//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Entering the Unknown // Story: Into the Deep // by TwilightSparkle484 //------------------------------// “WHAT?” Twilight shouted. Her voice resonated throughout the room, chilling me to the bone. I gulped as a frantic expression overcame her, a crazed look in her eyes. It wasn’t something I hadn’t seen before. Twilight’s freak-outs over the years have been too many to count, and I’ve certainly seen worse than the current situation. But the most disturbing thing was that her rage was directed at me. That was both unusual and frightening. I don’t think I did anything wrong. After all, it was only a simple question. Slowly, I backed away from her, emitting a nervous chuckle. As I did, she closed the space between us. Strands of her mane sprung out in various directions. I felt my back brush the wall behind me and immediately knew there was no hope of escape. Within moments we were inches away from each other. Twilight bent down to peer directly into my eyes. My heartbeat quickened. “Repeat what you said, Spike,” she commanded. Apprehensively, I scratched the back of my neck. “I just asked if I could go spelunking with Applejack.” Twilight stared at me for a few moments longer. Little beads of sweat began to trickle down my head. Finally, she arose and released a heavy sigh. Her insanity seemed to dissipate and was replaced by a look of indecision and concern. She gazed up at the ceiling and muttered something to herself. Twilight’s eyes returned to me. “I promised no more freak-outs, and I plan to stick to that promise. So, Spike, come sit by me.” She gestured to her canopy bed in the corner. I heeded her instructions and sunk into the comfy mattress, resisting the urge to lie down. She sat close beside me and telekinetically moved her crown to her nightstand. It reflected the sun’s fading light and, thus, emanated a soft glow. Twilight turned to face me. “How was Sweet Apple Acres?” “It was all right. Applejack says hi.” Twilight nodded, pondering over something. After a while, she realized I was expecting her to say something in particular. “Since when have you been interested in caving?” “Just since this afternoon, I guess.” “And how did that happen?” “Well,” I began, shuffling my feet, “Rainbow Dash came into the barn while AJ and I were on break and showed us a flyer about Blue Moon Cave-” “Blue Moon Cave?” “It’s this cave near the Everfree that some scientists discovered back in January. You’ve never heard of it?” Twilight shook her head. “Not until today.” “Well, the, um, cave scientists. . . Is there a better word for them?” “Speleologist is the technical term.” “Sounds weird, but okay. So, the speleologists examined it and now it’s open to the public for spelunking. And, well, Rainbow Dash dared Applejack and I to go through the whole cave in no more than two days.” “She dared you and Applejack to do that?” “Well, it was only Applejack at first, but I insisted that I accompany her.” “Without asking me first,” Twilight scolded. “Without asking you first,” I repeated, offering a sheepish smile. Twilight facehoofed. “Why?” “I thought you’d be okay with it. . .” Twilight removed her hoof from her forehead with another sigh. “Spike, you know cave exploration is dangerous.” “I know,” I said. My shoulders slumped forward. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. “You could catch a cold, fall into a river, crash into a giant spider web, accidentally step on a spider, or get lost in a maze of tunnels and never find your way out! The possibilities are endless, Spike.. . . I – I don’t want you to get hurt.” I held one of her hooves in my claws and locked eyes with her. “Twilight, I know you’re worried. I wouldn’t want you to go into a cave by yourself either. But, that’s just it. I won’t be by myself. I’ll have Applejack by my side the entire time. That’s why I’m going, Twi. To be there for Applejack if she needs me, when she needs me. If I can do that, she’ll be there for me. We’ll protect each other, Twilight, and I know, no-I promise-we’ll be safe.” “Promise?” Twilight asked. “Promise,” I affirmed. We shared a long, tight embrace. Finally, I broke the hug. “I’m getting older, Twilight. I think I need some more freedom and independence.” “You know what, Spike? I think so too. You need to explore the world.” Twilight smiled. “Sorry for being so overprotective. After all, it’s not like you haven’t had your fair share of dangerous experiences already.” “Too dangerous.” I laughed, and Twilight happily joined in. “You know what else I think you need?” “What?” Twilight’s eyes gleamed as she ignited her horn. “Be right back!” Confused, I remained on the bed, waiting. She reappeared after a few seconds, holding a large book in her aura. She hopped back onto the bed. “What’s that?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “This is a reference book on caves!” Twilight exclaimed, too gleefully. “Maud gave it to me last year. I haven’t had much use for it after I read it five times. But now. . .” She floated the book into my lap. “It will serve a purpose.” “Great,” I mumbled. “I suggest you read through it tonight. You might find something useful.” “I guess,” I replied, leafing through the pages. “Thanks.” “Mmhm.” I suddenly noticed that it had gotten much darker outside. “Hey, how did the sun set without your magic?” “Oh! You noticed! Yesterday, Sunburst came over with Starlight for a visit. Somehow, the three of us ended up finding a way to program the amulet. Now, I can make it rise or set the sun and moon at any given time without my assistance.” “Wow.” I blinked. “That’s impressive.” “I know! Of course, I won’t have it do that all the time. I would be disrespecting Celestia and Luna as well as abusing the power they bequeathed to me.” I laughed. “Whatever you say, Princess.” Twilight rolled her eyes but still smiled. We sat quietly for a few moments, enjoying the gentle breeze that wafted through the open window. The peace was interrupted by a yawn from Twilight. For the first time that evening, I realized that there were bags under her eyes. “Are you okay? You look tired.” “Well, it is almost bedtime.” “Yeah, but you look more tired than usual.” “I’m okay, Spike. There was just a particularly long session in Day Court this afternoon.” She looked out the window, lost in thought. “That seems to be happening more often these days.” “What does?” “A long day at the office.” Twilight didn’t respond. I sighed and slid off the bed, clutching the book in my hands. “You should head to bed early.” Twilight’s gaze left the window. “Maybe you’re right.” “You’ll take care of yourself while I’m gone, right? Try to relax a bit too. I think you’ve been too hard on yourself.” “I will, and I know. I just want to make sure I rule the kingdom well. Celestia-” “Celestia has faith in you, Twilight. She wouldn’t have picked you for the job if she didn’t. Everything will be okay. Things will get easier as time goes on.” Twilight smiled. “Thanks, Spike. You’re the best little brother I could ever have.” “And you’re the best big sister.” We shared a hug again, this one just as lengthy and warm. I was fine with that though, because I couldn’t let go.” I strode alongside Applejack, relishing the cool morning air. Having woken up much earlier than usual, the fog that covered my thoughts was only just beginning to clear. The sound of a bubbling fountain helped settle my nerves. Nearby, a large clock tower loomed over the town square. The hour hand was past eight, and the minute hand pointed straight down at six. Eight thirty. We still had a whole half hour before our deadline. Ponyville was peaceful. Only a few ponies lined the streets, and the ones who were out and about were shopponies preparing for the crowds of the afternoon. The quiet atmosphere didn’t surprise me. It was Saturday morning, after all. Applejack hummed a gentle tune, her gaze wandering nonchalantly. Her trademark hat adorned her, as always, and a strand of straw hung out of the corner of her mouth. She didn’t seem to be chewing it though. I stopped to adjust my backpack for what must have been the fifth time since we left Sweet Apple Acres. As I did, I wondered how Applejack was suddenly so calm about the dare (as well as how she could find a piece of hay appetizing.) “Sure you don’t want me to carry that, Spike?” “I’m good.” I gave Applejack a thumbs up and a wide smile. “Besides, I have to practice carrying this much equipment for when we actually get into the cave.” “Hmm, that’s true. I guess.” Applejack’s saddlebags sagged a bit at her sides. She appeared to be hauling just as much weight. She must be used to heavy loads though because of her years of farm work and experience. “We’ll go through all our stuff when we get there,” Applejack said. I nodded. “But what if we forgot something? Wouldn’t it be too late to go back for it?” Applejack cocked her head at me. “Spike, you live with Twilight. There’s no way you forgot anythin’.” I thought about the seven times Twilight went through my bag both before and after I slept. “Yeah, you’re right. But what if you forgot something?” “I reckon I’m fine. And if I did forget somethin’, there’ll probably be tour guides who have equipment we can borrow.” I nodded again. “Worst comes to worst, we’ll just have to make do with the things you’ve got.” “’kay.” We continued walking, our pace a tad faster now. It wasn’t long before we came across Fluttershy’s cottage. The yellow mare was tending to her garden as we approached. However, she still managed to acknowledge our presence. There was some distance between us, so Fluttershy could only produce a wave and smile as her greeting. We returned the gesture happily. Seeing Fluttershy was comforting, but her home also reminded me of how close we were to the Everfree Forest. As we left Fluttershy behind, Applejack turned to face me. “Now, Spike, ‘ccording to the map I was looking at this morning, we’ve got to follow Saddle Lake to get to Blue Moon Cave.” “Saddle Lake?” I asked, confused. “It’s ‘bout a half-mile or so yonder.” Applejack pointed to the left with a hoof. “Shouldn’t be too much trouble.” She started off again, and I, still scratching my head, followed close behind. Without so much as a glance backward, we entered the forest. It wasn’t long before a winding body of water appeared before us. “I haven’t been in these here parts of the woods before, so make sure to stay close,” AJ warned. “Got it.” We trekked alongside the water for what felt like hours. All the while, I wrestled with my emotions, which kept leaping between excited, anxious, and terrified. I occasionally kicked a stone into the water to break up the monotony of walking. My wings wouldn’t stop entangling themselves in vines, and each time I would stop to free them, I would realize Applejack was several feet ahead. It was when I heard the sound of ponies conversing that I was at last greeted by the sight of the cave’s mouth. The entrance was WAY larger than I anticipated. It stretched to at least twenty-five feet in height and possibly double that in width. From what little of Twilight’s book I had read last night, I deduced that that was unusual. Despite the early hour, up to three dozen ponies were already outside the cave. Some were dressed in spelunking gear, while others simply listened to the lectures of tour guides. It was easy to distinguish the visitors from the workers; the guides were dressed in reflective blue suits. The butterflies in my stomach intensified as Applejack and I leapt over the stream, that was the remnant of Saddle Lake, to reach the Blue Moon Cave area. We slowed down then, scanning the expanse for the familiar face we were expecting. As if on cue, a shout from a waving, rainbow-maned pegasus got my attention. Applejack and I joined her by a stand handing out free water. “I wasn’t sure you guys we’re gonna come.” Rainbow said, smiling. “Why wouldn’t we? We all agreed to yesterday’s terms,” Applejack countered. Rainbow displayed her watch. “It’s eight fifty-seven.” “Which means we’re early.” “Well, if you look at it the other way, you’re almost late.” Applejack rolled her eyes and opened her mouth to retort. “Look!” I exclaimed, interrupting her. My extended claw pointed to rivulets of sparkling water flowing down the left side of the cave. The water pooled around the cave’s entrance in the form of a moat. Applejack whistled. “Wow. . .” “It’s part of the Blue River,” Rainbow explained, gazing at the miniature waterfall. She smirked. “Told you it was sparkly.” Applejack just facehoofed and stared up at the sky in response. “Nine o’clock sessions start now!” a tour guide bellowed. He gestured to the cave’s opening. “I can take a group of about seven or eight on a quick half hour tour, and Bill over there can take six on a full-day expedition.” The stallion directed his hoof toward a smiling, younger stallion to his right. “Individual explorers can depart now if they wish.” Rainbow shook my shoulder. “That’s you guys! You ready?” “I think so,” I replied, although, I could feel my hands trembling. Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself. I had faced worse in my time, and most importantly, I had to be brave for Applejack. “Where’s Scootaloo?” “Oh.” Rainbow frowned and looked to the ground. “Um, she . . . couldn’t make it! Totally. She’s got a huge school project, or something, to work on.” “Uh, huh.” Applejack was unamused. “Well, she better be here when it’s your turn to go in.” “Don’t worry. She will.” “Come on, Spike. Let’s go change into our gear and go through our equipment.” “All right,” I agreed. “Be back soon, Rainbow.” A sigh. “Just hurry.” A few minutes later, Applejack, Rainbow and I were now right beside the cave’s mouth. “Helmet,” Applejack began the checklist. “Check,” I responded, accounting for both of our belongings. “Headlamp.” “Check.” “Spare headlamp.” “Check.” “Hiking boots.” “Check.” “Wetsuit.” “Check.” “Rope.” “Check.” “Provisions.” “Check.” The list went on for quite a while, and Rainbow almost fell asleep from boredom. When we did finish, the pegasus ranted about how it was now nine thirteen. Apparently, we were violating the terms of the dare. I disagree since I’m pretty sure we were supposed to meet at the cave at nine, but not necessarily enter right then. Anyway, Applejack argued about Dash was wasting even more time lecturing us. Eventually, a friendly tour guide approached us. “Are all three of you going in?” “Just me and Applejack,” I answered, pointing to the farmer. “Okay, then. Has all equipment been accounted for?” “We just double checked,” Applejack affirmed, trotting away from an annoyed Rainbow Dash and turning her attention to the mare. “Good. Do either of you have any experience spelunking?” I looked to Applejack. “Um, not exactly,” was her response. The tour guide frowned and tapped her chin. “You need to be aware of hazardous situations. Slipping, falling objects, hypothermia, getting lost, exhaustion, light failure, and drowning are all possible.” I gulped, my anxiety returning. “Stay together, don’t overexert yourself, and have an emergency plan. I strongly believe you guys will be fine. There should be many other ponies and guides in the cave with you if you need any help. Also. . .” she reached into her pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. “Here’s a map of the entire cave system. It’s pretty straightforward.” Applejack studied it for a minute. She glanced at Rainbow. Something about Dash’s expression told me she wasn’t planning on using a map for her expedition anytime soon. “Thank you, ma’am,” Applejack said, stuffing the map into her saddlebag. “My pleasure. There’s also an emergency button on this patch you can attach to your clothes.” She hoofed Applejack and I one patch each. “You should be all set now.” Rainbow grinned. “Finally!” “You ready, Spike?” Applejack peered down at me, her expression one of fearlessness. I aimed to follow her example. “You bet.” Slowly, we crossed the red tape marking the cave’s boundary. “Good luck,” Rainbow called. “See you on the other side!” “We’ll be there before you know it,” Applejack hollered back. I watched as Rainbow Dash and the natural light of the outside world began to fade as we trekked deeper inside. “Luck?” Applejack chuckled. “Won’t be needing that, now will we?” “Nope.” I switched on my headlamp and focused on breathing. At that point, I knew there was no turning back. If only I knew what was ahead.. . .