Mining
[The scene opens with a shot of Oak Station with Rarity, Minako, Blitz, Sylvester, Wile, Lizzie, Jenna, Angelina, Twilight, and Hokey standing on the platform as Ryan passes by with a rake of trucks, it then pans in to Fox and Falco looking at a poster that advertisies the Quartz Mines. The Seven Dwarfs are depicted hard at work either picking away at the rocks or loading the mine carts, the bottom line reading; 'Quartz Quarry at Dawn or Dusk, On Time and No Fuss']
Fox: So, you interested?
Falco: Don't see why, it's a mine, there's not much to look at besides rocks and darkness.
Fox: I heard the curator does mine tours, something about urban legends and strange occurrences, wouldn't mind a trip myself.
Falco: Wow, you must be really bored if that's entertainment.
Fox: Oh, don't be such a stick in the mud, sounds like it could be an experience, and it'd be a nice change from watching you flip the board at poker.
Falco: Hey, I saw you with that sneaky trick, ya' did it on purpose just for shits and giggles.
Fox: Well, it's not my fault you expose yourself so easily.
Falco: Funny you mention that, ya' certainly didn't think so when I flipped your a-
[Fox clears his throat and points to Augie standing by with Doggie Daddy on the platform]
Falco: -aaaaaaact around…ya' know, sometimes I'm glad I'm not him.
Fox: Why's that?
Falco: Well, besides you cutting off my cuss, I think it's fairly self-explanatory.
Fox: Okay, ya' didn't have to go that low.
Falco: I'm not saying it like that, it's just, you know, circumstances…and things.
Fox: Well, I'd rather not think about that.
Falco: [sighs] You're right, sorry, it was a dick move.
Fox: No, no, it's fine. It's just not something I'm ready for, at least not while I've got a thing for being up in the sky, I don't wanna slow down, you know.
Falco: Neither do I, so I guess we're both agreed on that…you think it would work if it were possible?
Fox: If there was a balance, maybe, but right now, I'm fine as I am, much as you're fine being your usual self.
Falco: Hmph, now who's giving out the low blows?
Fox: Well, you can't deny it's true.
Falco: Much like you can't deny your true instincts.
?: And just what might those be?
[Fox and Falco jump at the quick literal sudden appearance of Wolf]
Wolf: So, what are you boys up to, besides dicking around as usual?
Falco: Besides enjoying the peace before your whiskey breath clouded the air? [shudders] Seriously, have a mint.
Wolf: I'll put a pin on it, but I couldn't help overhearing your little chat, I caught something about urban legends and skeletons in the closet.
Fox: [sweatdrops] It would be like you to find out all the details, wouldn't it?
Wolf: Well, if it's anything concerning you, I'll always find a way to pop in.
Falco: Oooooh, stalker vibes, how romantic.
Wolf: I'll save you a piece of the pie in that case.
Falco: [sweatdrops while Fox blushes] Uh, you didn't hear it from me…
[Wolf smirks as the shot cuts to the other platform as Rosie passes through with some vans, as the breakvan clears, Homura appears, as if out of thin air. Wolf scowls, almost looking uncomfortable on the other side. The shot lingers on the raven haired girl looking off to her left while Wolf stares at her. At that moment, Falco snaps his fingers in front of hs lupine's face]
Falco: Hey! Earth to Wolf, do you copy?
Wolf: [blinks] Huh?
Falco: Ah, ya' haven't gone senile. What were you doing staring off into deep space?
Wolf: Hmph, what does it concern you?
Falco: Well, ya' looked like you were in a trance, something catch your eye?
Wolf: That girl…
Fox: Um…what girl?
Wolf: Ya' know, the one standing on the other side of-
[The shot cuts back to reveal Homura having disappeared]
Wolf: …what?
Fox: I don't see who you're referring to.
Falco: Maybe he has cracked, seeing imaginary girls that aren't there.
Wolf: [with a visible vein on his forehead] Keep it up, smartass.
Falco: Yeah, sure, you-[turns around and jumps to see Homura standing several feet away]-YIP! What is it with people coming up unannounced today?!
[Homura is currently looking straight ahead before she looks to her left, Falco catches her glance and a look of discomfort spreads across his face]
Falco: [softly] That girl is creepin' me.
Wolf: I told you I wasn't making shit up.
Fox: Maybe let's not discuss this where she can hear.
[In spite of his statement, Fox can't help but feel uneasy with Homura close by. The mood is interrupted by James pulling into the platform with his coaches]
Fox: [clears throat] So, what do you say?
Falco: Huh? Oh yeah that, sure, why not?
Wolf: Pardon?
Fox: We're going up to Quartz Quarry, they're giving a tour of the mines this evening.
Falco: Soooooo, what's going on now, you suggesting a triad or something?
Fox: I mean, are we losing anything in that regard?
Wolf: Well, I'd usually invite myself no questions asked, buuuuuut if you're offering, I suppose I could bless your time.
Fox: Never the modest sort, were you?
Wolf: Modesty, my ass, I say.
[The remaining passengers are shown boarding the coaches and so soon as the guard's whistle sounds, James sets off. The scene transitions to Pine Station as Samson is shown passing by with a train of wagons, Hiro is on the other platform dropping off passengers; those of which include Tod, Daria, Pocahontas, Snooper, Chance, Amy, Shadow, Lady, Duchess, Perdita, Flora, Claude, Tiana, and Basil. James pulls into the platform and stops, just as Duncan enters on the narrow gauge line]
James: Well, isn't this a surprise, you're on time for once.
Duncan: Och, don't you start, it's not every day I'm in a sunny mood.
James: No, it's always cloudy.
Duncan: Hmph, all I know is that I'm a special assignment tonight, I'm takin' this lot to a tour of the mines.
James: You sure you were the best choice, last time I checked you don't have the best history with mines.
Duncan: [under his breath] Not like you've got a best history of anything.
[The scene cuts to the passengers climbing down to board Duncan's coaches, focusing in on the trio]
Falco: You know, it's a bit surreal how we're not at each other's throats.
Wolf: Who has time for that anyway? Unless someone really wants to watch a fight.
Fox: I prefer it this way, we're not obligated to be mortal enemies, plus, I hate the term.
Wolf: Would be hard to spot someone in this crowd that disagrees.
[The shot cuts to the guests entering their respective carriages. Homura sits right at the window as Flora sits down next to her]
Flora: Oh, hey, you don't mind if I sit here?
[Homura silently glances at Flora who maintains a polite expression]
Homura: No…
Flora: Ah, good. I've never been a mine tour before, sounds interesting.
Homura: Feels natural, going into the depths of where there's nothing but darkness, it's almost poetic….
Flora: Um…that's one way to put it.
[The scene cuts to Duncan departing from the station and while Millie passes by with several open top carriages in tow. It cuts to inside one of the coaches as Wolf looks back in his seat, eyeing Homura who is looking out the window, Flora next to her is fiddling with a vine, making it into elaborate decals like one would do with yarn, while Twilight is reading a book]
Wolf: [under his breath as he turns around] The hell you staring at, get over yourself...[normal voice]...so, you two ready to handle whatever "spooky" crap they're gonna throw at us?
Fox: I mean, I've never seen the mines myself, so I'm at least intrigued at what they look like.
Falco: Well, ya' won't find much besides rocks and dripping water, you'll be lucky to find a hole in the ground.
Fox: Typically, that's not something you would consider lucky.
Falco: I just hope whatever they're selling at least sounds like it'll be worth my time, even a stupid ghost story would lighten things up.
Daria: [looks down at the pamplet] "Down the Mine; led by distinguished teller of stories and music; Snow White". Well, at least they're honest about how interesting this'll be.
[The scene cuts to Duncan crossing over a bridge passing over a river before it cuts back to inside one of the coaches]
Amy: You know, they say there's these glowing crystals in one of the shafts, wouldn't mind collecting a souvenir if I could.
Shadow: Unless it's emerald, I don't see the interest.
Amy: Oh, why's that, you got a thing relating to emeralds?
Shadow: Have you been around me long enough to know how ironic the answer is?
Amy: Not like that, if I find it, you could take one if you wish, maybe share it with someone, maybe someone we both knoooow.
Shadow: ...Keep your voice down.
[The scene cuts back to Falco looking out the window before his eye catches something in the distance. Behind the trees appears to be an orange hue]
Falco: Must be a campout of sorts…
[The shot cuts to the train passing by the trees before it shows that there is indeed a bonfire in the forest. A piece of wood is chucked into the flames, causing a few sparks to shoot up]
[The scene transitions to Duncan arriving at the quarry where the tour guide is waiting. The train stops just beyond the points where several lines of trucks have been arranged]
Snow White: Ah, good to see you all made it. You're in for a real treat tonight.
Daria: Hi-ho, hi-ho, back home I'd rather go.
Shadow: Hmph, read my mind.
Snow White: Now then, before we go in, you'll all need to wear hardhats because it's going to be dark inside.
Angelina: Is there a route mapped out? I just want to know how far we'll be going.
Snow White: There's several checkpoints marked throughout the mines, you'll see them through a shining gold light. The tunnels are also marked for which ones we can go into, so I'd advise us all to stay on the path, that way, we'll have a fun, but safe time on our journey.
[The guests turn their attention to the rack of hardhats, each one grabbing their own and putting them on one by one]
Wolf: How convenient, they've got holes for my ears.
Fox: Well, I imagine keeping them tucked wouldn't be comfortable.
Wolf: True, though perhaps you should take up mining, then I could see you wearing that dorky little hat more often.
Fox: Funny, I would think the mines were more your area, especially in the summer, working with all those rocks, sweating like a pig.
Wolf: Then I'd know where the towels are.
[Falco slides up behind the two]
Falco: Excuse me, not to interrupt your fantasies or anything, but the tour's moving on.
[The canines follow the avian and the rest of the group into the shaft, Snow White in front giving some context to the tour]
Snow White: Back when the mines were first discovered, it became the sight of many tales told over mysterious incidents. Tools disappearing, miners going missing, unstable ground, back then, it wasn't as safe to be in here. They say that these mines have lights shining in the holes of those who were unfortunate enough to succumb to its unpredictability.
Daria: [to herself] I wonder if she knows that bats are a thing.
[The group arrives at the first tunnel marked for clearance. It is the one marked to the right, shining bright with a golden lamp overhead]
Snow White: Remember, everyone, it's important we stick together, so no wandering off to different paths.
Wolf: [under his breath] Wouldn't dream of it...
[As the tour continues into the right tunnel, an ominous creaking comes from the left tunnel]
Snow White: What we're currently walking through is the burial ground of the Old Warrior.
Angelina: The Old Warrior?
Snow White: Yes, he who has his rifle out and looking to catch his next target, hunting dog by his side, and every night, he goes out hunting. Once a worker in this very quarry, the last trace of him and his dog was in this tunnel. There was a line of carts that came hurdling down this line...their bodies were never recovered...
Angelina: Oh...
Snow White: They say his spirit was red as fire, like a pyre that would never burn out...it's said that his ghost refused to move onto the afterlife, so he roams these mines to finish his last assignment...tis part of the spirit's unrest, their drive for staying in the mortal realm. He is a particular spirit.
Lady: What do you mean by that?
Snow White: Every ghost has a drive that draws them to our plane of existence. Except for those that are time warps, merely supernatural repeats of things that have happened before. However, there are ghosts that have a will of their own, which they use to quell the turmoil they're facing. There is a way to distinguish a ghost with good or bad intentions, if a ghost has good intentions, they will not stay long before being called back to the afterlife, but those who are brought back by negative reinforcement will linger around, if only for a week.
Lady: So...there's different types of ghosts, if I'm not mistaken.
Snow White: Yes, if a ghost is powered by anger in particular, it powers their life force, capable of giving them unnatural abilities. It is also possible for a ghost to have no physical presence, but they can manipulate objects to trick someone's vision.
Lady: [puts her hat further down] Oh dear…
[As the group continues to walk down the shaft, they arrive at another marker, this one leading to the left. The sound of something creaking returns as the shot cuts to a rather shakey Sylvester. As the last of the group enters the tunnel, the tuxedo cat suddenly feels something wrapping around his mouth]
Sylvester: MMM! MMMPRPHMMMHMH!
Jenna: [turns around] What the...?
[The shot cuts to Sylvester being dragged into the other shaft]
Jenna: [gasps] Wait a minute, stop!
[The Siberian husky begins to rush back along the path before she pauses at the sound of a gun being clicked]
Jenna: Oh...God...
[The scene cuts back to the rest of the group, though Perdita looks back to see the notable absence of two members]
Perdita: Hold on, I think we're missing a couple of people.
Duchess: Huh? Wait, you're right, where are Jenna and Sylvester?
Lady: Jenna wouldn't just go off like that...would she?
Homura: They've been kidnapped.
[Various gasps are heard]
Homura: It wasn't hard to see, all it takes is looking back.
Falco: Um, yeah, question; this wouldn't happened to be part of the tour, right?
Snow White: Well...it wasn't something I expected. Where could they have gone?
Fox: We should go back to the shaft entrance, we might find them there.
Wolf: You thought about that thoroughly?
Fox: Well, we can't just leave them wherever they are.
Wolf: I mean, I didn't say abandon them, just be careful what you're gonna do.
[The group walks back to the entrance of the two tunnels before coming to a stop before the left shaft]
Blitz: So...what do we do now?
Chance: Whatever's inside could be armed.
Blitz: Well, that clears things up, only how are we supposed to get in there without being captured ourselves?
Chance: I say the most skilled go in first, I've dealt with my fair share of creeps in caves, this'll be a cinch.
Blitz: You sound pretty confident for someone who doesn't know what he's up against, and that's usually supposed to be my job.
Chance: Well, why not join me and prove your metal, you got that razor-sharp claws, don't you?
Blitz: Oh, ja, and mein teeth. Two on one?
Wolf: Ooooookay, Romeo, I get you're excited to plunge unto the unknown, but like you said, we don't know what's in that tunnel.
Daria: I'd volunteer to sacrifice to an unknown captor, but I'm too busy trying to live at the moment.
Homura: Since the target's no doubt armed, I'll provide the necessary firepower in case things get...[pulls out a pistol]...tense.
Perdita: So, is there a plan on who's going in and who isn't?
Duchess: I believe we might have the answer to that.
[Homura, Wolf, Fox, Falco, Blitz, and Chance lined up at the entrance, Amy coming up behind the feline]
Falco: Um, what are you doing?
Amy: Hey, if there's some big ugly creep in this cave, I'm gonna smash 'em with my mallet. [pulls out a large red mallet]
Falco: ...How did you fit that in...you know what, I'm not even gonna ask.
Shadow: I'll be going too, when all else fails, you'll need reliable backup, namely one that will be able to outpace any armed madman.
Snow White: Just be careful in there, I'm praying that no one gets hurt.
Fox: We'll try our best...[under his breath]...I hope.
[The group walks into the shaft while the others stay behind with bated breath. The scene cuts to the inside of the tunnel as water drips and footsteps echo, accompanied by the occasional sound of a rock falling. Homura squints her eyes at the sight of a white lantern in the distance, followed by turning a corner to see an empty minecart with Jenna and Sylvester tied up next to each other. The two notice the oncoming lights and muffle their cries through their gags]
Chance: There they are!
Amy: Let's get 'em!
[The sound of a gun clicking echoes]
?: Don't take another step.
Blitz: Who are you...where are you?!
?: That's none of your concern, what you need to do is go back the way you came.
Wolf: You got hostages there, what makes you think I'm gonna-
?: If you don't back off, I will shoot one of you.
Amy: Whoever you are, you'd better show yourself or-
[A rifle appears next to the pink hedgehog's head]
Amy: Haaaaaaaaaa…
Wolf: What's she looking at?
Amy: Oh, just the fact that there's a GUN POINTED AT MY HEAD!
Falco: Where? I can't see it.
Shadow: [squints his eyes] He must be using illusion. [lifts his leg up behind Amy to kick next to her head]
Amy: Hey! I don't wanna be kicked and shot at!
Shadow: Well, you'll be glad to know I just kicked your imaginary rifle away.
?: I thought I would be lenient with you...but I suppose you didn't fall for my illusion...so I'll take care of you in a different way...
[A series of explosions are heard, rumbling and shaking the mine walls. Rocks begin to fall from the ceiling]
Blitz: Okay, that complicates matters.
Fox: Quick, get those two and let's get out of here!
[Homura runs up to Jenna and Sylvester and slices through their ropes]
Homura: You're welcome.
Sylvester: Uhhhhhhhh, yeah, thanks, just get me outta here.
Jenna: How did I even get mixed up in this?
[The scene cuts to the group running towards the entrance of the shaft, the others seeing them and beginning to run away as well. Flora and Minako look up at the falling rocks while covering their heads]
Flora: Winx! Enchantix!
Minako: Venus Star Power, Make Up!
[A quick sequence of Flora's Enchantix transformation and Minako's Star Power transformation are shown before they looks up at the ceiling, larger rocks falling to the ground]
Flora: Vines of Venus!
Minako: Venus Winx Chain Sword!
[Venus swirls her sword before it devolves into a red chain, crushing several rocks before several strings of golden vines wrap around the ceiling to prevent more debris from falling]
Venus: You reckon that'll hold?
Flora: Just enough time for us to escape.
Chance: [as he passes by] Heh, not a bad shot, for a scout and a fairy. [unleashes a claw from his glove to prevent a rock falling on his head]
Flora: Well, we're not just about sparkles and glitter.
Venus: Plus, I think I'm rather elegant.
[Blitz slashes a rock with his long claws]
Blitz: Now that is elegance.
[Twilight and Rarity are shown lifting the occasional rocks using the magic from their horns]
Rarity: Oh, why can't I ever go into a cave without something going wrong?!
Twilight: I'm hesitant to ask if this is worse than the Diamond Dogs.
Rarity: At the moment, I'm indecisive.
[The scene cuts to the group emerging out from the mines just as a cloud of dust bursts out. As soon as the dust settles, it shows the exhausted group trying to cooperate from their ordeal]
Shadow: Well...that was quite a show.
Amy: So now you try to be funny.
Angelina: [fans herself with her paw] Oh dear, I, I need to sit down...
Sylvester: [panting] Okay...never go into a cave a night...new lesson for yours truly...oh god, I think I'm gonna be sick...
Rarity: You going to be alright, darling?
Sylvester: At the moment...probably not...[sighs and faints]
Twilight: Are you alright, Jenna?
Lady: Oh, yes, what happened back there?
Jenna: It's...a bit difficult to explain...
Twilight: Did you see who kidnapped you?
Jenna: That's the thing; I couldn't see him...
[Twilight and Lady glance at one another]
Snow White: I'm terribly sorry that this happened, I don't know how I'll make up for this transgression.
Wolf: Well, I'll give ya' this, you're not half bad a tour guide, and at least it was an adventure.
Snow White: Hmm...well, thank you, I suppose there's something to be said regardless...though I didn't expect it from you...
Wolf: I work in mysterious ways, that's the beauty of it...[walks off to where Fox is]
Fox: You never cease to amaze me, do you?
Wolf: You saw that?
Fox: Dishing out compliments, whatever happened to the Big Bad Wolf?
Wolf: Who says he's gone, I can show that side if you really want it.
Fox: Ehhhhhhhhh, you're gonna have to wait for that moment.
Wolf: Hmph, now look who's being cruel.
Falco: Yoooooou're losing it, both of you.
Wolf: Haaaaaaa, shut up...
[The scene transitions to the weary lot boarding Duncan's coaches]
Duncan: Och, what's up with that lot, ya'd think they saw a ghost? Hmph, as if I'd believe in such rubbish.
[Duncan blows his whistle and sets off as the shot cuts to the interior of one of the coaches with Homura looking out the window]
Homura: This wasn't an accident...this was purely intentional...
[The scene transitions to the campfire from before as a radio crackles to life]
?: Seems your collateral damage has improved...with that said, it never hurts to have spiritual connections...especially when they can confuse the minds of victims...manipulation is like magic...it produces satisfying results when you use it correctly...
[The shot cuts to Geoffrey, Drago, and Fiona listening to the call while sitting on the grass]
?: I'm pleased with your work...make sure you keep it that way...
[The shot cuts to a hand on a radio]
?: It'll benefit you in the long run...let's not have any...missteps...
[The shot pans out to reveal Dr. Finitevus pressing down on a button, ending the transmission]
Dr. Finitevus: She wasn't entirely wrong...but she wasn't entirely right either…
The End...