A Tale Of Ice and Fire

by ZergPony

An Unforgettable Day

“And then I refused the Shadowbolts's offer and tied the bridge back into its place.”

Crimson listened with patience while Rainbow Dash told her abut her past heroics.

“That's incredible Rainbow.” Crimson mumbled apathetically, paying more attention to her surroundings. Quite a lot of ponies had noted the newcomer. Some gave her weird stares, some greeted her with a smile, probably because she was with Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow proudly stuck her chest out, “I know, right?”

Crimson wondered how much were true of what she had been told. According to the story, the six ponies were like celebrities, but no one seemed to give them any special treatment. Rainbow didn't seem like the sort to brag without a reason though. The sextet were perhaps more modest than Crimson first thought.

Instead of Rainbow rambling on more about herself and her friends, Crimson decided to interrupt the pegasus.

“So Rainbow Dash, when would be a great time to show me the ropes around here?”

“Well first of all. You are still quite stiff, relax kid, just call me Dash or R.D for short. Second, just follow my lead and I'll show you.”

“Alright, if you say so, R.D,” She muttered at being called a kid again, especially from an immature bragger, she endured the remark nevertheless.

They had arrived at a market street, where ponies selling everything from apples to saddlebags yelled out their quality wares and fair prices.

Rainbow Dash showed Crimson around the stands, telling her where you could haggle yourself the best prices, and where the quality stuff actually were. How much a bit was worth and the going rate.

Crimson had to confess that she enjoyed this. Something about visiting markets had triggered a feeling of excitement in her, even though she had no previous memories of visiting markets. It was a complicated, yet thrilling feeling, like she had snuck out after dark to explore the unknown, without parental consent.

Rainbow stopped for a moment and sniffed in the air. She got a mischievous look on her face.

“Looks like we are in luck, rookie. I could recognize that scent anywhere,” Dash licked her lips in anticipation.

Taking a moment to find out what Dash meant, Crimson took a sniff of her own. Her nostrils were invaded with a sweet aroma, that seemed to be coming from a shop, further down the street.

“That smells delicious, Dash. What is it?”

Rainbow smiled. “It's Pinkie's famous apple cupcakes. I bet she is going to need a pony or two's second opinion on them as well,” She grinned widely.

Crimson chuckled. Do this pony think only of food?

“You reckon those ponies should be you and I?”

“You bet! Now let's hurry before she gives them to somepony else.”

Crimson gave out a small cry, when Rainbow Dash practically dragged her to the colourful bakery. In the speed of the moment, Crimson could barely make out the sign that said “Sugarcube Corner”, before Rainbow bolted them both through the door.

Crimson tried to follow with Rainbow's movement, but ended up flat on the floor when the pegasus released her grip.

“Ouch. Pain. Imminent. Need medical attention.” Crimson groaned quietly as she proceeded to stand up again.

Rainbow blissfully unaware of Crimson's predicament called out to her friend.

“Hey Pinkie! Ponies starving over here. Hope you saved some goodies.”

Crimson stared in disbelief at the blue pegasus. The nerve of this girl, unbelievable.

The shop's interior were as colourful as the outside, heck you could probably eat the bakery itself. Crimson basked in the scents coming from the kitchen, while admiring the shop's heart.

“I hear some ponies are looking for a tasty treat. Well never fear, your friendly party pony Pinkie Pie is here!”

Crimson watched as a bright pink pony with a pink curly mane came out from the kitchen door. Well more like bounced out. She could put bunnies to shame with bounces like that. Wait, how did she even do that?

“Hey Dashie! Don't worry the cupcakes are done in any sec..*gasp*!” Pinkie eyes grew wider as she noticed Crimson.

Crimson gave her a quizzical look before the pink pony was instantly in her face, squeeing happily.

“Oh my gosh! Are you new in Ponyville? Of course you must be, because I haven't seen you before and if I haven't seen you before, that means you must be new. My name's Pinkie Pie! What's your name? You seem to know Dashie, guess what,so do I! Isn't that great! We are the best of friends and I know..*thump*mrrmrlr.”

Rainbow Dash had gently stuck her hoof in Pinkie's mouth, dampening the sound of the pink word- train.

“Take it down a notch or two, Pinks. The newcomer won't understand you if you get all riled up like that.”

Pinkie giggled out loud, as Dash released her hoof, “Oh silly me. I lose myself in talking sometimes, I can't help it.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes, “Yeah, sometimes, meaning quite often.”

Crimson couldn't help but chuckle with the pink pony. She was weird, but funny in a good sense. The blue unicorn felt a familiar feeling creeping up inside.

“Disgusting.” The voices had returned with their sour opinion. “The only thing laughable is her disgusting childish behaviour.”

Who are you anyway? Crimson thought, yet she received no answer as the voices had died down once again.

Returning to reality, Crimson turned to the pink pony. “Well, that's alright. A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Pinkie Pie.”

“Heh, you talk funny, but that's alright, I like you. Want to be best of friends too? I am good friends with everyone in Ponyville, and I couldn't stand it if I wasn't good friends with you. And it's always better to have a lot of friends so that you aren't feeling lonely, and if you were to be lonely I would be so sad. So what about it? Wanna be friends?”

Crimson was impressed that Pinkie Pie hadn't even once missed a beat or stopped to breath. She turned to Rainbow with a quizzical look on her face.

“Is she always this, um, excited?”

“You bet, I wouldn't even count this as one of her longest gabbing either. Anyway, Pinkie? You were making cupcakes, right?” Dash could no longer contain her anticipation as water started dropping out from her mouth.

Pinkie turned an even brighter shade of pink. “Sure did Dashie, and I am happy to share them with you and our new friend.”

She went over and embraced them both in a hug. “Welcome new friend to Ponyville, and to Sugar Cube Corner.”

Crimson had gotten quite used to hugs at this point, but she didn't expect that Pinkie Pie would be this strong. She huffed for air as the pony proceeded to squeeze the living daylight out of her.

“Thank you,” She managed to say with great effort.

Pinkie released them from her hug of death. “No problem, silly. I'm sorry I can't throw you a welcoming party right now. I have taken a teensy bit too much off work lately. Mr. and Mrs. Cake are depending on me finishing up the week's orders, so that they can spend some more time with the twins. The apple cupcakes I am making is for a client in Canterlot, who thinks they are really yummy. So it would be awesome if you could try some out and see what you thi...”

Pinkie stop in mid-sentence as she started to twitch weirdly, her ears flopped in an unusual fashion. She sniffed the air and grew panicked look. “Oh no!” She exclaimed horrified.

The two cyan coloured equines understood her predicament as they saw grey smoke coming out from the kitchen.

The three ponies bolted towards the kitchen and found out the source of the smoke. The inside of an oven had started to fume vigorously, and all the pastries inside had turned black and were burning.

“No, the cupcakes!” Rainbow and Pinkie screamed in unison.

Pinkie rushed and unplugged the cord to the oven. The flames inside refused to die down however, and the room started to reek heavily.

“Dash! Grab the fire extinguisher!” Pinkie said as she pointed to a corner, her eyes watering from the smoke, as she opened the burning monstrosity.

Rainbow tried to locate where it was, as she coughed frantically, “I can't find it Pinkie.”

Pinke facehoofed when she remembered that she had used the extinguisher on a market stand, that had caught fire earlier this week, due to some careless unicorn foal. She had totally forgot to replace it!

“Rainbow! Ask in a another house but hurry please, or it might spread!”

Crimson watched in horror as the scene had unfolded itself. The reeking smoke had filled her sensitive nostrils, tensing her up. Memories started to flash by, devouring her consciousness.

A large burning field. People screaming in pain as fire consumed their flesh. A wicked shadow howling in satisfaction, as the innocent burned alive, feeding on their anguish, and the torment of those still alive. A flash of red malicious eyes and a soul trapped within, crying out to the innocent, begging for the killing to end.

“NOOOOOO!” Crimson let out a horrid cry, taking the other two a back.

Suddenly Crimson's horn started sparkling, and in the next moment a chilling wind emanated from the unicorn's horn.

Rainbow noting the magic at hand, threw herself at Pinkie to get her out of the way.

Crimson continued channelling the magic, directing it with more intensity at the open oven. With overwhelming power, the chilling wind became a beam of ice, instantly extinguishing the fire.

Pinkie and Rainbow whom both had ended up at the floor, sat in awe as the flames died down.

The ice however didn't stop. Soon the whole room turned chilly, and the ice started to spread from the oven to its surroundings.

Rainbow Dash got over her shocked state and hurried to Crimson's side.

“Okay Crimmy. You did a good job putting the fire out, you can stop now! Hey Crimson!”

The unicorn couldn't hear her friend's voice, as she continued adamantly to channel her magic.

“No...fire...must put it out...must save...” She muttered unconsciously. Pain palpable in her expression.

“Crimson! That is enough!” The pegasus had started to shake the her violently, to make her come to her senses.

“...Wha?...sis?..” She stammered as her conscious started to return.

“No, It's Rainbow Dash, remember?”

“Rainbow...Dash?...AH!” She awoke with a jolt, her magic ending instantly.

She slumped to the floor, exhausted. Rainbow Dash caught her just in time with her body, supporting the now very tired unicorn.

“What happened?” She said with a groan. Her head felt as if it was split into two.

Pinkie who now had regained her sense, decided to chime in. She bolted towards the unicorn and gave her an even bigger hug than before.

“You saved the bakery, that's what. Thank you so much,” Pinkie gave her a peck on the cheek to express her gratitude.

“I did what?” Crimson had no clue about what had transpired. She remembered fire and smoke, and then everything went black. She noticed that the room felt a lot colder as well than before.

“Yeah you used some wickedly cool ice magic to put the flames out. You went a little overboard and I couldn't really snap you out of it at first, but things went well in the end.” Rainbow gave her a tap at her shoulder, indicating that she had done well.

Crimson was still confused. “Ice magic?” Her eyes went big as she noted the ice covered oven, “I did that?”

Pinkie went back to inspect the oven, and what had made it spontaneously erupt in flames.

“Hm, it's kind of hard to make it out because of the ice, but the coil seems fried. It was quite old though so no wonder it happened, oh well,” She cheered up, despite the situation she was in.

Crimson realised that she may have destroyed the oven beyond repair, and started feeling terrible.

“Pinkie Pie, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to break it. Please don't be mad, I'll promise to find a way to repay you for it.”

“Hmm?” The pink pony turned to Crimson and smiled, despite her predicament. “Oh don't you worry about that. This old timer was due for the scrapyard anyway. I am just glad no pony got hurt.”

Crimson noticed the small lie in Pinkie's eyes however. It probably didn't have to be scrapped, just a part that needed to be replaced. Crimson hadn't given the bakery much choice now though.

“Still I feel awful for doing it. I wasn't aware of what I were doing, but that's no excuse. Please allow me to pay you back.”

“It's going to take a while to earn money for a new oven. Oh, but don't worry, we have more.” She pointed to two other black ovens in the kitchen. “Business will just have to go a teensy bit slower for a while, that's all.”

Pinkie's reassurance didn't brighten up Crimson's mood however. What a mess I've gotten myself into, and how come I can't remember casting any magic? A flash of pain reminded her that her head still hurt.

“Still, I never thought you were so capable, Crimmy.” Rainbow rattled between her teeth. The drop in temperature had started to get to the pegasus, now that the adrenaline had worn off.

“Can you take the ice away now, please?” Both of the ponies pleaded.

Crimson looked them in the eye and shook her head sadly, “I'm sorry. I don't even know how I conjured it up in the first place.”

“Aww, ponyfeathers.” Dash exclaimed disappointed. She wasn't getting any cupcakes today at all.

“Well, how about we just go outside for now girls?” Pinkie chimed in. “The ice is bound to melt sooner or later, might as well enjoy the sun instead of turning into pony popsicles.”

"Think you can stand on your own, Crimmy?" Dash wondered.still holding her up with part of her body.

The unicorn slowly got up on all four. She was still tired and rather dizzy, but she could probably walk without any help.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Don't worry about me, let's go outside."

o.O.o

Applejack stood quietly at her apple stand in Ponyville's market. Business wasn't going shabby, already earning forty bits this day.

She had brought Apple Bloom with her. This time she had promised to behave, and not repeat the embarrassing things she had done last time she tried to earn her cutie mark. This time however she was allowed behind the counter only.

Around them a lot of haggling were going on. Ponies always trying to get the better deal from their customers. Not at Applejack's stand. She honestly knew what everything was worth and would never trick naïve customers into a bad deal.

She overheard some ponies, who seemed close friends, talking about getting free sample cupcakes at Sugar Cube Corner.

Applejack chuckled to herself. That ought to be Pinkie's idea. She was always giving away stuff for free if it made others happy.

She took a quick glance towards the bakery further down the street, and almost missed it. She now stared in disbelief as she saw smoke coming from that direction.

She undid her apron and turned to her little sister, “Apple Bloom, watch the stand. Big sis, has some business t' take care of.”

Apple Bloom had no time to ask her sister what was going on, as Applejack darted off in a hurry.

o.O.o

Outside the bakery a wide crowd of startled ponies had gathered. They'd noticed smoke coming from the shop. The real surprise however was that the closer you got the bakery, the colder it got.

The trio was met with stares from distraught ponies as they went outside the shop. Rainbow reassured them however that everything was under control.

“Alright nothing to see here folks. Just some unicorn magic, nothing special.”

Some seemed to be satisfied with this, however some eyed Crimson suspiciously and started to talk to each other about the stranger.

Wow, way to be subtle, Rainbow Dash. Crimson thought. Still it probably had been for the best to tell a minor truth, than a lie. If the locals had become suspicious of her, then lying would certainly not do her stay here any friendlier.

In the midst of the crowd a light-orange pony, with blonde mane and likewise as blond tail, broke through.

“Rainbow, Pinkie! Are y' two okay?” The pony exclaimed. “Ah saw smoke coming out from the shop, so Ah bolted over here as fast as possible.” Crimson thought the way the mare talked was a little peculiar. Must be an accent of some sort.

“Yeah, no worries AJ,” Dash reassured the mare. “Just an oven that felt like going haywire.”

“Everything alright in the store, Pinkie?”

“Yes, everything is just dandy, thanks to Crimmy here.” Pinkie pushed the blue unicorn in front of her, so that Applejack could witness the shop's saviour,“ She put the flames out with her magic.”

Now I'm Crimmy to Pinkie as well...

“It was nothing, really. I caused more damaged in the process anyway,” She muttered to herself.

“Well Ah'll be. Ah guess Ah must thank you for saving my friends and the bakery. Would had been a durn shame if it had burned down.”

Applejack extended her hoof towards Crimson, in greeting, “The name's Applejack, nice to meet y'.”

Rainbow and Pinkie snickered quietly as Crimson greeted the orange earth pony.

“Greeting miss Applejack. My name is Criiiiiimssssooon Striiiiipppes.” Crimson tried to say, as the mare's hoofshake shook her up and down.

“Well...prffff. Now you have met AJ.”

Rainbow and Pinkie couldn't contain themselves any more and started to laugh, “She is quite the greeter, if you know what I mean.” Rainbow said with a grin.

“Ah'll take that as a compliment, Rainbow,” The mare grinned as she released Crimson from her grip.

“Now sugarcube, why don't y' tell me a lil' about y'self, hmm? Ah haven't seen you 'round before so a reckon y' re new 'round here?”

Crimson remembered what Fluttershy had told her about earth ponies being strong, but this was just ridiculous. This mare's strength could put males to shame, Crimson didn't really mind though.

“Well it's not really anything interesting...” She said silently.

“Ah have got some time to spare, my lil sis is watching the stand at the moment. Ah trust it would be alright to listen for a while.”

“Oh, oh! I want to listen to!” Pinkie interrupted and started munching on some popcorn she had pulled out of nowhere.

“How did she...” Crimson began

“Don't ask!” Rainbow and Applejack shouted at the same time.

Okay. Weird...Crimson cleared her throat and began, what felt like the millionth time today, explain how she woke up in the Everfree Forest and, up until now.

After the story, Applejack looked at Crimson quizzically.

“So let me get this straight. Y' woke up in the Everfree forest with no memories, right?”

Crimson nodded “Pretty much, yeah.”

“But y' are also telling me that you know squat about ponies? That's a little hard to believe, no offence sugar.”

“Well I'm not surprised you think so, frankly I suspected more ponies to wonder about that. I really don't know anything about being a pony, well until I met Fluttershy and she explained the basics. I even had a hard time walking in the beginning, but I got the hang of it after a while,” Crimson said with a sad smile on her face.

Applejack stared into the unicorn's carnelian eyes for a while, trying to detect if she hid something from her.

She saw no lies in her eyes, whatever had happened to the unicorn, she was not aware of it herself. Applejack decided then that she would help this poor mare however she could. No one should have to shoulder such a burden by themselves.

“Don't worry, Ah believe y' sugarcube.”

“You do?”

“Hey, Ah don' tell lies, okay? Trust me,” She put a reassuring hoof on Crimson's shoulder. “Tell y' what, Ah'll do my share to help y' recover y'ur memories, since you helped Pinkie an' all. And Ah don' plan to make light out of that promise.”

“Pinkie promise?” Pinkie Pie interrupted with a grin.

Crimson watched as Applejack proceeded to make some weird gestures, ending with her almost poking her eye out with her hoof.

“There's gotta be a less painful way, t' do these promises...” Applejack grumbled to herself.

“It's very kind of you wanting to help me Applejack, but you don't have to go to such length for me. I have gotten so much help already, I am starting to feel like a leech.”

“Sorry, no can do. Ah already made an unbreakable vow t' help y'. Sorry sugar, Ah am sticking to you like a flies on rotten apples.”

Fluttershy and Rarity were right. Crimson thought. Their friends really do care for others in need.

Once I discover who I am, I will be sure to repay them all in some way.

Pinkie had listened intently to the story and was now bouncing up and down.

“I'll help to of course, and what better way to jolt some memories, than a welcoming song.”

Once again she produced stuff out of nowhere. This time it was a wagon of some sort.

What sorcery is this? Her thoughts were interrupted by Pinkie's singing

“Welcome, welcome, welcome. A fine welcome to you...”

Some more singing, busted eardrums and cake-mix instead of confetti in the face. Crimson broke down laughing as they were all covered in dough. Where did this pony get all these crazy ideas from?

“This happens to everyone, or am I getting the royal treatment?” She said looking towards Applejack and Rainbow, while licking cake-mix from her face.

“Well, let's just say that Pinkie is quite adamant in making ponies laugh and feel welcome,” Rainbow chuckled.

“Well, why wouldn't I silly?” Pinkie bounced cheerily up and down, spreading dough all over the street. “Making other ponies smile is what I live for.”

“I see, thanks Pinkie,” Crimson beamed at the pink pony, “I feel better now, you really are practised in making others happy.”

“Practice?” Rainbow frowned and started to think a while, before realising. “Oh ponyfeathers!”

Rainbow Dash had forgotten that she had promised Scootaloo flying lessons this afternoon. The filly looked up to her especially and she couldn't just break that promise.

“Sorry Crimson. It seems I can't be your guide right now, I'm sorry.”

Crimson understood the pegasus predicament. Promises to children should always come first after all.

The bakery had finally started to feel warmer as well. Pinkie reluctantly decided that she needed to check on the damages and starting with this week's order right away. She had already been delayed too much.

“Don't worry about me guys. You have already done so much for me. I can make it on my own for the rest of the day.”

“Well not necessarily.” Applejack said to the unicorn. “If y'd like y' can come with me. Ah promised ah would help y', so how about y' come with me to the farm? Ah just need to pick up Apple Bloom and pack up the stand. Business has been good today so we were thinking of calling it a day anyway.”

“It's really not too much?” Crimson said with a smile. She would really like to get to know Applejack better, she seemed easy to get along with.

“Not at all, come Ah'll introduce y' to mah sister. Ah bet Apple Bloom will be thrilled to hear about y' as well.”

“I'll come back when I am done with today's training schedule, promise.” Rainbow gave the unicorn a tap at her shoulder.

“And I'll try to finish up as quickly as I can, so I can plan for your welcoming party.” Pinkie gave Crimson a hug, before rushing into the bakery.

“Alright see you guys later.” Crimson turned to her new benefactor. “Lead the way, AJ.” She said with a smile.

o.O.o

Princess Celestia sat upon her throne in the Day Court while she tried to be interested in one of her subject's “poor” predicament. It was always some pony who thought that by crawling before her, begging enough with sweet words and self-righteous attitude , she would consider favouring them in their monetary self gaining projects.

This one was a exceedingly tiresome sweet talker. An earth pony by the name of Swiftly Rich, no doubt a relative to one called Filthy Rich, residing in Ponyville. He was going on about how this new project would create opportunities for ponies all around Equestria, while elusively sidestepping the matter how such a feat would be accomplished without compromising the usual work benefits, written down by the co-rulers themselves in Equestrian law.

Celestia really tried to listen and care for every problem her little ponies presented to her, but thousands of years of them vying for her favour in petty little projects to fill their own projects had merely made her indifferent, whenever such a ludicrous project was raised before her.

She was about to dismiss the money grabber, that's when a scroll wrapped with golden thread appeared. She gestured for Rich's silence and rightly so, this type of scroll meant that the business was urgent, and she trusted the agents she had out in the field not interrupting her with insignificant matters.

Celestia started to read the report thoroughly. She frowned at what she read. Supposedly her agents had witnessed a strange light strike down into the Everfree Forrest. The report stated that it seemed to come from the very atmosphere itself. Her agents weren't sure what to make of the situation, but one of the unicorn's on duty stated it didn't feel like any magic she had encountered earlier.

The alicorn ruler concentrated to feel the magic field that surrounded her land. Sure enough she could feel a faint disturbance in the field, it was however very small and didn't feel like it was of malicious intent, yet she knew from experience that she could not leave such a matter unattended.

Celestia sighed. Neither she or Luna had the time to investigate the matter at hoof. Not because of the tedious Day Court of course. No after her meeting with her little ponies there would be ambassadors from the Dragon country coming to discuss the terms of their continued treaty between the two lands. And they had requested that both rulers be present for such an occasion.

There was nothing else to do than to yet rely on her faithful student to make sure this was taken care of with as much discretion that could be mustered. Sighing again she composed a quick letter before magically sending it away. She hoped that Twilight would be up to the task, and that she wouldn't have to worry about putting it in her hooves. She offered a quiet silence as forgiveness to her precious student.

She then turned to the earth pony, still waiting to continue his endeavour to gain her favour. He looked so hopefully the poor dear. Celestia almost grinned a little.

“Well Mr. Swiftly Rich. About this project of yours...”

o.O.o

“Twilight?” Spike tried to get his foster sister's attention, a losing fight since she was burrowed deeply in one of her books.

“Mhm?”

“Twilight it's way past lunchtime. You have to eat something.”

“...Aha”

“I made your favourite, daffodil sandwich.” He tried.

“...Great.”

Spike ran out of patience towards his sister's study-engrossed attitude at this point. How could she just space out like this? Oh right, she was Twilight.

“Spike? Fetch me the “Study Of Advanced Barriers vol. III”, please.” She had been obsessed with finding a way to replicate her brother's spell, in case she needed to cast it over Ponyville, should they ever be under any kind of lethal threat.

Well at least that's better than “mhm”. The purple dragon thought to himself. He put the plate with the sandwich at her desk, then went and got the book from the back room.

“...Spike? Did you find it?" Twilight said, never taking her eyes off her desk.

I sure did. You aren't getting it before you eat something though.

“Start by looking to your right, Twilight,” He suggested.

Twilight Sparkle unwillingly took her eyes off her desk to notice the daffodil sandwich, waiting for her to eat it.

“Oh dear. I guess it is time for lunch. Thanks Spike. I didn't even notice,” She levitated the sandwich and took a big bite out of it. “Mm, delicious.” Spike really knew how to make even the simplest of meals extraordinary.

“You're welcome Twi. I'll give you the book when you're done.”

Spiked stopped for a second, as a familiar feeling started to creep within him. As so many times before he let out a huge burp, and with the fire, a scroll materialised.

Spike picked it up and confirmed the royal seal on the letter. Yep, it was from Princess Celestia alright. Carefully he undid the seal and started reading, since Twilight was still preoccupied with her sandwich, and would probably like for him to read it out loud anyway.

“My dear faithful student Twlight Sparke.” He began. “It has come to my attention, yadayadayada. Light in Everfree Forest, blablabla. Suitable measures...oh.”

“What is is, Spike?” Twilight had finished hear meal and now wondered what caused his distress.

“Letter from the Princess, Twilight. I think you better read this one yourself.”

“Oh dear, hope it's nothing serious.” She magically took the scroll from Spike and started to read.

My dear faithful student Twilight Sparkle

It has come to my attention that a mysterious light has been sighted descending into the Everfree Forest earlier today. Neither Luna and I have any knowledge of this phenomenon. Due to political circumstances We are unable to locate the source of this light, at this given time. Thus I would like for you to investigate the matter at hoof and to take suitable measures, regarding what you find. Remember; Utter discrection is advised.

Report back as soon as possible when you have discovered the source of the phenomenon.

Your loving teacher,

Princess Celestia

“Mysterious light? That sounds quite odd to say the least,” Twilight scratched the back of her head with her right hoof before frowning, “well whatever it is, if it's dangerous, I will make sure it doesn't hurt anypony.”

Spike gave her sister a thoughtful look, “You don't think you're becoming, well, a little obsessed with trying to fix everything harmful that comes our way? It's going to wear you out sooner or later Twilight.”

Twilight looked to her adopted brother, “No Spike, I don't. I might not have been sent by the Princess to be Ponyville's protector, but everypony here means the world to me. If there's any chance that this “mysterious light” is a threat to us, I will personally make sure that it can't wrongfully harm any of my ponies.”

Your ponies? Oh, Twilight...

Spike considered his sister's words, “Well I still think losing sleep and forgetting to eat is not helping in that matter. ”

“You may be right Spike, still I will remain vigilant.

“So what are you going to do about the light in the forest?”

“I'll find out what this is all about. If it's dangerous I'll take any necessary measure, and I'll report it to the Princess as soon as I can”

Spike shuffled with his feet before asking, “Can I come with you? I kind of have to stretch my claws for a bit, considering I have cleaned the library almost all day. I promise not to be in the way.”

“The Princess wrote that she would like utter discretion concerning this problem and it could very well be dangerous, Spike."

"Oh come on Twilight, I can keep my mouth shut, I promise!" Spike looked at her with pleading eyes. In truth. Spike was actually worried about his sister, but she didn't need to know that.

"Oh come on Twilight, I can keep my mouth shut, I promise!" Spike looked at her with pleading eyes.

Twilight sighed. Spike would probably be grumpy for the whole evening if she didn't let him tag along. Some times it's hard to be a big sister, always wanting to keep her baby brother safe, even though she knew he wasn't that little anymore.

"Fine, you can come, but at first sight of danger I am teleporting us both back, understand?"

“Yes, m'am!”

o.O.o

Finding traces of magical residue was not hard for the purple unicorn. She had a spell ready for such an occasion, that is if the light were of magical properties. She was proven right however as her horn began tingling when they started to reach the entrance of the forest.

Spike was a little nervous venturing into the woods, as you never know what you might find in there, the sunlight and the presence of his sister helped to wash away his fear though.

After a silent walk they soon discovered a glade in the thick forest. Twilight's horn started to tingle more and more as they approached the glade. However she felt nothing beyond the glade, meaning that the sphere must have landed here.

She perplexedly looked around but saw nothing out of the ordinary.

“So, Twilight. Why are we stopping?”

“I-I am not sure Spike. It's supposed to be here. My horn isn't picking up anything else beyond this vicinity.”

“Well that's weird. There's nothing here Twi. What does that mean?”

She didn't respond and started to frantically look around some more, but except for the grass being a little singed, there was nothing.

The realisation hit her late.

“Oh no,” She looked back from where they came. Whatever that light had been it certainly wasn't here now, and that could only mean one thing.

“Spike hop on! We are returning to town.”

Comments

[Soaringhere]

Great chapter.
Can't wait for next one and probably the plot as well.

[ZergPony]

Thanks again for the feedback. I noticed some inconsitencies in the story and changed it up a little. Also added a new cover image, that fits the story better.

Hope you will continue to read and next chapter is probably due early next week.

Stay classy everypony

//ZergPony

[lunarstallion]

I loved the chapter, and the excellent plot to the story as well! Keep up the good work, zerg!