Lost in the Dark (Bat Pony Short)

>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