Episode 25:

The Underground Adventure

“Help! Help!”

Two voices cried from afar attracting the Lion and Pony Guard’s attention.

“What was that?!” Starlight was the first to ask.

“That's Tiifu and Zuri.” Beshte was the first to make out said voices.

“Sounds like they're in trouble.” Kion noted from the sound of it. “Ono? Rainbow? See anything?”

“Negative.”

“The calls are coming from inside Pride Rock.”

“Let's check it out. Come on.” Twilight commanded before leading everyone on over there alongside Kion who is more than happy to get off the first attack in his family’s defense if it just so happens to be the worst case scenario.

The Lion and Pony Guard were able to make quick time in getting over there before entering the cave inside.

“Tiifu, Zuri. What's wrong?!”

“Is everything okay?!”

“What’s going on?!”

Both leaders of the Guard along with Starlight urgently asked with both of their magical auras flared up while still in an offensive stance.

But as it turns out, the emergency in question turns out not to be what they expected it.

“What's wrong? Look at us.”

“Our fur won't lay straight. It's too hot and dry around here.”

The two cried and complained.

“Well, it is the dry season.”

“And something that should be obvious at this point. Considering this is something we’ve dealt with for the past three years in counting.”

Both Ono and Rainbow remarked rather deadpan and annoyed with what they are seeing.

“But it's not just our fur.” Zuri further complained. “Our paws are cracked, our noses are scaly. We look horrible.”

Fuli groaned completely annoyed out of her mind that she was urgently summoned for this. “Seriously?”

“You girls have got to be kidding me!” Starlight said while just completely flabbergasted by this ‘emergency’ of theirs.

“Geez Louis, you girls wasted our important time just to deal with your petty little complains about your appearance?!” Rarity also exclaimed equally annoyed herself.

“But it was an emergency…” Zuri defended.

“...and definitely something you would have done if you were in our paw prints.” Tiifu added in agreement.

“Not to the point I’d call an ambulance over something this silly!” Rarity face hoofed herself and groaned once more before fetching herself her fashion kit shaped and styled to look like an emergency kit. “Here I come, hold onto to your fur, literally.” She then moved to approach them so she can take care of their little problem just when both Kiara and Nala walked inside.

Already Kiara could only look on dismayed with what had just happened. “Oh, no. I told you two not to call the Lion and Pony Guard for this.” She scolded.

“But, Kiara…” Zuri tried to speak before being cut off by the queen herself.

“Ladies.” Nala spoke up in a firm tone. “The Guard is only for real emergencies. Not fur emergencies.”

“And before you start…” Twilight also added as she chimed in on the scolding. “...for all of her overly dramatic moments, Rarity isn’t the kind of girl to want to call the authorities over something like this. So consider this a warning because false alarms are a serious offense nowadays. And this had better not happen again. Understand?”

The two were quick to heed their words out of respect for them.

“Sorry.”

“Yes, Your Majesties.”

“Good.”

“Thank you, Twilight.” Rarity thanked with a smile before turning back to tending to the lionesses with her fashion tools.

“Maybe you should try the warm mud pots at the edge of the Pride Lands.” Beshte then suggested. “Us hippos love 'em when the weather's too dry.”

“Mud can be very moisturizing.” Ono chimed in finding it a nice idea to try out.

“That's perfect.” Zuri immediately liked the idea itself. “We'll go to the mud pots.”

“You have to come, too, Kiara.” Tiifu then insisted. “We never see you anymore.”

“Yeah.” Zuri agreed. “You're always so busy with boring Royal Family stuff.”

“"Boring Royal Family stuff"?” Nala responded looking offended by that remark along with both Twilight and Kiara.

“Like helping the Pride Landers deal with the threat of Scar?” Kiara added while looking on in disbelief with the way her friends are talking to and about her family.

“Exactly.” Tiifu stated.

Hearing that had Twilight look on at the girls not believing what she is hearing from them. So to make sure they toe the line she moved to adopt a calm but firm and stern demeanor before scolding them. “If you two had bothered to do your homework recently, you would know that so called “Boring Royal Family stuff” is crucial and vital in keeping everyone here safe. And by that we mean Kiara watching over the Pride Lands while me along with Kion, Simba, Celestia, and Luna hold war meetings to stay on top whatever Scar tries to do next. Whether it’s trying to target someone else in the Pride Lands and Equestria or here at Pride Rock including you and or anyone here. And if you recall the latest Kumbuka celebration you’ll recall exactly why and how it is necessary to try to stay on guard at all times.” Both girls could only feel a pang of sadness strike their hearts as they recalled that day when tragedy nearly striked. “So that said you two need to start choosing your words more carefully because there are others who can and will charge you for kind of thing. Got it?”

Both girls quickly realizing their mistake moved to bow to her apologetically.

“Understood.”

“Won’t happen again.”

“Good.”

With that aside Zuri then turned to her friend still moving to keep the conversation upbeat. “Anyways…Kiara, why don’t you come with us?” She invited. “I didn't want to say it, but you're looking a little frizzy yourself and I think it’ll be good for you.”

Kiara wise about the dangers of being near the border between the Pride Lands and the Outlands turned to her mother and sister-like friend. “Mom? Twilight?”

Both Nala and Twilight turned to each other before stepping aside to talk it out. After a minute of whisper discussing the matter they moved back to voice their decision about it.

“The edge of the Pride Lands isn't as safe as it used to be.” Nala began as she cautioned her daughter. “But if you had an escort from the Lion and Pony Guard…” But before she could voice who they had in mind, Bunga spoke up.

“I'd be happy to take Kiara to the mud pots.” He proudly volunteered and proclaimed. “No one will keep her safer than me.”

“Actually, we were thinking more about Kion.” The queen corrected.

Not that Bunga minded at all. “Kion can come too. That'll make if more fun.”

“We wouldn't be going to have fun, Bunga.” Kion pointed out and reminded. “But you'd definitely be safer with two Lion Guard members. I'll go.”

“Thanks, Kion.” His sister thanked.

“And in addition, I’m sure someone from the Pony Guard will be more than happy to volunteer to accompany you.” She turned to said ponies in mind. “Rarity? Fluttershy? Would either of you or both of you like to join both Kion and Bunga too?”

“Well…I suppose I can do that. But only to keep watch over them because I am not stepping a hoof into that mud!”

“Wouldn’t expect you too.” She then turned to the other pony. “How about you, Fluttershy? Is this something you're willing to step up to doing.”

“I guess. Though I wish it wasn’t near the Outlands.”

“I know.” Twilight quickly comforted. “If only this wasn’t a last minute thing then a scheduled appointment to the Ponyville Spa could have been arranged.” She then reassured. “But you do have Kion, Bunga, and Rarity joining you, so you won’t be alone.”

“True.” She took a deep breath before giving a more solid answer. “Okay, I’ll go too.”

“Thanks, Fluttershy. You too, Rarity.”

Both Tiifu and Zuri we’re already getting excited about their little field trip. “Girls' Day Away. Girls' Day Away.”

“Fuli, Beshte, Applejack, Pinkie keep up the daily patrol.” Kion instructed of the others.

“Looks like Bunga and I are going on a Girls' Day Away.”

Fuli smirked. “Better you than me.”

“Along with me.” Applejack added with the same expression. “I already have plans for that kind of relaxation with Fuli, Kion, and Rarity, so I’m good sitting out this one.”

“Same here.” Rainbow said before remembering something. “Oh! Speaking of a day away, that reminds us…” She quickly turned to both Twilight and Ono. “We gotta hurry if we don’t want to miss out on the upcoming Daring Do convention later today.”

“That’s right!” Twilight also realized and remembered. “Luckily I already have packed everything I need last night.”

“Me too!” Ono quickly flew off towards the portal deep in the cave. “We better fetch our luggage before our train leaves! Good luck, Kion!”

“We’ll tell you all about it when we get back!” Rainbow also called after them while flying after them.

“Good luck, Kion. You too Bunga.” And one more thing Starlight, you’re in charge along with Fuli and Kyoga until we get baaacccckkk….” Twilight also wished her best friend well before leaving along with Rainbow when the latter moved to drag her by the hoof to get her to come along too.

“We’ll make sure to hold up the fort until then, Twilight!” Starlight also yelled back her promise loud enough so an echo can be heard inside the portal heading into Ponyville so her mentor can hear her, which she thankfully did.

The others could only chuckle for a bit at the entertaining fan humor the three share all while knowing they are all in for quite an adventure themselves. After that moment had passed everyone else went their separate ways for the time being.

Later on the group of lions along with their escorts had made their way to the Mud Pots. Upon arriving, Bunga was already quick try it out himself. “Zuka Zama!” He exclaimed while leaping into mud and ended up splattering mud over both Zuri ad Tiifu.

“Ew! Don't get us muddy.” The former complained.

“Why not?” Bunga innocently asked while lounging back in the warm mud. “I thought you wanted to get muddy.”

“Not like that.” The later asserted. “We came to relax in the mud, not splash around.”

“For once I have to agree with the girls on this one, Bunga.” Rarity said as she moved to approach the edge without touching the mud itself. “It’s like being at the spa not the water park.”

“But splashing's more fun. Look.” Bunga moved to try to get the girls muddy by splashing it on them. But said attempt was swiftly shielded by Rairty’s magic while giving him the look in return.

“Bunga, come on.” Kion insisted against making this all fun and games. “We're not here to have fun. We're here to keep watch.”

“Okay, I'll keep watch.” He relented before suddenly gasped pointing to the opposite direction. “Is that Scar?”

Kion naturally alarmed along with Fluttershy were quick to turn his head towards said direction. “Where?”

But it turns out it was just a distraction so Bunga could splash mud at Kion. “Gotcha!”

“Bunga!” Fluttershy scolded as she felt her heart rate spike because of it. “That wasn’t funny! You really scared me there!”

“Oops. Sorry.” Immediately he forgot all about before pulling Kion into the mud for a friendly mud fight together.

“Oh it's on!” Kion moved to play with Bunga in the mud pots while the other girls watched on with the lions more focused on what they are seeing than Rarity tending to Fluttershy who is still shaken up by Bunga’s little practical joke.

“Why do boys like to be so messy?” Tiifu asked Kiara and Rarity.

“Because in Bunga and Kion’s case it’s their way of having fun.” Rarity replied seeing nothing wrong with it.

“Messy can be fun.” Kiara replied also knowing and accepting her brother and his friend’s way of playing together.

“Mmm, I don't think so.” Zuri said otherwise. “Relaxing and pampering ourselves is fun.”

“And that’s what you girls shall enjoy on our watch.” Rarity assured. “So why don’t you all get settled in, shall we?”

The lions along with Rarity and Fluttershy moved to walk by and admire the flowers where Zuri herself puts one in in Kiara's ear. Just then mud was thrown at Kiara which caught the girls attention to both Kion and Bunga. Naturally for his kid like nature Bunga points at Kion to assert he did it despite being fully covered in mud.

With a smirk at the two, Kiara moved to follow the two as they leaped across the stepping rocks before leaping into the mud one by one all while giggling and laughing along the way. After swimming in the mud for a bit she moved to regroup with the other lions as they lounged together by the edge.

Kion then jumped into the mud from a high rock to make a splash in the mud. Then Bunga followed suit and ended up making a splash so huge it created a wave that swooped the other lions along for the ride into the middle of mud pit.

Kiara already taking delight in their mischievous fun moved to submerge her head under the mud before moving to scare Bunga like a crocodile in the swamp catching it’s prey. Bunga was caught off guard by that he ended up falling backwards into the mud while the two siblings laughed like it was the funniest thing they have ever seen with Kion laughing while falling on his back. Bunga was then quick to playfully engage in another splash fight with both siblings.

While this was going on both Rarity and Fluttershy watched on along with keeping watch for anything lurking nearby. At the same time their laughing and playing around ended up catching the attention of someone who just happened to be in the nearby den.

“Hey Hey Hey!” The aardvark angrily called out to the three visibly irritated with the ongoing commotion. “Keep it down out here. Some of us are trying to sleep.”

“Oh, dear.”

“Oh, my.”

Both Rarity and Fluttershy gasped upon seeing and realizing this just so happens to be near where he and the other aardvarks live in.

“Sorry, Muhangus.” Kion apologized.

“We didn't know you were here.” Kiara also said equally apologetic.

“Course not.” The aardvark sarcastically remarked. “'Cause why would an aardvark be anywhere near an aardvark hole?”

“Well in all fairness…” Rarity spoke up in their defense. “...we’ve hardly ever visited this particular part in the Pride Lands. I mean normally we would go to the Ponyville Spa for this sort of thing but the place is already booked for today. So please, forgive us, darling.”

“We’ll try to keep it down now, Muhamgus.” Fluttershy promised.

“I should hope so.” Muhangus grumbled before going back inside his den.

“Okay…” Fluttershy then spoke up wanting to be the voice of reason on their current visit here. “...I think maybe we should play and even better relax here going forward.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“Probably for the best.”

“Well said, Fluttershy.”

Kion, Kiara, and Rarity all said quick to respect Muhangus’s wishes.

“Kinda stinks if you ask me.” Bunga then said somewhat disappointed before moving to quickly clarify when a bubble appeared behind him. “Excuse me.” The others look on disgusted before carrying on. “Gotcha.” He whispered with a quiet splash of mud at his best friend.

“Gotcha back.” Kion whispered back while returning it equally quiet.

Kiara in the meantime moved to rejoin Tiifu and Zuri in lounging by the side of the mud pool. “I think I'll stick with you two. Quieter fun.”

“And in the meantime, I’ll get started on your treatments, girls.” Rarity then said while pulling out her special kit to do so.

“And I will continue keeping watching over here.” Fluttershy said while walking along the edge of the pool…

...all while the skinks watched them all up close unnoticed before slinking away to inform Scar in the Outlands Volcano who just so happens to watching the scene with his magic serving as a surveillance camera for him to watch from.

“Kion and his sister Kiara accompanied by both Rarity and Fluttershy of all ponies?”

“At the edge of the Pride Lands.” Njano confirmed.

“And they're surrounded by dry plants and grass.” Shupavu added. “One spark is all it would take to send the whole place up in flames.”

“And half the Royal Family and Guard with it.” Njano laughed.

“Which serves as a perfect opportunity to seize on it.” Scar said as he locked eyes with those at the Mud Springs right now. “Because we’re going to Kion and his companions a little gift... Of... Fire.”

“Shall I fetch you a vulture?”

“Or should one of us set a single spark there ourselves?”

Both skinks asked of what he is thinking of how to approach this.

“Neither will be necessary. For since this is a family matter we’re talking about here, this is something that I want to deal with...personally…” He stated with a vicious and eager smile as he moves to carry out this task himself.

Back at the Mud Springs, Tiifu, Kiara, Zuri are all getting completely relaxed in the pool with Bunga himself joining in on the quiet fun himself. All while Rarity is putting the finishing touches on her personal hooficure work.

“Mmm... This feels great.” Tiifu happily commented.

“So relaxing.” Kiara added feeling like a lot of tension was just removed from her body.

“It is nice.” Zuri admitted. “Thank you Rarity, for setting us all up with this.”

“My pleasure, darlings.” Rarity humbly replied.

“Yeah. It really is. Who know the benefits of quiet fun?” Bunga also admitted before turning to his uneasy best friend standing by his equally uneasy Pegasus friend. “Sure you don't wanna try this, Kion? Fluttershy? It's un-Bunga-lievable.”

“Maybe another time.” Fluttershy politely declined. “I don’t feel taking a mud bath today.”

“Me neither.” Kion also declined as he keeps on the lookout for any sign of trouble coming their way. “At least some of us need to be watching over here since we’re this close to the Outlands.”

“Any sign of Scar or any of the Outsiders, Kion?” Rarity asked while looking around herself.

“Not so far.” Kion answered not that it helped relax his guard in the slightest. “And that’s what worries me. Because you never know how and when Scar is going to attack if he does decide to show up here.”

“Okay. Not trying to jinx anything but what makes you so sure that Scar would want to show up himself?” Bunga asked.

“Considering he is one of his arch-nemesis's, courtesy of being King Simba’s son and the leader of the Lion Guard, it’s not hard to understand why.” Rarity answered and explained.

“Right! Of course! Because family is a personal matter when it comes to fighting I get it!”

Fluttershy herself didn’t feel better herself despite nothing bad has happened yet. “I’m just glad we managed to save Zephyr when we did or would have never forgiven myself.”

“Same here.” Kion assured while placing a gentle paw on her back. “Hopefully the same can be said with Kiara too, no matter what happens next.”

While this conversation was going on, Scar himself appeared from a distance lurking unseen thanks to the cover of the tall rocks. With a flick of his fingers, he set a single spark on the dry grass and plants which immediately started setting the area slowly on fire.

After a fair amount of time, Kion’s nose picked up the scent. “Do you smell that?” He asked the others.

Rarity sniffed the air herself and ended up picking up on that. “I do, Kion.” Now feeling a sense of dread on her shoulders. “And while I would hate to say this girls, Bunga...” Said honey badger looked on offended by that paraphrasing. “...I think maybe now’s the time we wrap up our outing here.”

“I think so, too.” Fluttershy said as she looked around and started seeing smoke from behind the rocks. She then moved to try to flap her wings to get the smoke coming right at them away from them before anyone sets off an alarm.

“Come on, girls, Bunga!” Kion urged of them with Kiara being the first to willing obey his wishes.

Zuri, Tiffu, and Bunga however remained stubborn on the matter.

“But we can't leave until the mud masks dry properly. Spa rule.” The former pointed out.

“Yeah, Spa rule. Nothin' we can do.” Bunga stated in agreement while still not budging.

“Yes there is!” Rarity asserted while using her magic to pull everyone out of the mud. “Prince Kion’s orders unless we want to turn this into this a crime scene.”

“But it already is a crime scene!” Tiffu complained even while being levitated out to safety. “We’re getting out before our masks have fully dried up.”

“Come on, girls, Bunga!” Kion implored of them to get a move on. “Something's not right about this!”

“Even without the bad guys lurking around, it’s getting really quiet around here. Too quiet.” Fluttershy chimed in while letting out light coughs as the smoke is starting to creep past her wing power. Just then the smoke moved to overwhelm her to the point she can hardly hold it back anymore as it started to overwhelm her.

When she was done coughing and was able to open her eyes she then found herself face to face with none other than Scar himself simply smiling at her. “Hello, Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy screamed before finding herself ensnared by black smoke before slammed down into the ground. The force and impact from the hit she suffered when she hit the ground rendered her unconscious.

“Fluttershy!” Kion and Rarity exclaimed together in horrified concern upon seeing her just get injured.

Just then a massive fire bloomed and surrounded the whole group and area thus trapping everyone around it. “Fire!” The two exclaimed in unison again.

And if that wasn’t bad enough, the wicked and evil laughter is followed up by the owner of the voice appearing in the flesh. “Thanks to yours truly.”

“Scar!” Both Kion and Rarity exclaimed thrice in a row much to their own bewilderment they actually did that together and this many times in a row thus far.

“Hello, Kion, Rarity, and company. Again.” Scar chuckled once more while everyone else all gasps in frightened fear of his sudden appearance.

“We have to get out of here. Come on.” Kion commanded of everyone before working up a strong burst of magic to fire at his grand uncle who simply dodged the attack it was stepping aside from a random bug who just so happened to flying in his path.

Kion growled before moving to fire off a series of offensive attacks at his arch enemy to which he swiftly dodged while flying around the fire consuming the area around them.

“Slow! Sloppy Sad!” He taunted before catching Kion’s next attack before redirecting it right towards the ground to cut off his friends attempt to escape through an opening they just found with an evil chuckle.

“Move away! Get back. Hurry!” Kion urged of everyone before charging at Scar once more with fire daggers in the palms of his paws.

Scar simply applied paw to paw combat to deflect the attacks while releasing a couple streams of fire to block off all means of escaping on foot.

“What do we do? We're surrounded.” Tiifu cried in worry.

Kion despite being busy fighting was quick to give orders to his friends.“Bunga, Rarity, Fluttershy. Fire break.”

“On it!”

“Got it.”

“Will do.”

“Kiara, Tiifu, Zuri. Take cover in the mud.” He then urged of the others while dodging a few fire blasts himself just narrowly.

His sister however not one to stand by helplessly asserted otherwise. “No way. I'm helping you with the fire break.”

Knowing his sister and that there is no time for arguing, he moved to allow it. “Okay.” He relented but still remained firm with the others while using a force field to force back a huge fiery burst of magic from the older lion/alicorn. “But Tiifu and Zuri, the mud pots. Let's go.”

While Tiifu and Zuri went back to the mud pool everyone else moved to try to create fire breaks so they can try to stop the fire spread along with trying to make an escape from here.

Kion then kept up on going on the offense, but even with improved skill in magic he still isn’t able to land a decisive blow on his evil relative. It was much easier when he had Twilight backing him up when he was able to fight him on equal footing. And even while busy with his paws full of fending of a furious Kion, Scar kept multi-tasking by alternating in fending off and keeping his opponent on his toes. In addition, he kept throwing fire so that it’ll keep spreading even with the attempted creation of the fire breaks.

“Is this everything?” Scar questioned as he managed to conjure a beam of magic that left Kion straining and barely holding it off. “Give me everything!” Kion grunted and growled before finding himself blasted aside when he was unable to keep the magic from making contact with him. And thus was sent flying aside.

After having retreated to the mud pots, Tiifu couldn’t help but sniff something odd. “Huh. My fur smells like smoke.”

Upon turning and seeing why, Zuri was quick to correct and explain what it really is. “Tiifu? That's not your fur.” It is really fire that is getting dangerously close to them. And something they were quick to evade from.

“Kiara!” Both lions cried out to her in distress.

Just then, Kion who is now run down on energy is now forced on the defense as Scar moved to turn the tables on him. He moved to quickly and viciously attack his grand nephew with his clawed fiery fueled paws and actually managed to connect with each and every swing. And each attack left Kion with multiple bruises on his face and arms.

“Kion. Bunga. We're too late.” Kiara alerted. “Embers have already jumped the fire break.” He then sees her struggling brother. “Kion?” KION?!”

But it was too late as Scar already laid down the finishing blow with one super hard and hot backhanded slap that sent the young prince slammed down hard into the ground and lost conscious from the landing. And just one look had his sister holding back a teary gasp upon seeing her brother looking lifeless for a second, especially on seeing the bruises that had him bleeding.

Rarity, Fluttershy (having just recovered from the earlier attack), and Bunga were also equally horrified with what they just saw and could barely muster a scowl in Scar’s direction as he moved to increase the intensity of the flames around them so they can engulf the ground.

Seeing that it was now up to her to step up as a princess and find the next best course of action had her looking around for an escape from all of this. She looked, and she looked, and she looked around her between the fire and the increasing smoke before spotting the hole where one of the Pride Landers they last saw disappeared to.

“Muhangus' burrow. Quick.” Kiara commanded of everyone. “Everyone into the aardvark hole.”

In order to ensure everyone gets out all together, both Kiara and Fluttershy worked together in carrying Kion to safety. And in order to heed off Scar from killing them all on the spot, Rarity mustered all of her magic in producing a shield strong enough to barely shield off his latest attack.

In the meantime, Bunga retreated in the the aardvark hole first with the other lionesses reluctant to go down there themselves.

“But it's dark down there.”

“And dirty.”

The two complained prompting the irritated honey badger to poke his head back out to get them to get inside.

“You were just sitting in mud.” He pointed out.

“Oh, yeah.” Zuri acknowledged before going inside the aardvark hole.

But Tiifu still remained hesitant to follow suit. “Do I have to?”

“Tiifu! Kiara! Move! Now! Hurry!” Rarity commanded while finding her magical grasp on her shield slipping while the other two friends are barely limping their way towards the hole themselves.

Understanding of her fears, Kiara spoke to her friend in a gentle assuring matter. “Tiifu, I'll be right behind you.”

“Okay.” With the princesses word for it, Tiifu went inside.

With a loud painful gasp and groan, Rarity’s magic finally gave out which blasted the unicorn and aside and tumbling inside the hole with both Kiara and Fluttershy just managing to get Kion inside just in time when a blazing tree nearly crashed on top of them and cut off the hole leading inside of it. Even with the narrow close call for the heroes, Scar still felt satisfied with what he has accomplished today as evident by the evil smirk on his face as he watches on at his own success. Another piece of the Pride Lands for himself, and another warning for the heroes that the inevitable is coming.

Upon getting to safety inside the cave, Kiara popped the most important question to each and every one of her friends. “Is everyone okay?”

“Yep.”

“Yeah.”

“I guess so.”

Zuri, Bunga, and Fluttershy were the first to quickly reply with the latter still rubbing her head in pain.

Kiara then turned to her other lion friend. “Tiifu? Are you okay?”

“Mmm-hmm.” Tiifu replied while sounding still scared herself.

She then turned to her brother and pony friends who are all still recovering from Scar’s attack. “How about you, Kion, Rarity? You both okay?”

Both shook their heads yes but both were still grunting in pain from all of the magic they used to try to ward off Scar.

“Still quite shaken up.”

“But we’re okay.”

“Good. Because that was a close one.”

“I’ll say.” Rarity couldn’t agree more as the magic on her horn fizzed out before dropping to her knees. “All of that magic to protect us really knocked the wind out me.”

“Me too.” Kion himself agreed as he too can’t work up his magic into performing a simple spell. “We got lucky. We can stay right here and wait out the fire.”

“How long will that take?” Kiara asked.

Kion couldn’t give a straight answer. “I don't know. All day, maybe.”

“All day?” Tiifu asked in fright at the idea.

“Don't worry, Tiifu. It'll be fun.” Bunga assured.

“Fun?”

“Yeah. All of us in this dark little space. Deep, deep underground.” He described yet oblivious to the fact that this is greatly unsettling the lioness even more.

“Bunga…” Kiara scolded while Fluttershy moved to comfort her.

But the honey badger still can’t take the hint to stop talking. “We might even get to spend the whole night down here.”

And that was the last straw that sent her into a panic. “No! I can't be here all night.” She tried to make a move back up the way they came while running out of Fluttershy’s hooves.

“Tiifu, stop!” Kion warned. “You can't go back up there. The fire's still burning.”

“But I have to get out. Now!” In a panic Tiifu tried to move the rocks only to slip and cause a little rock slide that nearly buried her. “Whoa!”

“Tiifu.” Kiara quickly moved to go after her just as the dirt started to pile up on her friend.

“Kiara!” Her brother exclaimed at that was all he could do before being knocked aside by the incoming rocks. “Whoa! Whoa, whoa, whoa.”

“Look out!” Bunga exclaimed before managing to push Zuri out of harm’s way.

“Rarity!” Fluttershy cried out before quickly flying over to do the same.

After the dust had settled, Kion was quick to want to know if his sister and friend are okay. “Kiara? Tiifu?” To answer his question and to his relief, Kiara and Tiifu both emerged unharmed with the former pulling the latter out of the rocks. “Are you okay?”

“We're fine.” Kiara assured her brother before turning to her friend. “Tiifu, what happened? Kion said we were safe. Why did you run?”

“I'm sorry.” Tiifu apologized. “It's just…” She hesitated before continuing to explain why she panicked. “I'm afraid of the dark.”

With this confession in light had the princess show sympathy for her friend. “Zuri. I'm sorry, Tiifu. I had no idea. You don't seem scared of the dark at home.”

“That's different. I can see stars or the moon there. But here... It's so dark. Anything could be hiding in the shadows. Anything.”

“Oh, yeah.” Bunga spoke up once before. “Like a…” He is suddenly slapped on the back of the head courtesy of Rarity. “Ow! What was that for?!”

“For being rude, darling.” Rarity scolded. “It’s bad enough as is without you describing and further instilling the poor lion’s fear to her heart.”

Kion then moved to give the lioness some comforting words himself. “It's okay to be afraid, Tiifu. We understand.”

“Thanks. And I’m sorry I panicked and got us even more stuck in here.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Kion assured it’s no big deal. “We'll find another way out even if it takes a while.” He then eyed the nearby tunnels up ahead. “We just need to figure out which one of these tunnels to try.”

“Are you sure neither you nor Rarity can teleport us out of here?” She hopefully asked of those who are capable of magic. But unfortunately for her, they can only shake their heads equally apologetic before explaining why.

“I wish I could but I’m still worn out from that spell I used to protect us all from Scar.”

“Me too. My magic is too still worn out from the brutal fight I just took in from Scar. Not to mention I haven't managed to learn the spell enough to manage a teleportation like Twilight could if she were here. So it looks like we’re going to have to navigate these caves on foot in order to find our way out.”

“The one with the least dirt.” Zuri suggested.

“The one with the most light.” Tiifu also suggested.

“Tiifu, it's probably gonna get darker before it gets lighter.” Kiara reminded.

“It... It is?”

“But we'll be right there with you, darling.” Rarity reassured while digging through her kit a little. “And we won't let anything happen to you. Okay?”

And that was enough to get Tiifu to calm her nerves down for now. “Oh... Okay.”

“Now…” Rarity then spoke after donning her cave helmet and turned on a the light to serve as their flashlight she moved to get a look at the tunnels herself. “...judging from the size of these tunnels, I think we should try the largest one. It’s most likely to go the farthest.”

Kion found himself agreeing with her call. “Good thinking, Rarity. It’s what my dad did when he got lost in the caves before. So let’s try this one.”

The group of seven friends made their way through a tunnel with both Kion and Rarity taking lead while the others follow. Fluttershy followed after the two staying close behind. At the same time Tiifu moved to stay close with both Kiara and Zuri by her side, even if it’s a little too close to them.

“Tiifu, I know you're scared. But you're too close. You're frizzing my fur again.” Zuri complained.

“Sorry.” Tiifu apologized. “I just feel better knowing you're right there.”

“We are.” Kiara said still very understanding of her friend while Zuri soften up once more. “And we'll stay right here.”

Just then Bunga came walking by running his mouth once more. “'Course we will. It's not like that…” He suddenly gets hit on the head by a small rock courtesy of Rarity once more. “Ow!”

“Bunga!” Rarity chastised once more. “You were about to do it again!”

“Do what? All I was going to say of what could be lurking inside of these caves. What’s wrong with that? Ow!” He screamed when another rock is thrown at her.

“Because we have company that doesn’t wish to be given reason to be even more scared than she has to be.” Rarity further reprimanded. “And besides there is no way in the Pride Lands there will be something in these caves that’ll have us screaming like little girls.” At that moment everyone heard a loud shriek coming from nearby. Said shriek was enough to frighten Tiifu in hiding behind her lion friends. “Easy, Tiifu. It’s not that something to be that afraid of.”

“That wasn’t me this time.”

Said shriek made it’s voice clear again.

“What was that?” Zuri asked as she looked around.

“I don’t know. And I don’t know if I want to know.” Fluttershy responded while feeling her ears lowered equally scared and worried as Tiifu. Seeing her friend like this spurred Rarity to come over to her side to calm her down.

“Whatever it is it sounds like it came from that hole.” Kion deduced as he looked on ahead towards the source where the shriek was heard once more causing Tiifu and Fluttershy to gasp in fear.

After gently pulling herself away from Fluttershy she moved to join Kion before preparing themselves to throw down with their hooves since they are still without their powers. After a few tense seconds said source emerged with another shriek that startled everyone when it popped out from a tunnel the figure created just in front of them.

Said figure, a golden fur colored mole with a red nose, brown claws, and appearing with notably no eyes on his face, moved to hop on Kion’s noise before addressing him. “Get out of my home.”

At that very moment, Fluttershy’s fright turned into sweet delight at seeing a new animal she hasn’t met yet. “Aw! How adorable!”

He tried to attack the half lion and alicorn on the nose only for said efforts to come across as harmless taps. “Come on, stop.” He laughed. “That tickles. I'm gonna... I'm gonna…” He ended up sneezing due to his nose being tickled too much.

Said sneeze caused the little guy to fly towards Tiffu causing her to flinch. “No!”

Luckily for her, Bunga was quick to leap up and catch him. “Gotcha.”

“Oh, yeah? Says you.” He tried to struggle to free himself to no avail.

“You're not very friendly, are you?” Bunga commented.

“Not to trespassers I'm not. Let me go and I'll show you what "not friendly" feels like.”

“Now come on now.” Fluttershy spoke while moving to be friendly with him. “There’s no need to be mean and unfriendly. Especially when we’re only passing by and didn’t mean to trespass in your home.”

And that got to the little guy as he realized the truth in her words. “Wait. You mean you're not after my tunnels?”

“No.”

“Oh.” The mole quickly realized he was too quick to judge right off the bat. “I guess I jumped too soon.” With that misunderstanding out of the way, he turned to the honey badger still holding him. “Um, could you put me down now?”

“Okay. Sure, little mole guy.” He kindly did as he was asked.

After he was released, the mole moved to properly introduce himself while standing on a nearby rock pedestal fit for his size. “The name's Kuchimba. Sorry about before. We golden moles are... A little territorial.”

“But I thought these were all aardvark tunnels.” Kion pointed out.

“Ha!” Kuchimba briefly scoffed since it is clear they haven’t been down here long enough to fully know what goes on down here. “Spoken like a true surface crawler. All sorts of animals live down here. And some of 'em are tunnel thieves.” Then becoming friendly once more he then said. “But you're not. So... Why don't I make up for my unwarranted hostility, and help you get home?” He then offered.

“That would be much appreciated.” Fluttershy happily voiced ready to accept the offer.

“You can get us back to Pride Rock?” Tiifu eagerly asked.

“How can he get us anywhere?” Zuri also wondered making notice of his notable feature which sparked doubt in her eyes. “I don't think he has eyes.”

“I don't. But I do have ears, so I heard that.” He returned rather annoyed before moving to explain how while perched on the tall rock standing behind the pedestal. “I can also smell and feel all the vibrations in the ground. That's how I find my way around in the dark.”

“Which just so happens to be natural for golden moles.” Fluttershy chimed in she then added. “I had a lot of experience and learning about all of the animals here in the Pride Lands.”

“I can tell. Along with feeling that you’re a really sweet girl if you care really much about our kind.” Fluttershy’s adorable eyes buttoned upon with that given compliment.

“Are you always in the dark?” Tiifu asked.

“Sure. It's my home.”

“So those vibrations you feel. Is that how you'll get us out of here?” Kion also asked.

“That's right. Just follow me and I'll take you right where you need to go.”

“Great!” Rarity spoke in grateful delight. “We could sure use your guidance right about now.”

Kuchimba proceeded to lead the way with both Tiifu and Fluttershy both following alongside him.

All ready, feeling even more intrigued by their cave guide, Tiifu moved to ask the golden mole a question in mind. “Kuchimba, don't you get scared being down here? In the dark.”

“Why would I?” He returned like its nothing briefly walking backwards while guiding everyone through the upcoming tunnel on the right of the fork ahead of them. “There's nothing scary about being in the dark.”

“Really? I keep thinking I hear things. And see things.”

“That's just your imagination.” The golden mole assured otherwise.

“Really?”

“Sure. Take it from me.”

Nothing to Fear Down Here

Start 1:34 to the end

He proceeded to break out in song as he moved to guide everyone through the caves, including a slightly narrow section along with crystal cavern portion of the cave. During the latter portion, the others were dancing along to his tune. By the end of it, they reached another area where there are three tunnels ahead of them, thus another fork in the road.

After finishing his song, he moved to point the others in the right direction while the others leap down the rocks leading down towards them. “Just head around the corner, take the main tunnel. You'll come out right by Pride Rock.”

“Thanks, Kuchimba.”

“See ya next time we're underground.”

Both Kion and Bunga thanked before heading on over towards said main tunnel.

“Are you sure you can't come the rest of the way with us, Kuchimba?” Tiifu asked upon noticing he is not accompanying them.

“I have to stay and protect my tunnels.” He reasoned but not without giving positive guidance. “But remember what I said.” He reminded before he, Fluttershy, and Tiifu moved to say in unison together.

“Nothin' to fear down here.”

“Right. You'll do great. I know it. So long, Tiifu. You too, Fluttershy.” He then turned back and headed back the way he came from.

Unfortunately, Kion had a question in mind that came just too late. “Kuchimba. Wait! Kuchimba! Kuchimba!”

“Kion? What's wrong?” Kiara asked.

“We have a problem.”

Everyone all gathered around where Kion himself is looking lost at. The fork in the middle of the road.

“Oh.” Kiara realized why her brother is now feeling lost. “Which one's the main one?”

“I don't know.”

“I wish Kuchimba was still here.” Tiifu voiced now starting to feel worried again.

“It’ll be okay.” Fluttershy assured to help her calm her nerves. “Just remember what Kuchimba just said. Nothin' to fear down here.”

Just then they heard galloping up ahead through the sound of it’s echoes.

“What's that?” Zuri gasped.

“Hoof steps.” Rarity quickly deduced. “Maybe we're getting close to the surface.” She then eyed said tunnels in front of them, once again the largest tunnel. “And judging from the sounds we’re hearing it sounds like they're coming from that one.”

“What are we waiting for? Let's go.” Tiifu was quick to run on over there, only to suddenly bump into a zebras who just emerged from that tunnel.

“What? It's you?” Bunga recognized looking on in confusion while the others look on in relief while Rarity herself can only groan at said zebra in question.

“Oh, no. Not him again.”

“Is it? Oh, yes. It is me.” Thurston said with a smile after briefly checking his own stripes.

“Clearly.” Rarity returned while massaging her temples to ease her nerves at what they now have to endure.

“How'd you get here?” Kion asked in surprise seeing him here.

“Good question. I wish I knew.”

“Not so surprising.” Rarity snarked in response.

“Does that tunnel lead to the surface?” Kion asked.

“The surface of what?”

Rarity groaned before moving to clarify herself. “The surface of the ground that leads to the Pride Lands, Thurston. And since we now see which tunnel you came out of, we now know where to go from here.”

“Yeah!” Bunga also recognized. “That's gotta be the way he came in. Let's go” He then raced off ahead. “Zuka Zama!”

“Bunga. Wait for us.” Zuri called while she and the others were quick to follow after him with Kion and Fluttershy have yet to do the same with Thurston still around.

“Don’t worry, Thurston.” Fluttershy assured. “We'll help you get back to the Pride Lands too.”

“You will?”

“Yes.” Kion nodded before going down the tunnel himself. “Let’s go.”

“Oh, goody. So, where are we now?”

The question was thankfully ignored as the gang continued walking through the tunnel. All while Tiifu tries to keep her cool going through with her worst face right around her.

“Nothin' to fear down here. Nothin' to fear down here.” Even still she couldn’t help but ask Kiara. “If the zebra came in this way, shouldn't we be out by now?”

“Relax, Tiifu.” Kiara again assured her friend. “I'm sure it won't be much longer.”

“Uh…” Bunga spoke up to say otherwise.

Upon seeing what Bunga is seeing, Kiara found herself eating her words when they came across another fork in the road. Another set of three tunnels ahead of them again.

“Great.” Kiara sighed in annoyance.

“Now where do we go?” Tiifu asked of the others.

To answer that question, Kion turned to Thurston to try to jog his memory. “Any chance you remember which one of those tunnels you came down?”

“Well, of course. It was that one.” The clueless zebra proceeded to go into and get stuck in a tiny tunnel. “Hmm.” He then found himself struggling to get himself out of it. “This didn't happen last time.”

Zuri could only angrily complain with what she is seeing. “That zebra has no idea where he's going.”

“Of course he doesn’t. He doesn't even know where he's been.” Rarity for once couldn’t help but agree with her there.

“Wow.” Zuri commented upon what she just said. “For once we finally agree on something.”

“Yes, but now’s not the time for arguing, darling, So please, let’s save it for until after this is all over, okay.”

“Fine.” Zuri relented for the sake of everyone around them.

Tiifu didn’t panic but still voiced the urgent desire she’s keeping under control up to this point. “Kion. Rarity. We gotta get out of here.”

“I know.” Rarity acknowledged before pointing out the problem. “Though given how tricky these tunnels are, I think we may another guide to lead us in the right direction.”

“But I thought you knew how to navigate these caves?” Zuri questioned like she is now dealing with someone who doesn’t know what she is doing.

“I do.” The unicorn defended before explaining her reasons. “But what really helps me to really navigate the caves is when I have my magic to always point me in the right direction. Not to mention it was in Ponyville and that this is the first time I ever set hoof into these caves in the Pride Lands.”

While not liking it, Zuri herself understood the unicorn’s reasons. “Okay, point taken.”

At the same time, Kion still without magic tried to think of someone else they can turn to in a time of need, and after some thinking he immediately came up with an answer to the problem. “Of course.” He realized. “Muhangus.”

Hearing this sparked confusion among both his best friend and sister.

“Huh?”

“What about him?”

“We came in through his den.” He answered while explaining. “He's got to be down here somewhere.”

Getting at what he is saying, Fluttershy spoke up realizing where he is getting at. “If we can find him, he can lead us out.”

“Exactly.” Turning to his sister. “Ready for some tracking? While I may not have my magic right now, I still have my nose. Always have since I was born.”

“Of course you have.” Kiara returned with a smirk before voicing her willingness to help. “And when am I not ready to do some tracking even when I don’t have magic?”

“Never.” Both sibling shared a laugh together before getting straight to work in sniffing their lead out.

In the meantime, Bunga turned his attention back to the elephant in the room or more accurately zebra in the hole. “That can't be comfortable. How about I get you unstuck?” He offered to the always clueless zebra.

“Someone's stuck? How dreadful.”

“Not for long.” Bunga vowed while cracking his knuckles before working his strength in helping the zebra free himself from the hole he got himself stuck in.

After a fair amount of nearby sniffling, Kiara managed to pick up the scent they are looking for. “Kion. I've got it.”

Kion was quick to direct his sniffing in the direction where his sister is going which happened to be one of the other tunnels nearby. “I smell it too. It's faint, but it's there. Let's go.” He said before leading the way.

“Tiifu, Zuri, come on.” Kiara urged of them who were both quick to do so.

“Wait for us, darlings!” Rarity called after them while still hanging back when Fluttershy and Bunga have yet to do so because the latter is still working to free Thurston.

“Yeah! We're coming…” He grunted. “Too.” After one final pull, Bunga was finally able to free the zebra.

“Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked with concern for the guy.

“Oh. That feels so much better.” He gladly responded.

“Great. Now come on!” Rarity ordered before leading the way the others went.

“Yeah, what she said. Come on.” Bunga also ordered before holding and guiding the zebra by the tail.

By the time they were all able to catch up, Kiara told them the good news. “We did it. We found Muhangus.”

Bunga couldn’t help but look on confused when he doesn’t see him yet. “Um, looks like a wall to me.”

Kion was quick to explain why. “And Muhangus is somewhere on the other side. We just have to dig our way to him.”

“Ah-ha.” Bunga realized. “Sounds like a job for a honey badger. Here we go.”

But before either one of them could get started, Tiifu quickly stood in the way. “No! You and Kion can't go.”

Kiara however in return was quick to assert it is a necessity. “Tiifu, they have to go. That's how they'll get us home.”

But Tiifu couldn’t help but voice her worries for her friends. “But what if something happens and they don't come back? We'd be stuck here forever.”

Kion understanding of her reasons, was quick to reassure her they’ll be fine. “Tiifu. I promise that won't happen. We'll be back.”

“And believe me, when I tell you that we’ve seen Kion tackle much tougher challenges than this, Tiifu.” Rarity chimed in. “So this is nothing they can’t handle.”

Zuri following the unicorn’s example moved to speak up with words of encouragement. “And in the meantime, you'll have your best friends right by your side.” She moved to do exactly that along with Fluttershy.

“And that goes the same for me, Tiifu.”

“Me too!” Rarity agreed.

And it would seem Thurston is moving to do the same as well. “Oh, yes. We'll be right by your side.”

While Zuri and Rarity were especially annoyed by the zebra’s oblivious approach. Tiifu whole-heartedly accepted it none of the less.

Inside the den, Muhangu himself is sleeping just when both Kion and Bunga manage to dig their way inside with the latter the first to pop out of the hole they dug leading into it.

“Ah-ha! One aardvark, straight ahead.” Bunga commented upon finally seeing him. “Nice place.” He commented just when Kion pops up from the hole himself.

“Muhangus? Muhangus?” The leader of the Lion Guard tried to wake politely and gently much like Fluttershy would do if she were here.

“Nah, I got this!” Bunga however decided to take the approach Pinkie would take if she were here. “Wake up!” He yelled which definitely got the aardvark tumbling out of his nest.

“You again?” He irritably greeted upon seeing what he is seeing. “What is it with you two? You got something against aardvarks getting some sleep?”

Kion in response shook his head before apologizing for the abrupt welcome. “No. Not at all. We're sorry. It's just, we got lost down here with our friends. We were hoping you could help.”

Muhangus scoffed in return. “Maybe after I'm done sleeping.” He turned his back on them before resuming his nap.

And not one to give up when having come this far, Bunga moved to keep forcing his paws in the matter. “Okay. If that's the way you want it. Scoot over.” He proceeded to lay down right next to Muhangu.

Muhangus upon feeling it peeked open an eye to see this blatant display. “Hey. What are you doing?”

“If you can't get us out, we'll just move in here. We'll be den-mates.” He moved to snore loudly.

Seeing this got the aardvark to rise to his feet. “Hey, get out of here.”

Bunga still ignored him on purpose. “Shh. After I'm done sleeping.” He continued snoring until Muhangus gave in, which he immediately did.

“All right. All right. If it means gettin' rid of you, I'll help you.”

Hearing the answer they needed got Bunga himself up on his feet. “Great!” He cheerifully returned much to the weary aardvark’s annoyance.

After a fair amount of time on the other side, Tiifu once more began to worry for her friends on the other side. “Shouldn't Kion and Bunga be back by now?”

Right on cue, Bunga was quick to answer her question while emerging with both Kion and Muhangus following after him. “I don't know. Should we?”

“You found him.” Tiifu said in smiling delight.

“Yep.” Kion happily confirmed. “And he's gonna help us get out of here.”

“Only because the honey badger annoyed me into it.” Muhangus grumpily returned.

Bunga took that with great pride. “I can be really annoying when I put my mind to it. Not to mention I learned from the best.”

“Oh, you got that right.” Muhangus didn’t even deny it nor care to hide who else he is talking about. “No surprise that pink pony Pinkie has been teaching you very well there.”

“No question about that.” Rarity returned in agreement while Kion nodded likewise before moving to follow after their new cave guide.

After some walking around, Zuri couldn't help but voice her impatience in the matter. “Does Muhangus even know where he's going? We've been walking forever.”

“I know. I just want to be home.” Tiffu voiced wishing for the same, only out of concern and fear rather than impatience.

“Thankfully it won’t be long now.” Rarity again comforted. “And this time, it will definitely happen.”

“And knowing Muhangus, he does know his way around these parts of the cave.” Fluttershy happily added.

“And I think you'll like what's up ahead.” Kion also said before directing their attention to a sight of relief. “Look.”

Tiifu gasped in delight upon seeing what’s straight ahead. “I see daylight. We made it.” From there she wasted no time in making her way over there. “Sorry. Gotta run.” Even during her excitement, she took quick caution to avoid nearly bumping into both Muhangus and Thurston but not without saying. “Thank you, Muhangus.”

“You’re welcome!” Muhangus returned still crankly by the sudden gesture on the lioness’s part.

At the same time, Thurston couldn’t help but wonder what that was all about. “Where is she running to? We were all having such a lovely time.”

“It’s honestly nothing to worry about.” Rarity said while answering the zebra’s question.

“Yeah! She's just afraid of the dark.” Bunga added. “She didn't like being trapped down here.”

Hearing that sparked a sense of dread inside the zebra’s heart. “Trapped? All this time we've been trapped? In the dark?”

“Uh-oh.”

“Oh, no.”

Both Kiara and Rarity uttered knowing what’s about to happen next.

“Now Thurston…” Fluttershy began. “...It's okay...”

“...There’s no need to…” Kion tried to say next but it wasn’t enough to stop the zebra from flying into a frenzy.

“Panic and run. Panic and run!” In doing so, he started causing rocks to fall apart.

“Stop it. Stop it! The tunnel will collapse!” Muhangus urged of the zebra who still wouldn’t stop doing as he says.

“Panic and run! Panic and run! Panic and run!”

“Thurston! You got to calm down! You got to calm down!” Rarity commanded of the zebra before moving to perform a wrestling tactic to pin the wild rampaging zebra down to the ground in an effort to restrain him.

But even still Thurston won’t stop talking and yelling which still caused the ground to shake. “Panic and run! Panic and run!”

“You don't have to panic.” Kion once more tried to tell him.

“And there’s no need to hurt him.” Fluttershy added while imploring and pleading of Rarity to stop what she is doing to the zebra.

But even still he won’t have any of it while still struggling under Rarity’s grasp. “I do! We're trapped and it's dark! Panic and run. Panic and run.”

Tiifu who had just arrived at the exit, was quick to see what was happening. And even when she had a clear opening right in front of her, she took sympathy for the frightened zebra. So much, she decided she can afford to take a little more time in the dark if it meant helping him out with his sudden phobia.

“Wait. Stop.” Tiifu called out while racing back towards the others. “Rarity! Let him go!”

“Huh?” Rarity returned surprised with what the lioness just asked her to do, let alone the fact she is actually coming right back towards them.

“Tiifu?” Both Kion and Kiara returned highly surprised she is still in here.

“What are you still doing her, darling.” Rarity asked while still keeping her grip on Thurston. “And don’t worry, I’ve got this under control.”

“True.” Tiifu acknowledged before making her point across. “But it’s okay. I can help. I know what he needs to hear. So if would please…”

Rarity sighed before relenting to her wishes. “Only because you politely asked, darling.” She moved to release Thurston to which Fluttershy smiled at seeing before allowing the lioness to have her say in the matter.

“It's okay to be scared. It's scary in the dark.” She comforted and sympathized.

“Yes. It is scary in the dark.” Thurston stammering before feeling calmer already with her words.

“I know. 'Cause I was scared too. And I panicked so much, I made a tunnel cave in.”

Thurston blinked in surprise himself. “You did?”

“Yeah. But someone taught me that the dark only seems scary because we imagine scary things in it.”

“I do imagine scary things in the dark. Lots of scary things.”

“Me too. But they're not real. You just need to remember... "There's nothing to fear down here."

"There's nothing to fear down here." Thurston repeated.

“Right. And you know what else helped me? My friends stuck with me Just like I'm going to stick with you.”

“Because we're friends?” Thurston guessed.

“Exactly.”

“Best friends?” That little push of luck had Rarity along with Zuri gag in response.

Even acknowledging and knowing what he is trying to do, she moved to say it for the sake of the situation. “Sure. Best friends. Now let's go home. Together.” With the situation settled the two walked side by side together back towards the exit.

“Wow!” Muhangus voiced in amazement. “I can’t believe that actually worked.”

“Wow.” Zuri couldn’t help but feel put out on the contrary. “I thought I was her best friend.”

“Me too.” Rarity also said feeling the same way.

“I’m sure nothing will change that.” Fluttershy voiced to explain why she said what was said. “What she said and did was just her way of showing kindness to Thurston, even while he is capable of being a hoofful at times.”

And to prove her point, Tiifu briefly turned back to non-verbally assure them she values them more as best friends than Thurston with a paw wave gesture.

In a matter of seconds, everyone all managed to emerge out into the open with Pride Rock in sight.

“See? We did it. We're home.” Tiifu comforted.

“And I've got a new best friend.” Thurston then said very pleased himself. “Wait till I tell the herd.”

“Thank you, Muhangus.” Kion thanked the aardvark upon emerging on the outside.

“You’re welcome.” Muhangus returned while still a little grumpy himself with what he just endured. “Now that I’ve done my part, I’m going back to my den and back to sleep. So if you could kindly all not disturb me for the rest of the day, that would be great.”

“Of course, Muhangus.” Fluttershy voiced respecting his wishes first. “Have a good evening.”

Hearing that, had the aardvark soften up a little. “Thank you.” He returned before returning back inside the cave to do what he said he would do.

“You were amazing, Tiifu.” Kiara then complimented.

“Definitely.” Kion stated knowing that is indeed a fact. “You saved the day.”

“I just knew how the zebra felt.” Tiifu explained why she did what she did. “But, it's funny. When I was helping him? I wasn't scared at all.”

“And that is quite an admirable acheivment, darling. And you should be proud of that.” Rarity also complimented as she suddnely saw magic spark up on her horn at the same time, Kion felt the same spark on his along with being able to use his wings to pick himself up off the ground along with Fluttershy. “And would you look at that, I got my magic back!”

“Me too!” Kion happily voiced just when most of the Guard managed to regroup with them.

“Kion! Bunga! Rarity! Fluttershy!” Starlight called out first voicing her relief at seeing her friends alive and unharmed. “There you are! And thank goodness, you’re all right!”

“Of course we are, darling.” Rarity voiced to assure their friends first.

“We just saw the fires and the newest magical dome Scar put up!” Kyoga added feeling equally relieved and concerned. “Thankfully he didn’t capture you all on the spot along with the land.”

"Thankfully not." Fluttershy expressed in the same tone as their friends addressing them.

"You're all right!" Pinkie exclaimed while rushing over to embrace them all in a tight hug together.

"Of course we are, darling!" Rarity squeezed out from the tight hug she had to endure.

“But we were so worried when we didn't see you guys.” Beshte added equally concerned. “Are you okay?”

“We're fine.” Kion confirmed.

“But the fire was huge. And you three clearly suffered a brutal confrontation from Scar himself.” Fuli pointed out feeling very startled inside for them along with noticing the bruises and cuts on the two ponies and half lion/alicorn. “How did you get away?”

“It's kind of a long story and it is something that we just barely managed with all things considered.” Kion answered upon seeing the fear and dread inside his cheetah friend’s eyes.

“Yeah.” Bunga agreed. “With a mole, an aardvark and a zebra in it.”

“You mean that zebra?” Fuli turned her eyes toward Thurston who had yet to leave and return to his herd.

“Ooh. I wonder what's in here?” The zebras himself proceeded to walk back into the cave. And just a few seconds later… “Help! Help! It's dark and I'm trapped!”

“Yeah…” Rarity sighed while shaking her head along with doing a face hoof to herself. “...I’m afraid so, Fuli.”

“Why am I not surprised.”

“I wish I knew how to answer that.”

Tiifu moved to follow after him once more. “It's okay. I've got this.” She assured her friends before going after Thurston. “Don't panic, zebra. Your best friend's coming to get you. There's nothing to fear down here.” She called out to him, all while the others smiled at each other.

“Sounds like you all had a pretty intersting journey and story to tell from the looks of it.” Applejack noted.

“Oh, you have no idea.” Rarity replied to which had everyone all sharing a good laugh over it.

Author's Note

Here in this episode is titled above an Underground Adventure for our adventurers after a near close call with Scar himself which I've expanded his role in this episode compared to canon. That being said I've decided to make this episode concurrent with the previous episode in order to be able to make this happen. And yes, this isn't the first time I've done something similar if you recall Season 5 Episodes 10 and 11.

So anyways, the episode is pretty much straight forward with Bunga's insensitive remarks toned down after being said once in addition it still all paved way for the lioness herself to help overcome her fears of darkness and being underground with the help of a helpful guide they happened to come across. Along the way and be able to part that wisdom to of course everyone's 'favorite' zebra in the show which I felt was fine as is.

Next up which is perfect timing for Halloween this upcoming week is the big pranking episode which I have different plans for sure on that one, as for what it is it's a surprise so stay tuned until then...

Oh and before I forget due to the episode itself needing a lot of work to make happen, rewritten that is, "The Cart Before the Ponies." will not be coming along in this latest batch of episodes lined to be published. If I can find a new inspiration to make it happen I'll pursue but for now expect "28 Pranks Later." up next, please and thank you.