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She will meet both new friends and enemies.","count":"16","submission_left_submission_id":"587325","submission_left_file_name":"771108_DarkShadow2k7_chapter_04_-_darkness_descends_into_egypt.doc","submission_right_submission_id":"587327","submission_right_file_name":"771110_DarkShadow2k7_chapter_06_-_divine_design.doc"}],"description":"","description_bbcode_parsed":"","writing":"“I’m going to win…” said Daring as she is flying as fast as she can to beat Kira to the map store. She’s pulling out all the stops to beat her. Kira, knowing the city well since she was a filly, ran through a couple of shortcuts, running along the rooftops, and swinging through ropes making her made it to the map store first. Daring comes to the map store to see that Kira beats her to it first. “Dang! You’re good, Kira,” said Daring as she goes to her and bows at her. “Heh, it was nothing. I know this city from the back of my head. After all, I am a princess,” said Kira with a chuckle. “Of course. Whatever you say, Princess Kira Chi,” said Daring with a smile. “Anyway, lets get into the shop so we can find you a map,” said Kira as she enters the map store. Daring nods and enters the map shop.\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nMeanwhile, back at the palace, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Kiya was in the Royal Chambers talking about the festival’s upcoming events. “So, I was thinking about having the annual flying competition so that all the Pegasus from both Egypt and Ponyville can compete in this contest. For the unicorns, I suggest an magical fashion show and magic contest to see which unicorn got both beauty and magic,” said Kiya as she was reading off the list of events. “Hmm… I love the flying competition, my queen. It should be very interesting,” said Celestia while drinking her tea. “I’ve approve that and the contest for the unicorns,” said Cadence with a smile. “What are the other events for the cats, earth ponies and foals, Kiya?” asked Luna. “Don’t worry, Princess Luna. I’ve already got the events for them. For the earth ponies, we’ll have an iron pony competition to see who’s the strongest pony in the world. I know you’re going to pull for Applejack because she’s the strongest pony in Ponyville. But I’m pulling for Talisia,” said Kiya with a smile. “Who’s Talisia?” asked Celestia. “Talisia is Cairo’s resident earth pony and is Cairo’s Iron Pony champion 9 years running. She works in my private garden and she’s the strongest pony in Egypt. Surely she can prove a challenge for Applejack,” said Kiya with a chuckle. “That would make an interesting contest between those two,” said Cadence while eating an apple. “I know you’ll love it, Cadence. By the way, lovely aria during the start of the festival. It really brings out the history about Egypt,” said Kiya with a smile. Cadence blushes softly and smiles. “Alright, as for the cats I’m thinking we’ll have the annual Cairo Feline Brawl event, where every feline in the city will be battling it out in a free-for-all, ring out contest. If you want you can check it out. As for the foals and children, I’m thinking of a fun costume party for them,” said Kiya with a smile. “Agree,” said Celestia. “I’m in,” said Luna. “Same here,” said Cadence. “Ok. Now, let’s rest for tomorrow so we can go over more events and enjoy my spa,” said Kiya. The Princesses nodded in agreement and heads out to their respective rooms to retire for the night.\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nBack at the map store, Daring and Kira was browsing the aisles of different maps for places that have treasure. “Wow! So many maps to so many places. I don’t know where to begin,” said Daring in a calm voice. “Take your time, Daring. I’m sure you’ll find the one you want,” said Kira as she picks up a some books about treasure hunting. Daring picked up a couple of maps she can look over in the morning and takes them to the counter. She pays for them while the owner gives her a piece of paper with the saying ‘The signs you’ll find will be the lead, a lead that will unravel a deeper truth’. “Deeper truth? I wonder what it could mean?” asked Daring in a calm voice. “It must be one of the secret riddles, Daring,” said Kira while paying for her books. “Secret riddles?” asked Daring in a calm voice. “Thinking about it, Daring. This is Cairo, the city of secrets. Riddles, objects, & signs are clues to the deeper truth everyone been searching for,” said Kira with a smile. “Has anyone discovered the deeper truth?” asked Daring. “No. Nobody discovered the deeper truth. But if you find the signs, objects, & solve the riddles, I think you can find the deeper truth,” said Kira as she gets her books. Daring gets her maps and both her and Kira heads back to the palace to get some rest.\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nIn a nice little house, Chrysalis and Trixie was busy getting their home together. “The Great and Powerful Trixie cannot believe that Trixie is staying in a shabby home like this,” said Trixie in a pouting tone. “Yeah, well your consist whining is no making it any better, Trixie. Now help me get this place,” said Chrysalis as she was busy moving the furniture with her magic. “Trixie don’t do no work. The Great and Powerful Trixie is going to practice for her grand debut to the Queen of Egypt,” said Trixie as she goes and does her magic. *Note to self: Next time, pick someone who is not a buckin’ headache. I hope this work* thought Chrysalis as she keeps fixing their home.\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nAt the palace, Daring was laying in her room thinking about the riddle she picked up at the map store. “Man! What’s up with that riddle?! ‘The signs you’ll find will be the lead, a lead that will unravel a deeper truth’. Signs, deeper truth? It’s got to mean something. Maybe I should sleep on it to learn some more,” said Daring as she yawns softly and falls asleep. In the dream world, Daring was walking around a fable old village, filled with sincere quiet. The setting of the village was making Daring very uneasy for her. “Is it me or is someone or something watching me?” asked Daring in a calm voice. Just then, a group of cat warriors jumps out of their hiding spots and surrounds Daring. “It’s a trap!” screamed Daring as she starts fighting the warriors off, trying to survive the odds. However, it was no use as the warriors surrounded her and knocks her out cold. “Looks like we got another pony,” said one of the warriors. “Let’s take her back to our village and have our leader decide her fate. If we’re lucky, he can make her our little plaything,” said the other warrior while looking at her flank and licking his lips. The warriors picked Daring up and carries her to Koryoshiko Tribe. A few minutes later, they’ve arrived at the village. As they proceed to head to the chief’s hut, Daring was slowing waking up and looks around the village. She sees lot of cats, young & old, male & female, without any pony in sight. The huts are made nicely with expert care. As they approach the chief’s hut, one of the warriors turns to Daring and said; “You’ll show our leader with respect, pony.” “If I wasn’t tied up, I’ll give you no-good felines a fight you’ll never forget,” said Daring as she struggles to get free. “We love to see you try, pony,” said the warrior while laughing at her futile efforts to get free. “Oh you think that’s funny, huh? Maybe you’re scared of me,” said Daring in a proud voice. “The only thing we’re scared of is how badly we beat a little pony like him,” said the other warrior laughing some more. Daring sighs softly as she remains calm and just go along with it, seeing where the situation might lead. Once inside, the warriors knees in front of the throne. “Chief, we’ve found another pony wondering around,” said the warrior with a smile. Daring looks up to see Krios and another feline next to him. The feline’s has black fur with red tribal markings, purple eyes, and wearing a standard female villager’s outfit. “Another dirty, filthy pony? Brother, can we kill this one? Please, let me be the one to do it! My claws are aching for blood, ripping flesh, and screaming,” said the feline as she meows softly. Krios looks at Daring and said; “No, Mileena. We’re not killing ponies anymore. We did that in the war, and we’re not going to do it again. However, this pony is awfully familiar,” said Krios as he looks at Daring very closely. Daring growls at him, knowing that he’s nothing but trouble. “Hmm…there’s no need to kill this one. Might as well maker her a belly dancer for the warriors. There’s always room for one more belly dancer,” said Krios with a smile. Daring’s mouth dropped as she heard what he said while the warriors grins softly at the idea. “We got a belly dancer,” said the warriors while licking their lips and looking at her flank. Just then, Daring wakes up sweating and looks around her room. “Why am I having these dreams?! What do they mean?!” screamed Daring as she lays her head on her hooves, “I don’t know why I’m having these dreams, but for some unknown reasons, both of my dreams have Krios in them. This might be a slight possibility, but I think that those dreams might be clues to finding the Blood Jade Emerald. Starting tomorrow, I’m going to find and solve the secret riddles.” With that said, Daring closes her eyes and went back to sleep. The morning sun shines over Cairo. Many ponies and cats have awaken up and starts to day and enjoy the festival. Daring starts waking up and yawns softly. “Man, what a night. I guess I didn’t get much sleep last night. Well, I guess I should get started finding and solving the riddles,” said Daring as she gets up and starts to get ready for the day. Once she is ready, she starts to head out of the room and go to see her friends. “Hello, Ms. Do,” said a soft voice. Daring turns around and sees Kiya, Queen of Egypt. “Hello, My Queen,” said Daring while bowing at her. “Please, Ms. Do. You can call me Kiya. How are you this lovely morning?” said Kiya in a voice that is sweet like honey. “Well, I’m going to walk around the city and enjoying both the sights and festival. What about you, Kiya?” asked Daring with a smile. “Well, besides going on a spa day and thinking about my soon-to-be husband Lucifer, I’m going to be adding the new events for the festival. I heard that your friends are busy setting up shops in the Bazaar. Say, why don’t you take Kira with you? She need to walk around the city on in a while. It’s a test for a princess, so I want her to be ready for when I step down some day,” said Kiya with a smile. “Of course, Kiya. Where should I find her?” asked Daring. “She’s in her private chambers getting ready for the day,” said Kiya, “well I’ve got to get ready for my lovely Lucifer, so I will be you a bid farewell.” She bows and goes to her room. Daring heads to Kira’s room and knocks on her door. “I’m coming,” said Kira in a calm voice. In a few seconds, Kira comes out of her room wearing an Egyptian explorer’s outfit, way better than Daring’s outfit. “Ah, Daring. So nice to see you. So, what do the Princess of Egypt may do for you?” asked Kira in a royal voice. “Well, I’m going to walk around Cairo to solve some of the riddles. Wanna tag along?” asked Daring with a smile. “Of course. I would love to walk around town with you,” said Kira with a smile. With that said, Kira and Daring starts to head out of the palace and into the bazaar to solve the riddles. Meanwhile, in the bazaar, Applejack was busy setting up her apple stand to see some apples to make some bits for Sweet Apple Acres. “Ah’m hope Ah make a lot of bits here. Ah need enough bits for the new barn on the farm,” said Applejack with a smile. “Hmm…apples huh?” said a voice. Applejack turns around and see a strong female earth pony pulling a heavy cart of trees and plants. Her coat is ebony with red markings all over her body, ghostly-white mane and tail, and her eyes are golden. Her clothing is a ruby red scarf and black Egyptian skirt. She looks like she in her late teens to early 20’s. “Howdy there! Welcome to Applejack’s Apple Stand. Mah apples are the best from Sweet Apple Acres. Ah’m Applejack of Ponyville,” said Applejack while tipping her hat to her. The earth pony bows at her and said; “Greetings, Applejack. I’m Talisia. I work in Queen Kiya’s garden and is the strongest earth pony in Cairo.” “Strongest earth pony in Cairo, eh? Well, Ah’m the strongest earth pony in Ponyville. Ah bet that Ah can beat you, Talisia,” said Applejack with a smile. “Is that a challenge?” asked Talisia as she give Applejack the ‘You got some nerve’ look. Before Applejack can say anything, one of the Royal Guards walked into the bazaar and post a note on the wall and walked away. Both Talisia and Applejack walked over to the sign and it reads:\n\nYou think you’re the toughest, powerful, & strongest earth pony? Now it’s time to prove it! Enter the Cairo’s Annual Iron Pony Contest. Withstand the elements, overpower obstacles, and outlast your opponents. If you can survived all of that and the challenges, then you’ll have a shot to take on local legend and 9-time Iron Pony Champion, Talisia aka ’Amazonian Fury’. If you have the stones, the heart, & passion to become the Iron Pony Champion, then sign up and show them who’s boss!\n\nApplejack grins softly as she turns to Talisia and said, “Ok then. Let’s settle this in the Iron Pony Contest, Amazonian Fury.” “I’m going to take great pleasure in taking you down a notch or two, Applejack,” said Talisia with a soft grin, “but until then, I would love to buy some of your juicy apples. They’re my favorite fruit and I’ve heard that the apples from Ponyville are the sweetest apples in the world.” Applejack smiles as she signs up for the contest and sells Talisia a basket of apples. “Looks like we’re rivals, Applejack,” said Talisia while paying for her apples. “Rivals and friends, Talisia,” said Applejack with a smile. Talisia nods softly and takes a bite out of the apple and smile. “Oh, by the Goddess! The stories are true! You are the Goddess of Apples, Applejack,” said Talisia while bowing at her. “Aw shucks! Ya’ll making me blush,” said Applejack while blushing deeply. Talisia put the apples in the basket and said, “Well, it’s nice chat with you. But I need to plant these plants and trees in the garden. I’ll see you in the contest, Applejack.” Talisia bows and heads to the palace to add the trees and plants to Kiya’s garden. Applejack smiles as she earned both a friend and a rival in the same day. With her new found energy, she went busy selling apples to the customers. Meanwhile, Daring and Kira was busy solving the riddles. They’re 1st riddle was a musical clue. The clue was ‘A mysterious melody that haunts the heart’. “That haunts the heart? What does that mean?” asked Kira in a low tone. “Kira, music is the key of life. Any type of music can influence a heart,” said Daring in a calm voice. “That’s great, but what’s that got to do with this clue?” asked Kira. Daring thinks softly about the clue and then remembers the song Cadence sang last night. “That’s it! An aria!” screamed Daring in a proud voice. “Aria? What do you mean?” asked Kira while looking at her. “In music, an aria is a mysterious melody that can sometimes enrich the heart or haunt the heart,” said Daring in a calm voice. “You’re right! Cause when I heard the song, it haunts my heart,” said Kira while nodding her head in agreement. “Awesome. We solve our 1st riddle. Let’s solve some more,” said Daring as she dashes off to the next clue. “Hey! Wait for me!” screamed Kira as she tries to catch up to her. Unknown to Kira, a mysterious feline was looking at her very calmly. “Oh my…you’ve grown so much since the last time we met. I guess it’s time I make my appearance to her,” said with feline with a smile. The feline goes away and plans his meeting with Kira. In the lower section of Cairo, Fluttershy was busy caring the camels at the local camel shop. “Oh my…I didn’t know there are some many camels here,” said Fluttershy in a soft voice. “They are native here in Egypt, miss,” said Lucifer as he walks up to Fluttershy, as she jumps up and hides behind a potted plant. “Um…did I do something to upset you?” asked Lucifer in a calm voice. Fluttershy comes out from hiding and sees Lucifer. “Oh, I’m sorry. It’s just that you caught me by surprise. I’m Fluttershy,” said Fluttershy while bowing at Lucifer. “Lovely name, Fluttershy. I’m Lucifer, Captain of the Roman army and Kiya’s soon-to-be mate. Very nice to meet you,” said Lucifer as he bows at her. Fluttershy blushes deeply as she bows back at him. “So, what are you doing here, Lucifer?” asked Fluttershy in a calm voice. “Oh, just walking around the beautiful city, Fluttershy. What are you doing here?” asked Lucifer with a smile. “Oh, I’m feeding and caring these camels, Lucifer. Would you care to join me?” asked Fluttershy with a smile. “I would love to, but I need to decline. I must head back to the palace for an important talk with Kiya. I’ll make it up to you someday,” said Lucifer. “Oh, that’s ok. It’s nice meeting you, Lucifer,” said Fluttershy with a smile. Lucifer smiles as he heads back to the palace while Fluttershy went back to caring the camels. A few hours later, the sun was starting to set and nightfall will come. Daring and Kira has both found and solved most of the secret riddles. But they weren’t easy for the duo. They been through a lot all day. They had to battle shady characters, doing odd jobs, solving a mystery, recording mysterious objects, and doing a dance routine. “I can’t believe we solved half of the riddles, Daring. This is so awesome!” said Kira with a smile. “Yeah. If we keep this up, we’ll discover the deeper truth in no time,” said Daring with a grin. Then, without wrong, a mysterious being ran past the two mares at lighting speed. Kira shakes her head and sees that her necklace is gone. “Hey! Come back here!” screamed Kira as she dashes after the thief. Daring tilts her head and said; “Lively city. It’s getting quite late. I guess I would head back to the palace. Kira will be back.” She jumps up and flies back to the palace. Meanwhile, Kira was chasing the thief of her necklace. The thief dashes into a dead end alley and looks back at Kira. “You’re very bold, thief. Stealing from a princess means you’re a worthy opponent,” said Kira while licking her lips. “Ok you got me. So what are you going to do now?” asked the figure with a smile. Kira dashes at her and tackles him to the ground. “Ha! No contest,” said Kira in a proud voice and remove the figure’s hood. Once the hood was off, she was looking at the young feline who is very familiar to her. The feline is 18 years old, his fur is sliver with purple markings, his eyes are the color of a dark green forest, and he’s wearing a black leather collar with a small ruby hanging off it. “Who are you?” asked Kira as her heart starts to flutter in her chest. “Come now, my dear. Surely you know who I am, my beautiful pony,” said the feline while purring softly at her. “It cant be…Nasir?” asked Kira in a soft voice. “Correct, Kira,” said Nasir with a smile. Kira starts shedding tears of joy as she kisses him deeply and laying on top of him. Nasir purring softly as he returns the kiss and holds her tightly with his paw on her flank. Kira breaks the kiss and nuzzles his neck. “Nasir, my love. Where have you been all these years? I was worried about you for 11 years,” said Kira in a sad voice. “I was laying low, Kira. I’m sorry I made you worried. I’m back and I’m standing by your side,” said Nasir with a smile. Kira looks up and smiles. It was long time since they both met. Back when they she was a foal and he was an kitten, those two were inseparable. But when Nasir tried to steal a gem from a noble Egyptian pony, Kiya, Kira’s sister, sentence him to 11 years in the dungeon. Despite all that, Kira still stop by to see him. Every time the two meet, their bond grows stronger and stronger to the point that they fallen madly in love with each other. Kira leans in Nasir’s ear and whispers, “Come stay at the palace with me, my love. I don’t want to lose you again.” Nasir nods softly and put Kira’s necklace back on her. “I see you still got it, Nasir,” said Kira with a chuckle. “I know, my love,” said Nasir while kissing her cheek. Kira gets off him and both her and Nasir race back to the palace before night falls in Cairo While they kept running, Krios, who is in the necklace, saw Nasir and said; “Hmm…he can be helpful to Kira. I can help him.”\n\n(Nighttime)\n\nIt’s now nighttime in Cairo. Many ponies and felines are drifting into dream land. In the palace, Kiya was in her room licking and cleaning her fur, thinking about putting together some big event tomorrow evening. Lucifer silently sneaks into her room and nuzzles her back, which made her jump a little. “Lucifer! What are you trying to do, give me a heart attack?” asked Kiya in a playful voice. “I would never give my beloved a heart attack,” said Lucifer while giving her a kiss. She kisses him back and said; “So, how was your day?” “It was good, Kiya. I met with Fluttershy, one for the ponies from Equestria. She’s awfully shy,” said Lucifer while licking her neck. “Really? That’s awfully nice of you. We’ll I’m trying to think of what to dot for tomorrow night, my dear,” said Kiya while purring softly. “Well, if you want we can throw a masquerade party, my sweet Kiya,” said Lucifer with a smile. Kiya looks at him and smiles at him. “What a purrr-fect idea, my love! We can have it in the palace’s ballroom. Every pony and cat will be there and have a great time. All I need to do is to talk to Twilight if she knows a pony who knows how to throw a party,” said Kiya with a smile. In the far end room of the palace, Pinkie’s tail starts twitching as she stands up and said; “My Pinkie senses are tingling!”\n\n","writing_bbcode_parsed":"“I’m going to win…” said Daring as she is flying as fast as she can to beat Kira to the map store. She’s pulling out all the stops to beat her. Kira, knowing the city well since she was a filly, ran through a couple of shortcuts, running along the rooftops, and swinging through ropes making her made it to the map store first. Daring comes to the map store to see that Kira beats her to it first. “Dang! You’re good, Kira,” said Daring as she goes to her and bows at her. “Heh, it was nothing. I know this city from the back of my head. After all, I am a princess,” said Kira with a chuckle. “Of course. Whatever you say, Princess Kira Chi,” said Daring with a smile. “Anyway, lets get into the shop so we can find you a map,” said Kira as she enters the map store. Daring nods and enters the map shop.
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Meanwhile, back at the palace, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Kiya was in the Royal Chambers talking about the festival’s upcoming events. “So, I was thinking about having the annual flying competition so that all the Pegasus from both Egypt and Ponyville can compete in this contest. For the unicorns, I suggest an magical fashion show and magic contest to see which unicorn got both beauty and magic,” said Kiya as she was reading off the list of events. “Hmm… I love the flying competition, my queen. It should be very interesting,” said Celestia while drinking her tea. “I’ve approve that and the contest for the unicorns,” said Cadence with a smile. “What are the other events for the cats, earth ponies and foals, Kiya?” asked Luna. “Don’t worry, Princess Luna. I’ve already got the events for them. For the earth ponies, we’ll have an iron pony competition to see who’s the strongest pony in the world. I know you’re going to pull for Applejack because she’s the strongest pony in Ponyville. But I’m pulling for Talisia,” said Kiya with a smile. “Who’s Talisia?” asked Celestia. “Talisia is Cairo’s resident earth pony and is Cairo’s Iron Pony champion 9 years running. She works in my private garden and she’s the strongest pony in Egypt. Surely she can prove a challenge for Applejack,” said Kiya with a chuckle. “That would make an interesting contest between those two,” said Cadence while eating an apple. “I know you’ll love it, Cadence. By the way, lovely aria during the start of the festival. It really brings out the history about Egypt,” said Kiya with a smile. Cadence blushes softly and smiles. “Alright, as for the cats I’m thinking we’ll have the annual Cairo Feline Brawl event, where every feline in the city will be battling it out in a free-for-all, ring out contest. If you want you can check it out. As for the foals and children, I’m thinking of a fun costume party for them,” said Kiya with a smile. “Agree,” said Celestia. “I’m in,” said Luna. “Same here,” said Cadence. “Ok. Now, let’s rest for tomorrow so we can go over more events and enjoy my spa,” said Kiya. The Princesses nodded in agreement and heads out to their respective rooms to retire for the night.
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Back at the map store, Daring and Kira was browsing the aisles of different maps for places that have treasure. “Wow! So many maps to so many places. I don’t know where to begin,” said Daring in a calm voice. “Take your time, Daring. I’m sure you’ll find the one you want,” said Kira as she picks up a some books about treasure hunting. Daring picked up a couple of maps she can look over in the morning and takes them to the counter. She pays for them while the owner gives her a piece of paper with the saying ‘The signs you’ll find will be the lead, a lead that will unravel a deeper truth’. “Deeper truth? I wonder what it could mean?” asked Daring in a calm voice. “It must be one of the secret riddles, Daring,” said Kira while paying for her books. “Secret riddles?” asked Daring in a calm voice. “Thinking about it, Daring. This is Cairo, the city of secrets. Riddles, objects, & signs are clues to the deeper truth everyone been searching for,” said Kira with a smile. “Has anyone discovered the deeper truth?” asked Daring. “No. Nobody discovered the deeper truth. But if you find the signs, objects, & solve the riddles, I think you can find the deeper truth,” said Kira as she gets her books. Daring gets her maps and both her and Kira heads back to the palace to get some rest.
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In a nice little house, Chrysalis and Trixie was busy getting their home together. “The Great and Powerful Trixie cannot believe that Trixie is staying in a shabby home like this,” said Trixie in a pouting tone. “Yeah, well your consist whining is no making it any better, Trixie. Now help me get this place,” said Chrysalis as she was busy moving the furniture with her magic. “Trixie don’t do no work. The Great and Powerful Trixie is going to practice for her grand debut to the Queen of Egypt,” said Trixie as she goes and does her magic. *Note to self: Next time, pick someone who is not a buckin’ headache. I hope this work* thought Chrysalis as she keeps fixing their home.
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At the palace, Daring was laying in her room thinking about the riddle she picked up at the map store. “Man! What’s up with that riddle?! ‘The signs you’ll find will be the lead, a lead that will unravel a deeper truth’. Signs, deeper truth? It’s got to mean something. Maybe I should sleep on it to learn some more,” said Daring as she yawns softly and falls asleep. In the dream world, Daring was walking around a fable old village, filled with sincere quiet. The setting of the village was making Daring very uneasy for her. “Is it me or is someone or something watching me?” asked Daring in a calm voice. Just then, a group of cat warriors jumps out of their hiding spots and surrounds Daring. “It’s a trap!” screamed Daring as she starts fighting the warriors off, trying to survive the odds. However, it was no use as the warriors surrounded her and knocks her out cold. “Looks like we got another pony,” said one of the warriors. “Let’s take her back to our village and have our leader decide her fate. If we’re lucky, he can make her our little plaything,” said the other warrior while looking at her flank and licking his lips. The warriors picked Daring up and carries her to Koryoshiko Tribe. A few minutes later, they’ve arrived at the village. As they proceed to head to the chief’s hut, Daring was slowing waking up and looks around the village. She sees lot of cats, young & old, male & female, without any pony in sight. The huts are made nicely with expert care. As they approach the chief’s hut, one of the warriors turns to Daring and said; “You’ll show our leader with respect, pony.” “If I wasn’t tied up, I’ll give you no-good felines a fight you’ll never forget,” said Daring as she struggles to get free. “We love to see you try, pony,” said the warrior while laughing at her futile efforts to get free. “Oh you think that’s funny, huh? Maybe you’re scared of me,” said Daring in a proud voice. “The only thing we’re scared of is how badly we beat a little pony like him,” said the other warrior laughing some more. Daring sighs softly as she remains calm and just go along with it, seeing where the situation might lead. Once inside, the warriors knees in front of the throne. “Chief, we’ve found another pony wondering around,” said the warrior with a smile. Daring looks up to see Krios and another feline next to him. The feline’s has black fur with red tribal markings, purple eyes, and wearing a standard female villager’s outfit. “Another dirty, filthy pony? Brother, can we kill this one? Please, let me be the one to do it! My claws are aching for blood, ripping flesh, and screaming,” said the feline as she meows softly. Krios looks at Daring and said; “No, Mileena. We’re not killing ponies anymore. We did that in the war, and we’re not going to do it again. However, this pony is awfully familiar,” said Krios as he looks at Daring very closely. Daring growls at him, knowing that he’s nothing but trouble. “Hmm…there’s no need to kill this one. Might as well maker her a belly dancer for the warriors. There’s always room for one more belly dancer,” said Krios with a smile. Daring’s mouth dropped as she heard what he said while the warriors grins softly at the idea. “We got a belly dancer,” said the warriors while licking their lips and looking at her flank. Just then, Daring wakes up sweating and looks around her room. “Why am I having these dreams?! What do they mean?!” screamed Daring as she lays her head on her hooves, “I don’t know why I’m having these dreams, but for some unknown reasons, both of my dreams have Krios in them. This might be a slight possibility, but I think that those dreams might be clues to finding the Blood Jade Emerald. Starting tomorrow, I’m going to find and solve the secret riddles.” With that said, Daring closes her eyes and went back to sleep. The morning sun shines over Cairo. Many ponies and cats have awaken up and starts to day and enjoy the festival. Daring starts waking up and yawns softly. “Man, what a night. I guess I didn’t get much sleep last night. Well, I guess I should get started finding and solving the riddles,” said Daring as she gets up and starts to get ready for the day. Once she is ready, she starts to head out of the room and go to see her friends. “Hello, Ms. Do,” said a soft voice. Daring turns around and sees Kiya, Queen of Egypt. “Hello, My Queen,” said Daring while bowing at her. “Please, Ms. Do. You can call me Kiya. How are you this lovely morning?” said Kiya in a voice that is sweet like honey. “Well, I’m going to walk around the city and enjoying both the sights and festival. What about you, Kiya?” asked Daring with a smile. “Well, besides going on a spa day and thinking about my soon-to-be husband Lucifer, I’m going to be adding the new events for the festival. I heard that your friends are busy setting up shops in the Bazaar. Say, why don’t you take Kira with you? She need to walk around the city on in a while. It’s a test for a princess, so I want her to be ready for when I step down some day,” said Kiya with a smile. “Of course, Kiya. Where should I find her?” asked Daring. “She’s in her private chambers getting ready for the day,” said Kiya, “well I’ve got to get ready for my lovely Lucifer, so I will be you a bid farewell.” She bows and goes to her room. Daring heads to Kira’s room and knocks on her door. “I’m coming,” said Kira in a calm voice. In a few seconds, Kira comes out of her room wearing an Egyptian explorer’s outfit, way better than Daring’s outfit. “Ah, Daring. So nice to see you. So, what do the Princess of Egypt may do for you?” asked Kira in a royal voice. “Well, I’m going to walk around Cairo to solve some of the riddles. Wanna tag along?” asked Daring with a smile. “Of course. I would love to walk around town with you,” said Kira with a smile. With that said, Kira and Daring starts to head out of the palace and into the bazaar to solve the riddles. Meanwhile, in the bazaar, Applejack was busy setting up her apple stand to see some apples to make some bits for Sweet Apple Acres. “Ah’m hope Ah make a lot of bits here. Ah need enough bits for the new barn on the farm,” said Applejack with a smile. “Hmm…apples huh?” said a voice. Applejack turns around and see a strong female earth pony pulling a heavy cart of trees and plants. Her coat is ebony with red markings all over her body, ghostly-white mane and tail, and her eyes are golden. Her clothing is a ruby red scarf and black Egyptian skirt. She looks like she in her late teens to early 20’s. “Howdy there! Welcome to Applejack’s Apple Stand. Mah apples are the best from Sweet Apple Acres. Ah’m Applejack of Ponyville,” said Applejack while tipping her hat to her. The earth pony bows at her and said; “Greetings, Applejack. I’m Talisia. I work in Queen Kiya’s garden and is the strongest earth pony in Cairo.” “Strongest earth pony in Cairo, eh? Well, Ah’m the strongest earth pony in Ponyville. Ah bet that Ah can beat you, Talisia,” said Applejack with a smile. “Is that a challenge?” asked Talisia as she give Applejack the ‘You got some nerve’ look. Before Applejack can say anything, one of the Royal Guards walked into the bazaar and post a note on the wall and walked away. Both Talisia and Applejack walked over to the sign and it reads:
You think you’re the toughest, powerful, & strongest earth pony? Now it’s time to prove it! Enter the Cairo’s Annual Iron Pony Contest. Withstand the elements, overpower obstacles, and outlast your opponents. If you can survived all of that and the challenges, then you’ll have a shot to take on local legend and 9-time Iron Pony Champion, Talisia aka ’Amazonian Fury’. If you have the stones, the heart, & passion to become the Iron Pony Champion, then sign up and show them who’s boss!
Applejack grins softly as she turns to Talisia and said, “Ok then. Let’s settle this in the Iron Pony Contest, Amazonian Fury.” “I’m going to take great pleasure in taking you down a notch or two, Applejack,” said Talisia with a soft grin, “but until then, I would love to buy some of your juicy apples. They’re my favorite fruit and I’ve heard that the apples from Ponyville are the sweetest apples in the world.” Applejack smiles as she signs up for the contest and sells Talisia a basket of apples. “Looks like we’re rivals, Applejack,” said Talisia while paying for her apples. “Rivals and friends, Talisia,” said Applejack with a smile. Talisia nods softly and takes a bite out of the apple and smile. “Oh, by the Goddess! The stories are true! You are the Goddess of Apples, Applejack,” said Talisia while bowing at her. “Aw shucks! Ya’ll making me blush,” said Applejack while blushing deeply. Talisia put the apples in the basket and said, “Well, it’s nice chat with you. But I need to plant these plants and trees in the garden. I’ll see you in the contest, Applejack.” Talisia bows and heads to the palace to add the trees and plants to Kiya’s garden. Applejack smiles as she earned both a friend and a rival in the same day. With her new found energy, she went busy selling apples to the customers. Meanwhile, Daring and Kira was busy solving the riddles. They’re 1st riddle was a musical clue. The clue was ‘A mysterious melody that haunts the heart’. “That haunts the heart? What does that mean?” asked Kira in a low tone. “Kira, music is the key of life. Any type of music can influence a heart,” said Daring in a calm voice. “That’s great, but what’s that got to do with this clue?” asked Kira. Daring thinks softly about the clue and then remembers the song Cadence sang last night. “That’s it! An aria!” screamed Daring in a proud voice. “Aria? What do you mean?” asked Kira while looking at her. “In music, an aria is a mysterious melody that can sometimes enrich the heart or haunt the heart,” said Daring in a calm voice. “You’re right! Cause when I heard the song, it haunts my heart,” said Kira while nodding her head in agreement. “Awesome. We solve our 1st riddle. Let’s solve some more,” said Daring as she dashes off to the next clue. “Hey! Wait for me!” screamed Kira as she tries to catch up to her. Unknown to Kira, a mysterious feline was looking at her very calmly. “Oh my…you’ve grown so much since the last time we met. I guess it’s time I make my appearance to her,” said with feline with a smile. The feline goes away and plans his meeting with Kira. In the lower section of Cairo, Fluttershy was busy caring the camels at the local camel shop. “Oh my…I didn’t know there are some many camels here,” said Fluttershy in a soft voice. “They are native here in Egypt, miss,” said Lucifer as he walks up to Fluttershy, as she jumps up and hides behind a potted plant. “Um…did I do something to upset you?” asked Lucifer in a calm voice. Fluttershy comes out from hiding and sees Lucifer. “Oh, I’m sorry. It’s just that you caught me by surprise. I’m Fluttershy,” said Fluttershy while bowing at Lucifer. “Lovely name, Fluttershy. I’m Lucifer, Captain of the Roman army and Kiya’s soon-to-be mate. Very nice to meet you,” said Lucifer as he bows at her. Fluttershy blushes deeply as she bows back at him. “So, what are you doing here, Lucifer?” asked Fluttershy in a calm voice. “Oh, just walking around the beautiful city, Fluttershy. What are you doing here?” asked Lucifer with a smile. “Oh, I’m feeding and caring these camels, Lucifer. Would you care to join me?” asked Fluttershy with a smile. “I would love to, but I need to decline. I must head back to the palace for an important talk with Kiya. I’ll make it up to you someday,” said Lucifer. “Oh, that’s ok. It’s nice meeting you, Lucifer,” said Fluttershy with a smile. Lucifer smiles as he heads back to the palace while Fluttershy went back to caring the camels. A few hours later, the sun was starting to set and nightfall will come. Daring and Kira has both found and solved most of the secret riddles. But they weren’t easy for the duo. They been through a lot all day. They had to battle shady characters, doing odd jobs, solving a mystery, recording mysterious objects, and doing a dance routine. “I can’t believe we solved half of the riddles, Daring. This is so awesome!” said Kira with a smile. “Yeah. If we keep this up, we’ll discover the deeper truth in no time,” said Daring with a grin. Then, without wrong, a mysterious being ran past the two mares at lighting speed. Kira shakes her head and sees that her necklace is gone. “Hey! Come back here!” screamed Kira as she dashes after the thief. Daring tilts her head and said; “Lively city. It’s getting quite late. I guess I would head back to the palace. Kira will be back.” She jumps up and flies back to the palace. Meanwhile, Kira was chasing the thief of her necklace. The thief dashes into a dead end alley and looks back at Kira. “You’re very bold, thief. Stealing from a princess means you’re a worthy opponent,” said Kira while licking her lips. “Ok you got me. So what are you going to do now?” asked the figure with a smile. Kira dashes at her and tackles him to the ground. “Ha! No contest,” said Kira in a proud voice and remove the figure’s hood. Once the hood was off, she was looking at the young feline who is very familiar to her. The feline is 18 years old, his fur is sliver with purple markings, his eyes are the color of a dark green forest, and he’s wearing a black leather collar with a small ruby hanging off it. “Who are you?” asked Kira as her heart starts to flutter in her chest. “Come now, my dear. Surely you know who I am, my beautiful pony,” said the feline while purring softly at her. “It cant be…Nasir?” asked Kira in a soft voice. “Correct, Kira,” said Nasir with a smile. Kira starts shedding tears of joy as she kisses him deeply and laying on top of him. Nasir purring softly as he returns the kiss and holds her tightly with his paw on her flank. Kira breaks the kiss and nuzzles his neck. “Nasir, my love. Where have you been all these years? I was worried about you for 11 years,” said Kira in a sad voice. “I was laying low, Kira. I’m sorry I made you worried. I’m back and I’m standing by your side,” said Nasir with a smile. Kira looks up and smiles. It was long time since they both met. Back when they she was a foal and he was an kitten, those two were inseparable. But when Nasir tried to steal a gem from a noble Egyptian pony, Kiya, Kira’s sister, sentence him to 11 years in the dungeon. Despite all that, Kira still stop by to see him. Every time the two meet, their bond grows stronger and stronger to the point that they fallen madly in love with each other. Kira leans in Nasir’s ear and whispers, “Come stay at the palace with me, my love. I don’t want to lose you again.” Nasir nods softly and put Kira’s necklace back on her. “I see you still got it, Nasir,” said Kira with a chuckle. “I know, my love,” said Nasir while kissing her cheek. Kira gets off him and both her and Nasir race back to the palace before night falls in Cairo While they kept running, Krios, who is in the necklace, saw Nasir and said; “Hmm…he can be helpful to Kira. I can help him.”
(Nighttime)
It’s now nighttime in Cairo. Many ponies and felines are drifting into dream land. In the palace, Kiya was in her room licking and cleaning her fur, thinking about putting together some big event tomorrow evening. Lucifer silently sneaks into her room and nuzzles her back, which made her jump a little. “Lucifer! What are you trying to do, give me a heart attack?” asked Kiya in a playful voice. “I would never give my beloved a heart attack,” said Lucifer while giving her a kiss. She kisses him back and said; “So, how was your day?” “It was good, Kiya. I met with Fluttershy, one for the ponies from Equestria. She’s awfully shy,” said Lucifer while licking her neck. “Really? That’s awfully nice of you. We’ll I’m trying to think of what to dot for tomorrow night, my dear,” said Kiya while purring softly. “Well, if you want we can throw a masquerade party, my sweet Kiya,” said Lucifer with a smile. Kiya looks at him and smiles at him. “What a purrr-fect idea, my love! We can have it in the palace’s ballroom. Every pony and cat will be there and have a great time. All I need to do is to talk to Twilight if she knows a pony who knows how to throw a party,” said Kiya with a smile. In the far end room of the palace, Pinkie’s tail starts twitching as she stands up and said; “My Pinkie senses are tingling!”
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