//------------------------------// // A Cry For Help // Story: A Tale Of Ice and Fire // by ZergPony //------------------------------// “That's a weird cutie mark,” The little red-haired, yellow filly said, with curiosity shining in her eyes. As Crimson and Applejack had made their way back to the Apple family's stand, Apple Bloom had immediately taken interest in the new unicorn. Applejack had tried to introduce Crimson properly to her sister, and why she was going with them to Sweet Apple Acres. Her little sister though, had other things in mind, as she bombarded the blue unicorn with questions. “Who're y'? Where're y' from? How did y' get yer cutie mark? It looks cool, what does it mean?” The little filly's enthusiasm made Crimson chuckle as they made their way to the farm. She hadn't had the chance to talk to a child yet, and it was quite entertaining to say the least. This child especially was a blast to listen to. Her cute accent was simply adorable. “Ah think y' should take a question at a time, Apple Bloom," Applejack chided her sister. "Yer giving poor Crimson here a headache fer sure.” Crimson turned to the mare to ensure her that it was alright. She didn't mind the distraction at all. “Apple Bloom is free to ask me anything, but I am not sure I can give an answer to everything I'm afraid.” Turning her attention back to the little filly, Crimson graced the child with a heart-warming smile. “To answer some of your questions, sweetheart; My full name is Crimson Stripes.” She pointed towards the red stripes in her mane and tail. “Quite a give away, wouldn't you say?” “Ah think it's a lovely name, miss Stripes,” Apple Bloom said. “Thank you sweetie, so do I. Call me Crimson, if you would though. My name was actually given to me by a lovely pegasus named Fluttershy. Do you know her?” Apple Bloom nodded to show that she did, before frowning quizzically. “Fluttershy named y'? Why? Are y' two related? She has never talked 'bout y' before.” Crimson wondered if it was wise to reveal too much to this young child. She turned to Applejack, as if to ask permission. The orange mare gave her a look that could only be described as indifferent. Applejack shrugged slightly. In for a bit, in for a pound. “Well no, dear. She is in fact the first friend I made.” Crimson gave Apple Bloom a shortened version of her usual story. Leaving out the part concerning the bakery, which in Crimson's opinion was better left unsaid. “Wow.” Apple Bloom looked up at the cyan unicorn in curiosity. “So y're saying y' don't really know who y' are?” “That would be the gist of it,” Crimson said as they passed a number of apple trees. They must be quite near to the orchard by now. “Ah've never heard of any pony with no memories. How's that like?” Crimson got a blank look on her face and stopped for a moment. She hadn't really considered the matter much up to this point. It's true it hurt when she realised she didn't even know her own name. Fluttershy and Rarity had really helped out though. If it wasn't for them, she might have had a much harder time being able to fit in and talk to others. It's strange how much can change within a single day. “Apple Bloom! Ah think that's enough questions for now.” Applejack looked harsly at her sister. "Mind what yer asking for Celestia's sake." Apple Bloom dejectedly looked down on the ground. Applejack turned towards the still dazed unicorn. “Sorry 'bout that Crimson, lil sis here can get a little too talkative sometimes.” As by a spell Crimson returned to reality. “Oh, what? Oh, no, don't worry about it...” They continued along the path to the orchard. “Y' okay, sugarcube?” Applejack said worriedly. “Yes, I am fine, no worries Applejack.” “Alright, jus' wanted to tell y' that we're here.” Crimson in her dazed off state had completely missed that they had arrived at the orchard's entrance. Now she witnessed the Apple family's pride and joy with her own eyes. “Incredible Applejack. I have never seen so many apple trees in one place before,” she said before realising. “well, not like I can remember seeing any other place with so many trees, but...” "Ah understand, sugar. Thank y' kindly for yer compliment.” A big red stallion approached the group and the Apple sisters turned to greet him. “Big Mac. Y' done with the choirs fer the day?” Applejack asked her brother. “Eyeup!” He said proudly. “Great, then let me introduce y' to Crimson here. She is going to stay with us for awhile, as she is new in Ponyville. Crimson, Big Macintosh, Big Mac, Crimson Stripes.” “Nice meeting you, miss Stripes.” He bowed his head politely. “Yes, a pleasure meeting you as well, Big Macintosh.” Returning a bow of her own. “Well, we better start working on tonight's dinner. Can't have Granny Smith nagging on us for being tardy.” Applejack went over to her sister, whom still looked a little sad for being banned to ask more questions. “Hey sis, Ah need to stuff this cart away with Big Mac, and prepare dinner. Why don't y' take Crimson for some sightseeing 'round here?” Apple Bloom shone up at her sister. “Yes ma'am!” “Take it easy with what y' say though!” She yelled after them as the excited Apple Bloom dragged Crimson with her into the orchard. o.O.o Twilight and Spike had made it back to the entrance of the woods. Now a hard time started for the unicorn, as she concentrated to feel any traces of magic, that lingered in the air for them to follow. Spike understood that Twilight didn't want to rile him up, but he wasn't stupid. He could put two and two together and knew that the source they were looking for was probably somewhere in the village. “So, any luck yet?” He asked his sister. “I'm not sure. It's hard to make out since the energies are so subtle, for some unknown reason," she paused and sighed. "It's like; a leaking pouch of water, slowly dribbling a little all the time, yet vaporizing as it hits the earth. I believe there is a faint trace over there though,” she said, pointing with her hoof. “Isn't Fluttershy's cottage that way?” He said worriedly. “Yes, I was afraid of that. Alright, hold on Spike, it's time for a ride.” What Twilight actually meant was that it was time to teleport, as she concentrated on the location of their instantaneous travel. With a shimmer and a flash they were gone. o.O.o Fluttershy had finished her afternoon choirs and had begun a singing session with her feathered friends. They were getting better by the day, even sir Bluebird, whom seemed to have gotten over his bad habit of getting ahead of the rest of the chorus. It was quite short-lived however, as a flash of light startled her and made her hit the ground. Her choir scattered as well. scared of the sudden intrusion. “Oh hayseed! Sorry Fluttershy. I didn't mean to scare you like that,” A voice said to the now cowering pegasus. Two bad scares in a day. My life is sure to be shortened by 10 years by now. She thought, before realising who talked to her. “Is that you, Twilight?” She said while covering her eyes, not moving an inch. “Yes, and Spike. Look I'm very sorry I frightened you, but I must talk with you about something important. The fate of Equestria might depend on it!” Yay...more bad guys incoming... What had happened this time? Finally the mare removed her hooves from her eyes and looked up to see her two friends. Twilight looked quite apprehensive, and quite frankly, very worn out. Spike on the other hand looked fine and not too nervous. “Gee, Twilight, cool down. You'll scare her again.” “No time for cooling down, Spike,” She growled at her foster brother. “Fluttershy it's vital that you tell me if anything strange has happened today,” she looked at her friend, with an alarming hint of insanity in her eyes. Fluttershy got the courage to stand up again and now looked her friend in the eye, before speaking. “Well earlier today there came a unicorn to my cottage, whom I had never seen before.” “Did it say where it came from.” Twilight said, hoping for good news. “She told me she woke up in the Everfree forest...” She didn't get to finish her sentence, as Twilight let out a squee and, put her front legs together, as in having an epiphany. “Bingo. Our target is a unicorn. Now, what did she look like?” She said frantically, stepping forward into Fluttershy's comfort zone. “W-well, She is blue with red stripes in her mane and tail,” Fluttershy said, getting uncomfortable. She wasn't certain what Twilight would do with this information, and referring to Crimson as a “target” didn't make her feel any better. She hadn't seen Twilight in a while, and she looked really haggard. “Excellent.” Twilight almost whispered, maliciously.”Where was she going?” Fluttershy hesitated for a little while before speaking. “She should be in the village by now, but...” Again she was interrupted by her friend. “Good. I better apprehend her as quickly as possible, before something happens that she will regret.” She added. “Apprehend?” Fluttershy gasped silently. Twilight seriously thought Crimson was a bad guy. She had to explain the situation. “But, Twilight, Crimson is...” “Sorry Fluttershy. You've been a great help, but I have to do this now, or I can't trace her anymore.” “Wait...” The unicorn turned to her assistant. “Spike I've changed my mind about you coming with me. You will stay here with Fluttershy. This might get dangerous, and no, I will not argue about this.” “Wait...” Fluttershy tried again. “Twilight, I still think you are overex...” The dragon tried to say, but this words were drenched in the sound of Twilight teleporting away with a loud bang. “Wait!” The pegasus screamed, alas unheard to the purple unicorn, who was already in the village. Fluttershy turned to her scaled friend. “Oh Spike, I think Twilight is about to make a huge mistake. We need to follow her," she felt like crying, but told herself that it wasn't the time for that, and so stopped. “Crimson isn't a bad pony!” She shouted out, getting a surprised look from Spike. “Alright Fluttershy, I understand, in truth, Twilight has been acting weird for a couple of days now. Neglecting sleep and only eating when I've forced her.," he sighed audibly. "After this whole changeling incident, I think she has taken it upon herself to make sure that nothing like it will happen again. It's almost like she's obsessed with it!" "Then it's even more important to stop her before she does something she regrets!" “I hear you Fluttershy, let's get to it," he hopped on to her back. "Meanwhile, tell me more about this unicorn." Fluttershy started to explain as she flew them in the direction of the town. o.O.o “...And here's a very special place. These trees might seem dead, but they bare us delicious apples once every year.” Apple Bloom explained to Crimson, while putting a proud hoof at one of the trees. Crimson looked sceptical on the barren trees. It seemed unlikely that they would serve any other purpose than firewood. Apple Bloom had been a gracious host though, showing her around the orchard, so she didn't say anything. Crimson had gotten permission to sample varieties of apples and had marvelled at how different each sort tasted. Managing a farm was apparently more work than one would first think. Apple Bloom had left the apple tree and was now standing in front of Crimson. “What's wrong?” She asked, interrupting the unicorn's train of thought.”Don't y' believe me?” She's sharp for a child! Crimson shifted uncomfortably. She really wanted to humour the child's imagination, but lying outright was not Crimson's idea of setting a good example. “It just, seems, a little unlikely?” She said carefully, bracing for tears. Apple Bloom looked at her weirdly, before letting out a laugh. “Ah'm not makin' up stories, silly. These trees come from the Everfree forest, and while it seems like Ah'm imagining things, Ah am not.” The unicorn was intrigued by the filly's claim and sat down on the grass, expecting a explanation. “Do tell, Apple Bloom. I would love to hear about the origin of these trees.” Maybe there was something she could learn from it. “It'll be mah pleasure.” The filly said with a grin. Apple Bloom went on about how her granny had found the trees when she was little, and the so called ´zap apples´ that grew on them. The more Crimson listened to the story the more it seemed like a fairy tale, that Apple Bloom's granny had made up. Still it was interesting, so Crimson let the filly finish the story without any interruption. The filly had also claimed to have helped making zap apple jam last year. The procedure in making the jam also seemed a bit far-fetched, but Crimson held her tongue. Time had moved hastily as Apple Bloom finished the story up. The sun had begun setting over the horizon, a feat apparently performed by the ruler of this land. Crimson found it quite fascinating. It must take an incredible power to move a sun. “That was a lovely story Apple Bloom, Maybe you can treat me to some zap apple jam someday.” Apple Bloom responded with a smile of her own. Her cuteness almost making Crimson melt inside. Her smile quickly turned into a sigh, as she she looked at her flank. “What's the matter? You seem upset.” Crimson inspected the filly's sad expression. “Well, not really. Ah am kinda used t' it by naow.” “Something you'd like to share with me?” Crimson was more than willing to help her little guide, if she was troubled. Apple Bloom looked her in the eye and sighed audibly again. “Well it's like this. Y' noticed that almost every pony in Ponyville have cutie marks, right?” “Yes. What about it?” Crimson enquired. “Well that's the problem, Me and mah friends don't have ours yet. It's embarassin'!” “What I remember from Fluttershy telling me, a cutie mark means that a pony has discovered his or hers special talent, yes? Is that such a big deal to be frowning about?” “It is a big deal!” Apple Bloom shouted, annoyed at Crimson's indifference. “Y' get treated like a child all the time, even by kids your own age. Recess at school is horrible, almost everypony calls you names or talk behind your back.” Crimson looked apologetically at the young filly. She never knew it could be such a issue for a foal to not have a mark. Crimson trotted over and laid a comforting hoof at the filly's back. “Apple Bloom, I'm sorry. I didn't know it caused you such distress.” “S'not yer fault.” She said snivelling silently. “Ah just hope it would come soon. Feels like an eternity would pass before I get my mark.” “I'm not sure I am the right pony to say this, but don't give up. You'll find your special talent some day, I guarantee it. Apple Bloom moved closer to the unicorn and gave her an affectionate hug. “Thanks. Y' are quite good at comforting others, maybe that's your special talent. It seems like my talent ain't guiding or story-telling though.” Crimson smiled at the compliment before responding. “So that is why you looked at your flank from time to time, while we moved through the orchard. Are you trying to guess your special talent?” “Yeah even though my friends aren't here right now, the cutie mark crusader spirit lives inside of me, always.” “You seem to have good friends Apple Bloom, introduce them to me some day, I would love to meet with them, and cutie mark crusaders? Quite a catchy name.” Apple Bloom had calmed down and had now disentangled herself from the unicorn. She brightened up when she came to a realisation. “Oh, Ah forgot! Ah haven't shown y' our barn yet. Maybe Ah can still get a cutie mark in guiding. Quick come with me.” Apple Bloom hastily dragged Crimson with her in the direction of the Apple family's big barn, in anticipation of a cutie mark. o.O.o In the Ponyville square, a purple unicorn got a lot of stares from passer-by ponies, watching her as she adamantly investigated the place. Her horn sparkled like a bright star in the forthcoming evening. Twilight Sparkle downright ignored the attention she drew to herself. She searched furiously after any traces of magic that could still linger, if the blue unicorn had been here earlier, she would find her. She was stressed to her limits. Not only was she overcome with worry about the safety of her fellow ponies, but her mentor had personally left this task in her hooves. Failure was not an option. Her body protested as well, claiming it needed nourishment. She became conscious for a second how much she had neglected herself, since the return from her brother's wedding. It soon passed though, even when her mind cried out from the strain of using magic when physically and mentally fatigued. She went into the market street, hoping to find any clue about the unicorn's whereabouts. Ponies had finally started to wrap up for the day, making their retreat into their warm and cosy houses. Twilight passed the Apple family's usual spot, where they had their apple stand, when her horn started tingling lightly, like it had at the entrance of the forest. Full of determination, she followed the faint trace as it gradually got stronger, until her horn indicated that she should stop. She looked up at her supposedly point of destination, only to frown in disbelief. Sugarcube corner? That couldn't be right. Better check it out anyway. Twilight hurried head first into the bakery to further confirm her findings. “Pinkie? Are you here?” She called out to her friend, hoping to hear that she was okay. “Well, why wouldn't I be, silly?” Pinkie laughed behind Twilight. The unicorn nearly lost it as she jumped forward awkwardly at her friend's sudden appearance. Mother of Celestia! I hate when she does that. Twilight thought while calming herself again. The pink disaster had already taken notice of Twilight's horn, and was already in full way of invading her friend's personal space. “Ooooh shiny!” Pinkie ogled it closely while Twilight grew more and more annoyed at her friend's behaviour.” “Pinkie, please!” Twilight exclaimed, adding more mental fatigue to her list. “Anything on your mind Twilight?” She wondered cheerily, while looking at her worn out friend. “Sorry to say this, but you look awful. Want a cupcake?” “Yes, and it happens to be very important.” She said, ignoring the remark. “Well I always listen to a friend in need. So what can auntie Pinkie Pie do for you?” She grinned, while stuffing a cupcake into her own mouth, chewing loudly. “I need to know if there's been a unicorn here today. It's important that you tell me if you know.” “There are always unicorn going in and out to buy pastries here, Twilight. Nothing really unusual about that.” Pinkie said, consuming another cupcake instantly. Twilight sighed heavily. “Yes I can understand that, Pinkie. What I need to know if there has been any new unicorn here today.” “Why yes indeedy, Twilight, and what a visit it was! It took forever for the ice to melt. Pinkie leaned in to whisper in her friend's ear. “foreeeeeeveeerr.” Twilight shook her friend off her, almost leaving the bakery for her friend to be alone, when she realised. “Wait, what ice?” She asked perplexed. “Well Crimson shot out this huge beam of ice and totally scrapped poor Joe.” Pinkie motioned with her arms, trying to imitate the magic. “Well it was old anyway so it doesn't...matter...Twilight? You okay?” Twilight had stopped listening to Pinkie after the mention of ice magic. The unicorn was skilled in advanced sorcery and was clearly dangerous if it had already exercised its power. She had to put an end to this right now! “Pinkie!” She yelled, startling the pink pony to stumble and fall. “Y-yes, Brain?” She said as she laid on the floor, giggling. “Where did it take off to? Did you see it leave?” “Well, yes. Crimson left for Sweet Apple Acres with...” “The apple orchard, got it!” She turned around before reassuring her friend. “Don't worry Pinkie. I'll put an end to this threat.” “Threat? But Twi...” Pinkie tried to say. Twilight couldn't hear Pinkie's words before she darted out of the door, and left in the direction of the farm. A shadow watched the purple mare behind the bakery, as she made her way to the apple orchard. It patiently waited until it was sure to go undetected. Silently it scurried after her, following her from a distance, unseen by any passersby. o.O.o “Here's the barn.” Apple Bloom spoke proudly. “It's one of the biggest buildings in Ponyville. Come let's go inside before Applejack says it's time fo' dinner.” Crimson didn't dare to object to her cute little guide, fearing she might be subjected to a fearsome puppy eye stare, so she willingly let the filly push her into the barn. “In here we stack hay that we sell to restaurants, who also buy our apples. Got to keep an open mind in business mah sister always says.” In the barn a lift of some sort looked like it could be operated to place hay bales in the upper loft. Apple Bloom noticed Crimson looking at the machine and grinned. “Neat, huh? This whatchamacallit makes it easy t' stockpile the hay so that they don't take up no space. Watch, Ah'll show you.” Apple Bloom went over to the machine and pushed a button. Slowly it picked a hay bale and carefully began transporting it. Crimson had her doubts about children handling such devices, but kept her mouth shut, since she definitely wasn't the expert here. Confirming her doubt however, the machine started to act up. Instead of placing the hay in an empty spot, it attempted to fill an already full one. It then released its grip, as if it was done with its task, making it fall down on an unsuspecting Apple Bloom. “Watch out!” Crimson shrieked as she darted off, grabbing Apple Bloom in the process, dodging the hay bale in the nick of time. Luckily they weren't too hurt. Crimson groaned as she hit the ground, but she had her front legs tightly wrapped around the filly, shielding her from harm. They laid on the barn floor for a while, both still in shock of what had happened. Apple Bloom began sobbing in Crimson's embrace, and the unicorn was quick to calm her down. “Shhh, it's ok, you are safe.” She whispered into her ear, ensuring her that everything were fine. The scene was interrupted however by a angry and demanding female voice. “Get away from Apple Bloom. Right this instance!” The voice growled. Crimson turned, with the filly still in her embrace, as she witnessed the source of the voice. Before her, a furious purple unicorn stomped her hooves in the ground, glaring at Crimson with contempt. “Release her, now.” The unicorn demanded again. Crimson carefully stood up, wincing from the pain that radiated from her side. She did not let go of Apple Bloom, instead sheltering the crying filly between her legs. “Look, whatever the problem is, I am sure we can...” Crimson got cut off by a frontal assault of pure pain. Had she had time to react she would have noticed the magic shooting out from the unicorn's horn, propelling her backwards, straight into a wall. In the commotion a lantern had unbuckled from the wall, and had fallen into the hay, unknown to the ponies. Crimson felt like she had been trampled by a thousand ponies. It felt unreal. Had she really been attacked? Why? What had she done? “Please stop.” She whispered weakly while coughing up blood. “Why are you hurting me?” “So that you can't hurt any pony else! I know what you are, and what you are up to, you fiend!” Twilight glared at the unicorn. It may not look like it was dangerous, but looks were deceiving, it may not even be a pony. It was however undoubtedly evil, it had to be. She was convinced it was so. “Me...hurt? I would never do that!” Crimson cried out. “Don't lie! Why did you go loose in the bakery, what did you try to do to Apple Bloom? Answer me!” “I-I” She stammered. Crimson's thoughts were in disarray, as her nostrils were once again filled with something horribly familiar. “So, you don't deny it.” It was more of a statement than a question. Twilight smiled triumphantly, thinking that she had stomped out the threat before it began infesting her village. “Surrender peacefully or I'll *sniff*...Am I smelling burnt hay?” The two fatigued ponies spun around to find hay bales on fire. “You!” The purple pony yelled at Crimson accusingly. “Did you do this?” Crimson tried to stay in reality, half muttering. “No, never.” She was fighting a losing battle as she felt darkness overwhelm her. She could feel its embrace and was about to lose her consciousness. “Don't give up! You can't die here!” A voice, unlike the others shrieked inside her head. It sounded distressed and worried. Snapping back into the real world, she now witnessed the flaming inferno that had spread to the barn itself. Even if she was back to reality, she was still powerless before the situation. She then remembered, Apple Bloom! She looked around, and was relieved that the filly was okay, now in the hooves of her attacker. Her malefactor was looking as helpless as herself though. Apple Bloom had stopped crying, but was now having fits. “Nooo, mommy, daddy! Help me Applejack, Big Mac. Help me Crimson!” Crimson cried inside, for being so weak. If she only could use that magic she had done unconsciously earlier, she would give the world for it! Please, whoever you are inside of me, please give me the strength to protect! “Well.” Another clear voice in her mind echoed. “You only had to ask” Suddenly great power coursed throughout the unicorn's body. Crimson's mind became clear of everything, except for the guidance on how to utilize her magic. It made an almost elementary sense to her, as knowledge about magic flowed through her. She knew what she had to do. She turned to her attacker and uttered a plea. “Please, if you care about the child, take her out of here. I'll handle the fire.” Twilight hesitated for a second, before complying to the blue unicorn's wishes. Outside she heard the cries of Applejack and Big Macintosh as they desperately tried to make their way between the flames. She mustered the last of her strength and teleported herself and Apple Bloom out of the burning mayhem. “Thank you.” Crimson whispered, as she released the pent up energy inside herself. Channelling it with great effort into a wave of chilling ice, dousing the raging flames within the barn. As Crimson emptied herself, putting out the last of the fires, the voice that guided her returned. “See, that wasn't so hard now, was it?” The sound of the voice ringed beautifully in Crimson's mind, almost enchantingly so. Thank you, Crimson thought, hoping her gratitude would reach her benefactor. “We will get acquainted later,” It said cryptically. Crimson Stripes thought not on what that meant as she passed out, now completely drained. The darkness welcomed her with open arms.