Streaks of Fire

“My cutie mark? Nah, I don’t mind telling that story," said Cinnamon. "Let’s see, I must have been about Fireball’s age. We were having a history day about the founding of Applewood, and I thought it would be neat to bring in one of the mill stones. After all, the mill was there long before most of the town.

So I told Dad about it, and he thought it was a good idea, too. I was going to bring in a small set of stones just to show how they worked, and he would talk to the class later, but I didn’t think it would be cool enough with the small ones.

Anyway, I got up early and dragged one of the big ones to school. It had a slight crack in it, but otherwise rolled just fine. Now, this mill stone was about the size I am now and weighed a ton. I got it up to the hill overlooking the school, and I set it up so I could take a break. Keep in mind it’s pretty much a giant wheel sitting on top of a hill.”

“Oh no!” Amethyst put a hoof to her mouth.

“Oh yes. Sure enough, as soon as I set the harness down the whole thing took off towards the school. I ran after it as fast as I could, but I could only watch as it crushed half the school to splinters. Thankfully nopony got hurt, but my Dad had to come in with a group of guys to get the stone back to the mill.

Aside from being suspended for two weeks, I had to do extra work for my Dad to pay back all the damage I caused.  So he made me pull the main mill stone while he lectured me on listening to ponies who are so much wiser than I’ll ever hope to be, and that I was darn lucky nopony got hurt.

It wasn’t until we returned back into town that I got the most important lesson. It was almost time for my suspension to be up, and I was looking forward to being back in school. Instead of working the mill, my Dad had me go with him into town. I had to go apologize to the principal, my teacher, and the mayor. It was embarrassing.”

“I bet,” smiled Amethyst.

“We were on our way back to the mill when we noticed a large group had gathered around one of our carts in town. It had tipped over, and one of the guys from the mill, Crisp I think, had his leg trapped underneath it. For some reason, I got it in my head that his life was in danger, and I panicked. I rushed over and started pushing the cart, trying to get it off of Crisp as fast as I could. I couldn’t understand why no pony was helping me until I looked around and noticed my Dad was putting on a breathing mask.

The load that spilled was cinnamon, and the air was thick with it. In my panicked state, I scarcely noticed it. Now that I’d stopped, I could feel it burning inside me. Each breath felt like I was on fire. I ran out of the cloud coughing and watched as my Dad pulled the cart away and rescued Crisp.

As we walked back home, I couldn’t stop thinking about what happened.  It amazed me that Dad knew exactly what to do right off the bat, and I told him as much. And then he said something completely unexpected.

’I didn’t know what to do immediately, Cinnamon,’ he said. ‘I thought about what would happen if I just ran in there, and took steps to make sure I wasn’t putting myself in danger.’

‘In our line of work,’ he said, ‘There’s no stopping once you get the big wheel going. You have to decide that it’s best if it starts moving now, or wait until later. You rushed in to help, but you ended up just putting yourself in harm’s way.  Rushing things isn’t the way to go. Now, you still owe me for the school, so I want you to go help Mono Tone with his shift on the wheel. I gotta make sure Crisp is going to be alright.’

I ended up taking part of Tone’s shift at the wheel, thinking about what my dad said. And when I finally realized the truth about it all, I felt something click in my head, and then no more blank-flank.”

Amethyst smiled at Cinnamon. “That’s awesome. Mine wasn’t nearly so-“

“Last call, folks!” said the bartender. “ Join us tomorrow when we’ll have a very special guest DJ battle the storm. Show starts at 8!”

“Well, that story will have to wait for later. I guess we should be heading home. Though I must admit, I was having a rather nice time talking to you, Cinnamon.”

“Amethyst, I’m renting a room right down the hall. It’s not like I’m catching a train to the Crystal Empire tomorrow or something.”

She giggled. “I know that. I just meant I don’t have any cider at the house.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that. I got a couple of bottles of my own concoction. It ain’t cider, but I still think its mighty fine stuff. ”

“What is it?”

“Two Tones calls it fire water. It’s actually cinnamon whiskey. Kicks like nobody’s business, but I love the taste.”

Amethyst shrugged and rose from the table. “Why not? Tomorrow’s my day off. Let me use the little filly’s room, and then we’ll go.”

She excused herself and walked to the back of the establishment. She was far less graceful than she had been earlier in the night, Cinnamon noticed. Chuckling as she bumped into the corner, Cinnamon stumbled to the bar. He paid his tab, and, as an afterthought, paid Amethyst’s as well.

He made his way toward the open door and waited just outside. As the cool air blew through his mane, he felt the effects of the alcohol steamroll over him. The world seemed unfocused and was spinning ever so slightly. He leaned against the outside wall of the bar, hoof out to steady himself.

“Are you okay, Cinnamon?” Amethyst’s voice sounded concerned, although it teetered on the verge of laughter.

The moonlight shone down on her violet mane, the soft light outlining her svelte figure. Her eyes glistened in the starlight, and Cinnamon felt himself becoming more and more intoxicated with each passing moment. Whether it was the alcohol or something else, he couldn't tell.

“Yeah, just need a second. Heart’s doin’ a jig in my chest for some reason.”

She chuckled and sat next to him. After several minutes, he informed her that he seemed to be getting under control, and he was ready to go. They turned their backs on the Griffon’s Beak and walked out into the town.

The stars shone brightly on the pair as they made their way through the quiet village. The houses around them were dark, the residents having gone to bed much earlier in the evening. The overhanging arches of the thatched roofs eyed Cinnamon menacingly, and he was just about to ask them what they were looking at when he heard Amethyst speak up next to him.

“I love how bright the stars are tonight. They’re so lovely.”

Turned from his thoughts by the pony next to him, Cinnamon looked up. “Huh. They are quite bright. Don’t normally see ‘em out on the mill. Live too near Las Pegasus. The lights from the city are pretty much the only thing you see at night.”

“It must be nice living near such a big city. I bet you do all sorts of stuff with Fireball. I heard they have a huge hoofball stadium there.”

“I wouldn't know. I don’t go into cities. There aren't many nice ponies in the big cities. They’re all snobby jerks, and I don’t want to spend any more time around them than I have to!” Cinnamon huffed, his eyes narrowing.

“Oh c’mon! They’re not all bad. Canterlot has some nice ponies, like my good friend Moon-“

“Canterlot’s the worst!” His lips curled into an angry scowl. “They’ll tear you down and ruin your life for no reason! Just so they can have their little laugh and feel like they’re better than other ponies. If you ask me, the whole city should be wiped off the face of Equestria, and good riddance!” His cheeks flamed red, and Cinnamon snorted through his nose, his ears laid back.

Amethyst stopped, gaping at Cinnamon. The anger coming from the stallion was almost palpable. What happened to the nice pony she was talking to earlier? And why did she feel nervous now?

“I’m sorry Cinnamon. I didn't realize that was such a touchy subject. Forget I said anything.” She continued walking towards the house.

Cinnamon followed, eyes staring straight ahead.

They walked in silence for the next few minutes. The only sound was their hooves impacting the compact road. Amethyst eyed her travelling companion nervously as they made their way to her house. He certainly didn’t seem quite as angry as he had before; his face no longer had a scowl on it. Instead, he appeared distant, as if some song was playing only he could hear, or some other pony was talking to him.

Amethyst wasn't sure which one was worse.

As they got within sight of the house, Cinnamon stopped. “Amethyst,” he said.

She turned to look at him. He no longer had the slight slur of drunken speech, nor did he appear to be unsteady on his hooves. He was sitting on his haunches, head down. His eyes were closed, and in the starlight, Amethyst was unsure if she saw tears on his face or not. She sat and waited for him to continue.

“I’m sorry for losing my temper earlier. You didn't deserve that.”

“It’s alright, Cinnamon. We all have stuff that pushes our buttons. Though, a little warning next time might not go amiss. Practically gave me a heart attack.”

He chuckled nervously. “Yeah. I’ll try to keep that in mind. Did you still wanna have that drink with me?”

“Not sure. Are you going to lash out at me again?”

“I’ll do my best. I would appreciate if we could talk about other stuff besides Canterlot and big cities.”

“Alright, I can do that. Shall we go in?”

Cinnamon bowed and walked towards the house. Amethyst followed behind him. She noticed he seemed more like his old self. He smiled sheepishly when he dropped his key, and Amethyst couldn't help laughing as he banged his head on the door knob when he bent to retrieve the tiny piece of metal.

“Come on,” she said, opening the door with her magic. “I’ll get some ice. And then we can see about getting something about that bump.”

"Ha ha," he grumbled, holding a hoof to his head.

Applejack paced inside her home at Sweet Apple Acres. The steady sound of hooves on the wood floor matched the ticking of the clock on the mantle. Applejack glanced again at the time.

11:30. Should have been in bed by now. Where is that no-good brother of mine?

Applejack snorted and continued her pacing. It ain’t fair, she thought. I’m the one that has to take care of Granny Smith and Apple Bloom. I’m the one that does all the work makin’ this a successful business. And what does he do? He gets to go out. It ain’t right. I should be able to go have a drink or two when I want. But no, somepony has to be responsible. Sure as hay ain’t gonna be him.

She glanced up again at the clock and scowled. Deciding pacing wasn’t helping, Applejack grabbed a book off the shelf. She plopped down on the couch when a loud crash startled her. Turning, she noticed the sprawled body of Big Macintosh trying desperately to pick himself off the floor. He chuckled as he stood, wobbling back and forth.

“Hi Applejack,” he said, grinning like a cat who just found the cream.

“Where have you been? Nevermind, I got a pretty good guess. How many did you have Big Mac? You’re three sheets to the wind! You didn’t spend all our bits on alcohol did you?” Applejack glared at her brother, who was trying his best to stand upright.

“Eenope.”

“I thought you were gonna be home earlier. What made you decide to blow money on booze tonight?”

“I didn’t spend nothin’, Applejack. Cinnamon paid for all the drinks. Said t’was a business expense or somethin or other.”

“So y’all talked business? I’m hopin’ you didn’t sell the farm out from under me.”

“Nope. Actually might’ve got us some money.”

She eased noticeably at this revelation. “Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but how did you manage that? You’re completely trashed!”

“Eeyup. Tell you all about it tomorrow. It’s all spinnin’ around like a tire swing in a wind storm up here.” He raised a hoof to his head and promptly fell over. He blinked several times, as if unsure exactly how he ended up on the floor. A soft chuckle escaped his lips.

Applejack shook her head ruefully. She noticed a flash of yellow standing in the doorway.

“Hiya Fluttershy. Sorry about my brother. I reckon he’s gonna feel mighty bad in the morning. You didn’t have to walk him home, but thanks. It was mighty nice of you.”

“Oh, Applejack, um… it’s fine. I actually came to see if you could help with Rarity. She’s really upset, and she said she didn’t want to see me. I couldn’t find anypony else, so I thought I would come ask if you would help. If it’s not too much trouble…” Fluttershy glanced between the Apple siblings standing in front of her, one a good deal sturdier than the other.

Applejack sighed. “I’d help if I could, but somepony has to take care of my brother. He ain’t all there right now, and he’ll need somepony to make sure he don’t hurt himself. I’m sorry.”

“Umm…if it’s okay with you, I could take care of him. That way, you can help Rarity.”

Applejack eyed her friend suspiciously. “Are you sure? He ain’t exactly like one of your critters. Mac’s a mite big, and he can be stubborn as all getup.”

“Oh, I’m sure it will be fine. I’ve taken care of Harry plenty of times. I’m sure he can't be worse than Big Mac.”

“Alright Fluttershy, if you’re sure. Apple Bloom has some friends over in the clubhouse, but they shouldn’t be a bother this late. Just make sure Mac don’t try to cook nothin’; almost burned the house down last time.

Turning, she addressed her brother. "Big Mac, Fluttershy’s gonna watch out for you. Try not to get yourself in trouble. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Applejack looked closely at her brother to make sure he understood. She put a hoof to her face and shook her head. He was sitting immobile, staring intently at Fluttershy, a wide grin splitting his face. At least he's distracted, thought Applejack as she made her way towards town.

Twenty minutes later, Applejack knocked hesitantly on the door to the Carousel Boutique. All the lights except the upstairs bedroom were off, and the darkness gave the usually cheerful colors of the exterior a semi-twisted pall, as if the Boutique were painted by some mad carnival barker trying desperately to lure ponies to their doom. Applejack knocked harder, and called out in the darkness.

“R-Rarity? It’s Applejack. Can I come in?” Applejack eyed her surroundings, ready to bolt if some half-crazed pony decided to come after her. No way was she going to let any pony drag her into some horror house, performing all sorts of nasty experiments on her. Applejack searched the shadows, keeping an ever watchful eye out.

Her train of thought was derailed by the sound of hoofsteps coming from inside. Lights appeared in the front room, fighting off the shadows and Applejack’s mounting terror. Applejack breathed a sigh of relief as the door opened.

Only to stare, horrified, at the mess before her. Rarity was standing in the doorway, cheeks puffy and red from crying. Her normally well-groomed mane and tail hung loosely, more resembling the unkempt style of Rainbow Dash rather than the careful styling of the fashionista. Mascara stained her white coat, and a hollow look in her eyes told Applejack that this was serious.

“Sweet Celestia, Rares! Are you alright? You look like you been dragged through the mud sideways. What happened?”

“Come in, Applejack. Can I get you some tea? I’m afraid all I have is some Earl Grey.”

“Rarity…”

“Or maybe you would like some water? Or something to eat?”

“Rares…”

“I could make us some crepes, or maybe some daffodil sandwiches? I’m sure I have some daff-”

“RARITY!” Applejack stood directly in front of Rarity, a hoof on the troubled unicorn’s shoulder. “Stop all this carryin’ on, and tell me what’s wrong.”

Rarity sighed. “Very well, Applejack. It started this afternoon. I was enjoying a relaxing lounge by the pool with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash when a new pony came up to us. He appeared to be on very friendly terms with Rainbow, and naturally I tried to strike up a conversation with him. However, he said some of the vilest things about me! Moi! A complete stranger!”

Applejack looked at her with eyebrows raised. “You’re upset ‘cause somepony said something mean? I didn’t think that you would let that get to you this bad.”

“It’s not just that, Applejack. He said my kind was selfish and that I cared only for myself. He said my work was frivolous, and that I should leave ponies who actually contribute something to society alone.”

“Whoa now.” The words barely escaped Applejack’s lips. She stood there, stunned. She’d heard stories of this kind of pony, but she had never encountered one in her time in Ponyville. Indeed, the ponies in town were always pleasant and nice to each other. Regardless of their different abilities, no pony was told they were useless or unfit to be a part of the town. The thought of this angered Applejack.

“The worst part of it is, Applejack, that when he said these things all I could think was Fluttershy’s reaction when Pinkie and I talked to her about her bullying. I know that Iron Will was to blame for that dreadful incident, but what she said hurt me. I know we’ve moved past it, but I can’t help thinking. What if she thought I was frivolous from the beginning, and all this time, she’s just been trying to be polite? What if everypony felt this way?”

“Now look here, Sugarcube. You’re the Element of Generosity. You’ve given quite a lot to help others, and you’ve helped save Equestria countless times,  not to mention helpin’ out other ponies with your fashion. Why, I doubt that anypony who saw what you did in Manehattan could ever think of you as anything but a kind, generous pony who helps out anypony she can.”

“But I was absolutely dreadful to you girls, and let’s not forget the awful way I acted during Ponyville Days. Or that mess I made a few months ago. If I had been a more useful pony, I would have been able to help change things for the better rather than just turn the streets to gold.”

“Oh horseapples! That was the spell, not you. Even Twilight knows that. Besides, your first reaction was to help others. You never did nothin’ to help yourself. You even got me that real nifty pie tin, remember?   I bake pies with it every day, and they taste better than before. Those pies keep Sweet Apple Acres afloat. So just forget about one stupid pony who don’t even know you. Be the Rarity we all love. The selfless, useful Rarity who’s helped me out more than I can count.”

Rarity hugged Applejack tightly. “Thank you, Applejack. You really are a true friend. I don’t know where I’d be without you.”

Applejack hugged her back. “It was nothin’ Sugarcube. Just remember we’re all here for ya, and if you ever feel like you’re worthless, just remember what I told you. You are worthwhile, and you are important.” Unlike that jerk pony that did this to you. I’m gonna make him regret it, whoever he is.

Wait a minute.

“Rares, did you say this pony was at the pool this afternoon?”

“Yes Darling. I thought for sure he would be nicer. His sister seemed absolutely delightful, and she got along well with Sweetie Belle.

Applejack? Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” said Applejack through gritted teeth. “Are you gonna be alright? I should get back to the farm.” Gotta prepare for the flank chewing I’m gonna give him.

“O-of course dear,” said Rarity, scrutinizing Applejack. “Please apologize to Fluttershy if you see her. I’m afraid I wasn’t quite myself when she came to visit.”

“Sure thing. Night, Rares.”

“Good night, Applejack.”

As the door closed behind her, Applejack turned towards home. Her mind raced as she made her way to Sweet Apple Acres. Ain’t no way I’m lettin’ that jerk anywhere near my farm. I don’t care what deal Mac made with him. You don’t treat ponies that way.

On the other hoof, her mind argued, it might be better to see what he has to say for himself. Could be there’s a part of the story you’re missing.

Still, she thought, I’m gonna get some answers from him. One way or another.

“So do you sip it? Or are you supposed to down it quickly?” Amethyst eyed the menacing drink in front of her.  The red-orange liquid sitting in her glass looked harmless enough. A quick sniff, however, told her that this would, in fact, more than likely set her insides on fire.

“Either way. Two Tones says shooting makes it hurt less, but I like the taste better sipping it.” Cinnamon finished pouring his drink and capped the bottle.

He raised his glass. “What should we drink to?”

She raised her glass as well. “How about to good health?”

“Good a reason as any. Cheers!” He clinked his glass against hers and took a sip.

Amethyst decided downing it in one go would be preferable to drawing it out.

She slammed the empty glass down on the table, coughing and sputtering. The pain was intense. She could feel the burning alcohol in her stomach, and every time she breathed, the smell of cinnamon filled her nostrils. She hunched over the table gasping for breath.

Cinnamon was rubbing her back sympathetically. He laughed a little at her discomfort. “I warned you it would burn.”

She glared at him between coughs. She finally managed to get herself under control, and sat up. “It feels like I swallowed a huge ball of fire.”

“That’s what I call it. Fireball. Named it after my da..uhh.. sister.”

“You love her very much, don’t you?” Amethyst said, smiling despite the pain.

“Yeah, I do. She’s the only family I have left. It’s just her and me against the world.”

“That’s sweet.”

“What about you, Amethyst? Any family to call your own?”

“Well, just my daughter. She means more to me than anything. Though there are times that are more difficult than others.  Couple years ago during Heart’s and Hooves Day she came home bawling because some other filly had given her crush a card at school. She eventually moved on, of course, but she insisted the whole day that her life was over.” Amethyst smiled at the memory.

“Thankfully I’ve never had to deal with that with Fireball.” Cinnamon took another sip of his drink. “She’s home schooled. Got her a pretty good tutor, if I do say so myself.”

“That’s gotta be tough. Does she have many friends?”

“Not really, no. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to move to Ponyville. She can make friends without being bullied by a bunch of big city foals.”

“Ah I see. Well, the school here is nice. Ms. Cheerilee is a wonderful teacher. All of her students love her to bits. The adults, too. She’s well-liked by everypony.”

“That’s good to hear. I was afraid there’d be more ponies like the awful one I met at the pool.”

“Awful? In Ponyville? Are you sure? Everypony’s nice here.”

“Not this one. White unicorn? Talks with an accent and is very into herself?”

“Are you talking about Rarity?”

“Yeah, that’s her. Nosy little pony. As soon as she found out I knew Rainbow Dash, she tried to pry every little bit of information she could out of me.”

“I’m sure she was just trying to be friendly.”

“She tried to find out about Fireball without as much as a hello.”

“That does seem rather odd. Still, it might just be curiosity. You are somepony different in town.”

“True. But I don’t like talking about Fireball to strangers.”

“Well, you talked to me about her. And we haven’t known each other that long.”

“But that’s different. You weren’t bein’ all nosy. Besides, you’re living in my house.” Cinnamon grinned at her.

“Excuse me? This is my house. You’re the one renting the room, remember?” Amethyst poured herself another drink. The pain from the last one was a distant memory.

Cinnamon started chuckling. “Let me guess. You bought this house about 6 years ago?”

“Well, yes, but I don’t see-“

“And you bought it from an older stallion in a business suit, gray hair, probably called you Ms. Star no matter what you said?”

“I was married at the time, so it was Mrs. But how did you know that?” Her nerves were rattled, and she downed her drink in one gulp.

Surprisingly, it didn’t burn as much on the way down. It did, however, leave her body tingling.

Cinnamon laughed. “I told you, I used to live here. Don’t worry, I’m not trying to freak you out. It’s actually nice to see the house belong to somepony nice. When my Dad said he sold it, I was afraid it would get demolished.” Cinnamon finished off his drink and moved to pour himself another. He noticed Amethyst had finished hers as well, and filled her glass. Satisfied, he leaned back.

“Thank you. That’s an amazing coincidence.  What are the odds?”

“Not sure. C’mon, I wanna show you something.” Cinnamon chugged his drink. Smacking his lips, he got up and walked towards the front door.

Curious, Amethyst followed suit. The whiskey went down smooth, and she actually enjoyed the taste on her lips. She followed Cinnamon outside.

He walked around the house, heading up the slight rise behind the building. Reaching the top, he stopped under the oak tree and motioned for Amethyst to follow. Curious as to what he could possibly show her, she sat next to the stallion. She watched as he started scraping away dirt from the bottom of the tree.

He pointed to where he was digging. “Look closely at the roots.”

Puzzled, she did as she was told. What she saw surprised her greatly. “Those roots are glowing! How did you do that?”

Cinnamon smiled. “It’s actually lightning. Well, sort of. Rainbow could probably explain exactly what it is. Silver and I planted this tree. We used both of our magic to make it grow, and this ended up being the result. Every time I visit Ponyville, I always come by and look at this tree. It always puts me in a good mood for some reason.”

Amethyst studied the roots of the tree closer. The glow did indeed resemble lightning. It splintered off into odd angles throughout the root system, and each fork split into smaller and smaller parts. The blue glow pulsed and danced in front of her eyes. It’s beautiful, she thought.

She looked up to tell Cinnamon and stopped. He was smiling wistfully at the tree, and for the first time tonight she felt him relax next to her. Her heart sped up, and her breathing became shallower and more intense. Despite the cooler air, she could feel herself getting warmer, a flush rising to her cheeks.

She watched him turn towards her, the same blissful smile on his face. His eyes no longer had the same guarded look they had when he first arrived, and his open face shone brightly. Before she could stop herself, she leaned in with her eyes closed.

Her heart leapt in her chest as their lips touched. He was unsure at first, and his lips trembled against hers. The longer the kiss went on, the more sure he became. She opened her lips, wanting more when he suddenly broke off the kiss, his teeth coming together with a sharp click.

Confused, she opened her eyes. No longer smiling and relaxed, Cinnamon appeared panicked and ready to bolt.

“I’m sorry Amethyst. I just…I can’t…I gotta go.”

Before she could say anything, he took off down the hill at a gallop. She found herself rooted to the spot, unable to even turn after him.

After several minutes sitting in the still night air, she sighed and went inside.

She cleaned up the glasses, closed the bottle, and went upstairs.