Help Me

She was running again - scared for her life as the shadow got closer. Suddenly cornered, she turned to see the one that had always protected her from the shadow that chased her, but.....but he looked different. Everything in this moment was different. When she'd turn around, instead of her protector looking over his shoulder at her, he was trembling. Was he scared? Hurt? More importantly, the shadow that had normally disappeared when he was here was still moving in closer. It was going to get them! Star had made a quick movement to grab the unicorn that had always saved her, but suddenly he turned fiercely to her - his appearance was covered in darkness and she couldn't make out his features, but she saw his familiar green eyes. 

??????: "GO!"

Before Star could respond, the shadow had covered him and came rushing toward her. Star shut her eyes tightly waiting for the impact, but instead felt a cold wind hit her instead. Star slowly opened her eyes to find the scenery had changed. Now she was stuck in some kind of snow storm in the middle of nowhere. The unicorn with the green eyes - gone. The shadow - gone. She was alone.

Star: "H-hello!?"   She called out with desperation in her voice. She received no answer.

What was happening? She always woke up before any of this happened! T-this is still just a dream....right!? 

These thoughts swirled around Star's head as she took her first step into the unknown land. 

She had only been walking for a short time till she heard something.

?????: "H-.......p ......e......"

Star:"H-hello! I-is somepony there!?" Star frantically looked around, but saw no one.

?????: "He--..... m.....e......"

Star: "H-help?" She looked in the direction she heard the voice come from. It was difficult. The wind was making the voice sound like it was coming in all directions.

The voice continued to say the same thing over and over - till it started to become clearer. Star ran in multiple directions, trying her best to see through the storm and find who was calling to her. 

She must be getting close! I can hear them better! 

Star continued to run in the direction of the voice. Her lungs hurt...they felt frozen. She could barely feel the snow on the ground anymore, if she did, it felt more like fire than snow. The only warmth she did feel was her breath when it would hit her face - but it was quickly covered by the icy winds.

?????: "Help me."

((Here! He's here somewhere!)) Star's heart sped up. The voice had to belong to the one that always protected her. Where was he!? Before she could start running in the direction of the voice again, another called out to her.

??????:"Stop! Don't go!"

Wait......t-that was his voice still. But he sounded panicked. Begging.

?????: "Help me."

??????: "Don't go, Star!" 

Star felt a shiver go up her spine, not caused by the frozen winds. The voice sounded strained, but it said her name. She was confused, they both sounded the exact same, but one pleaded that she don't go and the other repeatedly asked for help. Shaking her head and trying to do what she thought was best, Star ignored the begging voice that told her not to go.

Star: "Where are you!?" 

Each step felt heavier than the last, but she continued forward. She was exhausted, feeling that she would pass out any second, but you can't pass out in a dream....can you?

Star struggled now, her breathing labored, till she saw a figure. He was covered in shadow - but it was the same form that she always saw from the unicorn with the green eyes. She found him! Star took slow steps closer to him -  now feeling nervous that she can now see what he looked like.

Star: "W-who are you...?" 

Once Star was close enough, that her light would hit his face, he wasn't there. She was confused, but looked down to see.....a unicorn horn? Was this his? 

Before she could reach out to the horn, the scenery changed again. The freezing wind was gone and so was he. She turned around and saw the Crystal Empire. W-was he telling her to find him, was he real? Was he at the Crystal Empire? Was there a clue to him there?

Star woke up with a jolt, a loud noise had awoken her. Before she could completely be aware of her surroundings, she felt warmth surround her.

Celestia: "Star, what happened!? Are you alright!?"

It was her mother. She was holding her. Looking around, Star saw several guards barge into the room, each looking around, as if somepony had broken in. Luna was there too, looking toward Star's window.

Luna: "Strange. I could not get in, but the window is not locked. There was magic here that would not let me in."  Luna looked toward her sister then walked over to Star's side.

Celestia: "Star, what happened?" Her mother spoke with concern, but looked stern. "Luna says you were having a nightmare, but when she tried to come to you, she couldn't get in and neither could the guards. She couldn't even find a way into your dreams." 

Star was confused. She never locked her doors or windows - but she always had security at her door and outside her balcony near the window so there was no way somepony could come in.

Star: "I-I don't know, mother. But, I am fine." Star tried to calm the situation, but Celestia was not ready to believe that. Celestia turned toward the guards and spoke with authority. "Guide my daughter to my room. She will stay there for the rest of the night."

Guard: "Yes, your majesty!"

Star didn't put up any argument. It would be no use. But she did have one thought going through her head. 

She needed to get to the Crystal Empire as quickly as possible. 
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For anyone confused, check this pic out for a better understanding! -----> gamblingfoxinahat.deviantart.c…