//------------------------------// // IV: A Cry for Help // Story: The Samurai Called Jack // by MetalJrock //------------------------------// Jack looked at the map again, wondering if he was going in the right direction. He had no idea as to how to traverse this world. So far, unlike the Aku-ruled world he came from, it seemed primitive in terms of travelling. He was on the border of the town he was just in, deciding to get a headstart in reaching Ponyville. The samurai had no idea how long he could go on peacefully before Aku discovered that he was gone. That was why he had to hurry. Any minute wasted could alert the master of darkness of his presence within this peaceful world instead of the one he rules. Looking in his bag, Jack looked at the supplies he had gotten from Fillydelphia. A few bottles of water, and bags with fruit and vegetables to satisfy his hunger. It will have to do for now until he reaches another town to stop in. Jack placed the strap of the bag on his shoulder, rolling up the map like a scroll and placing it in a pocket on the side, making it easier to reach for it should he need to look at it. The samurai took a quick look back at Fillydelphia, and then began his trek, his next stop unknown. It felt like hours for the samurai. The sun began to rise over the horizon, revealing that a whole day had passed since he arrived in the world of Equestria. Luckily, he got his rest back at Fillydelphia and was able to push on through the night. He leaned on a tree, choosing to take a break from walking. 'If I am correct,' Jack thought, grabbing the map to look at it for a moment, 'Then I am to arrive in Ponyville in a few days by foot. Perhaps there is a quicker method to reach it.' The man placed the map back in the bag and looked ahead, seeing more forest for what looked like miles. With a heavy sigh, he moved on, hoping to find something. When suddenly... "Help... Me..." A very quiet groan sounded. It made Jack pause in his tracks. Unable to ignore a plead for help, the samurai stepped backwards, hoping to find the source of the voice. He turned his head, looking into the shadows of the deep forest in the direction of where it was dark and eerie looking. Gently placing a hand on his sheath, Jack pulled out his blade and held it by his side, keeping it ready just in case something were to jump out at him. Slowly, he moved forward into the dark path to find whoever needed his help. Jack cut through vines and branches, making it easier for him to traverse on. He ducked underneath a few pieces of wood that were too close to him, avoiding any bumps to the head. The samurai placed a hand on the bark, keeping himself steady as he walked over molded logs lying on the ground. "Please... help..." The samurai noticed that the voice he heard was getting ever so slightly louder. He pushed on, making sure nothing could halt him. He admitted that for someone that quiet his voice could he heard far, as though he was one with the forest. It was at that moment, Jack saw a pony inside of a pit, covered in bramble and leaves. He appeared to be stuck underneath the debris and was unable to move even a single hoof to free himself. Jack also saw that the pit was littered with skeletons of various creatures, even ponies. "D-Don't hurt me..." he pleaded, closing his eyes in fear. Jack raised his hands, "Do not worry. I am here to help you. What has happened to you?" "I-I was walking through this part of the forest. Then a-all of a sudden, all of these leaves and branches fall off. They're the size of a log..." he wheezed. "I-I've been unable to move since.” The samurai nodded, kneeling down. "Do tell me. Why were you deep in this forest to begin with. It appears to be quite a dangerous terrain." "I-I'm an explorer,” the pony revealed slowly, "I was wandering these parts... But then... Well, y-you know the rest. I've been trapped for a whole day! A day without food, water, or warmth. J-Just help me, please..." he begged. Jack stretched his hands, reaching out for the bramble, "Very well. I will help you. But you must head to the town nearest here. It is only a few hour walk. Go there and rest until you have fully recovered and eaten." "O-okay..." whimpered the pony. The samurai took off as much debris as he could, helping the pony get free. But something caught his attention. He tried prying on the vine stuck to his back, but it refused to budge. He lifted as hard as he could, but it did not move. After a moment, he wiped the sweat off his forehead and looked at the vine that lay on the stallion. “My apologies, stranger. But it appears this will take some time to remove. But do not worry, it will not take too long." he assured, reaching for his sword. "Heh heh..." a quiet snicker was heard. Jack turned his head. "Did you just chuckle...?" the man asked. The pony turned his head, a cracking sound heard. Jack reeled back in disgust at the sound. "Hehehe... HAHAHAHAAAA!" the chuckles turned into insane laughter. Jack watched as the stallion's eyes began to glow blood red as he began to stand on all four hooves, or rather, transform as it stood. Even the face changed. The vine on him turned out to be how he towered over Jack. Its hooves transformed into branch limbs. Its laughter disturbed the samurai a little, bringing himself to watch the transformation. When he completed his transformation, what Jack saw before him was not a pony, but a monster. The leaves and brambles were on its body as if they were part of it’s skin. He had four black gnarly arms and hands made of wood, and a snake like body made out of black vine. Its head looked like that of an eagle, with black reptilian like slits as the corneas for the eyes. The sight of the beast disturbed Jack a little, but it was not enough to make him flee.