Scene #4513: Cutiemark Crusader Wildlife Expedition Go!

Owner	Pose
Toph Beifong	It's a regular thing for Toph to stop by the badgermole pack in Gaoling, and nowadays she's seldom alone. For a while Tony was insistent on going alone after the whole mess with the evil spirit incident and the falling out with her biological father, but things have luckily eased up. And Toph doesn't mind bringing along friends and allies from the Union who wants to see her favourite type of animal. Today is bound to be a rather energy filled trip, as the three Cutiemark Crusaders aren't exactly low key and laid back. But at least Rarity won't have to deal with them all alone, now does she? First they had stopped by the town itself, a rather calm mountain area with farms, earthbenders and lots of people who were obviously curious about the ponies. Toph had promised them some good food, and so she's stopped by the usual place where she gets buns. Most of the time she does get the one with meat in them, that's what the Stark family prefers, but she did contact the owner some days ago and requested some vegeterian ones for today. After the food had been picked up the blind girl had set the course for hills, telling the fillies to keep up with her and that they better save their energy for the hills. It is quite a walk, but eventually they do reach a quiet area with some cave entrances. "Okay girls, we're here!" Toph declares, then claps her hands and turns towards the three fillies. "You remember what I told you, right? No loud noises, no running off on your own in there and to do exactly what I say." Sure, if they ran off Toph would find them easily enough, but eh... Rarity would probably stress out at that.
Rarity	A filling meal before a long hike was typically a good idea. That and Rarity's socialite side was a bit of a foodie. Cuisine was part of culture, so getting to know one often involved the other. By this point the odd looks for being a talking non-humanoid being was hardly a bother. The prep ahead to make sure there was a vegetarian option ready for the four of them was considerate and appreciated though. "It's about time." Rarity wasn't as frail and weak as people would expect of her typical mannerisms. Still, a long walk is a long walk and she's all for taking a moment to rest her hooves. And adjust her outfit. Pith hat and all. Would anyone expect any less suiting attire for a hike from her?.. That or she borrowed from Twilight and Dash's affection for Daring Do for inspiration. "Yes ma'am!" Then after a pause Applebloom and Scootaloo both turn to peer at Sweetie Belle. "Whaaaat?" the fillycorn peers back. "No loud noises." Scootaloo repeats. "Then why are you staring at me?" As usual the capacity of her voice goes right over Sweetie Belle's head. Applebloom rolls her eyes. "Oh nevah mind."
Toph Beifong	As long as Rarity doesn't complain about her clothes getting dirty then she can wear whatever she wants. The unicorn was warned that there would be lots of earth, mud and dust on this trip, but the hike isn't too bad for people and ponies who are used to a normal trip through the woods. It's not flat, but it's not that steep either. Good, the fillies seem to understand and respects her authority on the matter. So Toph nods and then begins heading down into the biggest cavern, kicking into the ground to stop herself from skidding too fast. "Bring out your flashlights if you want to see anything, there's no natural light way in here. And that's where the youngest badgermoles are." A few seconds later there's a deep rumble coming from within the cave, and the earth shakes just slightly underneath Toph's feet and the ponies' hooves. Yet the blind girl doesn't seem worried as she marches on.
Rarity	Which would be why Rarity is wearing the cliche (but still stylish) classic european explorer outfit instead. Sometimes you have to dress practial instead of fanciful. Plus she already gave the trio a good talking to that Toph is in charge. Granted, it probably helps that Toph, when you take the difference in how ponies and humans age, is closer to their age than Rarity is. So that makes this -fun-. Kids think weird. "Pfff. Flashlights." Sweetie Belle lowers her head a little to point her small horn. It sparks a few times, shines brightly with a soft light matching the color of her eyes.... and then winks out. And won't come back despite the adorable scrunchy faces she makes trying to focus it again. "Oh goodness Sweetie, don't strain yourself. Your magic is still in its developemental stages after all. Fortunately, I came prepared~" Rarity turns to her own travel pack, pulls out three miners hats with her magic, and deposits one on the head of each Crusader. "There we go." And then a rumbling. Toph doesn't seem bothered by it, so why should the girls be. Rarity, on the other hand, just huffs softly. "At least here I know that is not a Diamond Dog."
Toph Beifong	Magic lights, miner hats... as long as the fillies don't stumble and injure themselves that's what matters. And Toph clearly doesn't rush off, letting the ponies follow her. Rarity's reaction to the sound does make Toph smile a little, looking amused. "No diamond dogs here, whatever those are. Only badgermoles. Speaking of which..." It might be a bit hard to see all the tunnels in this place due to the darkness, but suddenly there's a sound coming from the small ponies' left side as the wall shifts open, and a large head leans forward. It's easily the size of a small car, big white eyes nearly getting up in their faces with whiskers tickling at their sides. But other than perhaps giving them a scare, the big head doesn't do anything besides sniff at them. Toph herself looks rather pleased, and she walks right over. "Say hi to Boss, he's the leader of the pack." With that she reaches over to scratch at the big badgermole's snout, and the creature narrows its eyes while it makes a low sound of contentment. Further down the tunnel the ponies might both see and hear more badgermoles coming, curious and eager to investigate the visitors. "They are kinda used to me bringing new people over, though they haven't met ponies before." Not that they seem worried in the least, which is evident as some smaller badgermoles, though still much larger than the fillies, head on over towards them.
Rarity	Normally something coming through the wall is loud and messy. Seriously. Just ask how many times Rainbow Dash has crashed through the Boutique's roof when one of her stunts backfire. Arguably something just moving the rock like they were opening a door was more surprising. Toph had mentioned learning Earthbending from the badgermoles, but Rarity hadn't expected the animals to be that... what's the word.. precise with it." ".. Oh my.." That is a really big head. "Uh?" Wait, just how intelligent -are- badgermoles? Deciding to error on the safe side, Rarity holds up a hoof in a wave. "Hello?" The Crusaders on the other hoof are staring in wide-eyed facination. Though they remember to keep their oooos and aaaahs down to a non-disruptive level.
Toph Beifong	Precise is an understatement, that should be clear as the big badgermole twists his head, causing the hole to widen so he can turn around and walk off, clearly content that the ponies are no threat to the pack. Somehow Toph looks amused when Rarity waves to Boss, grinning from ear to ear. "He's a big grouch at times, don't take it personally. And they don't understand words, but they do like hearing voices and music." It might be exciting for the Crusaders that the smaller badgermoles don't appear to be scared, as a matter of fact they get right up in their faces, snuffling at them as they lean down. It might be a bit distressing to see the large claws that these creatures have, each claw as long as the fillies themselves are. But the creatures appear to be calm enough, if only a bit curious and excited about the visitors and the scents they bring. Why, one badgermole even licks at Applebloom's cheek before bumping his head against her.
Rarity	"That is true of many animals, dahling. Why else would one talk to their beloved pet?" "Because sometimes Opal seems more sensible than you are," Sweetie Belle gets in a loving sisterly dig and starts giggling. Rarity hmmfs softly and flicks her tail at the giggling filly, which just gets the other two giggling as well. At least until one badgermole shuffles up closer and slurps Applebloom. "Awk! Just cuz Ah got apple in muh name don't mean Ah taste like one." Followed by getting bowled over by the head bonk. Which she takes in stride. When you have a brother like Big Mac you learn to roll with the affectionate bumps. Rarity is trying very, very hard to not look disgusted at Applebloom getting drooled on, which is just making Sweetie Belle giggle all the more. Scootaloo gets right up to one of the other young badgermoles, wings flicking excitedly. "These are so cool. Why doesn't Equestria have something like this? Maybe they'd get rid of those annoying quarry eels so Dash can fly the gourge in piece." "Please don't say that. Last thing we need is Fluttershy wanting to adopt one into her menagerie."
Toph Beifong	"Because said pet might be stupid or something? Buster is a goddamn nutcase at times, and he gets into trouble all the time." They do remember what happened at Toph's birthday, right? With Buster getting out and into the chocobo pen? The badgermole tilts its head when Applebloom falls over, and then it quickly moves its left paw, causing the earth to rise slightly so the little pony is standing again. And then it returns to rumbling and bonks her head again, a bit softer this time. Scootaloo seems to have found a playful badgermole, as it rises up a bit and stomps its front feet into the ground. A sizeable rock shoots up from the ground and to the ceiling before falling down again. "Badgermoles are native to this world and this country, and of course they are cool! They are the original earthbenders, though few people learn from them nowadays. Most earthbenders use another style to bend the earth, but eh... I prefer doing it like these guys. They are the true masters who taught me," the blind teenager says as she plops down next to a large badgermole who licks at her cheeck, leaving behind a large trail of slobber. And of course Toph doesn't mind as she scratches the large animal behind its ear. "And why not? Bedivere got a pack of badgermoles in Dun Realtai now, they help with getting the fields ready in the spring. They don't like being alone though, they're pack animals. If she wants one, then she better get at least four so they won't be lonely." Which might make Rarity even more alarmed.
Rarity	"Stupid is a bit of a harsh term, dahling." Though after that night Rarity can't really object to the 'nutcase' part. "Now before I forget." She pulls a small notepad and pencil out of her pack. If she's going to craft a plush she needs to take a few notes. Good thing she doesn't have to try and measure any of them. Applebloom shakes herself off once she's back on her hooves. "Well that's the first time the earth's actually helped me -up- instead of trippin' me. This time she's ready though, and actually moves to headbonk the badgermole in return so she's not knocked down again. Even if she can't fly Scootaloo's quickly buzzing wings are more than fast enough to jump out of the way of the rock bursting from the ground and bouncing off the ceiling. That would be pretty good for obstacle dodging practice. When Toph mentions needing four of them to be comfortable Rarity slowly lowers the notepad enough to stare at the metalbender over the edge of it with her best half-lidded eyes. "Let's just stick to the plushies for right now, hmmm~" "Maybe they could help the Apples if they can till fields." Sweetie Belle chimes in, tapping a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. "Would make Wrap-Up planting go a lot faster." Rarity turns her head to give her sister a 'You're not helping' look.
Toph Beifong	"Well, he noticed you fell down and he wanted to help you up," Toph points out as she leans back against the badgermole, using it as a rest while she continues scratching it behind the ears. It seems like the fillies are getting along with the badgermoles and not doing anything wrong, so she'll just sit there and observe for now. Besides, nothing helps calm her down than some quality time with her favourite animals. The badgermole clearly isn't trying to hit Scootaloo with the boulder, though pushes at it with its nose, rolling it towards Scootaloo. Your turn to roll the ball! Two badgermoles close in on Sweetie Belle, sniffing at her curiously. And one of them even lies down next to her, rumbling as its tail swishes back and forth. And Applebloom seems to have really made a friend in the clingy badgermole who showers her with affection. The metalbender shrugs at Rarity's comment. "Hey, I'm just stating facts here. Some of these guys are ready to break off and start their own packs. When Bedivere asked if some could be relocated I merely had the badgermoles follow me, and they settled down on their own will in Dun Realtai. I'm not sure if they would like it in Ponyville or not." Most likely they would, as the earth there is clean, good and there's no noise going on there. Not to mention the badgermoles seem to really like the ponies more than they tend to like humans. Maybe it's because they walk around on four legs as well or something...? Who knows. "Or if you really need help I could always bring them with me in the spring and have them till the fields for you guys. just as a temporary thing."
Rarity	Hey, the Crusaders are perfectly capable of behaving. Sometimes. When there's not some story point getting them into trouble, at least. Scootaloo 'catchs' the rolling boulder, which ends up pushing her backwards farther before it stops mostly of its own. She peaks around one side, then the other. "I... guess they like soccer." She shrugs, takes a few steps back. Flares her little wings briefly, then beats them furiously as she charges the boulder to push it. It rolls... a little bit... and a little more... but she's not quite strong or fast enough to push it very quickly. But she's trying! Applebloom seems to have made a new friend. And Sweetie Belle does what you would expect any kid to do with an animal, and try to hug it. She can't get her forelegs all the way around the neck of the larger animal, but she tries, and the sentiment is there. "I'm not worried about Fluttershy. Or the badgermoles. I'm worried about them crossing paths with the Diamond Dogs." Rarity pauses, tongue poking out of the corner of her mouth as she magically scribbles a bit more on the notepad before continuing. At least badgermoles have a fairly simple body shape to work with. "They kidnapped 'me' wanting to find and dig gemstones for them. If they found out something could just -make- tunnels instead of all that work..." A pause. Then a bit of a smirk at Toph. "... I don't think you could whine good enough to make them stop." "Cuz she'd just kick 'em!" Applebloom pipes up from somewhere in the badgermole cuddlepile around her and Sweetie Belle. "I suppose you're right." A chuckle. "I should be more worried about how bad it would be for the Diamond Dogs." A pissed off Earthbender would be very bad for underground dwellers. "Though they're not really evil... They're just... y'know..." Rarity wobbles a paw. She doesn't want to use 'stupid' after she gave Toph trouble for using it earlier.
Toph Beifong	When the boulder rolls back towards it, the badgermole swipes its massive claws across the ground, causing a spike to shoot out of the ground, knocking it back towards Scootaloo. It's not hard, and it should be easy enough for her to intercept it. Applebloom's new friend has closed its eyes and is now licking her cheek some more, then it turns begins heading off to a nearby wall... and then bends it open with one paw, digging out some roots that it takes in its mouth, carrying it over to Applebloom. And the badgermole that gets hugged by Sweetie Bell certainly doesn't mind, leaning into her and rumbling with pleasure. By now the adult badgermoles have wandered off, the novelty of the visitors having worn off. And these four legged creatures aren't doing anything bad in their territory. Then again, badgermoles don't have any natural enemies, which makes them far less skittish than other animals in this strange world. The explanation of the diamond dogs and what they do makes Toph arch an eyebrow as she listens, clearly paying attention even as she leans back in her relaxed position. And she's about to comment on her inability to whine when Applebloom speaks up. "What she said. I don't whine, I'm better at kicking asses. And Fashion Queen, look at the badgermoles. You really think you can get one to do something it doesn't want to do? If somebody messes with them they are in for serious trouble. Some earthbenders have gotten badgermoles to help out, and they are only able to do that by being nice to them. If badgermoles aren't treated right they will raise hell and the ground along with it!" "They're dunderheads," Toph finishes for Rarity as she reaches a hand up to pick at her nose. "I'm not worried." No, getting Toph to do stuff she doesn't want to is something that only a handful of people can do, and two of those are her adoptive parents.
Rarity	It's like catch. But with rolling instead of throwing, which is probably better for Scootaloo all things considering. As long as the rock is already moving, she can use her speed to kick it and make it roll in a different direction. A trick she learned from Rainbow Dash, naturally. Applebloom squints a little at the roots. Then Toph mentions the badgermoles not having natural predators. Points at the roots with a hoof. "Is this what they eat, then? Ah know moles an' gophers back home eat roots and bugs... An' thanks, big fella." Always be polite about a gift, even if you don't know what to the think about it, Granny always says. "I do suppose they are no more or less dangerous than any other magical creature in Equestria." Rarity relents a little. If Toph wants to give someone badgermoles to help out, she's too stubborn to be stopped. It's... a lot like dealing with Rainbow Dash. Or Applejack, though AJ at least has some common sense, if her personal feelings aren't being pinched wrong. "Though you'd have to be sure they stay away from Everfree. That place... does weird things to even the strongest of creatures. I don't know how Zecora can stand living out there."
Toph Beifong	The badgermole continues rolling the boulder with Scootaloo, looking rather eager to play the game. And Toph nods at Applebloom's question. "Yeah, roots, worms and insects. So no need to worry, they don't bite. The worst they can do is to use earthbending on you, but it seems like they really like you guys." Which seems to please Toph. But it's not like she's about to move the badgermoles to Equestria. The warning however is appreciated, and Toph shudders. "Yeah, I did visit that place once with Luna I think? Not somewhere the badgermoles would like to be. And somebody /lives/ out there? Well, people live in weird places..." Withdrawing her finger from her nose, the blind teen flicks a booger off to the side. "It's not like I'd let just help anybody get badgermoles. Only those whom I know will make sure they are happy and safe."
Rarity	"Zecora don't spook easily, that's why." Applebloom chimes in. She takes the root, and takes a bite out of the tip. To be polite. Then tucks the rest away in her own little pack. "We ate before comin' out here, so Ah'll save the rest fer later. Like a snack bar." They don't understand words, but they probably understand the sentiment behind it? Either way, she's being polite company. "Zecora does. As does Jinxel, since she lives with that obnoxious weed-grower." Rarity makes a face at that. But leaves it be. They haven't done anything to try and pull Jinxel back to Ponyville because there's that faint hope that Jinxel's friendship will eventually get Bramble Patch to lighten up and realize how much of a jerk she is. "And supposedly Nightmare Moon lairs in the remains of the Sister's old castle, but we haven't heard a peep out of the old nag in ages." Happy and safe would definately be up Fluttershy's experise. "Though bringing them to help sometime, and see what they think of Equestria, probably wouldn't hurt. Just don't forget to let one of us know beforehand." Mostly so we can make sure at least Fluttershy is there just in case.
Toph Beifong	There's no offense taken when Applebloom stuffs the root away in her pack, and the badgermole goes back to snuggling. Oh man, Jinxel and Bramble Patch are two Feds Toph hasn't run into for a while now. "Heh, really? She has more guts than she appears to have then," Toph snickers with a grin. At least Jinxel isn't mean to badgermoles, that much she knows. But even so, it's better to keep the animals out of that creepy forest just in case. "Tell you what, I'll bring them in the spring for Winter Wrap up, and they can help till the fields. That way you guys can move around the resources in other places where there might be a need of move ha-- hoves," Toph corrects herself. "And don't worry, it's not like I drag them around with me all the time. You don't wanna know how much trouble it can be to keep a group of badgermoles in check and make sure they don't wander off!"
Rarity	Rarity looks from Scootaloo playing Roll The Rock with one badgermole, to the others snuggling with her sister and Applebloom. Thinks of how often she has to reign in Rainbow Dash, or Pinkie Pie. "I think I have a pretty good idea, dahling," she replies, with a hint of amusement. Flicks the notepad shut. "This shouldn't be too hard to do, either. Depending on how large you want it to be." Pause. Looks down at the floor of the cavern. Makes a scooping motion with a hoof. "May I?" She's probably asking the badgermoles as much as she's asking Toph if she can scoop some up. "I think you would be able to, ah, sense it better if I put some familiar strata in with the stuffing."
Toph Beifong	Perhaps Rarity does know, Toph muses with a smirk when she realises that the unicorn is looking at the fillies. They certainly are a handful. "Maybe you do," she agrees with a chuckle. With the attention brought to the commission at hand Toph sits up a bit. "Eh, not too big. I want the little squirt to be able to drag it around when it's old enough to do so." As for the request to take some of the earth, Toph nods. "Go ahead, they won't mind. And thanks for making one, it's not like they have many badgermole toys here that are fitting for babies, you know?"
Rarity	Rarity's expression lights up. "Oh! I did not realize it was for the baby, not yourself. But that just makes this all the more special." Carefully she scoops up a small hooffull of dirt and tucks it away. "All the same, having a bit of where the badgermoles are from is a proper tribute."
Toph Beifong	Toph grins at that, pushing herself back up to her feet as she gives the badgermole one last scritch behind the ear. "I'm a bit too big for stuffed animals, and Goldie and Pepper's baby deserves to have a plushie to drag around, you know? No kid should be without plushies. And I figured that you're among my top two picks for getting stuff made. I asked Tomoyo to make clothes for Pepper's birthday, so now it's your turn to be commissioned." It certainly is handy with some seamstresses around who knows how to do this. Since Toph trying to sew something would probably end in distaster.
Rarity	At the mention of being too big for stuffed animals Applebloom rolls her eyes. "Tell that to Big Mac and Mister Smartypants. Rarity just coughs politely into a hoof as the older brother of the Apples and one of his eccentric hobbies is brought up. "Uh, yes... Anyways. This cave is lovely but I do not think the dank dampness is going to do any good for my mane so I am going back out to the entrance. You girls play nice." Or cuddle nice, as that seems to be all the other badgermoles are doing.
Toph Beifong	What? That big pony has a plushie? Toph snickers a bit at that, though she sobers up quickly enough. "Yeah, I do think that the badgermole cubs need their rest too. If you want I can bring you guys with me another time since you've been good." The dampness doesn't bother her, but she does have things to do at the academy herself.
Rarity	It's a good thing Toph says they can come back another time, because there was almost a trio of 'aaaaaaaw' that might of been a little too hard on the badgermoles' ears otherwise. Though between playing and snuggling the cubs should sleep pretty good for a while. "Very well then. Time to say goodbye, girls." Which includes another round of Crusader hugs for the badgermoles, of course. "Cutie Mark Crusaders Badgermole Friends Yaaaaaay" Thankfully they do remember not to shout their little catchphrase.