>You try to keep oriented as you tumble and sprawl down the steep, dark cave slope.
>Dirt and dust kick up, and your head spirals around as your body continuously hits the ground, rolling deeper and deeper into the cave.
>You grit your teeth and clench your eyes.
>Not like you could see anyway.
>You tumble and roll a few more times, occasionally gaining a little air and hitting the ground back down hard.
>Finally, after what seems like an eternity, the ground levels off.
>Your body takes one final hit as you slam into the ground and stop.
>Dust settles around you.
>You lay belly down, face pressed against the cold cave floor.
"Ohhh..."
>You groan.
>Your entire body aches.
>You decide to just lie there for a bit.
>A moment later, a soft scraping noise follows you down the sloped hill.
>You can feel it softly tap against the bottom of your shoe.
>Your pickaxe...
>It took the trip a bit later than you.
>...Well, might as well get up.
>You press your palms into the floor and push, raising your body high enough to catch it with your knees and prop yourself up.
>Everything hurts...
>You sit up and open your eyes.
>Pitch black.
>Of course.
>You reach behind you and feel around for the mining equipment.
>...There it is.
>With your pickaxe in hand, you press it into the ground for support and stand up.
>You are Anonymous.
>And this is not looking good.
>You take a step, reaching your hand out to try and feel a wall.
"Rarity?"
>You call out.
>Your voice echoes throughout the cave,
"Rarity! Hello? Can you hear me!?"
>It reverberates once more.
>...No answer.
>Of course this would happen.
>You try to be nice and help her mine for some gems, and you end up getting lost and falling down some pit in the cave.
>This shit wouldn't happen helping Twilight organize books.
>You sigh.
>...Feeling around with your hand, you finally locate a wall.
>Alright, some support.
>You lean against it and keep moving forward, feeling the wall as you go.
>Your pickaxe practically drags behind you.
>Alright...
>What's the plan...?
>You put some thought into it as you move forward.
>The air is still and cool, and the only sounds that break the piercing silence is your own footsteps and the occasional dragging of the pickaxe.
>...Just keep walking, you guess.
>There has to be a way out of here somewhere.
>How deep do these caves even go?
>You almost trip over a rock.
>Jesus... blind as a bat.
>Does anything even live out here?
>...Is this Diamond Dog territory?
>...No way, can't be.
>They're further up.
>...Right...?
>You continue feeling the wall and moving at a steady pace.
>It's so dark that you practically forget your eyes are open.
>So it's quite a shock when a small, concealed, blue light graces your vision from some far corner of the cave.
>Your eyes lock to it immediately.
>What is that...?
>You let your hand fall from the wall as you stray from it, heading toward this mysterious source of light.
>Your pickaxe occasionally taps the ground, and you keep it low in case of needed support.
>Quickly enough, and with surprisingly less stumbles than anticipated, you reach the mysterious glowing object.
>You crouch down to observe it, placing your equipment down temporarily...
>...It's a mushroom.
>A pretty, small, luminescent mushroom, no bigger than a bottle of ketchup.
>The head of it gives off this soft blue light.
>You grip the base of it and pull, softly ripping the fungus from its roots and holding it up to your face.
>...How does this even grow down here?
>...Well, you think you found your light source.
>You pass it over to your left hand and grab your pickaxe with your right, then stand back to your feet.
>You hold the mushroom up like a torch, and the illuminated fungus opening up the darkness in front of you.
>...Perfect.
>With this visual aid, you see the dark path continue forward.
>...Alright, not much elsewhere to go.
>You begin walking, slightly more comfortable now that your eyes are working.
>Your footsteps echo throughout the cavernous path, and you instinctively look around you.
>Something almost feels... off.
>You can't place it.
>Your eyes trace the walls of the cave, and up to the top where only the very tips of stalactites breach the darkness.
>What could be up there...?
>You look back to the path.
>These thoughts nearly leave you completely when an object on the ground sparkles red in reaction to your mushroom's light source.
>Your eyebrow rises.
"Hello..."
>You start, approaching the crimson glimmer.
"...What's this?"
>You crouch down to it, placing your mushroom down so that it lights the area around this object.
>It appears to be jutting from the ground.
>You place your thumb on top of it and press.
>It doesn't budge.
>You scratch softly around its edges...
>...Yeah, it's stuck in there.
>What could it be...?
>You smile.
>You think you have an idea.
>You stand back up to your feet and ready your pickaxe.
>Alright...
>One!
>You heave it over your shoulder and throw it down with all your might.
>The point pierces into the rock around the red object, cracking it slightly.
>The strike of the pickaxe travels fiercely down the cave.
>Two!
>You do it once more, crashing it into the ground and reducing the area to rubble.
>Three!
>One more hit displaces the rubble, causing the object to sink a little bit, signifying its now-loose status.
>You rest the pickaxe against the wall and crouch back down, grabbing the mushroom.
>You hold it steady as you dig your fingers in and pry out the red object.
>It gives a little more resistance than you think, so you give it one more mighty tug.
>The dust and rubble falls quietly off of it as its finally revealed.
>A giant, beautiful, red gem.
>A ruby, perhaps.
>You can see your eyes in its reflection.
"Wow..."
>It's huge...
>Man... Rarity's going to flip when she sees this.
>You smile.
>Perhaps your awkward tumble was a benefit after all.
>This is exactly the kind of thing she was looking for.
>She'll be so happy.
>You take a breath, then exhale happily.
>You appreciate the silence for a moment, then polish the jewel on your shirt like a cartoon apple, stand back up to your feet, and stick it in your pocket.
>It hardly fits, but it'll do the job.
>You pat it once or twice, then grab your mushroom and pickaxe, prepared to continue down the cave.
>You're just about to take a step, when...
>"Kekekeke..."
>You freeze.
>A cold tingling runs up your spine.
>You stand in silence for just a moment.
>...What the hell was that?
>You move the mushroom up over your head, as if it'll help illuminate higher up, and try to scope something out.
>...
>It sounded like a--
>"Kekekeke!"
"Hey!"
>You call, turning around to watch your back.
"Who's there?"
>You hear a scurrying kind of sound from above you.
>"That wasn't yours to take..." a voice says.
>It sounds feminine.
>You dart your head around.
"Where are you?"
>You hear the distinct laugh once more.
>"I've never seen anything like you before..." she comments.
>Your eyes scrape across every visible surface.
"Yeah? Well I've never seen you in general,"
>You say, voice shaking slightly.
"let's change that. Where are you?"
>"Kekekeke!"
>It sends shivers up your spine once more.
>"I'm up above!"
>Your head darts upward.
>Pitch black.
"Yeah? Well, how about you come down?"
>"Hmm..." the voice says, in a mock-thinking kind of way, "you sure about that? You aren't dangerous?"
"Me? I'm more concerned about you..."
>She laughs once more.
>"Well alright!"
>You hear a swooping kind of sound from behind you, and you dart around, mushroom in hand, and shine it at your adversary.
>You hear the landing of hooves just a split second before your visuals can register.
>She's a... p0ny.
>Or... she looks just like one.
>He has a dark grey coat, and a darker mane and tail.
>She's a pegasus, but...
>Her wings are different, like that of a bat.
>Her pupils are but mere slits, and she has small tufts at the top of her ears.
>Her eyes meet yours, and she smiles.
>You wince and back up slightly when you notice the fangs hanging from her teeth.
>You stare at her for a moment.
"...What are you?"
>She laughs once more.
>"I could ask you the same thing! So... you first!"
>You try to keep calm.
>That's right...
>You've been in Equestria for quite a bit of time now.
>The p0nies of P0nyville and surrounding cities know of your existence, but...
>Not everything will.
"I'm a... human. The only one here in Equestria..."
>She smiles softly, looking at you with eager eyes.
"I was brought here about half a year ago from my own world... I'm in these caves because I was helping a friend gather some gems... a p0ny."
>"Is this 'Rarity'?" she asks.
"Yeah, her and I were--"
>You cut yourself off.
"Wait... how do you know her name?"
>She smiles.
>"I heard you say it!"
"But that was--"
>You stop for a moment.
"...How long have you been following me?"
>She tilts her head, then smiles a big, toothy grin at you.
>The fangs mentally get under your skin.
>"Not thaaat long~"
>You smile nervously, and chuckle once or twice.
>"So! My turn! I guess you know p0nies already. Well, I'm a p0ny! Different than the ones you know, though."
>Your eyes trail from her eyes, to her wings, to her...
>...Fangs.
"Yeah... the ones I know aren't so... bat-like..."
>She looks to your eyes, then down to her mouth.
>A switch seems to go off in her head, then she laughs.
>"Oh, these?" she says, lifting a hoof and pointing to her mouth. "Don't you worry, I only like to eat mangos."
>You're taken aback a bit at her ability to pinpoint your thought process.
"S-So... you don't drink blood?"
>"Oh, no, I do!"
>Nervousness returning, full power.
>"Only if I reeeeally like you, though. Like, enough to want to make that bond."
>Your muscles begin to relax just slightly.
>"So, maybe if you buy me dinner first! Kekekekeke!"
"Heh heh heh, yeah..."
>She smiles.
>"I'm Echo, by the way! Who are you?"
>You finally bring your arms down to your side.
>Maybe she isn't dangerous after all...
>But this nervousness just won't leave.
"I'm... Anonymous. My friends call me Anon."
>"Okay Anon!" she chirps, "I guess you want to get out of here, huh?"
>You look around the cave once more.
"Yeah... that'd be great."
>"Okay! I can help you with that!"
>You look to her, and your own mouth begins to curl up slightly.
"Really?"
>"Yup! But... for a price."
>It falls back down.
"Wh-What?"
>She points to your pants.
>"For that lovely red jewel you found."
>Your hand instinctively slaps to your pocket.
"N-No way! This is for my friend Rarity!"
>Her cheeks puff up slightly with her growing smile, then she lets loose a loud laugh.
>You look to each side of you in confusion.
>"Wow Anon, I'm only kidding! This 'Rarity' girl must be really important to you, huh?"
"W-Well--"
>She spreads her bat wings and takes to the air.
>"I'm teasing! If your jewel is that important, keep it."
>She flies to you and nudges you with her elbow.
>"Come on, I'll take you home!"
>She flies forward a little bit.
>You hold out your mushroom and follow.
"Home? Where's that?"
>"Up from here, where I live! Hollow Shades!"

>After what seemed like an hour of stumbling through the caves, following this "Echo" p0ny, you finally begin to see the moonlight.
>You stride up the sloped exit of the cave, Echo flying up and moving the various brush from the opening.
>"Here we are!" she says with enthusiasm, fluttering up and out of the mouth.
>You follow her, pushing extra brush out of your way, and look to your location.
>Your jaw almost drops.
>You gaze upon an absolutely beautiful, forest-like area.
>Tall, massive trees make up the giant wooded area, with several fruits of all sizes, presumably mangos, hanging from their branches.
>Other blue glowing mushrooms pepper the ground and walls, some even bigger than you, bathing the landscape in that enchanted blue light.
>Makeshift huts and homes rest at the tops of the trees, other bat-like p0nies flying to and from them.
>The moonlight bleeds through the leaves, giving the entire area a dark, mystical kind of atmosphere.
>It's absolutely beautiful.
>Echo catches on to your wonder, and smiles.
>"Kekekekeke... I take it you like my home?"
>You snap out of it and look to her.
>You crack a smile, and nod.
"It's fantastic..."
>You say, yourself and Echo beginning walking further into the village.
"How did you end up settling here?"
>She shrugs as she flies next to you.
>"We used to live deeper in the caves, but the Diamond Dogs got pretty territorial."
>You nod as you listen.
>You've heard of the Diamond Dogs from Rarity.
>They don't seem like a friendly bunch.
>"When they kept bothering us and trying to wage some kind of war, we ended up moving out here."
>She shrugs again.
>"It was all for the best."
>She stretches her wings, and abruptly launches up into the air with speed rivaling Rainbow Dash.
>You shield your eyes with your arm, then look up to your bat companion.
>She zips up, skims by the top of a tree, snagging a giant mango, and careens back down toward you.
>She lands with a thump, then smirks at you, barring her fangs and taking a large bite.
>You watch her with some kind of fascination.
>"It's closer to the food anyway!" she comments with a giggle.
"Heh, yeah. Seems more convenient anyway."
>Echo nods, and you two begin walking again as she snacks.
>She holds out half of the mango to you.
>"Want some?" she says with her mouth half full.
>Her cheeks puff out, complimenting her cheerful smile.
>A fang pokes out as well.
>It's starting to bother you less.
>You glance down at the mango, then laugh a little.
"Sure, I'll give it a try."
>She places the fruit in your hand, and you raise it to your mouth, taking a bite.
>It's incredibly plump, the juices spraying around your mouth as you bite, some leaking down your chin.
>The flavor is beyond any fruit you've ever had, on Earth or in Equestria.
>Echo's eyes light up.
>"Do you like it!?"
>You wipe the juice from your chin, then nod at her enthusiastically.
"This has to be the best fruit I've ever had!"
>Her slit-like pupils sparkle, and she happily claps her hooves together.
>"That's great! I've been tending to that batch personally! I'm glad they came out well!"
>You take another bite.
"I'll say! You have a real talent here, Echo!"
>She closes her eyes and gives you a happy, full-toothed smile, not unlike Pinkie Pie.
>You return it, then look up to the trees.
>The other bat p0nies go about their daily... er, "nightly" lives.
>Wonder how they've stayed hidden for--
>"Echo!" you hear called from above.
>Your p0ny companion's ears twitch, and she gazes up to the treetops.
>You do as well.
>From the top of one of the trees, a figure drops like a rock, then swoops down as it closes in, landing next to you two.
>You look to her as she lands.
>It's another bat p0ny, female.
>Her mane is a lighter, bluer color than Echo's, and she's donned in what looks like royal armor.
>The p0ny scans you.
>"Echo, what are you doing bringing this creature into the village?"
>You cringe at the word "creature."
>It causes your brow to furl a bit.
>Echo shakes her head.
>"Oh, no Midnight, this isn't a creature! He's my friend! A human!"
>This "Midnight" bat p0ny turns to you, raising her eyebrow.
>"Human?" she clarifies.
>You're not a fan of her attitude.
>But you subconsciously keep on your guard as her fangs glisten in the moonlight.
>"I take it you must be Anonymous."
>Your heart almost jumps from your chest.
"Wh-What? How do you know my name?"
>She exhales an impatient breath.
>"The Princesses talk about you quite a bit, you know," she says. "I just didn't know what you'd actually look like."
"Princesses?"
>How does she...?
>"Oh, Midnight here's a Royal Guard over in Canterlot!" Echo beams. "She protects Princess Luna!"
>Oh, really?
>That explains the armor...
>"Yeah, so please forgive me if I come across as cautious and suspicious to a species I've never seen before."
>You squint your eyes at her.
>"No matter how much the Princesses seem to like you."
"I've lived in P0nyville among p0nies for six months just fine."
>"We aren't normal p0nies."
>Your fists ball a bit.
>"Midnight..."
>She glances to your pocket bulge.
>Her eyebrows rise once again, and her eyes meet yours.
>"What's in the pocket?"
>Your place your hand over the gem.
"None of your business."
>"You're in my home town, so it's my business. What is it?"
>You grit your teeth, then look to Echo.
>She looks almost sad at this turn of events.
>You sigh, then reach into your pocket and pull out the gem.
>It sparkles in Midnight's eyes.
>"A ruby, huh? Been doing some work for the Diamond Dogs?" she says with a glare.
"It's for my friend back in P0nyville."
>"His friend Rarity!"
>Midnight hasn't taken her eyes off of you.
>Her glare is making you uncomfortable.
>Echo isn't dangerous, surely... but...
>"Rarity, huh? The Element of Harmony?"
>You don't say anything.
>"You're more well connected than I though, Human."
"Thanks,"
>You say sarcastically,
"but my friends don't like to be seen as celebrities, and I don't see them as such either."
>Midnight nods.
>"Regardless..." she starts, "I'd be far more comfortable if you took your leave, Mr. Anonymous."
>You exhale an angry breath.
>"But Midnight!" Echo begins, "You--"
>"You know nothing of this creature, Echo. You've just met him. I'm not comfortable with him walking about our village."
>"But the Princesses--"
>"Have been wrong before."
>Midnight looks to you once more.
>"The Changeling invasion of Canterlot wouldn't have happened if the Princesses were a little more cautious."
>You grip the ruby in your hand like a stress ball.
>"So forgive me, Mr. Anonymous, but I'd be happy if you just left."
>She looks up to the treetops.
>Her fellow bat p0nies fly about.
>"We're outcasts enough in this land as it is. We don't need any more trouble."
>You look down to Echo.
>She's looking toward Midnight in a pleading manner.
>The, her eyes trail to you.
>She seems so sad.
>...
>You look back to Midnight.
>Her eyes are stern.
>...And her fangs are sharp.
>...
"...Fine."
>You jam the ruby back into your pocket.
"I'll leave."
>Midnight nods.
>She turns, and points with her hoof toward a brush.
>"See the bushes over there? There's a cave entrance there. Take it, and it'll lead you out toward your village."
"Alright."
>You turn toward Echo, and pat her on the head.
"Sorry..."
>She smiles, and shakes your head.
>"It's not your fault..." she says softly. "For the record... *I* trust you..."
>You smile and laugh a little through your nose.
"Thanks, Echo. And thanks for everything. I had a lot of fun in this short time."
>"I did too, Anon."
>She looks to the brush you've been directed to.
>"I was going to lead you there soon anyway... you want to get home, right?"
>You stand back up.
"Yeah... Yeah, I do."
>"Then maybe it's for the best."
>You nod, looking toward your exit.
>"Mr. Anonymous..."
"Yeah, yeah, I'm going."
>You give each bat mare one more look, then you begin striding toward the bushes.
>It takes only a minute to get there, and you turn and give the beautiful, concealed village one more look.
>...
>You turn back around and tear a mushroom from the wall, then press through the brush.
>Sure enough, the mouth to a dark cave appears.
>You sigh, and hold out your mushroom in front of you, pickaxe still in hand, and descend into the darkness.

>You spend quite a bit of time walking through the cave.
>Luckily, it's a fairly straight path, with the cave occasionally opening up a little bit more.
>But with your glowing mushroom, it's easy to stay in one consistent direction.
>Damn it... where is P0nyville supposed to be?
>You should have had this Midnight p0ny be a little more specific.
>But you've had enough of her.
>Poor Echo though...
>She was just being friendly and inviting, and she got scolded for it.
>Maybe most bat p0nies are like Midnight rather than Echo...
>...Are they creatures you want to be mingling with often?
>They do make you pretty uneasy...
>At least Echo was friendly...
>Your footsteps press and scrape against the cave floor, offering the only sound in the area.
>Until...
>Your ears catch something, and you freeze in place.
>What was that...?
>...There it is again!
>You crouch down and begin hugging the wall...
>It sounded like the pitter-pattering of feet...
>...Many feet.
>Small feet...
>You listen again...
>...It's definitely coming.
>Voices begin accompanying the footsteps.
>Shit!
>You throw the mushroom to the ground and stamp it out with your foot.
>The blue glow ceases nearly instantly.
>In the darkness, you stay close to the wall and keep still.
>It grows louder and louder, until it's almost among you.
>"...This way!" you hear.
>The voice is high pitched and scratchy.
>"Are you sure they live over here?" another voice asks.
>"Yes, there is more than one way to their village."
>You try to hold your breath as they speak.
>"Our brothers are using the other entrances, and we'll pin them in."
>What...?
>Are these... Diamond Dogs?
>"We were wrong to leave them be out here, I knew they'd still be meddling in our business."
>"How many were stolen?"
>How many of what...?
>"Just one, but it could have only been them. No other creature meddles so deeply in the caves."
>Your heart sinks.
>You feel the gem in your pocket.
>"But enough chat!"
>The pitter-patter of pawed feet begins once more, and their voices begin to fade in the direction you came.
>"We'll be late for the attack!"
>And their noises fade off into the distance...
>...
>You finally exhale.
>That was too close...
>Those Diamond Dogs though...
>They're going to attack Hollow Shades?
>You stand to your feet and dust off your pants.
>...
>Well... it's none of your concern.
>They've been feuding for a long time, as far as you've heard.
>This was bound to happen.
>...
>You feel the gem in your pocket.
>But it was practically caused by you...
>You think to Midnight.
>Your eyebrows furl.
>Well, they could have been talking about anything.
>You feel the wall, and begin to walk the direction you were going.
>It's none of your business.
>You take a few more steps.
>Echo flashes into your mind.
>You stop.
>...
>And sigh.
>You turn around, facing the direction you originally came, and begin briskly walking.
>You use the wall for support, and with no glowing blue mushroom, you're going slower than before.
>But you try your best to keep a quick pace.
>Who knows how many Diamond Dogs are already there.
>Shit... this is all your fault.

>It takes a bit longer without the mushroom, but you've finally made it to the mouth of the cave.
>You can hear quite a commotion outside.
>Your heart sinks when your ears pick it up.
>With the moonlight aiding you now, you quickly dart out from the bushes and gaze upon Hollow Shades.
>My Lord...
>You drop your pickaxe to the ground.
>The bat p0nies that occupied the treetops before now soar and zip around near the ground, tackling Diamond Dogs left and right.
>The Diamond Dogs in return swipe at the aerial p0nies with their claws.
>Several of the canines scale the giant trees in an attempt to reach the homes, with the p0nies trying their best to defend.
>Clashing, grunting, screaming, and all matter of shrill noise pierce the night.
>It's like a full on battle.
>It's horrible.
>...You need to stop this!
>You begin an all out sprint toward the middle of the battle.
>Okay!
>If you can find the leader of this battalion of mutts, you can--
>"You!!" you hear screamed from above.
>What the--!?
>You’re tackled from behind by a strong force.
>It throws you immediately to the ground, the impact almost knocking the wind out of you.
>You're grabbed and flipped around on your back, then pinned down by the chest by a pair of hooves.
>You grit your teeth and open your eyes.
>Midnight stares daggers into you.
>"Did you do this!?" she screams. "Did you sick the Diamond Dogs on us!?"
"No, I--"
>"Tell the truth, Human!" she barks.
>Her mouth opens, showing off her sharp fangs that could tear out your throat in an instant.
"I didn't do it! I came back to help!"
>"Why should I believe you!?"
>You try to squirm free.
"Just give me a chance! I think I can stop this attack if you just let me--"
>"Let you go? Think again!"
>She turns her head and spits.
>"I gave you your chance to go, now you're going to pay for your actions!"
"Will you listen to me!?"
>"Not a chance in Tartarus!"
>"Midnight!!"
>Both of your heads turn toward the source of the voice.
>The familiar grey bat p0ny flies in toward you two.
>"Echo! I told you to evacuate the--"
>"I'm not leaving Hollow Shades!" she cries, landing down. "And what are you doing to Anon!?"
>Midnight presses her hooves harder into your chest.
>You wince.
>"Don't you see? This human comes to visit Hollow Shades, and right when he leaves, we're attacked! Do you think this is mere coincidence?!"
>"Yes!!"
>Echo readies her legs, then barrels into Midnight, stumbling her completely off of you.
>You scramble to your feet.
>"Echo! How dare you--"
>"How dare YOU!!" she interrupts.
>Midnight is taken aback.
>"Anon comes all the way back to help and you treat him like some kind of traitor!"
>Echo turns to you and smiles.
>"You may not trust him, but I do! And if he wants to help, then we should give him a chance!"
>Midnight grits her teeth, then looks from Echo to you.
>It's like she's having some sort of internal conflict.
>You give her a stern look.
>She furls her brow and growls.
>"...What did you have in mind?"
>You exhale, then turn to the battle taking place.
>The fight is still fierce.
"Which one is their leader?"
>Midnight walks up next to you.
>"...There," she says, pointing with a hoof. "That's him."
>She signals to a small dog in a red vest attacking two bat p0nies at the same time.
"Got it."
>You begin walking toward him.
>"Hey! What do you think you're doing?" Midnight calls to you.
"You'll see!"
>You try to steady your breathing as you approach the leader.
>Bat p0nies and dogs scrap and battle on every side of you.
>But you keep your eye on the prize.
>You're within earshot.
"Hey!"
>You call.
>The red vested Diamond Dog finishes a wound up backfist, then turns to you.
>His eyebrows rise.
>You take a few more steps, then stop.
>He lowers himself to the ground, not taking his eyes off of you, and crawls toward you.
>"What do you want... Creature...?" he says, approaching dangerously close.
>You grow increasingly nervous, but you try your best to maintain a calm and serious demeanor on the outside.
>The other Diamond Dogs slowly stop fighting, looking to their leader.
>The bat p0nies follow suit soon enough once their adversaries cease.
"You can stop this fight now."
>The dog gets back up to his two hind feet.
>He's not very tall at all, but commands a sort of weight behind his actions.
>"And why is that, Creature? You know nothing of this fight."
"I don't think you do either."
>He exhales an angry breath, then takes a few steps back.
>"You meddle in affairs that aren't yours. These bat p0nies have been a thorn in our side for too long."
>"A thorn in YOUR side? You drove us out from our own home!" a male bat p0ny calls from afar.
>The dog hisses and turns to the speaker.
>Other dogs and p0nies begin verbally arguing too.
>You look around yourself at these two bickering races.
>Oh boy...
>"Enough!!" a voice booms.
>Every dog and p0ny around you hushes up instantly.
>You turn around.
>Midnight and Echo now stand behind you.
>Midnight nods.
>"Continue, Anonymous."
>You nod back at her, then face the Diamond Dog leader.
>"You best just leave, Creature. This battle has nothing to do with you. We can't coexist if these p0nies continue to meddle on our land."
>You furl your brow.
"I don't think these p0nies meddled anywhere."
>"They've stolen our jewels!"
"Did they?"
>You reach into your pocket.
>Here we go...
>You hold your breath, then pull out the large red ruby.
>The dogs all gasp, and the leader backs up in surprise.
>"Y-You! It was you!"
"It was."
>You stole our jewel!"
>He balls his paw in a fist.
>Oh shit...
>Keep it cool, Anonymous.
"Was it ever yours to begin with?"
>The dog cringes.
"I found it in an open Equestrian cave, stuck in undisturbed rock."
>"It was on our territory!"
"Finders keepers."
>You toss the jewel into the air and catch it.
"Look... these bat p0nies have no desire for jewels. They won't be taking anything."
>The dog glares at you.
>Every p0ny and Diamond Dog around is listening to you intently.
>The dog doesn't budge.
"So tell you what... if you promise to leave here now, and never bother them again... I'll give you this here jewel."
>You look at it from all angles, moving your hand and head around to see it all.
"Sure is pretty, isn't it?"
>"No, Anon!" you hear from behind you.
>You turn to see Echo, eyes contorted in a pleading matter.
>"That jewel is for your friend! Don't give it to them just for us!"
>You poke the inside of your cheek with your tongue.
>"We can take them! We'll fight them and they'll leave us alone forever! You just keep your jewel and leave it to us!"
>You look to the dark maned bat p0ny.
>You inhale deeply, then exhale.
"No, Echo. I'm sorry. No more fighting."
>Her mouth opens, but nothing comes out.
>You turn back to the leader of the Diamond Dogs.
>You hold out the jewel to him.
"So... do we have a deal?"
>He glares at you, eyes full of anger.
>Then he glances to the jewel you're presenting before him.
>...
>He snags it with his paw, then backs up a little bit.
>Your eyes are still locked.
>...
>"Boys! Move out, we're done here!"
>Immediately, all the dogs drop down on their legs and begin to sprint.
>It's like a herd, and they all move toward two or three separate cave entrances.
>The leader places the jewel inside his vest, then follows his men out.
>The thunder-like rumbling of dozens of feet slamming the ground slowly comes to a stop as the dogs descend deeper and deeper into the caves.
>...
>Holy shit...
>You heave an exhale of relief.
"Alright... that was terrifying."
>The bat p0nies roar in applause.
>Two of them fly down and wrap their hooves around you in a brotherly manner, patting you on the back and rustling your hair.
>"That was incredible!"
>"You saved our hides!"
>"Who are you, kid!?"
>You smile and pat them back.
>Other p0nies fly down and speed words of congratulations and thanks past you.
>You smile and wave, not accustomed to this kind of treatment.
>"Anon!!" you hear from behind you.
>You turn around, just in time to see a grey blur slam into you. 
>The impact almost knocks you over.
>She wraps her hooves around you tightly.
>"You saved us, Anon! You gave up your prize just for us!"
>Your body catches up to your mind, and you wrap your arms around Echo, giving her a hug back.
"For them, and for you." 
>She pauses for a moment, then tightens her hug.
>You enjoy the embrace for as long as it lasts.
>Opening your eyes, you see Midnight.
>She's stern at first...
>But then she smiles, and nods at you.
>You smile too.
>...Good enough for you.
>"Hey, Anon..." Echo says softly.
"Yeah?"
>You reply.
>Anticipating a response, you instead get a piercing pain in your neck.
>Your smile is instantly wiped from your face, and your mouth drops, emitting a scattered, rumbling kind of sound.
>Your arms loosen, your eyes widen, and your pupils shrink to pinpricks.
>Your vision grows hazy...
>You can feel suction on your neck, and a warm liquid make its way up and around that area.
>"Kekekekeke..."
>You grow weak, and you drop to your knees.
>The haze over your eyes intensifies, and you can feel yourself falling over.
>Then, everything goes black.

>"Is that him?"
>"Oh Celestia, it is!" 
>You slowly come to consciousness.
>Oh sweet God in heaven, what happened...?
>Your eyes flare open, but instantly close when they're greeted with the intense sunlight you're no longer used to.
>"Anon!"
>You bring your arm over to shield the sunlight, then open your eyes once again.
>You sit up from the ground, looking around your surroundings.
>...Ah.
>It's the cave you and Rarity originally went to.
>Must have been... yesterday?
>...Echo...
>She brought you home...
>"Anon!"
>You turn your head to see Twilight galloping toward you.
>The rest of the mane six follow her.
>"There you are! Are you alright? What happened!?"
>"Anonymous!" Rarity calls as she closes in as well, "I'm so sorry! When you made that dreadful fall, I didn't know what to do! We've been looking for you all night!"
>A smile comes to your face, and you laugh a little as the other p0nies all gather 'round.
>You subconsciously begin rubbing your neck.
>Applejack takes notice.
>"Anon... what happened to your neck?"
>Oh.
>Your eyes widen in slight surprise, and you take your hand off to allow them to see.
>Two small, red marks pierce your skin.
>"You've been bitten by something!' Twilight cries. "Were you attacked? Are you alright? What happened already!?"
>You smile, and a moment later, audibly laugh.
>The other p0nies look to each other in confusion.
>You get back up to your feet and dust off your pants.
"Alright..."
>You say, beginning to walk.
>The other p0nies glance to each other, then begin following you.
"Let me tell you about last night..."

The End