"It's a Small,Small World"
-by Dianna Williams -aka-  ~*~Baby Topaz~*~

     On a bright,sunny day in Paradise Valley,Baby Topaz awakened and
stretched her legs in her bed.The sunlight shone through the nursery
windows,making tiny rainbows dance about the room,from the diamond shaped
prisms hanging over her bed.Baby Topaz was a small pony even for her age.She
was a light yellow color,with small sparkly wings,rainbow and silver colored
mane and tail,and a topaz jewel on her rump,and also,a tiny one on her
forehead.Her eyes were also silver.She crawled out of her bed and looked
around.All the other babies had already gone.She'd slept in again.
    Baby Topaz wandered outside,still yawning and breathed in the sweet
perfume of a new day and fresh flowers in bloom.Prancing along to the
stream, she took a few sips and looked about her.No one was in
sight,still."They must all be down in the meadows",she thought to herself.So
off she was again,searching for the other babies to play with.She saw a few
of the older ponies,but no babies.So finally she approached her
mother,Diamonds."Mama,can I go for a walk along the brook?",she pleaded.Her
mother looked at her eager baby and smiled,wondering why she hadn't gone
with the other babies to the woods to pick flowers, but realized she had
probably slept in again."I suppose Topaz,but I want you home in an
hour.We're having a birthday party for Lickity Split.Baby Topaz jumped with
glee."Of course I will!",she shouted,running to go get her friend Hopscotch
Bunny,and then of they went.
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Meanwhile,in Rainbow Land,everyone was preparing for a great day of
celebration also.Brian was coming to visit,and it was Tickled Pink's
birthday.Rainbow Brite had taken Tickled Pink and Starlite on a trip to
Earth to pick up Brian and give the others time to decorate and prepare for
the surprise birthday party.All the Sprites were in the Color Caves
gathering Color Crystals for everyone to use in decorating.LaLa Orange and
Red Butler were busy blowing up balloons and hanging up streamers.Shy Violet
and Indigo were baking a special three-layer cake,with all kinds of pink
icing and sprinkles.Buddy Blue was working with the other Sprites to set up
tables and chairs in the dining room.Patty O Green and Canary Yellow were
also helping, picking fresh flowers in the meadows.Moonglo and Nite Sprite
were preparing the fireworks for that night,and Stormy was sulking up in the
clouds with Skydancer,because she couldn't make it rain or thunder that day.
   But of course Murky and Lurky were up to their usual miserable selves in
the Pits."Lurky! Where are you,you idiot!",Murky yelled from where he was
grumbling.Lurky ran as fast as he could,accidentally tripping over his big
nose,bumped Murky,sending them both tumbling down onto the ground.Murky got
up and bopped Murky on the head."You fool! We need to get to work.Those
Color Kids are up to something,I know it! Go spy on them with the
Dismalscope and see what's happening.Get moving,now!" Lurky ran to the
Dismalscope,listening to his orders,yet happy he could watch the Color
Kids.He really did like Rainbow....but he was not allowed.Murky said so.
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Back in Paradise Valley,Baby Topaz was prancing along the river with
Hopscotch Bunny.They were looking for some pretty buttercup flowers to give
Lickity Split for her birthday.After a while,they stopped at the bottom of
Pony Mountain to get a drink from the brook.Hopscotch noticed some yellow
flowers at the base of the mountain and they walked over to investigate.They
were buttercups! They tried to pull them out,but just couldn't seem to get
the flowers up."Hmmm....I wonder what's wrong?" Hopscotch Bunny
said."Well,we could try digging around them in the rock and then try to pull
them up by the roots," Topaz said.And they dug until they could get a pretty
good grip on the flowers.They were so pretty! All bright and colorful,they
just had to have them to give to Lickity Split.They got a good grip and on
the count of three yanked,and out came the flowers.The release sent the two
flying backwards,Hopscotch landing on her chin and Topaz on her rump.They
stood and shook themselves off,examining their treasures.All of a sudden
they heard voices coming from somewhere.They sniffed around and noticed the
noise was coming from a hole.It was a very big hole where the flowers had
been! It was dark and hard to see,so Baby Topaz walked over to the hole to
peer in better;and Hopscotch climbed on her back.She pawed at the earth a
bit,and it crumbled making the hole slightly bigger.She took another tiny
step further and BAM!,they fell into the hole.The earth had completely given
way under all the pressure and they were falling helplessly into the
dark,damp cavern.
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Sunriser was walking down the mountain range,just piddling around when she
felt the ground beneath her shake a bit.Thinking not much of it,she
continued,and was heading off the mountain when it shuddered again,this time
as if someone or thing had fallen on the mountain or under it.It
rumbled."What's going on here?",she thought to herself,and set off to the
very bottom where the noise had come from.Nearing the Pits,Sunriser figured
all the commotion to be Murky and Lurky."Oh no,what are they up to now?",she
wondered,quietly padding to their dark and miserable cave entrance.
    Inside the cave entrance,Lurky was rushing to tell Murky about the
birthday party that was being prepared. "Murky,Murky A
b-b-b-birthday.....whhhoooooaaaaa!",Lurky yelled as he tripped over his
shoelaces this time and landed in front of Murky.Murky just looked disgusted
as always."You bumbling fool,tell me what's going on in Rainbow Land! Lurky
stood and brushed himself off."Oh! A birthday party! It's Tickled Pink's
birthday and everyone is helping out making everything colorful and pretty
and Murky can we..." Murky stopped him short."No, we have to hurry.I must
come up with a new plan to ruin this party and destroy that Rainbow Brat and
those Color Kids for good!" And off he went,chuckling miserably to himself
and planning his awful deed.
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Back in Paradise Valley,Diamonds was starting to worry about her
daughter,and Hopscotch Bunny.Hopscotch's mother was also beginning to
worry.Lickity Split's birthday party had already begun,and no one had seen
either of the two missing babies.But Diamonds didn't say anything,not just
yet.She kept quiet so as not to raise concern or disturb the party.
    Meanwhile,Baby Topaz and Hopscotch were shaking off the impact from the
fall;standing and dusting themselves off.They looked around to survey their
surroundings.It was dreadfully dark in the cave,save the light from the hole
they'd fallen through. "Oh no,what we gonna do!",exclaimed Hopscotch.She
whined,because she was cold and missed her mommy."Well,we have to find a way
out of here,that hole is wwwaaaaaaaaaaay up there,Hopscotch",Baby Topaz
said.So off they strolled,Baby Topaz lighting the way somewhat with the
jewel on her forehead.After walking a little ways,they heard the voices they
had heard earlier before they had fallen into the hole.So they followed the
noise,and came to a point where there was a bit of grey light and the voices
again,quite clear and louder.When they could almost plainly hear the
conversation,Baby Topaz crept behind a rock and hid to listen.
   "We have to figure out how to take the color out of this birthday
party,Lurky...",they heard.Curious,Baby Topaz quietly moved closer around to
peer around the corner of the rock.Slowly and carefully she looked
around.They spied a small furry brown creature with a big nose,and untied
shoelaces.He was helplessly trying to follow around a bigger guy,more human
looking,like Meagan Baby Topaz thought.The bigger one was a greenish color
and wore a cape outfit and was ranting and raving something about color."I
wonder what and who they are",Baby Topaz thought as she tried to get a
better look.Suddenly a bit of the rock crumbled and bounced across the
ground.Baby Topaz and Hopscotch Bunny both jumped back,startled,and hid as
far back as they could go.They were breathing very hard,and hoping the two
creatures hadn't heard them.
    Unfortunately,the had.Murky stopped in his tracks from ranting and
listened.Of course Lurky wasn't paying much attention and ran straight into
him,falling down."Shh,listen.What was that noise? It came from behind that
rock!",Murky said,looking puzzled and listening intently."Uh,gee,I
dunno",Lurky said.Murky bopped him on the head again."Go look behind that
rock,I think there's someone back there!",Murky exclaimed,shoving poor Lurky
ahead of him.
    Hearing this,Baby Topaz squinted her eyes and tried to hide further
back.They had a little success in this,but realized Baby Topaz's jewel was
still glowing yellow light.
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Sunriser heard Murky and Lurky talking about the birthday and began to
gallop back to the Color Castle to warn the Color KIds.Patty O Greene and
Canary Yellow greeted her at the door,baskets brimming full of fresh and
pretty flowers."Sunriser,what's the matter",exclaimed Patty,seeing Sunriser
gallop at a faster pace than usual.Sunriser stopped,sweat rolling down her
back,and her nostrils flaring.After finally catching her breath,most of the
Sprites had heard the commotion and ran from the Color Caves,their pouches
full of bright Color Crystals,to where the trio was standing.Sparks was the
first to speak."Do tell us what's happened!",he asked.Sunriser took a deep
breath."It's Murky and Lurky.They're up to something.Somehow they know about
Tickled Pink's birthday and they want to ruin it.We have to stop them!",she
said,all in one breath.Everyone let out squeals of terror and replies,and
started talking all at once.Suddenly a loud voice overcame all the
noise."What's all this commotion about?".It was Rainbow Brite riding up on
Starlite,Tickled Pink and Brian no where in sight."I leave you all alone for
a couple of hours and everything goes crazy? And I just came back for more
Star Sprinkles",Rainbow said,climbing down from Starlite and to the center
of the crowd.Everyone started talking at once again,and finally Canary
loudly interrupted and explained everything to Rainbow."Oh my stars",she
said,wrinkling up her nose.Starlite started to say something about him
saving the day,but Rainbow interrupted.She ordered everyone to continue with
the preparations and Red Butler and Buddy Blue were to go and check out the
Pits and see what Murky and Lurky were up to.Rainbow gathered up more star
sprinkles,and took Twink with her,waving farewell to everyone as they rode
off back to Earth.Red and Buddy had a time trying to convince Sunriser to
let them ride on her to get to the Pits but were finally successful,and
galloped away towards the Pits.
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Inside the Pits,Lurky was quietly sneaking up on the invaders,with Murky
peering over his shoulders.Rounding the corner of the rock,they discovered
the two shivering invaders.The bright yellow light almost blinded Murky and
Lurky.Just as Lurky was reaching out to touch the Pony,Murky shouted."Ack!
They're colorful,grab them!" So the two miserable ones snatched up the
frightened Baby Topaz and Hopscotch and threw them in a cage.Then they stood
back to look at their prize captives."Hmm,what and where are these horribly
colorful creatures from?",pondered Murky."Should I throw them in the Pits,or
wait",he said,and evil grin coming across his face."I can use them in my
plot against Rainbow Brite!",he exclaimed,and Lurky frowned.Murky looked
them over again,hating there colorfulness,but still curious as to where they
had come from.He got a dictionary from the Miserable Library,while Lurky
crept near the cage.He looked curiously at Baby Topaz and Hopscotch
Bunny,and they were still shivering and frightened.He was just about to ask
them where they were from when he heard a very loud noise.The Evil
Princess,with Count Blogg behind her,were storming in. "Murky,Lurky",she
yelled in her high pitched voice,stomping into the cave."come
here..well,what do we have here?",she asked,smiling evilly and raising a
crooked eyebrow at the two captives and Lurky crouching near the cage.Murky
and Lurky jumped to attention,standing and looking guilty.Count Blogg just
stood by the Evil Princess and smiled.The Princess eyed the captives and
took a step closer.She picked up a stick and poked them with it,laughing
when they jumped and whined."Hmmm,I do believe this pony,or horse and bunny
may be of good use to me.Look at this gorgeous jewel she has,two of them!
It's got to be worth lots,I must have it.....",and she leaned her head back
and let out an evil cackle that sent Baby Topaz and Hopscotch Bunny into
even worse shivers.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Buddy Blue and Red Butler arrived at the Pits on Sunriser in no time.And
also in no time were they lying on their backs in the dust.Sunriser had been
in a hurry to get them off."Oops",she said,and Red helped Buddy up.Quickly
they crept to the cave entrance and listened.Both Kids had brought plenty of
Star Sprinkles in case of an emergency.The two instructed Sunriser to stay
outside in case they needed to make a quick escape,and headed off into the
cave.
  Inside,the Evil Princess was inspecting Baby Topaz and her jewel.Murky and
Lurky had long since forgotten about the two captives,and were again spying
on the Color Kids with the Dismalscope.They were all laughing and having a
good time finishing the preparations for Tickled Pink's birthday.The
balloons and streamers were all hung and almost everything was done.Rainbow
Brite had brought Brian back to help,and would be back in about an hour,or
noon,when the party was scheduled to begin.
    Murky was looking around in his cabinets for a potion of some sort,and
the Evil Princess and Count Blogg had left to go get something,from another
entrance of the Cave.Lurky had crept away from Murky,and was busy trying to
reach in and pet the Pony and Bunny.He had already weaseled their names and
where they were from,but decided to keep it to himself.Just as Lurky had
almost succeeded in touching Hopscotch,Murky yelled for him in the other
room.Lurky obeyed,and found Murky happily holding up a small bottle of
clear,but cloudy liquid."I've got the perfect plan! Murky said
excitedly,again rumbling around in his cabinets.He pulled out a humongous
bowl,and turned back around.He smirked and said,"I've got it,we're going to
use this potion in a big bowl of....eeeww,I hate the thought...colorful
punch that we're going to take to those Rainbow Brats for that party.Once
they all drink just one sip,they'll all fall into a long sleep.Then we'll
have time to invade the Castle,kidnap them all and throw them in the Pits!
Hehehehe,then we can forever drain Rainbow Land of color!
Muhahahahahahah!",Murky laughed,scrambling around to make his punch,to
forever destroy Rainbow Land with.
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Meanwhile,at Lickity Split's birthday party,Diamonds was busy serving cake
and ice cream.She had momentarily forgotten about Baby Topaz and Hopscotch
Bunny until Baby Applejacks came up to her and asked where she was.Instantly
Diamonds' worry was renewed,and she quietly informed Amethyst,Baby Topaz's
daddy,that the pair was missing.He snorted and pawed the Earth.Quietly he
organized a small search party out of the guests and sent them discreetly
off looking for the two,trying still not to disturb the party,for almost all
of Paradise Valley was present.
~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Inside the Pits,Murky had informed the Evil Princess of his plan.She didn't
pay too much attention,for she was busy studying how to get Baby Topaz's
jewel's.So Murky and Lurky mixed up the potion and put in a big bowl and
tied it with a colorful ribbon,which Murky hated.They set it in the
Grungebuggy and off they went out the back way to the Color Castle.
    Buddy and Red hadn't seen the Grungebuggy leave,but instead were still
proceeding into the cave,Star Sprinkles readily in hand.They hid around a
corner and peered into the cavern.They couldn't adjust to the grey light at
first,but finally saw the Evil Princess and Count Blogg opening up a cage
and reaching out to snatch something.Buddy and Red sprang into
action,throwing Star Sprinkles at the Evil ones.The Princess and Count tried
to dodge the flying missiles,but were slightly unsuccessful.They were no
match for the Color Kids! While the two bad guys were running for cover,Baby
Topaz and Hopscotch Bunny fled for safety.As soon as Count Blogg and the
Evil Princess were out of sight,Buddy and Red ran for the entrance also.
   Outside everyone was catching their breath and looking each other
over.Sunriser was most curious,and smelled of the two strangers.Finally,Red
looked at Baby Topaz."What is she,where did she...",he started but was
interrupted by baby Topaz."My name,is Baby Topaz,and I am a Pony from
Paradise Valley",she said in a slightly squeaky voice."Who and what are
you,and where are we?",she asked,standing and shaking dust off again.She
noticed one of her wings had been slightly splattered with a blue Star
Sprinkle,and tried to get it off,while Red replied.I'm Red Butler,and this
is Buddy Blue.We're Color Kids and this is Rainbow Land.How did you get
here?",he asked,while Sunriser tried licking some of the color form Baby
Topaz's wings."No time for all these questions,we got to get back to the
Castle.Rainbow should be back,and I'm sure Shy Violet can get that stain
from your wing",Red replied."I'm sure Rainbow will help you get home,and you
two can rest in the meantime.It's Tickled Pink's birthday,and you can come
to her party!",he said,putting his remaining star sprinkles back in his
pouch."I'm sure all the girls will love you just as much as they do me",he
said,straightening himself,and looking at Sunriser.Everyone laughed and they
started to head back to the Castle.Buddy walked,carrying Hopscotch,who was
sleepy,tired,and confused.He was very athletic so he didn't mind the small
load.Red walked along side Sunriser,making sure Baby Topaz didn't fall
off.She was small enough to sprawl out on Sunriser's back,and she didn't
mind.At first,progress was slow,but they explained their homes to each other
to make the time pass.Baby Topaz was exhausted,but told Red and Buddy and
Starlite of Paradise Valley and Meagan,a human from Earth.Red's eyes lit up
for a moment and he went on to boast that Rainbow could go to Earth in no
time and how all kinds of girls liked him too.Finally,they arrived at the
Castle.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rainbow Brite and Tickled Pink had just finished their work and were headed
back to the Castle with Starlite and Twink.About the same time their Rainbow
touched down by the Color Castle,the traveling group from the Pits arrived
also.
  All the Color Kids including Moonglo and Nite Sprite and Stormy and
Skydancer ran outside with the Sprites yelling "Happy Birthday",and
"Surprise!".Non one noticed Buddy and his entourage,until they approached
the Castle doors,and Red spoke up."Ahem,fellow Color Kids,Sprites,and
animals.We have some news and visitors." Baby Topaz and Hopscotch Bunny
walked slowly to the center of the crowd where everyone exclaimed and
started talking and petting the two."What are they?","Do they talk?" "How
cute!" "is this Tickled Pink's birthday present?" "Where did they come
from?",everyone asked,as the two strangers smiled and wallowed in the
attention."all,right,hush now!",Rainbow said over everyone.She made her way
to the pair,introduced herself,and most everyone else,and what Rainbow Land
was.Shy Violet and Canary Yellow busied themselves with cleaning Baby
Topaz's wing."You're so cute! And yellow,too!",babbled Canary,being careful
not to hurt the pony."Why don't you stay in Rainbow Land? You can stay with
me,we can plant yellow roses and buttercups and daffodils,what fun!",she
said. Baby Topaz smiled and laughed.
  About the time everyone was starting to calm down,Murky and Lurky arrived
in the Grungebuggy.Murky forced a smile on his face and handed the pink
pun.....er,potion,and some pink balloons to Lurky and somewhat hung back as
Lurky ran to the door.He almost tripped and fell.They rang the doorbell and
waited.Indigo answered the door and her mouth dropped at what she saw.
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    Amethyst was getting worried and tired.The search party had been walking
for a good hour or two,and Meagan had joined them a little earlier.They had
been wandering near the base of Pony Mountain and stopped at the brook for a
drink.A few baby Sea Ponies popped and started chattering at what they had
seen earlier that day.Amethyst stopped mid-drink,and immediately started
answering questions and the SeaPonies showed him where the hole was.Diamonds
and Monopoly Rabbit started crying.Soon everyone was crying and peering into
the hole.They didn't know what to do.
~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Back at the Castle,Murky and Lurky had tried quickly explaining themselves
to Rainbow and the others,but Baby Topaz and Hopscotch spotted them and blew
their color.Lurky tried to slip away with the bowl,and conceal it among the
other punches.But again he tripped over his nose and as Murky's mouth
dropped,Lurky fell and the bowl broke,spilling its contents on the floor."oh
dear!",Rainbow exclaimed,and LaLa ran to the rescue with a mop,while Red and
Buddy chased Murky and Lurky away.Out of the Castle they ran,and into the
Grungebuggy the bad guys went.Bouncing away,Murky constantly bopped Lurky on
the head for ruining their plan."You fool! You idiot! You ruined our plan!
That's it! We are getting you velcro sneakers!",he grumbled,and went on
ranting and raving as they disappeared into the fading light towards the
Pits.
   Finally order was restored at the Castle and the party was underway.
Tickled Pink opened her many gifts,and they had cake and ice cream.Everyone
was having a wonderful time playing games and talking,when Baby Topaz
suddenly remembered her mother and Lickity Split's birthday party.She ran
and whispered into Rainbow's ear,and Rainbow Brite nodded.She called order
in the room,and made an announcement."Everyone,shh,ok,order here.I am sorry
to announce this,but our guests must depart for home.Their mothers are
probably worried,and we cannot keep them here prisoners,even if they wish to
stay." Canary wiped away a tear,and Baby Topaz licked her face,while
Hopscotch Bunny was busy eating a carrot from Lala's hand.After everyone had
said their sad goodbyes,Rainbow told everyone the two and their friends and
family would always be welcome here,and someday maybe the Color Kids could
visit them also.Brian told the ponies he would regularly keep in touch with
Meagan,he knew her from school,which was a surprise to everyone.Brian said
that Meagan had never mentioned her secret ponies,and he had never mentioned
Rainbow land,but they would have much to talk about now in Math
class.Everyone laughed and hugged and Tickled Pink said it was her best
birthday yet.Finally,Moonglo let off a few early fireworks as Rainbow rode
away with Starlite and Baby Topaz and ,towards Paradise Valley.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When the groups arrived on a beautiful Rainbow in Paradise Valley,Amethyst
and the search party had just recently arrived also.Everyone was so happy
and stunned to see the two babies back and their friends who seemed to have
rescued them.Everyone asked all kinds of questions,and Monopoly Rabbit and
Diamonds happily nuzzled their children,thanking Rainbow and Starlite again
and again for their help.Starlite was busy flirting with every pony that
came his way,and when Rainbow announced it was time to leave,he wasn't to
happy,but promised he would be back to visit.Amethyst and Diamonds and
Monopoly again thanked the two,and everyone waved as Rainbow Brite and
Starlite rode off on a brilliant Rainbow home.After that,the two birthday
parties finished grandly,and everyone went to sleep in their beds that night
thinking of all the wonderful new friends they'd made.

The End~