//------------------------------// // Zap Apple Pie And Bright Blue Skies // Story: A Tale Of Ice and Fire // by ZergPony //------------------------------// “There you are.” “....” “What's the matter?” “....” “Are you afraid?” “....” “Don't be afraid. I will be with you, always.” Crimson felt like floating. She also felt very warm. Was it really supposed to be this warm this season around? She opened her eyes and became baffled as she was soaring above a magnificent tropical garden. Okay? Well this is clearly not the Apple family's house. That explains the heat I guess, where am I though? She could see a paved footpath extend beyond a large coppice. It looked way to perfect and straight to be natural, and probably was cared for by someone. Crimson noticed quickly that she had full control of her movements, and descended slowly unto the pavement. Down on the stony surface she was surprised again, she could actually take in the sweet aroma her surroundings exuded. Taking a deep breath she stood silently, watching the garden calmly. It felt strange. Like she had always known about this place, yet couldn't quite figure out from where. “Enjoying the scenery?” A clear voice said behind Crimson. It sounded almost ethereal. She turned around to face the source of the voice. A slim creature dressed in a white gown, with long silvery hair stood before her, floating in mid-air. The creature was nothing like a pony, instead for hooves it had slim legs ending up in five smaller sections, her forelegs were almost the same, ending in slim spidery appendages. If she stood before a white canvas you wouldn't be able to make her out, if not for the single protruding black wing on her back. Crimson couldn't muster a reply, anything other than obedient silence felt like it would sound shameful or ridiculous, while in presence of her beauty. “Well? Aren't you going to answer me? I brought you here after all.” Crimson tried to break the trance the lady's presence had caused with some carefully placed words. “I-I am, I-I mean...” she stammered. Yes! Time to stammer like an idiot, thank you brain. The winged being just laughed heartily at her predicament. “Speechless, dear? Don't be, my little Crimson.” She moved closer to the unicorn, coming up so that Crimson could see her face more clearly. She noticed the colour of her eyes, they were as blue and felt as cold as ice. Crimson jerked back a bit, feeling some sense of dread flow over her. “Don't worry little pony, I'm not here to hurt you. I told you before that we would get acquainted, did I not?” Her soft voice soothed Crimson's fear, and brightened up when it made her realise. “Ah! You were the one that helped me. You put those flames out in the barn!” Crimson said in awe. The winged creature chuckled. “Well, that is only part true. I made you utilize an extent of your power, temporarily. You could say that I let you borrow the knowledge you needed to unleash your innate magical abilities.” Crimson looked quizzically at the lady in white, “Innate magical abilities? I have something like that?” “Why yes of course. All unicorns possess some magical talent in some shape or form. You have a special affinity to, well, primarily ice. You used your powers before the barn incident as well, remember?” “Well, erm, not exactly, I-I guess. Everything kind of went black back then, and when I finally came to the whole room cold and covered in frost. I guess I was using it, but I can't remember how I did it.” “Hmm.” The lady pondered. “Well, no matter. I want you to do something for me.” “Y-yes, what is it?” Crimson felt a slight tugging urge to obey, like she couldn't deny her supposed saviour her request. To listen to this lady felt like the obvious thing to do, at least that's what she felt. “Close your eyes and concentrate your thoughts inwards. Try and feel for a source, imagine yourself dipping your hooves in a slow streaming river.” Crimson complied and closed her eyes. After a while she could indeed sense something, it was cold to her senses, yet concealed a hidden warmth as well. “I feel something, yes. It's exactly like you described it.” Questions forming in Crimson's head. “Good, now try and guide it towards your horn. Try and slowly increase the stream's speed, manipulating its course with your thoughts.” Crimson closed her eyes again and tried to do as instructed, This however was a great deal harder. The river inside her wanted nothing more than to escape her thoughts and flow its roguish course. With great effort she managed to get a hold of a minuscule part, causing her horn to glow with shimmering cyan light. “Good that is enough for now, you may stop.” Crimson stopped trying to channel her magic into her horn. She felt utterly exhausted, like she had sprinted for an hour without stopping. “That is the foundation for you to control your magical abilities. The more you train the easier it will become to control the flow of magic nesting inside you.” Crimson gasped for air, more questions now forming in her head. She felt compelled now to ask, she needed answers. This whole situation was just overwhelming to her. “W-who are you? Why did you help me back there? Why teach me something like this? Why do you know so much about unicorn magic, when you clearly are not a pony yourself?” Crimson bit her lip, before forming the real question she wanted answered, The one she sought so desperately for. “Who am I?” The white lady remained silent for a little while, before carefully answering. “A curious one indeed. Very well I will try and answer your questions to the best of my abilities. As to who I am, well, you may call me “Mael”, that will be enough concerning name basis. Why I chose to help you? Because you needed me, and you called for me. Simple perhaps, but a reason enough. Teaching you also falls in that category, you needed to be taught, it is not something you can afford not to learn about." She paused for a bit of breath, at least that what it looked like to Crimson. "I have been around for many eons and I have experienced a lot in my time, unicorn magic works similar to many other sources of power, uncovering their fundamentals was nothing too noteworthy.” Crimson felt that with more of her questions answered, even more seemed to sprout. “Alas for who you are, I am sorry.” Crimson sighed. “So you don't know?” The winged being answered with silence. Crimson could not make out if the lady knew and simply withheld the information, or if she simply did not know at all. “I have some more questions.” “Yes?” “Why exactly can I not afford to not know about my magic?” “That I am not allowed to answer. I am sorry.” “Why not?” “`Tis not my place to say. For all my power I can only nudge something in order for the flow of time to not collapse into itself. She said cryptically. “Rather convenient for you. Also that made no sense to me.” Crimson almost sneered. “I am sorry. I am already breaking a lot of rules by appearing before you, yet even I have restrictions to what I can reveal to mortals." The lady seemed genuinely sorry, it was hard to tell as her eyes still felt chilling to be observed by. Crimson gave out a small sigh. “No, I shouldn't expect to have my answers laid before me on a silver plate anyway. Sorry for the rude comment.” “No offence taken, child. In due time everything will be revealed to you. You just need to be patient.” “What should I do in my time of patience? Crimson asked. “Concentrate on the source of your power, until it is second nature for you to tap into it, try and achieve small feats. You'd want to focus on minor conjurations and cantrips. Yes I believe that would suffice, considering you're trying to learn the basics,” “Conjurations and cantrips. Sounds just great, and how exactly do I do that? You left that little detail out.” The lady in white chuckled again. “Sorry, child Living for a long while has it disadvantages, you get tend to forget that not everyone is practised in magic.” She cleared her throat. “To conjure something, simply try and channel your magic towards your horn, while holding a clear picture of thing you'd want to conjure. Concentration is key, also the amount of magic can and will determine the size of the object and how life-like it can become. Especially vividness. That consumes more magic, than just the basic size. You do well to remember that, my child. Crimson Stripes nodded. "And these cantrips you told me about? What about those?" “Crimson! Crimson!” The unicorn looked around, someone was calling for her, but it felt faint and far away. “Looks like our meeting will have to end here. Try your best with your magic until I appear before you again, little Crimson.” “Wait!” Crimson pleaded. “I still....” The lady vanished, taking garden and its sensations with her, leaving Crimson in a void of nothingness. o.O.o “Crimson! Crimson, Wake up, ya sleepyhead. “ Apple Bloom shook the unicorn enthusiastically, almost making her fall out of bed. Crimson groaned at her rude awakening. She didn't feel rested at all, thanks to her saviours visit and lesson. She wondered for a while what kind of place she had ended up in, before she answered the her. Was that just a dream? “Apple Bloom,” she whined. “Do I have to?” “Yeah!” The little filly shouted, almost breaking Crimon's eardrums. “Ya wouldn't want to miss breakfast now, would ya? What's left of it anyway. You really slept in, you know?” Crimson rubbed the sleep from her eyes before getting a clear look on Apple Bloom. Good. She thought to herself. She seems to at least put yesterday behind her. That's good. Hopefully she will forget about that terrible ordeal soon enough. “Hehe, did you save some for me, kiddo?” She asked. “Barely.” Apple Bloom said honestly. “Today we had Granny Smith's freshly baked Zap Apple pie for breakfast, that stuff is too good to be left uneaten.” “Oh dear, I better get my flank up then.” “You bet!” The filly then pondered for a little awhile. “Say, today is not a school day, so Ah was just wondering, if you would like to me mah friends? They'll be coming over here anyway, since we're supposed to go crusading today.” Apple Bloom shone up. “Hey Crimson, would you like to come with us? We are going to try and earn our cutie marks today!” Like all those other times that you told me of? Hmm... She'd hate to let the filly down, but felt like she just couldn’t tag along right now. She looked towards the anticipative filly. “Sorry Apple Bloom. Right now might not be the best time. I really have to go to talk to Twilight, so that we may properly sort out yesterday's mishap.” Apple Bloom eyes shot down, with a disappointed look. “Y-yeah, yesterday...” Damnit! Did I have to bring that out so blatantly? Damage already done I guess... “Look sweetie, it's really important to me.” Crimson put her hoof to Apple Bloom and brought her chin up. “I promise you that I'll come with you on your adventures when I have settled in a little, that sound good to you?” The little earth pony shone up, her disappointed look gone as quickly as it came. “Hehe” She smirked. “It's a promise then, and don't you dare forget it!” What the? Did she plan this? She's quite devious, despite her sister being so honest. Crimson thought to herself amused. “Yeah it's a promise, Apple Bloom. Now...” Crimson tone became serious as she got out of bed. “Bring me to this appetizing apple pie, for I, am quite hungry.” “Haha, right this way if y' please.” The filly chuckled, as they both went downstairs. o.O.o The Zap Apple pie, as it was called. Was probably the best apple pie Crimson had ever had the happy chance of consuming. At least she thought that it was, she didn't ponder however if she had had any other pies in her life, she was too busy stuffing her face to care. “Oh, Abble Boom, tis bie ish jush delibious.” She tried to say with her mouth full. “Hey, it's rude to talk with food in your mouth you know.” The little filly smiled. Crimson reached for her glass of milk. Slowly balancing it between her hoof to tip its content into her throat. She swallowed audibly and continued to talk. “Hehe, sorry about that. It was just too good that I forgot my manners.” “Well it's nice to see a young mare as yourself enjoy this old granny's cooking. It sure brings joy to my heart.” Granny Smith said, resting in her favourite chair. The old mare had heard from Applejack and Big Macintosh earlier today, before they went out to work in the orchard, that they were having a guest for breakfast, so she gotten her flank up and prepared one of her special recipes. Now she was exhausted, but it wasn't like she had much to do around the farm considering her bad back, and faltering health. She had taken joy in contributing to Crimson's stay however. She had a feeling that they owed this unicorn somehow. Call it old folk's intuition. “So I'm guessing Applejack and Big Macintosh is already up and about?” “Oh yes, we start our day very early here on the farm. Our rooster crows in vain every day I might add, but we wouldn't have it any other way.” Granny Smith chuckled. “Speak for yourself Granny,” Apple Bloom whispered. “What was that now, Apple Bloom?” The old mare asked inquisitively. “Erm, nothing Granny Smith!” The little filly said elusively, while getting down from her chair. “Anyway, mah friends are here any minute now. Want to go out and meet them with me, Crimson?” “Sure, just a second.” Crimson finished the last slice of her pie, and contently putting her plate down. “That was just lovely Mrs. Smith, thank you again.” Her words of gratitude were wasted however, as Granny Smith had already fallen asleep in her chair, snoring loudly. Apple Bloom put away their plates and motioned for the unicorn to follow her outside. It didn't take long for Crimson to notice a vehicle moving in the not so far off distance, which seemed to contain two fillies, presumably Apple Bloom's friends. How nice! Must be neat to have such a thing when your friend lives quite a away from town. It's pretty fast as well, I wonder what powers it? Crimson thought. The vehicle had gotten even closer, and Crimson could spot that the filly in the front was flapping something, her wings? That's very neat, these fillies sure are resourceful! Almost here now, closing in, closing in...closing in...! Crimson was not the most agile of ponies, although in that moment her sub-conscious took control and dodged the vehicle instinctively, before it crashed into her. Pushing the brakes down harshly and making a sharp turn, before hitting the Apple family's barn, the little orange pegasus managed to avoid disaster. Alas Crimson's fall was not very graceful, as she hit the ground quite hard. A perfect way to squash what seemed to be a good day. Crimson turned over, laying on her back, trying to shake off what felt a slight concussion. The sky was particularly blue today, the clouds blending into it, due to her blurry vision. She could barely hear the apologetic voice behind her. “Are you okay, miss?” Trying to locate the voice, she managed to see something white, with some strokes of pink and purple in it. Durrr. Pretty.... “Wassat?” Crimson slurred. “Oh great, I think we broke her Scootaloo!” “W-well, I-I didn't mean to come in so fast, it just kinda happened, Sweetie Belle!” “Oh, I just know Rarity going to be so mad at me, she's already banned me from the kitchen today, when I managed to burn a hole in the table with those omelets!” “Hayseed, my parents told me that if I caused any more trouble this month they would take my scooter away for the rest of the year!” “What should we do, Scootaloo?” Sweetie Belle whined. The orange filly looked at her friend before considering. “W-well, maybe no one has to know?” “What do you mean?” The little unicorn asked. “Well, look at her.” She pointed towards the blue unicorn. “She is pretty out of it, and...” Scootaloo leaned in closer to whisper to her friend. “This orchard is pretty big after all...” Sweetie Belle looked at her, like she had gone insane. “What? All I'm saying is that accidents can happen...” Scootaloo's seemingly diabolical plan to silence their victim was interrupted by Apple Bloom, who cleared her throat behind them. “Girls, Ah'm pretty sure that is taking it a little bit too far.” The unicorn and pegasus turned around to the sound of their friend. “Hi Apple Bloom!” They both said in unison, completely forgetting what they were up to. “Yes, hi you two. You know, I'm pretty sure Crimson will forgive you when she comes to, she's kind like that. So let's say we forget about doing something we will regret, okay?” The two fillies shuffled uncomfortably. “I-I don't-know what you're talking about Apple Bloom..” Scootaloo tried to say, embarrassed. “Right..” Apple Bloom went over to check on Crimson Stripes, who now seemed to have recovered to a point where she could stand without holding on to something. “Hey, you al right there?” Crimson groaned as she focused on Apple Bloom's voice, slowly gaining a non-blurry vision of the little filly. “Yes, I am quite dandy, thank you.” She tried not to sneer, as the world returned to normal. “Did you manage to get the number on that truck, Apple Bloom?” “What?” “Never mind.” Crimson turned around the face her assailants. “So, you guys like to go fast, am I right?” “Uhm...” The both of them tried to say in their defence. “Never really thought you could end up hurting somepony, hmm?” Crimson trying her best to sound stern. It didn't take much more than that to make the two fillies break down and cry. “W-we're sorry, we didn't mean to do it.” Sweetie Belle said, tears forming in her eyes. “Y-yeah, we're awfully sorry miss!” Scootaloo said with her head hung low, not wanting to face the unicorn. “Yes, I can see that you're sorry.” Crimson tried to hide a smirk. “But, I dont know, maybe I should have to talk with your guardians about this little habit of yours...” “No, please!” They pleaded at the same time. “Please don't do that. We promise we'll never do it again!” “Oh, really? How do I know you're telling the truth?” She winked at Apple Bloom, while the other two weren't looking. The earth pony could barely contain a snicker of her own. “T-that, uh, we..” Sweetie Belle tried to say. “I-I don't-know, please we'll do anything if you don't tell them.” The white unicorn hung her head as low as Scootaloo now, to show her regret. Crimson walked slowly to the two fillies bowing their head before her. The little ones expecting some sort of punishment. She waited for a while, before giving them both a light pat on their noggins. “There, there you two, it's okay.” Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo looked up to find that Crimson was smiling very warmly at them. “I can tell that you're being sincere, and I'm just kidding, I won't tell your parents about what happened today.” “Y-you won't?” Scootaloo said hopefully. Crimson looked at them, this time more serious than before. “However, I won't tolerate a second offence, either you learn to slow it down while you're on your scooter, or I will have that talk with your parents, am I clear?” “Yes, ma’am.” Crimson turned to Sweetie Belle. “Now, I know you weren't the one directly in control of that thing, but you have part in this as well. As a friend you should always try and steer your friend off dangerous paths, al right?” “Yes, ma'am.” “Good, then consider the whole incident forgotten. I guess some introductions are in order though, right?” Crimson smiled. “My name is Crimson Stripes, and you are?” The two fillies introduced themselves to Crimson, now feeling a lot better, despite what they had done. Sweetie Belle gasped a little when she heard Crimson's name. She had heard from her sister about a unicorn she had encountered, who seemingly had lost her memories. Safe to say, Crimson was bombarded with a lot of questions from the unicorn and the pegasus when it came to light. Crimson's trip to the library was put on hold for a little while longer, as she tried to answer the two children. After they were satisfied, Crimson turned to Apple Bloom and chuckled. “So, this is the Cutie Mark Crusaders, huh? You sure are a lively bunch of kids, you make quite the trio.” “Hehe, eyeeup.” Apple Bloom said, imitating her brother. “I would love to hear more about your adventures, but I think I have delayed my visit to Twilight for far to long now.” She looked up to watch the sun. It was not that high up yet, not quite noon then, still it was time she got going. “Awww, you have to go already?” The three fillies said at the same time. Talk about being in sync. They must really be the best of friends. Crimson smiled. Crimson didn't linger any longer and waved goodbye to the little ones, after also promising the other two as well, that she would accompany them someday in their cutie mark endeavours. She made her way back to the village, as she pondered about what the little fillies would end up doing to earn their marks today, and hopefully heeding her words about taking it easy. Not going to count on it too much, I guess. They are kids after all. More importantly she contemplated, as she went on her merry way. What would she start to talk about when she arrived at the library? Decisions, decisions. After a brisk walk along the path back to Ponyville, the cyan mare was hit by a realisation. She hadn't the slightest idea where Twilight's house even were!