The Pyromanecerby The PyromanecerChaptersCaught In The FIreOut of the Frying Pan...Burning OakCaught In The FIreThe sound of wheels grinding to a halt against train tracks echoed across the vast dusty valley of Apploosa. All the ponies proceeded to walk out of their respective cars as ponies walked pass one another. A lone red stallion covered in a tattered cloak jumped up from his slumber and peered out and glanced at all the ponies. His eyes darted from pony to pony seeing who was leaving and was entering. He estimated around 20 passengers on board rather than the previous 7. “Great,” He mumbled to himself in frustration “More passengers, just my luck.” If he wasn’t going to get caught before then he was now. “I thought this was the express train…” There was a click of door locks turning open. The crimson pegasus’ ears perked up as he heard the door start to crack open. He dived for the pile of luggage in amongst the shadows of the cart. The sound of metal clinked and collided with the floor and each other. The hiding stallion peeked through a makeshift eyehole in his pile of luggage. He saw gold and the well groomed white coat that shone in the light from the doorway. It was a mare. But it wasn’t just a mare. It was a Royal Guard. Hopefully just a recruit. So she would make the rookie mistake and not look around and inspect everything. The mare snorted and closed the door leaving a quivering stallion hiding in the junk of others. Not a really heroic way to be caught and sent to jail for. The stallion rose out from the pile and stretched his muscle’s in a dog like fashion cringing as he did so. He chuckled as he loosened up and walked over to a lone horned skull. As he picked it up he gazed into the eye sockets of the dragon skull with solemn eyes. “What am I going to do Cinder? I can’t keep this.” He said. The skull started to glow a soft purple as an echoed warm voice came out. “You could always dye your coat or speak in a different language and just stay from anywhere under Princess Celestia’s reign….it’s either that or risk being caught by the guards.” She said rolling her non-existent eyes. “Yeah, but you know me. It’s always living for the thrill, dancing into danger with fire in my hooves…literally.” He said while putting on Cinder’s glowing skull. It gave out an echoed sigh. “So how are you going to evade the guard’s this time, oh great Pyromanecer?” Cinder deadpanned. “Like always, with style and elegance…and sometimes fire. And love, you don’t have to call me by my show name.” He said as he stretched his wings out. “We could just fly away stealthily” She pointed out “You just want to suck the fun out of everything.” He murmured The train wheels again grinded against the tracks with a shrill shriek. Pyromanecer with caution approached the cart door and peered through its window. No-pony was coming out to the other cart’s door. It was the last cart and this was just a luggage cart after all. He opened it silently even though it wouldn’t matter over the sound of whistles, steam and engines. Pyromanecer flew onto the roof of the luggage cart and kept his body flat down onto the roof and peered above slightly to gaze over the ponies leaving the train. He then looked up to the stop in which they reached. Streets with houses lined along them and with ponies enjoying their days casually greeting all they met. This was definitely the place. Ponyville. One of the most cheery yet danger prone of all places he has been to. It wasn’t his favourite though. His favourite was the deserts Equestria. They were his type of landscapes. It was one of the only few he areas would walk in instead of flying. They were so fitting for him. So wild. So free. So…dangerous. “So my love,” He said gently prodding his mask, or skull depending on which side of the coin you’re on, with his hoof with it glowing in response “What first? Do we do our rounds of entertaining the ponies or do you want to sightsee and visit the Everfree?” The Everfree was Pyromanecer’s 2nd favourite hotspot. It was nice and peaceful…calm…soothing…gentle. Personality traits that he didn’t show too often in front of his audiences. But one that he wished some ponies would see. “How about…We perform…It’s always so fun when we perform. I like it when I get to see the fillies and colts smile…it’s the only heart-warming thing when I’m, well…dead.” She said getting a little bit deep. It is these same moments when Pyromanecer would change from a daring, dangerous pony to his calm and caring form. “Don’t worry my love, Maybe this time round there will be a bigger….crowd…oh no.” He said as he looked around noticing all of the “WANTED” posters with a depiction of Pyromanecer on every single one. “I was wondering when they would put those up.” “This is really bad. We can’t go anywhere. Not in the skies. Not on foot. There’s too much open area. We’d be caught before we even reach the town.” Cinder said sounding very stressed “Never mind that, Look!” He said as he pointed towards the nearest poster. “They got your skull wrong! That’s a cow skull! And my flank isn’t that big!” He said trying to lighten Cinder up earning a small giggle from her. Pyromanecer looked towards the front of the train and the steam billowing out from it. “I have an idea so crazy…It might just work.” He said flying off to the head of the train. “I hate it when you say that.” Cinder’s spirit said. * “See I told you this would work.” Pyromanecer said as he pushed a steam cloud in the air towards Ponyville. By the rate they were going though and by how much time it had taken, they had only reached three quarters to Ponyville. “I have to admit this is a pretty good plan…buuuut there may be one loop-hole in this ‘plan’” Cinder said with an invisible smirk. “Mmmmm? And what is that?” He said as he kept pushing slowly not to raise too much attention. “Well…Doesn’t Ponyville have its own weather team? And if you were caught you wouldn’t stand a chance against ANY Pegasus…Right?” She said. Pyromanecer instantly stopped pushing. “Yes?...” “And now would be a bad time to say that one is heading right for us?” “WHA-!?” Before Pyromanecer could finish what he was saying he was jumped on from above and hit right in the spine and or wings. And before he knew it he was sent plummeting towards the ground twitching in pain and his coat and mane waving in the roaring wind. And then there was a sudden clubbing pain. * Pyromanecer’s eyes started to open drearily as his head tried to process what just happened. But it only made the pain worsen. “E-Excuse me? Mister? A-Are you okay.” A very bubbly voice said. Wait a minute. He swore he’d heard that voice before. “Um are awake? Uh…Hello?” It was nagging at his mind. Pyromanecer pushed himself off the ground with pain in his mind and an echoing voice to rehear. Pyromanecer’s vision started to clear up as he saw what looked like to be a grey Pegasus staring at him. A mare with golden dandelion eyes. “Ditzy Doo? Burn me tooo ashes y-you got a re-ea-al k-kick.” “Oh no, oh no, oh no, I’ so sorry I thought you were just an ordinary cloud.” She said with sincerity in her voice. “Don’t worry…argh…I’m f-fine.” He assured. Pyromanecer tried to at least get onto his forelegs or hind legs but he was having as much difficulty as a newborn foal. Cinder was silent. She had to be. She couldn’t risk giving out herself. That and she was shy with ponies. Ditzy glanced left and right and tried to pick up Pyromanecer but he was much too large. Ditzy nudged Pyromanecer gently as he groggily looked up to her. “Can you walk…?” Pyromanecer endured the pain to fake himself standing. This wasn’t good for him. He needed rest and herbal remedies quick. Where is Zecora when you need her? He thought. “I’m fine…I just need some rest…” He said between gasps of air. “I-I could take you to the hospi-“ Ditzy started. “No!...I mean….No, that won’t…nnngh…be necessary, thank you. I’m fine.” He lied. He needed medical attention. Hopefully he didn’t have any broken, fractured or punctured body parts but the Universe loved proving him wrong, why would it stop now? “Ditzy…I need to ask of you a favour. Please…Don’t tell anyone I was here.” She nodded reassuringly and looked at Pyromanecer and noticed his limping and twitching. She bit her lip not wanting to imagine any of the pain. She brought up her signature bubbly smile. There was nothing better for Pyromanecer than seeing the smiles of ponies. “All I need is some rest…I’ll find a place in the Everfree. But don’t follow me in there, I’m fine really, I just need to find some herbs and I’ll be back up performing in no time.” His ear twitched as he heard the sound of wings beating. “Hey Derpy, was that the last of em’?” the high pitched, tomboyish voice called. There was no doubt about it. It was Rainbow Dash. If there was anything he feared more than Celestia was Rainbow Dash, The Element of Loyalty. Not only was she so fast but she was friends with the prodigy of the Princess, Twilight Sparkle. The bush was his only option to his in. He swiftly pounced into the bushes, unfortunately the one he had chosen had thorns in it. He tried to contain his screams and whimpered softly and cringed so much that a lone tear started to dwell up in his eye. “Yep!” She said without hesitation. It was a very relaxed tone as if she was just casually taking a break but she still had that trademark personality too. Pyromanecer wasn’t sure if it was good acting or just her normal self, even if she just bucked a stallion down to the ground. “Awesome!” She said as she zoomed off immediately. Ditzy waved with a grin and then looked around. “Okay, it’s clear.” Pyromanecer leaped out screaming in a hush tone with clenched teach. He then started walking around in circles picking off thorns, howling as he did so. Once he was clear of thorns he turned back to Ditzy, who wore a face than looked like she was holding back laughter like her life depended on it. He rolled his eyes. “Go on, laugh.” She did. With enthusiasm. Pyromanecer just sighed, both in relief and embarrassment. He looked up to see that he was only a few paces away from the nearest street. Ditzy’s laughter stopped. Pyromanecer whipped around to see her holding a piece of parchment. With him on it. “Wanted: The Pyromanecer, Charged for suspected murder, attempts of arson and…dark magic?” She had a quivering voice but it was faint. Pyromanecer took the sheet from her hooves slowly. She was frozen staring into his eyes. There was one thing he hated seeing in ponies’ eyes. Fear. Pyromanecer guessed that he shouldn’t wear a skull all the time, but if he did he wouldn’t be able to perform his pyro-kinesis. “I’m a street performer, Ditzy. Ask your daughter. She knows about me than almost anyone in this town.” He clicked his hooves together to summon a small flame from the magic of Cinder’s spirit. It was a very complicated yet rewarding procedure. It is said in some tribes that the Spirit of a dragon is able to interact with the realm of the living. But in Cinder’s case Pyromanecer had done the unspeakable and performed what ponies like Celestia would call, Dark Magic. Pyromanecer preferred the term Ancient Magic, which he used to bond Cinder’s spirit with an object, the closest thing he could find after Cinder died was her skull, he had to perform it fast or else he would have lost her forever. That’s why Pyromanecer was on the run. Running from the lies of Celestia. Pyromanecer had never committed a crime before Celestia had sensed what he had done. “Firebird. It all makes sense now. Dinky. She had a pony friend who would play with fire. She called him Firebird. I thought it was just her imaginary friend…But know I know. That was you wasn’t it?” She said with a worried expression as the flame in front of her burned bright, flickering in the reflection of her eyes. Pyromanecer put the Wanted Poster onto the flame. Instantly, the parchment burnt into embers. Pyromanecer leaned forward, the smell of ash in the air. “Yes.” He plainly said as he extended his wings. “Pyromanecer…” Ditzy said as she moved forward. “Is Dinky safe?” Pyromanecer’s heart sank when ponies asked him the question of safety. “No-one is ever safe, Ditzy,” He said as pulled off his mask and held it down near at chest level “But we always try to make it so.” He looked up at her and put mask on. “Farewell, Ditzy Doo.” He said as he walked off with a slight limp. The lonely grey Pegasus was left there staring with uncertainty. “Goodbye.” * Pyromanecer sat underneath an apple tree on Sweet Apple Acres that was far away from pony eyes. Pyromanecer wasn’t the one for thievery but living a life on the run doesn’t exactly get you paid. Sometimes pefromances would earn him some money, but it’s hard to get a job anywhere. Especially when you have the words “criminal” and “pyromaniac” written on your job application. “Well that could have gone better.” Cinder said with a deprived voice. “Maybe…Well at least I didn’t get sent to Celestia, right?” Pyromanecer admitted “Riiiight.” Cinder said with fake enthusiasm. “What’s with you? You always sounds so tired and depressed.” “Being dead does that to you.” Cinder hinting Pyromanecer for umpteenth time. Silence lingered in the air for a moment as all could be heard was the echoing of cowbells and the sound of rustling leaves in the whispering wind. “I don’t even remember how I died.” “Don’t you?” Pyromanecer exclaimed, visibly shocked. “No!” Cinder retorted back. “Well…Remember when we thought it was that good idea to take a short cut through the Everfree?...” * “Come on Cinder, they’re gaining on us!” Pyromanecer said as he galloped in between the trees trying to evade multiple Timberwolves. “Can we fly up yet!?” Yelled an amethyst purple dragon with a crimson belly, who was a pony length apart from Pyromanecer. “Not yet! The canopy is too thick!” He said with a growl. Pyromanecer glanced behind to see a pack of three wimberwolves. He turned around to look back at Cinder. “Can’t you just burn them!?” “I can’t line up a good shot.” She said as her tail almost got bit by a Timberwolf. She used the tip of her tail to whip back at it. The Timberwolf was pounded down into the ground as it tumbled into pieces. There were two left. “One down!” Cinder and Pyromanecer dodged and weaved through the trees. Then they saw it. A light shone through from above. It’s luminosity like a beacon of hope. “I see an opening in the canopy! We’re going to make it!” Pyromanecer said. They neared the canopy they were just about to touch its light. But then again. So was the timberwolf. Pyromanecer extended his wings as he took off in through the canopy of dark leaves and into the fresh, cold air. Pyromanecer flew up to the nearest cloud and breathed in heavily trying to circulate oxygen back into his lungs and blood. His adrenaline started to wear down as he chuckled. “WOO! That was amazing. Let’s not again…heh-heh…Cinder?” Pyromanecer’s eyes dilated as his blood turned cold. “Cinder!?” He looked do to the opening of the canopy. “Oh no…” He dashed down through and landed. No Timberwolves were to be seen. Just two pile of ash. “Cinder!? CINDER!” Pyromanecer cried looking around past the trees. “F-Firebug…” A broken voice called out weakly. Pyromanecer turned around slowly in horror. Laying there before him was a crimpled body of the dragoness he loved so dearly. He beautiful features scarred and mauled. Her chest, the most vulnerable part of a dragon, was ripped with claw marks and bite marks. Her scales glimmered crimson with blood. She was always beautiful to Pyromanecer. But her life was being snatched away from her before his very eyes. Pyromanecer fell to his chest and began hold Cinder in his hooves and wings. “C-Cinder…I…I-I’m so…s-sorry” He began as tears started to build up in his eyes. “F-ire….bug….I just wanted…to say that….” She started. “I love…you…” “Cinder?....No! Cinder you’re going to make…I swear on Faust’s name if you die on me…I’ll…I-I’ll….I’m so sorry Cinder I shouldn’t have left you….” “D-don’t…be…sorry.” She said as her claw touched Pyromanecer’s hoof. Her eyes started to closes as a light shone through the tears in her body. Soon her body was engulfed in a warm light and her body was tearing away in light particles drifting towards into a ball. Pyromanecer’s eyes widened when he saw it. He looked down at the body and saw an empty skeleton, the remains of a dragon’s death. Dragon bone never decays, never rots and never breaks. And then it came to him. An idea. Like most Pyromanecer’s ideas they were crazy and insane. “Forgive me Cinder.” He said as he pulled of her skull and began to chant ancient words long forgotten by the ponies of Equestria. The glowing soul shards turned purple as they moved towards the mask and coated it in a layer of clear purple glass. The glass pulsated with a magical aura, similar to the ones found on unicorn horns. The magical seal then melted into the mask as Pyromanecer finished his chanting. * “And here we are. You are a talking skull, somehow capable of granting the wearer magical fire abilities, and I am a madman who went against the strictest law made by the Royal Sisters.” Pyromanecer said as he gazed out onto the Sunset “Aren’t we the most colourful of couples?” Cinder mockingly said earning a chuckle from Pyromanecer. “You were going to say something else on that day….can you remember?” He said bringing Cinder’s skull to head height in front of him. “I think it was along the lines of ‘Don’t be an idiot’.” “Nasty little thing, aren’t you? I guess that’s why I love you.” He teased as he put her down beside him. “I try my best.” She said as she played along with Pyromanecer’s attitude. The Sun was beginning to set as the sky turned into a purple hue preparing for the oncoming night to take over. The hues of colours along with the smell of fresh wind racing past through pyromanecer made him feel so alive. He almost wished that he could just hold Cinder’s paw and watch the sun disappear. But there was work to be done. Pyromanecer picked Cinder’s skull up and put it on his face. It was just as weird doing it as it was thinking about it. He brushed the grass from his cape and coat and gazed down to see the ponies gather around Trixie’s stage. “Show time.” Author's Note Hopefully this is a better rendition to my last chapters. It's less "Oh woe is me." And hopefully I can show just how I want Pyromanecer to be. And If you are confused to how exactly Pyromanecer (Or Firbug/Firebird) is able to conjure fire as a pegasus. He isn't. It's Magic that Cinder gives out from her skull. And in case it was hard to link it all together. Pyromanecer used forbidden magic that he learned from tribes across Equestria that isn't under Celestia's reign. And know Celestia knows. And he wants to hunt Pyromanecer down for his crimes against pony kind. Out of the Frying Pan...“What do you mean ‘I can’t perform’!?” Pyromanecer said in disbelief. Fumbling with his mask and starting to get choked up. He sat down on an empty crate and looked downwards to the floorboards of Trixie’s Caravan. Trixie sighed and rolled her eyes and tugged onto her cape. “What Trixie means, Pyro. Is that Trixie doesn’t want you burning everything and especially not her adoring fans.” Pyro looked up and stare into her eyes with his partially orange eyes. He sighed and frowned. “Come on, Trixe. I need this. I need to perform….Be up on a stage…Make ponies feel excited and amazed.” Trixie just turned. “Trixe said no and that’s final.” She said as she harrumphed and turned her head, flicking her hair. Pyromanecer gave up on trying to persuade Trixie. “Alright…If you ever change your mind…” Trixie turned her head ever so slightly towards Pyromanecer. But her hair was concealing her expressions of guilt as Pyromanecer walked out of the ‘theatre-van’. When Pyro was out of earsot from the van he kicked the dust, sending dust scattered with ember into the air. He took off his mask and held it out before him and sighed. “What am I going to do Cinder?” “You could always go into the firefighter pegasi team. They’d be insane not to let you into that.” She said half-heartedly. Pyromanecer just sighed. “No….I don’t think they’d let me in since you know….I’m a wanted criminal.” “Oh….right…” Cinder said in deep thought. There was silence for quite some time as the pair tried to think of ideas to gain money for Pyro and his family. “Awwww is big brother Igneous talking to his imaginary friends again?” Came the unmistakable mocking tone of a certain aqua Pegasus. Pyromanecer turned around to see none other than her more successful sibling with an expression that insulted him just by staring into his own. “I told you never to call me by that name, Lightning.” Pyromanecer said as he simply rolled his eyes in annoyance. “And I told you to stop being such a downer.” Lightning Dust retorted. She walked up to Pyro and gave him a light hoof-punch on the shoulder, which made Pyro clutch his shoulder in slight pain and Lightning to chuckle in response. “Have you found a job yet, or are you still performing in the streets?” She said only slightly more serious. “No….I guess being a criminal restricts your way of living…” “Well I’m not the one who used forbidden magic…Speaking of bringing back the dead how is Cinder?” She said as she stretched out her wings. Pyro couldn’t tell if she was bored, which explains her annoying him, or if she was legitimately interested in his life. “Still dead.” Cinder simply stated. Cinder didn’t really like Lightning’s ‘company’. She didn’t like ponies in general. “Why are you here Lightning?” “Can’t I just have a chat with my favourite brother?” Pyromanecer just stared blankly and raised his eyebrow. “Okay, okay. You caught me. I was kicked out of the Wonderbolts….” She said bashfully looking down. Pyromanecer’s eyes widened. “You were what!? Why!? How!? Who’s going to support the family now?” Pyromanecer paced from side running his hoof through his mane. He looked to Lightning Dust who was sitting their idly, her eyes tracing him with genuine sorrow. “What am I going to do?” She said, her voice choking up and her face beginning to fluster. “…I don’t know….I was thinking of turning to street performing and busking….but it’s too risky for me and you can’t play any instruments…” The air was the only thing that broke the silence as the two stood. “I got it! You could become a mailmare….or a personal messenger.” Pyromanecer said as he pulled her up onto her hooves. He brushed the dirt off her coat and shook her so she was listening. “Tomorrow go to Ditzy Doo and tell her that you are looking for a position and that Pyromanecer sent you here. Hopefully she will give you a job….just make sure you don’t say anything offensive to her, do you understand?” “But Derpy is such a klutz.” Lightning said as she rolled her eyes. Pyromanecer punched her shoulder slightly harder than what Lightning did. “Ow!” “I thought I said nothing offensive!” He said with a hard glare. “Alright, Alright! Fine geez. Don’t have to be such a tight flank about it.” She said as she rubbed her aching shoulder. “Goodbye Lightning.” He said as he turned, putting on his mask and walking off. “What are you going to do!?” She whined. “I’ll think of something!” He said running into the shrubbery of the Everfree, the sun beginning to rise. ~ Fluttershy, being a nurturer of animals, was always ever so busy when it came to animals and thus she needed many forms of medication from chemical to herbal. And that’s where Pyromanecer came in. Fluttershy was one of Pyromanecer’s frequent clients for his herbal and medical supplies, Fluttershy also being Pyromanecer’s only client. This was a special order for a complex medical remedy which is commonly administered to snake bites. Unfortunately the hospital didn’t have any that was suitable for her animals, so she asked Pyromanecer, admittedly very quietly and shyly, for him to make a home brew. Pyromaneecr easily knew how to make snake anti-venom since he frequently encountered the odd snake or two on his travels. It was a dew lined morn as Pyromanecer walked up to her cottage and knocked on the door gently, scared of scratching the paint. Pyromanecer had a fear of mares that weren’t related to him. He didn’t know what it was. Eventually he knew he had to confront a mare and create a connection with one but he was too shy around them and was afraid to get on their bad side. “H-Hello?” Came the unmistakeable voice of Fluttershy behind the door. “Um…Hey Fluttershy…It’s me…Pyromanecer. I have the antidote” Pyromanecer said timidly. “Oh. Hello…P-Pyro…” Fluttershy still had her fear of Pyromanecer, which he felt sorry for since he hates seeing ponies’ fear him. Maybe he shouldn’t wear a dragon skull as a mask. “Well…Um…I have your medical supplies.” He pointed to his satchel. “Do you want me to leave them here?” “Um…actually…could you come inside?” Fluttershy said visibly shaking and her voice wavering. Usually Pyromanecer would be high tailing out of there and find a corner to cower in. But there was something that intrigued Pyromanecer. Something….off. He nodded his head and slowly walked in, trying not to be intimidating, that and Pyro was kind of scared of Fluttershy. Pyromanecer went around looking at all the animals, all giving him hard glares, especially that bear and bunny. Strangely Pyromanecer was scared more of the bunny than he was of the bear. He saw Fluttershy was sitting down at the table and looking at with eyes that almost asked him to sit down. Fluttershy was a strange person and ever since she has been housing the Spirit of Chaos things have gotten stranger, and not necessarily with her. “Pyromanecer…Don’t you live in the Everfree?” “Yeah…” He said shamefully. Pyromanecer lived in a pitiful tent in a safe-ish part of the Everfree. Because no pony with even half their sanity goes into there. Not even Royal Guards. Thankfully Pyromanecer learned how to live in the Everfree from Zecora and other people who have travelled through that treacherous place. “Have you noticed anything….strange happening in it?” “The…Everfree? The Everfree is always…strange.” Pyromanecer said intrigued. “Why?....” “Oh…It’s nothing….really…” She didn’t sound too confident…well….confident as she could get. “Fluttershy?...” She paused for a moment looking out to the window where there was a crowd of trees creating the edge of the Everfree. “Three days ago…I saw eyes, staring at the cottage from the trees…The animals have been acting very strange…like the Everfree.” Pyromanecer looked at her with wide eyes and took off his mask and leaned in towards Fluttershy, her pupils dilating in response. “Fluttershy….I need you to…t-tell me everything you’ve seen related to the eyes and the Everfree. Let’s start it off….What c-colour were the eyes?” Pyromanecer had never said so much to a mare before. And it shook him to his core and took all the courage he could muster just to say it. But he needed to know. What was wrong with the Everfree? “Y-yellow….I think….I think I saw teeth too….sharp…” She said with a whimper. As she did Pyromanecer immediately knew the monsters which she spoke of. Timberwolves. If what Fluttershy saw was true, then that would mean Fluttershy is in grave, nearing danger. Timberwolves were known infamously for being in packs and being decisive and cunning. It would be possible that they were raising some form of horde to invade ponyville. But it would be more likely, well…hopefully, that it’s just some stray Timberwolves being too interested. “What time of day was it?” “Around midday….” Pyromanecer nodded, trying to conceal his shyness. He stood there for a moment his eyes laid unmoving staring at the table through his mask. It wasn’t until Fluttershy asked if he was okay that he removed himself from his trance like meditative state. “I’m sure it’s nothing Fluttershy. It’s probably some….Monitor Lizards…or Salamanders…So I’d best just leave them alone.” He lied through his most reassuring expression. But thankfully it couldn’t be seen through his mask. He glanced from Fluttershy, then to her animals, and then back to Fluttershy. Pyromanecer stood up and walked to the door, opening it. “W-Where are you going?” Fluttershy asked, hair waving in the door’s draft caused by the morning breeze. “I’m…I’m just going to collect some more herbs and make some more medicine. Who knows? Maybe I might discover a new medicine.’ But this was not Pyromanecer’s true intentions. He knew what he had to do. For the good of pony kind, he had to desolate another species, Timberwolves. “O-Okay.” She said. Pyromanecer walked through the door and stopped as he was halted by the voice of the yellow mare. “Stay safe okay?” She said in a maternal tone. Pyromanecer chuckled lightly and close the door behind him as he left. “There’s nothing safe about fire.” Pyromanecer muttered as he stormed off towards the Everfree. Eradicating a species wasn’t punished by anything Pyromanecer could imagine. Surely he would be captured and imprisoned, no doubt, but it’s what comes after is what scared him. In order to save ponies from meeting a similar fate to Cinder he had to do the unspeakable. Something only he could do. Something only he would do. “I know what you’re planning” Cinder whispered as Pyromanecer walked underneath the cloud-shrouded sunlight towards the Everfree entrance. “And it’s crazy, insane even.” “I thought you said you liked the crazy ones.” Pyromanecer simply stated looking upon the arching canopy and branches swallowing all life into its open void. “I can’t believe we’re going to do this. You’re going to end up at me at the rat you’re going!” “Hush love. I didn’t need you to remind me that it’s one street performer going against the whole population of Timberwolves.” “You don’t need to do this!” “I have to!” Pyromanecer bickered “…You’re not being serious are you!?” “Of course not!” Pyromanecer said as he walked into the treacherous forest with all kinds of dangers lurking about. “You’re the worst liar and I hate you if I was still alive, I’d hit you.” “I love you too, Cinder.” He said as he tapped her skull gaining a little ‘Hey!’ from Cinder. Pyro then heard the faint noise of growling and barking in the distance. He put a hoof to his ear and began to impersonate Trixie. “My fans call for me.” He said in a mocking, prissy tone. Cinder just sighed as Pyro chuckled and ran to the grinding of bark and oak. Pyro secretly prayed for the Timberwolves to be made of oak, not pine. That way they, smelt nice and fresh as they turned to smouldering ash. Pyromanecer thought of it not as their judgement day. But their baptism by fire. Author's Note Isn't Pyromanecer so giddy and cute? Yeah...He looks pretty happy and adorable to me. Side note: Couldn't stop listening to this: Burning OakThe Everfree. A mysterious and beautiful place of wonder and mystic audacity. But behind its magical veil lies a dark secret of shadow and evil. Despite all the monsters and the malevolent, chaotic nature of the forest there lies a certain….serenity. There are parts of the forest where evil does not corrupt and the best of the forest shines out. This is what made Pyromanecer love the Everfree. It was his mirror. A mirror which reminded him what he was. Many a time has risen where Pyromanecer almost drove himself to personally burn every tree in the forest no matter how long it took. But he couldn’t. He didn’t know why. He didn’t know if it was his conscience or his morality but whatever it was, he was thankful for still having it. Because his sanity is what kept him from going rampant and hurting the innocent. Pyromanecer never admitted to being a hero or a guardian. Neither did he accept being evil and wicked. But he could accept being a criminal. Sometimes to good deeds, you need to do bad things. Things which could lead to regret. “You okay?” Cinder said breaking his train of thought. “Yeah. I’m fine….just tired.” He lied. “Maybe you should rest.” She said upsettingly. “But I have to find the Timberwolf lair.” He said persistently. “And what are you going to do when you find them?” Cinder said with slight doubt in her voice. “Well….If there isn’t many of them then I could at least try and take them….but if there are too many then…” Pyromanecer stopped for a moment. “Then?...” Cinder said urging Pyromanecer to continue. “Then I’ll have to warn everyone….especially the Royal sisters….Hopefully they’ll know what to do.” Pyromanecer heard the rustling and crunching of leaves behind him. His blood turned so cold that it almost paralysed him. He slowly inched around to see sickly yellow glowing eyes in the darkness of the forest. As soon as Pyromanecer made direct eye contact with the glowing daggers. The snarling began to grow as the muzzle of the beast peered through the darkness into the light shining through the dense canopy. You can’t outrun a Timberwolf but you can at least try to fly away. But the option of flight was beyond any use in the situation in which he was in. He stood up on his hind legs and concentrated on summoning a flame into his hoof. When a small fireball appeared, slowly growing, he threw it at the ground to spread it across the dry grass and shrubbery. But he had to be careful. If he didn’t keep his concentration on the fire he would lose all control on the fire. The timber slowly approached toward the small firewall and observed and lingered near it to predict how intense it was. After it saw that the fire wasn’t intense enough to cause major harm it simply stepped over it and continues to prowl towards the crimson stallion. Clever boy. Pyromanecer found this as an opportunity in which he needed to quickly initiate. Pyromanecer concentrated onto the fire and used all the emotion and memories he could muster to make the fire rise into the TImberwolf with extreme prejudice. The Timberwolf, noticing the rising heat, crouched lower to prepare to leap as it gave a canine growl and bark. Pyromanecer, afraid and a memory then came into mind which sparked the need to make the fire rise. The memory in which Cinder’s life was claimed by the Timberwolves. He remembered seeing the light in her eyes dwindle and die as she died. He remembered the most powerful emotions that he was experiencing. Pyromanecer opened his eyes to see ember’s rising from a pile of ash into the canopy above and the firewall slowly dwindling down. Pyromanecer’s chest gave in as he dropped to the floor, exhausted. He panted and coughed shaking his head to try and forget the memories and pain. “That was….too close for comfort.” “I’d say. You almost became his chew toy.” Cinder said trying to make a dark joke, her voice slightly weaker for a moment. Pyromanecer chuckled. “I think I’ll take that rest now.” He said as he plumped down, sliding against the tree to the luscious green forest floor. He was close. That Timberwolf was most likely a hunter or scout for no Timberwolf would ever go alone. But now. He need to rest and think of a way to take on multiple Timberwolves without getting too close. Because if he was killed now, then he wouldn’t be able to war everypony of the Timberwolves getting to dauntless and brave, getting dangerously close to Ponyville. Pyromanecer flew up to the highest and most comfortable branch and tried to find a decently comfortable position to sleep in. As soon he was satisfies he closed his eyes and listened to the lullaby of nature to drift off to sleep. Pyromanecer, after getting some much needed rest jumped down to the forest floor below and glanced around looking for anymore golden eyes peering at him. When he found none he continued on his way to find the pack of wolves stalking Fluttershy. After walking for an hour or so he came across a cave embedded into the side of a small hill surrounded by low hanging trees. Upon further investigation from a distance there seemed to be movement in the darkness of the large cave. “That has to be it.” Pyromanecer whispered. He paused looking for movement. “How many can you see?” He asked Cinder. “Seven.” Cinder whispered calmly. Pyromanecer eye’s widened. “Seven!?” He yelled in a hushed tone. The silence from Cinder indicated that she was trying to nod her head. Even though Cinder was dead she could still see through the eyes of her skull. But she saw things differently. She could see the magical aura and life essence of a creature. This came in handy when Pyro needed to know how strong his opponent was. But there’s a catch. She can only see through the skull’s peripheral vison. Meaning she could only see what Pyromanecer saw. “What are you going to do?” She said, the words echoing in his mind. “Well I can’t fight them…not on my own…So that leaves a few options….and I don’t think you’re going to like them.” He said “Mhmmmm?” Cinder hummed, pushing Pyromanecer to continue. Pyromanecer sighed and watched as he heard the barking and howling of the pack. “We could try and convince the dragons to burn them and their home.” “Dragons hate ponies. Why would they help them?” Cinder said with a despising tone. “What’s the other idea?” “….The other idea is that I gather evidence and try and get some rangers, mercenaries or ex-guards to help me take these things out.” Pyromanecer said having hope in his voice with that option. “…Maybe….Apart from the fact that how are we going to convince them to join us if we have no bits or evidence to start with.” Cinder pointed out. “What else” “We go to the Royal Sisters and tell them what’s going on. I might be caught and captured. But hopefully I’ll get my message across and save lives.” “Are you insane!? There has to be something else!” She harshly said in a suppressive tone. “The only other thing I could do is go in there, magic blazing and hope for the best….That’d be a pretty heroic way to go.” “Going on a suicide mission that no-one cares or knows about only to be mauled by a pack of Timberwolves. Heroic indeed.” Said sarcastically with a sigh. “Yeah…Now I’m not seeing it.” Pyromanecer said as he sighed and turned away. Heading for “home”. “I guess we’ll just have to keep tabs on them.” Pyromanecer muttered in despair. “Home” was a….decently safe place. For starters, not a lot of creatures came up to the base of the mountain. “Home” was simply just a raggedy old tent with a fireplace In front of it. THAT was his Home. The fire was thriving and the tent was secure. It helps to glorify these things to conceal the fact that Pyromanecer was a squatter. Pyromanecer sat down beside the fire and threw some firewood into it. He could’ve used his magic to do a better job but he wanted to give Cinder some rest so she could recover her magic. He got down and kneeled on all fours and placed Cinder beside him. “Do we have anyone who trusts us?” “There is….one….who could help us…” Pyromanecer looked next to him to see the purple, translucent spirit figure of Cinder next to him. Her expression insisted him to continue. “Ditzy Doo.” He said remembering the bubbly mare who helped him on that fateful day. The next day Pyromanecer got some gear and set out to find Ditzy Doo and ask her for her assistance in inform pony folk of the oncoming dangers. The streets weren’t too crowded as ponies were just getting up from their peaceful slumber and waking up to the dawn of a new day. It felt wrong to know about the Timberwolves and not at least warn one of them. But he knew he would either be ignored, laughed at or caught. What do these ponies actually think about? Is everyone so self-centred? Do they stand a chance? Is there any point or hope? Why should I help? These where the questions that would remain unanswered in Pyromanecer’s mind as he flew through the alleys and streets with haste and stealth. Pyromanecer neared the Postal Services Office without being caught or seen….well, hopefully. The building was very simple yet brightly decorated making it seem almost like a less fancy café and not be an eyesore in comparison to the other houses and shops. Its paint was that of the blues colour scale and had a strange sense of trust and quality in it. Pyromanecer slipped out of everyponies’ perspective and made sure no one was watching him. He pulled his hood up and dashed to the door and pushed it open gently. The jingling of bells echoed like a tranquil wind chime as the door slammed behind him. He approached the front desk and noticed the small counter bell reflecting the sunlight so yellow and it made the silver almost bloom like a daisy field. Pyromanecer tapped it, making it create a similar sounding echo compared to the doorbell. Soon enough Pyromanecer could hear the rustling of paper and the tumbling of hooves. A yelp of unexpectedness was let out as a cloud-like Pegasus tumbled through the door and landed right in front of Pyromanecer. “Ow….Oh….Hey Pyromanecer!” She said rolling onto her belly to get up. Pyromanecer waited for her to be “Hello Ditzy…” He said, trying to think of a way to bring this down onto her. “What are you doing here, Pyro!? Won’t the guards find you here!?” She said nervously. “No…They shouldn’t anyway…Ditzy…I…”Pyro made sure she was paying excessive attention. “…I need you to go around Ponyville putting a note, which I will write, at their doorstep, in their mailbox, taped to their door, anything. Just make sure they get the message.” Ditzy looked straight into the Pyromanecer eyes with curiosity, optimism and most of all, concern. “What’s the message?” At those words Pyromanecer lifted his saddlebags off with his wings and, with a grunt, placed them onto the counter. Inside there were hundreds of notes which would got all the houses, shops and restaurants in Ponyville. Ditzy looked down at them. The letters read: Dear Lady or Gentlecolts This note is a letter which has been sent to all ponies to inform them of a dangerous force which has arisen. One day, I went into the Everfree to discover that the Timberwolves’ numbers are growing and their packs ever more so. I’ve even come to believe that they are going to co-ordinate their attacks onto Ponyville. But don’t worry, I’m currently keeping a close eye on the Timberwolf activity. I will notify the town on the town billboard if there is anything deemed suspicious or dangerous in my time observing the Timberwolf activity. Please prepare to barricade your doors if this happens. This is not a ruse or a drill. “Is this true?” Ditzy said with fear in her eyes looking straight at Pyromanecer. He nodded. “I saw it for myself…There numbers are growing…We have to act quickly…You’re the only pony who I trust.” “What are you going to do?” She said. Obviously she was worrying for the lives of all the ponies and most especially her daughter, Dinky. The little filly who always made Pyromanecer feel a warmth unlike no other. Dinky, to Pyromanecer, was the little sister he never had before. “Where is Dinky?” Pyro said in a serious tone. Even Pyromanecer found it weird that he was acting so serious. He never acted this way. Maybe it was the pressure or maybe it was the situation or maybe it was the fact that Pyro hated being useless at a time like this. Ditzy was taken aback by Pyromanecer’s sudden question but returned to her normal self in an instant. “I’ll take you to her, but I have to finish off six more deliveries….could you…wait that long?” “I will.” Pyromanecer said with a subtle smile. As soon as Ditzy returned and finished her deliveries for the day she led Pyromanecer to a humble little house near the outskirts of town. This worried Pyromaneecr since they were excessively vulnerable to any attacks from creature of the Everfree. The house in question on the other hand was very comforting and had all the things a home could be. It was just right. Ditzy went to the door with Pyromanecer behind her. She unlocked the door with her keys, admittedly clumsily, and pushed the door into to the house. “Dinky! Mommy’s home and I brought a friend!” She turned to Pyroamnecer with an ecstatic smile. She was probably excited to see the look on Dinky’s face when she saw him. Pyromanecer wasn’t too sure if Ditzy was mentioning Pyro as a friend of hers or a friend of Dinky’s. The sound of hooves rapidly tapping on floorboards told Pyromanecer that Dinky was very anxious to see her Ditzy after a long day. Soon enough the lavender filly came racing towards her mother with a cheery “Mommy!” and tackling her in a tight hug. Thankfully Pyromanecer was just walking inside and wasn’t taken down by the grey and gold ball of tumbling laughter. As soon as the laughter died down Pyromanecer walked toward the pair and looked over them. It took Dinky a fraction of a second to notice the fire manipulator with her wide sparkling eyes. “Firebird!” She said pouncing on him and hugging his neck, her legs hanging above the ground. Pyromanecer chuckled as he hugged Dinky with his large wings. “What are you doing here?” she asked quizzically. Pyromanecer looked down with a heartfelt smile. “Can’t I see my favourite little unicorn?” He said as he tussled her hair. “Is Cinder here?” Dinky said innocently a she tugged on Pyromanecer’s cape. Pyromanecer gulped as he feared she ask for her in front of Ditzy. Although Cinder didn’t like ponies she, like Pyromanecer, had a soft spot for little fillies and colts and always enjoyed seeing them watch her fire in amazement. “Cinder?” Ditzy darted her eyes to Pyromanecer with a puzzled expression. “…Cinder you may as well talk now…” He said with a sigh. “Finally! It was like trying not to breathe! Dinky!” Cinder said from her inanimate skull, making Ditzy jump. “Wha-…How?” She started “It’s a LONG story. But I’ll shorten it. Cinder was my past girlfriend who was a dragon. She died and I used voodoo and ancient to put her soul into this skull so she could stay with me and talk with me. And that is why I’m a wanted criminal.” He let out a loud breath and an even louder inhale as he tried to recollect his breath. Dinky was just sat there staring with a smile. She already knew. Pyromanecer just used….lighter terms to tell the story. “Okay…I can…almost understand that, but….how and when did you learn voodoo and ancient magic.” “Ah! Now that is an even more complex and longer story that I wouldn’t be even able to tell you without breaking some promises that I made.” Ditzy just slowly nodded in understanding. “Oooohh you look so cute! And you’re growing up so fast! I swear on my soul that you are going to be the greatest unicorn ever.” Cinder said her voice going outside of her usual pitch as you could hear it in her voice that she was holding her cheeks. Cinder would probably lead out of her mask seal and just pick Dinky up and cradle her in her arms. Dinky couldn’t help but blush and giggle at Cinder’s words. Pyromanecer chuckled at all that was going on, but sadly he knew he had to leave soon and scout the cave for any more activity. “Ditzy, Dinky…” The red Pegasus started as he walked up to both of them, the draft chilling his legs and the sun beaming onto him from the door. “I need to leave now…” Both of their expressions turned from joy to sorrow in a matter of seconds. It pained Pyromanecer to do this to them. “I leave to make sure that these Timberwolves don’t stir too much trouble and stay away from Ponyville. I will be gone for a while…and…if I don’t return after a week…” He looked at Dinky with eyes that mirrored his pain. “Then I’ve just made up camp….” Pyromanecer said with a half-hearted smile. He hated lying. But lies eased pain and prevented it, kept those we hold dear safe, made people feel better. Pyromanecer leaned next to Ditzy and whispered into her ear. “If I don’t return…Then you know what’s happened to me…Don’t tell Dinky…” Ditzy’s expression tried to stay the same but her depressive thoughts were purveyed onto her face as Pyromanecer leaned back. “This is where…I leave Dinky…I hope that you remember me….” He said as he turned away and walked out leaving Dinky sniffling in the sun’s warmth as she tried to run for Pyromanecer. Ditzy, much to her own dismay, held Dinky back from following Pyromanecer into the Everfree. Dinky just sat there and watched as her brotherly figure walked away into the trees, swallowing him into the darkness. Dinky saw a fragment of Pyromanecer’s cape caught in between the floorboards. Dinky used her magic to telekinetically bring the torn fabric towards her. The fabrix was soft but rough and had the smell of ash and smoke lingering in it “I’ll miss you, Firebird…” She said holding the cloak piece close to her as her mother held her close. Author's Note WHOA! WHAT'S THIS!? NEW CHAPTER!? ALREADY!?
Caught In The FIreThe sound of wheels grinding to a halt against train tracks echoed across the vast dusty valley of Apploosa. All the ponies proceeded to walk out of their respective cars as ponies walked pass one another. A lone red stallion covered in a tattered cloak jumped up from his slumber and peered out and glanced at all the ponies. His eyes darted from pony to pony seeing who was leaving and was entering. He estimated around 20 passengers on board rather than the previous 7. “Great,” He mumbled to himself in frustration “More passengers, just my luck.” If he wasn’t going to get caught before then he was now. “I thought this was the express train…” There was a click of door locks turning open. The crimson pegasus’ ears perked up as he heard the door start to crack open. He dived for the pile of luggage in amongst the shadows of the cart. The sound of metal clinked and collided with the floor and each other. The hiding stallion peeked through a makeshift eyehole in his pile of luggage. He saw gold and the well groomed white coat that shone in the light from the doorway. It was a mare. But it wasn’t just a mare. It was a Royal Guard. Hopefully just a recruit. So she would make the rookie mistake and not look around and inspect everything. The mare snorted and closed the door leaving a quivering stallion hiding in the junk of others. Not a really heroic way to be caught and sent to jail for. The stallion rose out from the pile and stretched his muscle’s in a dog like fashion cringing as he did so. He chuckled as he loosened up and walked over to a lone horned skull. As he picked it up he gazed into the eye sockets of the dragon skull with solemn eyes. “What am I going to do Cinder? I can’t keep this.” He said. The skull started to glow a soft purple as an echoed warm voice came out. “You could always dye your coat or speak in a different language and just stay from anywhere under Princess Celestia’s reign….it’s either that or risk being caught by the guards.” She said rolling her non-existent eyes. “Yeah, but you know me. It’s always living for the thrill, dancing into danger with fire in my hooves…literally.” He said while putting on Cinder’s glowing skull. It gave out an echoed sigh. “So how are you going to evade the guard’s this time, oh great Pyromanecer?” Cinder deadpanned. “Like always, with style and elegance…and sometimes fire. And love, you don’t have to call me by my show name.” He said as he stretched his wings out. “We could just fly away stealthily” She pointed out “You just want to suck the fun out of everything.” He murmured The train wheels again grinded against the tracks with a shrill shriek. Pyromanecer with caution approached the cart door and peered through its window. No-pony was coming out to the other cart’s door. It was the last cart and this was just a luggage cart after all. He opened it silently even though it wouldn’t matter over the sound of whistles, steam and engines. Pyromanecer flew onto the roof of the luggage cart and kept his body flat down onto the roof and peered above slightly to gaze over the ponies leaving the train. He then looked up to the stop in which they reached. Streets with houses lined along them and with ponies enjoying their days casually greeting all they met. This was definitely the place. Ponyville. One of the most cheery yet danger prone of all places he has been to. It wasn’t his favourite though. His favourite was the deserts Equestria. They were his type of landscapes. It was one of the only few he areas would walk in instead of flying. They were so fitting for him. So wild. So free. So…dangerous. “So my love,” He said gently prodding his mask, or skull depending on which side of the coin you’re on, with his hoof with it glowing in response “What first? Do we do our rounds of entertaining the ponies or do you want to sightsee and visit the Everfree?” The Everfree was Pyromanecer’s 2nd favourite hotspot. It was nice and peaceful…calm…soothing…gentle. Personality traits that he didn’t show too often in front of his audiences. But one that he wished some ponies would see. “How about…We perform…It’s always so fun when we perform. I like it when I get to see the fillies and colts smile…it’s the only heart-warming thing when I’m, well…dead.” She said getting a little bit deep. It is these same moments when Pyromanecer would change from a daring, dangerous pony to his calm and caring form. “Don’t worry my love, Maybe this time round there will be a bigger….crowd…oh no.” He said as he looked around noticing all of the “WANTED” posters with a depiction of Pyromanecer on every single one. “I was wondering when they would put those up.” “This is really bad. We can’t go anywhere. Not in the skies. Not on foot. There’s too much open area. We’d be caught before we even reach the town.” Cinder said sounding very stressed “Never mind that, Look!” He said as he pointed towards the nearest poster. “They got your skull wrong! That’s a cow skull! And my flank isn’t that big!” He said trying to lighten Cinder up earning a small giggle from her. Pyromanecer looked towards the front of the train and the steam billowing out from it. “I have an idea so crazy…It might just work.” He said flying off to the head of the train. “I hate it when you say that.” Cinder’s spirit said. * “See I told you this would work.” Pyromanecer said as he pushed a steam cloud in the air towards Ponyville. By the rate they were going though and by how much time it had taken, they had only reached three quarters to Ponyville. “I have to admit this is a pretty good plan…buuuut there may be one loop-hole in this ‘plan’” Cinder said with an invisible smirk. “Mmmmm? And what is that?” He said as he kept pushing slowly not to raise too much attention. “Well…Doesn’t Ponyville have its own weather team? And if you were caught you wouldn’t stand a chance against ANY Pegasus…Right?” She said. Pyromanecer instantly stopped pushing. “Yes?...” “And now would be a bad time to say that one is heading right for us?” “WHA-!?” Before Pyromanecer could finish what he was saying he was jumped on from above and hit right in the spine and or wings. And before he knew it he was sent plummeting towards the ground twitching in pain and his coat and mane waving in the roaring wind. And then there was a sudden clubbing pain. * Pyromanecer’s eyes started to open drearily as his head tried to process what just happened. But it only made the pain worsen. “E-Excuse me? Mister? A-Are you okay.” A very bubbly voice said. Wait a minute. He swore he’d heard that voice before. “Um are awake? Uh…Hello?” It was nagging at his mind. Pyromanecer pushed himself off the ground with pain in his mind and an echoing voice to rehear. Pyromanecer’s vision started to clear up as he saw what looked like to be a grey Pegasus staring at him. A mare with golden dandelion eyes. “Ditzy Doo? Burn me tooo ashes y-you got a re-ea-al k-kick.” “Oh no, oh no, oh no, I’ so sorry I thought you were just an ordinary cloud.” She said with sincerity in her voice. “Don’t worry…argh…I’m f-fine.” He assured. Pyromanecer tried to at least get onto his forelegs or hind legs but he was having as much difficulty as a newborn foal. Cinder was silent. She had to be. She couldn’t risk giving out herself. That and she was shy with ponies. Ditzy glanced left and right and tried to pick up Pyromanecer but he was much too large. Ditzy nudged Pyromanecer gently as he groggily looked up to her. “Can you walk…?” Pyromanecer endured the pain to fake himself standing. This wasn’t good for him. He needed rest and herbal remedies quick. Where is Zecora when you need her? He thought. “I’m fine…I just need some rest…” He said between gasps of air. “I-I could take you to the hospi-“ Ditzy started. “No!...I mean….No, that won’t…nnngh…be necessary, thank you. I’m fine.” He lied. He needed medical attention. Hopefully he didn’t have any broken, fractured or punctured body parts but the Universe loved proving him wrong, why would it stop now? “Ditzy…I need to ask of you a favour. Please…Don’t tell anyone I was here.” She nodded reassuringly and looked at Pyromanecer and noticed his limping and twitching. She bit her lip not wanting to imagine any of the pain. She brought up her signature bubbly smile. There was nothing better for Pyromanecer than seeing the smiles of ponies. “All I need is some rest…I’ll find a place in the Everfree. But don’t follow me in there, I’m fine really, I just need to find some herbs and I’ll be back up performing in no time.” His ear twitched as he heard the sound of wings beating. “Hey Derpy, was that the last of em’?” the high pitched, tomboyish voice called. There was no doubt about it. It was Rainbow Dash. If there was anything he feared more than Celestia was Rainbow Dash, The Element of Loyalty. Not only was she so fast but she was friends with the prodigy of the Princess, Twilight Sparkle. The bush was his only option to his in. He swiftly pounced into the bushes, unfortunately the one he had chosen had thorns in it. He tried to contain his screams and whimpered softly and cringed so much that a lone tear started to dwell up in his eye. “Yep!” She said without hesitation. It was a very relaxed tone as if she was just casually taking a break but she still had that trademark personality too. Pyromanecer wasn’t sure if it was good acting or just her normal self, even if she just bucked a stallion down to the ground. “Awesome!” She said as she zoomed off immediately. Ditzy waved with a grin and then looked around. “Okay, it’s clear.” Pyromanecer leaped out screaming in a hush tone with clenched teach. He then started walking around in circles picking off thorns, howling as he did so. Once he was clear of thorns he turned back to Ditzy, who wore a face than looked like she was holding back laughter like her life depended on it. He rolled his eyes. “Go on, laugh.” She did. With enthusiasm. Pyromanecer just sighed, both in relief and embarrassment. He looked up to see that he was only a few paces away from the nearest street. Ditzy’s laughter stopped. Pyromanecer whipped around to see her holding a piece of parchment. With him on it. “Wanted: The Pyromanecer, Charged for suspected murder, attempts of arson and…dark magic?” She had a quivering voice but it was faint. Pyromanecer took the sheet from her hooves slowly. She was frozen staring into his eyes. There was one thing he hated seeing in ponies’ eyes. Fear. Pyromanecer guessed that he shouldn’t wear a skull all the time, but if he did he wouldn’t be able to perform his pyro-kinesis. “I’m a street performer, Ditzy. Ask your daughter. She knows about me than almost anyone in this town.” He clicked his hooves together to summon a small flame from the magic of Cinder’s spirit. It was a very complicated yet rewarding procedure. It is said in some tribes that the Spirit of a dragon is able to interact with the realm of the living. But in Cinder’s case Pyromanecer had done the unspeakable and performed what ponies like Celestia would call, Dark Magic. Pyromanecer preferred the term Ancient Magic, which he used to bond Cinder’s spirit with an object, the closest thing he could find after Cinder died was her skull, he had to perform it fast or else he would have lost her forever. That’s why Pyromanecer was on the run. Running from the lies of Celestia. Pyromanecer had never committed a crime before Celestia had sensed what he had done. “Firebird. It all makes sense now. Dinky. She had a pony friend who would play with fire. She called him Firebird. I thought it was just her imaginary friend…But know I know. That was you wasn’t it?” She said with a worried expression as the flame in front of her burned bright, flickering in the reflection of her eyes. Pyromanecer put the Wanted Poster onto the flame. Instantly, the parchment burnt into embers. Pyromanecer leaned forward, the smell of ash in the air. “Yes.” He plainly said as he extended his wings. “Pyromanecer…” Ditzy said as she moved forward. “Is Dinky safe?” Pyromanecer’s heart sank when ponies asked him the question of safety. “No-one is ever safe, Ditzy,” He said as pulled off his mask and held it down near at chest level “But we always try to make it so.” He looked up at her and put mask on. “Farewell, Ditzy Doo.” He said as he walked off with a slight limp. The lonely grey Pegasus was left there staring with uncertainty. “Goodbye.” * Pyromanecer sat underneath an apple tree on Sweet Apple Acres that was far away from pony eyes. Pyromanecer wasn’t the one for thievery but living a life on the run doesn’t exactly get you paid. Sometimes pefromances would earn him some money, but it’s hard to get a job anywhere. Especially when you have the words “criminal” and “pyromaniac” written on your job application. “Well that could have gone better.” Cinder said with a deprived voice. “Maybe…Well at least I didn’t get sent to Celestia, right?” Pyromanecer admitted “Riiiight.” Cinder said with fake enthusiasm. “What’s with you? You always sounds so tired and depressed.” “Being dead does that to you.” Cinder hinting Pyromanecer for umpteenth time. Silence lingered in the air for a moment as all could be heard was the echoing of cowbells and the sound of rustling leaves in the whispering wind. “I don’t even remember how I died.” “Don’t you?” Pyromanecer exclaimed, visibly shocked. “No!” Cinder retorted back. “Well…Remember when we thought it was that good idea to take a short cut through the Everfree?...” * “Come on Cinder, they’re gaining on us!” Pyromanecer said as he galloped in between the trees trying to evade multiple Timberwolves. “Can we fly up yet!?” Yelled an amethyst purple dragon with a crimson belly, who was a pony length apart from Pyromanecer. “Not yet! The canopy is too thick!” He said with a growl. Pyromanecer glanced behind to see a pack of three wimberwolves. He turned around to look back at Cinder. “Can’t you just burn them!?” “I can’t line up a good shot.” She said as her tail almost got bit by a Timberwolf. She used the tip of her tail to whip back at it. The Timberwolf was pounded down into the ground as it tumbled into pieces. There were two left. “One down!” Cinder and Pyromanecer dodged and weaved through the trees. Then they saw it. A light shone through from above. It’s luminosity like a beacon of hope. “I see an opening in the canopy! We’re going to make it!” Pyromanecer said. They neared the canopy they were just about to touch its light. But then again. So was the timberwolf. Pyromanecer extended his wings as he took off in through the canopy of dark leaves and into the fresh, cold air. Pyromanecer flew up to the nearest cloud and breathed in heavily trying to circulate oxygen back into his lungs and blood. His adrenaline started to wear down as he chuckled. “WOO! That was amazing. Let’s not again…heh-heh…Cinder?” Pyromanecer’s eyes dilated as his blood turned cold. “Cinder!?” He looked do to the opening of the canopy. “Oh no…” He dashed down through and landed. No Timberwolves were to be seen. Just two pile of ash. “Cinder!? CINDER!” Pyromanecer cried looking around past the trees. “F-Firebug…” A broken voice called out weakly. Pyromanecer turned around slowly in horror. Laying there before him was a crimpled body of the dragoness he loved so dearly. He beautiful features scarred and mauled. Her chest, the most vulnerable part of a dragon, was ripped with claw marks and bite marks. Her scales glimmered crimson with blood. She was always beautiful to Pyromanecer. But her life was being snatched away from her before his very eyes. Pyromanecer fell to his chest and began hold Cinder in his hooves and wings. “C-Cinder…I…I-I’m so…s-sorry” He began as tears started to build up in his eyes. “F-ire….bug….I just wanted…to say that….” She started. “I love…you…” “Cinder?....No! Cinder you’re going to make…I swear on Faust’s name if you die on me…I’ll…I-I’ll….I’m so sorry Cinder I shouldn’t have left you….” “D-don’t…be…sorry.” She said as her claw touched Pyromanecer’s hoof. Her eyes started to closes as a light shone through the tears in her body. Soon her body was engulfed in a warm light and her body was tearing away in light particles drifting towards into a ball. Pyromanecer’s eyes widened when he saw it. He looked down at the body and saw an empty skeleton, the remains of a dragon’s death. Dragon bone never decays, never rots and never breaks. And then it came to him. An idea. Like most Pyromanecer’s ideas they were crazy and insane. “Forgive me Cinder.” He said as he pulled of her skull and began to chant ancient words long forgotten by the ponies of Equestria. The glowing soul shards turned purple as they moved towards the mask and coated it in a layer of clear purple glass. The glass pulsated with a magical aura, similar to the ones found on unicorn horns. The magical seal then melted into the mask as Pyromanecer finished his chanting. * “And here we are. You are a talking skull, somehow capable of granting the wearer magical fire abilities, and I am a madman who went against the strictest law made by the Royal Sisters.” Pyromanecer said as he gazed out onto the Sunset “Aren’t we the most colourful of couples?” Cinder mockingly said earning a chuckle from Pyromanecer. “You were going to say something else on that day….can you remember?” He said bringing Cinder’s skull to head height in front of him. “I think it was along the lines of ‘Don’t be an idiot’.” “Nasty little thing, aren’t you? I guess that’s why I love you.” He teased as he put her down beside him. “I try my best.” She said as she played along with Pyromanecer’s attitude. The Sun was beginning to set as the sky turned into a purple hue preparing for the oncoming night to take over. The hues of colours along with the smell of fresh wind racing past through pyromanecer made him feel so alive. He almost wished that he could just hold Cinder’s paw and watch the sun disappear. But there was work to be done. Pyromanecer picked Cinder’s skull up and put it on his face. It was just as weird doing it as it was thinking about it. He brushed the grass from his cape and coat and gazed down to see the ponies gather around Trixie’s stage. “Show time.” Author's Note Hopefully this is a better rendition to my last chapters. It's less "Oh woe is me." And hopefully I can show just how I want Pyromanecer to be. And If you are confused to how exactly Pyromanecer (Or Firbug/Firebird) is able to conjure fire as a pegasus. He isn't. It's Magic that Cinder gives out from her skull. And in case it was hard to link it all together. Pyromanecer used forbidden magic that he learned from tribes across Equestria that isn't under Celestia's reign. And know Celestia knows. And he wants to hunt Pyromanecer down for his crimes against pony kind.
Out of the Frying Pan...“What do you mean ‘I can’t perform’!?” Pyromanecer said in disbelief. Fumbling with his mask and starting to get choked up. He sat down on an empty crate and looked downwards to the floorboards of Trixie’s Caravan. Trixie sighed and rolled her eyes and tugged onto her cape. “What Trixie means, Pyro. Is that Trixie doesn’t want you burning everything and especially not her adoring fans.” Pyro looked up and stare into her eyes with his partially orange eyes. He sighed and frowned. “Come on, Trixe. I need this. I need to perform….Be up on a stage…Make ponies feel excited and amazed.” Trixie just turned. “Trixe said no and that’s final.” She said as she harrumphed and turned her head, flicking her hair. Pyromanecer gave up on trying to persuade Trixie. “Alright…If you ever change your mind…” Trixie turned her head ever so slightly towards Pyromanecer. But her hair was concealing her expressions of guilt as Pyromanecer walked out of the ‘theatre-van’. When Pyro was out of earsot from the van he kicked the dust, sending dust scattered with ember into the air. He took off his mask and held it out before him and sighed. “What am I going to do Cinder?” “You could always go into the firefighter pegasi team. They’d be insane not to let you into that.” She said half-heartedly. Pyromanecer just sighed. “No….I don’t think they’d let me in since you know….I’m a wanted criminal.” “Oh….right…” Cinder said in deep thought. There was silence for quite some time as the pair tried to think of ideas to gain money for Pyro and his family. “Awwww is big brother Igneous talking to his imaginary friends again?” Came the unmistakable mocking tone of a certain aqua Pegasus. Pyromanecer turned around to see none other than her more successful sibling with an expression that insulted him just by staring into his own. “I told you never to call me by that name, Lightning.” Pyromanecer said as he simply rolled his eyes in annoyance. “And I told you to stop being such a downer.” Lightning Dust retorted. She walked up to Pyro and gave him a light hoof-punch on the shoulder, which made Pyro clutch his shoulder in slight pain and Lightning to chuckle in response. “Have you found a job yet, or are you still performing in the streets?” She said only slightly more serious. “No….I guess being a criminal restricts your way of living…” “Well I’m not the one who used forbidden magic…Speaking of bringing back the dead how is Cinder?” She said as she stretched out her wings. Pyro couldn’t tell if she was bored, which explains her annoying him, or if she was legitimately interested in his life. “Still dead.” Cinder simply stated. Cinder didn’t really like Lightning’s ‘company’. She didn’t like ponies in general. “Why are you here Lightning?” “Can’t I just have a chat with my favourite brother?” Pyromanecer just stared blankly and raised his eyebrow. “Okay, okay. You caught me. I was kicked out of the Wonderbolts….” She said bashfully looking down. Pyromanecer’s eyes widened. “You were what!? Why!? How!? Who’s going to support the family now?” Pyromanecer paced from side running his hoof through his mane. He looked to Lightning Dust who was sitting their idly, her eyes tracing him with genuine sorrow. “What am I going to do?” She said, her voice choking up and her face beginning to fluster. “…I don’t know….I was thinking of turning to street performing and busking….but it’s too risky for me and you can’t play any instruments…” The air was the only thing that broke the silence as the two stood. “I got it! You could become a mailmare….or a personal messenger.” Pyromanecer said as he pulled her up onto her hooves. He brushed the dirt off her coat and shook her so she was listening. “Tomorrow go to Ditzy Doo and tell her that you are looking for a position and that Pyromanecer sent you here. Hopefully she will give you a job….just make sure you don’t say anything offensive to her, do you understand?” “But Derpy is such a klutz.” Lightning said as she rolled her eyes. Pyromanecer punched her shoulder slightly harder than what Lightning did. “Ow!” “I thought I said nothing offensive!” He said with a hard glare. “Alright, Alright! Fine geez. Don’t have to be such a tight flank about it.” She said as she rubbed her aching shoulder. “Goodbye Lightning.” He said as he turned, putting on his mask and walking off. “What are you going to do!?” She whined. “I’ll think of something!” He said running into the shrubbery of the Everfree, the sun beginning to rise. ~ Fluttershy, being a nurturer of animals, was always ever so busy when it came to animals and thus she needed many forms of medication from chemical to herbal. And that’s where Pyromanecer came in. Fluttershy was one of Pyromanecer’s frequent clients for his herbal and medical supplies, Fluttershy also being Pyromanecer’s only client. This was a special order for a complex medical remedy which is commonly administered to snake bites. Unfortunately the hospital didn’t have any that was suitable for her animals, so she asked Pyromanecer, admittedly very quietly and shyly, for him to make a home brew. Pyromaneecr easily knew how to make snake anti-venom since he frequently encountered the odd snake or two on his travels. It was a dew lined morn as Pyromanecer walked up to her cottage and knocked on the door gently, scared of scratching the paint. Pyromanecer had a fear of mares that weren’t related to him. He didn’t know what it was. Eventually he knew he had to confront a mare and create a connection with one but he was too shy around them and was afraid to get on their bad side. “H-Hello?” Came the unmistakeable voice of Fluttershy behind the door. “Um…Hey Fluttershy…It’s me…Pyromanecer. I have the antidote” Pyromanecer said timidly. “Oh. Hello…P-Pyro…” Fluttershy still had her fear of Pyromanecer, which he felt sorry for since he hates seeing ponies’ fear him. Maybe he shouldn’t wear a dragon skull as a mask. “Well…Um…I have your medical supplies.” He pointed to his satchel. “Do you want me to leave them here?” “Um…actually…could you come inside?” Fluttershy said visibly shaking and her voice wavering. Usually Pyromanecer would be high tailing out of there and find a corner to cower in. But there was something that intrigued Pyromanecer. Something….off. He nodded his head and slowly walked in, trying not to be intimidating, that and Pyro was kind of scared of Fluttershy. Pyromanecer went around looking at all the animals, all giving him hard glares, especially that bear and bunny. Strangely Pyromanecer was scared more of the bunny than he was of the bear. He saw Fluttershy was sitting down at the table and looking at with eyes that almost asked him to sit down. Fluttershy was a strange person and ever since she has been housing the Spirit of Chaos things have gotten stranger, and not necessarily with her. “Pyromanecer…Don’t you live in the Everfree?” “Yeah…” He said shamefully. Pyromanecer lived in a pitiful tent in a safe-ish part of the Everfree. Because no pony with even half their sanity goes into there. Not even Royal Guards. Thankfully Pyromanecer learned how to live in the Everfree from Zecora and other people who have travelled through that treacherous place. “Have you noticed anything….strange happening in it?” “The…Everfree? The Everfree is always…strange.” Pyromanecer said intrigued. “Why?....” “Oh…It’s nothing….really…” She didn’t sound too confident…well….confident as she could get. “Fluttershy?...” She paused for a moment looking out to the window where there was a crowd of trees creating the edge of the Everfree. “Three days ago…I saw eyes, staring at the cottage from the trees…The animals have been acting very strange…like the Everfree.” Pyromanecer looked at her with wide eyes and took off his mask and leaned in towards Fluttershy, her pupils dilating in response. “Fluttershy….I need you to…t-tell me everything you’ve seen related to the eyes and the Everfree. Let’s start it off….What c-colour were the eyes?” Pyromanecer had never said so much to a mare before. And it shook him to his core and took all the courage he could muster just to say it. But he needed to know. What was wrong with the Everfree? “Y-yellow….I think….I think I saw teeth too….sharp…” She said with a whimper. As she did Pyromanecer immediately knew the monsters which she spoke of. Timberwolves. If what Fluttershy saw was true, then that would mean Fluttershy is in grave, nearing danger. Timberwolves were known infamously for being in packs and being decisive and cunning. It would be possible that they were raising some form of horde to invade ponyville. But it would be more likely, well…hopefully, that it’s just some stray Timberwolves being too interested. “What time of day was it?” “Around midday….” Pyromanecer nodded, trying to conceal his shyness. He stood there for a moment his eyes laid unmoving staring at the table through his mask. It wasn’t until Fluttershy asked if he was okay that he removed himself from his trance like meditative state. “I’m sure it’s nothing Fluttershy. It’s probably some….Monitor Lizards…or Salamanders…So I’d best just leave them alone.” He lied through his most reassuring expression. But thankfully it couldn’t be seen through his mask. He glanced from Fluttershy, then to her animals, and then back to Fluttershy. Pyromanecer stood up and walked to the door, opening it. “W-Where are you going?” Fluttershy asked, hair waving in the door’s draft caused by the morning breeze. “I’m…I’m just going to collect some more herbs and make some more medicine. Who knows? Maybe I might discover a new medicine.’ But this was not Pyromanecer’s true intentions. He knew what he had to do. For the good of pony kind, he had to desolate another species, Timberwolves. “O-Okay.” She said. Pyromanecer walked through the door and stopped as he was halted by the voice of the yellow mare. “Stay safe okay?” She said in a maternal tone. Pyromanecer chuckled lightly and close the door behind him as he left. “There’s nothing safe about fire.” Pyromanecer muttered as he stormed off towards the Everfree. Eradicating a species wasn’t punished by anything Pyromanecer could imagine. Surely he would be captured and imprisoned, no doubt, but it’s what comes after is what scared him. In order to save ponies from meeting a similar fate to Cinder he had to do the unspeakable. Something only he could do. Something only he would do. “I know what you’re planning” Cinder whispered as Pyromanecer walked underneath the cloud-shrouded sunlight towards the Everfree entrance. “And it’s crazy, insane even.” “I thought you said you liked the crazy ones.” Pyromanecer simply stated looking upon the arching canopy and branches swallowing all life into its open void. “I can’t believe we’re going to do this. You’re going to end up at me at the rat you’re going!” “Hush love. I didn’t need you to remind me that it’s one street performer going against the whole population of Timberwolves.” “You don’t need to do this!” “I have to!” Pyromanecer bickered “…You’re not being serious are you!?” “Of course not!” Pyromanecer said as he walked into the treacherous forest with all kinds of dangers lurking about. “You’re the worst liar and I hate you if I was still alive, I’d hit you.” “I love you too, Cinder.” He said as he tapped her skull gaining a little ‘Hey!’ from Cinder. Pyro then heard the faint noise of growling and barking in the distance. He put a hoof to his ear and began to impersonate Trixie. “My fans call for me.” He said in a mocking, prissy tone. Cinder just sighed as Pyro chuckled and ran to the grinding of bark and oak. Pyro secretly prayed for the Timberwolves to be made of oak, not pine. That way they, smelt nice and fresh as they turned to smouldering ash. Pyromanecer thought of it not as their judgement day. But their baptism by fire. Author's Note Isn't Pyromanecer so giddy and cute? Yeah...He looks pretty happy and adorable to me. Side note: Couldn't stop listening to this:
Burning OakThe Everfree. A mysterious and beautiful place of wonder and mystic audacity. But behind its magical veil lies a dark secret of shadow and evil. Despite all the monsters and the malevolent, chaotic nature of the forest there lies a certain….serenity. There are parts of the forest where evil does not corrupt and the best of the forest shines out. This is what made Pyromanecer love the Everfree. It was his mirror. A mirror which reminded him what he was. Many a time has risen where Pyromanecer almost drove himself to personally burn every tree in the forest no matter how long it took. But he couldn’t. He didn’t know why. He didn’t know if it was his conscience or his morality but whatever it was, he was thankful for still having it. Because his sanity is what kept him from going rampant and hurting the innocent. Pyromanecer never admitted to being a hero or a guardian. Neither did he accept being evil and wicked. But he could accept being a criminal. Sometimes to good deeds, you need to do bad things. Things which could lead to regret. “You okay?” Cinder said breaking his train of thought. “Yeah. I’m fine….just tired.” He lied. “Maybe you should rest.” She said upsettingly. “But I have to find the Timberwolf lair.” He said persistently. “And what are you going to do when you find them?” Cinder said with slight doubt in her voice. “Well….If there isn’t many of them then I could at least try and take them….but if there are too many then…” Pyromanecer stopped for a moment. “Then?...” Cinder said urging Pyromanecer to continue. “Then I’ll have to warn everyone….especially the Royal sisters….Hopefully they’ll know what to do.” Pyromanecer heard the rustling and crunching of leaves behind him. His blood turned so cold that it almost paralysed him. He slowly inched around to see sickly yellow glowing eyes in the darkness of the forest. As soon as Pyromanecer made direct eye contact with the glowing daggers. The snarling began to grow as the muzzle of the beast peered through the darkness into the light shining through the dense canopy. You can’t outrun a Timberwolf but you can at least try to fly away. But the option of flight was beyond any use in the situation in which he was in. He stood up on his hind legs and concentrated on summoning a flame into his hoof. When a small fireball appeared, slowly growing, he threw it at the ground to spread it across the dry grass and shrubbery. But he had to be careful. If he didn’t keep his concentration on the fire he would lose all control on the fire. The timber slowly approached toward the small firewall and observed and lingered near it to predict how intense it was. After it saw that the fire wasn’t intense enough to cause major harm it simply stepped over it and continues to prowl towards the crimson stallion. Clever boy. Pyromanecer found this as an opportunity in which he needed to quickly initiate. Pyromanecer concentrated onto the fire and used all the emotion and memories he could muster to make the fire rise into the TImberwolf with extreme prejudice. The Timberwolf, noticing the rising heat, crouched lower to prepare to leap as it gave a canine growl and bark. Pyromanecer, afraid and a memory then came into mind which sparked the need to make the fire rise. The memory in which Cinder’s life was claimed by the Timberwolves. He remembered seeing the light in her eyes dwindle and die as she died. He remembered the most powerful emotions that he was experiencing. Pyromanecer opened his eyes to see ember’s rising from a pile of ash into the canopy above and the firewall slowly dwindling down. Pyromanecer’s chest gave in as he dropped to the floor, exhausted. He panted and coughed shaking his head to try and forget the memories and pain. “That was….too close for comfort.” “I’d say. You almost became his chew toy.” Cinder said trying to make a dark joke, her voice slightly weaker for a moment. Pyromanecer chuckled. “I think I’ll take that rest now.” He said as he plumped down, sliding against the tree to the luscious green forest floor. He was close. That Timberwolf was most likely a hunter or scout for no Timberwolf would ever go alone. But now. He need to rest and think of a way to take on multiple Timberwolves without getting too close. Because if he was killed now, then he wouldn’t be able to war everypony of the Timberwolves getting to dauntless and brave, getting dangerously close to Ponyville. Pyromanecer flew up to the highest and most comfortable branch and tried to find a decently comfortable position to sleep in. As soon he was satisfies he closed his eyes and listened to the lullaby of nature to drift off to sleep. Pyromanecer, after getting some much needed rest jumped down to the forest floor below and glanced around looking for anymore golden eyes peering at him. When he found none he continued on his way to find the pack of wolves stalking Fluttershy. After walking for an hour or so he came across a cave embedded into the side of a small hill surrounded by low hanging trees. Upon further investigation from a distance there seemed to be movement in the darkness of the large cave. “That has to be it.” Pyromanecer whispered. He paused looking for movement. “How many can you see?” He asked Cinder. “Seven.” Cinder whispered calmly. Pyromanecer eye’s widened. “Seven!?” He yelled in a hushed tone. The silence from Cinder indicated that she was trying to nod her head. Even though Cinder was dead she could still see through the eyes of her skull. But she saw things differently. She could see the magical aura and life essence of a creature. This came in handy when Pyro needed to know how strong his opponent was. But there’s a catch. She can only see through the skull’s peripheral vison. Meaning she could only see what Pyromanecer saw. “What are you going to do?” She said, the words echoing in his mind. “Well I can’t fight them…not on my own…So that leaves a few options….and I don’t think you’re going to like them.” He said “Mhmmmm?” Cinder hummed, pushing Pyromanecer to continue. Pyromanecer sighed and watched as he heard the barking and howling of the pack. “We could try and convince the dragons to burn them and their home.” “Dragons hate ponies. Why would they help them?” Cinder said with a despising tone. “What’s the other idea?” “….The other idea is that I gather evidence and try and get some rangers, mercenaries or ex-guards to help me take these things out.” Pyromanecer said having hope in his voice with that option. “…Maybe….Apart from the fact that how are we going to convince them to join us if we have no bits or evidence to start with.” Cinder pointed out. “What else” “We go to the Royal Sisters and tell them what’s going on. I might be caught and captured. But hopefully I’ll get my message across and save lives.” “Are you insane!? There has to be something else!” She harshly said in a suppressive tone. “The only other thing I could do is go in there, magic blazing and hope for the best….That’d be a pretty heroic way to go.” “Going on a suicide mission that no-one cares or knows about only to be mauled by a pack of Timberwolves. Heroic indeed.” Said sarcastically with a sigh. “Yeah…Now I’m not seeing it.” Pyromanecer said as he sighed and turned away. Heading for “home”. “I guess we’ll just have to keep tabs on them.” Pyromanecer muttered in despair. “Home” was a….decently safe place. For starters, not a lot of creatures came up to the base of the mountain. “Home” was simply just a raggedy old tent with a fireplace In front of it. THAT was his Home. The fire was thriving and the tent was secure. It helps to glorify these things to conceal the fact that Pyromanecer was a squatter. Pyromanecer sat down beside the fire and threw some firewood into it. He could’ve used his magic to do a better job but he wanted to give Cinder some rest so she could recover her magic. He got down and kneeled on all fours and placed Cinder beside him. “Do we have anyone who trusts us?” “There is….one….who could help us…” Pyromanecer looked next to him to see the purple, translucent spirit figure of Cinder next to him. Her expression insisted him to continue. “Ditzy Doo.” He said remembering the bubbly mare who helped him on that fateful day. The next day Pyromanecer got some gear and set out to find Ditzy Doo and ask her for her assistance in inform pony folk of the oncoming dangers. The streets weren’t too crowded as ponies were just getting up from their peaceful slumber and waking up to the dawn of a new day. It felt wrong to know about the Timberwolves and not at least warn one of them. But he knew he would either be ignored, laughed at or caught. What do these ponies actually think about? Is everyone so self-centred? Do they stand a chance? Is there any point or hope? Why should I help? These where the questions that would remain unanswered in Pyromanecer’s mind as he flew through the alleys and streets with haste and stealth. Pyromanecer neared the Postal Services Office without being caught or seen….well, hopefully. The building was very simple yet brightly decorated making it seem almost like a less fancy café and not be an eyesore in comparison to the other houses and shops. Its paint was that of the blues colour scale and had a strange sense of trust and quality in it. Pyromanecer slipped out of everyponies’ perspective and made sure no one was watching him. He pulled his hood up and dashed to the door and pushed it open gently. The jingling of bells echoed like a tranquil wind chime as the door slammed behind him. He approached the front desk and noticed the small counter bell reflecting the sunlight so yellow and it made the silver almost bloom like a daisy field. Pyromanecer tapped it, making it create a similar sounding echo compared to the doorbell. Soon enough Pyromanecer could hear the rustling of paper and the tumbling of hooves. A yelp of unexpectedness was let out as a cloud-like Pegasus tumbled through the door and landed right in front of Pyromanecer. “Ow….Oh….Hey Pyromanecer!” She said rolling onto her belly to get up. Pyromanecer waited for her to be “Hello Ditzy…” He said, trying to think of a way to bring this down onto her. “What are you doing here, Pyro!? Won’t the guards find you here!?” She said nervously. “No…They shouldn’t anyway…Ditzy…I…”Pyro made sure she was paying excessive attention. “…I need you to go around Ponyville putting a note, which I will write, at their doorstep, in their mailbox, taped to their door, anything. Just make sure they get the message.” Ditzy looked straight into the Pyromanecer eyes with curiosity, optimism and most of all, concern. “What’s the message?” At those words Pyromanecer lifted his saddlebags off with his wings and, with a grunt, placed them onto the counter. Inside there were hundreds of notes which would got all the houses, shops and restaurants in Ponyville. Ditzy looked down at them. The letters read: Dear Lady or Gentlecolts This note is a letter which has been sent to all ponies to inform them of a dangerous force which has arisen. One day, I went into the Everfree to discover that the Timberwolves’ numbers are growing and their packs ever more so. I’ve even come to believe that they are going to co-ordinate their attacks onto Ponyville. But don’t worry, I’m currently keeping a close eye on the Timberwolf activity. I will notify the town on the town billboard if there is anything deemed suspicious or dangerous in my time observing the Timberwolf activity. Please prepare to barricade your doors if this happens. This is not a ruse or a drill. “Is this true?” Ditzy said with fear in her eyes looking straight at Pyromanecer. He nodded. “I saw it for myself…There numbers are growing…We have to act quickly…You’re the only pony who I trust.” “What are you going to do?” She said. Obviously she was worrying for the lives of all the ponies and most especially her daughter, Dinky. The little filly who always made Pyromanecer feel a warmth unlike no other. Dinky, to Pyromanecer, was the little sister he never had before. “Where is Dinky?” Pyro said in a serious tone. Even Pyromanecer found it weird that he was acting so serious. He never acted this way. Maybe it was the pressure or maybe it was the situation or maybe it was the fact that Pyro hated being useless at a time like this. Ditzy was taken aback by Pyromanecer’s sudden question but returned to her normal self in an instant. “I’ll take you to her, but I have to finish off six more deliveries….could you…wait that long?” “I will.” Pyromanecer said with a subtle smile. As soon as Ditzy returned and finished her deliveries for the day she led Pyromanecer to a humble little house near the outskirts of town. This worried Pyromaneecr since they were excessively vulnerable to any attacks from creature of the Everfree. The house in question on the other hand was very comforting and had all the things a home could be. It was just right. Ditzy went to the door with Pyromanecer behind her. She unlocked the door with her keys, admittedly clumsily, and pushed the door into to the house. “Dinky! Mommy’s home and I brought a friend!” She turned to Pyroamnecer with an ecstatic smile. She was probably excited to see the look on Dinky’s face when she saw him. Pyromanecer wasn’t too sure if Ditzy was mentioning Pyro as a friend of hers or a friend of Dinky’s. The sound of hooves rapidly tapping on floorboards told Pyromanecer that Dinky was very anxious to see her Ditzy after a long day. Soon enough the lavender filly came racing towards her mother with a cheery “Mommy!” and tackling her in a tight hug. Thankfully Pyromanecer was just walking inside and wasn’t taken down by the grey and gold ball of tumbling laughter. As soon as the laughter died down Pyromanecer walked toward the pair and looked over them. It took Dinky a fraction of a second to notice the fire manipulator with her wide sparkling eyes. “Firebird!” She said pouncing on him and hugging his neck, her legs hanging above the ground. Pyromanecer chuckled as he hugged Dinky with his large wings. “What are you doing here?” she asked quizzically. Pyromanecer looked down with a heartfelt smile. “Can’t I see my favourite little unicorn?” He said as he tussled her hair. “Is Cinder here?” Dinky said innocently a she tugged on Pyromanecer’s cape. Pyromanecer gulped as he feared she ask for her in front of Ditzy. Although Cinder didn’t like ponies she, like Pyromanecer, had a soft spot for little fillies and colts and always enjoyed seeing them watch her fire in amazement. “Cinder?” Ditzy darted her eyes to Pyromanecer with a puzzled expression. “…Cinder you may as well talk now…” He said with a sigh. “Finally! It was like trying not to breathe! Dinky!” Cinder said from her inanimate skull, making Ditzy jump. “Wha-…How?” She started “It’s a LONG story. But I’ll shorten it. Cinder was my past girlfriend who was a dragon. She died and I used voodoo and ancient to put her soul into this skull so she could stay with me and talk with me. And that is why I’m a wanted criminal.” He let out a loud breath and an even louder inhale as he tried to recollect his breath. Dinky was just sat there staring with a smile. She already knew. Pyromanecer just used….lighter terms to tell the story. “Okay…I can…almost understand that, but….how and when did you learn voodoo and ancient magic.” “Ah! Now that is an even more complex and longer story that I wouldn’t be even able to tell you without breaking some promises that I made.” Ditzy just slowly nodded in understanding. “Oooohh you look so cute! And you’re growing up so fast! I swear on my soul that you are going to be the greatest unicorn ever.” Cinder said her voice going outside of her usual pitch as you could hear it in her voice that she was holding her cheeks. Cinder would probably lead out of her mask seal and just pick Dinky up and cradle her in her arms. Dinky couldn’t help but blush and giggle at Cinder’s words. Pyromanecer chuckled at all that was going on, but sadly he knew he had to leave soon and scout the cave for any more activity. “Ditzy, Dinky…” The red Pegasus started as he walked up to both of them, the draft chilling his legs and the sun beaming onto him from the door. “I need to leave now…” Both of their expressions turned from joy to sorrow in a matter of seconds. It pained Pyromanecer to do this to them. “I leave to make sure that these Timberwolves don’t stir too much trouble and stay away from Ponyville. I will be gone for a while…and…if I don’t return after a week…” He looked at Dinky with eyes that mirrored his pain. “Then I’ve just made up camp….” Pyromanecer said with a half-hearted smile. He hated lying. But lies eased pain and prevented it, kept those we hold dear safe, made people feel better. Pyromanecer leaned next to Ditzy and whispered into her ear. “If I don’t return…Then you know what’s happened to me…Don’t tell Dinky…” Ditzy’s expression tried to stay the same but her depressive thoughts were purveyed onto her face as Pyromanecer leaned back. “This is where…I leave Dinky…I hope that you remember me….” He said as he turned away and walked out leaving Dinky sniffling in the sun’s warmth as she tried to run for Pyromanecer. Ditzy, much to her own dismay, held Dinky back from following Pyromanecer into the Everfree. Dinky just sat there and watched as her brotherly figure walked away into the trees, swallowing him into the darkness. Dinky saw a fragment of Pyromanecer’s cape caught in between the floorboards. Dinky used her magic to telekinetically bring the torn fabric towards her. The fabrix was soft but rough and had the smell of ash and smoke lingering in it “I’ll miss you, Firebird…” She said holding the cloak piece close to her as her mother held her close. Author's Note WHOA! WHAT'S THIS!? NEW CHAPTER!? ALREADY!?
