Chapter 1: It's all fun and games.

A Kezzerdrix in Equestria.

It is early morning, and ponies are gathering to enjoy the opening of a new public park outside of Ponyville.

A distance from this park someone else was waking up from his sleep, in an area not so brightly lit as the sun filled outdoors. The Kezzerdrix was brooding. It’s the second day of this large predator hare from another word has been here.

Feeling agitated over not finding any reason for him to be in this new location. A trip outside and an exploration of the nearby woods the other day only proved this was not his lands. Today, he would search these caves he first found himself in further, for any sign as to why he was in this unknown world to him.

He was becoming irate at having no answers or direction as to what he was supposed to do, so he could return where he belonged once finished.

Not everyone survived a battle one was summoned to fight in. Even fewer, on the side of the summoner that perished during the conflict. After, each who is called and survived would return to their place of origin. Surviving till such a time he did well. He would even kill the one that called him in order to escape his forced upon ordeal.

He did not like doing the bidding of others. He detest being someone else's pawn and possibly dying for their cause. He liked the idea of being misplaced by someone just as much.

There was no battle here and no Summoner who may have called him. So no reason that he could see for being here. The thought of possibly being stuck here was getting to him. He doubt there would be answers to find in this cave. He would have a look around down here just the same.

~~~~~~

Back to the park.

Young fillies and colts at play together enjoying a full week off to celebrate the new opening and have fun doing so.

Three friends looked about for something to do. A light brown pegasus filly named Plunk with a light blue mane and streaks of dark blue looking like a flow of water and a water droplet cutie mark. A light green and dark brown mane colt with a shield cutie mark named Trooper. And Dazzle, a white unicorn with a bright yellow mane, and bright multicolored sparkly specks for a cutie mark.

Trooper and Dazzle had grown up in Ponyville together. Their parents were close friends with each other. Being of the same age while growing up they spent much of their time together. The two were nearly inseparable.

Plunk came from Cloudsdale and had moved two months ago. She introduced herself to the other two in her way, by splashing down on them both. The two were walking along the shoreline of the Ponyville pond. As a prank to grab their attention, and break up what she saw as such a sweet little stroll by the two, She felt the need to surprise them.

Trooper was at first concerned when Dazzle had taken a liking to Plunk, despite Plunk's flamboyant misbehavior, and a knack for getting Dazzle worked up over something Plunk would do. Sometimes finding some mischief to get into. Usually in the form of stealing or slight vandalism.

Plunk never wanted to hurt anyone or be destructive of anything important, but was starting to build herself a reputation in Ponyville as a behavior problem. It was all fun and games to her at first. Just a bunch of pranks to her or getting something she wanted. Trooper did not approve of any of this. Nor did Dazzle.

Trooper's concerns over Plunk's antics did not deter Dazzle. She was determined to find some way to help Plunk see another way of living. By not disrupting the lives of others with foolish and sometimes potentially dangerous pranks. Dazzle felt Plunk could be better than that. She believed it.

Dazzle took a different approach to handling Plunk than any other, even Plunk’s own mother. Dazzle went as far as having Plunk go back and see how what she was doing had upset other ponies more than Plunk thought she had.

One moment in particular had made a big impact on Plunk. She stole a well made Rainbow Dash fan club banner from Scootaloo. One made by the Crusaders. Scootaloo was so proud of it and how good she thought it came out.

Plunk saw it and liked it so much she felt she just had to have it. So she took it.

Later that day Dazzle went to visit Plunk. She heard about the theft from Sweetie Belle on passing. Dazzle had her suspicions as to who it was that took it.

She was right. On the wall in Plunk's room was the banner. Dazzle had Plunk come with her. She told Plunk it was not to talk to Scoots, but to spy on her. Dazzle told Plunk she wants to play a prank on her. Plunk thought this might be fun, so she went along with it.

Dazzle was not above pulling a prank or two on others for fun, but it was never anything mean or malicious. Plunk liked this side of Dazzle and could never resist going along with her during one of Dazzle’s more adventurous and playful outings.

Plunk no longer thought of it as fun when she saw the state Scoots was in after Dazzle lead Plunk to her.

Scoots was crying that her and the other two worked real hard on her banner for Rainbow Dash.

It was supposed to be ready for the next day. It was not just a painted paper banner. It was a fabric banner made to last. It was sewn together by hoof and took a lot of time. It was one of the finest things the three of them had worked on together.

Scootaloo's thrill of getting to be Rainbow Dash's adopted sister made Scoots work extra hard on it.

Now it was gone, and she had no idea who took it. The only one she could think of was Diamond Tiara. Scoots felt if she had it, then there was no getting it back. To Scoots, Diamond Tiara would have only taken it to upset the three Crusaders. Scoots thought she may have even had it shredded by now, then tossed out with the trash. Scoots had no proof as to who took it however.

And whoever did take it was good at stealing and left no clue.

With no convincing from Dazzle, but do to guilt alone, Plunk confronted Scootaloo. "Hey Scootaloo," Plunk called to her.

Scootaloo looked up while still crying. "You're Plunk, aren't you? What do you want?" Scootaloo was in no mood to talk to the new town terror. She brightened up a little more when she saw Plunk accompanied by Dazzle. "Say, Dazzle, have you heard anything about my missing banner?"

Dazzle gave Plunk a little nudge. Plunk stumbled forward a bit and made her confession to Scootaloo. "I know What happened to it."

Scootaloo's eyes narrowed. "What would you know of it?"

Plunk dug at the ground while looking down, not wanting to look Scoots in the eyes. "I took it."

Scoots had thought so. She asked with concern rather than with anger, "So you gonna give it back?"

Plunk nodded, then brought her head up to face Scoots. "It is in good shape. I was real careful when I took it. I wanted it to look as good as it was. I thought it was very well made and I liked it a lot."

At this Scoots gave a smile. "So you did like how it looked. And that is why you took it?"

Plunk gave another nod. This time while looking right at Scootaloo with a smile of her own. "I was very impressed. I am a real big Rainbow Dash fan and well, I wanted it. Now that I think of it, Rainbow Dash would not be very impressed with me right now. I will bring it back to you."

At this Scootaloo's face brightened even more. With all her and the other two’s hard work put into making it, she was going to get it back.

Plunk said, "Will be right back." She turned and took off like a shot.

Dazzle sat with Scootaloo as they waited. "Plunk can be a little self centered, but she really is not that bad of a pony. Though she can seem it. I can tell she is more than even she thinks she is. She only needs to see for herself what it is she has done and how it has hurt others. She will come around. It was her decision alone to tell you she took it. No one had asked her too. Not even me. She just needs to be given a chance."

Scootaloo smiled to Dazzle. "She is real lucky to have you as a friend Dazzle. For you and for her willing to give me back the banner I will give her that chance. She told me she is a big Rainbow Dash fan. So I think I should ask her if she would like to join the club."

Dazzle smiled all the more. "Oh, thank you Scoots. She will love that idea. I know she will. This is just what she needs. Some involvement with others. This will be great! You are awesome Scoots. You could have been just mad at her-"

Dazzle was interrupted from any further comments as Plunk came buzzing right back with the banner all rolled up in a safe container. A simple cardboard tube just big enough for it to fit in.

Plunk passed over the cardboard tube to Scootaloo.

Scootaloo inspected the banner within. Plunk was right. It had not been damaged any. Scoots was so happy. She put it back in the tube for safe keeping, then asked Plunk the question. "For returning this and in still good condition, would you like to join my Rainbow Dash fan club?"

Plunk was for a moment speechless. After about a minute she smiled. "That would be awesome. Oh, that would mean I get to see Rainbow Dash as well?" Plunk pawsed for a moment to think about her own question. " Aaa, could you not tell her I did this?"

Scootaloo sat and thought for a bit. "Well Rainbow Dash is not exactly part of the club, but yes we do get to see her at times.

"No, I will not tell her what you did. I am just glad to get this back and in one piece. With me now being her sister, I get to see her myself more often. I could even get her to see you as well. But try not to make too big of a deal about it. OK?"

Plunk gave a short nod, and agreed. "OK, I will try not to get too excited."

Scoots smiled a little more after and waved a hoof out. "Na, go ahead and make a big deal about it. She loves the attention." At this all three of them started to giggle.

For Dazzle and Plunk their friendship grew. Trooper seen it as an annoyance at first and could not see why Dazzle felt the need to have anything to do with such an unruly filly. All Dazzle would tell him was she felt Plunk just needed a good friend. As for him, in the beginning, he begrudgingly went along with Plunk tagging along with Dazzle as best he could.

Trooper didn't like Plunk right away. He saw her as trouble; the kind one should avoid. In some time; Plunk had grown on him, much to Dazzle's persistence.

Trooper saw the change in Plunk. The change Dazzle tried to convince him he would see, to someone he could see as likable.

He felt Dazzle may have been right all along that Plunk was not a bad pony, and was just in need of a friend. Someone, who was willing to be understanding and patient with her. Someone who could lead her out of bad habits. One who could give her a reason to try and change. Someone who cared enough about her to stick by her side until she did change.

Over time, the three of them found themselves doing much together.

Plunk in return was quite grateful for having a friend like Dazzle around, and in time Trooper as well.

Finding what she thought of as caring friends, had indeed made Plunk try to be a better pony, in hopes of not losing either of them. She felt she had a chance at a good life here, a better life than what she thought was possible, with two such as them.

While looking around in the park, Trooper noticed a group gathering with a ball. He saw the formation they were moving in and pointed it out to his other two friends. "Look over there! It looks like they're going to start a game of Dartball. Let's get going so we can join in."

Plunk liked the idea and gave her suggestion. "Let's go on opposite teams. I am so going to kick your tail at this Trooper."

Trooper chuckled. "You think so? You know I am pretty good at this myself, so you're on. What side are you going to take Dazzle? As usual I am going to be on whatever side you take."

Dazzle was not liking the idea of the trio splitting up, not yet, and voiced her opinion on the matter. "Do we have to split up? Can we do this first game together?"

Plunk feeling a little dejected. "Ya, I suppose so. It's not like we don't have a whole week of things we can find to do." Then Plunk gave Dazzle a grin. "Next game we play I want a competition against Trooper."

Dazzle was pleased they would have this first game together and agreed, but still thought on what this next game would be. Something that might end up a one on one Dazzle felt if she knew Plunk.

Dazzle noticed Plunk was trying to involve herself more and more with Trooper. Dazzle was hoping it was just a matter of just trying to have more fun with him and get him to stop disliking her as he once did. "Fine. And I guess I will have to play referee again?"

Trooper smiled. "You got it. Someone will have to keep score. So how are you feeling today, Dazzle? Have any predictions for the day?"

"You know that comes and goes. I don't get daily predictions or anything like that. It is all quite new to me. And I am not Pinkie Pie. I have only gotten a funny feeling a few times; that turned out to be right. It doesn't mean I can tell what is going on all the time. I doubt even Pinkie can do that. At least I don't think so."

Plunk gave Dazzle a little nudge. "Sometimes I wonder. I had the impression that you and Pinkie were related.

Then Plunked looked to Dazzle with some concern "You know, you don't seem your usual peppy, cheery self today. Are you sure nothing is going on? I would think you would be extra happy to have this time off. What gives?"

Dazzle just shook her head a little, now being aware her down mood has been showing. "Don't know. Maybe I just didn't get enough sleep last night. But I don't feel tired. Just kind of off today, I guess."

Trooper announced their arrival as they walked over to the gathering young ponies. "Well, It's good your not tired. We have a whole day ahead of us. But Plunk is right, You don't look your usual self. That's why I asked if you felt anything odd. If you think it's nothing, I am sure it will pass. Maybe all you need is to get some activity in.

"Let's split up and take three sides along the outer perimeter. We should start out at defence."

Dazzle agreed with Trooper. As each took a position, and the game was about to begin, the anticipation and excitement of getting into the game did make her feel better. Whatever was bothering her, seemed to go away.

The game of Dartball commenced.

Dartball. A circle of players surrounds a group in the middle. The game is simple. The group in the middle must work to get the ball past those on the outside. Those on the outside must Keep the ball in. Any outside player the ball gets past must retrieve the ball.

Players in the middle pass the ball around to each other while trying to confuse the players on the outside as to which direction the ball is going to go.

Scoring is simple. It is all about what the players on the outside dose. If the ball gets past the defence, the team on the inside gains a point. If the ball gets blocked and passed back to the team on the inside, the outside team gains a point.

Plunk finds the ball streaking her direction. She nails it hard smashing it right back. She loved these games, even if it did not involve flying. Fast paced action was all she needed, most of all while with her new friends to enjoy it with.

The ball gets past around some more and out it goes to a colt that misses it by an inch. Even though this means no point for her team, Plunk can't help but smile at the fact that it is not her having to fetch the ball this time.

A colt by the name Page Turner retrieves the ball in an aura of magic and passes it to the team in the middle. The yellow unicorn Turner with dark blue mane and a small open book with one flipping page as a cutie mark glares back at Plunk.

Plunk ignores his dirty look.

The team has already lost the point and now all that's needed to be done, is starting the game again by giving the ball to the team on the inside, which Turner already did. Once in, no magic nor wings are allowed by anyone, in or out.

The blue ball with one wide red stripe and two yellow stars on either side in the middle of the blue gets tossed about. It is headbutt and bucked in all directions. The ball goes sailing to Dazzle.

She was unable to dart fast enough to stop the speeding ball from getting past, much like the last player Turner.

Dazzle with a flick of her mane trotted off to retrieve the bright colored blur she was a little slow to defend from getting by her.

Plunk winced at seeing one of her best friends get bested by the errant bouncing ball.

Dazzle ran back with the ball kicking it along like a soccer ball, back into the middle once again.

Another point lost to the defending team on the outside. Still a cheerful grin on Dazzle's face just happy to be playing.

Catching the look on Plunk, Dazzle made a goofy face, trying to cheer her up, and show her just to have fun with it. Not, to take the game too seriously. Dazzle felt Pluck was at times a little too competitive, and needed to loosen up; it was just a game for fun to her.

Plunk could not help but giggle for a short moment at Dazzle's antics. She is glad to see Dazzle's mood improve to her usual more cheery self. This was the Dazzle she knew. Seeing her glum in the morning was not befitting her fun filled friend. After, Plunk quickly composed herself in order not to get too distracted. She was in game mode again and wanted to do her best.

Everyone defending prepared for another round as the ball went whizzing back and forth between head and hoof till it found its way to another on the outside needing to block it.

A purple pegasus launched high and to the left with both front hooves out wide stopping the ball in its attempt to get by.

Cloud Skimmer, a pegasus with a blue-messy main, twisted his rump till his cutie mark of a flashy streak moving through a white cloud, hit squarely against the ball. The hit returned the ball back to the center.

In an attempt to show off he continued his spin into a funny little dance, as he cheered, "score!"

The victory was short as the ball bounces around those in the middle again and shot off by a strong back buck from one on the inside edge. Trooper bolted to one side, and head but it back.

Plunk shouted out "nice block Trooper!" as she raised her right hoof in the air for a hoof-pump.

Momentarily distracted by her enthusiasm, Plunk failed to notice that the ball had been bucked her way again quickly the moment it reached the middle.

With little time to consider a score for the team, the stunned pegasus had to act faster than fate had allowed.

Plunk turned her head just in time to see it moving as to pass overhead. In a last ditch effort to save the ball and regain her self pride from not paying attention to the ball, and falling prone to it's quickly made new trajectory in her direction, she jumped.

The ball bounced off the tip of her nose and leaped far off behind her. If she were able to fly, it would not have gotten past. Jumping alone did not give her the speed she needed to stop it from getting away.

The ball hit hard off her nose as she darted up, and it bounced much further than she would have liked. Now it was up to her to fetch the ball.

Trotting a distance She seen something she did not like. "A hill! It had to bounce down a hill," she groaned to herself. Plunk thought they were not playing all too close to one, but that ball went far enough to find one after a bounce like that. Looking down the hill, she knew this was going to take a while, with the ball nowhere in sight.

Chapter 2: New search subject.

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Chapter 2: New search subject.

The Kezzerdrix had not yet found anything worth looking for. The lower areas proved hard to see in the dark. Not much light shined down.

What he did find were some discarded rags that looked like they might have been clothing. Some useless broken digging tools and carts were found as well.

The place was an abandoned mind, as far as he could tell. Little clue as to who used it. But the owner must have liked dogs. The smell of them was still everywhere down below.

He was getting far more upset at finding no reason to be here. He started scraping at the walls and screeched out his frustration. He had a fit for himself.

Kicking over an already broken cart. He felt his summoner should have been here. His anger grew, at being here alone.

~~~~~~

Plunk opened her wings and glided down the hill in search for the errant ball that could now be anywhere. Halfway down, she figured it might be best to use this height to glide around. She could make a quick fly by and search from the air she thought.

She settled on going straight, seeing the ball likely might have gone that way. She was right. She saw it off in the distance.

Seeing it off that far was annoying to her. By the momentum it gained from going down the hill it went further than expected, and had made the rather vexed filly grumble more.

With all the trees and bushes around this lower plateau, the ball found the one straight trail that gave it no resistance to bouncing and rolling far away.

On the other hoof, it at least did not get lost in a bush or go in a random direction from hitting a tree. It may have gone far, but was easy to find just the same, she relaxed a bit knowing she would no longer have to look for it.

Swooping down and landing next to the ball, with a huff she kicked the ball hard back in the direction she came.

She was going to try and take Dazzle's suggestive mannerism towards the game and have some fun with it, even if she did fail to stop the ball. It's not like one gets anything for winning. It's just the prestige in showing one's good at the game. She likes being seen good at whatever sport she tries.

When starting to follow the ball back, Plunk heard what sounded like a voice. It was hollow as if coming from the air itself. Or was it the ground, she asked herself. It is faint, but nearby.

Plunk set herself looking for the voice. It sounded sad to her, with a hint of distress. The sound made Plunk worried. Whoever is down there, maybe in need of help.

Hearing the voice again gave her a direction to look. Moving to a batch of bushes between some trees, she found what looked like a hole in the ground behind the bushes. It looked like a small cave entrance to her, when she gotten herself a good look at it.

Curiously, she leaned in at the entrance and gave a soft but solid "hello." She could hear her voice flow down the cave in a fading echo.

The Kezzerdrix heard a voice come from the entrance of the cave he went through the other day. A simple hello.

He reasoned that he caught the attention of someone. A child by the sound of it. He decided to play a little game with this inquisitive youngster. Continuing as he was, He wondered just how far he could draw this possible little one down.

Plunk not having to wait long, the voice responded, but not in the way she expected. It sounded like a sort of desperate shrill. She expected a call back to her, instead of this odd cry. Plunk now was real worried. Somepony, or something must be hurt or stuck down there, she thought.

Plunk called again. "Help is on its way! Hold on! I am coming to find you!" The pegasus was not sure who or what was down there, but knew that if it were her, she would want the help, and soon. It was just the right thing to do, to go down there and find out what happened.

She thought about going back and at least get her two friends, Trooper, and Dazzle. Having them both here right now would bring her some comfort. She never had any problem with doing a little exploring on her own, but not in such an unknown area, and bad situation as this.

Continuing to think. If This person is hurt and stuck, and I could not do anything on my own, I can at least find this person. Then let whoever it is, know I can quickly get more help. I would want to feel some reassurance that I was going to receive help and not be stuck alone with nopony knowing where I was. If, that was me down there.

The desire to help gave the young filly the courage to face the unknown for the sake of helping someone in need. Going in this time was not her first cave exploring. But the last cave was much bigger, and one that was well known by others. She also had her two new friends with her at the time. It was safer, to go in such a cave as that, and with friends close to her.

This cave however was new, and small at the mouth. Not much light was going in. There was also a danger that nopony knew she was going in. Despite this, the young filly felt she just had to go in, and now.

The descent went on, and the light got dimmer. The now unsure explorer wished more that she had her friend Dazzle with her. Dazzle's light spells she is known for would make this a lot easier.

Not being able to see good, and while crawling along at a painfully slow pace trying not to walk into anything, felt she could sure use having a friend near her at the moment. That thought just kept tugging at her she noticed. She knew why. She just did not want to admit it. She was scared.

With a feeling of more despair for another in need, the screeching voice made her trudge on. There was some comfort in knowing that she was heading to someone. That made the concerned filly feel not so alone in the growing darkness. Her growing reluctance made her hope she would find this other soon.

The descent eased off as flat ground was found. Looking back, the light from the entrance was just visible. As her eyes adjusted to the dark, it seemed not such a good idea to have looked back. Doing so made even the dim light from behind hard to look at. It also made her near blind again to the dark ahead.

There seemed to be a slight turn and an opening to a larger area around the corner. The difference could just barely be seen by some new source of light in the distance. Seeing that there was little else of a choice for some direction to go, moving to the new light source seemed to be the best idea. The voice as well seemed to be coming from that direction.

The voice was much closer, but still hard for her to make out.

One odd thing about it to her, that did seem concerning is that there were no words to this voice.

No, cry for help. Just some moaning and the occasional screech, as if whoever it was may be hurting herself by struggling to get free of something.

She thought, at least it sounded like it might be female. Maybe she did not hear me after all, and was still set on trying to get herself out.

"Poor thing must be more scared than I am," she said to herself.

To her the situation was not good. Plunk felt she needed this other to calm down, and know someone was on their way. That, she or whoever was no longer alone down here.

Risking what it might disturb, Plunk gave one more good yell to the struggling and likely injured captive of this cave. "Hello! I am here to help you! Where are you! Who are you? Can you hear me?"

Plunk was sure she was close enough that whoever it was she is looking for would have heard that.

Again she was shortly answered by another screech and wine. None of this felt right to her. She thought she should have received some answer by now.

Feeling lost herself as what to do for this poor suffering victim of fate, she decided to try to move much faster. Not much seemed to be between her and this new source of light. So she reasoned even a slow jog was not too unreasonable without hitting anything.

Being able to see would only improve the closer she got to the new light source. It seemed, speed the further she went was not going to be a problem for her.

A small weight seemed to lift, the better she was able to see. All the faster she felt she could go.

This good feeling was replaced by another sort of concern. This voice, as she was getting closer to all the time, sounded like nothing she ever heard before. This continued to not feel right.

Plunk was sure she might have been able to make out what might be making these sounds, the further in she got. Mostly if it was some pony.

She continued to concern herself more about it. She spoke softly to herself about this. "Whatever it is, is no pony. Not as far as I can tell. Is it a griffin?"

The voice was still not saying a word. Just sounding perhaps hurt and desperate for help. She could also hear movement now. Just slight, and still a distance away. Some scraping sounds as well. Yes, possibly a griffin, she thought.

As she galloped at a good pace, a fare but a safe brisk gallop. The inquisitive adventurer has seen the source of light. It was a few glowing stones in the walls of the cave.

Looked real pretty to her. A momentary forgetfulness as to why she was there upon seeing them. She thought it might be nice to come back down after all this and collect a few. A small and nice memento of her trip in the cave. Provided all went well.

The stones were not the biggest source of light. Further down, looked much brighter than what the stones could be responsible for producing. Another opening to the cave perhaps, she hoped.

She knew some have more than one entrance. "Maybe whoever was down here came in on the other side," she said softly to herself.

The long tunnel of glowing stones ended as an entrance to a not so tall but wide cavern.

A hole in the shape of a long crack in the top was where light is shining through. A little small to fit through, but big enough for much light to come in, and bouncing off more shining stones helped the little light fill around the room nicely.

With her eyes adjusted to the dark a little better, and all this new light all around helped her able to see quite well in this area.

Some odd rock formations looked like old offset table tops to her. A few small stalagmites dotted here and there, as well some small stalactites up top. Some glowing looking moss and mushrooms as well could be found, all around.

She was not sure if they were self-illuminating or an odd effect of the glowing stones.

A fresh musty smell all around from the moss and mushrooms she seemed to like. All in all seemed as if it would be a fun spot to hang out with her two friends, she thought. It all looked made this way, then abandoned long ago, she reasoned.

Plunk was shaken out of her thoughts as the voice reminded her as to why she was here. It sounded real close now. There are two other exits to this cavern, other than the one she came through she noticed. Each seemed to lead down. The voice was on the left.

The voice sounded odder than before as she could hear it more clearly now. It was no longer loud screeches. More like deep heavy breathing. She did not like it.

This change in sound made her feel tense, like this was a mistake to come alone.

She could hear something that sounded like more scraping and other movement as well.

Speaking up and letting herself be known, no longer seemed like a good idea to her, as a shiver ran up her spine.

With wide eyes and some trepidation, the now shaking filly moved slowly to have a look at what lead her down here by voice alone.

She hoped whatever it was that lead her down here, may indeed be stuck and unable to get to her if it was something dangerous. Hope was also in her heart that she would not regret failing to turn around and run right now. She felt after all this, she just had to take a look at it.

Chapter 3: What big ears, nose, and teeth you have.

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Chapter 3: What big ears, nose, and teeth you have.

Fear gripped her more tightly as her eyes fell on something she never had saw before. Its back was to her, but what she did see made her know full well she made a big mistake by coming down here at all.

In a way, she was a little relieved in an after thought that her friends were not down here with her now, in fear that none of them might have gotten out alive. She was here alone, and had some solace that only she would suffer her mistake.

A small ping of hope wormed its way into her mind. The thought that she could just slowly back off and run, without being notice.

However, she knew that it was aware of her. It stopped moving and making any sound shortly after she laid eyes on it, almost as if it could hear her heart beat race all the more at the site of it. It seemed to know she was now looking at it. That thought spooked her greatly.

A long thin but very muscular build of bone and muscle all over its body. A bony protruding backbone could be seen in its hunched over position.

Long strong back legs and arms. Very long outstretched finger like paws ending with horribly long claws.

An unkempt puff tail at the base of its spine. And long ears. It was like a desert hare, but like one out of a nightmare. Also several times her size. Even a little bigger than an adult pony.

Something told her it did not feed on the moss and mushrooms growing down here, and it might have intentionally tricked her into coming this far. To have something new to feed on.

Plunk so much wanted to run, but was way to scared to move. She was waiting for it to make the first move, and was frozen with fear until it did.

It turned and looked at her. For the moment, this now quaking filly thought she could not ever be more scared in her life. The lanky cave hare smiled at her with a long-toothed grin. It had a face that could turn your blood ice-cold.

The Kezzerdrix felt slightly disappointed. It was a little pony he saw, not some child. He felt the child must have already run away, and left this pony pet behind.

The pony would do, he thought. It's small, but big enough to have fun with.

Another thing he caught sight of was wings on its back. He imagined it could be fast. It might get away like the child that left it here. He moved in an attempt to bolt, in order to cut it off.

With tears pouring down her face, she now felt the need to run like she never felt before. Darting back in the direction she came, and getting away while in sheer panic was now on her mind.

She dashed quickly out.

She could hear it scuffle behind her in an attempt to make chase as she moved. Knowing full well she may not be able to get away by just running alone, she opened her wings to give her a boost of speed her hooves just could not match.

Barreling down the cave she came from, she could still hear it right behind her. As fast as she was going it seemed to be gaining. She chanced a glance behind to see how close it was, only to find it gone. No longer seeing it, should have been a relief to her, but she knew it was right there. And not seeing it frightened her all the more.

Happily gaining on this little play thing, this swamp hare for which reasons unknown to him was in Equestria, and was at first not all to happy with that. But now he had food, fun food! So it seemed. A nice little distraction from angrily wondering why he was here in the first place.

He was not here long and had not seen anything move this fast in this new world he found himself. Not in the woods he first searched just outside this cave the other day.

He was used to seeing things he never saw before when pulled from his home in the swamp.

While here he came across many of new things he never saw before, and a few he had, during his time in the woods. So he was at first unaware that not only was he not in his homelands, he was no longer in his world anymore. However, he was starting to get the idea that might be the case.

He got close enough to snag this small flying equine's tail between his teeth, and snap it right out of the air. He thought that would have been too easy. He wanted to play; he wanted to chase, and make it tired, but not let it get out. So with a strong leap and twist of his body he pushed off from the ground and sprinted off the ceiling in order to scurry ahead of his prey.

Dread oozed from the small desperate flying filly unable to see her stalker when she glanced behind her. As she turned her head forward again, a fast white blur raced overhead then twisted and plopped right down in front of her.

Bracing herself, she hit it hard. It was like hitting a wall. More panic filled her enough to get her quickly back on her feet.

The area was dark, but she could still see. In this sitting position in front of him as she is, she could tell this thing is a him.

She looked up and saw the same grin he gave her the first time he had eyed her. Only now, she was face to face with him. This grin chilled her. This thing was not behaving like a hungry animal; he was toying with her. That thought made her even more afraid of him than before.

She feared it was not just going to eat her, it was going to make sport of her first.

She turned to do the only thing she felt she could do, go back where she found this thing. She felt, maybe she could kick the crack at the top of the open cavern with a good buck, and get out that way.

He seemed to let her turn and go as if he wanted her to end up back in the belly of the cave. She was not about to give him a chance for him to change his mind and grab her now if she stayed sitting.

While running again, her breathing became labored. She near spent herself getting as far as she did pushing her limits to get out the first time. She now knew this thing was herding her back.

Seeing how easy he had outran her in the first place, he did not seem like in such a rush to catch her this time either. She felt she could use this to her favor by giving her a chance to try her plan.

She felt she had to keep moving because she did stop, he would get her just the same, even if he wanted a chase. It would be over the moment she gave into exhaustion.

While huffing and panting, she made it back to the cavern with that thing near on her tail. She never quite let it get close enough to take her. She spotted her target and leaped for it.

Spreading her wings again, saving them for this moment, she drove herself upward. Flipping in the air and slamming into the rock wall right at the crack with her back legs, it had no give. The rock was either too thick and solid, or she just did not have enough energy left in her to do anything to it.

She was up high for the moment, as this persistent monster entered the cavern. He too leaped into the air right at the ceiling bound pegasus.

Darting to one side to avoid being knocked down, the already near spent filly found she was not safe even in the air, and she could not stay up much longer.

Doing her best to dodge this thing as it kept leaping for her was taking its toll. Feeling her strength failing, she knew within a short time she would just drop.

Plunk remembered the other two exits she did not try yet. Angling herself to dive for one, the Kezzerdrix saw this with amusement. However, he was done with chasing her in the air. He moved on her with purpose this time and swatted her right out of the air like she was a slow moving bug.

She fell hard to one side of the room. On her back and in pain, she found herself in a not so good position on one of the low table like stones.

She could not do much on her back. This freaky looking hare was just smiling at her again, for what she could tell was a smile of sorts. She felt the same sudden jolt of terror she had the first time she got a look at him.

With most to all her fight spent, she could not bring herself move for the moment.

Chapter 4: Playing with your food.

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Chapter 4: Playing with your food.

While Plunk was on her back and in the light, the Kezzerdrix could tell his prey is a her.

Not wanting her to fly anymore, the Kezzerdrix leaped once more right over her, landing with his claw endowed paws right down on her spread out wings, and raked them hard. She screamed as her sensitive appendages tore. Blood and feathers now adorned his savage claws.

This vile looking reject from a horror story on things only known to have come from such places as the Everfree, was now leaning over her and licking her face. It seemed to be tasting her.

His breath smelled bad up this close. Whatever he was doing she did not like it, a fate to be eaten. But she has little strength to do much about it.

She gathered what she could and bucked up at him. Again it was like hitting a wall. Her back felt stiff from landing on top of the flat rock. She didn't have enough to hurt him at all, as far as she could tell.

She tried to struggle as he held her down, only to receive a swat to her side hard enough to knock her over.

No sooner than she had hit the ground with a scrape over her left side from the claws, in a fresh panic she pushed herself to run again. Her scrape along her side, the ripped wings, and stiff back made her lame in her attempt to run fast.

With a grin, the Kezzerdrix continued this little chase. He was not worried she would get away now. She did not seem to have much to any speed left to her.

Plunk was just delaying the inevitable with her struggle to get away now. There was no avoiding what he wanted. He seemed intent on playing with her more. Plunk's weak attempts to do anything about the situation was futile. She did not have what it took to move as she wished anymore.

She screamed as he took another swipe at her. Spinning her around as a set of claws snagged a back leg.

As the claws clips her, it caused her to fall over. She got back up. Bleeding from her scrapes while limping. She still struggled to get away again, all with more tears pouring down her already drenched face, and pain all over.

She knew getting away was hopeless though she still wished to try. So soon after her life seemed to change for the better, she felt she was going to die a horrible death by this thing. That thought pained her even further each time she thought of it.

She knew a possible better life with good friends is to be taken from her by this thing. That sorrow burst inside her.

The Kezzerdrix was relentless as he kept on her and gave her another swipe to her rump. Not that she was able to move away quickly. As he did, she fell again.

She cried out for him to, "Stop!"

Plunk was shaking and exhausted. She panted, and she had a moment's breather from him seeming to do as she asked.

She saw this thing is intelligent as she thought before. That gave her no comfort. As far as she could tell he was still just toying with her.

She sat and held her scratched back leg, while trying not to sit where her hindquarters had been mauled do to the last attack. Blood matted her furr, and was dripping on the ground where she sat.

The Kezzerdrix was momentarily confused to hear this little pony talk. He first thought to himself that someone else may have came down with the pony and left it here after seeing him.

However, he did not remember hearing anyone else come or go, just the one very unusual pony. So it was the little pony that was talking to him all along as she came down he last reasoned.

Knowing she could talk and was not just some animal did not change much of anything for him. But it did make him wonder all the more as to where he was. To his knowledge, ponies did not talk, nor did any that he knew of had wings for that matter.

Her mane color was unusual to him as well. It was just an odd looking equine to him at first. This little pony's behavior was more like that of a scared child than that of an animal. The child he thought he would be seeing was a talking pony of unusual design.

Feeling that he might indeed no longer be in his home-world, and perhaps now stuck here, was making him angry again.

This already very tired, sore, and scared little filly was wondering what's to be next. With a whimper, she cried more to herself, while holding tightly to her lower legs, practically trying to curl up in a fetal position. She felt he was nowhere near done with her. She did not know how bad things was going to get for her. She just did not want to hurt anymore, and did not know how she was going to get away.

By the look of this thing, she felt he was angry at her for some reason. All she did was yell at him to stop. She asked herself, "Is he actually mad at me for that? Why?"

She could not bring herself to understand this thing. He was intelligent and cruel. He did not just kill her and eat her like some hungry animal would. He seemed to enjoy her pain. And now he seemed upset with her for talking back. As if she somehow ruined his fun, she thought.

She could not fathom something being this cruel, nor could she understand such anger he was showing her. Her little heart beat harder as she felt she did something wrong to make him seem to hate her so, and wish to do her greater harm, to be even more cruel to her.

Her question of what's to be next was soon enough answered. Too soon, as far as she is concerned.

This gruesome hair raised a claw to her neck and grabbed her by it. She knew she was going to die. She did not know how yet. She feared it was to be even more painful than before, do to the way he was looking at her.

Plunk also wished she kept her mouth shut and just let him toy with her and kill her. She was afraid of what it might do now while in his grasp as she is and now angry at her. She choked some as he squeezed her throat, making sure he held her tightly.

With a big wide grin at seeing fear, pain, and despair on his little play thing's face, the Kezzerdrix moved in to get a better look at her.

Up this close, He still smelled as bad as before to her. His grin terrified her as much as it had each time he looked at her like that. It made him look as if he had in mind something horrible to do to her.

She so wished he would just kill her now, then cause her more pain. More tears kept pouring down as she whimpered on this thought again and again. Not wishing to die, but if she was, not like this. Not so slowly, and in so much pain as she felt he was likely going to give her.

Another thought came to her about her two new friends. They would likely come looking for her. She knew they would. They were not like her old friends who would abandon her if things got bad. And her past friends had.

Plunk thought if Dazzle and Trooper found her tracks, they would lead her two new friends down here. Her friends would most likely share her fate, as she thought on it. And there was nothing she could do about it. No way to worn them.

She cried even harder knowing that them dieing by this thing would have been her fault. Despair filled her more knowing she failed her two friends in this way. She never wished to caws them any harm. And now, she felt she might.

The two that had been by her since she came to Ponyville. Dazzle who refused to keep away, despite Troopers warnings. Dazzle seemed to care for some reason Plunk did not fully understand.

Though Plunk felt, she had not done anything worth her friendship. Plunk never had a friend that seemed to care about her, not like she did. It made Plunk try to be a better pony and not mess up having someone around like her, just as Dazzle hoped.

In time, even Trooper warmed up to her. Having him for a friend as well, Plunk liked.

Plunk wanted both of them to like her. She had that need for friends, for others to spend time with. She did not like being alone. It was why she did the things she had done, to impress those she spent time with in Cloudsdale. She just wanted others to like her, and she felt getting into mischief with them made her seem like fun to them. It was a habit she was learning to brake after the move to Ponyville.

Plunk felt she was now going to get her two new friends killed. She hurt inside all the more knowing she messed up again, like in the past.

She wanted to do something right for a change, instead of having to fix another one of her mistakes. It all went so horribly wrong again. She grieved that this time two she cared for was going to pay for this mistake of her's with their lives.

Complete helplessness was tugging at her mind and body. Self-loathing, for messing up again and being able to do nothing about it this time, but cry. Fear, of so much loss. Sadness, for what may become of her friends, after she was gone. Plunk said to herself while in the Kezzerdrix's grasp, "Dazzle, Trooper, I'm so sorry. I..."

Deep inside she wanted to live! She loved life. She could not let go. She had friends that cared for her. She felt loved by them. Mostly by Dazzle. She did not wish to accept this new fate forced on her by this thing. She just did not know how to get out of this situation or save her friends from sharing her fate.

She choked as her forlorn state took over more. She gagged in air between breaths as she gasped out her despair. Tears kept flowing as some of it caked onto her face as it dried.

Her body shook as she forcibly wailed loudly, "I didn't mean to do this to you Dazzle and Trooper! And I don't want to die! Someone, help me!"

Annoyed, the Kezzerdrix tossed her to a wall hard, for her noise. Her whole body slammed hard against it. Then she lay slumped on the ground.

Her body was momentarily tensing up as she strives to move once more. Her limbs quivered, then went completely limp again. The last of her as she could tell, fully spent.

The ending of this pain and life was all that concerned her now, save for the thought of her friends. She had no idea what their fate would be after this. Her head throbbed too hard for her to think about it much now. Her body ached. Her heart pound in sorrow. She never thought she could feel such pain, physically and mentally, and still live through it.

As for her will, it is gone, she is mere mush or putty to the Kezzerdrix now.

This unmoving ragdoll was of no more fun to the Kezzerdrix. Her only use to him now was as food. He picked her up again. The now ever so week filly's mind snapped awake as her limbs were torn into by his cruel feeding, without killing her first.

She could feel the tearing of her flesh, snapping of tendons, and crunching of her bones as this monster, crunched down on her defenseless form's upper leg.

Blood gushed from this torn upper leg he easily chewed off. All she was able to do was scream now, as her body shook. Her heart beat faster in more panic than before.

Her deafening scream burned her throat and hurt her own ears. Though that pain was not what was on her mind. The question ran through her mind; he's still not going to kill me? He's going to eat me alive!? Her little heart raced.

The Kezzerdrix took bite after bite, yanking on another limb, and tearing it at the joint. Her body quaked while struggling to fight back. The most she could do was go into frantic spasms from the pain while trying to shake free. She exhausted herself again and again with her struggles over an over.

She could feel her mind slip and was now welcoming death again all the more. It just was not happening fast enough. She was still alive and still holding on to life, and she could not tell why.

Her breathing ragged between screams as he took another bite. Even screaming hurt her more, every time she did. She was getting tired of screaming and tired of the pain.

Suddenly like being rudely snapped out of a deep sleep, her senses came fully alive again as the Kezzerdrix scraped his teeth across her face, raking flesh off, and scraping an eye causing it to ooze.

At this, her body convulsed more. Such pain was beyond understanding to her. Even in her state the sensation was enough to still wrack her mind with the intensity of it.

Again Plunk's mind started to drift again once more, ever hoping she could now just pass into the dark eternity where she would no longer feel pain. A warm feeling came over her with a cold numbness in other places, replacing some of the pain of torn limbs and flesh. While much of her still burned.

Once more her mind was ripped from a near sleep like state with a new intense flood of pain as this relentless monster chewed open a gaping hole in her gut. It felt as if her insides had twisted and burst.

Plunk felt her insides being removed. A sick nauseousness came over her, as her head pounded, and her gut slipping out into the creature's mouth.

Then the Kezzerdrix proceeded to chew further up her belly to get below her rib cage.

Her body felt more cold to her now, from so much done to her, and blood loss. She passed out before its feeding got past her gut and into her ribs. Her life faded quickly after.

The Kezzerdrix bit down on her skull, crunching down hard. No longer caring if she was alive or not. The feasting Kezzerdrix consumed most of the rest of her body, save for some bones, her mane and tail, tattered skin and some loose feathers from her torn wings.

Once done the Kezzerdrix sat for a moment contemplating on just how delicious of a meal this tender little-flying equine was. Also wondering how easy might be to get another one, now that he knew of them.

He would not need to eat for part of the day, but after having one, he felt he just has to get himself another. He decided at night he would wander out to see what else this new world has to offer him.

Chapter 5: In the end, your not alone.

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Chapter 5: In the end, your not alone.

If you could change one's fate, would you? If you knew how life would turn out, would you do it all again?

Some say we create our own fate. But our fate is also the resulting actions of everyone and everything around us.

As much as you may wish it, your fate is not always up to you.

It is said some have a gift to tell when something bad is about to happen.

As we are about to see. It brings the question of, "What if?"

So, what if things where to go differently?

~~~~~~

We head back to the game in play at the park, before a moment in time when something does change during it. We get see where life's fate can and does change by one young filly who intervenes, and prevents an unfortunate event from happening.

~~~~~~

As the game proceeded, the ball made its way to Trooper. He bolted for it, giving it a strong head but back to the center.

"Nice block Trooper!" came from Plunk, as she hoof-pumped to show her enthusiasm.

Not paying good enough attention to the ball, Plunk found herself having to dart for the ball as it was about to sail past her overhead.

Bouncing off her nose as she made a last second leap, the ball found its way down a distant hill.

In some frustration in letting it get by, Plunk turned to do her part in retrieving the ball she failed to block.

As she did the voice from one of her friends told her to "Stop!" It was Dazzle.

The rather confused filly Plunk turned back to ask, "Why? What's going on?"

Dazzle told her, "Not sure why, but something didn't feel right just now. I got this funny feeling, you know?"

looking in the direction the ball went. Dazzle for some of the few times, did not have a smile on her face. She looked back to Plunk "We can get it together," then smiled once more. But a smile that looked more of concern than happy.

Dazzle was not telling Plunk the whole truth.

True, she did not know why, or how. What she was not telling Plunk is she felt Plunk would die, and horribly, if she went alone.

But Dazzle did not feel it would happen if she went with her. She was not sure what to make of it herself, or what it all meant, but she did not wish to tell Plunk what she felt.

Such a claim Dazzle felt would be hard for Plunk to believe. She also believed if Plunk was told, she might treat it like a game and quickly take off to prove Dazzle wrong.

Dazzle did not wish this to happen, not now of all times, not after what she just felt. She felt she needed to keep Plunk near and safe.

Trooper came over. "Something happen?" He looked over to Dazzle "You looked like someone just died right in front of you for a moment. Is everything OK? Is this still from this morning?"

Plunk closed her eye. "Dazzle just seemed concerned is all. She wants to come with me to get the ball, for some reason."

Trooper looked harder at Dazzle, then back to Plunk. "I'm going too. I don't like it when Dazzle gets like this. It next to never happens. It's been happening more of late however. It's scary, how she looked a moment ago. It's the worst I have saw her. That worries me."

Plunk gave in. "Okay, okay. I get it. The two of you can come along. Far be it for me to dispute one of Dazzle's mysterious prophecies of doom." Plunk stood up and waved her front hooves forward in the air. "Oooooo..."

Trooper scolded her for this display. "Don't make light of it. Look what is in that direction, off in the distance. It's the Everfree Forest. Weird and scary things live in there."

Plunk gave a grimace. "I guess you are right. Sorry." She scratched the back of her neck. "It is rather far away though. I don't think it will be that dangerous. From what I was told, next to nothing ever comes out of it. Still, if you both want to come along, I am not going to stop you."

Dazzle smiled some more. "OK, let's get the ball together." It did make Dazzle fell a little better with all three of them together.

The three of them headed down the hill to fetch the ball.

While coming half way down the hill each of them took note of all the bushes and sparse trees here and there. Plunk thought this was going to take some time. Turning to Dazzle Plunk suggested, "I could use this height and circle around to see if I can spot it from in the air. It would be faster."

Dazzle felt a sharp ping run down her spine. Shaking it off, not knowing if it was her new and rare sense of things while making her spine and tail twitch, or just feeling nervous at the idea of leaving the adventurous pegasus's side at the moment. Either way, it just didn't feel good to her.

She voiced her opinion on this. "No, I want you right here where I can see you. You're not going off on your own. Not this time."

Plunk interjected, "I will just be up in the air. You can still see me while I have a look around, and if I see anything, I will come right back. Promise."

Being a little hopeful she sounded convincing; she gave Dazzle a big grin.

Dazzle stomped a hoof. "I said No! And if you try to fly I will just pull you down. My magic has been getting a little stronger, and you know I can do it. All I have to do is tug on one front hoof or a wing to throw you off anyway, and down you go. I have done it before, so don't tempt me."

Dazzle looking straight at the now flustered pegasus with her own face bordering frustration, she hoped Plunk would not dispute this further.

Trooper piped up. "Don't argue with her Plunk. She most never gets like this. If She is this worried, probably best to stay put. Besides I think, I see it. Look down that path. It's far looking, but I do think that's the ball," he stated while pointing.

With her slightly better vision, Plunk was able to make out what Trooper was pointing to. "Yes, that's the ball all right. It's going to take a while to get to it if we don't run."

Trooper looked to Dazzle. "Do you think it is okay to get?"

Dazzle thought for a moment, and searched her feelings."I think so, as long as Plunk doesn't get ahead of us. let's go."

The three of them took off down the rest of the hill and across the path ahead to the ball.

Plunk plopped a hoof on one of Trooper's shoulders "Nice job Trooper with spotting the ball. Your eyes are almost as good as mine." She grins widely as she said this to him.

Coming to the ball, all three of them surrounded it. Each looking down at it as if waiting for it to move or something.

Plunk asked, "Now what?"

Almost as if on cue, all three of them heard a screech of a voice in the air.

"Wow, that's spooky," Plunk stated as all three stood straight up, and looking about.

The faint voice seemed to come from behind Trooper on the other side of some bushes between two trees. All three advanced cautiously to the bushes.

Taking a peek over, they spotted a hole in the ground, a big one. A cave opening.

The voice sounded again coming from right inside. It sounded sort of like something in distress to them.

Plunk stated, "We should go help! It might be somepony hurt down there." Plunk walked near the entrance, while looking in.

Dazzle cried frantically, "Getaway from there! None of us are going in!"

Plunk was startled by Dazzle's outburst and quickly scurried away from the entrance, back to Dazzle and Trooper's side.

Trooper stepped closer to Dazzle. "So what do we do? Plunk's right. Somepony may need our help. I don't want to leave anypony behind, sounding like that."

Dazzle thought for a moment. "The two of us stay here and keep an eye on that cave while Plunk flies off to get some adults. We are not to go in. Any of us. I don't care what it sounds like."

Plunk squinted her eyes at Dazzle as she leaned over to her. "I get to fly? Seriously? What happened to me not leaving your side?"

Dazzle gave a sigh."You can go, just not down there. Besides if someone is hurt down there, I agree somepony may need help. And you are the fastest of us. Just get back soon, OK?"

Dazzle shook her head while looking at the cave. "I don't know why, but I'm scared, mostly of what might be found down there. Maybe somepony is hurt, and maybe something down there hurt whoever it is. I don't want us to be the ones to find out."

Plunk narrowed her eyes more to Dazzle. "You have been spooked this whole time, and possibly all morning. I know there is something you are not telling me. I guess it is just as well we get someone else to have a look down there."

Taking a step back, Plunk unfolded her wings. "OK, I will be back as soon as I can with some help."

leaping into the air, She buzzed back to the park where all the others were playing.

Plunk reached the park. She looked around for someone to get. She questioned as to how she is to explain all of this. She was not too sure what to say.

Plunk sat and thought. "OK, someone seems trapped in a hole and likely needs some help. I guess that is all I need to say, really. I am sure that is enough to get someone to come with me. Besides, I don't know much more than that anyway."

Plunk looked around more for someone to tell. She saw four ponies talking together. It looked to be Cheerilee, Twilight Sparkle, some big red pony; Big Apple Mac she thinks it is and his sister Applejack. She did not know the last two all too well. Still, those four should do, she thought to herself.

Twilight and Applejack was laughing as Cheerilee finished telling them what the Crusaders did to her and Big Apple Mack on Hearts and Hooves Day.

AJ heard it all before from her big brother. She does love him, but had to admit Cheerilee was a much better storyteller than the big guy. He may be big in heart but not in expressing himself, at least not about such things, as she knew of him. Cheerilee's telling of it was much more humorous to her.

Cheerilee was the first to noticed Plunk approaching, and went to her. "Hello, Plunk. Enjoying the week off?"

Plunk approached her with a bit of a grimace. "Sort of, Miss Cheerilee. I got a problem."

Cheerilee tried to look understanding and willing to be helpful. "Oh' what is it?"

Plunk pointed back in the direction she came. "My friends and I found a cave and heard a voice coming from it. We think it is someone that needs help. Can anyone come and check it out?"

Plunk glanced about at all four of them while looking hopeful.

Twilight, Big Mac, and Applejack stepped in a little closer. Twilight asked, "Did you say, you think someone needs help?"

Plunk looked to Twilight. "Well, yes. Someone I think is possibly hurt in a cave."

Cheerilee stated, "Oh' my. Well that sound serious. I think we can have a look." She turned to look at the other three. "What do the rest of you say? Willing to go and take a look?"

AJ nodded. "If'n somepony is in need of our help, I reckon we could at least go and check it out."

Big Mack just gave his usual, "Yep," with a nod.

Twilight stated, "Well that settles it, I guess we all go. Lead the way Plunk."

Twilight knew her name. Dazzle mentioned it to Twilight while Plunk went with Dazzle to check out a book awhile back. Just three weeks after Dazzle and Plunk meet.

Plunk was not too big on books before. Dazzle attempted to convince her to get into them. She told her that there was lots of neat stories to read, and things one can learn from them.

Plunk took the advice. After Dazzle had read one story to Plunk, she felt Dazzle was on to something. Books at school where boring. These proved much more to her liking.

After, Plunk started to check out a few on her own. Adventure stories were her first big taste of reading outside of school and liked them a lot. However, secretly, she found love stories to be more her passion, though she never admitted it to anyone. Not even to Dazzle, not yet.

At the library Plunk and Twilight got to know each other some. Plunk also fund she liked Spike. And it was her first time ever seeing a dragon.

~~~~~~

Back at the cave.

Time past as more faint sounds kept coming from the cave below. Trooper leaned in a little to get a good look. "That is one odd voice. Not sure what it is, but it still sounds sad, hurt and scared, I think. Can't make it out, or of it saying anything either."

Dazzle pointed out, "All the more reason for us not to go in."

She took a step back as she looked at him. "I would like it if you were not so close." Trooper stepped back from it then turned to join Dazzle in what she thought was a safe enough distance.

Both content with standing guard and possibly running should anything come out.

Plunk returned with the four other adults. Each already informed on the situation.

The four that came entered the cave that sounded off with another scream of sorts.

The three youngsters stood by waiting to see what would happen, after being told to wait outside.

That suited Dazzle just fine. But not so much for Plunk and Trooper, wanting to have a look see as well, now that there are some adults around, or at least some much older then them going in.

Dazzle asked Plunk, "How did you get them to come along? Not exactly who I thought would show up."

Plunk shrugged her shoulders. "They were the first I came across. I just told them that somepony or something seems to need help in that cave, and all four agreed to come along with me."

Trooper stated, "I hope they are going to be okay. From the way, Dazzle has been acting toward any of us going in, and that whatever it is making those sounds is not anything I could recognize. I am kind of worried about anyone going in. Guess we will have to wait and see what happens."

More time passed; then some loud shouts came from inside. It sounded like those that went in, to the three outside. Shortly after, some movement could be heard heading on out.

Trooper yelled, "See! I thought something was not right about this!"

Dazzle just glared at him while stating, “You thought something was not right! What have I been saying all this time?”

Some explosive sound followed as some faint vibrations could be felt from the ground. All three stepped back as to let anyone come out without bumping into them. As they would likely be coming out fast.

The four ponies that went in came running out as expected.

The last one, Twilight turned and surprised the three little ones by facing the entrance to the cave. Her horn already powered up. After she released a big power blast down into the hole.

The ground shook a lot more this time as the cave collapsed. The ground seeped in filling the hole. All there stood by watching in awe to see some pony do something like that, all but Applejack who knew what twilight could do already.

AJ indeed had seen what Twilight could do. However, this was a little more than even what she expected Twilight could muster at the moment. Though there was that time, she did float away that big ursa while feeding it. All, while striving to put it back to sleep deep in the Everfree, AJ though on. Who else could have done that, AJ questioned.

AJ had to admit to herself that this cave crumpling was small potatoes compared to how Twilight handled that ursa.

This purple unicorn new in town known by Twilight Sparkle seemed so much more than a simple young librarian, to the three little ones now.

They looked at her with eyes wide as she approached them. "I got to thank you Plunk for getting us. Whatever that thing was is not getting out anytime soon to hurt anypony for the moment. Good thing too. We just barely got out ourselves."

Eyes still wide looking up at her; Dazzle spoke first with a shaky quiet voice. "I sent Plunk to get someone. I didn't think it was a good idea for anyone of us to go down, but we couldn't ignore what we thought we were hearing coming out of that cave either. What was it that you found? And how did you do that to the cave?"

"First, that was no easy thing to do. It took a lot out of me. Fear was a big factor; it was one of the scariest things I ever saw down there. I really thought it might get us, or at least me. I freaked, and it got me so worked up for a moment, my magic came out as it did. I was unaware I had put that much into it until that happened. Now I feel a bit spent."

Dazzle nodded in recognition. "I know what that's like. Can't say I did things I thought I could, or even liked doing, while really scared, or angry myself. I have seen how my feelings can affect my magic. At least I know I am not the only one that has happened to."

Twilight patted her on the shoulder. "Yes that is one thing to be careful of. It can happen to any unicorn. I even teleported once, without even trying to. Any unicorn with strong magic has to be extra careful."

Dazzle worried a little over this, wondering if she too might just teleport one day without trying to. And if so, where to?

A bigger question hit her, Would she be able to get back? That info seemed a little too much for her to handle. She no longer wished to think about that possibility for the moment.

Twilight continued. "As for what that thing was, I don't know. I never came across anything like it, not even in the Canterlot archives."

The three of them were in more awe of her, now knowing she came from Canterlot!

Each of them though on this. A powerful unicorn from Canterlot. What was she doing, being a librarian in Ponyville?

They each wonder if there was some bigger reason for her being here. Or was she just looking for a more simple life, away from her past? She has been here for a couple of years now. And stories have spread on what what some had seen her do. It did not answer as to why she was here, or being a librarian in Ponyville.

Each of them did their best not to interrupt Twilight, in an attempt to discuss this with each other, or even with her. Even though each of them felt like doing so. They knew Twilight was not yet finished.

Twilight now looked concerned. "Good thing none of you went down there. All of you could have gotten seriously hurt. It might have even killed all three of you or at least one of you for sure. Like I said, it almost got me."

Plunk waved a hoof in the air as if in school. Seeing Cheerilee here made her think of doing that. "What did it look like?" A look of curiosity on her face with eyes still wide waiting on Twilight to answer.

Twilight thought back to create some form of description. "It resembled some form of monstrous looking hare," Twilight stated while focused on the answer she could come up with.

"A hair?" Plunks face scrunched up, feeling confused now.

Twilight paused, putting a hoof to her chin in thought. "Something of the rodent family, more like a lanky tall bunny. Though, this thing was nothing close to Fluttershy's little Angel bunny."

"Oh! I know of what you mean by a hare now." Plunk replied.

The three of them knew little of this Fluttershy she was talking about much less her pets. Least of all, Plunk. They seen her in and out of town at times, and knew her name at the least; that was about it, aside from knowing she was the resident animal and pet caretaker.

They saw her accompanied by a little rabbit at times. That must be Angel Twilight spoke of they thought.

They also noticed that Fluttershy had mostly kept to herself, but has been seen around a bit more of late. Mostly after Twilight had shown up.

Trooper stepped forward. "What about the voice we all heard? Was it trying to trick us or something? If not for Dazzle, we almost went in ourselves. The thought of it doing that to us is real creepy."

Twilight addressed Trooper. "I am not sure, not without any further study on it. I think it may have been just lost. It might have been trying to call out to others of its kind. It might have even been a mating call for all I know. I could not tell you. Sorry."

Twilight looked over to Dazzle. "What made you want to get us in the first place? Plunk told me on the way here that you had some feeling come over you. Care to elaborate further?"

Dazzle felt she could tell Twilight about this."Yes, I got this odd tingling along my back that makes my tail twitch if I feel something is wrong, real wrong. It has only happened a few times, and every time something bad has happened. Though nothing like today. Today was real different. I didn't like what I felt one bit. It scares me, even now."

Twilight looked at her with a look of grief. "Not, another one!" As she rolled her eyes, "I got a friend that does much the same thing. But she is no unicorn, so I don't think it has anything to do with any unicorn magic you may have. And her tail does not always which due to something real dangerous, only when something is going to fall. Her name is Pinkie Pie and works and lives with the Cakes at Sugar Cube Corner.

All three of the youngster's faces brightened up at the name of Pinkie.

"Oh, so you heard of her?" Twilight inquired, already knowing there answer.

The three said in chorus, "Who hasn't?"

Plunk added, "Pinkie is just the greatest! She throws such fun parties. She even threw one for my family when we first moved here. I heard she does that for every new pony in town. That's so neat!"

Twilight chuckled. "Yes, she is a wild one, not to sure how she does it, but she does indeed strive to throw a party for each newcomer. She even threw one for me.

"Though, at the time I was a little less than thrilled about it. I did not have the time for a party at that time. I do remember being to yours. As usual, it was fun. That is after I got use to being here."

That part Twilight told them on her first party, gave them more to wonder on as to why she was here. After all, who doesn't have time for parties in this town, the three questioned. They knew Pinkie wouldn't stand for it. She would make sure any and every new pony got one.

Dazzle remembered she needed to finish telling Twilight what happened. She looked back to the collapsed hole in the ground. Then back to the park up the hill.

She pointed out to Twilight, "Twilight, what I felt; it started up there while we were playing Dartball. Plunk missed the ball. It bounced down the hill. The moment Plunk was off to get the ball; the feeling hit me. I just knew she should not go alone. It got worse after we found the hole and Plunk was thinking of going in."

Applejack stepped in. "It's a darn good thing she didn't, that critter was a 'nuff to give one the willies. I just might have myself nightmares thinking of that thing all night now. Ain't no pony should tangle with such a monstrosity, least of all a bunch of youngins like yourselves, just as Twilight said."

Cheerilee and Big Mac stood by giving a nod, at Applejack's statement.

Dazzle looked back to the cave. "Is it over? I still get a funny feeling while looking at it. Makes me nervous to think that it still might be able to get at someone."

Twilight though about an answer. Though, she was not sure herself what the situation was with it. "Well, it might not be dead. At least I think it could still be alive, according to what you just told me. That is if you can indeed still feel something of it.

"It was fast. It might have gotten out of the way when I collapsed the cave. There is a chance of that. I hit it once so we could all get out while we ran to get away. It did not stay down for long.

"Just to be safe I think we should move along. I think after an encounter like that with me, it might stay clear of any ponies from now on, but I would not fully count on it. It seemed persistent, even after I hit it that one time.

"This park might not be such a good idea if something like that lives so close. We will just have to be mindful of it, and keep watch. If it does not show itself in the next few months, it might be safe to say we will not likely be seeing it anymore. I can only hope that will be the case.

"I also think it to be a good idea to have a fence put about the top of the hill with a warning not to go down. I will have to see the Mayor about this situation."

The three youngsters nodded. Dazzle thought it might be good to get to know her a little better than she has.

Cheerilee said, "I think it would be a good idea if all four of us go to tell the Mayor. It would give the story more credibility with her if each of us were there to back you up on this."

Twilight stated, "That is a good idea. She has got to listen if all four of us tell what we all seen, or at least show we agree on what any of us was to tell her. News of some big, possibly killer rabbit would be a hard one to believe. She will not like this bit of news. Not after just getting the park opened."

Applejack added, "Yes, bad news of this sort does not sit well with her. Not when she put some time, thought, and bits into setting something up.

"Sorry to say, but my vote will be to have the park closed off for some time. Least, till we are sure that thing will not be showing it's ugly self around here again. Just to be safe.

"The fence is a good idea as well. I would rather something a little more than just a fence however. We will have to see what the Mayor has to say about it."

The group of seven headed back to the park.

Plunk moved close to Dazzle leaning onto her. "Thank you. I think you saved my life back there. I will try to be a lot more mindful of your intuition. I can see it is no joke as Trooper told me."

Dazzle nuzzled her a little. "It comes and goes. I never felt anything like that before though, or for as long. It was the worst thing I ever felt.

"The feeling has still not fully gone away, but isn't like it was. I think, I am still a little shaken up from it all.

"I am just glad you are safe, and nothing bad happened to anyone. Just remember and promise me that if ever going somewhere, or doing something seems a bad idea, or just doesn't feel right, don't do it alone. Trooper and I are here for you. You don't have to act so brave at times and try to prove anything to us. It is reckless.

"We are your friends, and we would rather you be safe. Never feel you are on your own. You are not alone, not with Trooper and I around."

Plunk smiled. "I promise. This ordeal has been scary enough. I don't like to think on what would have happened to me if not for you. You are such a good friend to me. More than anyone has been. I will remember that. I will be there for you as well; you can count on it. I more than owe you for this."

Dazzle shook her head. "You owe me nothing. It would bring me to tears to know you got hurt, real hurt, or even died. I can't imagine, not giving such help to anypony, never mind giving it to you or Trooper.

"I know I was demanding earlier. I was just so afraid of what I thought might happen to you. I couldn't just let you go alone."

Trooper walked up next to Plunk, "She's right. We look out for each other. Dazzle pretty much saved me from going in with you as well. It's the way it is with us. You are no exception. I had my reservations of you at first, but I see I was wrong about you. Your not as bad as I thought. I am glad I changed my mind about you. Your one of us now, and I will be there for you too."

Plunk wiped a tear from her eyes. "Thank You, both of you. Those that I had called friends back in Cloudsdale, were not anything like the two of you. I am glad I moved here, and got to know the two of you.

"I am starting to get the idea of what it is like to have friends, real friends! I regret nothing on moving, and will try to make it a good life here. With the two of you around, I am sure it will be.

"I am sorry for being such a pain before. I would like to change. I am still going to be myself. But not as what Dazzle said, as reckless. I can be a better pony. I can. I will continue to try."

With that Dazzle nuzzled Plunk some more. "I am sure you will, I always did."

The three walked side by side with each other, while following the other four, each hoping to be able to put what happened today behind them.

The end?