Tailspin wailed, flailing her hooves and speaking at a mile a minute. "I ran off because I thought I saw Ahuizotl in the desert, but then Professor Daring went after me, and then it turned out it was Ahuizotl's mum, and she wants the breezies for some reason, and then she summoned this giant elephant that cursed Professor Daring and it's all my fault and—"

"Hey, hey. Ease up," Tree Hugger interrupted, raising her hoof. "First of all, slow down and dial it back a skoch. I'm having a hard time following your vibe."

"B-but—"

"C'mon, now. It's simple. Just breathe in the good and breathe out the bad, like this. Ohmmmm~. Neeeeeigh~."

Tree Hugger interrupted Tailspin with her impromptu breathing exercise. Reluctantly, Tailspin complied and followed along.

"There. Now your chakras are all sorted out," said Tree Hugger with a nod. "So, what's all this about Ahuizotl and curses? You sound like you've been reading too many Daring Do novels."

Tailspin blanched as beads of sweat formed on her brow. "Oh dear. Y-you don't know, do you?"

"Don't know what?" asked Tree Hugger, arching an eyebrow.

Tailspin buried her face in her hooves. "Oh, no. Oh no oh no oh no! As if this couldn't get any worse! Dare is gonna kill me for this!"

Tree Hugger blinked. "Girl, I don't get you. Like, at all. It really can't be that bad."

"But it is that bad! I screwed up again!" Tailspin cried. "I blabbed about Daring Do's secret!"

"What secret?" asked a befuddled Tree Hugger. "All I said was that you sound like a big fan of A.K. Yearling, that's all. What, are you saying that your prof and A.K. Yearling's character are the same pony? Because that sounds pretty bogus to me."

Tailspin's head whipped around as she shot Tree Hugger a dirty look. "It's not bogus!" she blurted out angrily. "She has very good reasons for doing that, and if you understood what she went thro— Shoot, why did I say that out loud?!"

Tree Hugger's eyes went wide. "Wait, so you actually are saying that? Daring Do is a real pony, and not some fictional character?"

Tailspin gulped. "Well, y'see... I, um... I was just, er..." After much fumbling, she sighed in defeat. "Yes."

A wide grin slowly formed on Tree Hugger's face. "Whoa. Mind. Equals. Blown. This is so rad, girl! Like, I always knew those books were tight, but never in a million years would I have ever figured that they were real!"

"Please don't tell anypony about this!" Tailspin pleaded, clasping her hooves together. "Professor Daring would get so cross with me if she finds out I told somepony her secret without her permission!"

"Sure, sure. Not a peep to anypony else. I gotcha," said Tree Hugger solemnly. "So, did all of her books take place in real life, or what?"

"M-most of them," Tailspin whimpered. "Look, I know this is earth-shattering to you and all, but we can't just sit here lallygagging! We have to go help Professor Daring!"

"Ease up, girl. I'm, like, still trying to understand this," said Tree Hugger, stroking her chin in thought. "You're saying that Daring Do is real, her adventures are real, and you somehow got her into trouble."

"That's pretty much the long and short of it," said Tailspin, casting her gaze downward. "I shouldn't have run off, but I just wanted to go on an adventure with her. I-it's always been my dream, y'know? But now she's out there under some curse all because I acted like a selfish git. I have to make this right."

Tree Hugger nodded thoughtfully. "Right on, right on. I dig. You've got a very noble aura, girl. Just one question, though."

"What now?"

"I'm all for adventures, but the kind of stuff Daring Do gets involved in is really not my groove," said Tree Hugger. "I'm not sure how helpful I can be in a temple filled with deathtraps or bad dudes bumming you out."

"Th-that's okay. I'll protect you," said Tailspin. "You won't have to do anything dangerous at all. I'll take care of all the heavy lifting. All you have to do is let me know when whatever I try to lift is too heavy for me."

Tree Hugger tilted her head. "Not following you here."

Tailspin sighed. "There's something you should know about me. Whenever I panic, I usually end up doing something stupid. And right now, I don't feel like I can keep myself from panicking. Which is why I need you to keep me from doing stupid stuff."

"Stupid stuff like dragging me out into the middle of the desert without telling me the sitch?" asked Tree Hugger, raising an eyebrow.

Tailspin blushed and brushed the back of her head sheepishly. "Uh, heh heh. Yeah, something like that. Listen, I completely understand that you're pretty cross with me right now. I screwed up, and I'm incredibly sorry. But, that's why I need you so much right now. I can't do this on my own. I-I'd just panic and screw up again."

Tree Hugger's expression softened as she tilted her head. "First of all, I'm not mad, girl. This isn't exactly my groove, but I know you're coming from a place of authenticity. I can totally respect that. But on another note, why do you sound so scared? Like, I thought you wanted adventure."

"I did. I do," said Tailspin, shaking her head. "I just didn't want, this. I didn't want to get Professor Daring into trouble and spoil everything for her, but that's what happened."

Tree Hugger nodded. "I hear ya, girl. I hear ya. Alright, I'm down to clown. But I'm holding you to that promise to keep me safe. I don't want any bad karma interfering with my aura, know what I'm saying?"

"I won't let that happen, Ms. Hugger," Tailspin promised with a salute. "Just make sure I don't get in over my head, yeah?"

"Fer sure, girl. Fer sure. By the by, just call me Tree Hugger. No need to be so formal," said Tree Hugger.

"Um, alright, sure," said Tailspin. "Man, you really sound like Professor Daring."

"Nah, I'm nothing like her. She's more into the high-flying stuff than I am," said Tree Hugger with a chuckle. "Doesn't mean I don't dig her vibe. Anyway, where exactly were you planning on taking me?"

"We're going back to get Professor Daring," said Tailspin. "She's back that way." She paused and furrowed her brow. "Or, is she over this way? Mmm, now that I think about it..."

Tailspin shielded her eyes and scanned the desert, trying to remember which way to go. Tree Hugger knitted her brow

"I'm just going out on a limb here, but I think you were so uptight when you left that you didn't pay much attention to where you were going," she said thoughtfully.

Tailspin winced. "O-okay, see. This is why I need you so badly. So that I don't do stuff like that."

"Yeah, hindsight's a cruel mistress, for real," said Tree Hugger calmly. "So, what now, Spinmeister?"

Tailspin raised an eyebrow. "Spinmeister?"

"Just thought I'd call you by a groovy nickname. We're working together, after all."

"Um, okay," said Tailspin, a bit uneasy. She quickly shook the feeling aside and tapped her chin in thought. "Hmm. I guess if we can't find Professor Daring, we should at least go after the breezies."

"Okay, I could get behind that," said Tree Hugger thoughtfully. "When we got to the safari site, Prof Windsday and I noticed something harsh going on with the breezies. It might be connected to whatever bad karma Daring Do is going through right now."

Tailspin's face darkened. "I already know it is," she said. "Ahuizotl's mum is hunting the breezies for some reason, and she cursed Professor Daring to get her out of the way."

Tree Hugger blinked. "Wait, Ahuizotl's mom?"

"Yeah, I don't get it, either," said Tailspin with a shrug. "But don't underestimate her; she means business. Though why she's going after the breezies of all things, I haven't the foggiest idea."

"Whatever it is, it's gotta be bad," said Tree Hugger gravely "I know Flutterslice and Prof Windsday would not be down with that. Especially since breezies are protected by the ESPRC. No one is allowed to hunt them for any reason."

"Yeah, I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that Ahuizotl's mum doesn't really care about stuff like that," said Tailspin, furrowing her brow. "Still, though. I can't imagine anyone who'd want to hunt a breezie, let alone some megalomaniacal maniac bent on revenge. Did that windbag mention anything that might be of value to someone like Ahuizotl?"

"Not sure," said Tree Hugger, shaking her head. "We could find him and ask."

"Mmm. Maybe," Tailspin hummed, tapping her chin. After a pause, she perked up. "Or maybe we can track down Ahuizotl's mum and find out ourselves!"

Tree Hugger's eyes went wide. "What? No. Nononononono. That's, like, totally not koshe."

"Koshe?"

"Not kosher," Tree Hugger clarified.

"Oh," said Tailspin sheepishly. "Well, why not? It's not like we know where Professor Windsday is right now."

Tree Hugger deadpanned. "Spinmeister, we don't know where Ahuizotl's mom is, either. Besides, we aren't gonna be of much help if the bad karma harshes our mellow, know what I mean?"

"Which is why we have to be stealthy about it," said Tailspin plainly. "Furthermore, it's not gonna be that hard to track her down. All we have to do is follow some breezies around and Ahuizotl's mum will end up coming to us."

"And you want that to happen."

"Um, kinda? I mean, I wanna find out what she's up to."

"Then why don't we go ask Prof Windsday?"

"Because he probably doesn't know what's going on, and I don't wanna risk blabbing Professor Daring's secret again."

"You do realize that we might end up getting in trouble if we do this, right?"

Tailspin smirked. "Hey, I said I'd protect you, didn't I? You don't have to worry your pretty little head about anything," she said. "On another note, we don't really have time to debate about this. Every second we dawdle, Ahuizotl's mum is gonna come one step closer to completing her master plan, whatever it is."

"It also means one more second Daring Do is going to be cursed," Tree Hugger countered.

Tailspin nodded. "Good point. Alright, I know what to do now."

"What's that?"

"We'll try to find Professor Daring first. Failing that, we hunt down Ahuizotl's mum. Failing that, we try to find Professor Windsday."

Tree Hugger sighed. "Okay, let's go over the many ways that plan bites. Number one, you just admitted that you have no idea where Daring Do is. Number two, you don't even know what kinda bad karma she's dealing with right now. Number three, trailing bad karma is really going to mess up our vibe."

Tailspin shrugged her shoulders. "Alright then. We'll just play it by ear. That's what Professor Daring does, and it hasn't failed her so far."

"That sounds like an even worse idea," said Tree Hugger bluntly. "Spinmeister, we need to slow down and think up a plan if we're gonna get through this."

"Then we should go find Professor Daring! She'll know what to do!" Tailspin exclaimed, spreading her wings. "C'mon, Tree Hugger!"

She then took off and flew in a random direction. Tree Hugger sighed and shook her head

"That girl is wound up so tight, she looks like she's ready to snap at any minute," she muttered as she followed. "No wonder she needs my soothing vibes. I just hope it'll be enough. I don't want us to get into too much trouble..."

One with the Wind

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"Now now, you two. I understand how you feel, but Ms. Daring really needs your help."

For five minutes, Fluttershy tried to persuade the breezies to demonstrate their flying ability. However, Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink simply continued to chitter back and forth, neither of them making a move. Windsday cleared his throat noisily.

"Well, while Ms. Fluttershy handles that, I suppose I could give you a brief lecture on your new form," he said.

"Oh, goody," said Daring, rolling her eyes.

"Oh, come now, Professor Do. Don't be like that," Windsday chided. "We both know you need this."

Daring gave Windsday a bemused look. "You're just getting a kick out of this, aren't you?"

Windsday ignored the question and launched straight into his lecture. "Now then, the first thing you need to understand is that a breezie's wings are very different from those of a pegasus."

Daring glanced over at her long, insect-like wings and deadpanned. "Yeah, I think I figured that one out already, Bluster. Please, try not to patronize me."

"Alright, alright," said Windsday. "Goodness, there's no need for you to get all snippy."

"Considering that I'm going to be spending my vacation trying to stop a pair of evil masterminds and get some payback for what they did to me, I think I have every right to be snippy right now," said Daring, folding her forelegs. "Now, just tell me how I'm supposed to fly."

"Well, see, that's the thing," said Windsday, adjusting his glasses. "Breezies don't fly, at least not in the same way pegasi understand flight. Their wings are more like sails, allowing them to catch the wind at any angle and propel themselves through the air. It's actually quite fascinating."

Daring raised an eyebrow. "So, I don't fly so much as, glide."

"Yes."

"Through the air."

"Yes."

"With these things."

Windsday wrinkled his nose. "I can't say I'm very fond of your tone, Professor Do. You sound like you don't believe me."

"Sorry, I guess I'm just a bit confused," said Daring, flexing her wings. "I'll admit, I'm no entomologist like you are, Bluster. But whenever I see these kinds of wings on something, they're usually going a mile a minute. By contrast, these things just feel so stiff and unresponsive. Getting enough lift to get off the ground feels like it's gonna be a monumental task. Also, how exactly are these supposed to act like sails when they look about as sturdy as tissue paper?"

"Looks can be deceiving, Professor Do," said Windsday sagely. "Why, according to my research, a breezie's wings can survive wind speeds of up to fifteen knots. Mind you, no breezie should under any circumstances be traveling at those speeds."

"And why not?" asked Daring.

"Because it would be too easy for you to lose control," Windsday explained. "Although a breezie's wings are similar to sails, there's one key difference. You are not reliant on the wind's direction to steer. You are free to move in whatever direction you wish as long as there is the slightest breeze for you to ride on. However, the stronger the winds, the more difficult it is to steer. Any pegasus who wishes to help the breezies in their great odyssey must be trained beforehand to know how fast the wind currents should be. Too slow, and the breezies would miss their ticket home. Too fast, and the breezies are sent into disarray."

"So, basically, I can't control how fast I'm going," said Daring, knitting her brow. "I gotta say, Bluster. I'm not a big fan of this. If Tailspin ends up getting herself into trouble, I can't exactly rush to her rescue without nearly killing myself in the process. Granted, the risk may end up being worth it. It usually is."

Windsday sighed. "I highly advise against that, Professor Do. Remember, the body of a breezie is extremely fragile. Even something as simple as a leaf can be fatal if you're not careful."

Daring scowled. "What did I say about patronizing me, Bluster? I'm fully aware of the risks here; it's just a matter of whether or not I care about them. And nine times out of ten, I don't."

"Well, consider this the tenth time, Professor Do," Windsday countered brusquely. "This is not a matter to be taken lightly."

"I never said it was!" Daring snapped defensively.

"Okay, that's enough," said Fluttershy firmly, moving between Daring and Windsday. "Now, I know we're all a bit stressed, but fighting amongst ourselves is not going to do anypony any good."

Daring sighed. "She's right. I'm sorry, Bluster. I guess I'm still a bit upset by all this."

"Hmm. Right," said Windsday, letting out a short cough. "Anyway, Ms. Fluttershy. Have the breezies come to an agreement of sorts?"

"Oh, yes," said Fluttershy with a nod. "They decided they were going to demonstrate together. Come along, you two."

Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink complied, floating through the air side-by-side. Daring and Recon watched as they flew this way and that with the grace of a pair of ballerinas. Their wings barely moved at all, only adjusting ever so slightly at certain moments.

"Quite impressive, isn't it?" said Windsday whimsically.

"Impressive, yes," said Daring, stroking her chin. "But, here's the million bit question. How exactly am I supposed to do that?"

"Well, that's quite simple," said Windsday, clearing his throat. "You see—"

"Mmm? Oh? Is that so?"

Windsday's grandiose lecture was interrupted by Fluttershy listening intently to Tra-La-La as she whispered in her ear.

"Is there something you wish to share, Ms. Fluttershy?" he inquired.

"Oh, not me, Professor Windsday," said Fluttershy, turning to Daring. "But Tra-La-La just wanted to mention that you have to use your breeze magic."

Daring arched an eyebrow. "Breeze magic?"

"Yes. You see, the breezie's magic is used for more than just keeping their pollen safe," said Fluttershy. "Tra-La-La says that every gust of wind is stored within their wings, and if there is no wind, they can use that stored energy to move by themselves." Tra-La-La whispered again. "Oh, she also wants to say that it's actually very strange for a breezie to not be airborne, and she's worried you hit your head."

Daring pursed her lips and crossed her forelegs. "Did you explain to her that I'm not actually a breezie?"

"Well, no. The subject never came up," said Fluttershy sheepishly. "I was too busy trying to get them to cooperate. It's a bit, tricky."

Windsday scoffed. "Ms. Fluttershy, while you may have a strong connection with animals, there is still much you need to learn about the breezies. As such, I'd greatly appreciate it if you refrained from interrupting my lecture."

"Oops. S-sorry," whimpered Fluttershy, hiding her face behind her bangs. "I'll just, be over here."

"Wow. Way to treat your almighty guest of honor, Bluster," said Daring sardonically while Recon gave Windsday the evil eye.

"I-I'm not trying to be rude to Ms. Fluttershy," Windsday sputtered. "I-it's just that, well, she's an amateur in these matters. I can't very well leave your well-being in the hooves of an amateur, Professor Do. You need the expertise of a professional scientist who has studied breezies all his life if you're to have any hope of surviving."

Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink gave Windsday a blank stare before turning to each and chittered back and forth.

"Uh, translation?" asked Daring, looking up at Fluttershy.

"They're trying to decide which one of them should tell Professor Windsday something," said Fluttershy. "Um, girls? Why don't you tell me, and I'll tell him?"

The breezies paused for a moment before they started chittering again.

"Now they're trying to decide which one of them should tell me," Fluttershy translated, sounding a bit embarrassed.

Daring frowned. "Are those two really so petty that they have to argue over everything?"

"Oh, it's not like that," said Fluttershy. "Actually, they're rather polite."

Daring blinked. "Polite."

"Yes. They each insist that the other should have the honor. From what I could tell, that's pretty much how all of their arguments go."

Daring rubbed the bridge of her nose with her feeler. "Okay, that's not as bad as I thought it was, but that doesn't make it any less annoying."

Finally, the two of them touched antenna and made a loud proclamation. "Eetch a groome! Faldara!"

They then each floated over to one of Fluttershy's ears and whispered to her. Fluttershy closed her eyes and nodded.

"Uh-huh. Mmm-hmm. Oh dear. Um, oh my. W-well, when you put it that way, I suppose... Uh-huh. Okay, I'll tell him."

Fluttershy turned to Windsday, brushing the back of her foreleg with her hoof.

"Um, well, first of all, Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink don't want you to take this the wrong way," she said. "They honestly mean no offense; they're simply a bit curious."

"Oh, this oughta be good," said Daring with a sly smirk.

Windsday growled. "Just spit it out, Ms. Fluttershy. What did they want?"

Fluttershy swallowed. "Um, well, they want to know why you think a pony would know more about breezies than the breezies themselves."

Daring burst out laughing, clutching her stomach and flipping over onto her back. Windsday blushed profusely and cleared his throat.

"W-well, um... You see... Alright, alright. Point taken," he grumbled.

"Oh, man. You so had that one coming, Bluster," chuckled Daring, wiping a tear from her eye.

"Yes, yes. I'm glad to see you're so amused," said Windsday flatly. "Now, can we get back to making sure you don't die?"

"Yeah, I'm good," said Daring as Recon helped her back to her feet. "Seriously, though, Bluster. Try to keep your ego out of this, and maybe you won't end up getting burned so badly."

Windsday let out a low snarl before taking a deep breath. "Right. Anyway, as our breezie friend described, you have to use your magic in order to levitate."

"Okay. And how do I do that?"

"It's not as complicated as it sounds, I assure you," said Windsday. "Any breezie can do it with no effort at all. You just need to concentrate a bit."

Daring nodded. "Concentrate, huh? Alright, let's give this a shot."

She raised her wings and scrunched her eyes shut, focusing intently on getting off the ground. With a single flap, she rose a few centimeters into the air. Opening one eye, she took a brief look at her accomplishment.

"Well, it's a start," she mused. "Okay, now I want to go, um, left."

She tilted her body to the left, but nothing happened.

"Mmm. It appears the wind is quite sparse around here," said Windsday. "Not a problem."

He then rose into the air and daintily flapped his wings, creating a slight breeze. The breeze washed over Daring, and she felt her wings bend out ever so slightly. A pleasant scent wafted through her nostrils, causing her fur to ripple as each bit of fuzz stood up on end in turn.

"Woo. That was, unexpected," she said, trying to shake herself of the odd sensation.

"Don't worry, Professor Do. Your body is simply releasing its magic through pheromones," said Windsday. "It's perfectly natural."

"Um, okay," said Daring, raising an eyebrow. "Does this help me at all, or should I be worried?"

"Not only is it helpful, Professor Daring. It's imperative to your survival," Windsday explained. "Those pheromones provide a musky barrier that deters predators. It has also been documented that the pheromones can paralyze enemies in stronger doses, but that would require an entire swarm of breezies and a very strong wind. That or the exact environmental conditions of the breezies' grotto, which have yet to be recorded."

"So what you're saying is I have a way to fight back, but I can't use it properly," said Daring with a pout.

"Not without the proper resources, no," said Windsday, adjusting his glasses.

"Which means we'll have to get a bit creative," said Daring. "Recon, go scout ahead. See if you can find Tailspin and lead her back to us."

Recon saluted and skittered away.

"Now, while he's doing that, I think we need to make sure we're all on the same page," said Daring. "Fluttershy, try asking the breezies what they know about what's going on."

"Um, okay," said Fluttershy, turning to Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink. "Uh, if it's not too much to ask, do you think you could tell us why there's so few of you around? I mean, if it's okay; I don't wish to make you uncomfortable."

The breezies paused to think before turning to each other and twittering back and forth.

"Do I want to know what they're talking about?" asked Daring.

"They're, um, trying to decide which one of them should tell the story," said Fluttershy.

"Somehow, I'm not surprised," said Daring, rolling her eyes. "Well, at least it gives me time to adjust to this gliding thing. Gotta say, it's not as difficult as I expected it to be."

As if on cue, a strong cross-breeze blew in, causing Daring to spin out of control. Flailing her legs and trying desperately to control her wings, she went careening straight into a cactus. While she managed to avoid the spines, her head became embedded within the plant.

"I stand corrected," Daring snarled, her voice muffled by the cactus.

Windsday shook his head. "I understand this is sort of your 'thing,' but try not to get cocky, Professor Do."

Daring groaned. "You just couldn't resist taking a shot at me, could you, Bluster?"

"Oh, you mean like you've been doing this entire time?"

"Mmm. Touché."

Fluttershy sighed and turned back to the bickering breezies. "Um, I have an idea. Why don't you two take turns telling the story?"

Tra-La-La's expression brightened. "Coomo mey, pommella! Tiddlywink, lalu lazu."

"Ay, ni ni ni, Tra-La-La. Lalu lazu."

Fluttershy's face clouded with concern. "Oh dear."

Hazardous Hot Air

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The hot sun blazed down on Tailspin and Tree Hugger as they wandered aimlessly through the desert. Despite the harsh conditions, Tree Hugger managed to keep up a steady pace. Her shades protected her eyes from the sun's unforgiving glare, and she had a canteen handy for whenever she felt dehydrated. Tailspin, however, wasn't so lucky. She tried to ignore the oppressive atmosphere sapping away her strength as she struggled to keep airborne, but it was all in vain. Soon enough, she collapsed to the ground face first.

"I-I'm okay," she grunted, spitting out a mouthful of sand.

Tree Hugger trotted up to Tailspin and took out her canteen. "Maybe we should chill out for a spell, Spinmeister. You look like you need it, badly."

Tailspin shook her head. "Me? Need a break? Nah, I'm good," she said in a strained tone. "C'mon, I'm sure Professor Daring's around here somewhere."

She tried to force herself to her feet, but her muscles simply weren't cooperating. Tree Hugger sighed and held the canteen in front of Tailspin's face.

"You aren't gonna be doing Daring Do much good like this, Spinmeister," she said frankly. "Now here. Drink up. It'll replenish your spirit."

Tailspin paused to think for a moment before letting out a sigh of her own. "Alright, fine. But we can't stay here too long."

Tree Hugger nodded and tilted the canteen over Tailspin's mouth. A small drizzle of water trickled out of it, which Tailspin lapped up eagerly.

"There. Feeling better?" Tree Hugger asked, taking a swig from the canteen herself.

"A-a bit. Thanks," said Tailspin, picking herself up. "Heh, I guess this'll teach me not to run off into the desert without water."

"Or any supplies whatsoever," said Tree Hugger.

"Yeah, that too," said Tailspin, casting her eyes downward. "Man, no wonder Professor Daring never lets me be her partner. I'd just screw everything up."

Tree Hugger frowned. "Whoa, hey. Ease up on the negative vibes, girl. You really shouldn't talk like that."

"Easy for you to say," Tailspin grumbled. "You don't have to worry about nearly getting your role model killed."

"I said ease up with the negativity," said Tree Hugger firmly, clamping her hoof down on Tailspin's shoulder. "I don't like it when ponies bring themselves down like that. Defeatists never get anywhere in life. For real."

"I-I'm not a defeatist," Tailspin snapped defensively. "I-it's just that no matter what I do, I always manage to screw something up. Heck, my Cutie Mark is a screw-up. I got it by pulling out of a tailspin after botching a stunt."

"I don't see how that's a screw-up," said Tree Hugger with a shrug. "It just means that you're good at fixing mistakes. That's a chill thing to be good at."

"Yeah, but it'd be even better if I didn't make the mistakes in the first place," Tailspin groused.

Tree Hugger shook her head. "Spinmeister, everypony makes mistakes. That's just the way life rolls, and all we can do is embrace it."

Tailspin smacked her forehead. "Congratulations, Tree Hugger. You're only the two hundredth pony to tell me that."

"If you're so sick of hearing it, why haven't you embraced it yet?" asked Tree Hugger. "That's the only way it's gonna stop, girl."

Tailspin massaged the bridge of her nose with her hoof. "No, you don't understand. Making mistakes isn't the problem. I'm fine with making mistakes. The problem is I make too many of them. And sometimes, they're pretty bad. Like now, for instance."

"Which is why you're trying to fix it, right?" said Tree Hugger.

"Well, yeah," said Tailspin, tilting her head. "I thought that was pretty obvious."

"So don't sweat all the small stuff about messing up," said Tree Hugger with a smile. "Like, if you did something wrong, and you wanna make the wrong thing right, that's all anypony can ask of you, y'dig?"

Tailspin massaged her temples. "No, I don't 'dig.' In case you didn't pick up on it, this is a bit more severe than just breaking somepony's favorite toy on the playground. Lives are at stake here."

"That shouldn't matter, Spinmeister," said Tree Hugger sagely. "Look, you aren't gonna get anywhere in life if you keep letting stuff like this drag you into the doldrums. And you certainly aren't going to help Daring Do with that attitude. Just relax and stop being such a downer, a'ight?"

Tailspin grunted and shook herself. "Alright, break's over. We should keep looking for—"

"Mwah-ha-ha-ha~! My plan is coming along swimmingly!"

Tailspin jumped as a familiar cackling voice echoed across the plain. She turned towards the source of the voice and shielded her eyes from the sun. Squinting a bit, she could make out two familiar silhouettes in the distance.

"Alright, good news, Tree Hugger," she said. "I know what direction to go in now."

Tree Hugger raised an eyebrow. "You're not planning on following that evil laughter, are you?"

"Well, unless you have a better idea."

"Actually, I do. We should go find Prof Windsday and Flutterslice. They need to be in the loop on this, don't they?"

"But if we do that, we'll lose track of the bad guys! We need to keep tabs on 'em! It's what Professor Daring would do!"

"Um, girl? You're not Daring Do, and neither am I."

"Maybe not, but I still think the best way to handle this situation is to think like her. Which is why we're going this way."

Before Tree Hugger could protest, Tailspin took off. Tree Hugger sighed.

"I know Daring Do is a pony who likes danger, but I think this girl likes it a bit too much," she muttered to herself, trotting after Tailspin. "This is seriously harshing my mellow. Like, big time."

***

"At this rate, everything will be ready by the time the sun sets. I can hardly wait."

It didn't take long for Tailspin and Tree Hugger to stumble upon the source of the evil voice. Sure enough, there was Atotoztli II, gloating as she gripped a breezie within her paws. Girimehkala stood over her, looking rather nonplussed.

"Whoa boy. Bad karma at twelve o'clock," Tree Hugger hissed. "We really should make like a banana and split, Spinmeister."

"No worries, Tree Hugger. I got this," Tailspin whispered back. "C'mon, get down."

She quickly shoved Tree Hugger behind a stone outcropping before diving behind it herself. Slowly, she poked her head over the side, keeping her ears open as Atotoztli II continued to gloat.

"Alright, my little beauty. Let's have some of that pixie dust," Atotoztli II said with a sneer.

She opened her paws, suspending the breezie between them with some sort of magic. The breezie writhed and squeaked as a small maelstrom of wind brewed between Atotoztli II's paws. Soon enough, the breezie began expelling glittering pink dust.

"Yes. Yes," Atotoztli II chortled, holding a crystal vial in the paw on her tail. She held the vial over the breezie and funneled the pink dust into it. "Watch carefully, Girimehkala. Watch as I single-handedly bring our clan to the highest heights! And my son thinks I can't do anything in my old age, pah!"

"Is that the only reason you summoned me out here? To watch you bask in your ego?" inquired Girimehkala, folding his arms. "This was not in our contract."

"Hey, you're still getting your fee. You have no right to complain," Atotoztli II said sternly. "After all, you earned it. That accursed Daring Do is no threat to us now. In hindsight, I don't know why I didn't hire you sooner. You're much more useful than that money-grubbing fool Caballeron. Honestly, why Ahuizotl ever thought that hiring him was a good idea, I'll never know. That stupid stallion has no scruples whatsoever. I knew he'd go back on the deal if he found a better offer, but does my son ever listen to me? Noooooo, of course he doesn't. But the thing that really gets to me is that Ahuizotl knows he can't trust Caballeron, yet he still hires him! Why?! For what reason?! I know that he'll spring at any chance to make a profit, but that's exactly the problem! Sure, your services cost considerably more, but at least you get the job done. I doubt Caballeron could handle Daring Do as well as—"

"If I may interrupt you for a moment, Lady Atotoztli," said Girimehkala, raising his hand. "When exactly will I be compensated?"

"In due time, my friend," Atotoztli II purred. "We just need a few more vials of the breezies' magic. By the by, I find this quite ingenious, if I do say so myself. No one would ever think of using the breezies' magic as a weapon, and oh, what a weapon it is! Imagine, entire armies rendered helpless and unable to move thanks to the contents of these vials! And all we had to do was capture the breezies to make it work! With this in his possession, my dear Ahuizotl will dominate the land!"

Girimehkala deadpanned. "I already knew the plan when you hired me, Lady Atotoztli. You didn't need to repeat it to me."

"Oh, but it bears repeating," said Atotoztli II, holding up the vial with her prehensile tail. "Remember this well, Girimehkala. This moment will go down in history as the beginning of a new regime! A regime where my son rules supreme, as destiny dictates! Then maybe he'll start treating his dear old mother with respect. After all, I gave birth to him; I raised him; I placed him on this glorious path. A small 'thank you' every now and then would be nice. You know, instead of what he usually does, which is complain about Daring Do. But thanks to you, he won't have to worry about her anymore, will he? I really am too good to him, honestly. Not only am I getting him back on his feet, but I'm ensuring his victory by getting rid of his greatest rival. He'd better appreciate all this hard work I'm doing, because if he doesn't, um... I-I'm going to yell about it. Yes, I realize that's not much of a threat. However, he's still my son, and—"

"Can I ask you something, Lady Atotoztli?" interrupted Girimehkala.

Atotoztli II blinked. "Well, by all means."

"Have you ever considered that perhaps this weapon could be put to, greater use?" asked Girimehkala.

Atotoztli II tilted her head. "I don't follow. What greater use is there than elevating my son to the supreme conquerer he's supposed to be?"

"Oh, I don't know," said Girimehkala, stroking his chin. "Perhaps we could leave a few vials in some sort of settlement; one where only one type of pony lives. We set off the vials, and the ponies cast the blame on their neighbor. Then we do the same to the neighbor, making it look like a counterattack. That will cause the embers to spread, and soon enough, the land will be engulfed in war."

Atotoztli II arched an eyebrow. "And that helps my son, how?"

"I'm sure your son can take advantage of the situation, given the proper resources," said Girimehkala. "I've seen it done. War breaks out; a clever tactician swears to aid both sides; all of a sudden, he's in charge of the entire region."

Atotoztli II knitted her brow. "I'm not sure, Girimehkala. Diplomacy is not my son's strong suit. Like that time he tried to get the Pharaoh's Toothbrush from the sphinxes. My word, what a mess that was. I could've warned him, you know. Anyone who knows about sphinxes knows that you never ever want to try and weasel your way out of solving their riddles. It doesn't matter how clever you think you are; they will hunt you down until you solve it. And he tried to do that with the Sphinx Pharaoh of all people! The Sphinx Pharaoh! What is he, insane?! I swear, my son just doesn't think sometimes. Don't get me wrong; he's still not as bad as Tizoc. That boy simply didn't think at all, which is why he's dead, may he rest in peace. With any luck, Ahuizotl will have enough sense to steer clear of that—"

"I take it you're not fond of my idea," interrupted Girimehkala.

Atotoztli II cleared her throat. "Well, it's not that it's a bad idea; it's just not what I think my son needs right now."

Girimehkala furrowed his brow. "I see. Well, pay it no mind, then."

Atotoztli II nodded slowly. "Right. I'll just go find some more breezies. You can, go do whatever it is you do in that shadow portal of yours. I'll be sure to call you back when I need you."

With that, she scampered off. Girimehkala snorted.

"Short-sighted fool. If her son cannot profit from inevitability, that's his problem and his alone," he mused. "I do hope I won't have to bide my time much longer. It's amazing how that old crone can talk my ear off without saying anything of substance."

He suddenly sank into the shadows. Tailspin swallowed.

"This ain't good," she mumbled. "We have to go after them, now."

"Or we could go find Prof Windsday and Flutterslice and let them know the sitch," suggested Tree Hugger.

"Didn't you hear them?! They're using the breezies' magic to take over the world! We can't let that happen!" Tailspin cried.

"Chill out, Spinmeister. I never say we should," said Tree Hugger indignantly. "I'm just saying we can't take on all that bad karma by ourselves."

"Mmm, you're right," said Tailspin with a thoughtful nod. "Which is why we need to find Professor Daring as soon as possible! Good thinking, Tree Hugger! I'm glad you're here to keep me from messing up."

"Wait, what? No, that's not what I—"

But Tailspin had already took off in a random direction. Tree Hugger smacked her forehead and let out an exasperated sigh.

"Have you ever considered that the reason you make so many mistakes is because you don't ever take the time to think?" she muttered to herself as she followed. Unbeknownst to either of them, a single eye peered from the shadows, watching intently as they ran off...

Keep Them Breezies Rolling!

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"Oh my. That sounds terrible. Is there anything else you two could add?"

"Cono mein. Tiddlywink, otanna."

"Ni ni ni, Tra-La-La. Yano mei motaro. Nu otanna."

"Um, it doesn't really matter which one of you says it, honestly..."

As Fluttershy coaxed the story out of the breezies bit by bit, Daring Do continued to practice gliding around in her new body. Occasionally, she tried flapping her wings to gain a higher altitude or to thrust herself forward. While she managed to successfully move them up and down, they didn't make that much of a difference to her trajectory.

"Remember, Professor Do. You're supposed to glide on the wind," said Windsday. "It'll be much easier once you realize that."

"Seriously, Bluster. If it's so easy, you do it," Daring griped. "Oh, right. You're not the one who's cursed here."

Windsday snorted. "Just because I'm not a breezie myself doesn't mean I don't know how they function, Professor Do. That is my area of expertise."

"I know, I know. I'm just saying this is a lot harder than it looks," said Daring, teetering back and forth in midair. "Hey, Fluttershy. Any intel from our indecisive friends over there?"

"Um, well, it's hard to say," said Fluttershy. "They say that this evil ape has been taking their friends away, but they don't know what it wants with them. All they know is that it managed to recruit Girimehkala, whoever that is."

Daring blinked. "Wait, they know about this Girimehkala guy?"

"Yes. And from what I can tell, they're terrified of him," said Fluttershy nervously. "Why? Do you know what they're talking about?"

"Let's just say he's the reason I'm like this," Daring huffed. "I don't suppose you could ask them any more about him, can you?"

Fluttershy swallowed. "Oh, I don't think that's wise. I'd hate to frighten the poor dears."

"They're really that scared of him, huh?"

Fluttershy nodded.

"Well, there goes that idea," Daring grumbled.

"With all due respect, Professor Do, I would not have tolerated interrogating these creatures," Windsday proclaimed brusquely. "Don't you think they're in enough trouble already?"

"Hey, we're dealing with a bipedal cyclops pachyderm with access to powerful magic, and he turned me into a breezie just by making eye contact. I'll take whatever I can get if it means I have a better shot at fighting this guy," Daring countered.

Windsday's eyes went wide. "Professor Do, you're not actually considering this, are you?"

"Of course I am," said Daring with a shrug. "Why wouldn't I?"

"Did you not listen to our friends here?" exclaimed Windsday. "They're afraid of this fellow, and probably for good reason! You can't take him on in your current state! You'd get killed!"

Daring deadpanned. "Bluster, a good portion of my life involves me almost getting killed. You've know me for a long time; you should be well aware of this."

"W-well, um... I, suppose that's true, but..."

"But what? What makes this scenario any more dangerous than the countless other scenarios I've been in?"

"Well, for starters, you barely have any control over your body."

"Hey, I'm learning! It's just very, difficult."

"Also, breezies have no way of attacking other organisms."

"What about that pheromone stuff you mentioned earlier?"

Windsday snorted. "I assure you, Professor Do. The combined magic of three breezies would not be enough to paralyze a bullfrog, let alone an elephant."

"Then I'll just have to think of something else then, won't I?"

"Um, can we please stop arguing like this?" Fluttershy asked meekly. "It's not really accomplishing anything."

Daring nodded. "She's right. We need to think up a plan. Fluttershy, do those breezies happen to know where Atotoztli II is hiding? She has to have some sort of base of operations out here."

Fluttershy turned to the breezies. "Well, little ones? Do you know where the evil ape took your friends?"

The breezies looked at each other before chittering back and forth. Windsday took a peek at his codex.

"Um, unless I'm mistaken, they seem to be quarreling about, potatoes, for some reason," he mused. "Wait, no, that can't be right... Ugh, blasted thing!"

"Actually, they're trying to decide whose information is more valuable," said Fluttershy.

"And let me guess. They both want the other guy to have the honors," said Daring.

"Um, yes."

Daring let out an exasperated groan and smacked her forehead. "Can the no-arguing rule apply to these guys, too? They're even less productive than me and Bluster."

"W-well, I'm trying," said Fluttershy sheepishly. "But they value their friendship too much to be rude to each other."

Daring rubbed her temples vigorously. "As if I didn't have enough to deal with right now. In fact, just saying that out loud means something else is going to happen."

"Oh, don't be such a pessimist, Ms. Daring. I'm sure everything will be just—"

A strong breeze cut across Fluttershy's train of thought as a tumbleweed rolled by. The tumbleweed spiraled into the air and snagged both Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink, carrying them away as it bounced across the desert.

"Yep, called it," said Daring, rolling her eyes.

"Oh my goodness!" Fluttershy gasped. "Hold on, little breezies! I'll save you!"

Windsday held out his hoof. "Wait, Ms. Fluttershy! It's too—"

But he got no further. As quick as a wink, Fluttershy flew in front of the tumbleweed, trying to grab it with her hooves. However, the tumbleweed changed its trajectory mid-bounce and struck her in the face.

"I tried to warn you," Windsday sighed. "Breeze magic has a very adverse effect on tumbleweeds. It causes them to behave erratically should a breezie become trapped inside. In fact, it's for this reason that the tumbleweed is the breezie's greatest foe in the wild."

"Fascinating. Now how exactly do we stop that thing from pummeling our friends to death?" inquired Daring.

Windsday gulped as he used a handkerchief to wipe some sweat from his brow. "Well, see, there's a very delicate procedure to that. It require a pegasus to create breeze to counterbalance the breeze being created within the tumbleweed, and then—"

"It's getting away! Hang on, breezies!"

While Windsday was talking, the tumbleweed bounded off into the desert with Fluttershy following right behind it. Windsday snarled.

"Must she be so impatient?" he huffed. "I was just getting around to telling her how to handle the situation."

"Maybe if we weren't in the middle of said situation, she'd have more time to listen to your lecture, Bluster," said Daring. "Look, we should probably go after them. How about giving me some wind to work with?"

Windsday sighed. "For the record, Professor Do, I don't particularly care for your impatience, either."

"I'm patient when I have to be, Bluster. And right now, I don't have to be," said Daring, adjusting her pith helmet. "Now c'mon! Let's do this!"

Windsday let out another sigh. "Alright, alright."

He started flapping his wings, stirring the wind ever so slightly. Daring felt her wings bend and buckle as they absorbed the breeze created by Windsday. She took in a deep breath and nodded.

"Okay, Daring. Time to put this new body to the test," she said. With that, she glided after Fluttershy and the tumbleweed.

***

Fluttershy barely paid any mind to the harsh sun beating down on her from above as she chased the tumbleweed across the desert. As if she were Rainbow Dash herself, she zipped around at every angle, making sharp turns and drawing upon all the inner strength she had to keep her acceleration up. But every time she zigged, the tumbleweed zagged, flying just out of her reach. It was as if the plant had a mind of its own, and its goal was to hurt the breezies to spite Fluttershy. Every time it bounced along the ground, Fluttershy could hear Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink squeak in pain. She could feel her frustration boiling over.

"Let those breezies go, you big mean tumbleweed!" she shouted.

The tumbleweed said nothing, of course. Instead, it directly defied her command and continued bouncing on its merry way. With a growl, Fluttershy accelerated after it.

Not that far behind, Daring was having trouble of her own. She could see Fluttershy's form in the distance, but from her vantage point, it felt like she was miles away. She flapped her wings in a vain effort to gain more thrust, but all they did was change her trajectory slightly. This made it especially hard for her to keep herself level, but she wasn't as concerned about that.

"We're going too slowly, Bluster!" she complained. "We'll never catch them at this rate! Let's pick up the pace a little, yeah?"

"Professor Do, be reasonable!" Windsday yelled back. "This is as fast as you can go! Any faster, and you wouldn't be able to steer! You'd be in great danger!"

"Oh no! Heaven forbid that danger befall the great adventurer Daring Do!" Daring said sarcastically.

"I'm serious, Professor Do! Or have you forgotten that you're a breezie now?!" Bluster barked.

Daring turned her head and raised an eyebrow. "Really, Bluster? That's the problem you have with all this? You know I'm not an ordinary breezie, so don't treat me like one!"

"B-but it's against regulations! The ESPRC would have my head if they knew I was willfully endangering your life!" Windsday cried.

"You really think the ESPRC is going to care about that when we're trying to stop breezie poachers?!" Daring snapped. "Now c'mon! Give me all the breeze you've got! I can take it!"

Windsday sighed. "Stubborn as always, Professor Do. I can see why every villain you come across hates you with a passion."

Daring gave Windsday a bemused look. "Just shut up and make me go faster."

Windsday reluctantly complied, flapping his wings at a faster pace. Slowly but surely, Daring could feel the wind pushing her across the sky. The strong gusts swept across her back, sending tingles up and down her spine and more of her pheromones were released. Her wings bent back more and more, flailing about as though they were trying to send a message through semaphore. Soon enough, the gentle push became a massive shove, propelling Daring through the air at a great speed.

"Alright, now we're getting somewhere!" she cheered. "Hang on, guys! I'm coming!"

She started gaining ground rapidly as Fluttershy and the tumbleweed grew closer and closer. However, it wasn't long before Daring realized she couldn't keep her trajectory in a straight line. Her wings moved around at odd angles, desperately trying to account for the high-speed winds. She kept performing somersaults and barrel rolls without even trying. Her stomach churned as the random maneuvers made it impossible to differentiate up from down.

"Now I've got you, you troublemaker! Unhand those bree—"

Fluttershy made another lunge for the tumbleweed, only for it to leap out of her reach once again. As it came down, it snagged Daring Do, causing her to become even more dizzy as it bounded along.

"Okay *ow* that *oof* was *augh* not *nngh* one *ouch* of *mmph* my *gah* better *oopha* ideas!" Daring shouted, her voice distorted by the tumbleweed.

Suddenly, the tumbleweed sprung up high into the air. Fluttershy was about to take off after it when Windsday beat her to the punch.

"Don't worry, Ms. Fluttershy!" he hollered. "I'll handle this!"

He rose above the tumbleweed and fanned it with his wings. After a slight pause, the tumbleweed plummeted to earth, its movements no longer randomized. Without a second thought, Fluttershy dove into a slide, catching the tumbleweed just in the nick of time.

"Phew. Thank goodness," she said, breathing a sigh of relief. "Are you all okay in there?"

Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink moaned a bit, struggling against their plant prison. Daring took a few deep breaths and scrunched her eyes shut as she recovered from the experience. After a pause, she looked up at Fluttershy and smiled.

"Nothing broken, thank goodness," she said. "Thanks for the save. I owe you one."

"Oh, no need to thank me, Ms. Daring," said Fluttershy, blushing slightly. "H-here, let me help you out of there."

Ever so gently, she pulled the tumbleweed apart. Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink tumbled out along with Daring, falling right into Fluttershy's long pink tail. Windsday descended and cleared his throat.

"I hope this'll be a lesson to you, Professor Do," he said sternly.

"Consider the lesson learned, Bluster," Daring grunted, shaking herself. "Still not a fan of not being able to go as fast as I want, though."

Tra-La-La and Tiddywink slowly stirred within Fluttershy's tail as she picked themselves up.

"Are you two going to be okay?" asked Fluttershy. "Do you need anything? Water? Some bandages? My friend Applejack gave me some apples; I could mash them up for you."

Windsday leaned down and peered closely at the breezies. "Hmm. They don't appear to be too badly hurt, all things considered. It honestly could've been a lot worse."

"So, what? They're gonna be fine?" asked Daring.

"As fine as they can be," said Windsday, adjusting his glasses. "Now, what's say we get our bearings and figure out how we should proceed?"

"Maybe we can start by bringing our friends into that cave," suggested Fluttershy.

Daring arched an eyebrow. "What cave?"

Fluttershy pointed with her hoof, and Daring turned around. Sure enough, they were standing at the mouth of a large, dark cave.

"Huh. How'd I miss that?" she asked no one in particular.

"It shouldn't matter, Professor Do," said Windsday. "Ms. Fluttershy has the right idea. We could use some respite from this blasted heat, and—"

"Innu matalei cho, Tiddlywink?"

"Ay, ay, Tra-La-La. Innito kamaron ulesta dai, oto bene."

Slowly, the two breezies floated off of the ground and towards the cave.

"Translation?" asked Daring.

"Hmm? Oh, they said they smell their friends in, there..." As soon as Fluttershy spoke those words, an epiphany struck her. "Wait! This might be where the poachers are hiding!"

Daring snickered. "Heh, how convenient. I guess it's true what they say. Every cloud has its silver lining."

"Indeed, this does make things easier for us," said Windsday.

"Yeah, no kidding," said Daring, adjusting her pith helmet. "Well, shall we?"

Windsday flinched. "What? Professor Do, you aren't honestly suggesting—"

"You already know I am, Bluster. We're right at the bad guy's doorstep; the next course of action is to go in and rough 'em up!"

"No, the next course of action is to go to the ESPRC and report this affair to them!"

Daring scoffed. "Bluster, that's not gonna work. If it did, Ahui would've been behind bars a long time ago. No amount of legislation has ever worked on him; I doubt it would work on his mother. Which means we need to go in there and muck things up ourselves."

Windsday swallowed. "N-now look here, Professor Do. You almost died back there! You're in no condition to handle something of this magnitude."

"I hate being a broken record, Bluster, but I almost die on a consistent basis," said Daring, folding her forelegs. "If I can retrieve the Sapphire Stone with a broken wing, I can surely do this."

"Eetana marro! Faldera!" Tra-La-La proclaimed. She and Tiddlywink illuminated their antenna and ventured forward. Daring blinked.

"Um, how are they doing that?" she asked.

"It's simply a matter of flexing the right muscle," explained Windsday. "To the untrained eye, it appears to be part of their magic, but in actuality, it's no more mystical than an anglerfish's lantern."

Daring scrunched her eyes tight and furrowed her brow. Soon, her own antenna began to flicker a bit, providing some illumination.

"Okay, that felt weird," she said, floating after the breezies. She didn't get far before noticing that they were bickering again.

"Melto palma, Tra-La-La. Lalu lazu," said Tiddlywink with a bow.

"Ay ni, Tiddlywink. Lalu lazu," Tra-La-La responded.

Daring smacked her forehead. "You know what? I'm going first. We don't have time to wait around for the two of you."

She floated off into the cave with Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink at her heels. Fluttershy was about to follow when Windsday cleared his throat loudly.

"And just where do you think you're going?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"After them," said Fluttershy simply. "Those breezies need our help, Professor."

"What they need is a team of trained professionals who deal with this kind of thing," said Windsday.

Fluttershy tilted her head. "How is Daring Do not a trained professional?"

"N-not that kind! I mean somepony who knows how to deal with poachers! This is well outside our area of expertise!"

"Outside our area of expertise, or outside yours?" asked Fluttershy. "Professor Windsday, if you took your dedication to the breezies seriously, you'd realize that it doesn't matter how qualified you are for the task at hoof. I may not be a breezie expert like you are, but there are innocent creatures being hurt in that cave, and I can't simply ignore that."

"B-but aren't you afraid?" said Windsday.

Fluttershy sighed. "Well, yes. I'm not going to lie and say that I'm not. But I wouldn't be the pony I am today if I constantly let fear hold me back. Right now, my comfort is not as important as the lives of those cute little breezies."

Without another word, she turned around and timidly trotted into the cave. Windsday let out a great sigh.

"You forget that I'm not an adventurer like Professor Do," he muttered to himself, following Fluttershy. "I do so hope Ms. Hugger had some sense and informed the proper authorities. Otherwise, this expedition really is going to be the death of me..."

In Her Defense

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"Dare?! Professor Daring?! C'mon, where are you?!"

Tailspin's tone became shriller and shriller as she searched the desert high and low. As the day wore on, she became more frantic, surveying every shadow and checking under every rock in the vain hope of finding Daring Do. Tree Hugger, meanwhile, maintained her tranquil aura as she kept pace with Tailspin.

"Yo, Spinmeister. You alright?" she asked.

"Fine!" Tailspin snapped. "I'm just peachy! W-we just need to find Professor Daring, a-and everything will be okay again!"

Tree Hugger raised an eyebrow. "You for real there? 'Cause your words aren't matching your aura."

Tailspin spun around and snorted. "And what the devil is that supposed to mean?!"

"I'm just saying this whole thing seems to be really harshing your mellow," said Tree Hugger with a shrug.

"I'm going to harsh your mellow in a second!" Tailspin barked. "You know, you could help me look!"

"I am, girl. Chill," said Tree Hugger defensively. "My body is, like, always in-tune with natural vibrations. If I sense your prof somewhere, I'll let you know, y'dig?"

Tailspin groaned and massaged her temples. "I really don't get you."

"What don't you get?"

"I mean, how are you so calm during all this? Aren't you worried about, well, anything?"

Tree Hugger scoffed. "Girl, you think this is calm? Trust me, I'm just as bummed out as you are. The difference between you and I is that I try to keep my chakras balanced at all times. You don't seem to have any control at all."

"Tree Hugger, I don't even know what ruddy chakras are!" Tailspin exclaimed, burying her face in her hooves. "And I don't get all of this guff about auras or vibrations or mellows being harshed!"

Tree Hugger gave Tailspin a quizzical look. "Okay, where did that come from, girl? You didn't have any problem with my groove up to this point; there's no reason for you to flip out at me. You're, like, really bringing me down with your negativity."

Tailspin sighed. "I-I'm sorry, Tree Hugger. I'm just, really stressed right now, and when I'm stressed, I tend to talk without thinking."

"Yeah, I can see that," said Tree Hugger, folding her forelegs. "Still doesn't explain why you flipped out at me because of my groove."

"Look, I honestly don't have a problem with your, um, 'groove,'" said Tailspin, twiddling her hooves. "I didn't mean to insult your lifestyle or anything like that. I-I just had to lash out at something. That was wrong, and I apologize."

Tree Hugger smiled and relaxed. "It's all groovy, Spinmeister. It'd be wrong of me to get mad at you just because you're mad. That just, like, perpetuates the cycle of negativity, y'know? I can't have that bad karma messing up my aura."

Tailspin blinked. "Out of curiosity, does anything make you mad?"

"Oh, fer sure, girl. Fer sure," said Tree Hugger with a nod. "After all, I'm only sentient."

Tailspin rubbed the side of her head. "I don't think that's how the parlance goes."

"Well, the parlance can go wherever it wants, Spinmeister. I'm just speaking the truth," said Tree Hugger with a shrug. She then placed a hoof on Tailspin's shoulder. "Look, it's gonna be okay. Daring Do might be suffering from some bad karma right now, but we're on our way to save her."

"Yeah, but we don't know where we're going," said Tailspin glumly.

Tree Hugger shrugged again. "So? We're still on our way. We just have to take our time."

Tailspin sighed and shook her head. "No, you don't get it. We don't know where—"

"Hold that thought, Spinmeister. Someone wants to get our attention."

Tree Hugger interrupted Tailspin and pointed to her own leg. Tailspin looked down, and her eyes sparkled. There was a small green tarantula poking Tree Hugger's leg.

"Oy, Recon? Is that you?"

Tree Hugger turned around. "Oh, hey there. You're the little fella Flutterslice helped on the train. What's shaking?"

Recon pointed at Tailspin and motioned with his foreleg.

"I think he wants us to follow him," said Tailspin, her expression brightening. "H-he probably knows where Professor Daring is! Alright, things are looking up!"

"See? Told ya everything would be cool," said Tree Hugger with a chuckle. "Lead the way, diminutive dude."

Recon saluted and skittered off, with Tree Hugger and Tailspin on his heels.

"And you wanted to go back to that old windbag for help," Tailspin jeered, nudging Tree Hugger with her elbow.

"I'm still thinking he needs to be in the loop on all this, Spinmeister," said Tree Hugger firmly. "We can't just, like, let him sit and spin. The breezies are his life. Not to mention that as members of the ESPRC, we all need to do our part and protect these guys from those bad dudes."

"I do believe my ears are burning."

Tailspin gulped as a familiar crackly voice echoed from behind. "Oh no. Somehow, I knew this was too good to be true."

She turned her head. Sure enough, there stood Atotoztli II with a smug grin on her face.

"You know, it's very rude to eavesdrop on an empress's master plan," she said, folding her arms. "That seems to be something you and that accursed Daring Do have in common."

"H-how did you know we were there?!" Tailspin squeaked.

Atotoztli II snickered and wagged an admonishing finger. "Oh, don't be so naïve. I'm not some struggling novice like my son Ahuizotl. I know every trick in the book and then some. That's how I was able to get Daring Do out of the way so fast. See, for all of his scheming, my poor boy just doesn't think sometimes. Take those deathtraps he always builds, for instance. They are incredibly expensive, needlessly complicated, and most of all, completely useless! How many of those traps worked? Oh, that's right! Not a one! I, on the other hand, simply hired an esteemed warmonger, and he disposed of her without any effort. Ahuizotl could learn a lot from me, y'know. Then I probably wouldn't have to be out here hunting fairies in order to save his sorry—"

"Um, I'm sorry. Is there, like, a point to this?" inquired Tree Hugger. "'Cause I think a lot of that went way over my head."

"How can you be so calm at a time like this?!" Tailspin shouted, flailing her forelegs. "We need to bail! Like, now!"

"Oh, you're not going anywhere," said Atotoztli II with a sneer. "Arise, Girimehkala! Show these two what we do to eavesdroppers!"

She gestured with her hands and pointed at the ground. As if on cue, Girimehkala rose from the shadowy puddle that manifested itself.

"Whoa. Psychedelic," said Tree Hugger in awe. "Like, there's so much bad karma coming off this guy it's not even funny."

"Stay back, Tree Hugger!" Tailspin ordered. She flew in front of her and spread her wings. "I'll handle this big palooka!"

Girimehkala laughed. "Well, well. I do believe I'm getting a sense of déjà vu. Didn't Daring Do save you from my curse? And now you're defending this pony? Why do I get the feeling that this will end the same way?"

Tailspin snorted and pawed the ground. "Low blow, mate. Now I'm really steamed."

"Good. Maybe that'll make you more of a challenge," said Girimehkala, drawing his sword. "Though I doubt it."

Tailspin gulped. "Okay, Tree Hugger. On my signal, you and Recon make a run for it."

"You're talking in a normal speaking voice, pony. I can still hear you," said Atotoztli II, folding her arms.

Tailspin blushed. "S-so I am. Eh heh heh... Aw, bugger."

"Enough talk," Girimehkala growled. "Have at you!"

He swung his saber at Tailspin, who pushed Tree Hugger out of the way. She then flew towards him, weaving between his strikes like a crazed hornet. Girimehkala slashed and flailed, his sword kicking up sand with every stroke. He even made some attempts to snag Tailspin with his trunk, but she kept flying out of his reach.

Meanwhile, Atotoztli II stared down Tree Hugger, a sinister gleam in her eye. Recon poked his head out from behind Tree Hugger's leg and scowled.

"You know, I'm actually glad you two eavesdropped on me," said Atotoztli II, taking out a vial of breeze magic. "I've been meaning to test these out for some time now. I might as well test it on you and your annoying friend."

Tree Hugger's eyes narrowed. "You hurt innocent breezies to get that stuff, you old crone. That is totally not koche in my book. Your spirit needs to be purified."

Atotoztli II's eye twitched. "Wait, what did you call me?"

"A crone. 'Cause that's what you are," said Tree Hugger plainly. "A nasty old crone with a lot of bad karma."

Atotoztli II ground her teeth and clenched her fist. "If you think for one minute that I'm going to let you get away with that, that poison you're injecting into my ear, then you have another think coming!"

She then threw the flask at Tree Hugger with all her might. Before Tree Hugger could react, Tailspin noticed the exchange.

"Tree Hugger, watch it!"

She swerved away from Girimehkala and caught the vial in midair. She then looped around and threw it back at Girimehkala.

"Humph. Futile," Girimehkala scoffed.

Before the vial made contact, he dissolved into shadow. The vial shattered, releasing the pheromones harmlessly into the air.

"Well well. Seems like you've got quite the brain on you," said Atotoztli II, taking out another vial. "But don't push your luck!"

She threw the second vial at Tailspin, who swerved out of the way. Tailspin then dove at Atotoztli II, tackling her to the ground. As she did so, she saw a piece of parchment fly out of her paws.

"What's this?" she inquired, scooping up the parchment.

Atotoztli II sat up and blanched. "W-wait! G-give that back to me!"

Tailspin scoffed. "Oh, yeah? Why should I?"

"Don't play this game with me; I'm serious!" Atotoztli II barked.

"What's the magic word~?" Tailspin taunted, rolling up the paper and balancing at the end of her hoof.

"C-careful with that!" Atotoztli II screeched. "You don't realize how dangerous that is!"

"Really? 'Cause it just looks like a tatty old piece of paper to me," said Tailspin with a sneer.

Atotoztli II snorted and took out another vial. "Last chance, you twit! If you don't give that back to me this instant, I'll have to force you!"

"Try and catch me first, you dumb hag!" Tailspin teased, pulling her eyelid down and sticking out her tongue.

Atotoztli II roared in anger and threw the vial with all her might. Tailspin darted out of the way, only to be struck by a strong cross-breeze. She struggled to maintain her balance as Atotoztli II used her magic to disorient her.

"Like I said, I'm much more experienced than my son," said Atotoztli II. "Surrender now, and perhaps I'll show you leniency."

"Don't give up, Spinmeister!" Tree Hugger hollered. "You're better than that old crone!"

Atotoztli II shot a glare at Tree Hugger. "What did I say about calling me a crone?!"

She ran for Tree Hugger at full speed, her tail drawn back and ready to land a devastating punch. Tailspin quickly flew down in front of her to take the blow. As she was knocked away, the parchment flew out of her hooves and into the air. Before anyone could react, Girimehkala sprung from the shadows and slashed the parchment with his sword. Atotoztli II gasped.

"No~! Girimehkala, how could you?!" she shrieked. She then turned savagely to Tailspin. "This is all your fault!"

"My fault?! I didn't destroy the ruddy thing!" Tailspin protested.

Atotoztli II palmed her face. "That was the contract I made with Girimehkala to ensure he wouldn't attack me, you idiot!"

"Yeah, if you're trying to make me feel bad about not giving it back to you, it's not working," Tailspin grunted, picking herself up.

"Are you really this dense?! Girimehkala is a loose cannon!" Atotoztli II screamed. "There's no telling what he'll do now! You've heard him talk; you know how crazy his ideals are! He won't rest until the entire universe is at war! That's just insane! Not even my son would want that, and he tried to curse the Tenochtitlan Basin with eight hundred years of unrelenting heat! The only reason I hired him is because I knew how to keep him on the leash! Now you've gone and destroyed it! If you just gave it back to me like I told you to, we could've avoided all of this, but did you?! Nooooo, of course not! You don't listen to what I have to say! You're worse than my late son Tizoc! At least he would—"

"You talk too much, Lady Atotoztli."

Atotoztli II gulped and turned around as Girimehkala towered over her, his blade pointed at her head.

"Y-you didn't hear all that, did you?" she said nervously. "Look, it's fine. We'll just, draw up another contract. And get this, I-I'll pay you double! That sounds good, yeah? You get a better deal, and we don't have to— ow, hey!"

Girimehkala reached down and grabbed Atotoztli II by the tail, hefting her up into the air.

"I don't want a better deal, you chatty ape," he snarled, glaring at her. "I want to ignite the flames of war in this land. As such, I'll be taking charge of this breezie operation. Any objections?"

"Of course I have an objection, you big—"

Girimehkala cut across Atotoztli II by staring her straight in the eye. Suddenly, her mouth completely sealed over, rendering her speech unintelligible.

"I'll repeat that," said Girimehkala. "And objections?"

Atotoztli II let out several angry grunts.

"Good. I'm glad we're in agreement," said Girimehkala, tossing her to the ground. "And as for you three..."

He took up his sword and spun it around, creating a dark symbol in midair. All of a sudden, Tailspin, Tree Hugger, and Recon found their limbs bound together by dark magic.

"I can't have you going to the authorities and spoiling my plans," he said with a snicker. "You're all coming with me."

"Dragsville, man," Tree Hugger sighed. "This, like, really bites."

"I hear ya," Tailspin groaned. "I really screwed up again, didn't I?"

"Hey, hey. Easy on the negativity, girl," said Tree Hugger. "My chakras are unbalanced as is."

Girimehkala laughed. "Oh, by the time I'm done with this land, your precious chakras will be the least of your worries."

He continued trumpeting maniacally as he dragged his prisoners into the shadows.

"Just throwing this out there, but if we went back to Prof Windsday and Flutterslice like I suggested, we wouldn't be dealing with this bad karma," said Tree Hugger simply.

"Oh, shut up, you," Tailspin grumbled just as she was pulled into the void.

Problems Big and Small

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As Daring Do flew deeper and deeper into the cave, all of her senses were on high alert. She hovered around the entire cavern, tapping rocks with her feelers and scanning the ground for anything unusual. All the while, Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink whispered to one another and gave her blank stares. Fluttershy and Windsday brought up the rear, providing a slight breeze every now and then to keep the breezies airborne.

"Professor Do, it's not too late to reconsider this brazen course of action," said Windsday.

"You're welcome to leave, Bluster," Daring retorted.

"And leave you to die? Certainly not."

"Then stop complaining and let me do my thing."

Windsday sighed. "Right, so we're just going to gloss over the fact that this is completely counterintuitive to the ideals of the Equestrian Society for the Preservation of Rare Creatures."

Daring shot Windsday a quizzical look. "What is? Stopping breezie poachers?"

"No, willingly leading breezies into danger."

Daring deadpanned. "Bluster, don't think I'm unaware of the risks here. Why do you think I'm checking the place for deathtraps?"

"Oh, that's what you're doing?" asked Fluttershy. "Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink were a bit confused."

"Yes, that's what I'm doing," said Daring, adjusting her pith helmet. "If Atotoztli II is anything like her son, she probably has a security system in place to keep out nosy do-gooders such as Yours Truly. You can never be too careful in situations like this."

"Except we're not being careful," Windsday groused. "We're walking right into the heart of the enemy's lair without any sort of plan."

"Hey, I'm working on it, alright? Stop getting on my case," growled Daring.

"I have to agree with her, Professor Windsday," Fluttershy chimed in. "I'm sure Ms. Daring knows what she's doing."

Windsday snorted. "I still think the ESPRC would not approve of this."

"Yeah, you keep telling yourself that, Bluster," said Daring, tapping the wall with her feeler.

Windsday's mustache bristled. "And just what do you mean by that, Professor Do?"

"I think we both know what I mean," said Daring bluntly.

Windsday wrinkled his nose. "If you think for one minute that I'm afraid of any of this, then, well..." He then sighed. "You're right. This little excursion betrays all of my sensibilities as a breezie researcher. I'm a pony of words, not of action. I have no idea how to handle myself in this sort of situation. Which is extremely frustrating, because I should know everything there is to know about breezies. Yet here I am, following a pair of headstrong novices instead of them trusting the word of an esteemed educator. How do you think that makes me feel?"

Fluttershy placed a hoof on Windsday's shoulder. "I understand that you're frustrated, Professor Windsday. But just because you're an expert on breezies doesn't mean you have to know everything. For example, I know plenty about animals, yet I only learned the language of vampire fruit bats a few weeks ago."

"Besides, if you ask me, you could use a bit of humble pie in your diet," added Daring.

Windsday sighed again. "I, suppose both of you have a point," he said somberly. He then adjusted his glasses. "Right, let's do the ESPRC proud and bring these hooligans to justice."

"Glad to see we're all on the same page finally," said Daring with a grin. She then sobered up. "Alright, we might not have seen any deathtraps yet, but that's not an excuse to let our guard down. We should keep moving."

The five of them continued onward in silence for a few minutes before Daring stopped in midair and held out her foreleg. Windsday arched an eyebrow.

"I thought you said we should keep moving, Professor Do," he said skeptically.

"Yeah, that was before I saw this," said Daring, pointing with her feeler. Directly ahead of them was a pillar of light coming from an unknown source.

"And, that is?"

"A boobytrap."

Fluttershy gulped. "Oh my. Are you sure, Ms. Daring?"

"Almost positive," said Daring. "In my experience, boobytraps use a lot of different triggering mechanisms. Light sources just happen to be a common one."

"Ello manata erreta mem, pommella. Laka, tono matik cyro inema?" asked Tra-La-La.

"You mind translating that, Fluttershy?" said Daring.

"She's asking how we're supposed to get around that light," said Fluttershy nervously. "Honestly, I'm wondering the same thing. It looks like it's covering the entire way ahead. Not even a breezie could fly around it."

Daring smirked. "No worries, Fluttershy. I got this."

She then glided down and scooped up the smallest pebble she could find. With a grunt, she chuckled the pebble with all of her might. The small stone bounced across the cave floor and landed in the light. Suddenly, several spears sprang from the wall, causing Fluttershy to shriek and dart behind Windsday.

"There. Trap sprung," said Daring, dusting off her feelers. "Now it's safe to move on."

She flew over to the spear trap, accidentally bumping one of the spears as she drifted by. She stopped in her tracks as the spear shifted down like a lever, creating a rumbling sound. She smacked her forehead.

"Why oh why do I always jinx myself like this?" she groaned.

"This is not the time for self-deprecation, Professor Do!" Windsday barked. "Ms. Fluttershy, your assistance!"

He then flapped his wings at a steady pace, creating a modest gust. Fluttershy quickly joined in as the rumbling grew louder and louder. Daring, Tiddlywink, and Tra-La-La were pushed by the wind, maneuvering around the spears the best they could. Soon, the rumbling became so great that a hail of stones rained from the ceiling. Noticing this, Daring doubled back and kept close to her breezie partners, swerving and shoving them out of the way of any and all lethal pebbles. Just as they made it through the sea of spears, the rumbling stopped.

"Whew! That was close," said Windsday, wiping a bit of sweat from his brow. "Professor Do! Are you alright?"

"We're fine, thanks to you!" Daring hollered back. "How about you and Fluttershy?"

"Everything seems to be okay over he—"

Windsday was interrupted by a trio of large stone paws erupting from the ground. Before he or Fluttershy could react, the paws all snapped shut simultaneously. The first snatched up Fluttershy and Windsday, the second crushed the spear trap, and the third missed Daring and her breezie friends by a hair. The fists then disappeared into the ground as quickly as they came.

"Fluttershy! Bluster!" Daring called out, flying over the large chasm. She peered down into the abyss, but her antenna were not bright enough to illuminate the path. She snorted in frustration before turing to Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink. "We gotta go after them."

"Mei lotono, pommella," said Tiddlywink with a nod. "Lalu lazu, Tra-La-La."

"Ay, ni ni, Tiddlywink. Lalu lazu," said Tra-La-La, bowing to Tiddlywink.

"Mei nenista, Tra-La-La. Lalu lazu."

"Moto bene, Tiddlywink. Lalu lazu."

"Ni ni ni ni ni, Tra-La-La. Lalu la—"

"Oh, for crying out loud! Shut up!"

The argument was derailed by Daring's outburst. The two breezies shrieked and hid themselves behind a rock. Daring sighed and flew up to them, massaging her temples all the while.

"Look, I'm sorry I yelled like that, but you two are really straining my last nerve," she said.

Tra-La-La twiddled her feelers. "Pomo, meitena pommella ito mei Tiddlywink. Kelom teino marokano ella mei pommella tono doto, neh?"

Daring crossed her forelegs. "Okay, I didn't understand a word of that, but I think I know what's going on here. You both value your friendship, so you're constantly being nice and polite to each other. Great! That's wonderful! I'm not against that. However, our other friends just got captured, not to mention that your entire species is in grave danger! Don't you two care about that?"

Tiddlywink nodded meekly. "Aye, pommella. Namo icho? Loka—"

"If that last thing you said means 'but,' I'm just gonna stop you right there," Daring interrupted. "There's a time for pleasantries, and this ain't one of them. We have more important things to worry about than being prim and proper. Besides, if you're that concerned about letting your friend have the honor of doing something, which is a silly thing to be concerned about, but I won't judge, why don't you just do everything together? That's what you always end up deciding anyway, from what I've seen."

Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink looked at each other for a moment. They then huddled in close and whispered to one another. After a few seconds, they turned back to Daring.

"Ento melana, pommella? Nate mono ali pommella da Tiddlywink?" inquired Tra-La-La.

Daring heaved another sigh and shook her head. "I can't answer that question, mainly because I don't speak the language," she said. "Look, if you're worried about your friendship, don't be. I can tell you two are pretty close. And if you do something without asking your friend if they want to do it first, that doesn't automatically make you a bad friend. It's all about when that kind of question is appropriate. And right now, I think the fate of your species is a tad more pressing than common courtesy, don't you think?"

Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink huddled together and whispered to each other again. They then touched antennae and smiled.

"Anato maltise! Faldara!" they cheered together. They flew up to Daring and nodded.

"Good. Glad you see things my way," said Daring with a smirk. "I, think. Again, don't know the language. Well, whatever. Let's just get moving!"

Suddenly, a sinister laugh echoed from the chasm below. Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink squeaked in terror and hugged Daring Do, shivering all the while.

"Girimehkala..." Tiddlywink whimpered. "Tra-La-La, esso Girimehkala."

Daring scowled. "Well, that saves me the trouble of finding him," she said, cracking her neck. "Time to give that stupid pachyderm what-for."

"Ni, pommella! Girimehkala noto mant!" Tra-La-La cried. "Mokono neel!"

Daring squirmed out of the hug and gave the two breezies a concerned look. "You two are really scared of this Girimehkala guy, huh?"

They both nodded and whimpered. A warm smile crossed Daring's face as she held out her feeler.

"Well, don't worry," she said. "I'll protect you both. You're my partners, after all. And whenever I have a partner, I have to make sure they stay alive. That's how I roll."

Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink both took a deep breath and slowly calmed down.

"Ano telema inella on, pommella?" asked Tra-La-La.

"Not sure what that meant, so I'm just gonna say yes," said Daring with a chuckle. "Now, c'mon. If we work together, we can bring these guys down and free our friends no problem. Trust me, I've done kind of thing before."

The two breezies nodded and huddled close to Daring. All of their antennae touched, creating a marvelous glow.

"Meito nal olean, pommella!" the breezies cheered. "Faldara!"

With that, they dove down into the chasm.

"Hey, wait for me!" Daring called out, following after them.

The Tiny Tornado

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Deeper and deeper the three breezies flew into the dark cave, the only source of illumination being their glowing antennae. All the while, Girimehkala's nefarious laugh echoed all around them. Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink shuddered in fear, but Daring Do remained steadfast. She was on a mission, and no amount of evil laughter could ever intimidate her.

Finally, they reached the bottom of the chasm. Daring darted behind a stalagmite, beckoning her breezie compatriots to follow. Poking her head out, she was treated to a horrific sight. There stood Girimehkala, admiring a large alcove filled to the brim with vials of breeze magic. To the right of the alcove, several breezies were imprisoned in glass cases, as if they were insects being put on display at a museum.

"Yikes," Daring gasped, wincing at the sight. "Atotoztli II must have the whole swarm in there. If we don't get them out soon, they're never gonna get home in time."

"Pommella! Chala ti!" Tra-La-La exclaimed in a harsh whisper.

Daring turned to where Tra-La-La was pointing, and she let out an angry snort. Tailspin, Tree Hugger, Fluttershy, Windsday, Recon, and Atotoztli II were all handing upside-down, their limbs bound by cords. None of them seemed particularly happy.

"Looks like Atotoztli II and her hired goon had a difference of opinion," Daring mused, adjusting her pith helmet. "I'm not sure how that helps us."

"Enon matella, pommella?" asked Tiddlywink.

"I'm just gonna assume you're asking me what I'm thinking," said Daring. "I hate to sound like a broken record, but again, I don't speak your language."

Tra-La-La tilted her head. "Menee no? Ena motilla miseser, pommella?"

Daring scowled. "That better not have been you asking me if I hit my head. Look, it's a bit complicated, and I don't have time to explain. Right now, we need to focus on busting everyone out of here."

"Cenno issanu, pommella?" inquired Tiddlywink.

Daring stroked her chin with her feeler. "I don't have everything planned out yet, but the wheels are turning. You two, go see to your friends. I'm going to see to mine. Make sure that guy doesn't see you. And if he does—"

"Neno matala isis con ne," said Tra-La-La with a nod. "Neite micha con Girimekala, pommella." She then turned to Tiddlywink. "Lalu lazu, Tiddlywink."

Daring growled and gave the two breezies a stern glare. Tiddlywink shook her head and took Tra-La-La's feeler in hers.

"Ni, pommella," she said. "Metonno ala truca."

Tra-La-La nodded and smiled. "Aye, pommella. Faldare?"

"Faldara!"

The two of them set off towards the glass cases. Daring smirked.

"Well, that's one less thing for me to worry about," she muttered to herself. She then set off on her own, darting behind every rock formation she could find as she got closer and closer to Girimehkala's other prisoners.

***

"And, well, that's all we were able to find out before we got captured," said Tailspin, concluding her story.

"Oh my," Fluttershy gasped. "Th-that's horrible. Those poor little breezies."

Windsday turned to Atotoztli II and snorted. "Are you serious? This was your big plan? You were going to weaponize the breezies' magic for your own selfish reasons? You don't have any respect for these magnificent creatures, do you? There's a reason the ESPRC defends them from the likes of you and that blasted elephant over there. It's not just because they're delicate, you know. They also serve as the liver of pegasus society. You see, it all started when..."

Atotoztli II growled, unable to interrupt Windsday's lecture due to her lack of a mouth. Tree Hugger sighed.

"This is, like, seriously bumming me out," she said. "I'm not ready to move on to my next life yet."

"D-don't talk like that," Tailspin whimpered. "Y-you're making me nervous."

"I think we're all nervous, Ms. Tailspin," said Fluttershy, looking over at the imprisoned breezies. "It's not just about the breezies anymore. A lot of innocent creatures will be hurt if Girimehkala manages to start a civil war in Equestria."

"Right on, Flutterslice. War is the most bogus thing sentience has ever produced," said Tree Hugger solemnly.

Girimehkala suddenly materialized from the shadows and pointed his blade at Tree Hugger's throat. "I will thank you not to mock the inevitable glory that is war in my presence, equine," he snarled.

"You really think Equestria needs that bad karma, dude?" said Tree Hugger, not backing down.

"Um, Tree Hugger? M-maybe we shouldn't make him mad while we're tied up like this," Fluttershy murmured.

"Just laying out the truth, Flutterslice," said Tree Hugger with a shrug. "It's his own fault for not embracing it."

"Embrace this, you naïve simpleton," barked Girimehkala. "As long as conflict exists, war exists. And it is my duty to keep this truth alive. You ponies have known peace for far too long. It's time I brought that to an end."

Tailspin blinked. "There aren't enough words to describe how crazy you are, mate."

"Do you wish to be cursed like your precious hero?" Girimehkala threatened, leering at Tailspin.

"Eep~! I-I'm sorry; that just slipped out," Tailspin shrieked, scrunching her eyes shut.

"Hey, don't get on Spinmeister's case for telling it like it is, man," Tree Hugger snapped.

"Uh, I still think this argument is a bad idea," said Fluttershy meekly.

Girimehkala scoffed. "At least one of you shows wisdom. I think I'll curse you last."

Fluttershy squeaked and hid her face, shivering in fear. Windsday noticed this and wrinkled his nose.

"You have no right to talk to her like that," he growled. "In fact, you have no right to do any of this! Your actions will be detrimental to the breezies! Do you realize what will happen if they don't leave by sundown? No, of course you don't. Because actually learning something about the creatures you're exploiting is somehow beneath you, isn't it? It's ignorance like this that educators like myself try so hard to stamp out. I swear, if it's the last thing I do, I will let you know every last thing you're doing to harm these brave, graceful creatures. For starters, you—"

"I have no time for your lectures," Girimehkala rumbled. "If you wish to educate someone in your last moments, educate the ape. I have some flames of war to ignite."

Atotoztli II's eyes widened in horror. She tried to plead for mercy, but all that came out was muffled screams. Girimehkala simply turned around and marched back to the alcove of vials.

As soon as his back was turned, Recon felt something poke his side. He turned his head and let out an excited rasp. Daring Do was flying right next to him, placing a feeler to her mouth and shushing him. Recon nodded.

"Alright, boy," Daring whispered. "Time for you to do your stuff. I'll keep Big 'n Ugly over there distracted."

Recon winked at Daring, who winked back before slipping into the shadows. Recon then shot a web from his abdomen and latched it onto the ceiling. He then began spinning in place, tangling the web together with the tiny cords that bound him. Tailspin noticed this and raised an eyebrow.

"Recon? What're you doing?" she asked.

Recon didn't answer. He simply continued tangling the wires until they were as tight as they could be. Once they reached that point, he spun in the other direction, causing the wires to unravel. As they did so, the bonds around his limbs became loose. With a snap, he flew across the room, landing on a stalagmite. Girimehkala perked up.

"Hmm? What's that?" he asked.

"Oh, uh, nothing!" said Tailspin nervously. "Certainly not one of us trying to—"

She was interrupted by Tree Hugger noisily clearing her throat and giving her a dirty look. Tailspin nodded and swallowed before clamming up.

"What was she about to say?" Girimehkala asked, drawing his scimitar.

"Oh, don't mind Spinmeister. She says a lot of far out stuff when she's stressed," said Tree Hugger, winking at Tailspin.

"Uh, yeah! Th-that's right!" said Tailspin. "Um, oooh~! We're, going to stop you, somehow! Heh heh..."

Girimehkala sniggered. "Do you really think that, or are you just trying to sound brave? Either way, you are all fools to fight against the inevitability of war."

"If it's so inevitable, like, why do you even need to do anything?" inquired Tree Hugger. "Like I said, Equestria has no need for your bad karma, dude."

"Yeah, you know what they say about bad karma. It usually ends up biting you in the butt."

A tiny yet familiar voice echoed from behind Girimehkala. He spun around, only to find Daring Do flying in front of the glass cases with her forelegs folded. Fluttershy's heart rose.

"Ms. Daring!" she cheered. "Look, everypony! It's Ms. Daring!"

"Never doubted you for a second, Professor Do," said Windsday with a wry smile.

Tailspin's jaw dropped. "Wait, that's Professor Daring?! Th-that can't be her!"

Girimehkala drew his head back and trumpeted with laughter. "You clearly did not learn your lesson, did you, Daring Do?"

"I guess I can just chalk that up to you not being a good teacher," Daring retorted.

"Okay, yeah. That's her," said Tailspin. "I'd recognize those one-liners anywhere. Still, geeze."

Girimehkala scoffed. "I'm actually quite surprised to see you here, Daring Do. I didn't think you would be this, suicidal."

Daring smirked and turned to the imprisoned breezies. "Get this guy," she chuckled, pointing at Girimehkala. "He doesn't know me very well, does he?"

"You don't know yourself," said Girimehkala. "I cursed you with this body for a reason. Nothing in this world is more fragile than a breezie. I could pinch you between my fingers, and that would be the end of you. Face it, Daring Do. There's nothing you can do to harm me."

"So, you just expect me to take this lying down," said Daring, arching an eyebrow. "Wow, you really don't know me."

Girimehkala laughed. "Oh? And how, pray tell, do you intend to stop me? There's not enough wind down here for you to use your breeze magic, and even if there was, it wouldn't be enough to take me down."

Daring gave Girimehkala a coy smile. "I'm not an idiot like Ahuizotl, Girimehkala. If I told you how I planned to take you down, you'd find a way to counter it."

"Then you're bluffing," said Girimehkala, taking out a vial from the alcove. "These pheromones are the breezies' only line of defense. Without this, you have nothing!"

Daring shrugged. "You know what? Maybe you're right; maybe you're wrong. I'm not telling."

As Daring continued to tease Girimehkala, Recon had crawled onto the ceiling. Silently, he traveled down the rope that held Fluttershy. Once he got to her, he began to gnaw on the cords. Slowly but surely, the ropes unravelled, and Fluttershy was freed.

"Good work, Recon," Fluttershy whispered. "Now, let's go help the others. Quickly."

Fluttershy and Recon flew from pony to pony, setting them free as Daring Do distracted Girimehkala.

"You know, I don't know why these guys are so afraid of you," said Daring, tilting her head at the breezies.

"Because they can be crushed by a leaf, while I am invincible," Girimehkala boasted.

Daring failed to keep a straight face. "Okay, first of all, don't ever claim to be invincible. That's just begging for someone to prove you wrong in the worst possible way."

"Mock me while you can, Daring Do," said Girimehkala. "For once your home is engulfed by the flames of war, we'll see who has the last laugh."

"Most likely, it will be me."

"Why's that?"

"Because my pet tarantula just freed your prisoners."

Girimehkala's eye narrowed. "You're bluffing aga— ow!"

He was cut off by a sharp blow to the back of the head. He turned around and trumpeted in surprise. All of his pony prisoners stood before him, their bonds laying strewn all over the ground. Tailspin dusted off her hooves.

"How's that for a bluff?" she said with a sneer.

Girimehkala snarled and drew his scimitar. "I will not stand for this! You will all be consumed by the flames of war!"

"Whoa, hey. Ease up on the hostility, dude," said Tree Hugger. "Your negative vibrations are, like, really throwing my chakras out of alignment."

Girimehkala snorted. "You really think a weakling such as yourself can tell me what to do?"

"Weakness is all in the mind, man," said Tree Hugger sagely. "In fact, I think you're weak because you're a slave to your bogus obsession."

Girimekala's eye twitched. "Mock war again at your own peril, pony. I dare you."

"Dare accepted," said Tree Hugger without even blinking. "'Cause it's that kind of bad karma that tears everypony apart when they should be coming together. That's, like, as un-koshe as you can get, man. And I'm not down with that."

Girimehkala let out an angry trumpet as he charged for Tree Hugger. "You die!"

"Tree Hugger, watch out!"

Fluttershy tackled Tree Hugger to the ground, pushing her out of the way of Girimehkala's charge at the last minute. Just as he turned for a second attack, Tailspin buzzed him with her wings.

"That one was for Professor Daring!" she hollered.

Girimehkala growled and began to slash at Tailspin, but he was stopped by an itching sensation on his arm. He looked down to see Recon skittering about and scraping his fuzzy feelers against Girimehkala's skin. Girimehkala swatted at the tarantula, only for Recon to repel off of his body.

"Blasted imbeciles!" Girimehkala bellowed. "You will all pay for—"

A loud crash echoed behind him. He spun around yet again and trumpeted angrily. One of the glass cases had been shoved off its pedestal, shattering into several pieces and freeing the breezies inside.

"Oh, did forget I mention that I have a couple of breezie friends helping me out?" Daring said with a snarky smirk. "Sorry, must've slipped my mind."

"I-impossible!" Girimehkala sputtered. "The breezies are useless without their magic! They couldn't have possibly helped you!"

Windsday wrinkled his nose. "If you have such a low opinion of the breezies, then I'd be more than happy to show you just what they're capable of! Professor Do, stand back!"

Daring obliged. Windsday flew towards the breezie prison at top speed. Once he reached them, he smashed them open one by one with his bare hooves, setting each and every breezie free.

"This changes nothing, Daring Do!" Girimehkala boomed. "It doesn't matter if one breezie or a thousand oppose me! They cannot quench the flames of war! Nothing can!"

"I think I've heard just about enough out of you, you big bully."

Girimehkala turned again to see Fluttershy flying right in front of him. Her expression was anything but happy.

"Oh, you changed your mind, little pony?" Girimehkala said mockingly. "You want me to curse you first instead of last?"

"You're not going to be cursing anypony, buster," said Fluttershy firmly. "I'm going to make sure of it."

"Is that so? How?"

"With this."

Her eyes suddenly snapped open and became intense. Girimehkala guffawed.

"You plan on staring at me?" he snickered. "You must have a death wish, pony. Anyone who looks me in the eye is doomed to be cursed for eternity! Here, allow me to demonstrate!"

He then stared back at Fluttershy, his eye pulsating with dark magic. Fluttershy didn't even flinch as the two of them locked gazes. For the longest time, neither of them made a move. While Fluttershy stood strong, she could feel that something was happening to her body. Her joints began to ache; her throat felt raw and dry; her coat turned a ghastly pale color. However, Girimehkala wasn't fairing much better. His heart pounded; sweat poured down his face; his knees began to tremble.

"Y-you are unlike anyone else I have cursed," Girimehkala mumbled. "B-but your magic can only last so long against my own. Soon, you will fall to my curse. Just as this land will fall to war."

"I-I will n-not let that happen," Fluttershy rasped. "C-curse me all you want; I-I can take it."

The two continued their staring contest to the death. Neither of them were willing to back down, but they both knew they couldn't last much longer. Daring stroked her chin in thought and flew over to Tailspin.

"Psst, Tailspin," she whispered.

"H-huh? What is it, Dare?"

"Wanna help me out?"

Tailspin blinked. "Um, what?"

"Well, it's either that or Fluttershy and Girimehkala are gonna end up killing each other," said Daring frankly. "Sorry, but I'm not gonna let that happen."

"A-alright, alright. Y-you don't need to convince me," said Tailspin. "What do you need?"

"Just some wind," said Daring. "It's time the breezies got their payback against their biggest foe. Besides tumbleweeds, of course. Don't ask me how I know that."

Tailspin's eyes widened. "Are you mental?! Th-that's incredibly risky! I-I could screw up, and—"

"Then ask Bluster to help you," said Daring, placing a feeler on Tailspin's muzzle. "Tailspin, I wouldn't ask this of you if I didn't think you were up for it. You take your failures too much to heart, and it keeps you from being your best."

Tailspin bit her lip. "B-but, I don't want you to die..."

"Then I won't," Daring said simply. "C'mon, Tailspin. You always wanted to be my partner, right? Well, now's your chance to really help me out. Show me what you've got."

Tailspin blushed and trembled slightly at Daring's words. After taking a deep breath, she nodded.

"A-alright. A-anything to make it up to you," she said. "Oy, Professor Wind—"

"Let me tell him," interrupted Daring. "We can't let Girimehkala know what we're up to."

Tailspin rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "Oh. Um, right. Sorry."

Daring nodded and flew over to Windsday. She then whispered something in his ear, and he smiled.

"Capital idea, Professor Do," he whispered back. "Ms. Tailspin, if you would be so kind."

"I'll follow your lead, Professor Windsday," said Tailspin with a salute. "Let's do this."

Windsday and Tailspin began to flap their wings, kicking up a modest gust. The gust invigorated the breezies, who began to chitter boldly. Tra-La-La and Tiddlywink flanked Daring and nodded to her, their antennae pulsing with power. Daring nodded back and smiled.

"Alright, breezies! Charge!" she ordered.

"Faldara!" hollered Tra-La-La.

The breezies flew as one massive cloud, their pheromones wafting throughout the tunnel. Girimehkala noticed the smell, but Fluttershy's disapproving gaze was too hypnotic for him to acknowledge it. As he continued to try and curse her, the breezies gradually surrounded him. Starting at his feet, he noticed a faint prickling sensation. It was as if his foot was falling asleep. Slowly, the sensation made its way up his body, and his heart pounded faster. Unable to multitask properly, his curse was weakened as the breezies paralyzed his body bit by bit.

"S-stop!" he cried, trying to look away from Fluttershy. "Y-you can't bring down the great Girimehkala like this! Not with such weak tricks and tactics! I-I will not be undone! I will not rest until war has engulfed every square inch of the world! I am beyond strength! I cannot be defeated!"

Just as the last of his body went numb, he saw Daring land on his trunk and just below his great eye.

"Well, you know what they say, Girimehkala," said Daring with a sneer. "The bigger they are, the harder they fall."

She then focused all of her magic through her antennae. The sudden glow blinded Girimehkala, causing him to howl in pain. He tried to clutch for his eye, but none of his limbs responded. His dark magic built up inside his retina, unable to escape. With a final trumpet of agony, the magic burst forth, wounding his eye. He stood there, dazed and beaten. After a long pause, he uttered a single statement.

"Lord Mara, I don't want to be in Equestria anymore."

With that, he collapsed to the ground and dissolved into shadow. As soon as he was gone, a sudden warmth shot through Daring's body. Slowly, she felt her wings become more flexible and her antennae shrink. In a matter of moments, she was her old self again.

"Neiko mnonop?!" Tra-La-La exclaimed. "Loko, con, mene..."

She then swooned into Tiddlywink's feelers. Daring chuckled at the sight, only to be tackled into a hug by Tailspin.

"I-I'm so sorry, Dare," she whimpered. "I-I ruined your vacation. I-I didn't mean to—"

"Hey, easy, buddy. It's okay," Daring cooed, hugging Tailspin back. "I'm not mad at you anymore. Everything's going to be fine now."

"Are you alright, Ms. Fluttershy?" asked Windsday.

Fluttershy shook herself as her illness disappeared. "Th-that was very scary. I-I didn't think anything could resist my Stare like he did. B-but, I'm fine now."

"If you want, I can help you get your chakras sorted out," offered Tree Hugger. "I'm thinking we all need that after what just happ—"

"Not so fast!"

Everyone turned to see Atotoztli II freed from her bonds and grabbing a vial of breeze magic.

"You may have defeated Girimehkala, Daring Do!" she snapped. "But you are still no match for the great Atotoztli II! I will— h-hey, stop that!"

She was interrupted by Recon tickling her foot. When she tried to smack him, he skittered away, causing her to smash her own foot with all her might.

"Ow ow ow!" Atotoztli II howled, hopping up and down. In her pain, she didn't look where she was going. With a crash, she leapt right into the alcove containing the vials. All of them shattered at once, coating her from head to toe in the breezies' paralyzing pheromones. When the dust settled, she was lying on her stomach, stiff as a poker.

Daring chuckled. "Wow. I don't think even Ahui would be incompetent enough to do something like that."

Atotoztli II growled. "Curth you, Daling Do..." she grumbled weakly.

"Well, at least I now know where he gets his bad attitude from," Daring jeered.

The breezies and ponies all shared a laugh as they went off to try and find a way out, leaving a paralyzed and ill-tempered Atotoztli II behind.

Until We Meet Again

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It didn't take long for Recon to lead the breezie safari out of the cave. As soon as they stepped out into the desert, Windsday scanned the immediate area, and then checked the position of the sun.

"Alright, we can work with this," he mused. "If my calculations are correct, the breezies should have just enough time to gather the pollen they need for their odyssey. Just to be safe, we might want to keep a close eye on them."

"Isn't that what we came here to do in the first place?" said Daring half-jokingly.

Windsday sighed. "You know what I mean, Professor Do."

The breezies then scattered in all directions, descending upon every flower they could find and gathering pollen in their tiny satchels. Tree Hugger took in a deep breath and let it out in a content sigh.

"You smell that, Flutterslice?" she said. "The aura of this place is, like, so alive with magic and positive vibrations. All is right in the world."

"I know what you mean," said Fluttershy, dipping her voice. "They look so happy and peaceful. I'm glad we were able to save them from those nasty poachers."

"Oh, fer sure, Flutterslice. Fer sure," said Tree Hugger with a nod. She then smiled. "Hey, I really dig how you stood up to that psychedelic bad karma dude. I've seen my share of radical stuff, but that was, like, the most righteous thing I've seen in a long time."

Fluttershy blushed and hid her face behind her bangs. "Oh, I don't think I was that great. I-if anypony deserves praise for stopping him, it's Ms. Daring."

"Trust me, I don't deserve all the credit here," said Daring with a laugh. "I really couldn't have taken those guys on by myself. Especially considering the state my body was in at the time."

Tailspin cast her eyes downward. "Yeah, about that..."

Daring looked over at Tailspin and tilted her head. "What's wrong, Tailspin?"

Tailspin let out a sigh. "Dare, I-I still feel bad about ruining your vacation. I acted like a selfish git, and it got you into trouble. I-I'd understand if you didn't want me to be your partner anymore."

Daring shook her head. "Tailspin, don't beat yourself up over this. You're right; you shouldn't have run off like that. But in all honesty, this whole mess couldn't have been avoided. Atotoztli II and Girimehkala were still hunting down breezies. You know me; I'm not the kind of pony to turn a blind eye to that kind of thing."

"B-but you got turned into a breezie to save me. Th-that shouldn't have happened," muttered Tailspin, averting her eyes. "I-I should've been more careful. I should've listened to you."

"Yeah, that's all true, Tailspin. I'm not arguing that," said Daring. "But at the same time, I'd gladly get cursed again if it meant keeping you out of harm's way."

Tailspin looked up and blinked. "H-huh? What do you mean?"

"You want to know what my real stance on partners is, Tailspin?"

"Um, yeah?"

Daring smiled and looked off into the distance. "You know as well as I do my adventures are dangerous. Part of the reason I work alone is because I don't like putting other ponies in that kind of danger if I can help it. So whenever I do have a partner, I take it upon myself to make sure they survive."

"But, what about that whole thing about not knowing who to trust?" inquired Tailspin.

Daring chuckled. "C'mon, Tailspin. You really think I don't trust Bluster? Sure, the guy has an ego, and he's not really an adventurer like I am. But I knew for a fact that despite all of his complaints and his skittishness, he wasn't going to abandon me or the breezies. I know I can be a bit paranoid around strangers, but that doesn't change the fact that there are still plenty of ponies in this world that I trust." She then turned to Tailspin. "In fact, I'm looking at one right now."

Tailspin blushed. "M-me? B-but I screw up all the time."

"You didn't screw up when I said I needed a breeze to take down Girimehkala, did you?" Daring countered.

"W-well, no. But—"

"But nothing, Tailspin. You can't let your past mistakes hold you back," said Daring, draping a wing over Tailspin's shoulder. "Trust me, if I did that, I wouldn't be much of an adventurer, now would I?"

Tailspin sighed. "Doesn't change the fact that I'm a klutz who never thinks things through."

"Maybe now's a good time to start doing that, then," said Daring. "Tailspin, I know it's hard for you to keep yourself in control when you get excited. I'd be lying if I said it didn't happen to me once or twice. It's something you need to work on, and I'm willing to help you out. You're my partner, after all. And I always look out for my partners."

Tailspin's eyes watered as she hugged Daring. "Th-thanks, Dare. Th-that really means a lot coming from you."

"I know, kiddo. I know," said Daring softly.

"Your prof speaks wisdom, Spinmeister," said Tree Hugger sagely. "I suggest taking her lesson to heart."

"I will," said Tailspin, looking up at Tree Hugger. "And, thanks for putting up with my nonsense. You know, the whole dragging you out into the desert thing and all that guff."

"Ah, don't sweat it, Spinmeister," said Tree Hugger with a shrug. "The Tree abides."

Fluttershy tilted her head. "Abides by what?"

"It just means that no matter what life throws my way, I just roll with it," said Tree Hugger.

"Except when life throws you a crazy warmonger bent on destroying Equestria with the breezies, apparently," said Daring.

Tree Hugger giggled. "Yeah, well. There's only so much bad karma I can take before it starts to harsh my mellow. Especially when some bad dude starts glorifying war. I let a lot of stuff slide, but that isn't one of them."

"I couldn't agree more," said Fluttershy, brushing the back of her head. "I guess that's why you kept speaking out against him, even though he was ready to kill you for doing so."

"You know it, Flutterslice," said Tree Hugger with a nod. She then giggled again. "But truth be told, I don't think I would've had the guts to stare him down like you did."

"Oh, I don't control when I use the Stare," said Fluttershy, twiddling her hooves. "I-it just happened."

"So it was, like, instinct? Girl, that's even more righteous," said Tree Hugger, grinning from ear-to-ear. "I'm glad to have met you, Flutterslice. You've got a really radical vibe that I can, like, totally dig. Blessed be."

"Oh. Well, thank you," said Fluttershy, brushing the back of her foreleg sheepishly. "You're very nice, too. We should definitely keep in touch after this."

"I'm down with that," said Tree Hugger. "In fact, there's this great place up in Wooddock that has, like, the best cupcakes you've ever tasted. We should totally hook up and go there sometime."

Fluttershy sniggered. "Well, I've eaten my fair share of cupcakes, so we'll just have to see about that. Actually, there's a great bakery in Ponyville where my friend Pinkie Pie works. Maybe you can try some of her cupcakes so we can compare."

"Sounds like a plan, Flutterslice," said Tree Hugger. "I'll be sure to hit you up when I get the chance."

Daring suddenly felt a ticklish sensation in her hind leg. Turning around, she saw that it was Recon trying to get her attention.

"What's up, boy?" she asked.

Recon pointed to the sky above. Daring turned to see the breezies beginning to flock back together, each of them carrying tiny pouches filled to the brim with pollen.

"Ah, wonderful. It looks like the breezies are ready to begin their odyssey," said Windsday, adjusting his glasses. He then turned to Fluttershy. "Ms. Fluttershy, would you like to do the honors of starting them on their journey?"

Fluttershy blinked. "M-me?"

"But of course. You are our guest of honor, after all."

Fluttershy swallowed. "A-are you sure that's okay? I mean, you're the breezie expert."

"Yes, I am," said Windsday with a warm smile. "And in my expert opinion, I think you're more than capable of handling this."

"Didn't you say that pegasi have to go through extensive training for this kind of thing, Bluster?" asked Daring, raising an eyebrow.

Windsday cleared his throat. "Normally, yes. But after much deliberation, I've come to the conclusion that Ms. Fluttershy knows enough about the breezies to help them on their way."

"I-I'm still not sure about this, Professor Windsday," said Fluttershy meekly. "I mean, I might know a lot about animals, but you clearly know more about the breezies than I do. I-I don't know what kind of breeze they need."

"Then I'll teach you, my dear," said Windsday. "After all, that's what we educators do best."

Tree Hugger smiled. "Go ahead, Flutterslice. This should be, like, a breeze for you." She then laughed. "Heh, get it? Breeze?"

Fluttershy giggled. "Y-yeah, I get it. Alright, I'll do it."

"Splendid," said Windsday, adjusting his glasses. "Now, come up here so we can get started."

Fluttershy nodded and complied.

"Now, just spread your wings and flap them at a steady pace, like so," said Windsday, providing a demonstration. "Remember, not too fast, but not too slow. We want the breezies to reach their home in time, but we don't want them spinning out of control."

"Got it," said Fluttershy, mimicking Windsday's movements.

Gradually, the breeze started to pick up. All of the breezies started twittering and waving at the ponies as they started to leave.

"Goodbye, my little friends," said Fluttershy. "I'll see you all in Ponyville."

"Busnick, pommellai! Ne moikeh!" came a chorus of farewells.

The breezies started heading off into the sunset with the help of Fluttershy and Windsday. Daring Do watched in silence as the magical display of color seemed to put her in a trance. She barely even acknowledged Recon crawling up her body and into her pocket.

"May your aura bless all of Equestria, breezies," said Tree Hugger. "Peace out."

Tailspin leaned her head against Daring's shoulder. "Y'know, you're kinda right, Dare. This is nice."

"Told ya," said Daring with a smirk. "Or are you just saying that because we just went on a big adventure?"

Tailspin shrugged. "Eh, little of Column A; little of Column B. I just hope my next adventure doesn't start with me screwing up."

"Yeah, I hear you, buddy," said Daring whimsically. She paused for a moment before turning back to Tailspin. "Oh, by the way. Remind me to look up that Girimehkala guy when we get back to the university."

Tailspin gave Daring a quizzical look. "Why?"

"Well, I still don't know how to spell his name, and I kinda need to know that," said Daring.

Tailspin's lips curled into a sly grin. "Got some inspiration for your next book, Ms. Yearling?"

Daring snickered. "Yeah, you could say that. It at least saves me the trouble of making up something myself to kill some time while Ahui gets his act together."

Tailspin nuzzled up to Daring. "I know this isn't quite how I pictured our first real adventure together turning out, but thanks for keeping your promise, Dare."

"Don't mention it, Tailspin," said Daring. She then gave Tailspin a look. "And I mean it; don't mention it. I'm still trying to keep my secret under wraps, and it's gonna be pretty hard with you bragging about being in my latest book."

Tailspin's face flushed red. "H-hey! I-I wasn't planning on doing that!"

"No, that would require you to plan things out in the first place," Daring teased.

"Okay, now you're just messing with me."

"What can I say? It's part of my charm. Oh, and one more thing."

"Yeah?"

"You owe me a proper vacation."

Tailspin's expression drooped. "Oh. I-I guess I do, don't I? Or, are you joking again?"

Daring smirked and gave Tailspin a wink. "I'll leave that for you to decide."

Tailspin groaned and massaged the bridge of her nose. Tree Hugger sighed and shook her head.

Kinda sweet, but it's hard to listen to the breezies' vibrations with them gabbing away like that, she thought. She then shrugged as she turned her attention back to the breezies floating off over the horizon. Ah well. The Tree abides.

The End

Daring Do and the Tiny Tornado

by Metool Bard

Acquaintances on a Train

Eccentric Educators

Dangerously Hilarious

Unfair Warning

Foul Wind

Spiral of Shame

One with the Wind

Hazardous Hot Air

Keep Them Breezies Rolling!

In Her Defense

Problems Big and Small

The Tiny Tornado

Until We Meet Again