The party had come to a halt in their journey. Pancake stood at the front, staring forward with an unreadable expression. Strawberry Parfait stood just a bit behind her, still wearing a pleasant smile on her face. And behind her were Eirwen and Marshmallow, the two Coursers each looking ahead with guarded suspicion.

For what stood ahead of them was a large metal grate, much bigger than it’d ever needed to be. Finally, one of them spoke up.

“We should turn around,” Spoke Marshmallow,”Find another way around it.”

Eirwen snorted at that thought,”Hmph, what a waste of time that would be.” But wouldn’t offer a different idea, still processing herself just what to do.

Suddenly, something rattled on the other side of the metal grate, causing all of the Coursers to stand alert. They waited… till finally something approached from the party, only being partially illuminated by the light of Pancake’s lantern. It was a ghoulish creature, with sunken in eyes–barely resembling the shape of a Courser.

“Please, can I join your party?”

All but Pancake took a step back.

“No!” Snarled Eirwen, lashing her white tail, before turning to Pancake. “Stupid foal, get back!”

Strawberry Parfait and Marshmallow shared a worried glance, as the ghoul began to beg!

“Please! Please! Please!”

Its skeletal body rattled, quickly closing in on the party, tilting its head through the side to fit itself through the other side, its front teeth sinking into the nape of Pancake’s neck, suddenly pulling him onto the iron bars.