Note from Inu: So sorry about the delays, I'm busy with a certain someone who wouldn't respect my bucking feelings.

Five; The Chronicles of Rainbow Dash
Trapped!

   I rubbed my eyes and sat up in bed. The sun was already up and light poured into my room. I was greeted by the same furniture I woke up to see yesterday. And the day before that. Nothing in the room other than the bed is really any use to me, I didn't see why Light couldn't have ordered something cooler, like... like... I got nothing. To be honest, there isn't really anything to do as a wolf. It's simply just eat meat and live. The pack probably doesn't live the way I am currently living. I bet they don't sleep on beds or have a fridge to keep their food fresh.

   I yawned and sleepily got off the comfy mattress. I stretched my wings. There was no use practicing or working out, they will never be strong enough to carry me again. 

   Glancing at the clock, I noticed I had overslept again. Shoot, Morning Bird would be outside my door getting impatient. I grabbed my backpack that contained my diary (which by the way has only one entry), some bits, a few books and the photo album I carry around of my friends in Ponyville. This backpack is very dear to me. I wouldn't be caught dead without it now. It wasn't much importance to me when I was a pony, I lived with my friends and there was no need to bring pictures of them with me where ever I went. It's also useful to cover up my wings. As far as anypony in Fillydelphia knows, I am just a travelling wolf born naturally.

   Fillydelphia is a really nice town. Ponies are very kind towards me. Sure some of them shot me looks when I pass by, but this is as good as it gets being a whole other species living in a place meant for ponies.

   I opened the front door and a yellow pink-maned pony jumped onto me. She gave me a noogie and laughed.

   "Hey! I just brushed my fur!" My tongue almost slipped and I bit down on it, preventing myself from saying the word "mane". Morning Bird was already suspicious that I'm hiding something. I am. It's just the very fact that I was once a pony. If anyone or anypony found out, I'm toast and the news would wildfire all the way to Ponyville.

   "Thats what you get!" Morning Bird said chuckling through her teeth.

   "For what?!"

   "Duh. Making me wait here for nearly an hour!" She stepped off me and I got onto my paws.

   "Sorry." Morning Bird brushed some dirt off my furcoat with her hoof.

   "Ok, let's go now."

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   "Like any other creature, the weak point of a wolf is the heart. Aiming your magic at it head on would not be the smartest move as it gives time for the wolf to attack. Do not think of this as a chance. It WILL happen. A spell to locate the heart would take time to cast, opening a window of opportunity for the wolf to rip you to shreds. Aiming a confusion spell for the skull would be the smartest strategy. Once they are dazed, make your move and cast an offense spell." The book fell to the ground and the mare began to practice her magic.

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   "These canyons are pretty cool." I followed Morning Bird. She looked down the gully. "You want a look?" She backed off and I replaced her spot at the edge of the cliff.

   "What is there to see anyways?" There didn't seem like much. All I saw below were a few dried out bushes and lots of rocks.

   "Not much, but ponies come here to seek any rare rocks that may have grown itself to the side of the canyon."

   "You mean ponies have actually gone down there?" I asked.

   "Of course! Many pegasi can get down there easily and a few unicorns use teleportation."

   "What do earth ponies use?" Morning Bird's eyes watered up and I could tell she was resisting a laugh.

   "Those stairs." She pointed behind me. I turned my head to see and sure enough a set of stairs leading down to the valley laid a few feet away.

   "Seems a bit too convenient to me, I would just fly down there."

   "What was that?" Morning Bird narrowed her eyes. "Did you just say you can fly?"

   "If I'm a pegasus," I answered quickly. She stared at me for a moment. Blinking a few times, Morning Bird sighed and made her way to the stairs, waving for me to follow.

   The yellow pony made it around the rocky terrain as if this wasn't her first time here. 

   "They say there used to be a river here, and the ponies that settled here got water from it. It's a myth but I believe it's true. The water must've carved these canals." I looked around, some of the rocks did look smoother than others.

   "Why is this open as an attraction?"

   "There are a few tunnels that are dug into the walls of the cliffs. Some ponies believed there were to be treasure near the bedrock." I blinked.

   "You think that treasure is in there?" I asked. Morning Bird brushed her pink mane out of her eyes.

   "Nah, it's just a rumour." I looked at one of the caves' entrance. Sunlight was swallowed inside and I could barely see the end of it. Morning nudged me, grabbing my attention. She offered a sly smile and nodded in the direction of the cave. "But that doesn't mean we can't check them out?"

   "Right on!" I said. Just because I'm a wolf now didn't mean I can't continue my life of adventures as I did when I was a pony. 

   My wings ached underneath the backpack. They're itching to take flight. I shifted them, moving my backpack slightly. I don't even remember how good it was to be up in the air.

   The cave tunnels are lit by torches that are strapped to the wall.

   "Where do those torches come from?" I asked.

   "Oh. No idea, they're probably lit by the treasure hunter that came a week ago and were left burning." Wooden beams were placed against the walls, supporting the ceiling from caving in. I pushed against one lightly with a paw; it creaked under the pressure.

   "These don't look well built."

   "They haven't been reinforced for a while, I don't think half the town even remember these tunnels exist." I squinted my eyes to peer deeper into the tunnel; it seemed like it would trail on forever.

   The fire that lit the torches crackled. As Morning and I walked, I strained my ears to listen to my surroundings. Tony paws pounded against the ground. Mice. I could hear their scurrying perfectly, but Morning Bird was completely oblivious to the sound.

   We weaved through the tunnel, trekking on and on. I didn't know how far it would lead, I didn't even know what to expect at the end. I had asked Morning Bird why we were even going deeper in; she shrugged. 

   "It's just simply fun," Morning Bird answered before trotting ahead. I ran to keep up with the filly.

   Eventually, we hit a dead end. I groaned. It was a wall for nothing. The road was blocked off by stone and was barricaded by wooden planks.

   "What now?" I asked. 

   "We could try to remove those rocks." Morning Bird walked up to the wooden planks and attempted to pull one off. It was no use. She sighed. "It doesn't look like we can go much farther." I rolled my eyes.

   "This was just stupid you know, walking down all the way here only to find a dead end."

   "What were you expecting?" I bit down on my lip.

   "Treasure? Money? Maybe a dead body? Anything that can make things more exciting." Morning Bird stuck her tongue out.

   "Any treasure that would've been here is probably already taken, and a dead body? That's just sick!" I laughed.

   "Might as well as get some memories in before I leave in a few days." I watched the expression on Morning Bird's face soften. Her mouth dropped into a sad frown.

   "You're leaving?" 

   "I can't stay here forever."

   "Won't you try to stay for a longer than a few days? For me?" The answer was a simple "no", but I couldn't bring myself to say it.

   "We'll see." Taking one last glance at the dead end, making sure we didn't miss anything, we began the walk back. Bad luck struck.

   "Aiieeeeeee!!" Morning Bird screamed and jumped, slamming herself into a beam. I turned my head to see a small mouse scurrying away from the freightened yellow filly. A pebble dropped from above and hit me on the head. Looking up, I realized we were in grave danger. The beam Morning Bird had slammed into had snapped and could no longer hold up the ceiling.

   Instinctively, I grabbed Morning Bird by the scruff and backtracked. Giant boulders fell behind me, blocking our exit. Within a few seconds, we were under the safety of another supporting beam.

   Morning Bird was panting. She was scared out of her breath.

   "What the hell was that?" I snapped.

   "I felt something brush against my leg! It was cold and wet," she protested.

   "It was just a mouse." I gritted my teeth, "Now we're trapped inside this forsaken tunnel." I pointed at the exit, now covered by giant gray boulders.

   "Sorry." I sat down beside Morning Bird and sighed. "And thank you for saving my life back there." She looked at the blocked tunnel. "I would've been crushed."

   "No problem." I sighed. "Just be more careful next time ok?"

   A few hours passed, and we struggled to attempt to move the rocks. It was useless. Neither Morning Bird nor I had the strength to budge them.

   "Rainbow?"

   "Yeah?"

   "You know how you wanted some memories?"

   "Yeah?"

   "Well, I'm pretty darn sure neither of us would forget this."

   "Shut up." It was the first time I felt angry with the filly. It wasn't her fault the mouse scared her, but I couldn't find anyone else to pin the blame on.

   I paced around the space we were trapped in. Morning Bird had convinced us that somepony or someone would come rescue us. We just had to wait in the mean time. I watched the flames on the torches flicker. It would really suck if they just suddenly blew out. The situation we were in was not cool. Not cool at all.

   "Rainbow?" Morning Bird croaked.

   "What is it now?"

   "I'm hungryyy," she complained, "Do you have anything to eat?" I sat down. Carefully so that she wouldn't catch a glimpse of my wings, I brought my bag into my lap and reached in, fumbling around with the contents. I fished out a chocolate bar I had packed such a while ago that I don't even remember. It was my last one.

   "Here." I tossed the candy bar to Morning Bird who grabbed it instinctively, ripped it open and took a bite. Chewing, she opened her mouth.

   "Aren't you going to eat anything?" She asked.

   "Not hungry," I lied. That was the last of the food I had. My stomach ached I bit. I hadn't ate anything since last night. I had skipped breakfast since I was too lazy.

   Finishing the candy, she tossed the wrapper aside and laid down. She rubbed her eyes, and looked at me.

   "Might as well as get some sleep." Oh man. This filly wasn't even concerned by the fact we were trapped and couldn't leave our small space. Light could be back, and I'm stuck here, unable to do anything.

   "Good night then."

   "Good night, Rainbow Dash."

   The ground was rock hard. I didn't expect to sleep on earth again until Light dragged me out of the house he had rented. Within a week, I had forgotten what it felt to sleep on the cold ground. Now the idea of being in bed with a blanket over seemed like heaven again.

   With my stomach rumbling, I fell asleep.

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   "I don't think this is the best idea."

   "Come on Trixie! How does the idea of some midnight hunting NOT seem appealing to you? Everything you catch is a keeper."

   "You buffoon, if we're caught catching prey for ourselves, Stream will skin us."

   "Well haven't you become quite the sharer? Very well, I will go alone." Rasheen cocked his head before bounding away from the purple she wolf. He was stopped in his tracks.

   "W-wait!" Rasheen turned back to Trixie.

   "Are you really going to do this?"

   "Of course, it'll be fun, I'll bring something back to excuse myself from any questions Stream may ask about my absence, if he notices that is."

   "If that's the case, I'll come with you!" Rasheen's ears perked. He grinned.

   "I'm delighted to hear that."

   "Yeah." Trixie rubbed her head against Rasheen's pelt, and felt his warm heart through his chest.

   "Let's go."

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   A limp rabbit laid at my paws. Meat. My stomach growled. Finally I would get something to eat. The scent of its fresh blood drifted up my nose. I felt its body with my paws. It felt pudgy for a rabbit. Finally, I would fill my stomach.

    I wanted to rip it apart in a single strike, and pull off its flesh full of fat. I lowered my head to take the first bite. Something was not right. My head spun; I felt dizzy. The rabbit blurred, and my eyes popped over.

   I stood over Morning Bird, mouth near her neck, almost biting down. Her eyes were closed, and she breathed slowly. She was contently asleep. The sudden realization of what I had just almost done made me throw myself back. It happened again. I almost tore apart my friend for a meal.

   Stomach grumbling, I sat down against the rocky wall. I wiped the sweat off my face. I just noticed how hot it was in here. The hunger was dizzying and I was drained of my energy. If I don't get something to eat sooner, I don't think I'll be able to control it. I closed my eyes, and forced myself into dreamless sleep.

   A painful blast to my leg jolted me awake. I screamed. My eyes opened and I was faced to face with an orange unicorn. Her mane was crimson red and her eyes were emerald green. She stared into me, horn glowing.

   "Stop!!! What are you doing?!" A familiar voice screamed. I tilted my head. Morning Bird had latched herself to the orange mare's leg.

   "Sweety, I already told you, your mother hired me to come find you and kill this wolf. So make my job easier and sit to the side." The unicorn fired another blast, this time for my left forepaw. It was a direct hit. My flesh burned with pain. I let out another howl.

  "S-stop! You're hurting her!" Morning Bird sobbed. Her nose was running and face was light red. Tears streamed down from her eyes. The unicorn began to cast another spell, this time aiming for my other leg. I struggled to sit up. My body wouldn't budge. The lack of food had left me with virtually no energy to move around with. My stomach grumbled. Would you shut up already? I braced myself for the attack.

   "STOP!" The orange mare halted her spell and turned her attention to the direction of the voice. I reconized that voice. It was Lotus Dawn. I turned my gaze to her. She raised a hoof. "Leave the wolf, let her suffer here slowly. You have injured two of her legs, she will not be able to move." The orange mare nodded, picked up a thrashing Moning Bird, and walked away.

   "Mom!! Don't leave Rainbow Dash here! Bring her with us! She's going to die in this condition!" Lotus looked at her daughter.

   "Well, that's the point isn't it?"

   "NO! Rainbow saved my life! Now it's my turn to repay her!" The yellow filly attempted to smack the orange mare.

   "I am your mother, you will listen to what I say," Lotus snapped.

   "But-"

   "No buts! The wolf stays here and dies!" Morning Bird stopped thrashing. She took a glimpse at me. I shot her a sympathetic look and managed a weak smile. She looked down, and gave up. Looking back at me, she mouthed the words "Thank you" and "I'm sorry."

   The three ponies left, leaving me to myself in the tunnel. A torch above me flickered, and blew out. Every torch in the tunnel slowly dimmed until there was no fire lighting the cave. I sighed, closed my eyes and fell into what I expected to be eternal sleep.

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   My eyes creaked open. The moon shone its light down. My pupils dilated, and I blinked a few times, absorbing the light. Like a furnace, something beneath me warmed me. Something was carrying me. SomeONE was carrying me. The gray fur had a familiar scent, but I couldn't put my tongue on it. Who's carrying me? I moved my left paw and let out a small painful cry. It burned like crazy.

   "Dash? You awake?" It was Light.

   "A bit. What happened?"

   "I spent a while searching for you in Fillydelphia. I eventually followed your scent to the canyon. I found you lying inside in one of the tunnels, two of your paws are greatly injured by what seemed like unicorn magic. One of your legs may even have a broken bone."

   "What are you, a doctor?" I snorted.

   "Thats not important, what happened? I smelled the scents of three other ponies." If I told Light, he could grow angry and hunt down Morning Bird, possibly kill her. I decided to keep my mouth shut.

   "Can't tell you."

   "Whatever, how are you feeling?" I buried my face deeper into Light's neck. I felt the muscle inside his legs flex with each step you took. His presence calmed me and relaxed the pain that had taken over in my left paw and right leg.

   "Much better. Thank you."