Samurai Equine

When a strong gust of wind hits the basket, Moushley holds on for dear life. Such a tiny mouse is all ready having a hard time hanging on. But when she sees Pinkie's cupcake cannon getting caught in the wind, she makes a mad dash to grab it as if it were a piece of cheese! ... Just one problem... The cannon is bigger than Moushley! So instead of saving it, she just ends up getting dragged down with the cannon! As she plummets to the world below while clinging to the Cupcake-inator, she gives a mousey scream. Could this be the end for Moushley? ... NO! Because @Nitobit Moonlight caught it! Blinking in surprise, Moushley looks around and notices that she is alive! Running around the cannon, she makes a lot of startled and confused squeaks. But as soon as she sees the racer that saved her, Moonlight, she offers him a happy wave. ...Now they just need to make it out of this situation safely.

Samurai listens to @Shiny Silvermoon Shiny explain and nods. "Oh, I see. That makes sense, but that also sounds like a lot of yelling. Would you be willing to yell with me?" Samurai asks. However, before he can get an answer, Samurai looks over and notices something. "...Wait, the exit out of this darkness is really close! Have we really been sitting right next to exit this entire time?" Samurai says, confused. ...Looks like he is about to get his answer! Samurai sees a friend. "@PrincessPriscillaPT Priscilla! You caught up!" He runs beside her as they exit the darkness together, making sure not to collide into Shiny this time. But as he notices the many muddy paths ahead, he once again magically lights up the ends of his hooves with gentle flames. "Hmm... It may cost me some time, but I'm gonna take the long way around. I'm not concerned about the easy way; I doubt anypony will have a problem with that path. But if any pony gets trapped going the long way, then I have to be there to help save them. Good luck, Priscilla-hime!" With his path decided, Samurai takes the long way through the muddy bog. His flaming hooves can only save him from so much; they can't dry up extra deep pools of mud. So Samurai switches gears; leaps across stones, pads, and anything solid enough to support his weight. He'll even grab a vine and swing from it; if he can find one!

You and I are on the same page, my friend. https://derpibooru.org/images/719853

Moushley stands on the edge of the balloon basket, fearless! Pulling out a toy microphone that is just the right size for her, she begins to narrate the events of the race. ...In cute little squeaks... She points to Dusk and Moonlight, delivering some biting words of commentary. She points at Priscilla and Iridescent, making note of some very important details. She even turns to @Pinkie Pie and @Starlight Glimmer as if to ask them some important questions. Good luck translating her mouse speech, though. But her commentary switches gears when she notices Socrate flying away. She commentates on his heroic acts as well. By now, Samurai had slowed down by a lot so that he could carve arrows into the pathway. No doubt the other racers would soon catch up him; but it was a worthwhile sacrifice if it meant giving them some markers to follow in this darkness. However, he is interrupted when Shiny wakes up and leaps off his shoulder. "AH! Shiny! You're awake. Thank Celestia.... I was so worried!" As he welcomes her back to the waking world.... The rope disappears. Samurai notices his hooves feel light. He looks down and notices. "Uah! Taihen da!! The rope, it's gone! The racers will be so lost now. They are all relying on it, and I ran out of--" Samurai stops when Shiny's words register. "--Eh? Moonlight can see in the dark?" Samurai looks around for Shiny, even though he can barely see anything. "Well, maybe it would be better if we all get through this darkness together."

Samurai can't see what every other pony is up to, but he hopes they are doing well. But he did hear @Dusk Haven Dusk, most likely calling out to Shiny, who may still be passed out. Still, he waved to her anyways. Hopefully she can see it in this looming darkness. For the time being, he just keeps on advancing while mapping out the path with his rope. And while he lays down the path, he sings a little song to himself... (To the tune of "I've Been Working On The Railroad") "🎵 Senro wa tsuzuku yo Doko made mo No o koe yama koe Tani koete 🎵" But as he continues down, he feels a strange sensation in the rope. "Uso darou!! Please don't be fading away now. So many racers are depending on this... I hope I can get to the end of the line soon."

None shall be forgotten on my watch.