Chapter 1. Daring Do's quest

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The sun was high above, its rays were filtering through the jungle's trees' canopy, and down beneath them was Daring Do making her way. The air felt warm and humid, as it was supposed to be in jungle, and breathing was hard for Daring. But nonetheless did she plough her way forward, as her quest was not going to get itself completed.

"Why am I even doing this to myself?? -- wondered Daring under her breath, as she tried to ignore the mosquitoes swarming around her. -- Why not just leave it all to somepony, who actually cares for that thrice accursed, stupid Ahuizotl, and not put myself through this ordeal?!"

For, you see, her sworn enemy Ahuizotl planned yet another devilry this time: upon hearing of a magic lamp that granted its master any wish the master had -- he decided to place his hands on that lamp and to grant himself every wish possible! Of course, as is customary in the world of fiction, his vile plans were about to be ruined by a brave heroine, whose adventures and predicaments she was going to be put through had simply to fascinate and to capture the readers' hearts. As you may have probably guessed, this heroine was none other, than Daring Do, who, however, was somewhat displeased with the idea of going through a lot of surviving and extremely dangerous challenges. To put it simply, Daring Do did not want to be such a heroine. She'd very much rather not.

"Yeah, I might as well even say "screw it all!" and go home for a change, -- said she to herself. -- After all, who makes me do this? Who but myself?.."

Indeed, she might as well just have gone home and not risked her life in jungle full of dangers! Yet... she plodded through the jungle, fighting greenery that stood in her way. An occasional wild animal would jump out and try to serve her, as she did so. Not as a noble knight would, mind you! She was in jungle, after all! To serve her for dinner, that's how! But, no matter the danger, no matter, how much she disliked herself doing this, Daring Do never faltered to proceed to her goal, determination not abandoning her!

The reason for that determination was simple: Daring Do was writing fiction. More, than anything else, she succeeded in writing adventures. Why, she loved adventures herself! She had been quite an adventurous filly back in her childhood days, that's for sure! Yet, when she had realised what it took to be adventurous, she had ceased on being reckless (which she had used to be, those, who'd known her, would have told!). But never had the spirit of adventure left her, and always would she be thrilled with the anxiousness the sticky and thought to be impossible-to-get-out-of situations brought to her!

As a result, she'd dug into reading. When she had become a writer herself, that had all been due to the inspiration she'd received from all the reading she'd done. As a result, her stories had become successful. Which had left her in a need for more plots, when the fans had had the demand.

Well, you've guessed it: she endangered herself in a hope, that something should happen, and when that something did happen, she made it an adventure. Huh? Yeah, a rather unreasonable technique, if you were to ask, but it did work somehow! For some unfathomable reason, inconceivable to Daring Do herself, she never got into any real mess. However unthinkable her predicament be, she always managed to get herself out of trouble, almost unscratched. This puzzled even Daring Do herself, but was she really to complain, when this helped with her writing? So she didn't.

This strategy, to go for an adventure herself and to make a story of that, had proven to be quite effective (no kidding!). Life never seemed to go easy on those, who dared it, so, obviously, Daring never complained, when it came to life's being hard! She wondered sometimes, if her name meant she was destined to dare life itself to put her to the greatest and toughest challenges ever held in store! One never opposes to his name, does he? Anyway, Daring Do never opposed to hers.

As she had done the times before, she was in for an adventure. Not, that it pleased her. The thrill of overcoming difficulties had left her after all the times she had stood up to her eternal foe -- Ahuizotl. That fiend never seemed to get enough. Sometimes Daring even wondered, if Ahuizotl was paid for making her, Daring's, life miserable... Then again... the fans paid for her books, which she wrote, so basically she was paid for getting herself into this mess, too. A funny thought crossed her mind: what, if Ahuizotl wrote his books about how he defeated her, Daring Do? She chuckled upon thinking that and shooed the mosquitoes away yet again: oh, the things-I-could-have-done! why does she always own me??! Aargh! That's unacceptable! This should've gone like this -- and that was how he wrote his stories.

The greenery she had been fighting through made way to some open space, and she stopped: before her was a river. Daring pulled out a map and looked at it. "So... Here comes the river... and then I shall go... to here! -- and she pointed her hoof at a place on the map. -- There begins the path. Oh, -- her face became clouded with concern, -- I so hope Ahuizotl hasn't reached the temple yet!" Adventure or not, losing was by far the worst possible option.

"Why, yes!" -- cried someone out, and Daring felt a push applied to her. She lost her balance and tumbled into the river, yelps of panic escaping her throat.

"Woo-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!" -- cackled someone madly in a not ear-pleasing voice, easily identified by a fallen Daring Do as that of her foe -- Ahuizotl! However she had not enough time to respond, as she touched the muddy water of the river and made a splash. "Why, yes! Yes, I haven't reached the temple yet! Yet! But now, that you've fallen down this river, I can gain some distance, while you're busy fighting the current! And now you shall never get ahead of me, for I've got your!.. Wait! Where is your map?!" -- shrieked Ahuizotl, as he realised, he hadn't the map yet.

Daring Do, though irritated to no end, because her journey had been interrupted so rudely, managed a smirk, as she did indeed fight the current, but rather in order not to lose her precious belongings (which had soaked by now, sadly), than to get ahead of Ahuizotl:

"Nice work ruining it... villain!" -- she taunted him.

Ahuizotl growled and almost made to tear a tuft of his own hair out, only to realise, that he had no hair, rather fur. This pissed him off even more so.

"You shall never get away with this, Daring Do!" -- he bellowed in her wake.

"Well, -- replied Daring, her grin even wider, than before, -- the river seems to be disagreeing with you on that matter!"

"What?" -- asked a confused Ahuizotl, only to realise, the river was dragging Daring Do away from him.

Along with the map... the map that led to the temple...

"No! WAI-I-IT!!!" -- he screeched, giving chase to the floating away Daring.

"Yeah, help is very appreciated at this moment!" -- cried she to him.

"Shut UP and just hold still, WILL YA!" -- barked the foe.

Daring only sighed:

"What a pathetic villain..."

"You shall pay for that one as well!!!" -- roared Ahuizotl and hurried to fish the mare out of the water. Not because he was such caring a creature, really.

The river had been left behind, and now Daring Do was hurrying up, trying to get as ahead of Ahuizotl, as possible. Yes, she had managed to get out of the river and not to get caught by either of his limbs (which included his hand attached to his tail), and that'd been a doozy! She had thought, she would have never made it alive! But of course that wouldn't be included in any of her book's chapters: her adventure should have to stay epic! Nonetheless she couldn't ask for more: she was alive, and her foe -- behind her. On hot pursuit, actually. She'd better hurry!

Her heart was racing and pounding in her chest -- she might not be able to run any more soon! She choked, her limbs almost failing to carry her further, so exhausted she was! Any time she was about to collapse breathless, and then it would be the end: Ahuizotl would get a hold of the map, and then it wouldn't be long, before he found his way to the temple!

Despite being tired out of her mind Daring noticed some orange glow ahead. Mustering all strength she could, she crawled out to the sight of a rift, from which the glow was emanated. Daring Do perked up with delight: this was the lava rift, according to the map, and that meant, the path began somewhere near here! But then worry overwhelmed her: that also meant, if Ahuizotl were to catch up with her, he'd be able to find his way to the temple even without the map! Daring started thinking desperately, trying to come up with a plan. "Oh, why didn't I make a fake map just for the cases like this! -- she berated herself. -- Didn't I use this as a convenient plot device back in?.."

But she never got to finish her panicked train of thought, as she heard the unmistakable yells of her enemy: "Where, for the wrath of the spirits, IS that damn mare?! -- his screams were near. Very near. -- She MUST be somewhere around here, I can't be mistaken!" He murmured something under his breath, seemingly cursing, as he tried to pick up Daring's trail.

Daring lay low, praying for the grass to hide her, be it not so tall, as she'd have preferred. She tried to hold her breath, but that was nearly impossible with how much time she had been running. Her heart was going to leap out of her chest, as it pounded with all its (no little) might, as if with actual fists. "Damn you, calm... the hay... down!" -- tried Daring to order her heart with a wheeze. The addressee seemed to pretend to be deaf.

Daring was gasping for air desperately, hoping, her foe didn't find her! She pressed herself hard against the ground, scared! Meanwhile her enemy was wandering about, trying still to pick up her trail. "What, has she fallen down the ground?!!" -- screeched he.

...Then considered. "Wait, of COURSE!" -- he bellowed and ran toward the lava rift.

Daring tried to cling to the ground even more: he was nearing! Nearer! And nearer! And yet nearer!!..

She shut her eyes in fear, dreading the inevitable victorious outcry and a mocking evil cackling to come!..

...Only none followed. "Huh??" -- she uttered almost out loud, nearly slapping herself for that, her disguise now half blown. She froze. Even her breath held. Her heart raised an unsure fist to pound yet again and reconsidered. Daring felt, she was about to explode...

"You may stop hiding now! -- said Ahuizotl with an almost audible smirk. -- I know you're right there!"

"For the love of dearest of princesses, Celestia, you had better hear me now! WHY!!!" -- she would have cried out, had it not been for the terror that petrified her completely.

"Come o-o-on, Daring dear! Would you, please, come out?" -- asked Ahuizotl very politely, albeit in a very sinister and mocking manner.

"Welp... Here comes!.." -- thought Daring to herself, feeling tears swelling up. She was doomed.

"You may hide, but I'll get down there and drag you out, ya hear that?! -- yelled Ahuizotl... and echo answered him. -- Or I'll just wait, till you are so hot you'll not even bear to stand this lava's heat and will come out, you pathetic wimp!"

As he was busy yelling his threats and taunts down the lava rift, Daring thanked Celestia seven times seventy times, relieved. The foe hadn't noticed her! Rather he had thought, she had been hiding down in the lava rift!

Daring allowed herself to lie on the ground some more, trying carefully to keep her breath in check, as it was returning to normal, so that it not give her away to the busy villain. "Phew-w-w! Boy, that was a very, very close one! -- she thought, shuddering. -- I think, I should take a day-off for a day!.." -- she heaved carefully, for the curse-emitting Ahuizotl was still here. Slowly, as her breath was being regained, she started crawling toward where she had seen the path begin. Ahuizotl's taunts never ended, as she was making it inch by inch, her heart now shrunk inside, the mere thought of Ahuizotl accidentally turning around and spotting her making her dizzy. "I'm gonna do it, I'm gonna do it, oh, please, CELESTIA!!!" -- the thought rang through her head.

Even when the path's beginning was reached, Daring never relaxed, her position making her even more thrilled! She crept slowly and carefully down the path, somehow shrinking even more every time she thought Ahuizotl had spotted her!.. but he never did. His curses fell silent behind, as she had crept forward enough for the foe not to notice her, even if she were to sneeze loudly. Daring rose onto her flailing hooves, which almost gave way under her weight -- through so much thrill had she gone!

"Y-yay!" -- let Daring out a small, weak squeak, her voice failing her. She sprung her trembling wings and, safe out of the trouble, almost squealing a sigh of relief from her experience, dashed along the path that would lead her to the temple, according to the map...

The map...

Through her excitement Daring never noticed, that, while she was creeping toward her escape... the map fell out of its storage and lay now not far away from Ahuizotl, who was still cursing his head off to the missing Daring Do down the lava rift.

...Soon it wouldn't be long, before he got tired of his fruitless activity and started pacing impatiently, catching a glimpse of a piece of paper that was lying abandoned!..

But, before he found that out, Daring Do would be far ahead, no doubt half way through to the magic lamp...

"And so ended the path. Daring Do saw..."

Daring Do contemplated the line she had just come up with, observing the site. Nothing interesting, really. The same trees. The same flora. Random animals flashing between the trees.

In other words, nothing that wouldn't have been described.

"Uh... OK, I'll think something up afterwards... Uh, in anyway! -- she said and shook her head, turning her attention to the matter at hoof. -- I'd better start digging down to the temple (there's no other reason, -- mumbled she under her breath, -- for the temple not to be here, if the map stated clearly, that the temple had got to be here)".

With those words said she took out a shovel she'd prepared before setting off to the quest, and proceeded to digging.

"Phew! -- sighed Daring, as she wiped her brow tiredly and leant on the shovel. -- Is the temple far yet?" -- and she frowned angrily: who could have known the temple was this deep down?

She stuck the shovel into the dirt below, sighed and stretched. "I should have a snack now", -- said she to herself and went to do just that. She ascended the stairs she had made, while digging down, got to her saddle bags and rummaged through them.

She found nothing.

"Oo-oops! -- let she out in annoyance. -- What a twist!" Given, how hungry she felt -- not too hungry, really, but still, -- she'd think, she'd never make it home alive! "And now I'm screwed. Oh, well!" With that she prepared to go find some food in the jungle.

Which she would have done. Really, what did a pony need to have a snack? But then she remembered, she'd seen some seemingly edible berries on her way to here, so she turned to go back and to head in the opposite direction...

When suddenly... "Gah!" -- Daring yelped and ducked quickly to the ground, praying, she hadn't been noticed: were her eyes tricking her, or was that?..

"Ha! And here it ends!" -- exclaimed Ahuizotl triumphantly. Yes, emerging from the woods was none else, than...

"Ahuizotl?! -- exclaimed Daring in a hushed voice. -- What's he doing here??! He was supposed to have lost my track!"

And yet it was him in his own person.

"How did he find a way to here? -- never did Daring stop asking herself. -- Did he spot the path? It wasn't that near the rift!"

Questions were swarming in her head, but all became clear, when her enemy spoke:

"Now, according to this map, the temple must be here... -- he stuck his nose to the piece of paper he was holding, then lowered it. -- Yes".

He gazed away to a strangely shaped rock not too high above the ground.

"Hm-m-m... -- he hummed. -- This must be that peak... Wait, why is it so low? -- he rechecked the map. -- Didn't it say, it was a rather high rock?"

As Daring watched the scene unfold before her eyes, she couldn't believe them. "B... but!.. But the map!.. Uh... Wha??!" Yes, so struck she was with bewilderment, she couldn't even form coherent sentences. She rechecked her saddle bags quickly and carefully, lest Ahuizotl hear her. The map wasn't in them. "How could I possibly lose it?!" -- she almost cried out, but managed to keep her voice in check. She almost cursed herself for never noticing the map's disappearance!

Meanwhile realisation hit Ahuizotl:

"Of course! The temple must be DOWN below! I am a genius!"

"Yeah, right!" -- thought Daring sarcastically. She remembered contentedly, she had realised that without even having to consult the map. All it had taken had been pure assuredness of her knowing the map as her... well, hoof? wing's feathers?? Her knowing the map very well, in short. Yes, she realised, she had not once looked at the map, since she'd crept the path.

"Wow", -- marvelled she.

However she had no time to marvel her skills, for her adversary decided to proceed with his own quest:

"Now, let's see here... The temple must be... Oh, what's this?" -- he wondered, taking notice of the pit Daring had dug. He looked at the map, then back at the pit. "Huh. Someone dug a pit here. But, apparently, he gave up. Of course he would! -- and he laughed. -- For he hadn't the map, which I have now, thanks to that thrice cursed Daring Do, who lost it!" -- and he cackled madly, while Daring facehoofed.

Then Ahuizotl cut his cackling short and considered:

"Uh-h-h... Am I supposed to be thanking her for losing the map for me?.." -- he sank into thoughts...

Then shook his head violently:

"No! I will never thank my sworn enemy!"

Daring only rolled her eyes, annoyed.

"Now, -- Ahuizotl continued, -- where shall I find the temple?.." -- and he gazed at the map, until exclaiming finally:

"Oh, yes, here!" -- and he headed away from Daring's pit to the temple's supposed location.

Daring watched him go, until he disappeared from the sight, and then dove into her pit to fetch her shovel she'd left there.

"And here went the pit, -- she grumbled. -- For Celestia's sake! I spent so much thunder-striking time digging it!"

However not much time was there for her: her foe was headed straight to the lamp, and she had simply to do something, and quickly! Before he took the lamp!

"...and when I thought "before he takes the lamp", I meant "way before that"!" -- a thought flashed through the angry Daring Do's head, as she watched forty times accursed Ahuizotl enter the room in the temple's labyrinth of corridors, who upon entering said room was greeted by the sight of...

"Huzza! My dream has been fulfilled!" -- cried he, for he was greeted by the sight of a shining lamp, much like one genies come out of in fairy tales (despite being genies, and not, well, fairies. Then again, why should it matter so much?).

"Oh, tremble ye, pathetic... worms! For I, Ahuizotl the Great, shall... I... I'll squash you like bugs! Woo-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-hah!"

He choked with his laughter, his mind overwhelmed with finding the besought treasure. For never in his saturated life of a villain had he actually come this close to victory!

As he was cackling, though, Daring Do did not waste her time. With determined expression on her face she started to get closer to the lamp step by step. And, as Ahuizotl was about to utter something villainous, she, not even stopping to think of a witty one-liner ("I'll come up with one later, -- thought she to herself, -- when I'm far away at home at my writing desk"), hopped quickly and snatched the lamp right from-under the foe's nose.

The latter couldn't even react to it properly, confused as never, while Daring afforded to stop and to watch her enemy look stupid, as she smiled smugly, holding the lamp in her hoof.

"Ha! Looks, Ahuizotl, as you are the one out of luck!.."

But never did she get to finish that last word, as the ground started trembling suddenly.

Daring yelped and tried to regain her balance, as the earth was shaking under her hooves (or was it rather underground shaking?). She wasn't very successful. Ahuizotl, meanwhile, snapped out of his stupor and, though stumbling upon the ground's shaking, rushed to resnatch the lamp from Daring Do's grip.

Yet Daring was not so fast to give up! As the room was crumbling, threatening to bury them under its ruins for the centuries, the millennia even to come, she pursued the lamp's safety, for all was in her hooves now! Everypony's fate, every creature's life, all-of-Equestria's future!

She would have posed at that dramatically, but the circumstances weren't really friendly toward such an attitude. Really.

"You! -- barked Ahuizotl at her, infuriated. -- Are you brain-dead?! Don't you realise, we'll perish under this room's ruins??!" -- and he tried once again to take a hold of the precious lamp, only for Daring Do to dodge his grip, making sure it felt epic enough:

"Ha! Do you really care that... much? -- she dodged a rock nearly pulling her down to her end. -- Or do you want me... to... give... up?"

Yeah, talking, while at the risk of losing one's life, was never an easy task in the slightest, despite what the books made it look like. This thought was pissing Daring off a bit, but nonetheless she did not relent.

"Oh, forget that, I'm leaving!" -- suddenly a terrified Ahuizotl conceded and made to flee, realising, he wouldn't make it, if he kept fighting the mare.

Despite wanting to insert another one-liner Daring, nonetheless, decided, she should better be leaving this crumbling place as well! Almost squirming her way through the chaos of the falling apart room, she tried her best to get to safety...

Now, most of the time, whatever happened to her, was way too boring to be thrilling from another angle. Pretty much like anyone's life would. So much can be said just by recalling, how uneventful, aside from some particularly fascinating moments, her whole adventure has been.

This one, however, proved to be quite, quite a doozy! For a second there Daring had a feeling she'd never make it alive. She started almost regretting not listening to Ahuizotl's advice. Just how much trouble she could have saved herself by that time! Does it have to be mentioned here, what Daring experienced, as she fought her way to live! Has any of you been in a room under destruction? No? Well, then what do you know?

Despite almost dying of all the adrenaline she had received, Daring fought her way, all set to survive, her determination pushing her, even when she felt trapped! Had she been able to take notes, she would have most certainly taken a few, seeing it, as the puzzle was... problematic to death! But she had no time to take any. Like, at all.

"Oh, what do I do?!" -- whimpered Daring miserably. Not bothering to contemplate that any further, she just proceeded to do something: she tried not to get smashed by an occasional large boulder, all the while trying to stand upright, as, be reminded, the ground never ceased its shaking! Not even for a minute! Try one to stand, would he last for a long time?! That's not even to mention, she had to be very careful, as not to slip and fall, and had to navigate her way despite all the disarray (yeah, try that one! For how long would you last?!)! Truly, only the most determined souls could pass this trial in one piece!

Perhaps, Daring would regret her not paying much attention to the details. The experience of passing through this (and she did finally pass it, leaving the room's leftovers in shambles!) would certainly leave a mark of fascination in her readers' hearts! She shuddered, reviving the memories just for a second, and closed her eyes, mentally exhausted.

"Ain't no way I'm doing this any time in my life again!" -- swore she to herself in mind.

About to collapse, she found a solid wall to lean on, without even cracking one eye open. She needed to catch her breath. To take a rest from the turmoil.

She needed time to come to her senses.

To calm down.

...And that was, when the ever waking enemy made his dirty move!..

Silence. Eerie one, at that. Long, dimly lit corridors. The oppressive atmosphere this underground place imposed. Loneliness. Panic-inducing fear...

"Why, oh, why, Celestia! -- prayed Daring silently, her voice choked, a lump in her throat. -- Why? Why?!"

She cried the last part out. Despair was enveloping her, as it seemed, she was trapped under ground with almost no way to find the exit, starving, almost having given up and knowing, Ahuizotl, that Celestia-accursed Ahuizotl had taken a hold of one of those incredibly powerful artefacts, which were to be kept as far away from the likes of him, as possible, lest they doom the world to its grim ending!

She sniffled unwillingly, not far away from breaking down in tears. That was not the way she had expected it to happen!

She had been plodding, but stopped and slumped on her rear, her head hung low. She fought the tears back, but hardly succeeded, as a few trickles escaped from-under her eyelids.

Then she rose angrily with a frown on her face, growling exasperatedly, as she did so. Refilled with determination and anger, she stomped down the corridor toward yet another turn. "I swear to Celestia, if that damn turn doesn't lead to this place's map!.. or a buffet!.. Celestia, it had better lead to the exit!" -- she mumbled irritably and with a tinge of despair, somewhere near the verge of breaking down weeping. She had long since forsaken the tears, which stained her face, overwhelmed with a burning desire to strangle someone for all of her misadventures! All she wished for was now only for her to get somehow out of this prison!

As she reached the turn and headed down the next corridor, her hope was about to commence a vanishing act, as it seemed to take a notice of Daring's unhappy mood. It prepared the props and started to announce the trick it was about to pull. Regardless as of how hope could have hope for Daring to get entertained, it watched its only spectator intently. Daring didn't budge, refusing to let hope go. Letting out a disappointed sigh, hope decided instead to entertain her with a card trick. Which Daring was more than wishing: wishing her hope to trick her into believing there awaited her her salvation and freedom!

Indeed, down the corridor seemed to be something! Seemingly a room even! And, as Daring did reach the end, it was in fact a room. A somewhat small one, not ten metres long. But, unfortunately, Daring noticed, it was a dead-end room, which meant, unless there had been something worth her prolonged sufferings, she had probably nothing to do in that room and might as well just try another one. And another. And yet another...

It also meant, there was only one exit, through which Daring had just come in.

The room, it would turn out, had nothing noteworthy in it. It might even be, it had once served as a store room of sorts or an utility room. True, it would have been difficult for possible janitors to move stuff out and in, as the narrow corridor would have made it tricky for them to part their ways, as they'd crossed them. Daring chuckled at the thought, as she imagined it. With her distracted a bit her mood improved somewhat. As, unknowingly to Daring, Pinkie Pie would have said, "just laugh to make them disappear". Her worries had indeed disappeared, albeit only partially, as it seemed, the room had nothing more to provide for her inspection, aside from some rubbish littering small patches of the floor and the walls, which were covered with some kind of engravings.

"Well. And here we've got it: nothing to see here!" -- she announced, a bit too cheerfully for the grimness of the news. Granted, her mind was being strained, but this cheeriness?..

She plopped her rump down and just sat, her resolve being blown off like a candle by wind. Wanting to go to nowhere else, she remained seated, deep in a trance...

The sound of something making a thud against the ground did little to attract her attention. Had she turned around and looked at the source of it, she would have seen a large stone door, that had blocked the exit completely. But Daring seemed to have already given up.

Who knows, how much time had passed, when Daring decided finally to snap out of it and to proceed with a renewed vigour to try to find her way out of her predicament, but, when she did, she found out she was trapped.

This helped her in no way. Nope.

No one would know, how much time would have passed, but, however much had passed, Daring still remained trapped in the room she had had so much luck to stumble upon. But had she the strength to damn herself for her misfortune? No. She seemed to have accepted her inevitable starving down this temple, perhaps, even long time ago... which, however, hadn't stopped her from letting her despair out on everything there could have been: the floor, which had done nothing to her, even if its inexistent heart had been as cold as the floor itself; the door, which despite the amount of wrath Daring had poured upon it hadn't even considered giving way to her, not even after she had asked it nicely to, please, let her out, after which she, of course, had bashed it with even more fury, not, that the door had cared a bit; the walls, which had cursed the day some genius decided the saying about walls having ears wasn't literal enough, and gifted the walls with actual ears, which by the time Daring had been halfway through her tantrum had withered and started to drop their petals (metaphorical ones, of course)... Even the ceiling had had its share of thoughts to add to the seemingly inanimate objects' indignant clamour, but it wasn't simply high enough to talk: for inanimate objects are not known for being able to speak, you see.

But Daring couldn't have cared less at that time: the mere thought of her life's last hours spent deep under ground had been intoxicating to such a degree, that she hadn't even given as much as a flicker of thought to what she had been doing. When about to die, as they say (or do they?..), take from life all you haven't yet, eh?

With that as intoxicating, as it was, it was no wonder, that Daring upon spotting a seemingly magic lamp had decided, it had been a good idea to give it a try and to summon a genie. Who knows, maybe, he could join the party? The more, the merrier, eh?

In fact, later after that Daring couldn't quite remember, why she had never spotted that lamp, when she had first entered that wretched room. As far, as she could recollect, it had lain simply on the floor, abandoned by everypony (if ponies had run the temple, that is). Perhaps, she had indeed been way out of her right mind, no kidding...

Anyway, as she had given it a try and rubbed the lamp, nothing had seemed to happen. And it had been only some time after that, that Daring had come to her senses...

For, what had come out of the lamp...

Chapter 2. Meet the amazing genie

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What came out of the lamp, could be described as a pillar of smoke. Thick smoke, mind you. Almost tangible, at that. Much, as Daring had expected.

Yes, be not surprised! Hysteria is hysteria, what can be done about that? Thick smoke rising from-within a seemingly magic lamp? Yeah, sure! It must be a genie! The thick smoke condensing even more? Yup, that's totally what's expected! The smoke gaining a form? Oh, sure! Is a genie some amorphous blob of smoke or is he a properly shaped being, whaddaya think? Uh? The smoke seems unsure of what shape to assume? Why, sure! (Although, why she should be OK with that, Daring could not answer herself.) After all, why should it matter any more?! Trapped down here? Check! Lost to arch-enemy? Check! Arch-enemy roaming free? with the power to destroy Equestria?! Sirs, our company is proud to claim our services' impeccability! The full arch-enemy set is included BY DEFAULT! We can certainly guarantee, your death is going to come for sure!

Um, well... the despair levels... Daring might not come unscratched from this adventure, after all... Had her mind been damaged beyond repair? Please, fear not! Maybe, the genie could help! Um, if there was an actual genie, that is.

The smoke had meanwhile finally decided to become a whirl -- and what a whirl it was! It swirled, like there had been no tomorrow! It crackled with unfathomable power rumbling inside. It was almost glowing with it! When the power seemed to have become unimaginable even to be existing, the whirl widened, and in its centre Daring could see the white light.

The light would have been beautiful, if it hadn't been so unbearably bright. As if someone had placed some very hot liquid metal in the centre! Daring could almost feel its inexistent heat -- the light didn't even burn, in fact. But there seemed to be something in the very centre of this light "sphere" not (at all) of a properly spheric shape. As if there had been more space, than what the eye could capture (even if it couldn't -- only a fraction of a second would pass, and Daring would avert her glance, clouded with some unhealthy aloofness). "I could even pass through the light, if I wanted", -- thought Daring to herself. It was true: it seemed, as if the light had been a window to the whitest room there'd ever been.

And someone seemed to be there... behind that window... It seemed to be looking through it -- or was it the light, the window, itself? To Daring it looked, like it was observing the world outside -- albeit not with some kind of eyes -- no, there were no eyes, as if it hadn't needed them!

It appeared, Daring was not fazed with this eerie presence -- like, at all! Apparently, something bad had happened to her mind! Oh, if only someone helped her!

The being, meanwhile, decided, that it had seen enough, and the white light "sphere" exploded suddenly, filling everything with its light.

And when it had faded...

Daring had thought she'd been about to die, when the light "sphere" had exploded. The mere thought of it hadn't worried her at all -- hysteria much, huh? But, when she came to her senses and still saw that same scenery -- the little dusty room with nothing much in it to see, walls covered in some ancient symbols, whose meaning eluded her, -- she finally showed a spark of confusion... Was it what the afterlife looked like?..

"Oh... finally!.." -- spoke someone suddenly with joy faintly heard in the speaker's words. That dim spark of confusion inside Daring Do did make her wonder calmly, who was there, but didn't make her panic. This indicated, something was indeed not right with her...

"Hello, -- greeted she. -- Are you a local? I'd like some explanations, if you please".

"I would like one too", -- answered her the same voice, glinting with mild discontent. Where the smoke and the light had been before, there hovered above the floor a...

"Who are you?" -- asked Daring Do with mild interest, which did no justice to the... creature's looks: it might be recognised as a sea horse (which were not sea ponies, mind you!), but its hind legs (if sea horses had hind legs at all) were missing and replaced instead by a wisp of smoke; furthermore, this "sea horse" had arms, rather than pony forearms, but they didn't end with hands: what it had... well... maybe, these were hooves, and maybe, they were not: it was hard to judge, when they couldn't even keep their shape. One moment they were undistinguishable from pony hooves, the other -- they seemed to be a very complicated limb, worth a whole octopus. As for its head -- the creature had no specific features -- just a head, seemingly no hair, a pair of non-pony ears (unnoticed by Daring at first)... Its eyes, however... They seemed to be glowing with ruby light -- not so pierce, in fact, to make anybody worry of the creature's ill intent -- for that matter they didn't even "glow". It just seemed, as though they were dimly lit, almost as if they'd been bloodshot (but not so disturbingly so). The eyes, it appeared, were stealing every bit of attention from the other face features: what nose and mouth it had, if at all, remained unclear to Daring Do.

"They don't recognise me... -- spoke the creature thoughtfully. -- Have they forgotten who I am?" It looked about to remind those puny and feeble worms who it was, when... it looked itself over and let out a shriek: "Wait, WHO AM I??!" Daring was knocked off to the opposite wall by that and rubbed her hurting head, letting out an "ouch!".

The creature, meanwhile, was freaking out, as if it'd been trying to make the most comical impression of a cartoon character doing the same: there were hyperventilation, more accented hyperventilation, blood-pressure checking, a thermometer shoved into its mouth -- and even a heart monitor, complete with beeps and a bed, as if straight from a hospital! Finally it finished goofing around, sat up with a jump in the bed and tried to calm down somewhat: "Wait-wait-wait, just don't panic... -- although it did seem very panicked. -- I am strong. I am powerful. I can do anything!" Then it seemed to try something...

...But nothing happened. The creature appeared to be terrified by that: "What's happened to my powers??!" -- it let out hysterically, then started scampering about with unreal speed... until it stumbled over Daring Do still rubbing her head -- and sprawled on the floor.

"Hey! Watch where you're running!" -- barked Daring at it angrily, her head's hurting helping her to cool off not in the slightest. She rubbed it more energetically, hoping it would make the pain go away. The creature, meanwhile, jumped onto its... inexistent feet -- how it could stand on a wisp of smoke -- who knew? -- and demanded from Daring Do frantically:

"Tell me where my powers are! Am I still imprisoned?!"

Daring never answered it, too occupied with her head, and only moaned weakly.

"Aargh!" -- growled the creature, shaking with fury. It would have blasted Daring Do on the spot, if it hadn't suddenly realised something. Instead of incinerating the poor mare or doing worse things it looked all curious and snapped its "fingers", which appeared conveniently, when the need arose, -- and the lamp Daring had rubbed before floated, and then swooshed toward the creature, who caught it mid-flight and looked at it, studying something on it intently.

"Oh, for goodness' sake! -- it exclaimed, when done studying. -- Still imprisoned, then! Great!!!" -- it said and kicked the lamp so fiercely it started bouncing off of the walls, until it hit the creature in its head.

"Ow!"

It would have kicked the lamp even more fiercely, had Daring not warned it:

"Do you want it to hit you even harder?"

The creature, its smoky "leg" ready to send the lamp flying, paused, freezing completely, then considered. Then decided, rubbing its chin:

"No, I don't... So I... won't", -- with those words said it reached for the lamp and set it gently the way the lamp was expected to stand. Then gave it a little pat. Then, for some reason, produced a saucer of milk and set it down, apparently expecting the lamp to start lapping it up. Seeing that, Daring chortled, not believing the lamp would do that... until the lamp came alive, reached with its spout, sniffed the milk, and then did indeed start to lap it up with its tongue coming out of that same spout.

...Something clicked in Daring's mind. She would have expressed her bewilderment with the most child-unfriendly words she knew, but the creature raised its "hand": "Don't mind my expressing myself. No one may strip me of that power, even if they are my superior!" -- it said, frowning at the mention of stripping of power. And Daring Do -- she seemed to be snapping out of her hysteria finally, as her senses were catching up with reality. The sheer amount of "da hay?!" was so immense she almost slid into stupor -- and she would, had that strange creature not called for her attention.

Daring gave a start, snapping out of it, and shook her head. The mysterious guy (it seemed to be a guy to Daring) had examined the lamp more carefully and wanted to ask the mare a question.

"Yes?" -- replied Daring.

"Did you rub this lamp?" -- asked it (or rather he).

Daring became confused:

"What?"

"Someone's got to have rubbed this thrice damn lamp! -- exclaimed the creature irritably. -- I wouldn't have been summoned otherwise!"

"...You? Summoned?.." -- Daring stammered, unable to wrap her head around what was going on.

"Why, yes! -- exclaimed the creature. -- I was imprisoned, until someone had rubbed the lamp, be it damned! -- irritation was all over his face, both literally and metaphorically. -- Now I must grant wishes to my new master! Aargh! Could they not come up with something better?!" -- he outcried, cursing some creatures, who, it appeared, had been the cause of his irritation.

"Wow, wow, wow! -- exclaimed Daring. -- Dude! Uh... I... don't suppose you're trying to deliver the preposterous idea of your being... a... genie??!"

The presumed "genie" raised an eyebrow (which seemed to have appeared just on the occasion of his expressing his bemusement):

"What is so preposterous in my being a... who?!" -- he exclaimed suddenly, so Daring so much as jumped up in surprise.

He looked himself over, then looked at the lamp once more, trying apparently to spot something on it... until he gave a solemn nod:

"Yup. It is called "a genie". Who could have thought?"

Daring snatched the lamp out of his hold and searched for what could tell this guy about his presumed being a genie -- but only engravements of strange-looking symbols met her eyes. She directed her gaze at the creature, suspicion seeping from her:

"What? Are you trying to prank me?!" -- and she threw the lamp onto the floor.

"Me? -- the creature was sincerely shocked. -- Perish the thought!" -- and he threw his... hands? up to his chest in the most dramatic manner. Daring only stared at him, bemused.

A pause followed. Then the presumed genie decided to show his determination:

"Alright, test me! Make a wish! Something impossible! What no one can do!"

It was Daring's turn to raise an eyebrow:

"Yeah? Really?"

"Well, I won't cease my claim, -- explained the self-promoted genie. -- And only by granting you an actual wish can I prove it to you... So..."

"Alright, -- decided Daring Do, -- here we go: if you are an actual (which I doubt) genie, like you say you are, -- then..." -- she paused to contemplate. Then decided: "Then do the impossible! Get me home! And... and nullify whatever Ahuizotl may have wished for himself!"

Having said that, she prepared to wait for the miracle to happen...

Some time had passed, and nothing had happened. Daring arched her brow:

"Well?" -- asked she mockingly.

The failed "genie" only smiled mischievously and said:

"You forgot to say "I wi-i-ish"!"

Daring only rolled her eyes in mild annoyance:

"Oh, fine! I wish, -- she started, -- I were at home, and Ahuizotl hadn't taken a hold of the lamp! There! Let's see, what a genie you are!"

The "genie" only smiled more widely. He felt unfathomable power surging through him! Oh, how he wished he could have used that power to free himself from the obligation to serve his master!.. But could he? No, nor might he. So he used the power to fulfil Daring Do's wish...

...and to teleport her home! He also made sure Ahuizotl had never gotten the lamp, but, seeing it, as he was indeed a genie (!)...

"Why, oh, spirits, WHY DOES THIS LAMP NOT DO ANYTHING?!!" -- was Ahuizotl screaming just outside the temple he'd escaped from, when the room had been collapsing. He threw the apparently fake magic lamp to the ground and stomped it... then howled in pain, as the lamp, fake though it might be, did, however, hurt, when pounded. "Curse you, Daring Do!" -- he roared in her direction, presumably still down the temple's labyrinth of corridors, where he'd left her die. "Eh! -- he waved his limb. -- You shall pay for this anyway! In fact, you ARE already paying for your deceit!" Then he considered and brought out the map that had led him through the labyrinth: "But where -- WHERE can this lamp be??!" -- he outcried desperately, as the map didn't seem to give any hints on that.

...it seemed, the genie didn't have to do that, as it had already been fulfilled.

Daring was many things: a writer, an adventurous mare, a fictional heroine... She was, however, not an unicorn and therefore was not accustomed to teleportation.

The interdimensional leap had left her dizzy and a bit nauseous. Perhaps, it was a good thing she hadn't eaten for quite a long time...

"Ah, home, sweet home!.. -- sighed the apparently actual genie contentedly. -- Even if it's not my home. But -- goo-oo-oodness! The power!" He assumed an epic pose and shouted out: "THE UNFATHOMABLE POWAH-H-H!!!" -- at that a spotlight surrounded him, and, as if an electro-guitarist had been waiting for the cue, a rock-n-roll riff was played.

Daring never noticed all that -- the stupor... the stupor!

But she did snap out of it, shaking her head, and uttered in disbelief:

"So, like, what: has the legend been true??!"

She turned her head, as if trying to spot something. Yes, it was indeed her humble house, exactly the same, as she'd left it, when going for the adventure. She then remembered something, putting her disbelief aside:

"Wait, where is everything I had with me?!"

"What exactly?" -- asked the genie, curious.

"My everything! -- exclaimed Daring. -- Was it left back there??"

"O-o-oh! -- let the genie out. -- Oops?"

Daring only shook her head in mild disappointment, then said:

"Now, to make everything clear! I don't still believe you are a genie... but, if you are..." -- she paused, and then inhaled:

"I... wish... I wish I-I had everything I've left behind back. H-here", -- she stammered, for the very idea of her wishes coming true... Oh, the possibilities!

To her surprise the genie didn't start immediately with the fulfilment:

"Please, clarify: what are the things you wish to have back?"

"Huh?" -- let Daring out, confused.

"Well, what shall satisfy you as my master?" -- elaborated the genie.

Daring blinked:

"Uh... Can't you just return everything?"

"Well, I would like to know what that "everything" is".

Daring sighed, frustration showing up:

"Dude, can't you grant me my wish or what? You'd better say that right away!"

"No, I can do anything you wish for me to do, but what is it you wish for?"

"Well, I stated clearly, that I wished I'd had everything back! -- shouted Daring angrily. -- If you can't do that!.."

"Alright, -- conceded the genie, his face frowning sadly, -- I can't..."

"Huh? -- huffed Daring, hardly surprised. -- Well, yeah, just what I thought!.."

"...because you are not specific!" -- accused her the genie, complete with his "finger" pointing at her.

Daring only stared at him in confusion.

"Please, -- went the genie on, -- specify, what shall serve your satisfaction".

"Well, isn't it obvious? -- exclaimed Daring, annoyed. -- My stuff! Back there! In the temple!"

The genie wasn't going to listen to it to the end, all fed up, and interrupted her:

"Alright, just never forget to express your wish by saying "I wish". That's a must. Now: repeat after me: I wish we returned back to where we had last teleported from", -- with that he produced a slip of paper and handed it to a puzzled Daring Do.

She looked at it: on it were written the very words the genie had just said.

"I wish, -- she started to recite unsurely, -- we returned back to where we had last teleported from..."

No sooner did she say the last word, than they had already been back in that same room Daring had gotten trapped in. This time she hadn't felt nausea, although she had felt dizziness.

"Now, -- she heard the genie's voice, -- pick up your "stuff" and wish to have it back at your home. Then we may proceed". Daring stood there, lost completely...

It would take some time, before she got used to having UNFATHOMABLE POWAH-H-H! at her disposition.

And so some time had passed. Daring was home, and her belongings, including the map Ahuizotl had picked up back there near that lava rift, had been returned to her (to guarantee the foe didn't come up with the idea of exploring more of that temple and the area around). Daring had even wished to eat -- and something simple, yet very saturating had been materialised -- and had the hunger gone away!

And, no matter, how much she'd wish, her disbelief would not wear thin (although she wasn't freaking out like before)...

"No horse-apples??! Can I really do anything??!" -- Daring Do's excitement knew no bounds. Her wide, unbelieving grin should have been seen!

"Well, -- let the genie out calmly, somewhat unamused by Daring's excitement, -- it appears, I can do anything you wish for me to do. You can only wish for the unreal to happen. Oh! -- and he raised his genie hand to his brow with a cry that could rival Rarity's, when at her most dramatic. -- If only I!.."

He dropped the dramatical act, becoming excited as well:

"And then you say: "I wish!" -- and enunciate your wish, and I, -- he assumed a proud pose, his arm close to his chest, and his eyes shut with pride, -- being your servant, appear at your side!.. -- he reappeared at her side, from which Daring shuddered in surprise. -- and. Make. Your. Wish. Come. True! Exciting, isn't it?"

Daring, still shocked by the genie's sudden reappearance, let out:

"Y-yeah... It... sure is. Um..."

She looked unsure, then continued:

"Let's take things slow, one at a time, OK? So... uh, where do I begin from?.." -- she wondered in thought, her hoof at her chin.

"Do you wish to know that?" -- asked the genie immediately, trying to come as helpful.

Daring only waved a hoof at him:

"No, that's OK. In fact, it reminds me".

She looked at the genie firmly:

"How many wishes have I left?"

The latter seemed not ready for a quick response:

"Uh... Well... there is no limit", -- he answered finally.

"WHAT?!" -- yelped Daring, quite literally, in fact, as her question of disbelief had come out as if a puppy had yelped. The genie found that amusing and snorted with a grin. "No sh... -ame you've got! -- relented she indignantly. -- About everypony knows a genie grants usually about three wishes per master!"

Then an idea struck her.

"You know what?"

"Yeah?" -- got the genie ready.

Daring assumed a solemn pose, her hooves standing firm on the floor, her wings flared (and her inexistent horn shining with the power of fiction! What? She used to play-pretend as a princess!):

"Genie!"

"Yeah-ay?"

"I wish I could and did know for sure of how to use your powers best!" ("I hope, I worded it correctly, -- she thought with concern. -- The genies in the tales are, after all, known for their jackassery!")

The genie, as before, closed his eyes in content, once again feeling THE UNFATHO... um-m-m... that power surge through him. "As... you... WISH!"

It appeared, Daring Do had been lucky, compared to other genie owners. Hers was not mean-spirited -- quite the contrary, in fact. Hers seemed to be enjoying to be serving her, as every time Daring would wish -- the genie smiled happily. Not because he adored his mistress -- being nigh omnipotent, he even despised the very world he had ended up in, -- but because the feel of his power's former glory was indescribably good! So he'd never miss another opportunity to grant Daring her wish. He'd pester her with... well, not exactly "whining", but there seemed no end of it to come!

As for Daring, she could indeed know, how to use the genie's powers, thanks to her wish: the mysterious symbols written over the lamp were in fact more than meaningful, for they told the story of how the genie had become a genie. From this story Daring had learnt something that had cooled her desire to make wishes down.

The genie did provide her with his own point of view on what had happened then, but the implications still were...

Well, let's take a look at it, shall we?

Chapter 3. Wrote herself into an adventure... inadvertently

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...He was subjugated and sentenced to confinement in a prison, where he could not escape from. But chances still remained, that he would be let free under certain conditions restricting his freedom...

Daring Do heaved a sigh: she'd been writing, and that wasn't something done easily. Indeed, how does a pony hold a quill with their hooves? And if they don't, what do they do?

Perhaps, some ponies did manage to overcome this difficulty -- there couldn't be any other reason otherwise... How Daring Do did that -- nopony had yet asked. They might, however, have wondered: for Daring was a writer, and writers do tend to hold a quill a bit more often, than other earth ponies or pegasi.

Yet Daring had become a successful writer, and that must have meant, it might have been easy for her. Well -- no!

"Ah-h-h! -- she exhaled. -- Yeah, this shall do".

Pleased with her end product, she called for the genie:

"Gee!"

Yes, they had decided together the genie should have been called a name, and what a name had he? "My name, -- had explained the genie, -- may come as a difficult one, since you can only comprehend the three-dimensional world and only think of events yet to come -- and about those past you can only speculate! But, nevertheless, -- continued he, -- my name is..."

Here end the words, for they can't do the justice to the genie's name's sound. In fact, had Daring listened to this name one more time and a bit more carefully, she would have not contained the picture the name would have painted, and her life would have ended for sure!

"But, of course, -- sighed the genie, -- seeing it, as you can't even stand my name... I shall be nicknamed".

"Well, then: how about "Gee"?" -- offered Daring.

The genie frowned, trying to paint the picture this name... hadn't inspired.

"I... am not sure it even is a name..." -- he said thoughtfully.

"Why?" -- enquired Daring.

"Well, it doesn't even work for a fake name!"

"But what's wrong with it? Don't you like it?"

""Like it"? -- cried the genie, perplexed. -- That's not a name!"

Daring fell silent, confused. For some reason the genie had an issue with names...

"A name, -- went the genie on, -- is what establishes a clear image of the being called it. Take your own name, for example, -- he closed his eyes, inhaled, picturing what Daring's name had in itself, and then nodded, reopening his eyes. -- It means the shape you are..."

"I am not sure, -- interrupted him Daring, -- my name quite means my shape".

"Well, -- harrumphed the genie, as if insulted, -- you are shaped to be Daring!"

A pause followed. Then:

"Hey! -- Daring exclaimed. -- Was that a pun?!"

The genie only huffed again:

"To my knowledge, about EVERY creature in this world is punnamed".

"Is what?" -- asked Daring, having not gotten it.

"Pun-na-med, -- repeated the genie, trying to pronounce it more slowly and clearly. -- Like "nicknamed", but after a pun".

Daring "oh"-ed and nodded her head in understanding.

Then an idea struck her!

"Genie, -- said she to him, -- that's actually a GREAT idea!"

"What is?" -- asked the genie, not following.

"When in Rome, as they say... -- she tried to hide her smirk, but failed. -- You shall be named!.. -- she paused for more effect. -- ...Gee!"

The genie blinked.

"Again: that's not a name, -- he replied, irritated. -- Why, with a name like this I might be any shape, almost! What, can't you name your genie? like a real man? Or rather... mare?"

Daring let the stealth pun go unnoticed, trying her best not to grin:

"Oh, Gee, how could I possibly please you!"

Then silence followed.

...Some time passed. The genie noticed finally there was something just not right with the way his mistress had said that last part...

"Wait! -- he realised. -- Have y... Ha-... have you actually punnamed me??!" -- he cried with an incredulous look.

"Aw-w-w! -- groaned Daring Do. -- Come on! You'd said yourself, about everypony in Equestria is, -- she made "quotes" with her hooves, -- punnamed!"

"First, I'm not a pony! -- retorted the genie indignantly. -- Second, even if I were a pony -- am I not a creature from another world?!"

"Well, you look pretty much like a pony, anyway..." -- mumbled Daring under her breath. The genie only sighed and shook his head.

"What?! You have a temper!" -- exclaimed Daring, defending her point of calling the genie "Gee".

The genie said nothing.

Apparently, he had after all agreed to be named Gee. Who would have thought it would only take Daring Do sighing and whispering (after many attempts at picking a satisfiable name for the genie) in desperation: "I just wish he picked a name already! What's wrong with any name I've come up with?!" Naturally the genie had appeared at her side and, his face grim, requested to clarify, what name Daring wished for him to pick; to which she up and wished simply for his name to be what would strike her the most.

And, well, "Gee" it turned out to be, in the end... Sue her for being uncreative.

"Gee!"

Silence.

"Your master is calling you!"

Deafening silence.

"...I wish, if you can hear me, you were here!.."

Smoke appeared, and darkness enveloped the room. A lightning, complete with thunder, flashed. Where it had struck, appeared a silhouette of somepony blindingly white. The silhouette flashed once more, from which Daring winced and made to shield her eyes, -- and before her appeared a creature...

"Who is calling my name?! Who dareth to summon me from The Kingdom Of Darkness?!"

"Gee-ee!" -- warned Daring the genie.

"Thou, who hath summoned me! -- seemed he to pay no heed. -- Show thyself!"

With those words said the smoke cleared away, and the room lit with regular day light.

"Thou! -- proceeded the genie with his act. -- Answer me: why hast thou summoned me and interrupted my rest?! Knowest thou not, that no one must disturb me in my sleep?! How! DAREST! THOU?!!"

"Gee! -- grumbled Daring, unamused. -- I require your assistance". With that she took the papers off the desk she'd been sitting at and approached the imposing being with them: "Could you, please, take a look at these? And say what you think of it?"

The being stood, or rather hovered, unmoving.

"I... just wish you could..." -- mumbled Daring, either intimidated by the creature, or not very assertive, or be that whatever it was...

"Well! Why saidst so thou not?! -- exclaimed the genie happily, not quite dropping the act and keeping "ye olde (not so butcherede) Englishe". -- Show me thy work, and I will gladly offer my thoughts regarding that!"

Daring only rolled her eyes in mild annoyance and hoofed him the papers.

"Well, let's see here", -- proceeded Gee to reviewing Daring's creation.

He was reckless and regardless. He thought himself above all. He couldn't tolerate disrespect... and so he rebelled.
His rebellion didn't go unnoticed, nor was it left forgiven -- he was fought, and the battle was not an easy one: attacks were exchanged, defences were raised... until finally his defences were dropped... and his attacks -- overwhelmed. His challenges were not answered, however, and he kept his arrogant attitude and did not concede.
He was subjugated and sentenced to confinement in a prison, where he could not escape from. But chances still remained, that he would be let free under certain conditions restricting his freedom. Could he wish for something better? Perhaps. Might he, though? No.
Under these conditions he might not have access to his full powers. Those authorised to grant him such access were restricted as well: only those, who entered an agreement with the access-rights-granting authority, might, pursuant to the terms and conditions set therein, allow the prisoner to access his powers fully and to any extent they deemed fit. The agreement's terms and conditions were solidified and engraved in print on the walls of the prison, and those, who durst to question the authority of those, who had passed the judgement on, were to face the judges' wrath.
But who would bypass these terms, if they were not so burdening? In fact, there had been found one, who had declared the injustice in such an imprisonment and demanded, that the prisoner should be kept among those inferior to him, to the judges and to their peers: for said peers would abuse the terms without any regret or remorse -- the fact deemed unacceptable!
The plea was satisfied, and the prisoner, still in his prison, was transported to a world, where no one might enter on their whim. This was the world of simple beings, who did not wield the power to distort the very fabric of reality, who learnt the ways of the nature and could not help but comply with them.
This was the world, where genies did not exist... up until now...

"...Well?" -- asked Daring eagerly.

The genie was hesitant about what to say.

""Reckless"? Perhaps. "Regardless"? Hm-m-m... This sounds somewhat... accusing, don't you think?"

"Oh, but!.. but of course! That's what they all thought of you! See, the reader must know, why they did what they did! You call yourself a hero -- they call you a villain. Had they not confronted you -- you wouldn't have ended up in the lamp".

"You see, -- continued she her explanation, -- there never are a "good" guy and a "bad" guy. All there is is a conflict: at least two parties clash and don't agree one with the other... and then one wins -- and the other may either join the winning party, or refuse and remain a villain for some more... Well, until there is no villain. Either he gets reformed... or... it's disposed of him..."

"So... -- spoke the genie after a moment of silence, -- ...I was the villain?.. and they -- the "good guys"? Hm-m-m..." -- he fell silent, then resumed:

"...And... I either concede... or flee to make another scheme... Or I... lose the battle and can never win? Huh..."

"Or you flee to make a return, where you get to win, -- added Daring helpfully. -- Then you may try to spare your enemy... or to end them... Which... erm-m-m, is... quite common throughout the literature... but, um-m-m... You see..." -- the words wouldn't come to her. It might seem, there was no reason to spare one's enemies, seeing it, as they would just come back and try to win over, perhaps, even kill...

But Daring was never the type to finish her "prey": if she won an argument or just reached her goal, leaving her adversary losing, she offered them a peace treaty. Sort of, anyway: she might not care for what the having-lost party would do, or she actually tried to convince them to stop confronting her.

Yet... They would never learn, would they?.. Especially Ahuizotl!

"Yes? -- Gee wanted her to continue despite the silence she had fallen into. -- But what?"

Daring snapped out of her trance:

"Huh? Oh, w-well... -- she was unsure of what to say. -- I... I-I actually wish I could explain..."

"Say no more!" -- replied to her Gee, once again feeling that pleasant power filling him, along with the joy of using it afterwards!..

One explanation later... Daring was seated at her writing desk and scratching the paper so fast it might have caught on fire! After she had accidentally wished she could have explained her mercifulness toward her adversaries... inspiration had struck her! Suddenly everything had become all so clear! That would be a tale of friendship -- and bullying! Of hurt and broken hearts! Of the power of determination to overcome any difficulties! Of seemingly heartless jerks -- and why they were the way they were...

Long ago two races ruled Equestria: ponies and vamponies. One day war broke out between the two races. After a long battle the ponies were victorious. They banished the vamponies far away, and a magic barrier was erected, so they could never return back. Over time they were forgotten by the pony kind.
But many, many years later...
The Everfree forest, nowadays. Legends say, that those, who manage to traverse the forest, never return, despite having survived in it...

"Welp, -- uttered Gee, -- my story has been set aside, apparently... Wow, what a twist!"

He peeked inside the room Daring was scribbling in. She hadn't left her place since yesterday!

"And here I hoped to inspire something... Oh, well. Things are sure to get pretty boring, if this goes on like this..."

He scratched his chin in thought. Granting Daring her wishes, so she could stay writing from day to day, wasn't promising any real adventures. The boredom seemed imminent.

"...But what, if I?.."

"Phew! Wow! -- exclaimed Daring Do, taking in a breath. -- Boy! I might want to take a vacation from writing!"

She stood up and stretched. If inspiration intended to come hitting her like that again, she might really consider retiring... The latest outlet had been exhausting!

"Now... -- she said, as she finished. -- Should I take a walk?.. Or, perhaps, even a flight?.."

Stretching once again, she headed for the exit...

"Say, Mistress", -- spoke to her a suddenly appearing out of nowhere genie...

"Ga-ah!" -- yelped Daring and jumped almost all the way up to the ceiling, only to realise, it was Gee.

"...it appears, -- continued he, as if he didn't notice her being scared at all, -- as though life has been lacking a..."

"What are you?! INSANE?!!" -- all but roared Daring, trying to prevent her heart from jumping out of her chest to go explore the outside world, never noticing the heart's muffled attempts at demanding from its owner to let go of it, "you heartless, soulless, no-loving jerk!" -- as the heart was apparently trying to say to her.

She glared at the genie some more, all the while trying to contain her misbehaving heart, but, alas, no shame seemed to be present on the creature's face. Only eyes, it appeared... or were they just stealing attention from anything else there was, and there was some shame present?.. It was really hard to say for certain.

The silence had been stretching, and Gee decided to cut it short:

"Ahem-km. As I was about to say..."

"You should really be ashamed!" -- fumed Daring Do, still mad at him.

The genie let the remark go by.

"...there appears to be a significant shortage of thrill in our life", -- he continued.

"That's no reason to try and SCARE me like that!" -- retorted Daring angrily. She snorted, her nostrils letting out some smoke.

"Then what are we waiting for?! -- exclaimed Gee, brimming with excitement. -- Let's go find a danger and attempt to make it alive! Or, you know? try to find treasure! No! We should definitely go unravel a mystery! Or two! Or!.."

Daring sighed in concession and stuffed her hoof into the genie's mouth, or what constituted for one, anyway:

"Gee".

The genie shut up promptly and directed his glance at her, full of attention.

"It's been a very little while, since I set off for an adventure, -- she said tiredly. -- Let's... not spearhead forward".

"Well! What do you propose for us to engage in?" -- asked Gee, overexcited, to which Daring only sighed:

"I propose, we should just take it easy, pal, -- she turned her gaze at her writing desk. -- One adventure is quite enough".

"Your adventure isn't over yet! -- exclaimed Gee. -- You have braved the jungle, confronted your adversary, experienced a deadly threat, reached the lamp and got a genie -- me! -- at your disposition! Your adventure has only begun!"

"Gee, -- said Daring wearily. -- I am not Aladdin".

"No! -- agreed Gee. -- You are "Daring Din"! Or rather... should it be "Dalaring Din"? Uh... "Daladdoo"?.."

"Gee! Stop!" -- whined Daring, annoyed.

""Aladdare"?.." -- tried Gee one more time, before trailing off awkwardly and setting his eyes upon her attentively.

Daring sighed once again, and then continued:

"I know it's all... surreal... but, well... could you wait, until I finish my story?"

"Which one? -- enquired Gee drily. -- As far, as I know, you have at least two of them going".

"Well, -- made Daring to share her plans, -- actually there are that of you, that of... Uh... Never mind! -- and she shook her head. -- But you shouldn't worry: I am so prolific, my books have usually to wait for the craving fans to get to them! And have you as much as the faintest idea, how insatiable they may be?!"

"No idea", -- replied to her Gee and shook his head no.

"That's the thing!"

A pause settled between the two for a while.

"Well, then... -- interrupted Daring it. -- How about we take a walk and... uh-h-h, entertain ourselves? You know, not quite an adventure, but... nevertheless..."

The genie never took his eyes off of her, as if expecting her to change her mind... but then drooped comically in concession:

"All's better, than going insane", -- those words said, he snapped his "fingers", and the lamp swooshed from afar and into Gee's "hand":

"Hold this, -- he extended his arm to Daring. She did take the lamp after a bit of hesitation. -- Now. Here we go!"

And with that he disappeared in smoke. "I am inside now, -- announced he to a stunned Daring from within the lamp. -- Take me to the end of the world and bring me back. I'll be taking peeks from here".

"Uh-h-h, -- let Daring out unsurely, -- are y-you sure about this?"

"It's for your own good, -- re-assured her the genie. -- Wouldn't want you to get mangled at the fan mob's feet!" -- he added, somewhat snarkily.

Daring rolled her eyes, realising, Gee had probably meant, if he got seen, he'd get stares for sure. But, she thought, of course it would be better for her to hide the genie's presence, as well as the lamp, from the eyes of publicity.

With that in mind she got her saddlebag and stuffed the lamp inside, then equipped it and trotted outside of her house.

A walk awaited her ahead... as well, unbeknownst to her, as an adventure... Yes, she might not believe it then... but her lamp adventure wasn't over yet. Quite far from that, actually...

Chapter 4. We must protect the lamp!

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Daring trotted alongside the streets of Vanhoover, turning her head every each way at the wonderful sights this town had.

A day-off be a day-off!

"Beautiful town!.." -- she sighed in content.

"Uh-huh. Truly a sight to behold!" -- replied to her Gee sarcastically from inside the lamp tucked in Daring's saddle bag.

"Oops! -- Daring grinned sheepishly. -- Sorry. Want to come out and take a look?"

"Although I am physically inside this thrice cursed vessel, -- he grumbled, -- I am not confined to it any more. So I can actually picture everything", -- at that a camera took off of Daring's chest, focused on her, and then took a photo.

Daring winced with a turn of her head at the flash, slightly dazed by the camera's sudden appearance. The device hung itself back onto Daring's neck, and Daring guessed, this was Gee's doing.

"Uh-hum. Figures", -- replied she.

They continued their walk taking in and enjoying that beautiful day... until a pony approached Daring, who shrank inside upon noticing him. She recognised him!

"Good afternoon, miss, -- he spoke to her evenly. -- If I may be so bold: how is your latest book doing?"

"Um... H-hello... m-mister Letterpress... -- she stammered nervously. -- Um-m-m... about that..."

The pony knit his eyebrows:

"Miss Yearling, your time is, if I may, running out! Your success, you see, comes at a price! Should you cease writing -- well, disappointment is bound to arise. Sales will get low... And that is not what I'd want..."

"W-well, you see, m-mister Letterpress, -- tried Daring uneasily, -- the adventure per se is ready... Just..."

"Just the matter of the actual content, -- let out the pony, then stared at the mare, unblinking. -- What we need is not an idea, miss... What we need, is... -- he paused, as if to build suspense. -- ...an adventure! Action! Thrill!! -- he started to gesture to emphasise his point further. -- We need... a hero! A legend! That's what they all crave for, after all!"

"Sir, I have the legend! -- defended Daring Do. -- This tale is... uh, ripe with thrill!.. But, uh... There are just so many directions this tale can go to!"

"Excellent. Now: where is this wondrous tale you are saying you have? Huh?" -- wondered Letterpress, not so excited and gazing at Daring expectantly. She only lowered her eyes in embarrassment.

"That's what I thought, -- he answered at last. -- Remember, miss Yearling, -- he started, as he was about to bid a farewell, -- no tale -- no sale. Remember that!"

And with that he went away.

Daring stood there for a while, all nervous and sweating a bit. The time was right to submit her work -- and what had she? Her genie tale was merely the idea of the book, as her publisher had said. Could she come up with something more detailed at such short a span of time?

Daring might have started hyperventilating, had she been Twilight Sparkle -- whom she knew as the princess of friendship, yet not personally, -- but her panic did cease, when Gee reminded of his presence suddenly:

"Mistress, if I may help you in your dark hour?"

"Gee! -- exclaimed Daring, -- Oh my Celestia, this is horrible! I must return immediately and write that adventure down!.. But... Urgh!" -- she all but shrieked.

"Well... -- Gee smiled, albeit unseen to Daring, -- ...Mistress, haven't you a genie!"

Daring paused... and then all but smacked her on her forehead -- so dumb she felt herself!

"You know what... You are right! -- she said with excitement entering her voice. -- Gee! You're... gee-nious!"

For some unfathomable reason there was a "rim-shot" heard -- b'doot! ts-s-s! -- and Daring, trying not to crack with internal smile, could almost see Gee's most bemused look.

"That's because I'm a... genie", -- "b'doot! ts-s-s!" could be heard once again.

Daring realised, it must have been the genie's doing, for nopony seemed to be playing actually any drums. She stifled the urge to laugh, her front hoof covering her mouth, and remembered her predicament:

"Alright! I want... I mean, I wish, -- she corrected, berating herself mentally at the slip... then decided all of a sudden, -- ...you stopped acting as if you didn't understand what I wanted, and did from now on what I express myself for you to do, be my expressing explicit or, if decisive, implicit!"

"But I am a genie! I grant wishes, not do as told!"

"Well, I wish you did both!"

The genie only sighed in understanding:

"As wishes my mistress..."

The next thing Daring wished for was her having her story idea become the end product... but Gee, although able now to do things beyond simple wish fulfilment, still refused to provide a simple way, motivating that by his obligatory having to satisfy his master's (or in this case -- mistress') wishes, while said mistress might have been unsatisfied, since Gee did not know which way she wanted him to satisfy her. Honestly, Daring would have strangled him simply for his hypocrisy -- as she didn't see that a valid excuse at all; and why would even a genie refuse to do something for the sake of knowing his "customer" was satisfied, anyway? But Gee swore he might not just do what she'd want him -- the lamp, as he'd explained, was powerful enough to contain him, and it monitored his actions closely, lest he did anything his confinement terms restricted him from doing! So-o-o...

"Then how am I to make you, lazy... fellow, yeah, -- how am I to make you grant me my wish?!" -- asked Daring him in frustration at his being unhelpful. The genie only smiled mischievously, which didn't pass Daring's attention.

"Hey! What are you up to, Gee?!"

The latter only kept his grin:

"Well... You see..."

"I swear... -- said Daring quietly, which would have sent chills down the genie's spine, had he been a simple mortal. -- ...If you are scheming something!.."

"Well, what am I scheming, Mistress! -- cried Gee. -- May I not be entertained?! Besides -- you'll LOVE this!" -- his excited grin was intended to tell the suspicious mare, that, yes, she would, and just how much!

But Daring was having none of that:

"Gee..."

"Yes?"

Daring remained silent.

"Oh, just let me do it this way, -- Gee, tired of waiting for Daring to continue, went on. -- I can take you to where you'll SEE the details you need so desperately. You won't regret ever having decided to let me!" -- he might even squeal with delight, so excited he seemed to be of his own idea!

Daring considered that reluctantly. If she remembered the incantation on the lamp correctly, Gee was supposed "to satisfy his master upon granting each and every of his wishes in a way he would set or have set". Seemed pretty safe... Still...

"Should this not satisfy me..." -- began Daring.

"It shall!" -- echoed the genie readily.

"...If it shouldn't... -- enunciated Daring, all intent on accenting the seriousness of this. -- I should expect a full refund! A satisfiable refund, understand that, you smarty?!"

The genie only chuckled, seeing her angry face:

"Oh, Mistress! -- he waved nonchalantly, all the while smiling, finding Daring's frown adorable. -- I. Am. Bound. To serve. You! You have the full guarantee!" His posture all screamed "I am your best friend, you have to trust me!", which was by itself suspicion-inducing enough. "Besides, -- added he with a sly smile, -- you won't pass up an opportunity to avert your grave crisis, now will you? Haven't you simply GOT to finish your book?" -- his smile widened a bit.

"Oh, FINE! -- conceded Daring Do with a frustrated sigh. -- I wish you did this!"

"Di-i-id wha-a-at?"

"Retell me your plan, -- grumbled Daring, -- and, if and only if I agree to it, then I wish your plan came to its realisation".

"Please, -- replied Gee to her, grinning, -- specify, which plan you wish..."

"GEE!!!"

"Alright, OK! Don't get excited!" -- laughed the genie and recapitulated her his offer.

Daring considered everything carefully, then, apparently finding it trustworthy and shenanigan-free, gave her consent. And instantly...

"Let! The adventu-u-ure! Begin!!!"

Daring cracked one eye open gingerly. Nothing seemed to have changed. An ordinary sight. Ordinary sounds. An ordinary wind. Ordinary heat. Everything even smelt ordinary. "Gee. What has happened? Has... anything?"

And, no sooner did she say that, than a dishevelled, sleazy pony appeared seemingly out of nowhere, snatched Daring's saddle bag and fled!

"Hey!" -- shouted Daring, surprised. For a couple of seconds she stood there, disoriented completely. "You stop!" -- shouting that out, she gave chase.

"There's Gee! Gee's inside there!" -- she thought frantically in her run. The thief, meanwhile, was far from losing distance, but was gaining none so far as well. "I may have a chance yet", -- thought Daring, putting everything into her speed. She switched to flying, her legs assisting her in accelerating, as she pushed herself off the ground. It did help somewhat, but the thief was still far.

The ponies around her noticed her chase, some even tried to assist her, and some tried even to assist the running away thief, thinking, apparently, that he was fleeing for his life! It, in all honesty, complicated the chase for Daring, as not only did she try to catch up with the thief, but she tried not to get caught by her own chasers as well! Surprisingly enough, about everypony seemed to have taken some devices designed to catch: fishing nets, butterfly nets, fishing rods, butterfly-on-a-rod lollipops (primarily for luring foals); lassos, empty sacks, decently sized plastic bags; balloons filled with glue (to glue the target to a surface), balloons filled with water (to wet one's enemy), balloons filled with paint (for a paintball game to play later), balloons filled with air (to celebrate the certain victory to come soon), balloons filled with helium (same, plus to have fun with high-pitched voices); a lone pegasus had even the weirdest idea of trying to lure Daring with a carrot on a stick: thinking Daring wouldn't notice him, he hovered above her, the carrot dangling in her sight. "Whom does he think of me as? as of a pig?!" -- fumed Daring indignantly and tried to focus on the thief. He was seemingly closer, than before, so there was still hope! Daring bit her lip, determination plastered on her face! She could do that! She gave an even more powerful flap with her wings -- and by the thin margin avoided a balloon directed at her, which impacted with something and burst in smoke. "Whoa!" -- yelped Daring. Had she had more time to glance back, she would have seen, some ponies, who were unfortunate to inhale that smoke, fell asleep. Another smoke bomb exploded, missing her just by the feather. Daring had once again no time to look back, but laughter she heard afterwards told her, that was, apparently, a balloon filled with laughing gas.

Flapping as hard, as she could, she sped up to try to get away from the mob and closer to the thief. She was nearing him! She wouldn't lose his sight!

After a couple of turns they both were on the same street, mere dozens feet away each from other. Daring pushed herself to her limits. Come on, come on, almost there!..

"You! -- shouted she to the chasee. -- I demand you drop my saddle bag this very instant!" The pony didn't answer... but the next moment stumbled upon something and flew sprawling forward, releasing the stolen saddle bag in the process. He flopped onto his belly and oomphed. Daring never slowed down, and instead of that headed for her precious belongings, grabbed them -- and performed a loop, targeting the thief now.

The latter let out an "Ow-w-w!", for the sprawl was a painful one, and tried to get back onto his hooves... but Daring had something other in her mind!

She collided with the thief at full force, bringing him down. Both hadn't broken a bone, but let out together nonetheless: "OW-W-W!" The two lay together for a while, sore, until Daring felt better. She got on top of the stallion, pinning him down. "How DARE you?! -- she bellowed. -- How dare you to steal what's not yours?!" The stallion tried to wiggle his way out, but failed. He ceased his wiggling, grunting in frustration.

Daring decided, it was awkward just to sit on top of him, and screamed at the top of her lungs: "Somepony, HELP!" She inhaled for another scream: "I HAVE CAUGHT A THIEF!!!" The thief, hearing that, tried yet one more time to squirm away, but Daring was alert and wouldn't let him go. Some ponies did answer her call and got closer. Questions started to pour: "What's the matter?" -- "What's he done?" -- "What's going on?"

"Folks, please! -- screamed the stallion to the crowd. -- Save me from her! She's crazy!" Daring, too dumbfounded to retort, remained silent, as murmurs started to bubble.

"Please! -- resumed the thief. -- Let me go!"

The crowd was unsure of what to do, until Daring decided finally to act:

"What??! Don't listen to him!"

"Please, listen to me!"

"You stole my bag!"

"That wasn't your bag!"

"The hay??!"

The stallion tried to free himself:

"Don't just stand around and do help me, please!"

Daring only gripped him more firmly.

"Guys! -- she shouted. -- That's the thief!"

"I ain't no thief!" -- screamed the stallion indignantly.

"Well, you!.. did!.. steal it!" -- she huffed out, as she tried to subjugate the squirming thief, while the crowd still couldn't decide, which side to join.

"Me??! YOU were the one, who had stolen it from!.."

But, realising something, he almost bit his tongue, as if he had just let an important secret slip. It didn't go unnoticed by Daring...

"Hey! What was that about?" -- she enquired. The pony only shut his lips and shook his head, desperate inside for Daring Do not to pry further.

Well... He knew Daring Do awfully.

Determined to discover the truth, Daring leant with all her weight upon the stallion, signifying he shouldn't go to anywhere and pinning him to the ground effectively. "Now, -- she said quietly to him, -- I presume, it's a secret, ain't it?" The thief only remained silent, all worried. "Then I can only... wish for you to spill the beans... bastard!"

The pony remained as stoic, as he'd been... but only for a few moments, as his face changed to that of surprise, as actual beans poured out of his pockets, literally spilling all over the place.

"The h??!.." -- tried Daring, failing to express her equal befuddlement. The crowd was confused as well and neared the centre of conflict to see all that closely.

Daring got off of the thief and reached for her saddle bag, which lay abandoned near the two.

"Gee, what the heck?! -- addressed she her genie, still concealed inside. -- Why did you do that?"

"I didn't! -- replied to her the thief, still confused, but now standing up and preparing to leave. -- I don't even know where they've all come from!"

"Nopony has asked you! -- turned to him Daring angrily. -- You had a simple task of spilling the beans, and!.."

"Well, who could have guessed it would have been actual beans!" -- resented the thief.

Daring almost opened her mouth to answer that... but remembered she'd wanted Gee to be a secret for a while, and didn't.

"Nev... never mind, -- she grumbled. -- I wanted to hear answers from you. What's unclear in that simple wish?" -- she asked with a stealth hint.

"Ha! Don't expect me to tell YOU of all ponies Ahuizotl hired me! -- retorted the thief cockily. -- I don't tell that stuff to the next-door pony! Besides, if his evil scheme were revealed -- wouldn't that defeat the whole purpose of trying to conceal such knowledge from you?" Daring only raised a bemused brow on her otherwise stoic face. "Do you even know, -- continued the stallion, -- how enraged he was, when he'd discovered the... lamp had been not what he'd expected it to be? Naturally he would hire a guy to hunt you down and to reclaim what's his! Of course, -- he puffed his chest, -- someone as skilful as me costs a price! He promised he'd shower me with wealth! Obviously that lamp must be something special -- not that I'd tell you why! 'Cause I don't know that myself! But that's my job, anyway, so you had better hand what you stole to me, so I could bring it to Ahuizotl, and he could proceed to his master plan! Woo-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!" -- he laughed maniacally, almost copying Ahuizotl's laughter, as far, as Daring could say.

"Alright, I think, you have told me enough, -- decided Daring. -- Bye!" With those words said she equipped her saddle bag and made to leave.

"Wait!" The thief realised, something had gone terribly wrong. "Gee, -- whispered Daring, -- teleport me home, but do that so nopony bothered with what has happened since my saddle bag had gotten stolen!"

"If you say so..." -- replied to her the genie.

"I... just don't understand, -- was Daring contemplating aloud, pacing that way, then the other. -- I requested of you to do not only what I'd wish for you to do, but what I'd tell you to do as well. You proved yourself obedient, when that thug tripped, -- she knit her eyebrows, -- then, when I wished he'd spilt the beans..." -- a pause followed. Gee was just floating before the now cross Daring Do, trying to look as innocent, as could be.

Daring stopped her pacing abruptly and faced the genie:

"What the heck was that about, Gee? What the heck?! -- she started to approach him. -- Do you not know the meaning of the saying "to spill the beans"??"

The genie folded his arms:

"Well! You said you wished he'd spilt them! So they were! Spilt! A... Wait, did you mean?.." -- he looked incredulous... and then keeled over, bursting out laughing: "Oh... Oh!.. But... but... of course, ha-ha! -- laughter. -- "To sp-spi-hi-hill the... beans!.."" -- laughter. After some time it died down a bit. "How could I not understand you! I... I must have!.." He calmed down. Daring stood, as cross, as she'd been, her gaze almost literally boring a hole in the genie. "Hey! -- he resented. -- Stop boring me!"

Daring was taken aback by that:

"Are you saying... I-I'm boring?!"

But, before she realised what the genie meant, the latter beat her to it:

"No, you were quite entertaining in fact back then... "To spill the beans", he-he-hee", -- he giggled, and then continued: "But, honestly, had I... -- a popping sound, -- ...been allowed to be entertained... I believe... there might have... -- another pop, -- ...been a bit more, than all of those beans..." -- he revealed to have been popping beans into existence.

...Daring realised, he was trying to make a bean pun, sighed, lowered her head, lifted her hoof to her forehead and said:

"I don't even know... what you are trying to achieve by making those".

"Why! -- replied to her Gee. -- To achieve a bean soup of course!"

Daring only facehoofed.

"Humph! -- harrumphed the genie. -- As if you achieved something... by those beans!" -- pausing, he grinned and continued: "...By those "would've beans"!"

No sooner did Daring manage to facehoof one more time, than a "rim-shot", courtesy of Gee, rang.

"Anyway, -- decided Daring to progress, -- I still think you did that on purpose! How COULD you misinterpret it like THAT??"

"Oh, but he did spill them! Metaphorically, I mean! -- he blurted, lest Daring showed her fury. -- And you know you shouldn't relax".

"Yes, indeed, -- answered Daring somewhat absent-mindedly. -- So, Ahuizotl decided he should have the lamp, no matter what... Well, then! -- she turned to Gee. -- Can't I get rid of this problem once and for all?"

"Uh-h-h, but..."

"No "buts"! -- interrupted Daring him. -- He's a pain alright!"

"He's the chance for you to finish your story! -- pleaded the genie. -- How don't you see that?!"

Daring stopped at that and considered. Indeed, her genie tale was mere fiction; an actual genie hadn't been supposed to appear in it! But real life dictated its own rules... and was serving her an adventure. It seemed, her and Ahuizotl's rivalry wasn't over yet...

"Alright, -- she decided. -- It seems valid. Looks, like my adventure isn't over yet".

"It's FAR from being over, Mistress! -- exclaimed Gee enthusiastically. -- Haven't I been telling you that since... W-well, since today, but, uh... Wow, it sure looks like it's been over a week ago!"

Daring shook her head mildly:

"Ugh-h-h, Gee. -- she exhaled. -- Your impatience is so childish I can't believe it!"

"I am reasonable, yes, -- replied to her Gee, -- but if you had spent a whole eternity deprived of... Well! -- he waved his genie hand in a motion, as if to say "forget that last part". -- ...Then wouldn't you have been hungry to get back at it and to catch up with everything you'd have missed?! Huh?? Well, I am!"

"Alright, geez! -- Daring lifted her forehooves in a stopping manner, cracking up a smile. -- Wouldn't want you to die of all the excitement".

"I'm the only Gee around here", -- said Gee, a bit confused.

Daring blinked:

"Yes (?)".

"Then... Well, then say it that way".

"Which way?"

""Alright, Gee"".

Daring broke out laughing. "Gee, he-he-hee! It's..." She choked, trying to calm down. When she managed that, she explained: ""Geez" isn't, he-hee, the plural of your name!"

"It isn't?.. -- echoed Gee, frowning a bit. -- How odd. It should be".

Suspending all of the shenanigans for now, Daring decided, it was about time to start writing her adventure down. For that she'd need to play the role of a hero... even if reluctantly.

"Alright, -- she said, -- so what will it be next?"

"Well, the goal is to protect the lamp from being stolen".

"Maybe, I shouldn't carry it all the time, don't you think?"

"Oh, please! Where should I hide then?"

Daring tapped her chin in thought:

"I don't know... Wait, I do know! -- she exclaimed and made a gesture, which only lacked a lightbulb above her hoof. -- I remember, the temple your lamp resided in had a trap set for those, who might want to steal it".

"You would remember", -- nodded Gee.

Daring cringed slightly, recalling her quest and imagining, what would have happened, if Ahuizotl hadn't snatched the fake lamp, when the room had collapsed. Then again, even if he hadn't, nothing would have changed: she wouldn't have had the map of the labyrinth, so she would have had to team up with Ahuizotl, and, well, you get the point: all is well that ends well in the end, isn't it?

Daring emerged from her recollections, shaking her head:

"Anyway, if someone made a fake lamp just to fool those like me... -- she flushed a bit from slight embarrassment. -- ...Then, well, we might do one as well? What do you think, Gee?"

The genie considered, although he seemed to like the idea already:

"Well... Alright, you know? A fake lamp that be! Do you wish for me to summon one?"

Daring rolled her eyes, reminded of the original necessity of having actually to wish something came true:

"Yes, I do, Gee".

"And here you have it!"

Unbeknownst to both, far away from Daring Do's house was Ahuizotl's lair. For an average pony it might seem a dark place. Ominous even. Not for the likes of Stealth Pun, who, despite his name (or, perhaps, according to it), could not make a pun, even if his life depended on it. Some curious minds asked themselves the question: why was his name Stealth Pun? Some did a research and discovered, that his full name was actually Stealthy Unexpected Punishment and that his parents' occupation was to bring justice in Equestria. This sounded quite ironic, for Stealthy had become a thief. Why? Perhaps, he believed, by stealing some things from the other he brought justice? Who's to know? But some preferred actually to believe, his full name was indeed Stealth Pun, because his name, ironically, had turned out to be itself a stealth pun, albeit not so obvious one (naturally!). Seriously, if he were to shorten his name, it would become "Stealthy U. Pun.", and when a pony tells you his name is "Stealthy U. Pun.", what do you answer to that? Don't know, huh? "Wow, so stealthy, I myself haven't noticed!"... Um... Awkward silence? Alright... Anyway, one day he ended up having shortened his name just to "Stealthy Pun.", and where the "y" went to -- who's to say? Maybe, that was, because nopony could answer, why his name had become like this? Alright, let's not overpun this, for this one is a serious and quite ominous place!

Again, the likes of Stealth Pun were not so easily intimidated by something about every villain had done to death: just by the looks of it one could safely say, it was a villain's abode. Why, it might seem, successful writers came to his dwelling place just to describe what it looked like -- so perfectly did it fit the typical evil overlord's apartment's description!

This time, however, Stealth Pun was shivering. His boss, whom he worked for recently, was about to ask him of his mission's outcome. What was he to report? He had failed! He wasn't even sure, why he had told that mare everything! What force had made him spill the beans -- both literally and metaphorically?!

"So?! How did it go?!" He jumped in surprise -- that was his boss speaking. Alright, the time had come... May Celestia forgive him for everything! "Oh, if only you wouldn't have made me an outlaw!" -- exclaimed he internally, hoping simultaneously, the sun princess both did and didn't hear him...

"WHAT??!!"

The stallion folded his ears, both in fear and to protect his sense of hearing. "How COULD you?!!" -- was Ahuizotl raging. The poor pony made to try to explain himself, but Ahuizotl seemed not ready for any sort of explanation.

When he did, however, ask him to elaborate, whatever might have caused the pony to have failed...

"W-well... -- proceeded Stealth. -- Y-you see..."

...Far away from Daring Do's house was Ahuizotl's lair (again).

Inside that lair were Ahuizotl himself and his henchpony. The latter had failed his mission and was now awaiting whatever his boss would decide upon his fate. The former (that is, said boss)... was facepalming so dedicatedly he could have punched right through his face.

"...A... -- words wouldn't come to Ahuizotl. -- Ugh-h-h..."

The henchpony stood timidly. What else might he do?

"Would you care to enlighten me, -- asked Ahuizotl gently, his facepalm persisting, -- HOW??!"

"Sir", -- was Stealth about to...

"OF ALL THE THINGS TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HAVE HAPPENED -- THIS!!! -- he shrieked ear-piercingly. The poor pony once again folded his ears, clutching to them. -- THIS IS!.. THE! MOST! STUPID THING!!! To have happened to you", -- he finished, exhausted.

Stealth was by then trembling noticeably. "I admit it! -- he tried, despite his voice shaking. -- That was stupid, boss! I-I'm not the f-faulty one! Y-yes, you see... I... I-I didn't know!.. what in the WORLD had me!!"

"Excuses, excuses! -- grumbled Ahuizotl. -- CURSE them for being so pathetic!!!" The pony flinched, fear on his face. "You idiot had one. Simple. Task. To perform! -- Ahuizotl rose from the chair he'd been sitting upon. -- And you failed it!!!" The poor stallion whimpered. "I shall now decide your fate! Hm-m-m..." -- he mused.

Fearing the worst, poor Stealth started panickedly: "But, sir, I wouldn't have failed you! I could have even gotten away with the lamp! -- he ranted, desperate for something to work! -- My acting skills, sir! The crowd could not decide, if it should have helped Daring Do or me! That's a mastery one could only wish for his henchpony to have!.."

Ahuizotl flinched. Busy with inventing the worst punishment imaginable, he had missed his exact words, and there had been something, something he couldn't place his claw upon... He furrowed his brow, putting all effort now into trying to figure that out, neither hearing Stealth's pleas, nor proceeding with the punishment.

There was just something way too important... Something everything was depending on now!.. But what?!..

Sighing in frustration, Ahuizotl decided he'd better have moved along. He cast his gaze upon the minion that was nearly sweeping the floor with his body in his pleas.

"Tell me, -- spoke Ahuizotl, -- was there something that was... well... -- he motioned his hand, not finding words to describe it. -- Well..."

"Like what, boss?" -- perked up Stealth, visibly relieved nothing had so far gone wrong or terribly wrong!

"Well... -- continued Ahuizotl. -- You see... Uh... Well, retell, how it went!" -- he finished impatiently.

"Yes, sir! -- Stealth hopped onto his hooves in joy. -- When you gave me my mission..."

"Scratch that!!! -- shrieked Ahuizotl. -- Go straight to the part, where you failed!"

Stealth shuffled, embarrassed: "Y-yeah, r-right... So..."

"...Honestly, had it not been for all the strange things, which happened... No, the beans spilling? Really??.. And then I... started all of a sudden... against my will, sir!.. to tell..."

By this point Ahuizotl hadn't still figured out what had been so important he'd missed back then. It infuriated him, to say the least. He hadn't snapped only because he'd felt that little detail would emerge. Barely concealing a sigh, he rolled that last couple of sentences in his mind. Strange things, yeah, it was indeed a mystery. But that was only the indication something had gone wrong! What had exactly?!

And then there were the beans. Admittedly he had almost chuckled at that. Who could have thought of it? Had he carried the beans all the while?

"Tell me, -- spoke Ahuizotl to Stealth, -- are you sure your name given to you wasn't spot-on?"

Stealth stopped his report abruptly:

"Huh? My name? What about it, sir?"

"Why, were you carrying those beans that whole time?"

"No, sir. I was as surprised, as the ponies around were".

"That's what I don't understand... -- muttered Ahuizotl. -- Had that been you, I would have understood that... -- he paused and stared at Stealth meaningfully, -- ...stealth pun that occurred".

Thankfully, no "rim-shots" rang after that, otherwise Stealth Pun might have been insulted. Deeply. Profusely. He only managed to half-smile cringily, to please his boss: "Sure, boss. But that wasn't me. (A pity, -- he mumbled. -- That'd have been gold. This is why I'm not a comedian)", -- he sighed.

Ahuizotl strained his mind. This mystery was unsolvable! And that pun!

"Was Daring Do assisted by somepony", -- muttered Ahuizotl to himself.

"No, sir, -- replied to him Stealth, -- she was all alone. In fact, have I not mentioned she was as surprised, as me?"

"But that's NONSENSICAL! -- exclaimed Ahuizotl. -- If I had been there, carrying with me a l..."

And suddenly it hit him!

"Hold on... What did she say before the bean incident?"

Stealth furrowed his brow, trying to remember it obediently:

"She... said to me to spill the beans".

"Yes, but... did she by any chance wish for you to spill the beans?"

This question caught Stealth off guard. He considered, then shook his head: "Forgive me, sir, but I don't remember her exact words". Ahuizotl hardly resisted the urge to throw a temper tantrum at this inconvenience. Stealth shrank a little, seeing his boss' fury...

"Alright, -- squeaked Ahuizotl. -- That might explain everything..."

"Forgive me, sir?" -- raised Stealth an unsure brow.

"Don't you get it?! -- barked Ahuizotl, but remembered something and bit his tongue. -- O-of course you wouldn't". He sighed, to show his discontent. "Yet... -- continued he. -- Despite your failure I... shall give you another task".

"Oh! I won't let you down, sir!" -- exclaimed joyous Stealth.

Ahuizotl only sneered:

"You'd better, you nincompoop!"

Stealth shivered at that slightly and nodded with some effort, gulping (but not so visibly).

"Then this is your new task! -- commanded Ahuizotl him. -- You must spy on Daring Do and figure out where she hides that lamp! Then I'll try to steal it from her myself! And be careful: someone must be screwing with her mind, for I have my suspicions, she thinks there REALLY is a GENIE from the lamp!"

"No sh... -rimps at the market any more! -- exclaimed a stunned Stealth. -- Really?!"

Ahuizotl nodded slowly:

"Yes, she lets someone naively pull a fast one on her. A long and drawn-out fast one! -- he smirked. -- In fact, I have a perfect plan to fool her!" -- and he cackled.

"Sir! -- addressed Stealth him. -- If I may..."

"Yes?"

"What... what, if there is a genie inside there?"

Ahuizotl only laughed dismissively: "Oh, you silly head! I would pinch your cheek!.. were you not so pathetically STUPID!" -- he roared, and Stealth was sent flying a few feet back. "I have searched for a magic lamp the spirits know for how long -- and have found nothing! There only have been fakes! -- he started pacing in frustration. -- But that last one promised me so much! Daring Do was hunting it as well! But I got ahead of her, -- he posed triumphantly, -- for I am Ahuizotl, and there's never been ANYONE to match me!" -- he stood, as if basking in the rays of the pouring glory, then continued, dropping the act: "I got a hold of it, checked it for containing a genie -- and do you know what?" -- he stared at Stealth expectantly. Then: "Nothing. Nothing! So I decided to throw that away initially, but reconsidered. I noticed, it might be of some value even without a genie. So I kept it". He paced some more, until stopping for a dramatic effect: "And then she sneaked in and stole it!!!" -- he shrieked, so loudly Stealth clutched his ears once again. "How durst she?!!"

"But isn't she named Daring?"

Ahuizotl paused, blinked, and then:

"SHUT UP!!! Your puns aren't STEALTHY at ALL!!!"

Stealth recovered from the shock and slid his hoof over his mane to get it back to the shape it'd been in, before Ahuizotl's bellow had styled it with a gust of wind.

"If... -- continued Ahuizotl, after some time had passed. -- If she stole it for a genie... well, she's got nothing. I had rubbed it, until there almost was a HOLE -- and NO GENIE WHATSOEVER!" He took a breath to calm down: "But someone decided, apparently, to amuse her... and now she believes there IS a genie inside!" Anger overwhelmed him. He shook before regaining control. "So be careful out there". He approached the henchpony: "I can only hope you'll live it up to your name... Stealth".

Chapter 5. Got ya!

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A couple of days passed, and Daring began to worry: Ahuizotl hadn't made his move. Meanwhile her time was running out: Letterpress had said to her, that her book had been due. Very due. So now she was in the publishing house that published her books. There was a talk between her and Letterpress. She had shown him the tale of her quest, but that was not sufficient. Specifically Letterpress complained it was leaving too much potential:

"As a writer you must understand this better, than me: Daring Do must retrieve the lamp. Which she does. And? -- he paused, expecting an answer. -- The lamp is just calling for an adventure!"

"And that'll be in the sequel", -- answered to him Daring.

The publisher looked at her, unamused:

"You tell basically, more is coming in the next book of yours?? Well, for your information, if I were but a fan... I would scoff at this as at a joke! -- he snorted. -- Daring had rubbed the lamp and mastered the wishing... well, somewhat", -- he mumbled. Daring almost forgot nopony knew she was Daring, but rather knew she was Daring's creator and the author of the "Daring Do" series -- and nearly made a retort regarding her mastering the wishing, but remembered to bite her tongue back. Oops, she thought to herself. "That's, you know, -- continued Letterpress, -- just the beginning of the adventure!"

"Yes... So they tell me!" -- sighed Daring with a hint of mild annoyance in her voice, rolling her eyes.

"Who?? Have you... told??!" -- almost shrieked the publisher in disbelief.

"No! -- hurried Daring to calm him down. -- No, I haven't! But, well... O-other writers have been telling me about how they encounter bad fanfiction, and, well, -- you know how fanfiction is", -- she said, smiling sheepishly, as if she had been responsible for the bad fanfiction.

Letterpress only hummed.

"Well, be careful: nopony's publishing house pays you as much, as mine!" -- he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "Thanks, -- thought Daring to herself, as if reminded of that not so important fact once again. -- I'll remember that!"

"So. There must be more..."

"Couldn't you at least release a teaser? -- pleaded Daring Do. -- There's only an outline for the adventure! Imagine: somepony -- or not a pony -- wants to steal the lamp! The heroine must protect it!"

"Alright, that's something, -- commended Letterpress her. -- And then? The bad guy steals it eventually, but Daring does the impossible and fights for the lamp? Then she wishes the bad guy away! And rights the wrongs he'd have done! And then the tale must resolve: either the genie gets freed... Right? Or something else..."

...Daring stood, impressed. "That... -- let she out, -- that isn't actually a bad idea! But... uh, wouldn't that impose a danger for Equestria as we know it?" -- she asked unsurely.

"Why, su-u-ure! -- reassured Letterpress her. -- Everypony loves it, when she saves another day! The griever the danger, the better!"

But Daring wasn't so sure about that. Of course, she did save Equestria from the perils Ahuizotl would cook up...

"If you do that, miss Yearling, I'll do the teaser, -- promised Letterpress her. -- So... deal?"

"Well... I... I'll... d-do... s-something, y-yeah", -- she said nervously. -- Something epic... yeah..."

"Only you can do that!" -- smiled to her Letterpress and waved her a good-bye.

So they parted. Daring, however, was still doubting that offer.

"Why don't you write something fictitious? For once?" -- enquired Gee from her. Yes, he was hidden from everypony's eyes in the fake lamp he had conjured for Daring, because being carried by her around was the only entertainment he'd had recently.

"Gee, -- muttered Daring to him, not ceasing her trot, -- let it be known to you, that my adventures are all the real ones, and this is the book about your adventure! That is, my genie adventure, Gee! I retrieved the lamp -- and bam! a genie appeared! Naturally the adventure isn't over yet! But... I... don't actually... wish for anything..."

"That is your problem, -- pointed Gee out. -- Aladdin would make the wildest wishes! Oh!.. The things he wished!.."

"Gee. I'm not Aladdin! -- reminded Daring him. -- And why do you keep mentioning him, huh? Did you actually serve him once?"

"No. So? I know the tale! In fact, back in my world I knew a fellow being, who had a job as a genie..."

"Wait, -- Daring almost tumbled, -- a job??"

"Why, yes. A sick mind, really. I don't get them. That's humiliating!"

For a moment Daring felt bad for Gee. The poor being never wished to fulfil the others' wishes. It was, in fact, a punishment of a sort. But how could she make him happy? It was, after all, not up to her to decide, whether to let him go or not. Despite how much Gee wished for the opposite to happen, he might not free himself, even if his master wished to let him. Not, that Daring wished: the lamp had told her, exactly why Gee had been confined, and she had made up her mind, that he had in fact deserved that. Perhaps, it might have been better, if she hadn't discovered the lamp in that wretched room she had wandered into, when she had been lost in that labyrinth.

But she just hadn't the heart to wish that right in Gee's face. What would that look like? "Gee, I wish I had sent the lamp back..." Wait, no, then Ahuizotl might have returned to study the temple's ruins more thoroughly and have discovered the lamp, which was the whole point of her quest. So... Perhaps, "I wish Ahuizotl hadn't stolen the map from me" would do? No, then the wish would have to be very complicated.

Daring shook her head: no, she mustn't send the lamp away. If only she could come up with a wish that would lift this burden off her shoulders!..

"So, -- the genie's voice returned her to reality, -- why are you bothered so much? You are a writer, aren't you? Well! What's the first thing a writer learns?"

Daring considered that:

"Huh. Well... A writer must know the written language..."

"No-no, the first thing they learn".

"Uh... How to hold a quill?.."

"No, I say "the first thing"!"

Daring paused, confused:

"Uh... The... the material they must write on?"

The genie, though unseen, lowered his head, as if facing a nuisance, and clicked his tongue in disappointment:

""The characters MUST face a challenge"! If it's an adventure -- there MUST be a challenge! Take yourself, for example: you have to weather the weather, whether you like it or not!"

"Whether it be fine or not", -- caught Daring on for him, chuckling at the suddenly brought-up tongue twister.

"Yeah! No matter the actual weather as well a hero MUST enter a whole new world! He must face an obstacle, overcome it and claim his award. Only then may he return home and have a very normal, ordinary life, ya hear!"

Daring let out a laugh:

"OK, geez, the nerve of you!"

"Come on! You wished to see your adventure, and here you have it! You find the lamp, there resides a genie, but now Ahuizotl's after you to claim the lamp!.. Isn't it what you wished for?"

"Well, I beg your pardon! I must commit my book, and the only thing Ahuizotl has done is trying to steal my lamp! He's been quiet and lying low ever since!.. Which is probably a good thing, you know: I've actually been thinking: endangering Equestria by letting a villain near a magic lamp... doesn't look like something a hero would do..."

The only response to that was a derisive snort:

"Pft! Where I come from that stuff happens every single time we decide to have some fun! And you know fun can't be had, if the plot, well, ends, before it's begun! And YOU of all the ponies MUST know: to make progress, one introduces a problem or two, and then watches the hero try to plough through! You? Worried about the fate of a mere land? Ha-ha! Don't make me laugh!"

"You think it a laughing matter?? -- shot Daring back in anger. -- This is not a mere land, you! If that were so... Darn, Gee, I don't even know what's there in your head, but it's got to be some sick, pardon my language, mind you've got there! You sound even more evil, than all my enemies put together have ever sounded!"

She finished, panting slightly from her outburst. Silence enveloped their surroundings for a while...

"Alright, Gee..."

"A sick mind, you say... Well... Be glad its wielder mayn't do, as he wishes! Or he'd show you!.."

"Alright! Uh..."

"Do you know the nature of evil?? I'd think you did!"

"Gee".

"Call me evil: that's what I am, because I plot stuff to happen, so you could write a damn book!"

"Gee!"

"No hero can live without a villain, so heroes come after villains! C'est la vie, you know".

"Gee-ee-ee! -- shouted Daring out, forgetting completely about her surroundings. -- Oops, excuse me! It must be really improper of me! My apologies, I wish I hadn't shouted it out like that!" -- said she to those, who turned their heads at her screaming.

Be careful as to what you wish for!

...Daring felt dizzy. Had she been daydreaming?

"Nice one, -- muttered the genie gloomily. -- I might not have wished wiser".

"What? Huh? Did you notice something?"

The genie only chuckled, somewhat darkly:

"I? Yes, I did, certainly! You've never "shouted it out like that", never gathered any attention and never had to apologise for your shouting out. But you did, however, gather my attention and have to apologise... or so I wish".

"Oh. Apologise? For what?"

The genie only sighed dejectedly. Puzzled, Daring kept silent in awkwardness, trying to revive her suddenly blurred memories.

Meanwhile so far away from Vanhoover it couldn't even be seen from that distance -- a conversation was taking place...

"So?!"

"Sir, as you said, I've spied on her and may know where she keeps the lamp".

"WHERE?!"

"...Uh. So, I heard her muttering something, and she seemed really to talk to whoever was messing with her, so it must be it! Sir, she must keep it within her reach!"

"WHERE exactly, darn you!"

"But, sir... Within her reach! Literally! She wouldn't part with it at any place! She takes it to a walk, and when at home, she won't take it out! Weird... She must be obsessed with it..."

"No, you fool, that's because she is WARY of thieves!"

Stealth lowered his head, ashamed. He couldn't still forget that time he had blurted it all out. How could he?! That was a mystery he hadn't given up trying to solve. What would make him -- he cringed -- spill the beans? "I swear, -- he thought to himself, -- I'm gonna hate anything bean-related for the rest of my life! Well, bye-bye to the bean soup, I guess. That's just oh so perfect!" -- he thought sarcastically. He didn't realise it, but he had just lived it up to his name...

"So, -- awakened Ahuizotl him from his thoughts, -- in order to steal it, I have to get close to her? Oh, GREAT!!!"

The pony flinched.

"Yeah, -- he said, -- in fact, she's only vulnerable, while sleeping, but even then she keeps the lamp so close to her there's no chance of fishing it out. Really!"

Ahuizotl mulled it over: "Hm..." -- but then he took notice suddenly of something: "WAIT! "While sleeping"?! YOU KNOW WHERE SHE SLEEPS??!"

This honestly scared Stealth a bit, he even crouched a little, but did answer:

"Um... Y-yes!.. A-as you ordered me, I-I spied on her and, w-well, I f-found out her l-living place..."

Ahuizotl jumped up and clapped his hands:

"Well! WHAT are we waiting FOR?!! If she never leaves her precious lamp, then she's going to go with it!" He stepped closer to his henchpony and put his hand on his shoulder: "Come on, my little pony! -- he made a motion with his other hand, as if showing the perplexed Stealth a beautiful landscape. -- We have a mare to capture!!"

"...Uh-h-h... S-sir... W-when y-you say it th-that way... -- he rubbed his neck's back in embarrassment. -- Well..."

"Talking, talking!" -- grumbled Ahuizotl impatiently, grabbed the pony by his withers and was off!

...then returned back, released the pony and asked him:

"So?! Where does she sleep?!"

"Sir, I'm not supposed to know that! -- exclaimed poor stallion, his cheeks reddening, as he thought about entering right into Daring Do's bedroom uninvited -- and that'd be creepy, he thought. -- I-I-I have n-never BEEN to her r-room! Sir! Do you keep me for a m... m-mare stalker?!" -- he asked indignantly, flushing all the same.

"What, I've thought you to be a stallion! Don't male ponies stalk female ponies?? Huh??"

"They... don't stalk them, sir!.."

"Oh, great, then whom do they stalk?!"

"Sir!.. I-I d-don't think they..."

"Listen, pony. I wouldn't hire a pony like that! The fact I hired YOU must mean, you ARE a stallion! And stallions are KNOWN to stalk MARES! Now LEAD THE WAY!!!"

Whimpering, poor Stealth, still trying to explain he hadn't meant he'd stalked stallions instead of mares, but rather that he'd not stalked anypony, proceeded to showing Ahuizotl the way to Daring Do's humble abode. By the time they would get to there it wouldn't be even evening, much less night... Still... When Daring Do returned, she would be in for a surprise!..

Daring was walking, her head low. She felt down: for some reason Gee was in a bad mood and seemed insulted by her. But what had she done?? She could not remember that, try, as she might.

There had been a conversation... They had been discussing her book... Yeah... And that she had better not have endangered Equestria... Yeah, that had been her worry... But then what had she said?.. Why was Gee so... dejected-looking? She had tried asking him about it, but he'd been unclear. That felt awful, because she couldn't even say, what she'd done wrong! How can one apologise, if he doesn't know, for what?

It bugged her, but answers wouldn't come, so the only thing left was to trot onward to whatever business she might have. For that day she'd only planned to meet Letterpress and to discuss her book with him. Indeed, her book was due, and what had she got? A mere outline of her adventure? By the way, what was Ahuizotl planning? -- she thought. She'd need to be prepared for whatever evil scenario he might have planned!

With those troubling thoughts she was approaching her house, her mind busy, and mood not light at all. She was going to sit it all through and to figure out, what to do, but no sooner did she come to the door any closer, than!..

A cloth was thrown on her head, so her vision was, well... worsened, and she heard somepony's voice... or rather, than somepony's...

"Ha! Surprise, mother of the children of the sun!.. Which may be the sun itself, if one considers the sun a she, but... what, if the sun is actually a father??? Ah, CURSE them for never stating THAT in the folklore!!!" -- cried Ahuizotl victoriously, as he was subjugating the squirming Daring Do, while trying to monologue thoughtfully on the subject of the sun's gender. Truly, when you say it rises or shines, it is rather hard to tell, if "it" refers to "her" or to "him"...

"OW!!!" Ahuizotl had just received a punch in his guts, because Daring was not one to be still, while being abducted. She almost freed herself, in fact, of the bag, although Ahuizotl was having none of that: "Oh, no, you don't!!!" -- then to his henchpony: "What are you STANDING THERE FOR??! I require assistance!!!"

Naturally Stealth was not to be asked twice, especially if it was his boss demanding help... He waisted no time in running promptly to the wrestling duo... and knocking the blindfolded mare on her head! What had Daring left to do? She nearly slipped into unconsciousness; as a matter of fact, her vision blurred a little -- not, that she had much of vision, what with the bag still over her head! She felt her head hurt -- and a sudden urge to take a day-off for the next week. Just so she could relax and do nothing... Could she really do MUCH, when her head hurt like that?

"To your service, sir!" -- barked an enthusiastic Stealth, almost standing at the ready.

"Alright! What are you WAITING for?!! -- barked Ahuizotl in response, somewhat displeased, that that simple solution hadn't come to his mind. -- Help me to tie her!"

It would be some time, before Daring would come to her senses. Her head had been a mess -- not because of her hairstyle, but rather of her head hurting. She had just wanted to lie there, immobile, and to forget about everything. She wouldn't even budge, not even stir...

She was being dragged on the ground. Her head's back could tell that. An occasional root would go all the way up her spine and hit her eventually on her head. It'd hurt. Ow. The ground was scraping her skin, and her wings felt some terrible discomfort. An attempt to try to open them would not do anything useful -- only tell her they were restrained.

She clenched her teeth and, hissing, tried to free herself. To no avail.

"Sir, if I may..."

"What is it?!"

"Um-m-m... Sir? She's... waking up..."

Daring felt her hind legs drop, and she stopped moving. The ground stopped scraping her, much to her relief.

"Now, now! Look, who's awakened! -- said Ahuizotl tauntingly, his voice filled with joy. -- Allow me to brief you: you are in a forest! Far away from your home! With no one to help you out! Ha! At my mercy!!"

He was almost beaming with joy. At long last his ancient foe was at his feet, and the lamp she'd stolen right from-under his nose was now within mere inches away from him! That elicited his trademark villainous laughter from him: "Woo-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-a-a!"

"Yeah! -- cheered Stealth, joyous himself as well. -- Go, boss!"

"Gee..." -- moaned Daring in a whisper.

"Ha! And now -- for my most victorious moment!" -- resumed Ahuizotl. He cleared the ground around him, then assumed a dramatic pose, as if he'd been performing on stage. He looked solemn. Then after a pause he began:

"It'd be hard. Very hard, in fact. Poor me was doing his best to award himself with a delicious victory!" He turned sharply to Daring and pointed an accusatory finger at her: "But YOU! YOU stole my precious award!!!"

"Oh-h-h, -- moaned Daring once more, for her head hurt still. -- Ahuizotl... have you lost it this time?.."

"Oh! You would NEVER admit it! -- Ahuizotl pretended to weep with dramatic flare. -- Anything, so you might have the lamp! But what's this trinket to you?!"

Daring tried to rub her forehead, but was reminded she was still tied up. She sighed:

"Alright. So, even I can say: if it were a mere trinket, you wouldn't have kidnapped me. Now, please, may I go home? Also could you point me to the next taxi stop to there? I'm also a bit broke, -- she smiled sheepishly. -- Would you mind my asking you to borrow me a dozen bits? I-I promise I'll return them!" -- she begged.

Stealth was trying to stifle a laugh, watching this scene unfold, while Ahuizotl was frozen in disbelief.

"Wh... what?! are you DOING?!! -- he shrieked, enraged. -- This is MY primetime, NOT YOURS!!!"

With those words said, not willing to perform an act any longer, he leapt at Daring's bound form and clasped a hand over her mouth.

"Quickly, Stealth! Bring me something to shut her mouth!"

The henchpony didn't make him wait for long:

"Here, boss! A handkerchief any lady would be swooning over and dreaming of getting!"

"FOOL!!! She's not worth being treated as a lady!!!"

All Daring could do was crying muffled screams in indignation.

"But -- whatever! Come on and bring that damn piece of cloth already!!"

Stealth flinched, but obeyed and hoofed it to his boss.

"Don't STAND waving this at me! I want you to SILENCE her!!"

The pony hurried to tie Daring Do's mouth shut, lest his boss had a stroke.

"And now -- behold!"

Ahuizotl, having exclaimed that, reached his hands into Daring's clothing and began rummaging in there.

"Oh, boss! -- uttered Stealth with slight concern. -- You have no manners!"

Ahuizotl only growled:

"Have I not called you "fool" enough?.. Does being a villain NOT entitle me to do nasty things?! -- he paused, as if waiting for an answer, but didn't bother. -- Now WATCH, LEST SHE ESCAPE!!!"

Daring wished internally she could have shielded her screaming-in-pain ears, whose screaming was doing nothing to alleviate the ringing in her head. As if Ahuizotl's rummaging hadn't been enough! That didn't actually feel nasty, thank Celestia! But knowing there was Gee inside a lamp made her a bit queasy. Her heart was skipping from the thrill, and she was feeling a cold running down her skin.

Plus, what was the most annoying thing among the other -- Ahuizotl's rummaging was tickling her, and she was tied up and could do nothing about that! Not even scream for mercy, because her mouth, as it may be remembered, was sealed with a handkerchief! Well, she could at least scream muffledly, but what would be the point? And so she couldn't help her squirming, although Ahuizotl seemed to be mistaking that for being uncooperative and tried to cease her movements. Obviously that wasn't helping. And the moment Daring thought she was about to explode because of that...

"Ha! Here it is!!!"

Ahuizotl had finally found the lamp in the most unusual place -- in her saddlebag -- grabbed it and raised it for the world to see his success. The lamp even shone to emphasise that.

"Oh! Tremble now, thou a pathetic excuse for a pony! For thou canstn't stop me now! WOO-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-A-A!"

This shriek of laughter shook the trees and startled a flock of birds (a several few, actually), as Stealth and even Daring stared at Ahuizotl in small shock.

"Sir?.." -- probed Stealth.

"Quiet!!! You must not interrupt my celebration!!"

The pony had to slam his mouth shut at that.

It was unknown, for how much longer Ahuizotl would express his joy, until... he noticed the look in Daring Do's eyes. It bore calmness... a little bit of smugness even... If one were to make a pun, one might say, her look bore, pardon it, boredom -- because she just looked, as if she knew, what was about to happen. This, in all honesty, puzzled Ahuizotl. He thought, if he had been in her place, he would have been at least terrified at his downfall. Come on! When his adversaries had been defeating him, he wouldn't have been so CALM!

He suspended his celebration, stepped closer to his tied-up opponent, bent over her, looked right into her eyes and asked her in displeasure:

"You! Haven't you realised it by now?! Must you always be so dense?! I am VICTORIOUS! I can BLOW you on spot!!"

"S-sir... M-might I ask you a question?"

"WHAT IS IT?!! Do you not see I am not getting enough out of my defeated enemy?!!"

This made poor Stealth flinch for the umpteenth time that day.

"Th-that is it, boss! Th-the lamp is in your possession. Must she really fear of something dangerous?.. I-it's not, as if y-you had j-just laid your c-claws upon a w-weapon?.."

He began trembling slightly in fear of his boss doing something unpleasant to him for his stupidity.

...But nothing came. Ahuizotl only stood there, and an apparently mischievous look in his eyes had to tell Stealth he was missing something, like a henchpony was supposed to.

"I-I feel so dumb, boss..." -- he mumbled and lowered his head in shame.

"Oh... So you are, Stealth, so you are!.. -- said Ahuizotl with a knowing nod and a crooked smile. -- For, you see... -- he stretched his arm and brought the lamp forth. -- This is no ordinary lamp! You had no idea... but you know, how it is: the staff must not know more, than their master! In fact, they must know even less! Now -- enough of this!"

He assumed a stance, lowered the lamp and prepared to rub it:

"Here comes the ge-e-enie-e-e!"

Smoke came whirling from-inside the lamp and started to envelope Ahuizotl and the area around him, expanding.

Ahuizotl laughed -- not his trademark laughter, but just a regular villainous laughter. He was slowly fading into the smoke. Stealth was standing nearby, astonished. He felt, as though the world had just turned upside down: had... had this lamp REALLY contained a GENIE for this whole TIME??!

"So... Boss! Has it been true?? As I recall... you told me there was NO genie in there! Wow, -- he told himself, -- this actually changes the price! I must get more, boss! You hear? Besides, -- he told himself once again, -- this has just gotten interesting! I mean -- AN ACTUAL GENIE?!"

Daring, who had been meanwhile lying there, tied-up and gagged, only rolled her eyes. If she could have, she would have said, that he should have probably gotten used to it, because that was what she had done.

In fact, she was scared a bit: the smoke coming out? Gee, what are you doing?

But she was worried for none: the smoke, with a sudden coughing sound, stopped coming out abruptly; only little puffs thereof were let out, as if the lamp had been coughing and spitting them out, -- and then a gurgling sound was made, as the smoke dissipated.

"Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha... ha-ha-ha... ha-ha... ha?.." -- Ahuizotl's laughter died down, as he noticed no genie had come.

Silence settled down. Nobody moved for a while...

And then Daring lost it. The gag over her mouth was only severing the situation, as she could hardly breathe as it was: so hard she was laughing!

"Im... Impossible! -- wheezed Ahuizotl in utter confusion. He shook the lamp vigorously, desperate for it to work: "WHY WON'T YOU WORK?!" -- he shrieked.

Daring, meanwhile, was on the verge of slipping into unconsciousness: the laughter had not died a pitch. Despite her feeble attempts to get a grip and to calm down the look on Ahuizotl's face!.. It was insufferable! Pure gold!

Perhaps, it might have been the end of Daring Do, had Stealth not come over and assisted her. He loosened the gag slightly, as to allow for air to come more freely, then attempted slapping her face lightly to get her to her senses.

"Madame? Pardon me, if I am intrusive, but you look... um... livid? You must be choking!"

As he was trying to get Daring well, Ahuizotl was in the meantime throwing a tantrum. Because the lamp had been fake! He had thrown the vessel on the ground and was now stomping on it with both of his feet. His face... Well... With a face like that he might even have cried. He was letting out screams of pity and... resentment?

"Oh, boss, don't lose hope, I'm sure, with Daring Do in our possession we will reach it for sure! -- encouraged Stealth him. -- Then again... Are we actually pursuing a lamp with a GENIE?!"

But no answer, except for cries, came.

Finally Daring was so out of breath she couldn't even laugh any more, and so she managed to take a grip of herself... kind of. Naturally she was panting. Heavily.

"Oh, thank goodness you're OK! -- cried Stealth. -- Now, if you will tell us kindly, where the lamp is... There... is a lamp... isn't it?"

Daring was still out of breath, so nothing was said.

"Oh, come on, I'm not paid enough for this, so, please, do me a favour!"

This interrogation was interrupted by no one else, than Ahuizotl:

"STEALTH PUN! STOP GOOFING AROUND AND PROCEED TAKING HER TO MY LAIR!"

Chapter 6. Things get out of hoof!

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Somewhere...

It was unknown where. One thing Daring could tell for sure: she was captured and kept hostage. Oh, and one more thing: Ahuizotl had done it!

As unfair, as it was, her protests should do nothing: she was still tied up and gagged. At least her vision was not obscured, so she decided to look around.

She was in a hall. It was shadowy: there was not much light. Also silence hung there. Ominously.

"Where am I?" -- thought Daring to herself. She remembered not much. The look on Ahuizotl's face, when the lamp had turned out to be a fake! "I can't believe, -- thought Daring, -- I've laughed all the way to here!"

At least Gee was alright... was he not?.. After all, what had happened to him? Why had he been so... grim?

"Gee, -- whispered Daring, -- answer me!"

And the silence was disrupted. The door to the hall opened, and in entered...

"Hello?" -- called out Stealth Pun gingerly. What a disappointment for Daring!

She sighed and cast her gaze down.

The henchpony meanwhile proceeded, closed the door and approached the mare:

"I see you are finally calmed down. Honestly, I was worried about you..."

Daring, unable to speak, raised her eyebrow. Worried?

"I suppose, you are displeased to have found yourself tied up, are you not? Well, it is only temporarily. As soon, -- he inched closer, staring at her, -- as you give us out the lamp -- the actual lamp..." -- he pressed. Then after a pause: "You shall be free".

Daring mumbled indecipherably.

"Pardon", -- apologised Stealth and removed the gag from her mouth.

Daring spat. Twisted her tongue every way to warm it up, as it had become rigid. And finally spoke:

"Thank you, that's much better! Could you, please, loosen the ropes as well? My limbs have gotten sore, you know..."

"Oh, no, my boss has not allowed me to do that", -- refused Stealth evenly.

"Shoot!" -- cursed Daring Do.

"However he has allowed me to force you to speak... You will be tortured mercilessly, if you won't confess".

"So? Do you want to know about the lamp? Didn't you see it yourself? It blew up right in Ahuizotl's face, ha-ha! -- and she snorted. -- I have nothing you seek!"

But then it dawned upon her:

"Wait... I remember you! You stole my saddlebag!"

"I will not deny it: I did... Although I had no idea, what I was to deliver..."

"You had no idea", -- agreed Daring Do.

"So there is an actual magic lamp, isn't it?!" -- he exclaimed.

"Well... You saw it yourself, didn't you? And it turns out it isn't..."

"But my boss!.. He... told me it was!.."

"Ha! Do you actually believe whatever your boss tell you, huh?" -- asked Daring derisively.

"Oh, but of course! -- exclaimed Stealth indignantly. -- He is my boss, and I have to believe his every word!"

"A-a-and here I thought henchponies were stupid only in fiction..." -- mumbled Daring.

"You have proven to be quite wrong, Miss", -- said Stealth to her.

"Oh, really?.. Listen, -- decided she not to argue further. -- I will be honest with you..." She lowered her voice to a whisper: "There does exist an actual magic lamp! And Ahuizotl wants to acquire it".

"Huh! Well, I be!.."

"Yes, quiet! So: he can't find it, so he spies on me. He's ordered you to steal it, right?"

"Yes", -- he answered simply.

"Anyway..." -- she gave him a stern look, and then continued, raising her voice slightly: "Do you really think you should work for Ahuizotl? All he wants is power. Do you think he'll award you?"

"To be honest, -- he began thoughtfully, -- I've been doubting that... But at least he doesn't chase me all across Equestria..." -- he said with sorrow.

Daring paid close attention. Stealth proceeded:

"Apparently, not only in fiction are the good guys stupid! -- he quipped. -- Do you actually believe, that we are bad? That it makes our adversaries good automatically? That it makes good you or Her Highness Princess Celestia?! No. I think so not! Unlike Her Highness, my boss does not chase me around! Him -- I can please! Her Highness, however..."

He trailed off. Silence hung for a while.

Daring felt suddenly pity for the stallion: as villainous, as he was, he could be defeated and had potential to be good...

It was then, that she saw something flicker behind and above Stealth Pun. Having caught her sight were the words:

Chance to finish book.
Gee.

The words flickered and faded away.

Daring blinked in confusion...

Then it occurred to her, that that was a perfect opportunity for the plot progress! Indeed! For her adventure was still going on! And her soon to be published book was still being written! That meant, for her plot to progress now was just as good a time to insert a little twist into this adventure for her book... which gave her an idea...

"You know, -- she said to Stealth, starting off topic and reaching her point slowly, -- beside protecting Equestria I write fiction. So... in any fiction there is a conflict..."

"Do you, -- he said derisively, -- think you can talk me into being tricked? No. Now: tell me where you are hiding the lamp!"

"So you want to know that, huh? Unfortunately, I must disobey -- and here we have a conflict. Although I picture you as the bad guy..."

"Alright: bring it in, guys!" -- shouted Stealth, annoyed at Daring like nopony had been before!..

"There... are n-no guys, bad or good! -- exclaimed Daring worriedly. -- O-only the facets of a conflict!.. Uh... S-so I... wish to end th-this -- without fighting! O-o-or brute-forcing, you know?!" But her introduction was failing -- and here she had something for Stealth to offer!

As she was shouting out her words desperately, the doors to the hall opened, and in entered various unkind-looking creatures, as ponies, as not. Some griffins were amongst them too. Some felines were as well. It was honestly a mix!

The henchcreatures were carrying various kinds of tools, designed to torture. It cued Daring to finish her point quickly, lest she suffered!

"If you want to know where the lamp is, there is no need to be painful about it!" -- she squeaked.

"Unfortunately, -- spoke Stealth Pun, -- you must taste the pain, so you know what it feels like and so you be taught to... spill the beans, when ordered to!"

He remembered suddenly his bean incident: "By the way. Why did I spill actual beans, when I had caught you back then? Do you know?"

"Gee did it!!!" -- shrieked Daring Do, terrified at the prospect of experiencing pain of the most unimaginable degree and thus forgetting completely about her intention to keep him a secret.

"Who did it?" -- asked he without getting it.

"My genie!!!"

And all stopped, and everything fell silent.

"Yeah, right", -- said one henchcreature skeptically and was about to proceed...

But Stealth Pun motioned him to stop. Then approached Daring Do and whispered to her:

"The genie?? From the magic lamp??"

Daring nodded miserably, ashamed of her ill-considered actions. She was angry with herself: couldn't she have kept her mouth shut?

"Perhaps, -- Stealth raised his voice slightly, -- I might consider not teaching you a lesson". Then he returned to whispering: "I am going to head for the lamp. Until I find it, you shall stay here. However... -- he stayed quiet in contemplation for a while, licking his lips. -- ...I offer to you: name me the place it is hidden in, and, depending on your honesty, you will either be let free and even get to have your share of what is to be wished, or be tortured mercilessly and painfully, as I intended before", -- at the mentioning of her being tortured he raised his voice slightly again, so all about him could hear that. "Worry not, -- he whispered to her afterwards, -- unlike my boss I do keep my promises. I do not want power. All I want is really just some recognition and value".

It had left Daring dumbfounded for some time. Indeed, what was she supposed to do?! Was she actually to tell him the location??

For, be it known, the key to being the genie's master -- or mistress in this case -- was the lamp that contained him. As the inscriptions on the lamp explained, only those, who had banished the genie into the lamp, had the ultimate power to dispose of his freedom, and the rest might only enter an agreement with them or their affiliate -- the lamp. The acceptance of the agreement's terms and conditions should be signified by rubbing the lamp -- so naturally was Daring uncertain about giving out its location! Indeed, who rubbed the lamp, became the genie's master!..

But then she remembered something and barely contained an excited smile!.. She had wished to know, how to use Gee's powers best -- and it had granted her the perfect memory of the inscription she could have understood -- again, thanks to her wish. And the inscription said also, that a group of the genie's masters had to wish together, and if there were disagreements or... um... discordance amongst them, then they had simply no say! This all prevented the masters from fighting over the lamp. In-gee-nious, was it not? Oh, yes, right, right! Enough puns is enough... geez.

"Alright", -- said Daring to Stealth and gave him the lamp's exact location. She whispered it so quietly, though, that no creature in the hall heard her, except for Stealth, so then only three knew that secret place: Daring, Gee and Stealth.

"Very well, -- responded the latter. -- I may only hope you have not lied to me about it. Are you sure it is there? -- he asked, raising his voice slightly. -- For, if I come to there and don't find it..." -- and he cast an implying look at the torturing tools.

Daring gave a vigorous nod.

"It is splendid. You are wonderful. I wish I were not your enemy: I would really like to spend time around you", -- he allowed himself a polite half-smile.

Daring's look bore boldness -- for the sake of avoiding puns let's not say her look was daring, although there can't be a more accurate description. She allowed herself a defiant grin as well:

"Be careful with what you wish for!"

"How dare you?.." -- he asked meekly with a bit of sad complaint in his voice, though a corner of his mouth was twitching.

Daring could not help herself: Stealth Pun's not so stealthy pun had made her laugh out loud.

"Maybe, I should not treat you well, -- he said slowly. -- Look at yourself! You have no respect toward your capturers! I say, shame on you!" But he was only joking, although he would not allow anyone to misbehave upon his presence: though fearful of his boss, he had his own pride.

"Alright, -- he called, -- moving out!" -- and the assembly proceeded to exiting the hall, leaving Daring Do all alone.

Stealth Pun was marching down a corridor in Ahuizotl's lair. Now, that he knew where the lamp was, he intended to get it -- and then to demand of Ahuizotl something... he didn't know what. But, if Ahuizotl could wish himself anything he wanted, with the lamp, then why not have him fulfil Stealth's wishes? So was Stealth thinking.

But then it hit him: he himself could wish for anything he'd want! He even stopped. Of course!

"H-m-m-m..." -- he contemplated, rubbing his chin, and then exclaimed in excitement, even raising his hoof: "THAT'S A WONDERFUL IDEA!"

"What i-i-is?" -- demanded of him Ahuizotl, who stepped from-around the corner and blocked Stealth's way.

The latter stopped abruptly, as it had caught him by surprise. "Oh... h-hello, b-boss!" -- he greeted, teeth clattering slightly. That was unexpected!

"Well? -- prompted him Ahuizotl. -- What is a wonderful idea, Stealth?"

"Uh..." -- he uttered. He berated himself mentally for thinking he could outsmart his boss. "S-so, -- he began, -- Daring D-do has..."

"But wait, -- he thought, -- my boss knows nothing yet of where the lamp is..."

"...cracked, boss, -- he finished. -- She's told me whereabout she's hidden it".

"Yes, -- nodded Ahuizotl, surprisingly showing no excitement. -- But... how do you know it's true? That it's actually where it is, huh?"

Ahuizotl's calmness unsettled Stealth. Nervously he answered:

"Well, b-boss, I had a wonderful idea! I threatened to torture her, if I... l-learnt, -- he'd nearly let his plan's details slip, -- that no lamp had been found. A-and... I promised to let her go, if she told the truth".

"Rea-a-ally? How curious", -- contemplated Ahuizotl, stroking his chin.

"Well, at least she believed me, when I had told her so!" -- exclaimed Stealth, as he realised the boss might have misunderstood him and have thought he intended on keeping that promise.

"And you've been not... going to release her actually, have you?" -- asked Ahuizotl slyly.

"Well, it's all as you order, boss!" -- lowered Stealth his head obediently.

"Oh, -- Ahuizotl paused for a second. -- Well. Where does she hide it, then?" -- he asked, again, with a hint tinting his voice, as if he was insinuating something.

"In her house, boss".

"Huh? -- he raised his eyebrow. -- Just like that?"

"Well... no. There is some place... which, she bet, no one can find. So, maybe... if we... did torture her... she'd walk us right to it! Is it not a wonderful idea, boss?!" -- exclaimed Stealth joyously.

Ahuizotl pondered that:

"H-m-m-m. Yes... I suppose, it is... But, well, she might escape!"

"She won't, boss!" -- promised Stealth.

Ahuizotl squinted at him:

"Really?.."

Awkward silence followed.

"Um-m-m... boss... -- and Stealth gulped. -- Is something wrong?.."

"Well, I've been thinking, -- replied Ahuizotl, -- what are you planning, Stealth?"

The pony gaped:

"Huh?!"

Ahuizotl watched, for some time, his henchpony shocked, seemingly savouring the moments, until he spoke:

"You may be thinking yourself the smartest, do you not? Hee-hee-hee! But don't get so cocky: I know what you did!" -- he sneered. Stealth stepped back. "Don't you DARE think you may dream of getting that lamp! Or I'll... I... uh-h-h... I... will think of... something to punish you... so DARE NOT mess with me!!!"

Poor Stealth whimpered, his ears folded. Truly he was scared to death!

"Now, -- continued Ahuizotl, -- if you do know where she hid it, then MOVE!!!"

"A... a-a... a-alr-right!" -- he squeaked and galloped down the corridor, fearful of what might hit him, should his boss have found his efforts insufficient and thrown something at him...

"FOOL! The exit is that way!!!"

Almost tumbling, Stealth skidded to a halt, and then galloped in the opposite direction, nearly knocking Ahuizotl down in the process.

"Aargh! DAMN YOU for being so CLUMSY!" -- exclaimed the villain, barely managing his balance and setting off after Stealth shortly after.

Meanwhile Daring got bored of being tied up and having nothing to do. She wanted badly to stretch her every limb, wings included. She squirmed in her bounds. "Curse that Ahuizotl! -- she thought. -- Can he have not tied me up?!"

"And damn you, Gee! -- she thought. -- When I am in need of you, where are you?!"

As if he had heard her thoughts, Gee materialised with a "puff!":

"Well, well! Well, well! Well, well, well-well-well-well-well! Aren't you a sight for my sore eyes? Daring Do, my mistress!" -- he appeared to be admiring her, his genie hands clasped together.

"Where. In the name. Of. Celestia. Have. You. BEEN??!" -- bellowed Daring shrilly.

The genie even rubbed his apparently ringing ears -- yes, they did give out a ringing sound of just struck cymbals!

"Speaking of beans, -- he said. -- I dare hope you have not spilt any... have you, Daring?.."

"E-e-e-NOUGH with the PUNS already!!" -- exploded Daring.

"As you wish", -- he nodded meekly.

"O-o-oh... Just how I wish!.." -- hissed Daring. Then shouted: "UNTIE ME!!!"

"Oh, please, be quiet, Mistress! You may be heard!" -- fussed Gee, while fiddling with the knots. "Ugh! -- he complained. -- Just how tightly they must tie their knots nowadays!" -- and he shook his head in disapproval.

"...Enough. Messing. Around!" -- managed Daring not to go off, though she did quite literally fume.

"Oh!" -- the genie smacked himself on his forehead. "Of course! How silly of me, tee-hee!"

Seeing, however, that his mistress was about to get mad -- both angry and insane, -- he snapped whatever he had for fingers, and the rope... caught on fire!

Daring shrieked. Naturally! She tried to flee... and succeeded for some reason... She ran, until she reached the door, then stopped, catching on...

Then she turned around. The ropes had burnt to ashes, and the fire had apparently not hurt her.

Yeah, right, -- she thought. Figures.

She marched toward the genie with a cross look. Before she said anything, however...

"Thank me not, Mistress, -- declined Gee the inexistent thanks, raising his palm and half-lidding his eyes, -- my job is done here. Now -- to escape! Go!" -- and he was about to disappear...

Daring Do, while the genie was speaking, had recalled her sore limbs and was then stretching, as if there had been no tomorrow! Noticing him leave, however, she motioned him to wait, never stopping her exercises:

"Wait... Oh-h-h! -- she moaned. -- Before you... leave... Tell me... please... Ah-h-h!.. Why... just... why?? Why??!" -- she shrieked.

"Eh, -- the genie shrugged casually. -- You know, how it goes... Besides, haven't I done a great job fulfilling your wishes? -- he grinned. -- I mean, look at yourself! You're having an adventure worth being written down!"

"My adventure, Gee... oh-h-h!.. costs me... my... Aargh!.. Sore... limbs!.." -- and she rubbed her limbs. "Oo-hoo-hoo!.. Everything hurts!" -- she hissed in pain.

"Well, that's just great, -- shrugged the genie again. -- The more colourful the tale, the better!"

Daring glared at him:

"You are disgusting, you know that?!"

"Why? -- he opened his "palms" out, about to shrug. -- Because I do your bidding?"

"No, because you act like a jerk!"

"Mistress... -- he fell silent for a short while. -- You know too well, that I am bound to please you! The lamp, be it damned thrice, prevents me from screwing around!"

"Well, then... HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN IT ALL?!!"

"O-o-oh!.. So, you mean, you haven't figured it out yet!" -- exclaimed the genie, surprised and excited equally.

He rubbed his genie hands: "Alright, then listen!" And so Daring did...

As Gee had told Daring, every trouble, caused to her up to that point, was due to her wish to see the details she needed so desperately in her most recent book. She was, in a way of speaking, capturing her adventure -- so as the thief that had stolen her lamp for Ahuizotl, as her abduction -- everything was a part of a plot an unknown being was seemingly concocting, as it transpired. Truly Daring was not so sure, if Gee was behind that all... Granted, he was bound to serve her... but, apparently, his service was to set up trials for her, and that was not something she liked very much. And yet she had to admit: so far her adventure had turned out to be interesting... Oh, but the lamp!

She spoke to Gee:

"Gee, listen! Uh... A p-pony has found out w-where the lamp is..."

"Never worry, Mistress, -- dismissed Gee, -- I should know all too well he can't cause you any harm!"

"R-right, but, Gee, I... wish..."

The genie whipped his head in her direction upon hearing that:

"Yes!?"

"...Well... I want to be the only one, who may have any say of what for you to do..."

"If you wish no one, except for you, might dispose of my freedom... then, I'm afraid, I mayn't do that".

"But I don't want anypony to get in my wishing!.."

"I am under the lamp's control, -- he pronounced sadly. -- All you might do is to comply with the terms of the lamp's use, which state explicitly, that..."

"Yeah, I know... -- Daring said, annoyed. -- But how should I make sure nopony were to come, and to rub the lamp, and to become your co-master?"

The genie contemplated that...

...Then said suddenly:

"You know? Why shan't we say there is NO way for you to do it -- and call it an evening, eh?"

"J... Gee! -- Daring was shocked to hear that. -- Are you NUTS!!? Do you KNOW, what may happen, if we SPLIT the control over the lamp!? -- she shouted angrily. -- The future of Equestria may be at stake! Do you..."

"Alright! I see! Still... there is no thrill in being safe!"

Daring fumed silently, so mad at Gee there was no describing it! She struggled to spit some words... but none would come.

"What should I say, Mistress, -- the genie, smug with himself, shrugged. -- A story must be earned with hard work and perseverance -- not, that I'd know that: I haven't got to work hard to achieve anything!" -- he exclaimed in elation. "Please, hurry! Ahuizotl will get away, if you won't!" With those words said he made to disappear...

"Gee, this is ridiculous! -- barked Daring. -- I wish not to play this game any more!"

"Oh, do you not, Mistress? -- Gee's face lit up with a smile. -- I of all should KNOW you fret over your adventure!.. And if it shan't be complete... Well. My job shall be a failure. I may not allow that! The lamp commands me!" -- he cried dramatically. "Besides, -- he added, -- even if I might not give a huff as to what you wish or not, even then it would just BUG me, that you'd fled an opportunity to have fun! Isn't it just ever so RARE nowadays, m-m-m?" -- he asked playfully.

"All!.. All you want is!.. entertainment! Why, you selfish!.."

"Selfish? Moi? -- he feigned resent. -- I bet you my freedom you'll THANK me, when this be over! Accept the offer? Eh? What'll you say? Interested?"

Daring was speechless for a while, until she managed:

"There has got to be NO way this is happening... NO way!"

"E-e-yep! -- replied Gee happily. -- I fear of provoking your wrath, Mistress, -- but haven't you fallen victim to your own wish, hum?"

Daring only stared in miserable confusion.

"Welp! -- spoke Gee once again. -- You'd better run! I hear someone approaching!" He snapped his genie fingers, and a interdimensional hole opened up behind him, shining with a white light. He motor-mouthed: "Remember: chase means thrill, and escaping means excitement! Thank me later! See ya! By-y-y-y-ye!" -- and, as the light shone brighter, filling the room up, he disappeared with a noise.

Almost instantly immediately after that the doors opened -- and in entered a pair of the feline henchcreatures from before.

"Hey!" -- they shouted, as they saw Daring free.

"Uh-h-h... -- she uttered to herself. -- Bus-te-e-ed!"

Procrastinating no longer, she bolted for the opposite door to make her escape, with the felines in hot pursuit.

In her head, however, she was cursing so viciously the creatures, were they to have heard that, would have abandoned chasing her, fled far away and hidden under their pillows in embarrassment! Oh, Gee! What had you gotten her into?

Chapter 7. Now what do we make of this?

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Ahuizotl's lair was buzzing! Everyone knew Daring was to be held captive and was on the run, so all of the lair were hunting her down!

Daring was lying low. She'd been finding spots to stand still as a statue or to call after herself, and then to run the other way; she'd make a quick disguise to fool her chasers; she'd even pretended to be Ahuizotl once, and then had given orders to stop chasing her... and it had worked... for a while.

Currently Daring had found a nice place to hide in and was desperate: how was she to escape?! She was also losing time: Stealth Pun was probably half his way to the lamp! Of course he couldn't have wished for anything without her... but neither could she, for that matter! When he found the lamp, it should be over, and they both should have to meet each other and to make wishes together! O, if only she could have been the only mistress!..

By the way, it was possible: Gee just had to grant her exclusive rights... But he had refused and left her to her misery!

Daring was fuming: that was!.. That!!..

She'd whispered for him to come... but he just wouldn't! It, in all honesty, gave her chills and made her heart race: what, if Stealth Pun had already found the lamp?!

As for Stealth Pun, meanwhile he was indeed on his way to Daring Do's house... only he was not alone. Right in his steps Ahuizotl was following him.

Stealth Pun was scared: his boss had called him out on his little ruse. Of course they both were headed for the lamp, and his boss was going to get it, so why would he be scared?

...Oh, yeah, right: that lamp was real! Unimaginable might! Unfathomable power! With all that his boss should become unstoppable! And, while Stealth trusted his boss, the thought of being dependent on his boss' whims nagged him...

He glanced at his boss: the latter was gloating about what should happen, when he got the lamp. Ahuizotl was relishing in his thoughts!.. Although he was very specific about what he'd do... He'd never mention his being omnipotent, for example... Why? Was the lamp just a trinket to him? But Daring Do had told, it was real! And Ahuizotl had too! So?? What was going on??

Stealth was nervous: when they both reached Daring Do's house, what should they find? He was sure Daring Do had told the truth about where she hid the lamp -- but he was unsure about if his boss must get it. And the boss didn't know where Daring Do hid the lamp exactly. However he might find it! While Stealth knew exactly where and could snatch it. But, if his boss caught him... Stealth Pun shivered. He durst not disobey his master!

However there was still a chance Daring Do had lied about it, thinking, perhaps, that she could avoid being punished for lying. Of course, assured Stealth himself, she could not... But, if she had lied... In that case it'd be safe for Stealth to try to snatch the lamp -- only it'd be of no use to him! And, well, neither for Ahuizotl too. But then they'd have to return and to torture her! Her loss, really -- but then Ahuizotl might find out the lamp's real location! And he'd get the lamp!.. And Stealth wasn't sure, if... he wanted that that much any more...

And... it might be, Daring Do had lied, lured them out of their fortress... so she could escape. Because... maybe, she could!?

Stealth stopped. "We may be wasting our time finding the lamp where it's not anyway, and she may be escaping!"

"Boss! Boss!" -- he called.

"Huh?.. What!? SILENCE! Can't you see I'm monologuing?!"

"Can Daring Do escape us?!" -- asked Stealth bluntly right away.

"Huh?.. What?! Do you think my security system is NOT strong enough to hold her?!!"

"I think, she's lied and set us astray, so she!.."

"THAT'S IMPO!.. Wait... You think?"

"That's a possibility, boss", -- replied Stealth obediently.

Ahuizotl stopped as well and contemplated.

"H-m-m. Perhaps, you're right... But, maybe... -- he squinted slyly. -- Maybe, you should go and... check on her?.. Eh? While I, in case she hasn't, shall go search her house? Eh?"

Stealth froze. He'd preferred it to be the other way!

"What is the matter, Stealth? -- grinned Ahuizotl. -- Is it not alright with you? Will you disobey me and try to GET THE LAMP INSTEAD?!!"

The henchpony hung his head:

"No... boss..."

His heart sank. He might only hope Ahuizotl shouldn't find the place!.. Or that the lamp should be fake! In any case, things were taking an undesired route!

"Then GO and WATCH HER, LEST SHE ESCAPE!!!" -- bellowed Ahuizotl.

Stealth flinched and shrank, and then ran back. A bad feeling would not leave him...

And meanwhile Daring Do had almost reached the exit. It was too bad it was guarded...

Daring cursed under her breath. What to do?!..

Then she got an idea...

She scanned the area and found a crumbling statue. A piece had fallen off. She took it stealthily and, when no one was looking, threw it in the nearby window.

Crash!

"Hey! Who's there?!"

"Get her! She's escaping, numb-nuts!" -- barked Daring in a gruff voice, praying she should not be noticed.

"Spirits help us all! Boss shan't be happy, no!" -- the creatures guarding the door yelped and squeezed outside.

Daring bolted right after them...

"Stop! She's escaping! Who's left the doors open?!" -- yelled someone else behind her!

Daring almost had a stroke!.. But the guards hadn't turned, as they were sure she was outside already. So Daring had managed to sneak out!

And now -- away!..

"GET HER!!!"

Uh-oh... She thought they'd not notice her... They had...

"Let the chase begin..." -- thought Daring to herself bitterly -- and ran!

As Daring was making her escape, and Stealth was hurrying to prevent her, Ahuizotl wasn't wasting his time too. He'd almost reached Daring Do's house, where the real lamp was supposed to be.

In his mind he was cursing: not only had he fallen victim to that damn pony's trick!.. but he'd revealed accidentally the lamp was real! And he'd hoped to be the ONLY one to know that!

Naturally he could not have rested: at any moment his trusty henchpony could have turned his back on him and betrayed him! But not now! Now his minion was far away! And... even if he were not, Ahuizotl flattered himself to be very hasty! Soon the lamp should be his! And even if that pony had lied and the lamp was not in her house -- well! Stealth would tell her his boss had not found it, so she'd have NO choice but to crack!

Here Ahuizotl stopped and pondered. Indeed, he thought, his minion might have had something on his mind. He might have known where the lamp was! So, fearful of his boss -- Ahuizotl grinned -- he'd thought he could have tricked him into returning, while the minion would have gotten the lamp. But -- ha! He'd been outsmarted! Indeed, thought Ahuizotl joyfully, what would he do? Daring Do would not tell him, anyway, so... even if he, Ahuizotl, were pursuing his goal in vain... that couldn't hurt, could it? Maybe, the lamp was indeed in the house!

Unless!..

A horrifying thought occurred to Ahuizotl: what, if that... snake!.. had known where the lamp was actually, all along!.. And... had TOLD him it was in the OTHER place, rather than where it WAS!!! So now he'd run away, probably on his way to!..

Blood boiled in the villain. He turned, clenching his fists:

"STEALTH PUN!!! You sneaky!.. DAMN YOU!!!"

He ran after his minion. "I must catch up with him, -- he thought, -- before that swindler FIND THE LAMP!"

The forest could not be at rest, even though the time was right to prepare for the night. For yells could be heard throughout the woods at that time! Yells of... "Get her!" and "She's run that way!"

Those screams foreboded nothing good for those, who were chased. Nor did they for Daring... for it was her, who was chased!

The forest was dangerous at that time of the day. The night had not yet descended -- yet the daylight was giving way to twilight. Somewhere to the West the sun was setting. In other words, the day was ending.

And for Daring it was ending on a bad note. Under the trees' canopy, where the sunlight could not penetrate, shadows had overthrown Celestia's reign and had already set sails for communism -- not, that shadows could actually know what that word meant. The wild life resembled a communist society really not so much. Actually it was more of a capitalist one...

But Daring had really no time for speculations on the intricacies of how sociology should be adapted to the nature's laws. Really. All she could be concerned about was how to make it to safety!

She considered running in some direction from the place she was hidden in -- it should not matter for her, as she could find her way back home, for she was a pegasus, and pegasi, as surprising, as it might seem to some, could fly. And flight could really assist one, were one to have gotten lost. So Daring did not fear that. She did, however, fear being discovered! For that reason she'd sought shelter in the trees' shade, after all, and was making her way home by hoof.

It may be, she could have run away from Ahuizotl's minions... Maybe...

Unfortunately, as she was doing so... she ran into somepony.

She would have cursed, if she hadn't wanted to remain unnoticed. She did grumble something in a whisper, though.

She rose on her hooves to resume her running as soon, as possible...

But she heard... Ahuizotl screaming from afar!

"Uh-oh!" -- she thought to herself, but no sooner did she, than her obstacle gripped her by her hind legs and made her trip, so she nearly face-planted on the earth!

"M-ph-m-m!" -- she mumbled into the dirt, though she would rather it had actually come out as an angry yell.

"Now, you -- hold still!" -- hissed that pony she'd run into.

Daring didn't like the way the pony was trying to hold her... Very much. In fact, her guts were telling her he was an enemy!

With vigour she tried to buck. The enemy wouldn't let go!

She turned her head to spit the soil that'd gotten into her mouth, right in his face... only to stop: that pony was familiar!

Let us go back a couple of steps, though, shall we?

As Daring was hiding in the forest and trying to outwit her catchers, Stealth Pun approached the fortress.

He was torn between running back to his boss to monitor, how the lamp search went, and interfering with whatever Daring Do might have planned. The thoughts of his boss finding the lamp and probably doing some nasty things to him with his newfound power -- and having been tricked into leaving their prisoner unsupervised -- fought in him. The fight was relentless; the opposing thoughts would not concede!

By the time Stealth had gotten close enough to hear screams the thoughts, infuriated, switched to artillery and were about to lay waste to the lush fields of Stealth's concerned mind! So the screams of Ahuizotl's minions, naturally, only added to Stealth's worries.

"As if that weren't enough", -- he thought irritably.

Knowing Daring Do was on the run boosted him. His run, however, was interrupted by somepony, before it had barely started.

Naturally he would have cursed... if he hadn't seen whom he'd just run into!

Lying at his hooves before him was... the very pony he was trying to stop! Daring Do!

At that time he was about to exclaim: "Ugh! You! It's you! No way you're running away now!" -- but no sooner (and actually later) would he do that, than he heard Ahuizotl's unmistakable shriek!

He smacked himself over his lips, before a word could escape. The word let out a curse in annoyance, pounded its fist and turned to go back into the throat. Laughter should greet the unfortunate run-away! The word cast its final glance at the shut orifice and muttered under its breath: "It's not over yet! One day I'll be free!" -- and left ultimately.

And Stealth? His mind was racing: why had his boss returned? Judging by what he was yelling... Oh! He was, apparently, seeking his henchpony! And that scared Stealth!

Was it because his boss had found the promised lamp and was about to find a unfortunate victim to his wishes?!

Then all must have been lost!..

Then immediately after that another thought occurred to him: "Actually wait. He's mad at me, isn't he? But why? What have I done?.. Oh, is it because of the lamp?.."

"What might he do? -- he thought frantically. -- I'd better hide, whatever that be!.. Oh! But Daring Do! She's escaped, hasn't she?! Curses! I mustn't let her go!"

With those thoughts he thrust himself at the pony, who had risen and was about to scram, caught her by her legs and stopped her, before she served him a nice bowl of dust for a meal.

They both fell.

The pony yelled, though it did sound like a muffled mumble.

"Now, you -- hold still!" -- hissed Stealth to Daring.

But she would not! Stealth used all the force he could -- but Daring resisted furiously! She bucked!

Eventually, as Stealth was considering hitting her on her head once more, the struggle ceased suddenly. He saw she had turned her head and was looking at him with venom -- but also with surprise.

She spat the dirt that had, apparently, gotten into her mouth and that nearly hit Stealth in his face, and then she raised her voice:

"Wait... You!.. How did your name go?!.. Uh-h-h..."

"Sh-h-h!" -- shushed Stealth her and pressed his hoof to her lips.

Daring shook in his grip, trying to pry his hooves off of her face.

"Sh-h-h!" -- one more time did Stealth warn her, and then loosened his grip a bit.

"Get OFF!!!" -- she shrieked in a whisper, trying to slap his hooves -- and along with that his cheek.

Stealth did get off -- but held onto Daring as to control her movements.

But she had something else in her mind -- otherwise why would she struggle against him so viciously?

He hadn't let her go in the end: Ahuizotl raised his voice again, this time so close it was a wonder, how he hadn't heard the commotion!

Both ponies froze each in other's grip and came down very slowly, their faces both showing the agony of awaiting the inevitable to happen!..

They both lay on the ground side by side, watching for Ahuizotl to appear (and hoping he didn't).

"Wh't d'y'need?" -- whispered Daring, paying close attention to keeping her lips unmoving. Virtually.

Stealth only nodded in his boss' direction and pronounced likewise:

"L'sten".

Daring paid heed.

Ahuizotl was spouting curses addressing a certain henchpony, who'd apparently plotted something against him. Daring had to listen for some time, before she heard Ahuizotl state, that Stealth must have set out for the lamp, ditching his master!

She turned her head slightly toward the accused:

"Tr'e?"

Stealth shook his head so it might have fallen off.

Daring raised an eyebrow.

Stealth gazed into her eyes pleadingly.

Daring cast a bemused look.

"Pl'se! -- whispered Stealth desperately. -- H'lp!!"

Daring looked incredulous as to ask: "How??"

The pony only continued staring.

"Ah' w'sh t' be s'fe", -- mumbled Daring at last.

"'nd j'st h'w 'm Ah' s'posed t' s't'sfah' th't?" -- mumbled another voice.

Daring would have never admitted to it in her book -- but she would have wetted herself -- so sudden the voice was! Her heart had almost stopped and hadn't, only because she'd recognised the voice as that of...

"Gee, damn you!" -- she whispered in distress, fuming.

Stealth didn't seem to have noticed anything.

"Nice company we have, eh?" -- asked Gee playfully, nodding at the other pony.

"Huh?! WHO'S THAT?!!" -- rang out Ahuizotl's shriek, as he had, apparently, heard the genie...

"A-a-a! Gee, pl'se he-e-elp!.." -- Daring almost squeaked in terror.

"SHOW YOURSELF!.. Oh. No one's here, huh? Well? WHERE in the name of spirits IS THAT DAMNED PONY?!!"

Neither Gee, nor Daring and nor even Stealth had heard Ahuizotl scream that. All of them had disappeared right from-under his nose, so to speak, and rematerialised in Daring's dining room, although not much free space was there for the three of them.

"Where, o, where shall we dine now?" -- lamented Gee the moment they had re-appeared, -- if there is no dining room for us all to be fit!? O-o-o!.."

"I'LL LOCK YOU BACK WHERE YOU'VE COME FROM!!! -- went off Daring. -- Gee!!! Why?!!.."

Gee only cast her a disappointed look:

"You're welcome!.. -- he grumbled. -- I'm sorry I can't thank you back!"

Daring took a huge breath, inhaling, then exhaling...

"I... just can't BELIEVE it!!" -- chimed in Stealth, who'd been silent since he'd asked Daring to help him.

Daring almost jumped all the way till the ceiling: so intensely had she been startled!

"Hello, -- waved Gee at him. -- I see, you are new here, am I right!?" He floated closely to the pony and extended his "hand" for him to shake it, from which Stealth flinched away: "Let me introduce myself: I'm a genie! Name's Gee! But you may call me your master! After all, -- he added, -- it's not, as if you were mine, huh?"

"Ge... Gee!.. Uh..." -- Daring was at a loss. Of course! What was Gee even doing??

"Yes? What?" -- he replied, turning to face her.

For a while Daring couldn't say anything. Just... nothing! Everything was going haywire! Repeat, haywire!..

The first one to speak was Stealth:

"Wow!.. Here we go, then?" He jumped suddenly in excitement: "Whee! Here he is! The genie himself! I just!.." -- he screamed of excitement.

"Well... Here we are, huh?" -- announced Gee, shrugging slightly. "I can only imagine, -- added he after that, -- how excited the readers shall be!"

Stealth stopped his excited jumping:

"Huh? What readers?"

"Why, Daring Do's book readers, of course, that's who!" -- he replied, smiling mysteriously.

"Oh... Her books..." -- said Stealth, a tint of irritation in his voice.

"What, not a fan?" -- enquired Gee.

"You have no idea..." -- grumbled the pony.

"...No idea, who my boss is to her..."

And in the mean time... All of Ahuizotl's minions were trembling in fear!..

For he had found out about Daring Do's escape and was SO furious, if he'd exploded, he would have eliminated every soul in the entire forest!

Chapter 8. One night has passed, and...

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The sun had almost set. Its disk was halfway through the horizon line, as it was casting its good-bye rays to whoever were watching it set.

Truly a beautiful time to be writing inspirational texts! Though -- some writers preferred to write late at night, when the younger ponies were asleep, and the elder ones thought they were; though... were they actually?..

Some parents are probably checking on their children right now. Let us wait for them to come back, before we continue...

Have they come yet?

Ugh... Certainly Daring Do had no kids to check on. Or to send to go to bed, for that matter... Perhaps, it was for the best. She could sit at her desk, relax, gaze at the sunset... reaching for the quill occasionally...

Actually no. She had worse things to worry about!

For example, Stealth Pun! She... didn't honestly know, how to behave, now, that he had been teleported along with her into her house! She had talked with Gee about it. The latter had only been shrugging: she had wanted some help, and here it was; she had wished to be safe, and... well, wasn't she safe in her house?

Not with this... pony! -- had Daring shouted in whisper, as she'd glanced back to check, if he'd done anything yet or had been about to. Or had been planning something...

But no. Even though he was excited to be around Gee -- about which Gee had no complaint, -- he behaved himself, as if he'd been actually invited by Daring Do; he was polite enough and quiet, just sitting there, sometimes requesting a glass of water, or a hanky... or some tea with honey... sometimes just honey without any tea... until Daring had glared at him so he had nearly burnt down... in shame.

Due to the late hour all had agreed Stealth Pun should stay. Daring had been reluctant, of course, but Gee had assured he would keep an eye on him, and if need were, even as many eyes, as he could produce. And, though cold with the stallion and a bit hostile to him, she had to be polite to him as well.

Some snide remarks had, nonetheless, been thrown either way. It had not been "each and every way" only because Gee would have interfered and inhibited the tension. For example, here's a recreation of a conversation that took place in the living room, when all had agreed it was the time for bed.

Daring brought a mattress, a bed sheet, a pillow and a blanket and threw them on the floor before Stealth Pun.

"Here, -- she grumbled. -- Have a good night".

"Thank you", -- did Stealth thank her immediately, politely. He proceeded to setting up his bed, while Daring stayed, standing nearby and watching him expectantly.

Stealth was busy with his resting place for a while, but then stopped, raised his head and looked at her questioningly. He arched his eyebrow:

"Pardon me, Miss. Is something a matter?"

Daring glanced away for a moment:

"Oh... I don't know... How about you being uncomfortably close to my house?!.. not to mention close to the point of being inside it?!"

Stealth answered nothing at first, lowering his gaze, but then spoke:

"I see... I am not welcome here..."

"You are my sworn enemy's henchpony! Were it not for the sunset, I would have long shown you the door!"

Stealth harrumphed in indignation, but said nothing else otherwise.

"You work for a villain!.."

"Not, that I'm pleased with that decision", -- remarked Stealth grumpily.

"...And you interrogated me! Worst of all -- I shared with you a secret! Now, what do you think? -- Daring asked, her tone sarcastic. -- What do I expect of YOU?! Huh??"

"Now, Miss! -- Stealth retaliated. -- Even when you were tied up and, might I mention, gagged, -- he squinted his eyes, -- I was just as polite to you, as I am now. The same, unfortunately, can't be said about you..."

"Oh! Please!.. -- Daring raised her snout. -- Do you think I can't tell you're definitely up to something??"

"I don't suppose, -- mumbled Stealth, -- I can be up to anything, considering my current circumstances..."

"Listen! DON'T! -- she glared at him. -- ...Try to go for the lamp! I'm warning you! If!.."

"But... how can I?!.." -- complained Stealth pitifully.

"Don't! If you!.. as much as think!.. about it!.. -- she paused menacingly and stared at him threateningly. -- Then!.."

She was interrupted by a suddenly appearing Gee:

"Are we hitting the hay yet... lady and gentlecolt?"

Both ponies yelped in surprise, Stealth more so, as he was not accustomed to Gee's random popping up.

"My, my! -- the genie exclaimed. -- What have we here!.." In his eyes danced a sparkle of entertainment. "A spicy commotion! Some drama! Action! Conflict!" He assumed a pose in mid-air.

"Gee, -- Daring asked, sneer entering her voice, -- what have you come here for? Haven't you a place of your own to sleep?"

"Uh, speaking of which! -- interfered Stealth Pun. -- Genie! Where do you sleep? In the lamp?.. or in your own bed?"

"Sleep? -- erupted Gee in disbelief and shock. -- Who needs sleep?! Sleep is for the weak!"

"Gee! -- demanded Daring. -- To your bed. Now! Wherever that bed be!"

The genie, bearing a look of a disappointed child, grumbled:

"Oh, well!.. OK, Mom, whatever!.. Don't worry, I've already brushed my teeth, washed my face, put on my pyjamas and prepared my bed! Will you tuck me in, please?"

"Gee!" Though Daring was clearly not in the mood to be goofing around, a grin of amusement was secretly hiding in a corner of her mouth, and a chuckle -- deep in her throat.

The genie, not hiding his grin at all, hastened to disappear.

"Good night", -- addressed Stealth Pun the both of them and resumed his preparations for sleep, deeming them more important, than bickering.

Daring mumbled something under her breath, still stiff about the pony, but nonetheless departed for the night after Gee too. The night was descending, and she did need to get some sleep after the long day. Of course! She'd minded her business, been caught, kidnapped, interrogated; she had escaped, run through the forest, experienced thrill of the highest levels!.. During the whole day she had only eaten in the morning. And now after a meal she was ready not only to eat, but to hit the hay as well...

In the end everypony lay to rest. Except, maybe, for Gee. Though he could fall asleep, he didn't need a bed. For that matter, he could start hallucinating immediately, whenever he felt like it. That was understandable: he couldn't do much in Equestria as a genie, and his mind never rested. Beings like him were not limited to confinement of their bodies -- though anything with a soul needed a body to exist. But Gee's body did not impose on him any inconveniences -- about which he was very happy.

The lamp, however, was limiting his body -- and by extension him as well. It restricted him from playing with the world... so naturally he'd always been bored. The only entertainment left for him was, as he had mentioned about it to Daring Do, to express himself. He could literally reshape himself, summon objects for props, change scenery... albeit not irreversibly. His magic could not persist and, once he were done expressing himself, disappeared, and any changes were reverted.

He loathed his predicament -- and, oh, how much! -- but so far granting wishes had proven to be enough entertainment, so, maybe, he needed not complain?..

Maybe... And yet he was thinking... What could possibly become of it all?.. Daring Do wished for nothing and was really boring!.. But now she had an adventure! A shame, if it ended... Really...

So... How could he make it play out?.. if at all? If Daring won... what should be there for him?.. Should he get a reward for his helpfulness? Or, maybe, he was secretly a villain and was to be revealed later on?.. He couldn't tell.

Hiding between space and time, still under the lamp's supervision, the genie frowned. He pretended to be lying full-length on a cot, his arms beneath his head, in a small, lightened and cosy cell-like facility just wide enough to fit his smoky body.

He had recalled the incident earlier that day... Everyone, who might have heard Daring Do shout anything out, had forgotten she had. Daring Do might have forgotten she had... But Gee hadn't.

"A sick mind"...

She'd called him evil, thought Gee. And for what? For having fun?

The genie humphed. What did they know about having fun?! For a moment Gee wished one of his fellow beings had taught them a couple of tips and tricks! He recalled one of them say, that no fun was in making sense. Perhaps, sense might be of some use... But in the end it all always seemed such a bore!

The genie gagged, as if sick.

"And she calls herself a writer?! -- he drew an annoyed sigh. -- What's the point for a hero to face a trial, if in the end the reward is null and nobody is happy?! Trials exist for a reason!.. Of course, -- he added, -- they might do some BORING stuff instead! Since, well! They shy away from any trials! But, as I've said myself! Where's the fun, if the plot ends, before it's begun?!"

"Oh! the plot!" -- he exclaimed and assumed a dramatic pose, complete with his hand on his brow, while still lying. "Where there is no problem..." He sighed. "...No lesson can be learnt!" -- and he sighed again. "Plus, -- he added. -- Isn't it rather entertaining just to see what the hero does?!"

With a smile on his face he engaged into pleasant thoughts and speculations on what the end of Daring Do's adventure might be like...

And in the meantime...

Despite how much Daring was tuckered out, her worry would not leave her. Could the lamp be safe with her enemy... 's henchpony so close to its hiding place? She could not shake off the feeling, that he was only waiting for her to fall asleep... and then to sneak for the lamp and to steal it, seizing control! Though she did know the control would be split, he could flee under the night's cover with it, rendering her wishing useless!

...Then he could deliver the lamp to Ahuizotl, and he would make sure to eliminate her! Even without the lamp, he would!

Yeah, of course, she thought: Ahuizotl seemed pretty mad at him. So he might not actually deliver the lamp to his boss... That, however, was not helping her... No.

Maybe, Gee would do his best to protect the vessel that controlled him... Yet -- a movement so slight separated the henchpony from making his life easier, and her, Daring Do's, harder!.. And, besides, Gee was somehow able to refuse Daring's direct orders! How?! If Gee was supposed to obey his master's wishes, how could he refuse? Was he hiding something from her?..

But, how ever much and hard Daring tried, she could not recall anything from the lamp's terms and conditions that gave Gee the freedom to toy with her. Unless, of course, he was hiding something, in which case...

She recalled suddenly, that Gee had told he was bound to satisfy her requests. And he had also pointed out, that she had requested to see her tale's events. That nagged her: she had to agree, living a life of adventure always paid off, as she needed not go far to find an idea for her next book... but now...

Now... The very tale she was a heroine of didn't seem to gravitate toward a happy ending. That was bad: for stakes were the highest! The very world could end! For real! She didn't want that!..

But a voice was whispering deep inside her, so quietly she could almost not hear it...

It was whispering out her secret desire... For adventure... O! how thrilling should a life be with a little excitement! how plain and boring it should be without any unexpected threats!.. She understood that clearly.

So... If she had endangered the world by not securing and hiding the lamp for good... could it be because otherwise her, personally, and everypony else's lives too would have become plain and dull?..

She tossed in her bed, turned to lie on her other side and moaned quietly. How could she live like that?! Sure, if the villain does his thing and endangers the world -- that's what he does! That's because he's evil! He doesn't care about going as far, as even destroying the world! And... villains always lose! Good is always victorious! And she... she is on the good side, isn't she? She is no villain! She isn't evil!

With those thoughts in mind Daring also recalled, that earlier that day, when she had visited Letterpress... Huh. She could clearly recall she had been concerned pretty with the same issue she was with -- now. Only then she hadn't realised her wish to see her adventure for herself... had led... to... this...

She shut her eyes and moaned. A restless night it was...

"I wonder, -- she thought into her pillow, -- why was Gee so upset?.. About what?" Honestly, try as she might, she could not invoke the memory... Seriously, what had happened after her talk to Letterpress?

Suddenly she heard something that made her jump up in her bed! What was the commotion?!

Someone couldn't have any rest that night too...

Daring thought immediately about Stealth Pun. Naturally he couldn't rest... The lamp was near! Only a mere foreleg's reach away!

Not wasting her time, she scrambled out of the bed and onto her hooves. She didn't know what to expect -- but she had no time.

She bolted out of her bedroom!..

Unlike the others in this house, Stealth Pun was not concerned with anything that night.

No, really. He was just glad: first, that he had in the end reached his destination -- Daring Do had said the lamp was there, -- second, that his boss had not found the lamp, judging by his furious screams... and that he, Stealth Pun, had managed to dodge his boss' fury... Um... And... third -- Stealth was just glad Daring Do, though had attempted an escape, had not succeeded... in a way, uh... At the very least he, Stealth Pun, knew where she was. So, if it came down to it, he could always just hit her on her head again... and then?.. to tie her? Anyway, Boss would be happy to know -- he thought, as he was falling asleep.

It didn't even bother him, that he was spending the night at his adversary's. Though -- why would he be? -- he reasoned with himself, drifting off to the dreamworlds. Daring Do meant him (or anypony, for that matter) no harm. If not for the rivalry separating them... she, surmised Stealth, could be a very pleasant pony to be around...

Just before the conscious world left Stealth Pun, he imagined what it would have been like, if Daring Do had joined forces with his boss...

The rest of the night Stealth Pun...

...would have slept through, if a sudden urge, ahem, to relieve himself hadn't awakened him.

He got up and, all sleepy, stumbled for the restroom...

...And it just so happened, that he walked right into!.. uh, something. He, uh, couldn't really see what...

In... any case! A dishevelled pony jumped out of the bedroom to the noise!

Shouting something, they pounced at him and pinned him down!

Stealth Pun struggled drowsily. He was gradually losing the sleep he had gained and becoming more and more aware of his surroundings. He started fighting back, trying to get up onto his hooves again.

But the pony was clearly not OK with that! No, they resisted his attempts and tried to hold him! To prevent him! To... subjugate him!

Anger fueling him, Stealth hit his opponent with greater force, wishing to shake them off. They ouched and hissed of pain -- pronouncing something to him, but would he listen? No! He would not! If they wanted to incapacitate him!.. Well, they'd have to think again!..

He kept dealing blow after blow to them and appeared to be winning!..

"Ah! Ouch! Ah, damn you!!!"

...But wait... Who was it he was fighting???

Becoming aware of potential consequences of his actions, he shouted to the unknown pony:

"STOP! NAME yourself, and I shan't hit you!!!"

The pony froze, and so did Stealth, both holding each other in a firm grip.

Finally the pony, practically sizzling with discontent, spoke... in Daring Do's voice!

"Stealth Pun!.. What. Are you... doing here?!"

"M?!.. M-miss?!.." -- he gasped in disbelief. "Hold on! -- he released her, though she did not. -- I... I-I... I-I'll t-turn the-the!.. the lights on!.."

"Don't. Bother!.." -- grumbled Daring Do, then called for the genie: "Gee! Please, light this place up!"

As if the being had not been sleeping and had been alert all night long, he announced his sudden presence:

"Let here be light!" -- and there was light.

And Stealth Pun saw the light, that it was good as to see, the unknown pony he had been hitting was indeed Daring Do!..

Embarrassment overtook the stallion:

"Oh!.. P-pardon me, M-miss!.. I-I knew not, who had attacked me!! If... if I had!.. I... would have surely not!.. engaged!.. With you!.."

"Oh!.. -- uttered Gee with interest and a smile. -- "Engaged", you say?.. Well-well!.. That's... too soon... don't you think?"

Stealth's eyes rounded and enlarged. Was the genie implying?!.. He tried his best not to lose his cool...

"Gee, -- said Daring calmly, glancing toward him and letting the name drop like a droplet. -- One more word..."

"Not a word, Mistress!" -- promised the genie, trying to sound genuine and even clasping his "hands" together, and shut up, though clearly amused.

"Stealth Pun, -- spoke then Daring to the stallion, her tone still the same. -- As you can clearly see... it is indeed me, Daring Do. I don't honestly know, -- she shrugged, -- whom else you were expecting to find... Although..." Still holding him firmly, she leant forward. Stealth's heart raced, and he tensed, sweat forming. "...Whoever that be... there is yet a question to be answered. Namely..." Here she inched so close to his face their noses almost touched. "Namely... What... were you doing... here?.. so late at night?"

She froze with the quizzical expression, and then after a pause added:

"Huh?" -- and cocked her head, eyebrow rising.

For some time Stealth couldn't utter a word; chaos reigned in his head! He was in a confused state and was simply staring at her helplessly... almost dumbly... trying to form a sentence...

He did not need to answer, however: for Daring spoke again:

"While you are considering your answer... I have one more question for you..." She paused for some time. "Tell me..."

The corner of her mouth twitched in a smirk: "Did your parents really call you Stealth Pun, huh?"

The genie snickered.

Stealth... well... He... wasn't reacting for a while.

When he was about ready to come up with an answer...

Gee howled with laughter! Albeit exaggerated a bit, but...

Upon that Daring cracked as well. Shaking, she loosened her grip on Stealth, then wheezed:

"Ha-ha!.. No... offence, hee-hee!.. But!.. -- laughter. -- S-s-seriously, though-ho-ho-o-o!.. "S-Stealth... Pun"?!.. Re... re-hee-hee-ally?!.."

She tried to calm down, but it was hard to do with Gee dying of laughter in the most hilarious way imaginable. The sight of his laughing was... contagious!

"Gee!.. -- she tried. -- Stop! Ha-ha!"

The being seemed to pay no heed, though.

Seeing it all transpire before him, Stealth Pun couldn't help but crack a smile as well. The fact of his name being the subject to laughter, on the other hoof... did not please him in his heart.

"All I wanted was to find the restroom", -- he mumbled grumpily, then proceeded to his quest for the... uh, place. Yeah, for the often sought relief... Ahem!..

The genie, upon that, howled even louder, so that he... literally burst with laughter! Like a balloon! Complete with a sound of an explosion! Bang! The shreds of rubber rained from above!..

That, however, is not to say he was made of rubber... He only appeared to be...

Daring wiped the tears away, but did not leave like Gee, and rather followed Stealth.

He, meanwhile, reached his destination and vanished from sight, the door being locked. Daring approached the door... From there she wasn't sure, how to proceed. Something was telling her she ought, uh... not... to have pressed further and knocked... Though the suspicion was still in there. She couldn't believe all he'd wanted was indeed a vacant restroom!

When Stealth Pun was done and ready to return to his sleep, then, as he left the cabin, he was greeted by Daring Do still waiting for him to finish. It startled him slightly, but he was sure there was nothing to be tense because of. Why, can't a lady have an, uh... ahem, urge?

"Please, if you need", -- he offered her politely, giving way to her.

Daring wasn't so hasty. She fidgeted her hooves, shifting weight.

"Be sure, -- resumed Stealth, -- I have not done anything to the, ahem..." -- he noted to himself to stop coughing before long: he felt it made him look awkward.

"Yes! -- snapped Daring. -- I know that! If you tried something like that!.." She stopped, mad at the stallion and at herself for the momentary outburst. She exhaled, then inhaled and continued: "You... had better NOT!.. attempt anything!.."

She fell silent, feeling she had said something like that before. She had made her point, hadn't she?

She sighed wearily, lowering her head:

"Dude..."

"Yes?" -- Stealth asked gingerly. Whatever the situation, he would always display a polite attitude!

Daring sighed again:

"Don't 'yes' me!" -- she ordered icily.

She paused; she was worn out.

The stallion remained silent. Maybe, he thought, she just needed... He didn't know what, but he felt compelled to help a lady!

Finally Daring resumed in a hoarse voice:

"You do know where the lamp is, don't you? Tell me..." She shut her eyes and gritted her teeth: it was well past midnight. "...What are you waiting for?"

"Huh?" -- the stallion's face changed, though it was dark too see.

"For an opportunity?? Well??!" -- Daring raised her voice, a bit of hysterics heard in it.

Stealth was staring at her, though, again, it was hard to see.

"Just tell me what it is you NEED from me!" -- she shouted all of a sudden. She shut her eyes again, no sooner had she opened them, then drew a breath: "...Then... go away!!!.."

She felt tears coming up to her eyelids. It would not be long, before she cried... But she stood strong!

"...Right, then, -- pronounced the stallion awkwardly. -- Well... I nee..."

"Then go ahead and TAKE it! -- was Daring still raving, apparently losing control over herself. -- Well??! Go!!!"

It had the stallion dumbfounded, but, to his luck, an idea came to his mind!

He stepped close to the distressed mare -- and spoke:

"Just before I do it... I need you tied".

He was actually a bit ashamed of what he intended to do... He felt hot, as blood rushed to his face. But he could obviously not calm this mare down! So... Well?!

...However, unexpectedly, Daring did not throw a tantrum. Instead she paused and looked at Stealth in disbelief. She couldn't say a word!

"Well... I have said: I need you tied!" -- repeated Stealth. However, seeing the mare's state, he just decided to act another way: "Or... maybe... I'll just... immobilise you some... o-other way?" He stammered, feeling uncomfortable about doing that. But...

He did not fool around and simply seized her firmly. The pony was, apparently, paralysed with shock, as she was not reacting in any way, just staring at Stealth dumbly.

Then he did what neither she, nor he thought to be a right thing to do to one's enemy, especially in their case.

He hugged her.

He embraced her and held her tightly. He was careful not to be snuggling with her -- he wouldn't dare! -- but...

Daring stood... Even more dumbfounded, than before, though could there be more? A thought flickered in her straining mind: was it all a dream or something?.. In all honesty, she could not tell for sure at that moment.

Stealth... was blushing. He was thinking: "Why me? WHY must it be me??" True, he had felt compelled to comfort the raving mare. But... Even though she was a lady, and he was a gentlecolt!.. even then! He should not be hugging his enemy!

But he had seen no other way to be of help! Enemies or not, he was a gentlecolt! He was not to be inconsiderate, especially toward a lady!

Still, the moment felt pretty awkward to him...

They stood there for some indefinite time, until Stealth felt a head leaning on his shoulder. He shuddered. It had cued him, they had already stood long enough. Maybe, even too long.

"Are you feeling better now, Miss?" -- he asked in a whisper.

The head jerked up, and a pair of crazed eyes stared at an embarrassed Stealth.

"Wha?.." -- the head's owner asked, then pushed the stallion away. -- ...Stealth?.. Is that you?!.. What the hay??.. are you DOING??!"

The stallion flinched. "If you are, -- he went on, fighting another blood rush to his face, -- then, I suppose..." Seeing, however, Daring Do's alert state, he motormouthed: "...I suppose, it's a good-night!" -- and rushed back to his mattress, nearly tumbling.

Daring took a second to process the... event. Then with a start she... gave chase!

"YOU! You, good for nothing!.." -- she spat various curses and insults, though she didn't really think she could do anything heroic that night. Nonetheless...

Stealth Pun had already hidden under his blanket and was praying in whisper to whoever were willing to have mercy on him and to PLEASE, SAVE ME FROM HER WRATH!!!

And, whoever that were, they had heard his pledge! Daring Do, still mumbling curses under her breath, decided not to bash the freaky stallion to death with his own pillow (borrowed from Daring Do, but still!) and stumbled back to her bedroom...

She was fuming! Naturally!.. Yet strangely... the thoughts of the pony did not worry her so much. Sure, she wouldn't trust him to stay locked in jail like a good colt!.. But at least she felt she could sleep normally.

At last...

Back into her bedroom, she waddled to her bed and slumped on top of it, eyes shut.

The night had gone well. The ponies had rested, the genie... had not... but he was still OK!

The morning had come! A bright and cheerful morning it was!

Daring Do opened her eyes to the sun's rays. The day seemed to promise only the good things!

She got up and out of the bed and with a slight bounce in her step walked to make breakfast.

As she was exiting her bedroom, she was met with a sight of a makeshift bed being deconstructed by... a stallion...

She slowed her step, until she stopped, and her jaw hung. Right, it wasn't dangling only because it was firmly attached to Daring Do's skull...

"The hay??!.."

Her memory brought her a recollection of the last night... Then of yesterday!

She had recalled what had happened yesterday. The talk with Letterpress! Gee's being upset!.. Ahuizotl's ambush! Then! Her being kidnapped!.. And then her escape!..

And... then she had run into Ahuizotl's henchpony... The same one, who'd stolen her lamp!.. Even though she had managed to save it, but still!

And this pony... Stealth Pun!.. was right in front of her, packing the bed up!..

As she'd recalled it all, the initial shock was replaced with... anger! Stealth Pun... had slept in her HOUSE!!!

The pony noticed someone had entered, suspended the packing-up, rose onto his hooves and bowed his head a little, politely:

"Good morning, Miss Do! Have you slept well? I sure hope you have!"

Daring kept looking at him crossly.

"If you have slept well -- well... your master is waiting!" -- she informed him begrudgingly.

The stallion suppressed the urge to raise his eyebrows in a frown:

"If I might, -- he attempted gently, -- is something on your mind?"

"Oh, I don't know!.." -- Daring barked all of a sudden, making Stealth flinch. The latter felt irritation: not only did his boss make him... but now she was as well? "What are you here for, anyway?!"

"Well!.. Miss! -- resented the stallion. -- Need I remind you?!.."

"Nope, -- answered Daring shortly, her gaze wandering off. -- You've slept one night! Now get outta here!" -- and she stared at him angrily.

"Uh... -- Stealth uttered, feeling he couldn't make her reconsider. -- May I at least have breakfast?"

This cooled Daring Do down a bit. She shut her lips and contemplated.

Stealth waited politely and, in all honesty, nervously.

"...I'll make you a lunch-box!" -- she said coldly, finally, turning her tail to him and storming off into the kitchen.

Stealth nearly choked; if he had been sipping tea, he'd have spat it out. Nonetheless he decided not to argue.

Meanwhile Daring Do had reached the kitchen and proceeded to preparing a meal.

"Ah-h-h! -- appeared Gee out of nowhere suddenly and stretched. -- Good morning, Mistress!"

"Uh-uh, -- she mumbled. -- May you stay well too".

"Oh, I'm doing well!" -- dismissed Gee with a smile.

Daring answered nothing.

"Say, Mistress..." -- spoke Gee up again.

"What?!" -- Daring abandoned her task, turned to the annoying being and locked gaze with his, fuming.

The genie looked aside before answering:

"Well... I was thinking..." -- he appeared to be pacing in his explanation.

"Darn, can't I prepare simple breakfast, Gee?!"

"Oh, would you like to... make a wish?" -- the genie smiled, excitement hiding in his eyes.

"No! Go away!"

With those words she turned back to the cooking. The genie, however, did not want to concede so simply...

"But, Mistress!.. Uh..." Daring wasn't paying him attention, her stern expression set on the ingredients. "This... concerns your book".

Daring stayed the way she was, cutting and chopping something, but then spoke finally:

"Gee... As I recall... My book is, thanks to you!.. Very and very safe!" She afforded herself to look at the genie, and that look was not one of satisfaction. "You said, you didn't want to... how was it?.. Ugh, let's just say, you refused to assist me!" She glared at him.

"What?? No! I can't!"

Gee made to pose, but Daring interrupted him:

"Yeah, of course!.. Listen, -- she added after a pause, sighing. -- I'll talk to you later, OK? Await..."

"Oh, -- sighed Gee. -- Alright..."

"What?? I mean it actually! Just let me finish cooking..."

"Perhaps, -- offered Gee, -- you wish to..."

"OUT!!!" -- bellowed Daring, and the genie, presumably scared, popped away clumsily -- though it is unclear, how one can disappear clumsily.

"Sheesh!" -- Daring snorted and resumed making breakfast.

Stealth Pun was awaiting meekly in the living room. He smelt smells from the kitchen. It made him drool. But he swallowed the saliva.

The makeshift bed had already been dismantled and put away, so all that was left for Stealth was to take the promised lunch-box -- and then to depart!..

However, he thought. Could he make a mad dash for the lamp, and then flee?

Stealth considered it. It appeared, Daring Do had indeed told him the real location of the lamp!.. Could it be... she hadn't lied about it? Or... "H-m-m. I've not been hoping she told me the actual truth... Otherwise I wouldn't have headed for her house... H-m-m, but now... Ah, what may I lose, right?"

After some thinking he'd made his mind up. Warily, so nopony saw him, he tiptoed to his hostess' bedroom...

As he was approaching the door, his heart was racing and pounding. Naturally! In addition to the sense of excitement he felt in his gut, despite his rather... criminalistic occupation, he had been raised in a well-mannered family, and he had been taught about decent ways. And entering a lady's private bedroom was most certainly NOT what gentlecolts did! But that was where, Daring Do had told, the lamp was hidden...

He reached the door, stopped before it and listened. No one seemed to have noticed where he was. Daring was still in the kitchen: he could smell the smells. The genie... Stealth was unsure about him. And even if he did guard the lamp... he was supposed to obey his master... and his master was whoever had a hold of the lamp!.. So...

Stealth turned the handle and pushed the door carefully. It didn't creak. Yet Stealth looked back, in case someone had heard anything... But nopony had. No one came...

Stealth sighed in relief and stepped inside. Closed the door just as... stealthily... Heh...

Then he crept under the bed.

"In all honesty, -- he thought to himself shamefully, -- I should have asked her first, if it's there or not... Just to... be sure... But, then again, no one shall know!.."

He felt around for a small box... It was nowhere.

"Well... I assume, she MUST have relocated it!" -- he cursed in annoyance and was about to creep back out...

However he happened to raise his head a bit too high... and it hit a rather sharp corner!

Stealth yelped, then hissed... then whined silently. He tried very hard not to make a sound... but his head hurt!

"Ouch! What is this damn thing?!"

He palpated the corner... And it appeared to be some object, attached to the bed's underside.

"Huh! Well, I guess, this is not the underside I've... -- he hissed, -- hit!"

Still mad at the object that had caused him such pain, he gripped it. It was rectangular.

"Aha! Maybe, she's not relocated it after all! Huh... why, though? If she had such suspicions of me last night... Could it be a trap?!.."

He didn't stop, however, in spite of his fears. He shook the small box -- and something rumbled inside! His eyes lit. Could it be?!.. He fiddled with the object, which was, apparently, the box he'd been hoping to find. It clicked... and opened!

And inside it was!..

"Boo-oo-oo!" -- someone emerged from inside the box and howled!

Stealth shrieked. That was a short shriek, but... very loud... though Stealth hoped with all his heart it was not!

In the process he hit the top of his head on the bed's underside. He didn't notice that -- so startled he was! -- but his head spun, and he felt dizzy. He scrambled to get out from-under the bed as quickly, as possible!.. but then slowed down.

"OUCH!" -- he rubbed his sore head, still sprawled on the floor. Man, that hurt! "In the name of... Aargh!.. Genie!.. -- he hissed of pain. -- Is that... ow!.. you?"

As it appeared, it was indeed Gee, who had popped out of the box and was now hovering above the unlucky thief, arms crossed.

"Well-well! -- the genie said, frowning. -- What are you doing here... Stealth Pun?" The pony didn't answer and just kept rubbing his head. "Huh? Did your parents not teach you stealing wasn't good?"

"Ouch!.. Did your parents not tell you?!.. -- Stealth shouted, though trying to keep his voice down, -- ...that spooking someone could end badly?!"

"My mistress' wish, -- answered the genie crossly, -- is to protect the lamp... of the existence of which, I believe, you are aware, are you not?"

"So", -- Stealth answered, still hissing and rubbing his sore head that just wouldn't STOP being sore! "It can't be denied. Everypony: my boss, Miss Do, and now you too -- you all do admit there does exist an actual, real lamp!"

"Am I not enough evidence?" -- asked the genie drily.

"Well... -- Stealth hissed again. -- Duh! Your having told me you're protecting the lamp just supports it all! So... How can I not have tried to go for it? Been worth a shot, though, hasn't it?.. Gah! -- he erupted, frustrated. -- Should have known there was a trap!"

"Indeed, -- smirked the genie wryly. -- And now the question is: what shall I do to you now? For, you see? As long, as you don't touch this thrice cursed vessel!.. it's actually OK in my book, as the lamp stays still protected..."

Stealth considered, massaging his head, that wasn't hurting so much now...

Suddenly! An idea came to his mind!

"H-m-m... Say, genie..."

"Don't you remember my name is Gee?" -- asked the genie with slight annoyance in his voice.

"OK. So, Gee..."

"Yes?.."

"What, if I promised you... I wouldn't touch the lamp?.." -- proposed Stealth, and in his eyes lit mischievous fire. "Would you allow me to... take it... with me?.. Huh?" -- he asked, his eyes almost like those of a begging puppy.

The genie said nothing in response, but the similar fire of mischief sparkled in his eyes as well... though, maybe, for a different reason:

"H-m-m, you know..."

Daring had finished preparing breakfast. She had also eaten. And, as she'd promised just before heading to the kitchen, she had made Stealth Pun a lunch-box. That contained an actual snack, mind you! She was not some sort of prankster!

Even if her hooves itched for that...

She entered the living room, where she'd left the annoying stallion. Naturally, she found no one. She commended him mentally for having packed his bed up: the sheets were folded neatly, as if by a housemaid, and not by a male. At least he had that redeeming quality!

"Stealth Pun!" -- she called for him.

...But nopony answered.

"Your lunch-box is ready!" Silence responded. "Take it and get lost!"

But he did neither.

"I'll... just assume he's in the colts' room", -- Daring mumbled and sat down on the edge of a chair, setting the box down and preparing to be waiting...

Little did she know, what a surprise would await her, when she decided finally to check the restroom, and then the rest of the house...

Chapter 9. Questions asked, decisions made

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Just a moment! What happened to Ahuizotl?

He was left in the forest, where Stealth Pun and Daring Do had collided. When he had heard some noise, he, naturally, had decided to check, who'd been there. But he'd found no one: Daring and Stealth had disappeared, courtesy of the genie. With no luck there Ahuizotl proceeded to chase his venal henchpony further...

That was when his other henchcreatures drew his attention. They had discovered Daring Do had attempted an escape and had been trying to catch her since then... So far no luck. Naturally Ahuizotl demanded of them to tell him, what was going on...

Someone finally received enough courage to speak up. And then had to return the borrowed courage back: Ahuizotl was about to explode, obliterating everything in near vicinity!

What a strike! Not only had his henchpony a plan of his own!.. But Daring Do had escaped as well!!.. The lamp had been so close!.. And then it had slipped from Ahuizotl's clutches!.. He'd had a brilliant plan of capturing Daring Do and obtaining the artefact!.. But she had tricked him into revealing the lamp's secret, which had cost him his henchpony's trust, and slipped away with no way to get close to the lamp again!!!..

If Ahuizotl had been but a kid, he would have wept in powerless anger. What a nice plan it had been! But Daring had been prepared for him, had she not? Indeed, thought Ahuizotl, Stealth Pun had told her about his intentions to steal the lamp... But who would have thought she would have been smarter and made a fake lamp, and not just watched the original better?!..

He should have gotten to it, Ahuizotl thought, had it not been for his own paranoia. Instead of letting Stealth go and watch for Daring he should have kept him nearby, disregarding his concerns! Yes, she might have lied! So? Even if she had attempted an escape, which she had... But, then again, reasoned Ahuizotl with himself, she could have lied to Stealth, and Stealth could -- to him... Now he, Ahuizotl, was left with nothing... and Stealth Pun would probably be too.

"That pony must be ELIMINATED!!!" -- decided Ahuizotl, though whom he meant specifically was unclear... perhaps, he meant both.

But how could he achieve that? Whoever had the lamp now could wish obstacles in front of Ahuizotl right out of nowhere! And Ahuizotl knew, that after his latest scheme it was bound to happen: neither Daring, nor Stealth Pun were too dense not to use the power of the lamp against him!

So? How should he defeat his enemies?..

That was the thought plaguing Ahuizotl's mind. He couldn't succeed only on his own... No...

Seemingly devastated, Ahuizotl headed into his gloomy lair. He went into his private chamber and decided to have some rest in it for the upcoming night...

Only... that was what seemed to Ahuizotl's henchcreatures, who were too terrified even to think of disturbing him!

What Ahuizotl was doing that night was way more useful, than sleeping after crying into his pillow...

It was hard to imagine, what feelings overcame Daring Do.

Naturally! In her wait for Stealth Pun to come out, to take the lunch-box and to get out of her house she had become tired of waiting and decided finally to search for him. However he had been nowhere to be found! Yes, at first Daring had been relieved... but the thought, that she'd left him all alone without supervision... Her blood had turned cold, and her hooves had almost given way under her!

Dying internally of dread, she had rushed to her bedroom... She had not wanted to find out... No!..

But now she had...

When she had felt no box attached to her bed's underside, she had checked everywhere she could! She'd become so frantic she'd almost thrown a tantrum not unlike one she had thrown, when she'd gotten trapped in the underground temple!

She'd been zipping across her house like a crazed bee! Trying to get away from another angry bee, no less! Her brain had been blocked by the discovery: the lamp had disappeared!!!

She had stopped finally. At some point she'd had to! She'd stopped and was standing... no, sitting on her rump on the floor. Her gaze was aloof... It appeared, she was not OK... If anyone could have seen her, they could've told... She seemed to be suffering...

It was, again, hard to imagine, what thoughts were going through her head. Perhaps, they were like this: "I've lost the lamp, and now the end of the world is at hoof..." Or, perhaps, like this: "Holiest princess of the sun and what accompanies it, I'm gonna KILL that stallion!!!" Or, maybe: "Gee!!! What in the name of firecrackers??!! How can you have??!.." But that's to be said with no degree of certainty.

Eventually she calmed down enough to think clearly. "In all honesty, -- she thought, -- even though the lamp has disappeared, I should not worry... Maybe... Maybe, it's Gee, who's decided to screw with me!"

That thought was puzzling, to say the least. Indeed: why?? Granted, Gee was misbehaving, but why'd he?.. If he was responsible for the lamp's disappearance... then Daring had certainly a number of questions to ask of him!..

Though, maybe, it was not his fault, thought she... Maybe, Stealth... Hang on, could that be Stealth? -- she queried herself. Earlier she had been unsure, but by now she'd become pretty confident the genie would have protected the lamp regardless of the stallion's intentions...

"Oh, Gee... -- Daring sighed. -- What is going on?"

She decided not to mope around and, having calmed down enough not to zip across her house again, stood back up onto all fours, resolution sparkling in her eyes!

She had to go, but where to? In which direction?

She almost wished Gee had popped up in the room, but, no matter her pleas, the naughty being would not as much as give a sign he heard her! What was the matter with him, anyway?!

To sum it up, Stealth Pun had had a fine job before he'd found out about the lamp. Now he'd gone and tried to trick his boss; failed at that; yet somehow he'd found his way to the box containing the lamp and left off with it.

Having lost his boss' trust and probably with Daring Do pursuing him -- but he had been leaving with the lamp! Which he had had no idea, how to use: the genie had been supposed to guard it and not to allow anyone besides his mistress as much as to touch it! In all honesty, a touch should be enough: it signified entering an agreement of sorts, according to which the genie was to serve whoever touched the lamp... But that was out of question...

And now he had nowhere to hide from Daring Do... and from his boss... And the lamp... couldn't help him, till Daring allowed so...

Well?.. Where had Stealth to go to? What should he do?

The forest, it seemed, provided no more shelter: his boss would turn every stone, but find his rebellious henchpony! And Daring would, probably, too... but for a different reason. Nevertheless it was, at most, unwise to be anywhere near them at that time.

Having decided that, Stealth directed his hooves... in whatever direction said hooves cared to carry him, in all honesty. Wherever it were, it was fine by him.

His heart was uneasy. His mind was plagued: how was he to approach the genie? It didn't appear, as if he'd let him just... rub the lamp. However, if his mistress told him to... Huh, but that very mistress might well order the genie to execute the impudent thief -- thought Stealth with a shudder. So how then?..

The forest was left behind. At a relatively close distance from it stood the city of Vanhoover.

Stealth looked at the city from afar. He recalled that day he'd held the lamp for the first time... That day, when he'd snatched Daring Do's saddlebag... yet not knowing just what it had concealed...

And there he had it. He could go anywhere. The lamp was his... and it contained an actual genie! If only he had known that!.. He could have stolen the lamp -- and become the genie's original master!.. Or, maybe, not. A frown crossed his face, when he remembered his fiasco: all of a sudden he'd blurted everything Daring Do had had to know!

And the beans!.. Oh, if only he had known the lamp was magic!.. But, again: could he have done anything? Had Daring Do not wished for him to -- and Stealth couldn't contain a cringe -- spill the beans? She had! No denying, that she had! She had been in control all that time!

Well, maybe, now he could... take this opportunity?

...No. That was just a fantasy, was it not? Even now, with the lamp at his disposal Stealth couldn't do anything about it. Daring had been prepared well...

Was there any point in his attempt? At all, was it?..

"Well, -- broke Gee the silence, -- obviously this doesn't look very good... Still..."

Stealth wanted to shriek, but couldn't: panic had expropriated his voice thanks to whatever legal pitfall Stealth had had the misfortune to fall victim to.

It realised soon, however, that there had been a misunderstanding, and returned his voice to him, though little forfeit had been paid.

"Oh my goodness!.. -- croaked Stealth. -- W-w-who's that?!.."

"Why, it is me, Gee the genie!" -- answered the being, seemingly pleased to introduce himself. He did not materialise, though, staying concealed.

Stealth had hard time collecting his bearings, so he didn't answer that immediately. "Gee?.. From the lamp?.."

"The very one!" By the sound of his voice the genie was smiling.

"How can you be?.. What are you doing here?? Where are you, anyway?"

"What? -- asked Gee sarcastically. -- Did you expect me to stay wherever you'd left me? You shan't touch it, y'hear?"

Stealth lowered his head. The genie was adamant. But who would have expected him actually to follow??

"Why won't you leave me?" -- Stealth grumbled with a cross look.

The genie shrugged, though no one could see that:

"Why should I leave you of all ponies? You are an interesting fellow!"

Stealth was unsure, how to respond to that. Had Gee just complimented him?..

"You never rest, -- was Gee going on, -- never sit in one place... You are bossed into that, but, honestly, -- who cares?! You, my dear... are very daring! Even more so, than Daring herself!"

And if it was not a "rim-shot" that sounded, following his words! Stealth decided to ignore that, though hardly containing a snort.

"And, besides, -- continued Gee, -- I am bound to follow you everywhere!" Well, thought Stealth to himself, that sounded creepy... "My mistress' wish is to protect this... -- Gee contained a curse. -- ...vessel!.. Be it damned!.. From her foe! And you!.. You are on his side, are you not, huh?"

Stealth almost flinched, yet didn't and just lowered his head again, sighing.

His boss...

Yeah. His boss had known he had been up to something! His boss had paid him close attention! But who could have guessed... that he, Stealth, would have successfully run into Daring? And after that would have been transported straight to her house?! Just the way he'd wanted! Maybe, if it had not been for that...

Would things have been easier with my boss? -- thought Stealth to himself. As it was then, his attempt at snatching the lamp... had been a success. Yeah! But... regardless, his boss had already been suspicious of him... So no, no shelter on that side. No...

The thoughts, which had been plaguing Stealth's mind earlier, returned. If he could not run to his boss to seek support, where was he to run to? Who could provide for him?.. Not to mention, Daring Do... Oh, she would give chase, that was for sure! He had entered her house... inadvertently, not on purpose... though with such a purpose in his mind... but still. He had stayed there. Slept one night... Hadn't even attempted to have a go for it! Even though she had every right to be wary of him!

No, it was not, as if... Nay, thought Stealth, was he ashamed? Ha!

And yet... Though he did not feel any remorse about his actions... he feared to imagine, what would have happened, if Daring Do had been to track him down... He shuddered. "Gee!.. I want you... to exterminate this skunk!" No, she would not probably have said something like that... But Stealth could only imagine... Feeling betrayed, what lengths would she have gone?

Stealth felt pity. Not for himself. But for Daring. The poor mare...

At that Stealth couldn't but recall one event he felt especially embarrassed about...

Yeah... That... Just recalling that made him want to disappear!

Through all the subspace that separated them the genie noticed Stealth's face -- it was just about to redden -- from within the lamp and wondered:

"So... What will it be? Are you a threat or... are you on her side?"

Stealth gave a start, as he heard the being. Upon the question he just lowered his head, wishing the genie would stop (and understanding the wish would not be granted only made Stealth more bitter). The memories of that time... The time he had hugged Daring Do...

"She is not my friend, -- he grumbled almost under his breath, eyes still downcast. -- She is my enemy".

He wanted to say more after that, but Gee interjected:

"So, then?? No lamp for you!.. Although... say..." A pause followed, Gee adjusting himself invisibly, then: "What is up with your expression, huh?"

Stealth almost tumbled, seeing Gee's mostly transparent face showing mere inches away from his. One could even say it was not there, just a flicker of light that would be gone in a couple of blinks.

"Is this a face one displays upon thinking of his enemy?" -- queried Gee skeptically.

Stealth's expression darkened. "Do I really have to tell you, -- he almost hissed, -- to stay inside and not. To come. Out?!"

"Oh, but I am not concealed any more!.. -- Gee smiled. -- My service is started, and, till I retire..." He paused, but only shortly. "Well, till then -- I can do anything!"

"You had one simple task! -- started Stealth to scold the being. -- To be quiet!.. What is so unclear?.." He said in the end, emphasising every word.

The genie only humphed.

Then both were silent for a while, until Stealth sighed and said:

"Tell me this, genie... What shall I do with you now?" He looked at Gee hopefully. Then at the lamp he was carrying, gesturing at it. "Tell me: how can this... trinket!.. help me... in my predicament?" The stare rested on Gee, demanding an answer.

Gee's face shifted, as he contemplated... "Well..."

The answer, however, was... rather concise:

"That's simple: in no way!"

Stealth, at a loss, coughed. What??..

"H-how?.. -- he stammered. -- W-why?.."

"This 'trinket', as you say, is designed... -- Gee winced, -- ...to control me. I am a genie. That means, I grant wishes to my master... And my master is a mistress... And she wished... actually, no disclosing!" -- he shouted. "But she knew she had enemies... And so she took... precautions... as you can see".

His tone then became very firm:

"You are disallowed to take control! Do whatever you may! You are prohibited! The lamp will stay that way!.. And..."

"All has been in vain", -- mumbled Stealth numbly.

"Your pardon?.. What's been in vain?"

Stealth looked at Gee. The look was... full of misery... All high expectations... were gone. There was nothing he could do...

"Take it... and go, wherever you care", -- with that said Stealth held, and then dropped the box that contained the lamp, on the grass. It landed with a muffled thud. Upon that Stealth turned away from the genie's face and walked, sounding not a word.

"Wait, wuh?.. Huh?? Where are you going to??! Stealth!!.."

The genie looked disoriented. He was about to follow the pony, but didn't, looking at the box with the lamp, unsure about what to do with it; then turned in Stealth's direction, about to follow him, yet hesitating...

"Well, -- he said eventually after some time, -- that's new".

Materialising fully at last, Gee floated up and headed to catch up with Stealth disappearing in the distance:

"Stealth! Wait!.. I know, how to bypass it!.."

Holding her breath, Daring was watching, as Ahuizotl was trying carefully to get inside her house by going through the window...

Wait! Just a moment! Ahuizotl?? What was he doing there???

Perhaps, an explanation is due...

Daring had spotted Ahuizotl, as he had been approaching her house. She had been just about to leave to search for Stealth Pun, who had gone and!.. stolen her lamp!.. But Ahuizotl had appeared, and so she'd frozen in place, not believing her own eyes. Ahuizotl?? There??? Right in front of her house??!.. Alright, so he might know where she lived, since he'd kidnapped her just yesterday, just as she'd been about to enter her abode... Still: why had he come???

The beast had been carrying some round, flat object that appeared to have been... a compass? Ahuizotl had been following its lead, looking downwards at the object. Daring, stiff and frozen, had slumped on the floor right where she'd stood, paralysed.

...And, right when she had, Ahuizotl had raised his head and seen her house. Looking surprised, he'd stopped dead.

"Huh!" -- he'd uttered.

Cautiously he'd started approaching the house, muttering something under his breath on his way. Daring couldn't have heard what. She'd found some strength to pull herself off the floor. Then she'd found some place to watch Ahuizotl from. He, meanwhile, had been trying to find ways to enter her house without raising much noise. He'd been almost succeeding: Daring had had to strain to pick any sounds.

Finally Ahuizotl had found himself in front of a window. From there he'd tried to open it -- just as silently. Again, he'd mostly succeeded.

While he'd been at it, Daring had asked herself a load of questions. "So, what has he come here for? What is he going to do? Why so stealthy all of a sudden?.. Darn, Stealth! I must find him! And then catch up with him!.. But... Ahuizotl, damn you!.."

Questions and quick plans... Daring had come up with nothing. Except for ambushing Ahuizotl. But that she'd have had to do... Yeah... "Stealthily"... Heaven fall down and bury him!..

By then Ahuizotl had opened the window and was in the process of getting inside, trying not to make a sound. And, as told, Daring was watching that. There. Everyone up to date now? Good!..

So, watching her nemesis, Daring was trying to think of something to prevent whatever it was Ahuizotl had planned, from happening.

"Though I must admit, -- she thought to herself, -- that this is a very good scene to include... Huh, yeah! Standing there, foretelling no external help (and hoping some help came!), wishing my enemy passed over without noticing me!.. They are gonna love it!"

Yeah, but the problem was: she should not approach her desk and take her quill. Would that not attract the stealthy Ahuizotl?

Speaking of whom. He had infiltrated.

"Oh my!.."

There was no more time to lose -- but what to do?.. What to do?!..

"If only this could be a choose-your-own-adventure story!.. Then!.. I'd choose to..."

Daring didn't get to finish that thought: Ahuizotl, carefully, was passing right by her, not yet seeing her. His hope appeared to be, that he'd not be noticed... Well, that was interesting. His presence was most mysterious...

Ah, but time (and time again) would pass, before Daring Do's readers could read all that was happening and shake from excitement! For then, though? Daring was almost dying, so open and vulnerable she felt! She couldn't help herself. She shut her eyes, afraid to think, hoping the villain shouldn't spot her, if she didn't think about him. Her chest was gripped, and she wanted to inhale.

A crashing sound, and then sounds of cursing brought her back from Eye-Shut Land. Yeah, "Eye-Shut Land". The land of shut eyes. You know, the land on the side of the globe opposite to Light-Shed Land.

Hee-hee!.. Ah... In any case...

Daring did not... dare... to open her eyes and to look, what had happened. At any rate she was glad, that whatever had happened had seemingly distracted Ahuizotl, so he was occupied with spilling and spewing curses about... Huh???

Gingerly she allowed herself to peek through her eyelid (but just one eyelid!) to see what was going on.

And thus was the sight she beheld. Ahuizotl was hopping on one leg, while holding on to the other, in pain. On the floor lay the lunch-box Daring Do had prepared for Stealth Pun, over which the villain had seemingly tripped. Along with the lunch-box on the floor also lay: books, both stacked and unstacked, paper sheet towers, spare inkwells, bottle-sprayers for indoor plants, various pairs of slippers, a not triggered mousetrap, a pile of ribbons, fezzes, bows and bow-ties; a lone crossbow, a written permission to shoot with said crossbow, a lone cracked photo frame and various other things.

"Gee, -- Daring thought to herself, -- I should clean more often..."

"Aargh!.. Cursed be whoever's put these... things!.. Ouch!.." -- Ahuizotl whimpered angrily.

"Oops. Sorry, -- Daring smiled apologetically. -- I promise to..."

Silence fell. Ahuizotl stopped whimpering with his leg still being held, standing on his other, and gaped at Daring in surprise.

Daring was frozen. For a brief moment all thoughts had vanished from her head. She was gaping at Ahuizotl too -- but in fear.

Neither was moving. Ahuizotl's eyes darted, panicked. So did Daring's.

Ahuizotl stood on all twos, placing his foot down slowly: just a moment longer, and he'd have fallen. That movement allowed him to collect himself.

"Ha! Daring Do! We meet again!" He sneered. "What an unpleasant surprise!"

Daring, meanwhile, felt an inexplicable urge to find a frying pan -- just to reclaim her lost confidence.

"Uh... Wh... who invited you... huh?" -- she managed.

Ahuizotl only snorted and answered nothing. Then he remembered to return his attention to that compass thingy, whose lead he'd followed, and was about to proceed impatiently following it, but...

"Hey! Going somewhere?" -- demanded Daring from the uninvited guest, fear leaving her gradually.

Ahuizotl only waved her, annoyed, and continued undeterred.

Huh.

"Alright! What is up with you?! Tell me and get outta here!" -- decided Daring to be bolder, all fear evaporating.

But Ahuizotl was marching in circles with a frown busily, not bothering with giving her a decent answer.

"Ahuizotl!"

That continued for some time, until the beast, getting tired of endless circle-walking, livened up upon seeing a change. "Finally!" -- he grumbled and followed his device's lead...

"Nope". Daring stood in his way, blocking it, and shook her head.

Ahuizotl was about to push her aside... but Daring resisted.

"What?! -- he shrieked. -- Get! Away!"

"Tell me first, what are you doing here, coming in uninvited! And what is... this?!" With that she went quickly for the mysterious object Ahuizotl was using -- and snatched it away!

"Give it back!!!" -- the villain roared.

Daring fled.

Ahuizotl, naturally, gave chase! But Daring was decisive! And, although getting tired, the more they were playing cat-and-mouse, she was set to uncover the truth and to get rid of Ahuizotl -- once and for all! And to relocate her living place, of course: she didn't want uninvited guests popping in any more, than anyone.

He would not, however, answer her frantic demands, no matter, how elusive she was. And her determination was... well... wearing thin: dealing with Ahuizotl wasn't a part of her plan to find Stealth Pun. At all! The more they zipped around like maniacs, the more she became more desperate. How could she just... leave Ahuizotl in her house in favour of finding Stealth Pun?! But Ahuizotl's presence there was interfering with her plans!..

Eventually, once she had a moment, she gave the device she was holding a look in hopes it would be more co-operative, than its former owner. And the look over revealed, that it had indeed a needle, like a compass, but... Huh???

What else was there almost made her drop the object. On the lid's inside was the image of none other, than...

"S... Stealth Pun???"

Yes, that's right, on the inside was a faint, translucent image showing Stealth Pun! Daring's breath quickened. A compass-like device -- with a pointing needle! -- and a clearly not-plastered image of someone she sought!..

"Dugh!.. Does it??.. lead to??.."

Perhaps, she was lucky Ahuizotl had stumbled upon her. Or! Was it he'd tracked the pony down??! No!..

"No!.." -- she whispered, acknowledging her pounding heart with her hoof.

"Aha! -- Ahuizotl was there in a moment. -- Hold it right THERE!!! Give it to me!!!"

And Daring could agree. If Ahuizotl was pursuing the same pony she was, it would benefit the both of them, if she returned the device to its owner, let him follow the target, and meanwhile followed his inadvertent lead! But... what, if... not?..

In all honesty, it was hard to decide. But Daring didn't think in-depth, and so her decision came up quickly:

"You'll have to catch me first!"

And with that she dashed madly for the nearest exit, for which, at that moment, even a chimney could pass, more so -- a window.

"HA-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-ALT!!!"

For the last few minutes Gee had been trying to lift Stealth Pun's broken spirit. Unsuccessfully so far.

"I'm telling you! Do I look like a liar to you?"

Stealth didn't answer. What the genie had explained was... tempting...

"I..." He shook his head. "Genie! What you're saying sounds improbable. It doesn't look like you! A genie is supposed to obey his master... mistress! How can you tell me she won't mind?"

"But I've explained!.. -- the genie, bearing a very tired look, pleaded. -- You don't understand it, is that so?" Then he attempted one more time: "What is it you've missed? Any particular part of the lesson?.."

"I've got it, -- interrupted Stealth, -- that you said you knew better what she wanted! But she's your mistress! You can't do whatever you feel like doing!"

Gee threw his head back:

"Ah! But I! Am! Compliant! -- he enunciated. -- I shan't do 'whatever I feel like doing', that's my wish!" He paused to breathe. "More, than anything, I'd like to be free!.. But the lamp!.. Gosh darn it!"

He held the box with the lamp and prepared to launch it with a kick... but the kick failed, as his smoky appendage phased right through the box for some reason, and Gee somersaulted, landing on his face... while still hovering mid-air.

Stealth shook of a slight chuckle (even though he'd vowed not to chuckle once, after someone had told him his chuckling had been getting annoying) and covered his mouth.

"M-ph-m-m", -- mumbled Gee into the invisible platform he appeared to be lying on.

"What?"

Gee tore his face (literally) off the platform and grumbled:

"Found something funny?" Geez, the acidity...

Stealth collected himself, coughing:

"Right, so, what you are saying is..."

"What I'm saying... -- Gee replied with annoyance, lifting himself. -- What I'm saying, is, I am a genie! That's enough! What do genies do, what do you think?"

Stealth humphed: he didn't like the tone.

"That's right! Genies fulfil wishes! If I don't, I am no genie!"

"So how do you 'do what's best for her'?" -- enquired Stealth in befuddlement.

The genie ceased his every moving temporarily, looking at Stealth, and smiled knowingly:

"How-w-w?.. My child... -- he answered mysteriously, -- I know what's best for her".

Stealth stared. "How?.."

"How indeed... -- Gee hummed thoughtfully. -- A pony's mind is a mystery, and so are the ways it works -- much more so a genie's mind".

"No, -- Stealth shook his head. -- How... I mean, why do you know what you can't know?"

The genie nodded, still smiling:

"That's... because she told me what she wished for".

Stealth face-hoofed. "Of course she did! -- he shouted. -- But it was still a wish! You don't twist wishes! A genie doesn't!.. What kind of a genie is that?!.."

"Aye, indeed, -- the genie nodded. -- I do certainly not twist wishes. Perish the thought!" He gasped in exaggeration. "But... -- he resumed in a normal, calm voice, sounding slyly, his eyes lidding, -- I am not literal-minded".

"Thank goodness", -- mumbled Stealth under his breath.

"Huh?" -- the genie's eyebrow resembled a cat that decided to stretch.

"Nope. Nothing, -- said Stealth. -- Go on".

The eyebrow yawned, its cat muzzle open wide, then, done stretching, sat and started to lick itself.

"Being not literal-minded, -- resumed Gee, -- I understand the inner desires... I know, that Daring... Ah, but..." He stopped himself before long and fell silent.

The cat eyebrow, meanwhile, finished its hygiene routine and decided to play with the genie's eyeball it was perched atop. It tapped the ball carefully, and it rolled. When the pupil was staring at the eyebrow, the eye winked. The feline arched its back, hissed and fled, its tail visually bigger because of the hair standing on its end. One hand tap, and the eye rolled back to normal, adjusting.

Stealth, intrigued (not by the shenanigans, but by the genie's last words), approached him a couple of steps. "Yes? Daring... What about her?"

The genie, seemingly willing to reveal that information, still didn't. His mouth was open, but no sounds left.

Finally he spoke:

"Well... What do you think? What Daring desires the most?" -- and smiled slyly.

Stealth contemplated, tapping his chin. Noticing himself doing that, he scolded himself and stopped. He'd also received reprimands about his uncontrollable chin-tapping. It'd been told to him, it'd annoyed no less, than his chuckling.

"Uh-m-m, well... I don't know. What is it she desires?"

The genie kept his smiling, but answered nothing.

In the silence a lone (and particularly loud) cricket could be heard. The genie shifted his gaze and coughed: "Ahem!" The chirping stopped. Quiet, high-pitched muttering could be heard.

"Well, that doesn't stop the awkwardness... -- uttered Stealth Pun after a short while. -- So?.. Might I know?.."

The genie confirmed he was not in fact frozen in place, lowered his gaze and said:

"Oi, Stealth Pun, Stealth Pun... She is a writer, right?"

"R... ri-i-ight", -- Stealth didn't even raise a bemused eyebrow at that.

"Good. And writers write books, correct?"

Stealth nodded.

"Great! So, following that simple logic... what is her desire?" The genie lay on the air, arms supporting his head, as he anticipated the answer eagerly with a childish smile.

Stealth Pun snorted, patience evaporating. "Gee. What is your problem? -- he asked. -- Why can't you just tell me?"

"Dude, -- the being dropped the goofiness. -- My mistress trusts me. Do you expect me to disclose sensitive information??"

The pony's eyes narrowed:

"Then why are you wasting my time, Gee? You told me I could use..." Silence. "...the useless trinket you call a lamp!.. What's the problem?!" -- he shouted angrily.

Gee folded his arms.

"I didn't lie, -- was his answer. -- You can access the lamp's power, even if my mistress told me not to allow anyone near it. For, as I've said, I am not literal-minded. I do know her secret desire, and despite what sounds like a direct order I still obey the indirect intent. So..." After that explanation he unfolded his arms. "It is up to you, my pony, -- he leant toward the stallion, -- to exploit Daring's decision to exp..."

The genie caught himself letting in on too much and shut up abruptly, but Stealth noticed that and started thinking.

What was it Daring Do had decided? When had she? Could he, Stealth, recall?.. Or had it been before he'd done something?.. Or had it been his boss? Hum...

Stealth thought back to the genie's words. What were they?.. "Literal-minded", "indirect intent"... "Secret inner desire"... of a writer. She writes books, thought Stealth. What can her desire be?.. To sell copies, nay?.. Hum, or, maybe...

"A writer's wish... -- thought Stealth. -- What does every writer desire?.."

"Have you guessed it yet?"

"Huh? Huh, never written a book in my life, -- admitted Stealth.

"Too bad, -- shrugged Gee. -- Daring has".

"Well, maybe, you ask her?" -- Stealth shot irritably.

"I don't know... -- replied the genie cheekily. -- Why should I even? I know the answer already! How about you?"

Stealth decided not to bother answering, but that last quip... sounded...

"'How' what about me?"

The genie didn't answer, but his smile grew mysterious.

"Hum..." Stealth was thinking hard. Was the genie implying?..

"Maybe... -- thought Stealth and felt agitation of having an epiphany. -- Maybe-e-e..."

Yes!

"I know, what to do!" -- he exclaimed, turning to Gee.

"Do you now?" -- echoed Gee.

Stealth nodded firmly. "I don't need to touch it, Gee. No. Instead... I'll talk to Daring Do about writing... solve your conundrum -- and then I'll know, how I can, how you said it... 'exploit' her decision, right?"

"Okie-dokie, -- smiled Gee. -- Go on ahead and do it, why won't you?"

With elation Stealth Pun turned to brave the woods... and whatever verbal barrage that was coming from Daring... Ugh...

He stopped mid-step, his hoof raised.

Out of the woods he'd left behind was running none other, than... Daring Do!

"Go ahead and talk to her. She's ri-i-ight over there!" -- repeated Gee, pointing, well, over where Daring (!) was running.

Stealth was frozen. So soon?

He turned to the genie, but saw he was gone. He'd poofed out of existence, when Stealth hadn't been looking.

"The lamp!" Stealth scanned his surroundings. Where was the box? It had to be still there, Gee had tried to kick it, but failed (hysterically), it had got to have dropped, it had to lie still around there somewhere!

Stealth dropped onto the ground and began feeling around. "Where is it?!.."

A sudden and painfully familiar shriek made him flinch:

"In the name of the spirits!.. I COMMAND YOU!!! Stop!.. And give that object BACK to me!!!"

No!.. A-Ahuizotl???..

Stealth whimpered. A confrontation to behold was nigh... His heart sank, and his stomach was twisting.

"Gotta keep searching!" -- he thought.

Where, where was that magic trinket?!..

His heart was pounding, seemingly set to outclass stopwatches in the precision of time-measuring. So far it was managing to reach a one-tenth second precision, and it was hurting Stealth's chest.

His heart was ticking, and time was running low...

Could Stealth outpace his adversaries, before they made it to where he was crouched?

Chapter 10. This is going to be intense!..

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At that moment time seemed to slow down to a crawl. And, in all actuality, it appeared it was so indeed!

The time was passing so slowly it seemed it had stopped. And everyone had frozen: Ahuizotl, much enraged at whatever, Daring Do, set to get to Stealth Pun as fast, as possible… Even Stealth Pun had, watching the two approach. By his looks it would appear he was desperate. And doomed.

The genie admired the scene.

Hold on!.. Hadn’t he disappeared, right when Stealth had noticed Daring???

“Nope”, – answered that unasked question Gee… or rather that was what would appear to anyone, who could have watched that entire scene unfold and could have asked the question…

But there was no one. Only the genie, the two ponies and the beast. All alone in this field separating the city of Vanhoover from the forest they all had emerged from. All dreaming of getting to their goals… hoping to achieve them right then and there!

The genie smiled. It was a sight to behold!

“Nope”. The smile was replaced with a frown. The genie gave the scene a contemplative look.

“This adventure… – he said, – …is really… a story to tell! But…” The genie rubbed his chin. “Hm-m-m…” He contemplated some more.

“Well, I see no way this can end. Nope!”

That was… annoying, to say the least.

The genie needed not to resort to special effects, and an outline appeared before his very eyes.

“Okay… So… By all accounts… This most definitely requires a twist… A turn… Some sort of reversal. This is how you plot a book”.

But it would really be hard to come up with anything, if anything could happen! Although… Ahuizotl had proven to be a very good character. He had a goal he was striving for, longing for, craving for getting closer to! Anger bubbled in him; greed! He wouldn’t rest, till the lamp were his and only his! So he wasn’t a concern to Gee: Ahuizotl did his job well.

It was Daring, who was concerning the genie.

At the mention of her he snorted. So far she’d behaved herself. She’d partaken in the adventure, experienced thrill of unimaginable proportions… returned home safely… Those were by far the memories worth holding onto! And Gee did just that for a while.

“Ooh, yeah! – he remembered himself. – That’s right… Daring… has been a very good pony…”

…Not any more.

The more she partook in the tale, the more reluctantly she did that. After acquiring the lamp she had wished… only a very little! Nothing had been happening! Gosh!..

And when Stealth Pun had been introduced – she’d almost blown her chance to progress! Gee recalled that with a shudder. Huh… – he thought. A shudder… Normally I do that… well, never! But, gosh!..

He’d pleaded for her to play some more. And a bit more. And just one more time!.. She had. Days had passed – and thrill had happened! Things had escalated! Another day hadn’t even passed – and yet things had sky-rocketed! That was exciting!..

But now he was there, unsure of anything to come. The scene was frozen. Time was frozen. The knot had been tied very-very tightly, never more tightly! It couldn’t be tied even more. There had to be resolution.

…

But where could Gee get any of that?..

He growled, clenching his genie hands:

“Darn me for never accounting for that!!!”

The creatures were staring at Daring Do cautiously… with apprehension… They did clearly not expect her to bolt out of the house!

That’s right. When Daring Do had snatched that compass thingy from Ahuizotl and discovered it’d been supposed to take her to Stealth Pun… When she’d decided to follow its lead… She could expect a mad, mad chase… A very hot pursuit!..

But she hadn’t expected anyone to have accompanied the villain!

Was that an ambush?! Had they all been… hiding all that time??? Waiting patiently for her to get out??? And then!.. To!..

No, wait. Of course not! They hadn’t at all! Didn’t they look as though they weren’t expecting anyone to pop out from-within the house?

“But why did they?.. Well, nobody cares! RUN!!!”

Decisively, glancing at the mysterious compass just to be sure, Daring dashed, tumbling, in Stealth Pun’s direction, hoping madly the villains couldn’t react fast enough…

“WHAT ARE YOU LOGGERHEADS WAITING FOR?!! STOP HER BEFORE LONG!!!”

Oh no, DARN you, Ahuizotl!!!..

The henchcreatures obeyed frantically, getting each in other’s way. That’d give Daring much needed time to get as far away, as possible! Maybe, even out of sight!.. But, unfortunately, not out of mind, of that she was sure!

“But in any case, – she prayed, – …may I at least outrun them, please!..”

The forest trees watched the scene with interest. At one point an idea came to a tree, and it was so mischievous the tree couldn’t help itself. It tremored, giggling. And then it stretched out its root as though to make the mare trip…

Daring would have sprawled face-first, had she had no wings to support her! Darn that root! Why was it placed so inconveniently in her way?!

The tree cackled snarkily. Daring had no time for that, but she wanted to glare at it her hardest!

The sniggering was echoing throughout the forest: the trees all around had seen the prank and were now deliberately delaying Daring Do – much to her demise! Daring cursed: she had no time for that, and the villains were catching up!..

The villains had as much luck fighting the trees, as Daring, but at the very least they had Ahuizotl… motivating them. Granted, the same could be said for Daring: she had her pursuers… motivating her to run, run, run!.. So at the very least she didn’t think she’d be caught any time soon.

That was what she hoped.

“Please, let that be just the case!!!”

Rummaging through her options, she considered flying. That way she could avoid those nasty trees, be they darned thrice! But they had accounted for that, having grown canopies quite large and wide. And very twiggy and leafy.

“Consarn it!”

The trees only grinned.

“When I relocate my house, – thought Daring in fury, – I’ll make sure NO trees are around! These bastards are not very helpful, now are you?!”

And, indeed, they were not. Heh-heh-heh!

Pushing the thoughts of the trees to the back of her mind, Daring was making sure not to lose her focus of the path the trees couldn’t obstruct. If she were careful, she could find her way through!

Ahuizotl’s device she was holding was her guide. The needle didn’t tremble, pointing toward the one Daring desired to strangle about as badly, as she did – Ahuizotl.

“You-u-u, Stealth Pun!.. YOU ARE SO DEA-A-AD!!!..”

Ah, poor Stealth Pun! He didn’t even know, what was about to hit him!

For he was crouched in searches of the dropped lamp! That trinket!.. Where was it, gosh!..

Daring Do was approaching… His boss was approaching… His doom… was approaching!..

And his salvation was not.

Hold on… No way!.. Was that??..

It was!! “O-o-oh-h-h!..” The elusive box had not in fact disappeared! There it was, lost and found in the field’s grass! Oh, thank goodness!..

Stealth Pun jumped toward the box as if there’d been no tomorrow! The box wasn’t going to leap away from him, but he wasn’t taking any chances!

“…Gotcha!.. You bastard!..”

Yeah, box! What kind of a jerk were you to poor Stealth Pun, scaring him like that?! For a second there he thought he was done for it!..

…For a second there so thought Daring.

Despite the trees doing their best to stop her she still ran, occasionally assisting herself with her wings. And in the end it proved rewarding! Finally she could see the light! The forest was ending!..

The device that was guiding her refused to lead her away from the forest’s edge, suggesting strongly, that Stealth Pun had indeed gone that way – out of the forest.

Wait, Daring thought. Out of the forest? After stealing the lamp wasn’t he supposed to get back to his boss?.. Wasn’t that why said boss had been seeking his henchpony? To meet up?.. Was it a rendezvous on the outskirts?? Then!.. Oh!..

But the forest was ending nonetheless. The trees, begrudgingly, were letting go of Daring Do, as well as of the villains, and a vast field was emerging…

Daring recognised the sight. Though from an odd angle, it was!.. the city of Vanhoover!..

…The device started to beep. Stealth Pun was getting closer. Or, rather, getting closer to him was Daring. But where was Stealth?..

Ahuizotl’s shrieks shook the air.

Ahuizotl…

Daring Do was leading him right to Stealth Pun!..

“Ahuizotl!.. NO!.. I can’t believe it!.. YOU!.. You’ve planned everything so, that it worked out in YOUR favour!..”

Ahuizotl grinned: “What are you gonna do, Daring Do?!..”

No, wait… That’s not true… Instead of grinning he said – no, muttered all that… with worry.

That was right. Ahuizotl had no idea Daring Do was following the stolen device’s lead. For all he knew Daring was leading him away from the traitor! Which was absolutely not what he wanted!

Stealth Pun was crucial. He had to be reached – and eliminated!

For at this point Ahuizotl just wasn’t sure, if he could confront any of the two ponies… Clearly they were allied against him! And with one of them!.. POSSESSING THE LAMP!.. Ahuizotl felt the world was crumbling around him…

…Unless he could eliminate them both… So… first he had to catch up with Daring… Then… reclaim the tracker… And then? Oh, then!..

Stealth Pun would be ELIMINATED!!

And the lamp!.. would be Ahuizotl’s!

“Yes! Oo-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-a-a!.. With the power of the lamp!.. I’ll change the world into my own paradise, in which I!.. AM!..

!..

GOD!!!.. OO-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA, OO-HA-HA-HA-HA-A-A!..”

“Ah!..”

The genie was beyond agitated. Excited!.. Amused…

“It’s just as I thought! Equestrians are so interesting!”

And, interestingly enough, that was entirely due to Gee’s initiative!

Yeah, that’s right! He had no say in what he might do. But he still could do anything! Anything… his mistress wished for him to do…

And that was exactly what she’d done. She’d wished to experience the thrill of her own adventure for herself… That couldn’t be denied. “Gee, – she’d said, – I wish you did this!.. Retell me your plan, and if and only if I agree to it, then I wish your plan came to its realisation”.

The plan had been simple: Daring Do would be taken to where she could see her adventure’s events unfold. And then she’d write all of that down. And Gee had done just that: he had taken his mistress into her unwritten adventure. He’d set things up, as if he’d been coming up with them! He’d caused every misery upon Daring’s head! He’d created her adventure!.. For her…

“You wanted to have an adventure happen to you… To be its heroine… That’s fine. You may. Be a heroine, Daring Do! In your own tale! No need to thank me, not at all! ALL is as you wished, Mistress!” – the genie sneered.

Daring Do’s life had indeed turned into an adventure, and Gee was in charge: he was the narrator, the scriptwriter, the editor, the proofreader and the publisher. He might do anything. He could do anything.

Nothing was stopping him from fixing his mistakes in outlining. If this adventure needed a resolution – he could add it!

For Daring! And for her adventure!

“And for my freedom!”

Oh, Daring!.. You might really wish you hadn’t abandoned the lamp the moment you settled down, just a couple of days ago!.. Look at what was happening!..

And Daring did. The field was before her eyes, open and spacious. Nothing to deter her pursuers… Thankfully, Stealth Pun was getting closer: the device was beeping… But where was he? Where?..

Wherever he were, she thought, she had better NOT!.. let ANYONE!.. get to Stealth Pun!.. He had to have the lamp! But, if her deduction served her, Stealth Pun had chosen whichever spot it was to meet with Ahuizotl… And to… To transfer the…

“They’ll meet regardless of what I do!.. But…”

There was something she could do.

Daring flapped her wings.

Below her Ahuizotl was being desperate:

“No!.. SHE’S GETTING AWAY!!!”

Daring so wanted to turn her head back and to stick her tongue at the trees! Take that! No more could their canopies ground her! And the villain… couldn’t get her! She’d hide from his sight… Find Stealth Pun!.. And then!..

Stealth… Pun…

Daring almost dropped back to the ground.

She’d not flown high, but from this height she could already see his tiny figure right over there!..

He was holding something… Daring needed not any hints to guess what – that was her lamp!!!..

…Okay, so that was not technically true. The lamp was concealed in the box Daring Do had herself prepared, and then hidden from the wrong hooves…

…BUT THAT BOX WAS BEING HELD BY!!!..

Wind hit Daring right in her face. Who cares? She could still out-race him!.. Couldn’t she?..

Yes. If Stealth Pun didn’t hurry up, she very much could!

But no… he didn’t…

…Instead he’d opened the box and was now staring into it. The lamp – the real lamp (he hoped it was) lay within! Safe and sound!.. Good!..

Now… He had to hide. Daring Do was close, but that hardly mattered.

His boss…

His boss… might ruin everything! He’d hunt the both of them down!.. And then!..

“Punishment!..”

No way was Stealth getting punished! No way!.. He didn’t want to accept that! It wasn’t to happen to him!

Time to run! Stealth looked around… Space, space everywhere! The city was towering at a distance… Danger was coming from the forest!.. And every other direction – space… clear space… open clear space!..

How could he hide? How – run away?

Ahuizotl’s shrieks attracted his attention once more. The beast was angry… but hold on! At whom?

Stealth looked. Daring Do had taken off into the skies. And… it would appear, Ahuizotl couldn’t quite reach her…

Amazing!

None of them appeared to have noticed him! Yay!..

But he wasn’t yet safe! He was open in this field! Vulnerable! A sitting duck!..

Stealth adjusted himself to lie low and to hope to become invisible…

“Pst. Hey! What are you doing?!”

Stealth froze along with his heart.

“Oi! Stealth! Please, unfreeze, I’m talking to you!..”

The genie was trying to get Stealth’s attention – in vain.

He sighed.

A finger snap followed, and Stealth’s heart resumed its normal operation.

Stealth breathed again. “Oh my goodness…” The genie, this time, was right in front of him; he didn’t even need to turn. “You’ve done it again! GOSH!!!”

Before the genie could answer, however…

…Something hit Stealth Pun…

No, wait! Someone hit him!..

Daring Do!

Stealth couldn’t tell that, but that was Daring Do! The mare had indeed collided with him at full force, and now the both of them were lying sprawled. This time, however, it would appear at least one of them… had broken a bone, unlike the last time they’d collided…

“Ugh… Ouch!..”

…But no. They hadn’t. That wouldn’t… feel right…

Daring raised her head. Darn that head!.. It hurt!!!.. Ouch!.. She hissed and rubbed it.

Stealth Pun lay motionless. Perhaps, she’d hit him harder, than intended. But that was a good thing: now he couldn’t resist her!.. And, whatever he had been preparing to commit with the lamp, had been prevented. The box had been knocked out of his grasp… And was on its side right over there.

Steps were heard: someone was approaching… had approached. Walked toward the box…

“W-w-wait…” Daring attempted to stand, but her head… Ow-w-w…

The unknown approached the box. Took a hold of it with his tail…

…A tail???

Daring was jolted!

But someone prevented her, and she was brought back down, her face ending up buried into… Stealth Pun, who was the earth’s substitute that day.

The unknown opened the box.

For some time nothing was changed. He was staring into the box without a word…

Daring Do whimpered.

The unknown one smiled.

His hand reached into…

Daring Do let out a squeak, then proceeded to squirming, whoever was holding her be darned!

The hand, unsure, never touched anything, but the smile only expanded:

“This lamp here… is actually a real one!.. Ha-ha! Yes!.. There’s no denying it!”

He proclaimed then:

“Genie! I DEMAND you’d TELL ME!..”

Daring couldn’t believe that. Gee? Here???..

The beast pointed a finger:

“Were I to have come in possession of the REAL lamp!.. Tell me…”

He arched his arm back, ready to bring a mighty touch to the vessel! Then spoke:

“What would you do?”

And, despite how much Daring hoped no answer came…

It did.

The genie answered:

“In all honesty?”

The genie didn’t seem a bit worried – although neither did he look calm. He was… mischievous, perhaps… A naughty being, to whom the seriousness of the situation had to be explained, or otherwise he wouldn’t drop his goofing around!

“In all honesty?..” Gee’s arms wove behind his head, as he floated. “I wish I might sit back, rela-a-ax!.. and enjoy the events unfolding!..”

He smiled.

“But I won’t”. The smile was dropped. “As per my mistress wish… – and the genie nodded at the pony, – the lamp must never – and I mean NEVER! – fall to the wrong hands! Or whatever may be used instead of hands”, – he added.

The villain only gritted his teeth, abandoning his intent reluctantly; while Daring only sighed… Of course… Why-ever had she been worried?? Gee would have been keeping an eye on the lamp – and he had!

She cursed herself mentally: of course! She’d wished so herself! No one might touch the lamp!

And so Stealth hadn’t touched it. At all! He’d only touched the box!..

How could she have overlooked something so obvious?! Stealth Pun would have never been able to touch the lamp – thus being the genie’s co-master – because!..

“However, – the genie added suddenly. – …Being not literal-minded…”

From-under Daring Do a whimper could be heard:

“O-ho-ho-ho-ho, not again!..”

Stealth Pun was alive and conscious.

“Yes! I am not! And thus!..”

Ahuizotl was motionless, paying heed to every word the genie made.

Stealth Pun was whimpering.

…And Daring was uncertain. Gee?.. Whatever are you going on about?..

“…even though my mistress here… told me she wished nobody might’ve touched the lamp…”

N-no… that couldn’t be happening!..

“Well, her actual intent was…”

“Don’t you dare, Gee, – wheezed out Daring. – You hear??!”

The genie couldn’t contain a smile. A cocky smile.

“Things cannot be denied, Mistress, – he said. – You do realise we both can’t keep this charade up forever! As much, as I’d wished!.. for a never ending adventure!.. Ah… I still must obey your wish!”

“…Which you’d… disregard COMPLETELY for the sake of following the spirit of your imagination! – Daring exploded. – There is NO actual intent beside protecting this!.. extremely dangerous, might I remind!.. WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION THAT DOUBLES AS A MIND-CONTROLLING DEVICE!!!”

Oohs were heard all around: Ahuizotl’s henches approved greatly!

“So? Your point being?” – disregarded the genie.

“ENOUGH!!!” – Ahuizotl intervened. – It’s TIME!..”

But, as he was about to come into contact with the fate-sealing device, something he’d forgotten to account for happened: his entire gang, up until then following his every word, went absolutely crazy – and charged at their boss in an attempt to lay their diversity of appendages at the source of UNFATHOMABLE POWAH-H-H!!!

Ahuizotl was knocked down. The box fell on the ground, and the evil gang was busy pushing each other in attempts to lay hold of the key to ruling the universe!..

Daring felt relief: whoever it was that was holding her down got off of her, and then into the transpiring madness.

Daring followed suit shortly. She absolutely had to get to it first!..

Despite what might have happened, her agility failed her. No sweet moves to include into this scene! Getting the lamp seemed impossible!..

“Oh my!” The genie, it seemed, was having the time of his life!

“Gee!”

“Ye-e-es, my mistress?..” The genie seemed to pay no attention.

“STOP THIS ALL!!!”

Everyone paused momentarily – before returning to matters more pressing, than that. For example, claiming the universe!

“Ah-h-h, but, Mistress!..” The genie, despite seeing her despair, emanated glee. “Must I re-iterate? Being not literal-minded…”

A groan followed that:

“Oho-ho-o-o!..”

Stealth Pun was slowly getting up, though really feeling like lying down again.

“NO!!! Gee!!!”

Oh no, Daring was having none of that! The lamp HAD to be owned ONLY by one (1) person! Otherwise Daring!.. would LOSE control over the being already naughty as it was!..

The genie smiled. He knew that!

“This is it, Daring. The most important moment in your life… Do you think your readers will ADORE whatever you’ve experienced?!” – the genie beamed.

“To hell with the readers, Gee!.. If you disobey me!.. Then!.. W-w… Y-y… y-you’ll be of no help! Look around!! This is a win for Ahuizotl! The moment he touch the lamp – we’ll HAVE TO ally!!!”

“And? The problem here is?..”

“The problem here, Gee, is!.. Oh my gosh!.. Gee!.. You are ruining everything!!..” – Daring was ready to cry.

“Am I?.. Oh-h-h, no, Mistress! Get a glimpse!”

…And the noise all around quieted.

Still stiff, Daring looked around. The scene was frozen. Time was frozen. Again…

“Look closely, Daring”. The genie moved about. “This is the lamp that must never be touched… And this is the one, who wants to touch it! And all of them are! And YOU can STOP them all! It’s only a wish away!”

There was no arguing that logic, Daring thought. But…

“Gee…” Daring sighed. “…A wish away?”

“Absolutely, Mistress!” – the genie promised with a smile.

“THEN WHAT IN THE NAME OF HECK, GEE?! – Daring roared. – …What?!.. in the name of heck?!!” Was she crying?.. “…When I wish for you to END this nightmare!.. You!.. instead?!..”

“Oh, my…” The genie floated closer, as though he’d sincerely been touched to see her melt down. “And isn’t your wish, Mistress… to have your adventure ready?! Come on! You’ve got enough already to show that Prettyless guy!.. What was his name?.. And! As a writer you MUST know that!.. What is it that’s missing here?..”

He gestured at the scene.

“WHO CARES?! – barked Daring out. – Nobody’s going to suffer any more!! I will not!.. I REFUSE to have anything with that villain!!.. The only way this can end is!..”

She breathed heavily.

No words came.

How could that all end?.. End in a way, that would still make for a great book Letterpress would be very proud of!.. How??..

The genie waited for her to continue, but she didn’t.

“I see… – he said finally. – You too have no idea, what’s in the end. Right? That’s OK! However!..”

He floated closer to her and unfurled a scroll out of nowhere. The parchment descended right to the very ground.

“What’s that?”

The genie said nothing, and Daring inspected the scroll.

…She saw an outline. It summarised her adventure from the moment she’d met Gee and till the moment the battle for the lamp had engaged. That was a good outline. Letterpress would surely like it. The roadmap of her entire adventure!..

“So?! – asked Gee. – What’s missing?!”

Daring seemed to contemplate…

A hoof then smacked the scroll out of Gee’s “hand”:

“Gee”. Daring was adamant. “Cut this out already!”

She stared the being down in resolution. She started:

“I wish…”

“Mistress! – the genie interrupted. – Your adventure is surely fine the way it is!..”

“It is?.. Oh, gee, I haven’t noticed!..” – Daring remarked sarcastically.

“Yeah, you could end it right here! And submit the manu… uh… hoofscript to that guy!..”

“So? – Daring crooked a smile. – What’s the problem, then? I wish life…”

“…And he’d say to you: Miss Do… Tell me, please… Do you happen to have noticed?.. that you’ve missed by far the most important part?!”

“Yeah, funny voice, Gee. Whatever he may say!..” She shook her head stubbornly. “Get life back to normal… That’s all I wish”.

Gee was about to have a fit:

“Oh! Mistress!!!.. Bosh barn it!.. How can’t you SEE there is no reversal?! Oh my cod!.. Mistress!..”

He started pacing:

“The reversal is the turning point in a story… In any story!.. You can’t have an adventure without a reversal!.. Gosh! Look around ya!” He stopped to gesture emphatically at the frozen scene. “This is the culmination! The boiling point is reached! Things cannot be postponed any more!”

He faced Daring. Space seemed to shrink; there were now only the two of them. The genie looked adamant now too.

“It is up to you, my pony!.. to decide, what to do! To save the universe from the evil Ahuizotl… or to let HIM inherit the power!.. The unfathomable power!..”

The genie sighed. Then after some silence he added:

“I wish I had that power!..” Another sigh. “…Alas, I mayn’t. As you know, your desires for this world override mine. But, well…”

He paused.

Before long he smiled mysteriously and continued:

“…Well, enjoy that power, while you can!”

...As confusing and unexpected, as that sudden quip was, no response came from Daring.

"H... hello! Hey, Mistress!" Gee was snapping fingers before Daring's blank stare.

She didn't react. She was thinking...

“The boiling point… ‘Lack of reversal’… If I could add that one thing… would it actually?.. bring my adventure… to an end?

If I could… then it would end… and it all’d be back to normal again! Normal life!.. No more Ahuizotls chasing after magic lamps!.. The cosiness of a house! A sip from a cup of tea!..

…Another project – off my shoulders!..”

The idea was mesmerising! Her adventure – and the book about it – would be over!

And what an interesting adventure it was! Gee was right: it had culminated. But still… If at that point… she had to make a decision… If it meant it could end in any way, depending on what she’d choose… Then…

“This is not a reversal… – Daring shook her head in realisation, – it’s a choice!”

Gee was torn between looking curious and conflicted:

“Uh… huh… Ah-h-h… What, with this entire lamp-stealing being the surprise?.. Yes… That works too. Congratulations, Daring! You can outline after all!”

Daring bit her lip.

“Well, then, – she mumbled. – If I had to choose out of…”

“Yes, Mistress! – the genie was eager. – Do make the choice! Time must flow again!”

And that it did: everyone, who was frozen in motion, resumed whatever it was they were doing – mostly fighting for the lamp, except for Stealth Pun, who was rising despite his sore body.

There was no time to lose!

Daring gathered her bearings:

“Gee!..”

She paused before saying:

“I wish… this lamp were sent to Tartarus knows where! Far away from Equestria!.. Where its terrible power could not be exerted over anyone!”

Exactly at that moment a scream startled everyone:

“THAT’S IT! STAND BACK!”

Time seemed to freeze once again, although Gee had nothing to do with that.

What he had instead was a dumb look:

“What?.. No way!..”

Stealth Pun had finally gotten on his hooves and was about to plunge into the brawl… But no one was fighting. Stealth sought the treasured box… It lay on the ground empty. On the ground also lay Ahuizotl, seemingly in the fetal position. He was clutching something, eyes shut.

As time passed, giggles could be heard. What was that?..

The giggles intensified. More and more… Until…

Ahuizotl was laughing maniacally. No one interrupted him, till he finally finished, opened his eyes, and then announced:

“That’s right!.. That! Is! IT!”

With all the time in the world he got up, and then gave everyone a derisive look:

“And what can you do?! Kill me right here?? Pry this vessel… from my rigid hands??..”

Nobody answered that.

“Hear this… Not only am I the greatest villain that’s ever lived…” His eyes turned mad. “…but I am GOD of this world as well!!!”

That said, Ahuizotl took to admiring the lamp he was holding.

“Whoever takes the lamp, takes the world!.. and is the one, who’s maintaining order! I’ve become unstoppable… The true ruler of Equestria!.. and of what’s beyond!”

He remembered he was not alone and spoke, almost lunging at the crowd!

“Now, come! I DARE you!!.. Take this lamp from me!.. I should REALLY like to see you fail!!!”

Nobody moved. Ahuizotl only grinned:

“That’s right!.. THIS is what you GET for being SO MORONIC as to OPPOSE ME!!!”

“Ahuizotl, – interrupted him Gee, – do you mind? I think I... was actually supposed to fulfil a wish… and…”

“SILENCE!!! You now are under MY COMMAND!!!”

“Uh…”

Nobody durst question Ahuizotl’s authority. Whoever took the lamp, took the world – that was the rule with magic lamps… But two ponies were not like Ahuizotl’s minions.

Stealth Pun’s heart had sunk a long time ago. His boss’ wrath… and punishment!.. awaited everyone… Yet, if Stealth couldn’t have touched the lamp, – how come Ahuizotl could??? The genie was definitely up to something, of that Stealth was sure!..

Daring Do’s heart, on the other hand, had not just sunk… In all honesty, she thought she was already dead! She had been late, hadn’t she?.. Ahuizotl had… No… Come to match her!.. With them both bossing Gee around!.. Unless she had not been late after all!..

The two ponies, breath bated, awaited Gee’s final words on the matter.

On that did everything depend.

Chapter 11. Guess, what happens next!

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Somewhere away from the thrill of fighting over the lamp there lived an old cat lady. Her days were recently spent in loneliness… So there was no expressing the excitement the lady felt upon receiving a letter from her beloved sonny!

Gosh! It was so rarely he wrote her! That couldn’t but sadden, although her son was not necessarily to be blamed: he worked for a really big shot!

The lonesome mother opened the envelope. Her joy in her life asked, if his mom was doing well and stuff; he hastened to update her on his job.

So far so weird, he wrote. His boss had a big project. He had employed everyone! That was unprecedented!.. Then it had turned out his boss‘d only captured one single pony! He guessed, she had been important… They hadn’t caught her, though. She had escaped. His boss had been furious!

And then he'd mobilised a search party! Together they'd found her. She, nonetheless, had fled – but not for long!

They'd gotten her! Turned out she’d stolen something very important!

It had been a magic lamp! He kidded his mom not! The pony had said so herself! And his boss had been very agitated to claim it!..

But… then everyone had lost his head… He'd feared to be enslaved by the new master of the lamp, and so he'd attempted to secure it too… But his boss had gotten to it first…

Then, Mom! Something really weird happened!..

At that the mother stopped to raise her glasses. She couldn’t believe what her son was reporting! Can you imagine?!..

“Okie-dokie, then!” – the genie answered cheerfully. A finger snap followed.

Daring Do froze. So did Stealth Pun. And, of course, so did Ahuizotl… His henchcreatures awaited the resolution…

…

“W-welp… – the genie uttered, – apparently, I’m out of pract…”

And no sooner did he utter that, than some sort of an oval, black portal opened under Ahuizotl, who promptly fell down it with a surprised yelp!

“Assist! Assist Ahuizotl! Assist!” – scrambled his minions to help.

However the portal closed right when they were about to enter it. The minions collided and howled.

The only ponies there, Daring and Stealth, were busy processing the event. Da hay just happened?!..

Stealth Pun was the first to speak:

“Well… Here we have it…”

“It’s worked!.. Yahoo!!!”

Yes, Daring was beyond excited! Her wishing, despite Ahuizotl‘s having grabbed the lamp, had still taken precedence! It meant, the genie had still to protect the lamp – which he’d really sent to gosh-knows-where!..

“Hold on, Gee! – Daring stopped her happy dancing. – Why did Ahuizotl of all people disappear??!”

The genie was wearing some kind of overdress and packing some sort of valise.

“Why, why!.. – he grumbled. – What‘s not to understand?! He got caught in the wishing! That’s why!”

“But… Ugh!.. – Daring was befuddled. – Why did he fall after the lamp?! If he!.. If he ever!..”

Panic overtook her. The genie was checking some sort of tickets:

“Well, he did touch the lamp, did he not?..”

“But wait, then!..” – both Daring and Stealth hastened to process that. If Ahuizotl had really touched the lamp, had Gee really protected it?

“What did you expect? I told you things couldn’t be postponed any more! And you told me yourself it was ’the choice‘! Apparently, Mistress, your adventure nears its culmination!” The genie was proclaiming like an announcer now. “It is time we had the final battle! The final struggle! The final obstacle!.. After that there can’t be a struggle to win! Victory will be ours!.. or theirs. I don’t care!” Those words said, he took his valise and stared at his watch: “Now, if you excuse me, I have a vacation to enjoy!”

“Hold it!.. – Daring waved. – What vacation?!?!”

Before Gee could reply, someone yodelling crashed nearby from up above, scaring everyone, even Ahuizotl’s minions.

It appeared to be a flying cab of sorts. It got battered after its fall.

A head poked out of a skewed door:

“Anybody order a taxi?”

“Well, it‘s about time! – humphed Gee. – Good bye, everypony and everynonpony! Off I go to enjoy some beach-time!.. in the middle of nowhere!” – he added. “I’ll be back in time for the two of you to figure out, how to re-unite! Ta-ta-a-a!”

He got promptly inside, and the taxi cab, rather than driving away, poofed out of existence, and everyone was left to make whatever out of it.

…Silence was broken by one of Ahuizotl’s minions this time:

“Well, they made our boss disappear! And since I have last had a heart-to-heart with our boss, that must mean he trusts me the most! So: get the ponies!!! Before they get us!.. I MEAN!.. Before they get away!!!!”

The old cat lady bobbed her head from side to side at the news. A change of management crew?! She had her own stories about it to spare!

Her sonny assured her, that it wasn’t so bad, if that was what she was wondering. The old boss hadn’t disappeared due to their slip-ups, gosh forbid! Apparently, the lamp had been so powerful… In any case, as far, as her sonny was concerned, the old boss was on a sudden vacation! The new boss hadn’t even lasted that long!..

…Although the newly proclaimed leader of Ahuizotl‘s gang couldn’t know that.

When it was over with the sudden managerial shift, the ponies became the new priority. Both Daring, and Stealth Pun were tied and gagged. That way they could not misbehave, even if they tried! Of course, to say it didn’t really please the captives would mean insulting the audience that could totally understand that. But Daring so, so wanted to express!.. just how displeased she was with them! Gosh! There was no expressing that!..

Just when she had been sure that nightmare would have been over!.. Something really undesirable had happened!.. And Daring couldn’t parse the reasons for that for the life of hers!

When Ahuizotl had clearly TOUCHED the lamp!.. Daring Do had been sure that had spelt her demise!.. If anyone had ever touched the lamp, that would have signified eligibility to wish! And Daring wasn’t ready to counsel on what should have been wished to happen! Especially if it meant counselling with Ahuizotl of all creatures!..

But that had clearly not been the case. If it had, the villain wouldn’t have been sent to Tartarus-knows-where!.. But that was exactly the problem! She’d never wished to send Ahuizotl plummeting after the lamp!..

How had that occurred?.. She wished she could have known… but the genie seemed to have vanished: he didn’t respond to her silent prayers, didn’t undo knots… He didn’t do anything and didn’t appear he was about to! How could that have happened??!

“…Did Ahuizotl… actually??!..”

That was burdensome to know… If that were the case, well, there was no way she could be freed!.. Although… With their wishing neutralised at that point… it had to mean… that they were actually equals in their as time old rivalry!.. And that had to mean!..

Daring looked at Stealth.

He wasn’t much better off, than her: bound like a turkey… That, oddly enough, felt… satisfying! He’d finally gotten his punishment! Ha-ha! That was going to be good!..

Daring frowned. For all intents and purposes, Stealth looked crestfallen. Like, really crushed by everything that had gone wrong! From hero to zero! Or, maybe, rather from a villain to a zillain, whatever that meant…

Yes, that felt satisfying! Daring smiled. It was time to gloat! And to rub that in his face!..

Uh, no, wait… That didn’t sound correct at all! Weren’t the both of them in that pickle? Daring didn’t feel she had a right to jeer. No…

For the time being Daring was fighting with herself: did she feel for Stealth Pun or had he deserved that? Surely he’d been a sweet guy… albeit working for the forces of evil! But look at how crestfallen he looked! Again with that word? What was wrong with her? Did she sympathise with him?

The internal struggle was unbearable, and Daring felt sick. Getting all friendly with an enemy??! Never!!!..

“But he hugged me!” – tried she to reason with her stubborn self. Why, if THAT couldn’t convince her, she didn’t know, what could!..

Huh??? What was that?.. Ah, THAT was her recalling Stealth Pun being…

Wai-i-it!..

It was decided then and there! They were in for it together. And that meant, they had to co-operate! If only she could convince him… somehow-w-w… Hm-m-m…

The evil-doers were carrying their prisoners toward the actual prison: deep in Ahuizotl‘s lair… That was, admittedly, a long ways to go, but that had to be done: someone had to pay for Ahuizotl’s fiasco! Oh, Ahuizotl would be avenged! Avenged! And Daring Do!.. would taste their wrath!..

…Stealth Pun would taste it too, but for pretty much differing reasons.

…The sun was already setting, and the villains had still not made it to their abode. After chasing the ponies all day everyone was tired, especially those poor felines, who were actually carrying the culprits. The folks were grunting, but no one was saying a word.

Daring needed relief in every sense of the word imaginable, but couldn’t ask for that. She guessed Stealth Pun had the same itch too, but that thought wasn’t nearly as satisfying, as it would have been before.

By the time torches had to be lit to navigate through the forest – Daring was whimpering silently; by all accounts, she would have whined, if she could’ve!..

Stealth Pun didn’t seem to be troubled in the slightest. That good-for-nothing!..

The rest of the group were lamenting the ridiculously long way back home just about as much: complaints were occasionally spewed in depth and at length! The gang leader barked for everyone to shut up, but that didn’t really seem that efficient, to be honest… He had to re-assure everyone, that they had to trust him, since, by his calculations, the lair wasn’t that much far away…

…

However, when a particularly non-picky feline sniffed a place it had relieved itself earlier at and called going in circles…

Well, needless to say, a camp had to be set up eventually…

The leader snapped from time to time, that he’d just gotten lost in the dark and that literally anyone would have been absolutely lost in these woods without a leader!..

The minions, naturally, got mad! If only they had had a leader, they snarled, they would have long made it to the lair! what kind of an idiot didn’t know his way through?!.. And so on.

The failed leader wasn’t pleased in his heart. In fact, he absolutely crucified them: first off, he was not an idiot!!! Second off, he was the best of them all, since none knew the way, apparently! And finally! Even at his best!.. He was not Ahuizotl! He would surely have known the way! Why hadn’t anybody stayed in that field and waited for his returnal!.. Dang it! For his arrival back!.. You know what I mean! – he ended with a scream.

A brawl was by then brewing; the dimwitted pathfinder received more insults his way and absolutely lost it, enquiring of everyone: could an idiot punch you in your face, huh, could an idiot do that?!?! Punching turned out to be just as idiotic, as it was suspected to be, as the punchee was a very burly cat…

…After everyone was scratched and bruised, everycat reached maturity to debate the need in a better leader; a voting committee was created, and first candidates were registered. After vigorous campaigns, the voting and the counting – the newly chosen leader did become…

The old cat lady couldn’t believe what she was reading with her failing eyes and had to go a distance to pay a visit to a much less visually impaired old lady, who in fact confirmed, that, yes, her sonny had indeed written, that the name of the new evil president was…

“…Stealth Pun???”

The election committee scrambled to recheck… Nope, somehow Stealth Pun, without even properly registering, got just enough votes to be elected…

A referendum was held post-haste, but it simply stood to reason, that, if anyone else could know the way back to the lair, it had to be Stealth Pun: he had, after all, been hired by Ahuizotl to work in those parts of the wood, seeing it, as he had been spying on Daring Do or something, the felines couldn’t tell…

Regardless of whether that was actually true or not, Stealth Pun was accepted to lead the way, ungagged (to pledge to serve his nation… Oops!.. His fellow bandits’ principles and yadda-yadda…), and finally he was untied.

Naturally, Stealth Pun couldn’t find a reason to complain.

First, he declared, that the woods were too dark to navigate through, for which he’d almost paid with his newly acquired position; but he assured everypony present, that that was what a true leader would have done regardless. Food was ordered to be hunted down immediately; Stealth Pun resorted to a vegetarian meal. For obvious reasons.

Unlike Stealth Pun, Daring was left tied, gagged and suffering! That had to be rectified! Stealth Pun, being a gentlecolt, personally saw to chaining Daring to himself – with whatever he could use as a chain, that is, – and then ordered every other villain to take a grip of someone else; the resulting train of villainous “wagons” then joined their freshly elected “locomotive” (Stealth felt silly being considered that); and only then Stealth freed Daring Do.

She immediately thanked him and found herself in nearby bushes, the villains just about tumbling from the pull of the chain. After a patient wait Daring Do returned. Stealth discussed with himself, why she hadn’t even attempted to flee, but couldn’t answer that. Very cordially he then invited the mare to dine, which she accepted just as politely.

Stealth Pun didn’t really feel at ease: that kind of behaviour most definitely signified mischief to him… Nonetheless, a supper awaited.

Everyone was seated around the bonfire. Uncharacteristic pleasantries were exchanged between everybody, and most of them then proceeded to eat in frustration of the day spent, as though nothing pleasant had been said. The ponies, on the other hand, appeared to be cool, calm and collected.

Stealth glanced at Daring. She behaved as though nothing had been wrong at all! She caught Stealth’s glance and wondered aloud:

“What?”

Stealth offered to share.

“Thanks”. She accepted and dug in.

Stealth was gazing in confusion… Something seemed… wrong… A mare, who’d seemingly lost… and then got captured… Stealth knew he would have been absolutely devastated! But Daring…

“Gonna keep staring at me?”

Huh?

Daring was snidely grinning.

“Just contemplating, Miss Do”.

“What?”

Stealth looked into her eyes firmly, but Daring didn’t flinch.

“Miss Do, – he said, – please, enjoy the meal, while you can… When I finally get home!.. Oh!..”

He imagined. His new minions sniggered loudly and nudged each other, understanding.

That didn’t affect Daring’s composure:

“Dude, – she rolled her eyes. – When you finally get home, Ahuizotl had better return!”

The minions, though basically supportive of that, exchanged confused shrugs; Stealth Pun didn’t even flinch.

…However internally… Oh!.. “But of course, – he thought. – I am their leader as long, as they can‘t find their way… And if they can’t find it at all, then I!..”

It was too horrible to imagine, and Stealth squeezed his eyes, pretending the day had him worn out.

“Wow, what a day…” – he complained.

What a day indeed…

Eventually the meal was done, and everybody set to sleep. Mattresses and pillows were constructed out of convenience materials, mostly for the ponies: the cat minions didn’t much mind the wild life. When everything was prepared, the fire wasn’t extinguished just yet. Though pissed off at such unfortunate turn of events of the day, everybody was strangely unwinding. Some tried to sleep and occasionally roared a “keep it down!!!”; some chatted not so quietly, warranting aforementioned “keep it down!!!”; a lone kitten, a young man, chose that moment to write a letter to his dear mother; he was joined by a cat, who tried to read in that chaotic environment (Daring couldn’t quite make the title of the book out, but she was about sure that was not one of her books… or so she thought, yet wouldn’t mind otherwise)…

Stealth Pun declared after some time, that fun time was over, and ordered everyone to sleep. His minions hissed, but complied, and Stealth doused the fire with water drawn from some kind of a brook nearby. He then was just about to get comfortable on a mattress, when…

“Ahem?!” Daring Do was quite not appreciative of his manners. “Find yourself some other place to sleep!”

“If I could… – Stealth replied. – If I unchain you… Well, you do suspect I know, what’ll happen, do you not?”

“Who cares? I‘m asleep, and I’m not sleeping with you!”

“You don’t have to sleep: I do!” – Stealth grumbled.

“Yeah… Good luck with that while standing!”

“Miss Do!” – Stealth humphed.

“Whatever! – she taunted. – You did sleep at my place. Time for me to sleep at yours!”

“Oh, yeah… You had a very, very restless night”, – reminded her Stealth – almost sarcastically, as it would have sounded, if that hadn’t been true.

For some time Daring was silent. When Stealth was about to quip more…

“Fine”. She faced him. “Lie beside me”. She patted the place.

Taken aback by sudden hospitality, Stealth nonetheless seized that opportunity.

…When he got comfortable, Daring Do hugged him. Stealth was frozen, but only for a second or so, after which he immediately popped out.

“No-o-o, don’t go awa-a-ay!.. – Daring protested. – I want my night restful, unlike the last night!..”

“…Do not… do that!..”

“But I need snuh-h-h-gles!..”

“We mustn’t”, – he answered darkly.

In reply Daring rose (carefully, as not to disturb the villains) and spoke quietly, yet openly:

“Stealth… If you sleep with me, I can guarantee you you won’t regret it!..”

“That’ll have to wait until we even know each other much, much better!..”

“Dude, no!..” Daring smacked herself on her forehead. “What are you even?!..” She gestured: “We’ll HAVE to sit this one through!.. But if you… – OK, yes!.. – lie alongside me!..”

“That would still be inappropriate for such enemies, as us”, – Stealth replied coldly.

Daring seized his fore-arm:

“Stealth!.. Please! He is not with us any more!..” Though it was dark, she tried to find Stealth’s eyes to look into. “Lie down…”

That didn’t sound right at all. What was with Daring? Not really being hostile to her enemies, offering hugs!.. Stealth shuddered… Just the previous night… That… night!..

“OK, get up”.

“Huh?.. What?..”

“Stop causing a ruckus”, – Stealth ordered sternly and pulled Daring Do away from the camp…

“Going somewhere?” – wondered a big waking feline. Though it was hard to see, it sounded, as though he was grinning evilly.

“Yes, – answered Stealth coldly. – Go to sleep”.

“Oh, no, you don’t! – the cat said smugly. – You only get to go find… solitude… when we find our way back!”

That said, the loyal, but admittedly untrusting minion grabbed both ponies with ease – being big and all that – and disappeared in the even-darker dark…

…When he returned, he seemed to be quite satisfied with what he’d done. He got back and lay.

“What was it?” – asked someone nearby.

“Ah!.. Taken care of our problems… Don‘t worry! In the morning he’ll lead us straight home – or my name be not Shredder!” – and he popped out his claws with a corresponding sound.

Wow. Just when things couldn’t get worse… they did…

Where did Shredder the villainous cat take the ponies to? What did he do to them?.. All that we’ll have to find out a bit later, when the young cat boy finishes his letter to his mother. Only then can we intercept it and peek inside… Or we could just wait, till it arrived to the addressee, and read it together with the old cat lady… Needless to say, the options are limitless…

But in any case we‘ll have to wait till morning, when everyone would wake up and resume their journey to Ahuizotl’s abode. Only then would the letter be sent out, as without a postman of sorts it couldn’t be delivered… So we’ll wait…

While everyone is sleeping, let‘s check on the lamp, shan’t we? Where did it go to? And by extension: where did Ahuizotl go to and why did he follow the lamp?..

…The lamp, the real lamp this time, had been touched by Ahuizotl, which did most certainly go against Daring Do’s wishing! Indeed: would she have ever wished to risk everything?

Obviously that wasn’t what she desired. But Gee, as he had repeated time and time again, wasn’t a literal-minded genie at all. It was very clear to him, that his mistress craved for adventures! So of course Ahuizotl might touch the lamp! Which he did!..

However Daring had been right: with the wishing switched to a co-operative mode Ahuizotl had an upper hand… Forcing Daring to wish the same thing he would would only have become a matter of time…

Obviously Gee mightn’t have allowed for that. But with Daring wishing… to send the lamp to… to!..

Gee sighed. That had to mean… the end… The end of his service… The end to their adventure… But in a sense… Hum… Didn’t it signify?.. that Daring?.. Huh! Refused to partake??? Was she just resigning the fate of Equestria to whatever Ahuizotl might desire??!

…That… didn’t seem… at all interesting. What kind of a genie promised his mistress “to take her to where she could witness her adventure and experience it first-hoof”, and then?.. No, that wouldn’t have done at all! The lamp wouldn’t have allowed Gee to!

And so it hadn’t. Daring Do’s adventure couldn’t have ended right then and there, and it could most certainly not have ended like that… And thus…

Gee sighed again. That was troublesome. Not to mention...

“Ah… I can’t but wonder, though: will Ahuizotl ever learn?”

The aforementioned beast was infuriated. It refused to believe Gee. It couldn’t accept the lamp’s terms and conditions. Ahuizotl DEMANDED Gee the genie should BRING HIM BACK and exact REVENGE!!!..

Gee had had enough. He left with a poof of smoke; when it cleared, a sign was in his place, reading: “Closed for dinner”. Ahuizotl was left to his devices, while Gee decided he should wait, till Ahuizotl had enough sense to stop screaming and to start searching for an interdimensional gate of sorts… There had to be a gate to another dimension, there absolutely had to, or Gee would not take it for long!..

“Curse you, lamp!!! For chaining me!!!..”

True: the genie couldn’t leave for another dimension too far away from his magical prison. At that point he really, really wished he might’ve!

“Genie!!!”

What was it, Ahuizotl?..

“Oh, ge-e-enie-e-e!.. Wouldn’t want to miss a prise, if I were you-u-u!..”

Oh, yeah. Couldn’t bribe Gee, even if he thought he could…

“I promise, if you fulfil one small wish, I’ll officially surrender my mastery-y-y!..”

That ought to be good.

“I have been researching Daring Do… You know, to know her better as my enemy… Can you guess, who else sets their slaves free after just one polite request?..”

Did Daring do that?.. Oops!.. Did Daring Do do that?.. No… Did Daring Do set genies free?..

“Most certainly, – thought Gee bitterly. – She really wished life had gotten back to normal… Meaning… Ugh… No more disposing of my powers…”

That would have been rather disappointing. After she had learnt, why Gee had been imprisoned in the first place, Gee doubted she would have set him free… So most likely she would have just really sent the lamp to the very end of the world, where nobody could have discovered it again… And what would Gee have done then?..

“…Did you guess ‘Daring Do’?” Gee recalled Ahuizotl had challenged him with a fairly easy riddle… “Wrong! The correct answer is: NOBODY!”

Ouch! That was the hard truth about genies and the lamps containing them. Nobody set their genies free after a certain number of wishes, let alone – after an infinity thereof!..

“…Nobody but ME is so exceptionally generous!”

Oh, no, Ahuizotl, you wouldn’t actually let me go, would you? – thought Gee… “Wait, – he thought, – would he?!..”

Gee rematerialised before the beast as a group of cat ears as a token of appreciation toward cat-loving Ahuizotl. One might say, Gee was… all ears…

“O-o-o-ho-ho… Please, why must it always be a pun!!?! – Stealth exclaimed.

“Duh, because that‘s what you go by, don’t you?!” – quipped Daring.

Hold it! Was it morning already? Had the letter arrived?

No? Well, while Ahuizotl was relaying his suspicious offer to an interested Gee, let us all hope it was not something world-endangering, and leave them for the time being.

Whatever had happened to Daring Do and Stealth Pun?..

…After Shredder the big cat left the camp with the ponies, no one really saw where he went to. Nopony would have ever learnt that, had Daring not later included that in her book… So that’s how everyone knew.

To tell the truth, she had never intended to leave the camp only to be left bound to a large tree in the middle of a dark forest. But that‘s not to say she’d never wished to leave…

Her entire jig was to talk to Stealth Pun while everyone was asleep. She knew she had a chance: she’d seen Stealth Pun and the good in him… But then he had wanted to take her outside… Why? – she wondered wordlessly…

Oh, “why” indeed… Stealth was a mystery wrapped in a cocoon of ropes binding him to the same tree Daring Do was bound to. He would never reveal his intentions…

However he did reveal, that “Shredder was fat, and ugly, and really, really stupid; he’d probably only got his job because of a family connection – that was how stupid he was…”

“Uh… Stealth?..”

“Ugh!.. What?.. Is… Is he still here?!..”

“…No. I think, he’s actually… gone…”

“Phew!.. Ah, OK… But, just in case… Shredder! If you are hearing this!.. Then, please, stop hiding and show up!”

But, as is known, he had returned to sleep.

“…Nopony?..”

“Stealth, what is the matter with you? Why are you… so weird?”

“Miss Do… I believe, I should be the one to ask that of you…”

“Huh?..”

“…What was that back then??!”

“Back when?.. Oh, you mean our snuggle?”

Stealth Pun couldn’t be seen, but he rolled his eyes upwards in misery.

“That was just me… – Daring smiled. – Wanting some snuggles…”

“…But why would you seek THAT from your enemy?!!..”

“Because my enemy seems to me anything but!..”

Stealth winced:

“Please, Miss Do, keep your voice down!”

“Oops. Right…”

They both were silent for some time, before Stealth spoke:

“Miss Do… – he inhaled and started with a set-up. – I must apologise for the inconvenience. I had no idea we would be tied…”

“Gee, wow, way to sound gentlecoltly!”

“It is true. Believe me, my intent was to lead you away from the camp…”

“For to do what? Unspeakable things to me? Huh, Stealth?!..”

“To talk to you!”

That sure silenced Daring Do! Stealth noticed shortly after that, he had shouted, and regretted he couldn’t clamp his mouth shut. But it didn’t appear anyone was nearby to have heard them…

“…I’m sorry… what?” – asked Daring.

Stealth Pun was silent.

“Ahem… Stealth Pun! Uh…” Daring realised she didn’t know Stealth’s full name for to scold him. All that was known to her were his first and last names… But an arbitrary number of his middle names?.. “I‘m sorry, but I don’t believe we’ve ever been introduced each to other properly. My name is Daring Do…”

“No wa-a-ay! Really?!?!”

Stealth Pun sounded so genuine Daring couldn’t contain her laughter:

“OK, ha-ha, yes!.. You knew that, obviously… But that is actually what I go by… However you…”

“I see, – Stealth spoke. – You may know me as… Stealth Pun… To tell you the truth, Miss Do, that is rather misleading…”

“You may say that again! Who in Equestria would name their kid Stealth Pun?!..”

“This is what I go by, but, well, no, that hasn’t always been the case…”

Stealth sighed and fell silent.

“Well?” – Daring prompted.

Stealth coughed:

“Ahem… Miss Do, allow me to introduce myself: Stealthy Unexpected Punishment”.

“…Wow… No way… How did THAT turn into ‘Stealth Pun’??? What were they thinking?..”

Stealth didn’t know, what to say.

“OK, yeah… That revelation is… Well…” Daring thought of what to say and barely contained a snort. “Well, it’s un-ex-pec... ted!..” No, she actually did not contain it at all. She failed to contain it, in fact!

Laughter rang throughout the forest, and, whether anyone was disturbed by that, remained an ominous mystery…

“O-o-o-ho-ho-o-o!.. – Stealth groaned in complete defeat. – PLEASE!.. WHY?!.. Why must it always be a PUN?!?!”

“A-ha-ha! S-sorry, but… it‘s… Isn’t it in your name or something?.. Pf-f-ft!..”

Stealth only hung his head…

“Well!.. NO, but I mean… A-hah!.. – a snort. – You go by ‘Stealth Pun’, right?.. Hee-hee-hee!.. Ah… So… You should…”

“Miss Do, I couldn’t make a pun, even if my own life depended on it! Aargh, I can’t believe I went and adopted a new name!..”

“No, please, don’t be desperate, Stealth, I wanted to befriend you!”

That sure silenced Stealth Pun, just as it earlier had – Daring.

“…I beg your pardon?”

“Well…”

In spite of that Daring Do had long ago suspected Stealth Pun had goodness in him, she felt at a loss. An attempt to explicate, that he didn’t have to work for Ahuizotl, didn’t any more seem a good idea. Ahuizotl was seemingly gone. And the lamp was gone. And yet… Yet…

“…Well, Miss Do, certainly that would explain your earlier behaviour… But…”

“Oh!” That reminded Daring. “Stealth, I feel I should thank you! I really thought you were a villain, but!.. no! You really seem a good person!.. You’ve proven that! Yes! I… I knew I could count on… WELL!..”

“SILENCE!” – Stealth bellowed.

“Yo, keep it DOWN!!!” – his minions complained from afar.

Stealth bit his tongue. So did Daring.

Time passed, and whoever could hear them fell asleep again. Probably. Daring hoped so.

“Pst! – she whispered. – Stealth!”

“What?”

“…I don‘t wanna go back!.. To Ahuizotl’s dungeon!..”

“…My apologies, Miss Do… But Ahuizotl’s hand rules even from… huh, wherever he is right now… So – no, Miss Do, you have to go…”

“But, Stealthy, please!..”

What was that?? Had Daring?.. Just??!.. No!..

“…Huh…” Stealth Pun, or rather Stealthy Unexpected Punishment, was contemplating. “Well, if it isn’t respect I finally hear from you… Miss Daring Do”.

He liked that.

It seemed…

Hm…

Yes…

“In all honesty, Miss Do… all I personally need are… some answers from you… Now, obviously my master’s abode can facilitate getting any answer from anyone… But honestly, Miss Do… As long, as you cause no trouble… you may do whatever you want, after I have heard everything I need. So?..”

So, Daring? What would it be? Would you answer whatever questions Stealth would ask? Or would you refuse? Please, hurry: only so much time was left till night passed, and a new day began… and it would be checked upon the two of you… And how would you escape then?..

“…Alright. What is it, Stealth Pun?”

Wow, that slip of a tongue was a close one! Daring couldn’t believe she’d called Stealth Pun Stealthy! That was scandalous! How could she have?!.. “Stealthy”! If she ever called him anything nearly as cute!.. Wow!..

She sure hoped he couldn’t see her – so embarrassed she felt. How lucky indeed she was, that he could in fact not…

Hold it! That last observation… Had Gee been spying upon the two of them??!

Gee! Who’d told you you might?! Your place was close to the lamp!

Ah, apparently, Gee had gotten really impatient to hear, what Ahuizotl had to offer to him… What was it and was that really so enticing?..

“…Can you guess, who else sets their slaves free after just one polite request?.. Did you guess ‘Daring Do’? Wrong! The correct answer is: NOBODY!.. Nobody but ME is so exceptionally generous!”

Yes, Gee had heard that one and was quite literally all ears.

Ahuizotl was delighted:

“Good boy… Now, please, get me out of here… Back to Daring Do!.. And then!..”

“Ahuizotl…”

“Silence!!! Thou shalt only address me as: master!!!”

“…Sure, ‘master’. Now listen”.

Ahuizotl was about to bellow more, but found his mouth was shut by a seal. An animal, not a stamp…

“Please, do not interrupt me and do listen well! Since you, ‘master’, touched the lamp, you have to align your wishing with Daring Do, my mistress! I am not allowed by the very lamp to ‘get you out of here and back to Daring Do’ without her consent! I‘m doing literally nothing you tell me to! Until you and me find some sort of interdimensional gate, through which to ’get out of here and back‘ to Daring Do’s dimension!..”

Gee was silent for some time. Then he without another word transformed into smoke and was sucked into the lamp Ahuizotl was holding. The seal that was keeping Ahuizotl‘s mouth shut was caught by the wind and in spite of its protesting barks was sucked inside as well. It got stuck in the lamp’s spout temporarily, but managed to go through, despite its generous girth…

Ahuizotl was enraged… but his temper tantrums wouldn’t do any good… so he decided to establish his evil empire in this world… Well, as long, as it had subjects, whom he could get to serve his bidding…

He only passed that much – until a flash about blinded him! He shielded his eyes…

“He-e-ey! – Gee spoke from within the lamp. – Apparently, that‘s where we’re heading to!”

“How would YOU know?! You are just a disobedient moron!”

“Well, what about when we get closer to the flash? Then who’ll be a moron?!”

“It will still be you!” – grumbled Ahuizotl and trudged toward the source of the flash.

Whatever that was, it had to be something valuable: useless objects did not shine like that! That was what Ahuizotl thought…

“Hm, can a moron, – offered Gee, – lead you to the very interdimensional gate you are seeking?.. Hm…”

He was innocently contemplating, but Ahuizotl lashed out at him nonetheless. That short-tempered baddie!..

…The path would be not very long, but both travellers had been tired out each by other. No wonder! Ahuizotl was absolutely insufferable! Gee really wished he might’ve ended their quest that very instant!.. At the end he just disconnected from the outside world and found comfort in a good book’s company. Ahuizotl might keep fumbling about as long, as he wished! Gee didn’t need his advice! He didn’t need his ratings! And he did certainly not need validation from a creature, whose only qualification was to spew negativity like an actual moron!!!..

Whatever Ahuizotl had replied to that, Gee didn’t hear. But whatever! – decided the beast. Who needed a genie that refused to fulfil wishes?! Ahuizotl didn’t need that!.. He would do everything by himself! Just like he was doing long before he’d found out about the lamp…

Although… he had an assistant he could’ve turned to… But that… Huh?..

Hold it right there! “Assistant”?! What kind of an assistant??? Gee knew he had to hear THAT!

He was blown out of the lamp like a soap bubble and stayed sticking out of its spout:

“Very interesting!..”

Ahuizotl, surprised, almost lost his footing and cursed; Gee didn’t seem to pay any heed. However to all his questions the villain refused to give answers… What a shame! Shall we ever find out?!..

It would appear, we shouldn’t – but not until later in the story! Yet at the same time it would appear!..

“…Tell me more about the lamp, please”.

Oh. That was just… Ugh… Stealth Pun interrogating Daring Do. We know about the lamp already!

“First off, it’s magical”. Oh, gee, no way, Daring! “Second off, it contains a genie…”

OK, nothing new in here!..

“Duh! – Stealth Pun agreed. – Naturally! That’s just common knowledge! But what about this particular lamp and its particular genie?”

Daring wasn’t sure about that one… Did Stealth really deserve to know the mystery?..

“…Nothing”.

Time for another, better tactic, decided Stealth:

“Interesting… So, if I were to have come in its possession initially… Obviously I’d have had to have rubbed it!”

“…Obviously”.

“How curious… And I wonder… How many wishes would the genie have granted to me?..”

“Zero! You would not deserve it!”

“Alright… So you never even got to wish… How did it all happen, then? All the magic I witnessed?”

“OK, I got to wish!..”

“I would assume, three wishes are what genies go by nowadays…”

“Well… That would be reasonable…”

“So-o-o… The bean-spilling?..”

Daring all but choked:

“It… It’s been a while!”

“…Not even going to comment on the, ahem… entendre…”

Daring would’ve facehoofed, if she could’ve:

“Wow, Stealth Pun. Just wow!”

“Ah… It’s obvious to me now I have to change my name!..”

“Wait… Why?”

“On a scale from one to ten how would you rate my pun’s… stealthiness?”

“Oh my goodness!..”

“See?”

“Stealth PUN!”

“I was just considering!.. That time you did get to wish, did you not?”

Oh, well… Daring did most certainly, that went without denial…

“…Excellent. Moving on: that fake lamp?”

Daring’s eyes were rolled, even though she had been reprimanded not to do that, please! Rolling eyes was getting all the more annoying, the more it was done! Seriously! Come on!!!..

“…Interpreting vague answer as ‘yes’…”

“Don’t have to!.. Yes, I wished that one too! You were the villain, were you not? And now what are you, Stealth Pun? Because, well, I swear, if you are plotting revenge at this very moment!..”

“Calm down, Miss Do! I am not doing any such thing!.. I am merely recalling every time you wished… I estimate, that you should have been out of wishes even by the time we met in the forest just the day prior… So, Miss Do… Please, tell me, Miss! The genie didn’t get three wishes, did he?..”

Silence fell.

“…He didn’t, – answered Daring Do that finally. – He told me I had no limit – but I didn’t tell you, and you didn’t hear that from me!..”

“Hold on… No limit?! How?.. You got to wish for an eternity?!?!”

There was no describing, what Stealth felt, when he'd heard that! The lamp??? Granting unlimited power??! No way!!!..

It was unthinkable!.. HOW was that even possible?!?! Had he truly held a device powerful enough to change the world forever and to make him, Stealthy Unexpected Punishment, the god of the new world?!..

And that lamp... It was in Ahuizotl’s possession then!..

OH no... What horrible offer did the villain offer to the interested Gee back there??!..

Back there in another dimension… The lamp appeared to be gone… along with Gee and Ahuizotl. The two of them had moved and were already far away from where they had been just recently, no doubt to rule their own world together!.. Where they had been, only one observer remained.

Who ever he was, he seemed to follow the duo from afar. His intentions still seemed unclear. But no doubt they were not friendly! What kind of a friend would follow two persons surreptitiously? Exactly!

The unknown observer dug into the ground: the genie had sensed something and turned around. But the observer was already concealed… Only a pair of eyes stuck out like that of a snail. Before the eyes a pair of binoculars rose from underground.

The remote duo didn’t appear to have noticed anything and continued further, toward the flash. No signs of being the ultimate rulers of the universe yet... The unknown observer followed…

Huh… Just who was he? And had he got a name? It is quite inconvenient to call him “the unknown observer”. Perhaps, a convenience name is in order… How about?.. “Tuo”? That sounds much better, eh!..

Newly named Tuo had a mission to accomplish. He hadn’t expected anyone to appear out of nowhere in his native dimension. He absolutely had to investigate.

That stealth mission continued for a while, until finally the genie caught Tuo off guard! The creature shrank, and only his eyes were staring as if part of the ground.

“Interesting… – drawled Gee. – What have we got here?.. Hum?..”

“Who CARES?!! Move it along!!!”

“Just so you know… We have been followed”.

Ahuizotl stopped and turned in panic.

“Yep, – the genie nodded. – Whoever this is, it finds us attractive…”

“Not you”, – grumbled the villain and approached the two, attempting to push Gee away and phasing through him; he waved, trying to clear the “smoke” Gee seemed to consist of and coughing.

“Whoops!..” Gee moved away.

Tuo’s eyes enlarged. No way!..

“Alright! – Ahuizotl crowed. – What is this?.. Who dare follow me?!!”

Tuo rose from the ground. He grew… until he was unimaginably big! He spoke in a low voice:

“Ahuizotl… You seem to have achieved everything you’ve dreamt of… So tell me now: why are you here?!”

Ahuizotl stood, awestruck. “Oh my goodness, – he croaked. – NO WAY!..”

Gee laughed:

“O-o-o-ho-ho-o-o!.. Are y’all for REAL?!..”

It seemed, he finally knew exactly where they were. It seemed, he knew exactly who was before them!..

“O-o-o-ho-ho!.. Ahuizotl!.. You’ve really done a number!.. How did you even FIND this dimension!? I didn’t think it was possible for you, mere mortals!.. How did you even GET this… uh… fine gentleman to do your bidding?!..”

Wait… What??? Who was Tuo??? Did he and Ahuizotl know each other??? How would GEE of all creatures have known???

Untold backstory right here, everypony!!! Who else is dying to dive deeper?!!..

“Me-e-e-e… eow-w-w-w!…”

The morning in the forest shimmered and shone, and Shredder the cat was absolutely certain, that he was lost.

Wow. How did THAT happen??! Mysteries keep piling up! Can they be solved before the chapter’s end??..

Where even was he???

Alright! Back to the forest… Somewhere in the woods wild cats had lost their way and were camping the night out. Among those cats was one particularly big…

Shredder the cat had slept wonderfully. Morning in the forest shimmered and shone, and Shredder was absolutely certain, that everything was going to be fine!

The rest of the campers were asleep. And all in interesting, picture-worthy positions. Shredder chuckled – purely to spite those, who‘d told him not to. They all might go underground (like to hell). Shredder’s chuckles were very genuine, concise and far in-between. He felt he had every right to chuckle once a day.

So he chuckled, viewing his fellows. If he could have learnt to draw, he would have, no doubt! He then would learn to animate – an art obscure to those living in a forest and serving a villain! Plus, there were no cinemas for miles around! Who‘d need Shredder’s talent, anyway? The big cat sighed, but stayed cheerful and set off to check upon the ponies from yesterday.

He was absolutely certain, that there was no way for the both of them to be freed! So he didn’t worry. Once he found his way to the tree, he’d see them both tied to it! He was so confident about that it would be very hilarious, if he’d come to the tree and found it empty… But that morning nothing could go wrong. He just felt so! As if to prove that, birds were chirping the most happy of songs a certain pink party pony would have been euphoric to hear!.. And the early-morning air!.. The morning dew!..

Shredder felt… happy!..

He took the liberty of walking about the forest for a while, just to admire the nature.

…Satiated with his walk, Shredder decided to quit, heh, horsing around and to fetch those, heh, horses… OK, ponies. Whatever… Who cared, if they would end up in Ahiuzotl’s dungeon nonetheless?! That was what Shredder was saying!

The walk to the tree shouldn’t have taken long, Shredder recalled. But, when he’d been walking for… quite some time, he experienced first-paw, what it meant to panic (he’d never panicked before).

He looked around, eyes darting. Where was he?

He decided to return and to double-check his directions… to correct his course, if need were…

After multiple course-corrections it was undeniable: Shredder the cat was lost.

He slumped upon the ground and mewled to the skies. Admittedly, nobody could hear him – except for the wild life, but that didn’t count!

His life seemed to be over: without a job or a home!.. or fellows to share his being lost with…

Shredder was a big cat, but, maybe, for the first time in his life he was ready to cry…

“He-e-elp!” – cried meanwhile the two ponies, whom Shredder had gone to check upon, for help.

...Nobody was coming for them. No one to free them of the tree’s clutches or simply to say: good morning!

Hm, maybe, it would take some particularly loud yelling to attract somecat’s attention…

…

Daring was desperate: could her adventure end that badly???..

The old cat lady clutched at her heart and scrambled to find some nerve-soothing drug: she couldn’t take that much worry!

She took the medication and was resting in an armchair, now too afraid even to touch the letter, lest its contents caused her a heart attack!

Despite her curiosity she knew the saying all too well – a lot of her familiars had served as a sad example… – and tried to engage her elderly mind in some other, calming activities. She rocked in the chair… realised it was an armchair, not a rocking-chair, and just reclined, taking a magazine with crosswords.

The letter would wait.

The letter lay on the floor, waiting patiently.

The old lady, grunting, turned her chair away from it! No enticing!

The letter was silently calling… Oh, the things it contained! What had happened to Ahuizotl‘s feline minions! What had happened to his two pony adversaries! What had happened to Ahuizotl! Whom he and Gee had met!.. OK, maybe, the letter couldn’t provide answers to that… But, seriously! The letter HAD to be read!..

The old cat lady couldn’t take it any more. She braced herself for the upcoming health-worsening, rose and faced the letter…

It was lying and waiting to be picked up.

The old lady stepped closer… and bent to reach it…

Daring Do and the magic lamp

by Andy Ray

Prelude

Chapter 1. Daring Do's quest

Chapter 2. Meet the amazing genie

Chapter 3. Wrote herself into an adventure... inadvertently

Chapter 4. We must protect the lamp!

Chapter 5. Got ya!

Chapter 6. Things get out of hoof!

Chapter 7. Now what do we make of this?

Chapter 8. One night has passed, and...

Chapter 9. Questions asked, decisions made

Chapter 10. This is going to be intense!..

Chapter 11. Guess, what happens next!