As Daring approached the outskirts of Las Pegasus, she removed her pith helmet and safari shirt. This was her normal procedure for when she was about to go into public. She stowed her adventuring gear and replaced it with her more casual, if mostly damp, public garb. She donned a simple pull around burgundy shawl, a gray cloche hat, and a pair of reading glasses. While the damp clothing was cold on her fur, she figured she could send her cloths to a cleaning service when she found a place to stay for the night. After donning the garb of her alternate persona, A.K. Yearling, she made her way into the bustling tourist trap of a city.

Las Pegasus was perpetually active with ponies moving here and there, some going to attractions or going to the beach, some just stopping to buy overpriced food and/or drinks. Daring found the whole thing a bit amusing. For some, this was an adventure. Coming here and spending copious amounts of bits to have a good time. Daring wished she could do that. Use all the bits she had to have a good time in random locations, but the thrill of traveling around Equis going on random adventures, escaping death, and putting rare historic artifacts in museums for all to see, that was the only adventure that appealed to her. That was her own little spice of life, that was her constant adventure. The fact she wrote about those adventures under a pseudonym just made it easier for her to continue going on more adventures. It also helped when she needed a place to stay on short notice.

After a bit of searching, Daring came upon one of the many economical hotels within the city, The Best Wing Hotel. While it wasn’t one for the fancier hotels in the city, it’d do for a day or two. The inside was pretty standard, welcoming with a mild attempt to look fancier than it really was. Carpeted and tile floors, pseudo marble countertops, and a few couches to lounge on. Based on the smell in the lobby, the hotel also seemed to have it’s own restaurant as well. The clerk at the front seemed nice enough. A young earth pony stallion in a nice navy blue suit with a white undershirt and a black tie. Daring approached the front desk and put in a request for a room. The front deck readily took the request, but he wore a suspicious look on his face. Whether he recognized Daring’s alternate persona, or not it was hard to say, as he never voiced his suspicions. Regardless, Daring paid for the room in advance and took the room key.

After getting into her room on the third floor, a small one bedroom with living room, attached kitchen, and a small bathroom with a tub/shower combo, Daring allowed herself to relax a bit. She locked and chained the door for safety before shedding her damp clothing and tossing them on the floor. Having the clothing off her body felt a little better, but she still felt quite damp and undoubtedly cold. She decided it might be a good idea to postpone getting her clothes dried and opted to warm herself up with a bath. She took all her belongings and placed them on the simple wooden table in the kitchen, before heading off to the bathroom.

The bathroom was nothing fancy, the floor was tiled and there was a porcelain toilet, a marble countertop with a sink and a simple tub/shower just long enough to submerge a pony’s body fully and just wide enough for a pegasus to stretch their wings a little. Daring was grateful for the tub’s dimensions, as she could use a good soak and the hot water would be welcomed on her sore and cold body. She got the water running in the tub, plugged the drain, and prepared some towels for when she got out. When she did eventually lower herself into the filled tub, the warm water quickly went to work easing her sores and aches, as well as banishing the cold from her body. Daring let out a content sigh as she let her body recline into the water more and more until just her muzzle was above the surface of the water. She let out a long contented sigh. It was the simplest thing in the world, but a hot bath after a night of adventuring was always a pleasant reward for herself.

Letting herself just float in the warm soothing waters gave Daring some time to focus on her next course of action. “Need to inspect that collar, if I can figure out what it is maybe it’ll give me an idea what those unicorns were going to use it for,” Daring thought to herself, leading her to another thought. “Might be a good idea to see who they are too. I’ve never seen them before, and they are way too organized and too well armed to be a bunch of common thugs. Plus, anything involving that many ponies can’t be good. Just hope this isn’t like that dragon cult. I’d prefer my organs remain inside.” This then led to another disturbing thought, what did they did the group want with Tide? “Were they going to sacrifice Tide?... No. If they were going to do that they’d had left Tide at whatever altar or pit they had. So what did they need Tide for?... Unless, it has to do with that collar... If that’s the case, they must have planned to use it had I not dropped in. Definitely need to check that collar. Maybe I can figure out what they were going to do with Tide.”

Daring lounged deeper into the warm water as she continued to think, blowing little bubbles in the water as she sunk. Something else was on her mind, something that seemed a little out of place. Her mind flashed back to when she woke up on the beach. Tide had jumped into the ocean, however; there was a dense forest right near the beach. “Wouldn’t it make more sense to run into forest? Why would a freed captive jump into open water, at night, when they could run into the forest? Odd... perhaps Tide just panicked?” The more she thought on the matter, the more curious she became. Daring wanted answers and she was willing to pursue them. Who knows? Could be another book to add to her series. That was enough to get Daring to start spitballing ideas for the title of this odd adventure while she finished soaking in the bath and preening her wings a bit.

After Daring got out of the tub and dried off a bit, she made her way back into the living room and removed the collar she procured from the rest of her belongings and looked it over in its entirety on the single desk the room came with. The collar looked quite old and there was still some dirt within the clasp and along several etched runes that went around the collar. On the inside of the collar there were four nodes, each one adjacent to another. Daring recognized why this collar had looked familiar, it was a serviance collar. A device used by the tyrannical ruler of the Crystal Empire to keep his own people working as slaves. Despite the Crystal Empire’s recent return, there was no lack of records one could find describing the depravity and atrocities King Sombra had inflicted on the Crystal Ponies. Daring could only assume what those unicorns had planned to do with this collar.They requested the collar in order to trade, so they must have known what it could do... and they were more than likely going to use it on Tide.

Daring took a deep breath and let it out slowly as she placed the collar on the table. Whether Tide was chosen or just an unfortunate victim of circumstance, they’d dodged a horrid fate. Daring decided she was going to pursue this. She’d have to figure out what was going on, but first she needed to inform an associate about her latest escapade, maybe he could shed some light on this mystery organization. Daring called the front desk and requested parchment, an inkwell, and quills as well as some laundry services for her cloths. The stallion at the front desk said the items could be procured and they’d happily clean her clothes but it would take some time. Daring said it wouldn’t be a problem and that she would wait. She gave her thanks and hung up the phone.

After an hour and a half, Daring sat in her hotel room with her newly acquired writing utensils and her freshly cleaned clothes before her. She stored the clothes away for later and began working on a letter to one of her informants in Canterlot. The letter asked if there was any news about a gang or organization that consisted of only unicorns that bore a crimson red and dark blue uniforms. Hopefully, they’d be able to give some info on why that organization that had foalnapped Tide and what their overall goal was or what the organization stood for.

She finished the letter then wrapping it in a special red ribbon she carried. Once the knot was completed the ribbon instantly caught fire and was engulfed in a brilliant red flame. In a matter of moments, the letter was gone and the ashes flew out a nearby window. “Dragon fire ribbons, better than conventional mail, and much more private,” Daring mused to herself. With the letter sent away, all was left to do was wait. Considering the time, she’d probably not receive a response until the next day.

Daring made sure to stow away the collar in her room’s safe until she could figure out what to do with it. While her internal archeologist said the collar was an artifact and it should go to a museum, her rational side didn’t like the idea of a subservience collar getting into the wrong hooves. She’d determine what to do with it tomorrow. For now, she needed some rest.

Daring awoke early the next morning, as was usual for her. She did some stretches before donning her A.K Yearling persona and prepared to leave her room. She was still waiting on a response from her associate, but she anticipated a response would arrive soon. In the meantime, her stomach was rumbling and the smell of fresh baked goods wafting through the hotel was only making her hungrier. She took her room key and made her way to the restaurant that was attached to the lobby.

Upon arrival, Daring was greeted by the sight of a well crafted breakfast buffet with a small omelette station. It was a quaint little restaurant and it offered a nice selection of food. For Daring, a nice bowl of wheat grains with raisins was just fine for her, but considering that she might be embarking on another adventure, she opted for a nice omelette with some fruits and a nice tall glass of apple juice. She collected her breakfast and found a small table to eat at.

Digging into the meal, Daring was pleasantly surprised by the fluffiness of the omelet, the sharpness of the cheddar, and the overall selection of vegetables mixed in. It was a very well made omelette and the fruit was a wonderful side as well. Daring would have continued to enjoy the meal, except something caught her eye. It was two rather intimidating unicorns that happened to cross in front of the restaurant. Each bore a unique crimson red and dark blue uniform. “Crap, they must be searching the city for me,” Daring cursed internally. She needed to get out of sight and out of the city. If there were two here, there had to be others scouring the rest of the city. It wasn’t safe to stay here anymore. She needed to leave before she was found, and she needed to find Tide before this organization did.

Very cautiously, Daring rose from her seat, paid her bill, and left the restaurant. She made sure to do everything at a normal pace and made doubly sure to draw any attention to herself. When she eventually exited the restaurant, she made a bee-line to the elevator and got back to her room. She needed to get out, but she also needed to collect the collar. She still had no idea what to do with it, but she was not willing to let this organization get their hooves on it.

When the elevator made it to her floor, Daring burst forward and went into her room. She quickly pulled the collar from the room safe and began collecting her belongings. As she was stuffing her recently cleaned safari shirt into her saddle bag, she noticed a letter sitting on the desk. While she was in a hurry, the letter might contain some useful information about this organization. She secured her belonging and unfurled the wrapped parchment.

Daring,
I am aware of this group you described. They have been mostly quiet, but they have been buying and collecting artifacts all over Equestria as of late. What they are doing with them, I am unsure. My sources inform me that they do not use any official name or title, but those who know of them refer to them as the Supremacists. This is due to their favoritism of unicorns and a refusal to talk or associate with anyone who is also not a unicorn, unless it is absolutely necessary to their goal. There are also some reports that they tend to be a bit cruel to those who cross their paths. I’m afraid this is all I know. I would recommend proceeding with the utmost caution if you plan to interfere with them. Proceed with caution and be sure to stay in touch.

Best wishes,
BB

Daring sighed, “A secretive organization... wonderful. Because those are always good news.” Letting out a slightly aggravated sigh, Daring grabbed another piece of parchment and a quill. She quickly scrawled out a quick reply.

BB,
I’m going to make this quick. These “Supremacists” are after me as I write this. I have encountered a victim who was foalnapped by the group and is asking for my assistance. However, something about this victim is odd. I’m not sure how they fit into everything, but I’m going to investigate. I will keep you informed. Be ready for updates, might need to call in a favor. Do not respond to this. I’ll write to you.

DD

Daring wrapped the letter in a ribbon and sent it off. Daring wasn’t too happy with this new information. It did shed some light on the organization, but it didn’t really explain their goal. Why did they want artifacts? Were they stockpiling them for profit? Did they intend to use the artifacts for something? The pegasus had little to go on... but she knew somepony who might and they were going to talk if they wanted her help.

She was going to have to find Tide, get some answers, and get somewhere safe. She just had to get out of the city. Going out the front would bit tricky, but genetics had been kind enough to offer a more viable and quicker solution. Daring left her room with her belongings and the collar in tow, and began heading for the elevator. However, this plan was quickly abandoned when the elevator opened and revealed one of unicorns she spotted before standing in the elevator. Daring prepared to run, but she noticed that the unicorn wasn’t charging her or preparing a spell. He was just looking about the hallway of rooms. Considering Daring was standing right in the middle of the hallway, it struck her as odd. Why wasn’t he attacking? ... Unless, he didn’t recognize her. Daring was still wearing her A.K Yearling disguise, which meant her cutie mark along with her tail and wings were obscured by her shawl. Then her cloche kept her mane tucked away as well.
Daring decided to proceed with caution. The unicorn still wasn’t attacking but he might recognize her if she got too close.

She made her way toward the elevator as the unicorn was getting out. They were approaching each other, but there was still no hint of aggression. Daring kept her head down slightly as she approached, she didn’t look at the approaching “Supremacist”, but she was ready to tussle should things go south.

They continued to approach, only a few feet between them. Still no change, but the unicorn was giving Daring a once over. Daring kept her gaze straight ahead. As the two went by each other, time seemed to slow. It was the crucial moment. If something was going to happen, it was going to happen at this moment. She mentally prepared herself to react to some kind of assault, magical blast, or something. Yet, after realizing the unicorn had kept going toward her room. Once he saw that the door still had the key in it, he’d no doubt put two and two together. Daring quickened her pace toward the elevator, got in, and made her way to the ground floor.

Upon arrival to the lobby, Daring did a quick scan around the lobby. She didn’t see the other unicorn but that didn’t mean he wasn’t around. Daring did her best to stay incognito and not attract attention. All she had to do was get outside and blend into a crowd. She just had to make sure that she wasn’t followed. She continued to scan the area as she left the lobby, but she still couldn’t spot the other unicorn. Even in the early morning, Las Pegasus was fairly busy. He could be using the crowds to hide, just like she wanted. Daring decided to risk it and hoped weaving in and out of crowds would confuse any followers.

After two hours of navigating Las Pegasus and doing a few double backs for safety, Daring eventually made it to the beach she was on the night before. Much like last night, the beach was devoid of any signs of civilization. No cabanas, no beach chairs, and no umbrellas. A small forest rested on the edge of the beach, and from the sound of it, there was no small amount of wildlife occupying it. Just looking at the beach itself, it had a nice appeal. Crisp white sand and crystal clear water, there wasn’t much to complain about, but the adventurer was not here to admire the beach. She needed to find Tide and get them out of the Las Pegasus area. Problem was she had no idea what Tide looked like, nor where they were hiding.

“Where would I hide, if I planned to meet somepony at a certain spot?” Daring thought to herself, before an odd sound caught her attention. It sounded like something moving through the water. Something big. Daring turned and noted what it was that was making the noise. Upon looking at the source... Daring wasn’t sure how to react. Half submerged on the shore was what looked like a pony, but the physiology was off. It looked like a mare with jet black fur and neon blue lines along their muzzle and forehead. However, looking closer, it wasn’t fur at all. They were scales. And the mare’s “mane” looked like a long fin that ran down to her withers. Then to top it off, the mare didn’t have any visible ears.

Daring wasn’t sure what she was looking at. The best comparison she could make was that it was a pony-fish hybrid. This made Daring think of the sirens that had been banished by Starswirl the Bearded, but this mare didn’t match the description she remembered reading about. The mare seemed smaller and not as threatening. Was this Tide?

“Uh... Tide?” Daring asked hesitantly.

The mare nodded, still submerged in the water.

Daring cocked an eyebrow, “Well that explains why she didn’t go into the forest.”

“Uh, I’m Daring Doo. You pulled me out of the water yesterday.”

Tide nodded again.

Daring was starting to get curious about why Tide was being so silent.“Okaaay. Well look, I know you asked me to meet you here tonight but we need to leave now. That group that threw you in a sack are searching the city. I’m sure they’re after the both of us.”

Tide’s eyes widened at this, as she looked to the city in the distance, then to Daring again. There was a clear underwater huff before Tide fully emerged from the water. The rest of her body was similar in color aside from a stripe that curved around her midsection, but there were more physiological oddity presented now that Tide was out of the water. Tide had two sets of fins. Two attached to her forelegs and two slightly longer ones attached to her back legs. Then there was her tail. It was thick with pure muscle that ended in a vertical fan like fin. Interestingly enough, each fin started out black before shifting into a neon blue similar to the markings on her face.

Daring was enthralled by this “pony”. Tide was definitely different than any pony she’d ever seen, but she curious how such a pony came into existence. She also had a ton of questions to ask this odd hybrid, but first the two of them needed to find a place to go where they couldn’t be followed. “Okay, Tide. I have a few questions for you, but we need to find a place to stay first.”

This statement seemed to put Tide on edge. The fish pony seemed pensive and even a bit worried, but something seemed to snap her out of whatever thoughts she had. She was looking Daring with an observant eye and approaching. Without much warning, Tide’s mane fin expanded to full length and began to glow vibrant neon blue similar to the markings on her body.

“What are you doing?” Daring asked suspiciously. This change in behavior was weird and the adventurer was still unsure about what the mare was capable of. Was this some display? Was this magic? Despite Daring’s question, Tide continued toward her observing her clothes with scrutiny. “Seriously, what are you doing?”

Tide pointed to the shawl Daring was wearing and started to pantomime a removing action, then pointed to Daring. The adventurer looked on with a growing worry, but removed her shawl and held it out toward the hybrid. Before Daring could contemplate what Tide wanted with the article of clothing, it was surrounded in a neon blue aura and it was pulled from Daring’s grip.

“Okay, she can use magic. Fish ponies can use magic,” Daring thought to herself. She then watched as Tide started going over the shawl with a discerning eye before she stopped on a section on the shawl and scowled. She then scribbled something on the clothing before using her magic to make it fly into the forest. “Hey! I liked that shawl,” Daring exclaimed before Tide grabbed Daring and pulled her into a bush that was lying on the outskirts of the forest. Daring attempted to make a rebuttal, but Tide merely put a hoof to her mouth and pointed back toward the beach. Daring obliged hesitantly, but was planning to make a angry comment later. Her mouth tasted like fish. Blegh!

Looking to where Tide was pointing, Daring saw nothing. Just the shoreline, waves and some seagulls. They waited for a few minutes, but still nothing happened. Daring was about to yell at the pony hybrid for real, when a set of voices caught her attention. “It says, they went into the woods. They might be making a camp. Alert the others and we’ll surround them!” the voice called out. Peaking out from the bush, Daring saw the two unicorns that had been at the hotel. They had followed her. How? She’d made sure to cover her trail... unless... “They put a tracking spell on my shawl. Of course, they did. That guy did recognize me, he just wanted me to lead them to Tide!” the adventurer scolded herself.

“Okay, you had your reason for getting rid of my shawl, but you could have just told me,” Daring said in hushed tones

Tide shook her head dismissively.

Daring cocked an eyebrow and her fear seemed to be confirmed. “Don’t tell me, you can’t talk.”

Tide shook her head again, as she opened her mouth and made a hushed chirp and moan. This got Daring’s attention. She was fairly certain no pony could make this kind of sound either. Yet, it wasn’t entirely unfamiliar, “Wait, that sound. You were talking to me last night underwater. Weren’t you.”

Tide nodded. Daring understood... partially. Tide could talk, but it wasn’t anything she’d understand, yet Tide understood her fine. Yet, more questions that needed answers. Where did Tide come from? Why could she not speak Equestrian, but understood it? Why was this organization after Tide? Daring was itching for answers, but they’d have to wait until they were somewhere safe. “This is going to be one hell of an adventure.”