So it was said, that in the waning hours of the setting sun, three adventurers conspired in the secrecy of their sanctuary in the farmstead of Sweet Apple Acres. Their endeavors in earning their marks had all but failed and whilst their peers and guardians alike had assured them that their lack of mark was nothing to be concerned of, their pride and their reputation forbade them to cease their attempts. These Marks of Cute. Oh, how they longed to be in possession of these badges of honor, to be considered of age. Where they could ploy their skills in their hamlet as members of mature society.
In the morn of that very day, a failed attempt had nearly caused them much grief and retribution. Eluding their guardians had no easy task, and they were glad when they had fully evaded capture. They would need to be more careful when attempting any more such tasks in the future.
“What shall we do now? What else is there to be done that has not yet been done?" Sweetie Belle, sister of Rarity, daughter of Pearl stated with a hint of frustration, “We have tried all that we can, yet we have achieved nothing.”
Her two companions looked upon her with mixed emotions. Had they really tried all they could? Surely not. There was still no Marks of Cute upon their flanks. They had no choice but to continue on their quest of self-discovery.
“Perhaps it is we who have overlooked our potential. Do you recall the fantastic tale which was regaled to us by the one known as Fluttershy?" Applebloom, sister of Applejack, Element of Honesty, asked. "How about we earn our Marks of Cute as Cavernous Explorers. This we have not tried before."
“Ah, yes. You talk of the famous ballad. ‘Journey to the Center of Equestria’. It is indeed a glorious tale!” The one known as Scootaloo nodded, her eyes gazing off to unseen places far off in her mind's eye. Perhaps the prospect of such an epic journey had called to her soul. A tale of fearlessness and daring, to see that which had not been see in these lands for eons, it was indeed something to behold.
Sweetie's eyes looked into those of her two friends, “First, let us search begin by only exploring caves, friends, before we partake in yet another perilous adventure.”
“There are no caves in Ponyville.” Applebloom's lips formed a frown, “How is it possible for us to earn our Marks if we cannot find but one cave? We would have failed even before we began.”
Their spirits were crushed, their moods dampened. Indeed, there were no caves within Ponyville.
“Nay. There must be one! Even one that is small,” Sweetie Belle stated, “We will have to go forth and locate it.”
“Champions of the Marks of Cute Cave Discoverers!” exclaimed an overly zealous Scootaloo. Her two friends could not help but join in her reverie.
Before long the trio were off, carrying themselves as fast as their legs would carry them to the most likely of places where one could find a grotto, the domicile of the one known as Rarity, Element of Generosity, and sister to Sweetie Belle. The place known as Carousel Boutique.
Sadly, it was for naught. Still, our heroins continued, their desire to earn their Marks led them to the next nearest location: Sugarcube Corner. However, their spirits were crushed when once again they discovered there were no caves for them to explore.
“Good tidings, fellow females! Pray tell what is it that ails you?” Pinkimena Diane Pie, Element of Laughter, asked, when she spied their dour faces.
“All we desire is our Marks of Cute as Cavernous Explorers, but we have failed to even see hints of a cave for us to explore," Scootaloo said, her voice sighing resignation.
“Look not with sadness, you have not yet tried all there is! Why not try the abode of Fluttershy? If any would have knowledge of caves, surely it would be her," Pinkie shrugged to herself.
Three smiles instantly formed on the faces of her charges, and they embraced her with mirth and joy. Once more they rapidly ventured off, towards the home of Fluttershy. They knocked excitedly on the door barely able to contain themselves.
“Um... oh, how fare thee, young maidens?” Fluttershy asked, the gentleness in her voice befitting her title as the Element of Kindness.
“Fluttershy, oh Fluttershy...” Applebloom started.
“... please inform us...” Sweetie Belle continued.
“... of any nearby caves?” Scootaloo completed.
There was a moment of silence as Fluttershy thought before nodding to the three, “I do know of one. Follow, if you please."
She led them behind her home and along the eastern side of the small rise under the roots of a great tree, there she revealed an entrance. The dark hole beckoned to the three young adventurers. The Element of Laughter had been correct and the heroins could barely contain their excitement.
Without further ado, the girls retrieved their equipment from their sanctuary. All they could recall from the ballad, they brought. Ropes, torches, rations, belts and a camera to recall their enterprise.
Carefully preparing themselves for the coming excursion, the sang a song of old as was done many a time before, save this time they modified it to suit the times.
First we had best put on our helms,
To protect our precious little pates,
For our journey beneath the realms,
With a material that can stretch,
Torches we will attach for our mates,
Our Marks of Cute we will fetch,
We will traverse together,
Deep into Equestria's interior,
Far below the surface and into the dark,
We will each earn our Cutie Mark.
The harnesses which they had salvaged from their Zip Lining attempt were placed over their bodies, and a rope was then tied, securing them together. Now it was time to divide the rations. They counted two pieces of bread with some delicious jam in between as well as a bottle of fizzy liquid. With their preparations ready, it was time to go.
As they approached the tunnel entrance, Pinkie barred their path. She held up her hoof as they approached.
"Are you mad? One does not simply walk into caves. Its interiors are infested by more than just blackness. There are creatures there that do not sleep. Their creepy eyes are ever watchful. It is a soggy soil, riddled with roots, mud, and animal doo-doo. The very air you breathe is a smelly one. Not with ten ponies could you do this. It is folly."
"We'll be fine, Pinkie," the three assured.
The pinkie pony took a step aside and let the adventurers proceed.
They walked through the entrance together, taking a mere five steps before coming to a halt. The light from Celestia's sweet sun could not reach here.
“Let us ignite our torches,” Applebloom said as she strained to peer into the depths and at her friends.
“Very well. On the count of three,” Sweetie laughed excitedly, “One...”
“... two...” Scootaloo placed her hoof on the flint and placed it against her torch.
“... three!” Applebloom called.
Scootaloo struck her flint, igniting her torch instantly. She shared her flame with the others and soon three lights illuminated their surroundings.
Expecting too see a large chasm with natural mazes, perhaps deep underwater rivers and lakes, and the gleam of precious gems covering the walls and ceilings and more amazing things, they were severely disappointed. What they found was dirt, worms, bugs of many kinds and spiders. Fear gripped the young heroins as they pulled one another in a tight embrace before blowing on the Horn of Gondor screaming at the top of their lungs. Creatures of the deep had begun to find their way onto their on their backs, embedding themselves within their fur. Their departure from the cave was as swift as a falcon hunting its prey.
Shaking themselves, jumping up and down and twirling around, the three fillies did their best to shake off any unwanted passengers. Perhaps, to the untrained eye, it would seem that they were performing some exotic dance. They continued until their were satisfied they were clear of any intruders. Then the Cutie Mark Crusaders sighed in relief and although their quest had not gone as intended, the three fillies were still optimistic. They started towards their clubhouse, fully intending to continue their attempts at earning their Mars of Cute, perhaps wisely staying clear of any caves.