Of Magic and Flame

Rainbow Dash flew off, leaving a cloud of dust in her wake. After that, we continued our tour of Ponyville,  seeing sights of cultural and historical significance, at least according to Twilight. Most of our stops were at places like "The Beach of General Eisenhoofer: Where the 29th Infantry of the Guard Landed During the Second Great War" or the house where neo-modern-contemporary electronic dance music was first composed. I just zoned her out for the majority of the tour, taking in the beautiful scenery of the land. It is truly magnificent in comparison to my home. The lush fields and rushing streams were so foreign to me, the held an alien beauty. After a considerable amount of time, Twilight finally relented her speeches and we decided to go out for lunch.

We stopped at this nice, quaint cafe on the outskirts of town. They had hay instead of chairs and a large portion of their seating was outdoors. We sat down and began deciding on our orders. I'm not really sure whether or not I can eat flowers at this point, so I can't eat most of the stuff on the menu without risk of illness or death. One of the only "safe" choices was a Caesar salad, so I was left with no other choice.

Throughout out lunch, we told stories of our lives back on earth. A lot of them were about how our friends ended up doing stupid things while we got it on video. We also made fun of each other, a lot basically, it was the typical high school cafeteria table. It was nice to have a sense of familiarity there. I felt like I was back at school, and I had this strange feeling like I had to write a paper or something.

At some point in our conversation, Shellshocker and Twilight started talking on their own, soon Bruteroot and Fluttershy did the same. Me and Spike looked at each other and nodded. Spike left some gold coins to pay for the meal and we left. I felt kind of bad for leaving them, and for not being able to pay at all, but I think they needed the space.

"So, Blazewing. We have yet to see the shining gem of Ponyville. Come with me."

"Oh, really? How good can it be?"

Spike smirked, "You'll see when you meet her."

Suddenly, a bright pink blur shot out of a nearby bush and stopped in front of us. When my vision came back into focus, it revealed a very pink pony birth a very pink poofy mane. She inhaled deeply, comically, before she began, "Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie! I'm sooooo happy to have new ponies in Ponyville! I mean, we almost never get new ponies, and even less times do we get new dragons and turtles and plant thingies! Have a cupcake!" Suddenly, a cupcake smashed into mine and Spike's faces. I noticed that the pony hadn't moved since she appeared, except for her mouth. "I hope you like it here in Ponyville, and I'll even help you learn all the ponies' names! That's Flitter, and that's Derpy, and that's Bulk Biceps and Aloe..."

"Pinkie Pie." Spike interjected.

"And the Doctor. Hi Doctor Whooves!"

"Pinkie Pie."

"And Lyra and Bon Bon..."

"Pinkie Pie!"

"And Trixie and..."

"PINKIE PIE!"

"Yeah, Spikey?"

I gave a huge sigh of relief. It seemed like she had infinite energy and even defied the laws of physics and nature. And I've only known her for a minute or two. I might need to put a label on her. Warning: prolonged exposure may increase chance of mind explosion or induce insanity. Then, she spoke up again.

"Oops, gotta run! Time to make cupcakes!" She ran off to a building that looked like a gingerbread house. We faintly heard, "It's going to be so much fun making cupcakes with you, Flash Sentry!"

Spike and I just decided to shrug it off and continue on our way. We walked in silence until we came to the market, where we heard the same voice from yesterday call out, "hey, Spike! It looks like y'all found him. Guess Twi couldn't send 'em home then?" We walked over to the pony. She was selling apples and baked goods from a little stand. From the looks of it, business was treating her well. We exchanged greetings and brought Applejack up to speed on my current predicament.

Spike was starting to grow more and more irritated until we left. Whatever this "gem" was, he was obviously obsessed with it. We finally stopped in front of a building shaped like a carousel from an old fair or amusement park. Spike brought me inside as he searched for the owner. He walked around the main floor calling out, "Rarity! Are you home?

"Darling, is that you?" A voice, Rarity's I presume, came from upstairs.

"Yes, it is Rarity. I brought someone for you to meet."

"I'll be down in just a moment." We heard some shuffling and then hoofsteps as a white mare with a shining purple mane descended. In tandem, mine and Spike's jaws dropped. I had never seen a pony look so attractive in my life. It almost scares me that I would like a pony in this way, but I don't want to pass this up. I also know now why Spike was so intent on getting here. He must have a huge crush on her, or they're dating. I'm just assuming it's the former. I stepped forward and nervously introduced myself.

"Hello, my name is Blazewing. And I assume you are Rarity?"

She giggled, "Yes, that is correct. Are you a dragon mr. Blazewing?"

"No, why do you ask?"

"Well you look so much like Spike..."

"Hey! At least my tail's not constantly on fire!"

Rarity sighed, "so much like him so, I just assumed you were a dragon."

"Well, in many cases I would be considered a dragon when I am older, but right now, I am not."

"Hmm. That's not very helpful. But! It gives me a great idea for a new design! Your flame is simply stunning! I must use it in a new piece. How do you keep it from burning things?"

"Um, beg your pardon?"

"Oh don't worry. I'll sort it all out."

She began rushing about the room, fetching fabric and tools, already giving her design a form. I looked over at Spike, who was in a daze with some drool hanging from his mouth. I snapped in front of his face until he came back to reality, but he continued to stare at Rarity while she worked. By this time I had had enough and began my way back to the library.

It was starting to get dark when I finally found a way back. I had been lost for a few hours now. The light of my tail kept the darkness around me at bay, while the setting sun outlined the tree I was heading for. What came next, I would never have expected.