Chapters Author's Note
READ THIS IT IS IMPORTANT this story is one that is kinda strange. Not the content, but the way it reads. Usually in a story,
Fire
Today was just a normal day. A day like any other for me, Fireglow. I am the fire chief at the Ponyville Fire Station. My life isn't very exiting. Except for that one time with the hay fries. Shudder shudder. My morning routine is quite simple. I wake up, get dressed, make my husband and I coffee, and fly off. Hot Rod always enjoys a nice cup of coffee in the morning. After I fly off, I land on the ground, and walk the rest of the way. There are two reasons for this. One, I usually get to see my younger sister and her friend walk to school. Always like to say hello. The second reason is the trees. It's not that I don't like trees, it's because they're flammable. It's kinda ironic really. I can control fire, yet I fight it. I feel more like a rebel now. Yes. I said control fire. I don't know why me of all ponies. I mean seriously, they could have chosen anypony, ever, yet it's me. Not many ponies know about this, just my mom, sister, and husband. Though, my ability to work with fire has put me in a really good position in my job though. Speaking of which, once I land there is a short walk to the station. "Morning Fireglow." Calls a voice from across the street.
"Hey Stone." The voice was owned by Stepping Stone. My fellow employee and my best friends brother. Fortune has it we meet. Why? Because he has a shack and the Earth. No, not the earth like that, he has earth-bending powers, like mine. We get together and practice in his shack. His sister and my friend, Meadow Lark, likes to watch us. Sometimes Hot Rod is even there. We are the only ponies with these abilities we know of, but there are four elements, so there are four of us. "Have you shown Meadow that trick yet? Really fooled me. Funny to watch their faces when they see it coming."
"Ya. They never suspected a thing. Though, I should lie low for a while." We stroll into the station right in time. We get our gear on and rush to the house. But this wasn't any house, this was the library. The library was the most flammable place in a city. Not to mention this one was in a tree.
"Uh oh." I whisper to Stone. He just gives me a confused look. "Me plus tree equals disaster." I mutter, barely audible. A look of realization sweeps over him and I just keep running. We run, and we run, until we reach our destination. "Okay team, let's do this!"
"Miss Fiction? Seriously?" She smiles, and hugs me. "I may be old, but I was your foal sitter when I was young, and I don't get special treatment? Kids these days." I start laughing.
"Scaly burnt a book again, I presume?" She nods.
"Indeed, young dragons can't control fire power as well at her age. Do you want to check out the library? Make sure it is safe or anything?"
"If you want I came have some of my team do that." She gives me a confused look and says
"Thank you, I would like that. But why don't you go in yourself? I trust you more then that guy." She points to Stone. I think about it for a moment. I know it probably won't go well, but this is Nonfiction we are talking about here. She is practically my grandma, I mean that's what she is to me. I swallow, then proceed with my answer.
"I will go check it out once the coast is clear." I give her a hug. She smiles like she knows I will do about anything for her. I walk over to One of my team members and ask if I can go in. She says ok, knowing not to question me. I walk in, looking for any signs of danger. As I walk in further, the floor starts to creak. I didn't realize this library was so old. Of course, this was Princess Twilights library, and that was ages ago. I circle around the center table. The statue is surprisingly untouched. As I get to the side of the table, I hear a snap. I back up, realizing all to late that was the wrong direction to go. A couple shelves finally give way just as some fire fighters rush through the door. I panic as I see the multiple shelves of novels and encyclopedias rain down on me. I become defensive, and lift a hoof. I flap my wings and concentrate. After a few seconds I relax. I lower my hoof, tuck my wings back in, and lift my head. I see my team staring at my. My heart suddenly skips a beat as I realize what I just did.
"Uh, Cheif? Did those books just spontaneously combust?" I quickly try to think of an answer, when I spot Stone in the back, pointing to the spot where my wings are.
"No. The books were basically ashes, so I scattered them with my wings." They seemed to be buying it, so I trotted outside. "Hey, Nonfiction. You might want to be careful. Those shelves are old, so it is raining books in there." I give her a hug, she thanks me. I trot off back to the station with Stepping Stone. "Close one. Thanks for saving my flank."
"Your welcome."
As I walk back to the station, all I can think about is fire.
Tables. Tables are so, so... tabley. They should add that to the dictionary, tabley. Tabley: a word used to describe a flat surface meant to hold items. I don't know how I thought of this thought, I just did. I guess it is because I am lifting a table. A very tabley table.
"What are you thinking about now?" Meadow smiles. I turn my head and look at my sister. My expression goes serious. My smile disappears. I open my mouth, my failing to look away, and reply.
"Tables. I am thinking about tables."
After getting the table inside, I think again. I think about the color of the table. That dark brownish color. Like dirt. Very dirty dirt. Or hot chocolate mix. Always great in the Winter. But I am not a Winter pony, because in the Winter, the ground get cold and it takes more energy to use my power. That and there aren't as many worms in the Winter. I like worms. Worms are pink. Not magenta, like Fireglow's mane, but pink like my mare friends little sisters coat. Rosebud's coat is a very light pink. Not as light as bubblegum, but light.
I sip my soup. My very soupy soup. I like the warm soup. Homemade to."Hey Meadow, what type of soup is this?"
"Celery soup." Replied Meadow quickly, as if she knew I would ask that. I have never had celery soup until today, but I urged Meadow to make it after I read about it in one of my novels from long ago. I had hoped the soup tasted as good as the book would say, and I was right. The soup was delicious. It was somewhat tangy, with a bit of sweetness. The perfect balance. I think it goes best with a little salt.
"Can you pass the salt please?" I extend my hoof to meet Meadow's halfway. I sprinkle a dash of salt onto my soup, and stir it around a few times, just to mix in the flavor, then continue eating, more like sipping my soup.
I finish rinsing my bowl clean, and trot outside. The mailmare has just delivered the mail. This time it is a postcard, not a bag of chips and a tomato. I flip the postcard around to reveal a message. From the front, there is a picture of Las Pegasus, so I know where it is from, but who?
"Dear Stone (and Meadow to) greetings from Pegasus! See you in a couple weeks, maybe longer, you never know. Keep being awesome, Storm Chaser."
Ah, Storm Chaser. Fireglow's older brother. An old friend of mine. I have no idea why he left for Pegasus, but then, Storm is a very strange guy.
"What is in the mail this time, cheese puffs?" asked Meadow sarcastically.
"Surprisingly, no. This time we have a postcard from Storm." Meadow gives me a look. She clearly didn't see this coming.
"What is he doing in Pegasus? Gambling most likely."
"Didn't say, but I think he is enjoying his stay. Doesn't want to leave. Probably some mare there caught his eye." That sounds most like Storm. Stay someplace for a few extra weeks, just to try to woo some mare. Never works. I walk inside, and notice a jacket hanging on the staircase. It wasn't mine, and something about the size tells me it definetly wasn't Meadows. "Hey Meadow, who's jacket is this?"
She walks down the staircase, and picks it up. "Oh, there is a new stallion in town, from Horshoe Bay. His name is Wave Rider. He is the head of the resources department at town hall."
"Any reason he caught your eye?" I say with a smirk.
"Actually, yeah. You know how there are supposed to be ponies with the powers of water and air? Well he said he was an expert in water magic, but when I checked with Miss Fiction, she said there is no such thing." I scratch my chin and think for a moment.
"I will check into this later. I say we get Fireglow and start a special mission. Agent Earth, out."
Author's Note
I made a reference to Past Sins in this chapter, with the celery soup. It is probably my all time favorite fic and I recommend you check it out. That is, if you haven't already.By the way, if any of you know someone who works with the dictionary people, could you ask them to add tabley to the dictionary? :3 the postcard from Storm Chaser was an epic reference to my other fic, Lovestruck Las Pegasus. You will just have to read to find out.
"Ahhh!" I sat upright with a jolt. I take a minute to calm down. I inhale, then exhale, repeating that pattern numerous times, before lying back down. I must have had another nightmare. I need a psychologist bad. They don't even need to be professional. I can just ask Meadow Lark or somepony for help. I will do that first thing in the morning.
I look outside. I know what time it is by just looking outside. I open my window. Fresh air always helps calm me down. I reach out my hoof to feel the midnight breeze. Cool and crisp, like Autumn air should be. The leaves haven't fallen yet, but not much longer until they do.
I lye back down, and pull the sheets over me. When my attempt to get comfy fails, I slowly lift off the sheets, in a zombie like motion. I let the sheets fall to the ground, knowing I will get them later. My hooves stumble tiredly to the stairs, and descend downwards. When I reach the bottom of the staircase, I take a left and enter my kitchen. The fridge needs to be stocked and so does the pantry. I lost most of my belongings, so shopping was necessary.
I sat down and poured myself a glass of milk. Milk was all I had besides apples. Apples are good and all, but I need more of a variety in my diet. I push my plate with an apple away from me, and take my glass to the sink. I rinse it out, and put it back. I head upstairs again, feeling better. I pick the sheets off the ground and cover myself. Then I remember my apple. At least I will have breakfast ready when I wake up. I close my eyes, and feel myself slowly drift away, into the calm land of dreams.
My eyes open. I flinch and cover my eyes when the sun's bright rays shine through the window. The light illuminates my pale walls, and dark floors. I stand up and lift the covers off of me, more gently than before. I place them neatly on my bed and walk over to my bathroom. I look in the mirror and see my mane. At least I think it's my mane. Looks more like a blob trying to eat my horn.
I grab my necessary grooming supplies, and get brushing. It seems like forever, when I am finally ready to apply the mane gel. I smooth it out, and shape it. I look like a new stallion already. I
I trot downstairs and sit down at the table. I eat the apple, though I would rather have a pastry or some other fruit. I levitate my glass over to me and fill it with water. I found out that tap water isn't as good as my water. The water that comes out of the power. It tastes cleaner, and it probably is. I never give anypony else the water though, since I'm not sure if it will be good for them. I am levitating my dishes to the sink when I hear a slight knock at the door.
"Hello? Anypony home?" Calls a voice through the door. The voice sounds unfamiliar, yet I get this weird feeling. Like I should remember, but I don't. I shake this thought from my mind, and answer.
"Can I help you?" I ask, trying to sound awake, but I fail.
"Actually, yes. My name is Stepping Stone, you must be Wave Rider? You forgot this at my house yesterday." He pulls my jacket off his back and gives it to me.
"Thank you. Oh where are my manners, please come in." I feel like I should invite him in, just to be nice. "So, you must be Meadow Larks brother." He smiles and replies.
"Sadly yes." We both chuckle, but then I stop. "So, I heard you know a lot about water magic, huh?"
"Yes, that's my special talent." He doesn't seem to buy it.
"Though, being an expert, I am sure you know, that it doesn't exist." Yep, totally not buying it.
I stammer a bit, then he continues. "But, I also know what type of magic you are good at." There is a dramatic pause, and I brace myself, not knowing if he truly knows.
"Elemental magic." Those two words pierce my chest, and all I can do is stand there. He looks at me and smiles. I think he has something up his sleeve.
" What do you want with my magic? I will do anything, just please don't hurt her!" He gives me a strange look. As if he feels my pain, but is still confused.
"I get why you are scared. Elemental magic is only given to four ponies at a time. So, I am here to unite you with the other three!" He speaks as if he knows what is going on.
"And trust me, I know what is going on. Follow me!" In the heat of the moment, I follow him. I will take any chance I get to find the other three, and Stepping Stone seems to know a lot about elemental magic.
We soon arrive at the field besides their house. "What are we doing at your house?" As soon as he words leave my mouth, Meadow Lark steps out of the house. She walks over besides me.
"You'll see. Just watch Stone." I sit here, hoping I can trust them. Nothing happens. Until the ground starts to shake. I get this uneasy feeling of déjà vu as I watch as the ground comes alive before my eyes.
It is like magic. I whole delicate routine. Each rock like a puzzle piece, and when put together make a beautiful display. After about a minute, I feel a strong urge to join in. I try to fight it, but I can't. Soon water is materializing and weaving between the rocks.
"Now I know it isn't just me who wants to join in when Fireglow is practicing." My ears perk up. While still bending the water, I ask questions.
"Who is Fireglow?" I ask, out of curiosity?
"The fire bender. We work together at the fire station. I would have been cool if you worked there too." I chuckle at this. I make sure not to lose concentration, otherwise we would be soaked.
"So, you boys hungry? I just made some celery soup." At the sound of being offered something besides apples, I take my chance. Apparently I'm not the only soup lover here.
"Soup!" Stone and I yell at the same time. We all rush into the house, leaving the the yard a wet mess of dirt and rocks. I really hope Fireglow isn't this careless.
Author's Note
Well, we introduced Wave Rider. I am excited to get to explaining his backstory. Cause he sure as heck has an interesting one. No please don't hurt her? Squee! Story time! /)>3<(\
It's cold, living in Manehattan. Some of you manehattenites may object, but you haven't been where I have. Northwest Manehattan is a place of crime and chills. My little shack by the river isn't the ideal location, but it will do. I can't imagine growing up in these horrible conditions, but it know somepony who can.
My name is Midnight Breeze. I am a pegasus, and a very unique one at that. I have done many things that I am proud of, and many things I regret. I have a job, but it never stays the same. I was once a teacher. Another time I was a lawyer. I stay at one job until I am discovered. Then I run. Run far away where they will never find us.
Yes, us. A long time ago, if we go back about two or three years, we find a young mare. This particular mare is me. I am running through the streets, trying to shake the cops off my trail. I turn corners, jump over fences, even fly. I often have to use my wind as a last resort. I don't want to use it much, in danger of somepony finding out.
When I am sure the cops were off my tail, I seek refuge in an orphanage. I pretend to be adopting. The place looked deserted, but I wasn't expecting what was coming. I take a look at the selection of foals. All I see is one small filly, donning a miserable look on her face. "Would you like her? She hasn't had many takers. She has a unique magical ability." The orphanage owner tells me.
I see her horn light up, and suddenly the room shakes, and I almost stumble over. "Do you see what I mean? Please tell me you still want her." I take one look into her pleading eyes. She somehow knows I didn't intend to adopt. Somehow, a miracle happens. I feel a strange force tugging at my heart strings, and I reply.
"I'll take her!" I was lonely, and so was she. We were more alike than you would know. Two lonely, lost souls with great abilities, roaming the streets for a companion.
Her name is Moonlight Mascarade, and she is my best friend. She thinks and acts more like I am her sister than a mother, and we both agree that works best.
I run into opt he alley way and disappear down a sewer hatch. It isn't the best home, but it gets better. I walk down the tunnels. Taking a right, then left, then left, then diagonal. I reach a dead end, then push the wall in, revealing a room. I have reached my destination.
I step into my lair and feel a drip on my head. "Hey Moonie, is there..."
SPLOOSH!
I shake off a bit of excess water and glance over at the laughing filly. I blow my wet bangs out of my face. "What are you laughing at?" She smiles and says.
"Your mane. Always funny when it is straight." I summon wind to dry my hair. As I feel the wind slowly brush my wings, I get a great idea.
"You know what?" I ask, looking at her straight, smooth mane. "You're looks funny when it is up!" With this she statprts running. I blow a gust of wind at her, but she teleports away. I turn 180 and blow a gust that way. Hitting half of her mane. She stops there, trying to tame it, so I take the opportunity and mess up the other half.
We laugh, and laugh. We laugh until sunset. We laugh until moonshine. We laugh until I can feel the midnight breeze.
"So what your saying, is that you just found the water-bender?" I ask Stone, unsure of what he just told me.
"That is exactly what I'm saying." He replies, his voice ringing with confidence.
"When will I meet the guy?" I ask,trying not to sound too eager.
"Later today." When he says this,mi feel like squealing. I have always dreamed of seeing the other elements at work. I would give anything to witness the gracefulness of wind, the beauty of water. How they mix with the strength of earth, the dance of my fire.
"Come by the path when he gets here." The path is our meeting spot. When anyone come to visit, and they aren't s pegasus, they come to the path. And let's face it, only pegasi can walk on clouds.
"Ok" with that final remark, I head to my house. I soar above the clouds, high in the sky. Today I am feeling joyful, like I could dance with the flames. Instead, I make them dance with me.
I fly in a rhythmic motion, flames trailing behind even more beautifully. The very tip of the sky lights up, and I embrace the warmth. Right now I feel alive. More alive than ever, my magenta mane flowing in the breeze. Soft orange coat, like the sunset, barely visible through the clouds. As I inch closer to the town, I hear a voice.
"Mommy look! Lights! Can we follow them, please mommy?" I glance down at the little foal, eyes shimmering as the flames flicker around her.
I take this as my que to make a big finish. Making sure to not be seen, I take off higher and higher. I forget everything and relax, letting the flames take over. Up I soar, trying my hardest to reach the heavens, to embrace a star. Soon, I feel I am high enough. With all of my might, I fall. Taking my element to the max.
I fall, and fall and fall. I lean closer and closer to trees, daring to do what I know could risk everything. I catch branches and leaves in the flickering path behind me. With each branch I pick up, the bigger it gets.
As I near the bottom of the sky, I reach my hooves out. This swift movement signals the fire to part, going on either side of me. Making sure the clouds are blocking me, I jerk upwards. Suddenly the flames stop. I hear the little filly clapping her hooves.
"Again, again! Mommy when will it be back?" This makes a smile form on my lips. I fly home, the corners of my mouth turned up.
"I am guessing you know who is behind the fire storm today, hmm?" He laughs, therefore I join him. "By the way this popcorn needs popping." He hands me the bag, and as usual I groan. My hoof rises, then falls. With one loud pop we dig in.
He reaches for the TV remote and I slouch back into my seat. The couch is old, but comfortable. I run my hoof along one of the wrinkles in the dark gray cushions. With each hoof full of popcorn, I begin to relax even more. I rest my head on Hot Rod's arm and watch the movie.
"What movie is it?" I ask.
"My little Dashie." He replys, smirking.
"Oh, but you know that one makes me cry." I put on my best pouty face and look up at him, eyes big, face adorable to unsafe levels.
"Exactly." He refuses to look at me, knowing he can't resist the face. The movie starts, and I snuggle in closer, trying to get comfortable. Hot Rod drapes his arm over my shoulder. I embrace it. I yawn, and my eyes droop.
"Somepony tired?" Questions Hot Rod, already knowing the answer. Still, I nod. "Goodnight." He kisses my forehead, and I doze off. I dream of flames, as usual, but also earth and water. Mixing in harmony. The water makes the fire cooler, do nopony gets burnt. The fire chars the earth, letting the ashes fall. Now the sharp rocks can't cut. The earth blocks the water, so nopony drowns. This world is perfect, but not as good as can be. My mind wanders to far away places, only able to wonder where the air is. Air is soft and gentle, but also harsh and hurtful. I only want to focus on the good aspects. Only the good...
My eyes open to find myself on the couch, like last night. I think back to my dream. If I ever accomplish anything, it would be to find the air element and unite us. 8 heads are better than 6.
I hop off of the couch and into the kitchen, where I smell eggs cooking.
"Please tell me those have cheese on them." I lick my lips just thinking about it. I am starved. I should have eaten more popcorn.
Hot Rod gives me a plate and I set it down on the table. Once his breakfast is ready, he sits down and starts eating.
" I have another Tournament tommorow."
"I will be cheering you on!" I tell him. As a racers biggest fan, I am at almost all of his races. Sometimes my sister comes along with her friends, and we watch together. " I think Flowersong and Morning Burst will be there too." He needs all the support he can get.
"Thanks. I need to be there in an hour so I will be getting ready. Meet you there." I wave him off and return to my breakfast.
"Shoot!" I exclaim, remembering I was supposed to meet up with Stone and the new guy yesterday.
I run out the door, and jump off the edge of my porch. I drift down a little bit, before letting my wings propell me forward. I dash along, fast as I can, knowing there will be a prize at the end of the road. And Mariposa knows I want it.
Author's Note
Mariposa is the princess in this time, just saying. The setting is future Ponyville.
Silence. That was all I heard. Cold. That was all I felt. Breath. All I tasted, but I saw much more. I saw the future. I saw ponies, with potential and style, wisdom and grace. And do I even dare mention, lust. But this was the future. Not the now. Now, all I see is rubble. All I see is death. Once the home of an entire race, now gone. What was to be of the only living being inside of this horror? There I was, encircled in flame, covered in ashes. Nopony came to rescue me. Nopony came to comfort me. I was all alone. I didn't know how I saw the future of this land when I couldn't predict my own. Just a scared little filly in a torn apart world. The scars hurt, and they always will. I will always be a few feathers short. I will never cast a spell as long as I live. I didn't have a clue anymore. I was trapped between reality, and a dream. But this wasn't a normal dream, for this was a nightmare. All I had ever known was lost. My friends, my family, my wings, my horn. My natural white coat had faded to a dark, dark grey. My white mane was slowly darkening, then falling out one hair at a time. I cried. My tears fell to the ground. They hit the fire. They put out the flames. Water washed over the hilltops, and washed my coat. Breezes brought my mane and tail back to me and blew away the ashes. The plants grew back, so I could eat and replenish my energy. Yes, my energy. The one thing that redeemed this fallen city. Brought it back to life. Oh forget energy, when I have all the life in the world. I opened my eyes, finally able to predict my own future. I didn't need my horn, or my wings. I didn't need a town, or the bells on the tower. And neither did they, the ponies of this nation. For all they needed was me.
All they needed was life.
Author's Note
I hope you like this. My other story got worse reviews than I had hoped. I tried my best to make a strong chapter, with a pretty good description of this characters past. And remember this chapter, cause it is pretty darn important.
