Ponyville Fire Department

Chapters

2 The firepony and the party pony
3 - Parties Princesses and Ponies, OH MY!
4 - Luna learns why
5 - Breaking ground
6 - Hidden truths and visible lies
7 Truth and self loathing in Ponyville
8 - Facing fear
9 - Dinner and a hospital
10 - Hate dies in the light of truth
11 - Wagons and Foals
12 Orientation and Love
13 - Stupid brave little colt
15 - Recovery, The Moon, and New Thoughts
16 - Facing fathers
17 - Family visit
18 - Wildfire!
20 - Fallen Angel
21 - Demons of the past rise
22 - Face the music
23 - Renewed Friendships and more
24 - Darkness Revealed
25 - Guards and clues
27 - The Gala! (part 1)
28 - The Gala! (Part 2)
29 - Paperwork
30 - Fight!
31 - Eureka !!
32 - Caught
34 - Trial (Part 2)
35 - Trial (Part 3)
36 - Twilight's judgement
37 - Resolutions
39 worries and understandings
40 - Snapshot in time
41 - Investigation
42 - Crisis
43 - Deep thoughts
44 - Come Together
45 - Law and Chaos
46 - Awake
47 - Back on the hooves
48 - Senior year and new Explorers
49 - Every firepony's worst nightmare
50 - Summoned
51 - The Firefighters Ball
52 - Hearth's Warming eve (Part 1)
53 - Hearth's Warming eve (Part 2)
54 - Spring is here
55 - Regrets of the past
56 - Looking to the future
57 - Prom and Questions
58 - Graduation
1 - Ponyville (Edited)
14 - Stress and Solutions
19 - In the Dark (interlude)
26 Interlude 2
33 - Trial (Part 1)
38 - It's the small things

2 The firepony and the party pony

Up just as the moon started to set, as always. He stretched some, looking about the little room he had rented. It was a simple place, bed, a dresser, small mirror and an armoire to hang up clothing. Miss Greenwillow ran a nice place, it would do tell the station was up and running, then he could consider looking for a house to rent or buy.

Trotting over to the dresser he lifted off his badge, resting it around his neck on its chain to cover the thin silver chain and medallion he never took off. Next, using his mouth, he tugged over his harness, adjusting it across his back and tightening the strap around his chest, the other around his barrel. Glancing in the mirror he gave a smile and a nod to the firepony looking back at him through the reflective glass and trotted out the door. Down the stairs, he heard the yellow and dark green mare call from the dining room.

“Chief Sunstreak, will you be having breakfast with the other guests?”

Turning to look at her, “No, not this morning. Thank you, Miss Greenwillow, I need to find this Sugar Cube Corner. I was instructed to contact a... Miss Pie?” tilting his head a bit.
The older mare giving a slight grin. “Oh, you can’t miss it. Out the front door, go down Park path, cross the park and you will see it. Trust me Chief, you can’t miss it," how odd that look she gave.

Following her directions he found himself standing before, well, it was colorful that is for sure. Somepony had made this place eye catching, in fact it looked like a giant gingerbread house, right down to cupcakes and frosting. Noting the sign flip from closed to open, he gave a nod and in he walked... only to be knocked over! The world spun upside down and he found himself flat on his back in the doorway, with a blur of pink standing over him. No... no the blur was moving, and talking, and, for Luna’s sake he could not make out a word in the barrage of words. “Oh my gosh I saw you come in and I have never seen you before so you must be new and if you are new then I have to throw you a Welcome-to-Ponyville party and…”

Reaching up, Rescue planted his hoof on the mares mouth. He had been warned, thankfully in his briefing, of the Elements of Harmony and other pony important to Ponyville.
“Miss Pie? If you would let me up, I have come to speak to you about that very idea.”

The poofy pink mare let him up and smiled. “Sorry about that, I get kind of excited when new pony comes to Ponyville.”

He gave a nod as he got back to his hooves, internal check, no pain, good to go. “I am aware Miss Pie, and--”

She cut him off. “Pinkie, please and you are?”

The stallion gave a smile “Chief Rescue Sunstreak, but you may just call me Chief or Rescue.”

Her hair, by Luna and Celestia it got, poofier? “Okie Doki Chiefaroony!” She grinned big, Rescue groaned inside.

“Mi...Pinkie,” he took a calming breath as he sat. “I was informed you are the official party pony for all of Ponyville, and that it is your...” he paused then smiled a soft smile. “Tradition to throw a party for new pony. Well I agree, however I wanted to, make a few requests.” As he watched her eyes light up.

“I wish to request we make this a welcome party, but also a introduction to the firepony kind of party,” tilting his head some. “A chance to meet everypony, to let them meet and get to know me me, and to get the word out I will be starting the search for volunteers to staff the station once it is built.”

Pinkie could not contain herself, he watched as she shook, then leaped in the air, and out of absolutely nowhere, streamers and confetti sprayed around the room. “PERFECT!” She squealed just loud enough to probably wake the next town over.

Poking out from the kitchen a blue, rather portly but not unattractive mare looked out. “Pinkie! You will wake the foals.”

The pink party pony calmed some. “Sorry Miss cake,” she gave a nod and went back out of sight, likely back to baking, the firepony thought. “I will set it all up, we can hold it at the castle.”

At that, he paused and his ears drooped some “I... would not wish not intrude on Princess Sparkles private…”

She cut him off quickly. “Nonsense! Twilight will love it, and she'll have a chance to meet you. I bet she would have a million ideas on organizing the work to build the station.”
An hour long meeting, and a chance to eat what had to be some of the best cupcakes he had ever tasted later, Rescue walked out of Sugar Cube Corner and looked about.

“Now, where does Mayor Mare,” as if on cue, a dark grey pegasus mare landed before him, well landed isn’t quite the word. More like fell with style into the ground.

Jumping to her he offered out a hoof, “Are you okay Miss?!” Noting as she looked up with a smile that was genuine as any smile can be.

He took note of her eyes, one looking at him, one looking over to the side. She shook off some dust as she stood. “Oh! Yes, thank you for asking.”

He gave a nod, spotting the mail bags. “Ah, our resident mail pony?”

The mare beamed. “Yep and, oh!” Getting her eyes to focus for a moment, she tilted her head. “Chief of Ponyville. Oh! You are the new firepony that Twilight and Mayor Mare were talking about! Welcome to Ponyville!”

He blinked with some surprise. “Well, thank you miss…”

She again blinked “Hooves, but please, call me Ditzy.”

He again gave a nod, “Very well Ditzy, and speaking of Miss Mayor, would you be so kind as to point out where her office is?”

The walleyed mare gave a happy nod and pointed with a hoof, “Just down that way, turn left at the first road. You can’t miss the town hall.”

With that the taller stallion dipped his head in appreciation. “Thank you Miss H--I mean Ditzy,” and turned as she waved, and trotted off in the direction she indicated.

Two hours of walking later, he found himself standing in front of a large empty lot at the end road of the town. The latte-colored older mare, standing next to him glanced over. “So, Chief Sunstreak, do you think this will do?”

He pondered that. Looking at the land, where it was in town compared to other buildings, it was the best of the four they had looked at. He gave a nod. “Miss Mayor, I think this is perfect. The small pond back there can be used to top off our tanks, there is plenty of land to build the station and a training tower,” he pointed.

“We should have room to put in a water tower to have the weather team fill for our main supply,” turning to her. “The price for the land is within the frame Canterlot Command set?” He watched her think about it, then nod.

“I can make that work Chief, it will take a little tweaking, we will need to adjust the permitting process some but, yes,” she nodded and held out her hoof, he shook it firmly with his own as he looked down at her.

“We have a deal.”

Author's Note

Huge thank's again to my editor Thunderblast

3 - Parties Princesses and Ponies, OH MY!

Looking down at himself once more, making sure everything was in place. He had not had a chance to wear his dress blues in almost three years. He was thankful that Miss Rarity had the time just this morning to fix a few things on it. The buttons down his chest gleamed, the pure white shirt under the coat with it's starched collar and tie. The black brimmed, white hat on his head with it's proud brass emblem. Right down to the polished hooves and white cuffs around his fetlocks, he looked exactly like the part of a representative of the Equestria Fire Department.

Looking ahead at the crystal castle before him, he was still not sure about this. Miss Pie had promised him it would be tasteful, but fun. He exhaled once more and lifted his hoof to knock, only for the door to swing open and him to come eye to eye with... a little purple and green dragon? This must be Spike, the princess’s adopted brother.
Dipping his head, he started, “Good evening,” the little dragon grinned. “Oh come on, it's a party, not a funeral. Come on in.”

The large stallion blinked, shrugged, and trotted past him. “Thank you. It's Spike, yes?”

The small dragon gave a nod. “Yep. Pinkie said you would be along shortly, and most the town is already here. Come on, I will show you where the party is.”
The big stallion looked around while they walked, down the hall he could hear the sound of it in full swing. He nodded and walked by the dragons side “I... feel a bit overdressed, but, it's part of the job,” tucking his ears down.

Walking into a set of double doors, he stood looking into a room that was larger than most squad bays. Along both sides of the room were tables filled with various foods, streamers hung from the ceiling in the colors of the Equestria Fire Department and Ponyville’s flag.

Speaking of, at the far end of the room hung down three flags. Two he knew well, the largest was the flag of Equestria, next to it hung down the flag of Ponyville. However the third, it was his first time seeing it. He knew the town council had voted on one, and Miss Rarity had stepped up to design and make it. However he had been kept out of the loop, and was told it was a ‘surprise’.

His breath drew in as he looked on the simple dark blue background of the fabric, on it a simple circle with the term, 'Semper Nobis Vigilandum' around it's inside edge. Crossed over the top of it in gold was a ladder and a roof hook.

So intent on it, he did not hear the white unicorn come up along his side. It was only her voice that broke him out of his thoughts. “Well Chief Sunstreak, do you approve?”

He turned his head and in a very humble dip to her “it is perfect, I could not have imagined better Miss R—”

“Pish posh Chief, what have I asked? Do call me Rarity, please," she smiled.

“Very well, Rarity. On behalf of the town, on behalf of the department, and on behalf of the mares and stallions that will man the station under it, thank you for this beautiful creation. It will fly proud on the flagstaff, and from our wagons,” he stated, enjoying the warm blush he saw grow on her cheeks.

Bringing her right hoof up to her chest she lowered her head just a tiny bit. “Chief, you are more than welcome. It was the least I could do for this occasion, how often will I get a chance to design a flag for Ponyville’s fire department?”

Soon, other ponies came up and greeted him, some he had met, some he had not. He noted the big red draft stallion across the room and was glad he wasn’t the only one in town. Big Mac he was told to call him, part of the Apple family as memory served him, brother to the bearer of the element of Honesty. Speaking of which, he spotted her speaking with the princess.

Exhaling some, he spoke, “If you will pardon me folks,” he then trotted over to the purple alicorn and her gold and yellow ponytail-maned friend. He lowered himself in a deep bow, “Princess it is…”

For the second time that night he was cut off. “Chief, please, I asked you not to. I do not stand on tradition when it's not a formal event,” the princess said firmly, Rescue hearing the orange mare beside them snicker some.

“Ah don’t know Twilight, big stallions bowing to you, ya might wanna get use ta that.”

Rising up to his hooves again, he could see the bemused expression on Applejack’s face, and the frustrated one on the Princess'. Interjecting in his deep, but soft voice “I am sorry Pri—Twilight, it still is strange to address royalty in a familiar way. However, I will because you asked it of me.”

She gave a nod. “Chief, there are two guests due that both wish to meet you however they are—”

As she spoke, the doors at the far end opened once more. Four royal guards, two in freshly polished golden armor and the other two in blue-and-purple armor trotted in, scanned the room and then took up a post. That, however, was not what made him suck in a breath and nearly pass out.

No, what caused his heart to come to a stop was the rather large alabaster alicorn with the flowing mane, and there, at her side, a dark blue alicorn with a mane of stars and night dancing in imaginary wind like her sisters. He could not move, could not speak, as the two of them walked across the room.

The white alicorn offering a smile. “Good evening my little ponies,” greeting everyone with a nod.

It was, however, the dark blue colored one who spoke to him first, standing before him with a soft smile. “We decided we had to meet thou face to face, Rescue Sunstreak.”

That did it. He fell to the ground on his foreknees, head down and nose to the ground.

“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna,” Twilight said with glee as she moved around him and hugged her former teacher and her sister in turn.

Celestia remained quiet, realizing what had transpired with the stallion before her now. Ever proud of her younger sister and the fact she had saved him from the worst thoughts and dreams to ever come across his slumber, ones no pony should have to live with.

Luna coughed softly. “Please rise, Chief Sunstreak,” then an almost playful tone, “Surely after the months of talking and working past thou's nightmares, we are past the need to bow?”

He sputtered and rose “I, ah Princess Luna, I… I never imagined I would meet you in person and to have a chance to thank you for all you did for me. To—”

What is it with mares cutting him off tonight? However he did not dare say a thing as the sun princess spoke. “Chief Sunstreak, my sister has spoke with me at length about your... past,” she started as a kindly hoof came up and touched his shoulder. Finding himself looking into the eyes of practically a goddess, well, anypony would be robbed of speech. “While we can not imagine what it was like, know that my sister did what she did because you needed help.”

Looking from the alicorn to the next, and to the next, he dipped his head. “I can never thank you in words, Princess Luna. You put me back together again when I was broken. I can only give you my oath I will never falter in my duty to you, to Equestria, and to the citizens of Ponyville.”

Just as Luna was about to speak again, Rescue’s ears shot up at a sound. His head snapped to the left just as he heard Applejack say, “Big Mac, you okay?”

Without taking leave of the princesses, he was on the move. He knew that sound and that look. A commanding bellow, nothing like the royal voice, but one born of dealing with ponies in a panic came from him. “Make way!” as he moved rapidly over to the large red draft stallion and his sister.

Another voice, one younger and filled with panic came. “Big Mac, Big Mac. What is wrong, say something!” the little filly with a pink bow in her mane cried.

However Rescue could not take the time to look at her. His eyes right on Mac’s eyes. “Everyone back,” he barked out. “Mac, listen to me close,” he said, watching the red stallion's eyes begin to bug out in panic. “Can you cough? Can you breath at all? If not, I want you to lift up on your rear legs and clasp your front hooves to your throat. Let me know you need help.”

He watched the stallion nod, then rise up, already Rescue was moving behind him as the hooves lifted and grasped.

Rearing up himself without a thought, he grabbed the large stallion in his grip. Thankful he was born as big as he is, Rescue hooked his hooves together under the other stallions ribs, giving a sharp yank up and in. Another, then a third one, on the fourth a chunk of pear shot out of Mac’s mouth and splattered on the ground.

Using his grip he lowered Mac down as he heard the big apple pony take a deep gasping breath and then a shuttering exhale. Keeping close so he could catch him if he fell over.
“Deep breaths, sit, just relax and breathe. You are okay,” Rescue tried to calm the red stallion, even as Applejack and Apple Bloom crowded in and started to speak at the same time.

“Mac, I dun told ya not ta chew more!” Applejack scolded him lightly.

“Oh big brother, ah was so scared for you!” said the little yellow filly.

Rescue spoke softly, “Don’t talk for a few minutes, Mac. Let your body relax and drink some water in about five minutes, slowly. No more eating tonight, and if you still feel sore in the morning, you go over to Ponyville Mercy and have one of the doctors give you a checkup, okay?”

He got a nod in reply before he turned, finding himself smack dab in the spotlight. Ponies all over clapped their hooves and cheered.

One purple alicorn spoke, “The Heimlich Maneuver! I have read about it in medical journals but I have not seen it before. I did not know Doctor Heimlich was teaching it yet.”

Rescue blushed slightly and lowered his ears some. “I was in his first class just a week before coming to Ponyville. I am very glad I took the time to take that class.”

He felt someone bump his side even as the alicorns grew closer. Turning to see Applejack, a genuine tear run down her face. “You saved my brothers life, I ain’t never going to forget what you done,” and he found himself in a very powerful hug, considering how much smaller of mare than he was.

Rescue wheezed. “I did my job Mi..Applejack, I am glad I was here to help.”

Once she let him go, Rescue turned to look once more on the sun and moon princesses. “Chief Sunstreak, thou are too humble. However we are pleased to see the good doctor's research put to real use. As such, we are issuing a decree," Princess Luna said.

Princess Celestia looked to her younger sister, who gave a nod, then back at the dark brown stallion before her. “You are to prepare classes once per month on this and anything else you can teach my little ponies in Ponyville. Seeing it being used has cemented my belief more lives can be saved if everypony knows the simple things to do.”

He bowed his head. “It will be done, my princess.”

A close observer would note his eyes looked to Luna as he spoke the words.

Author's Note

Woo longer chapter than before. Trying to do a new one every 2-3 weeks.

4 - Luna learns why

Later that night, as the party came to an end and Rescue had checked up on Big Mac, he found himself pulled aside by a thestral Lunar guard.

“Chief Sunstreak, my princess would like to have a word with you.”

Looking over where the dark pony pointed, he gave a nod and turned.

“Thank you sergeant. I have that right, yes?” Rescue gave a small gesture to the rank markings on the Lunar pony’s armor.

“Yes sir,” then he said in a lower and softer tone. “Few bother to look, we have all seen how you behave towards us. It is welcome, and will not be forgotten.”

The taller fire pony shook his head. “Sergeant, you are a pony like anypony else. You just happen to serve our beloved saint, Luna,” his eyes opening some as he slipped. He forgot the secret held close to the vest by many fireponies.

The thestral just gave a soft nod. “All of Luna’s guards know of the reverence held by the firepony and the Department, Chief. It is not something we intend to share with others,” he said, giving a slight hint of a smile.

Exhaling slowly, Rescue gave a nod. “Lead on if you please.”

A short walk out along the hall again and down, outside once more, he could not help but look up at the stars and the moon. Finding himself lead around the side of the crystal castle, his breath again sucked in, face to face with the Lunar princess herself!

“Sergeant Nightstrike, you are dismissed. Take up a watch where you wish,” she spoke softly as she turned to look at the firm brown stallion before her.

“Chief Sunstreak, come. We would like to have a talk with you,” Princess Luna said, turning to walk and looking as if she was heading for the small path that backed the castle and headed out in the direction of the lake. “Show us.”

He glanced over at the slightly taller regal mare for a moment and breathed out slowly. “I would pretend I do not know what you mean, my princess, but I will not dishonor you with a lie,” he stopped long enough to reach up and tug the small medallion out of his shirt. It hung on a thin silver chain, holding it up by the chain so she could see.

Leaning in, the night-blue alicorn examined it thoroughly for a moment then gave a soft noise in her throat. Not quite a grunt, not quite a scoff. “And all of thou wear this? The griffons, the minotaur, even the caribou among you?”

He nodded his head as he tucked it back in. “Yes, my princess,” he replied, not knowing what else to say.

She continued to walk slowly, looking up at the stars. “Tell us, Rescue. Why, what is thy meaning of this trinket,” turning her head to look him dead in the eyes. “We know of it only from your dreams, and the dreams of others. We are not close to others in the Department, not as we are with you. So we bid you, not as your princess, but as, we... I, dare say, a friend”

His eyes widened and then he swallowed the lump in his throat. Walking once more in silence, slowly, his heavy hooves making a dull clop at every step. He pondered the story to tell, then decided to tell her what he knew in full.

“Over a thousand years ago, before... the dark,” he started, glancing over at her. “It is said, one night you praised a young unicorn who saved five foals from a house on fire. He suffered great burns, lost the use of one eye. His name was Temple Sundown, he was a student of healing magics,” he continued, breathing slowly.

“The story is told, he took your words to heart. The words we tell from one firepony to the next, written in a book kept safe for all times by strong magic and our duty, our honor,” he licked his lips and turned, coming to a stop.

Looking into the Lunar princess’s eyes, he continued, “Thou art brave, thou thought not of safety for thine own body, but the safety of others. We only wish other ponies would think this way.”

He watched her blink, perhaps not even remembering that pony, that night.

He continued. “He started something in your name. At first just a few, then others. A night watch looking over the town, always vigilant for the smell of smoke, the light of fire and flame. In time, after…” he paused once more and lowered his ears. She saw this and understood.

“Continue Rescue, we are at peace with our past.”

He gave a nod. “As you wish, my princess,” a flicker of a smile on his muzzle. “After you were banished, the Canterlot Fire Department was formed. Its job was to watch the night as you did, to protect the ponies as they slept from the horror of a fire. In time, it became the Equestria Fire Department and spread out to other communities. More and more ponies, griffons, and others came and joined. They took the understanding and teachings home to their countries.”

He looked up at her once more, looking into her eyes. “We swear an oath, to do what must be done, that nopony, no griffon, nobody ever suffers the fate of burning. Not so long as one of us draws breath and can still lift a hoof.”

The Lunar princess looked at him a long time then asked, “And the medallion, thou worship me as a goddess?” She asked with a little stress in her tone. He could see it more in her eyes, she didn’t like that notion one bit. “I am just a pony too, Rescue.”

He gave a nod. “We know that princess, and not a goddess,” he considered his words before speaking out again. “As our patron saint,” he added, letting that sink in for a bit and watching her eyes go from concern to wide surprise. “We do not worship you, we simply remind ourselves in prayer to the moon, of the job given to us. To watch the night for the fire’s light, and rush to aid the ones that can not help themselves.”

Luna considered that. She could see the conviction, the pride, and the loyalty in the draft stallion's eyes. It was a long moment before she spoke again. “Thank you Rescue, for talking to us... to me, like this,” turning to face him.

“You have given a great deal of ideals and thoughts to ponder on. However,” her smile returned. “I am honored my simple words have brought forth such a proud and noble idea. You do your department,” then she says in a lower tone, “And your princess proud.”

Rescue's ears shot up, hearing her say that. He hesitated before saying softly “T-thank you, my princess. But, I am far from... noble... as you know well,” looking back into her deep aquatic blue eyes.

She gave a soft frown. “Thou has fought too long with with the demons of nightmares and drink, Rescue. Live now for yourself, and the future. Know that you have a friend, who watches your dreams for you.”

He had no words, the lump in his throat worked up and down a few times as he fought back tears. It would not do to cry before Luna of all ponies.

“I again have no words, my princess. The only thing I can think to say, is thank you.”

She stopped him with a hoof to his chest.

“Tonight, you stayed sober, you saw a pony in need and you reacted without a hesitant moment. Thou art stronger than thou knows, Rescue. Continue to fight, and others will rally to your side.”

He just nodded “By your words, my princess,” head lowered some.

Taking a step onto her chariot, she spoke in a lower and softer voice as if to no one.

“It is as you said, Captain. Just like the police force across Equestria. It worries me some that it may go beyond just simple prayer and oaths. However...“

A shadow moved, and formed next to her. It was a dark-blue armored Lunar earth pony guard coming up out of a shadow dive.

“My princess, they are loyal to you as we are.”

She exhaled slowly and gave a nod. “We can see that, and we can see we have let the counsel and nobles short bit the very ponies that protect us. We shall fight for them in the night court from now on. See to it that my sister is informed that we will be taking over budgeting of both the Equestria Fire Department, and the Equestria Police Department.”
Sharp-pointed teeth gleamed in the moonlight as the Lunar pony gave a nod.

“By your words, my princess. It will be done.”

Author's Note

Not as a goddess, but as a patron saint.

5 - Breaking ground

Up early every morning as always, Rescue found it hard to believe a week had passed already since his meeting with Luna the night of the party.

Of course everypony knew him now, and he liked that. The Apples had pushed for him to come out to the farm and have a meal, and last night he shared dinner with them. He had been introduced to the matriarch of the Apples, Granny Smith. He had known older ponies before, but that one, while frail in body, was sharp as a blade in mind. He had taken an instant like to her. After dinner, Big Mac had quietly talked with Rescue out near the barn. He had expressed interest in signing up to become a volunteer firefighter as long as the schedule did not interfere with his family's farm.

It would be good to have another draft pony on the team, as the big heavy wagons required more than just raw strength to pull. One had to have control, and the understanding that five hundred gallons of water did not like to turn street corners without a fight. He had of course agreed to give the stocky apple pony a chance once the time was right.

Today he was doing what he did every morning: jogging. He was outfitted with heavy weights strapped around his hooves, and across his back lay a heavy canvas saddle bag loaded down with stones from the river. He had plotted out a good path to run on his second morning. The one he was on took him out of the village, to Sweet Apple Acres fence line, then down along it to a road, that in turn took him along the edge of the Everfree forest past Miss Fluttershy’s house. She was always up the same early time to feed her critters and always had a wave and a hello for him as he jogged past.

Huffing hard, thick transparent sweat formed on his flanks and barrel, dripping down his neck and beading up on his forehead. He gave a little half nicker and brought himself to a stop from the walking trot he was at the last two hundred yards, shrugging off the saddle bag and sitting down there before the boarding house. While he started to pull off the weights from his hooves with his mouth, he did not hear the bubblegum-colored pony come up near him.

“Good morning, Chiefy!”

Groaning inside his head, he put a smile on, dropping the last weight on top of the bags to dry. “Good morning, Pinkie,” remembering to call her by her first name. How that mare had so much energy that she always was bouncing up and down was anypony’s guess.

“Mrs. Cake sent me over to give you this!”

Out of nowhere she produced a bag, he could smell the fresh muffins inside and his eyes sparkled.

“She did not need to, but thank you Pinkie. Please tell Mrs. Cake I said thank you too.”

The pink party pony just gave a laugh. “Silly willy, of course she doesn’t need to. Just that her and Mr. Cake are so thankful for what you did for Big Mac at the party.”

Laying his ears back “Pinkie, I understand. But, could you explain to everypony I was just doing my job. The same job I would for everypony in need,” then he paused.

“Pinkie, perhaps you could help spread the word. I will be putting up fliers in the square in a few days. I am going to hold a class on how to do the Heimlich maneuver, as well as basic CPR and first aid. I would sure like to see parents like Mr. and Mrs. Cake there as well.”

She lit up with a smile. “Oh you got it Chiefy weefy,” and off she bounced.

Shaking his head. “That mare scares me,” turning to trot into the boarding house and shower before his meeting with the construction workers to lay out the foundation of the station.

An hour passed, and he stood with a stallion that was just an inch shorter than himself looking out at the lot. The table before them had the plans unrolled and held down with a couple of stones to prevent from flying away in the breeze. The big brick colored stallion next to him bore the cutie mark of a brick with a trowel half on top of it. The pony’s name was Red Brick, but he had already made it clear to Rescue he wanted to be called Red.

“So, Red, what do you think?” Rescue asked, looking over at him.

A thick Lower Manehattan accent came from the tan stallion. “I don’t see no problem, big job however. I am going to need ten ponies on this, plus another five once we get the walls up past the foundation work.”

Rescue frowned and thought about the budget. Looking out at the field, they had spent all morning laying out string and stakes to mark out the whole foundation. You could see where the big squad bay would be, the stairs up to the crew bay and sleeping quarters, the storage rooms, the locker room and showers. They had even laid out the area out back where the water tower, challenge tower, and stone burn building would go.

“Red, I can accept ten, the extra five, well, I don’t have that kind of money. How about we call it ten, plus two more, and I give you a extra week on the time schedule? I can push the framers up a few days, and that should do it.”

Red eyed the stallion at his side a moment then looked back out at all the stakes and then down at the plans. “Yous got yourself a deal there, Chief,” and turned lifting his hoof up he spat in the frog.

Rescue did the same and then clopped his hoof to the others. “Thank you for working with me on this, Red.”

“Okay yous guys, we got ourselves a job, a big one. One that is gonna make us look good, and we are doing something special for Ponyville."

Red looked over the crew he had pulled in. For this afternoon they just needed to start pulling weeds up, and getting the larger stones in the lot out of the way to get things ready before having the foundation trenches dug. He had four earth ponies, two unicorns, and two pegasus ponies. Of the last two, one of them was rather unique. He had large wings, much larger than most pegasus had. It didn’t make him good for speed, but he was plenty able to lift a ton in a harness. Ailan Sempar, he had worked with the big lifter before and never been let down by his work ethics.

“Ailan, you and Granite team up, start working on that big bastard there.”

Pointing the earth pony and pegasus to the huge boulder smack dab where the showers will be. He pointed to one of the unicorns.

“Point Break, you will help them once you get the ground burned down and cleaned up.”

The unicorn with the stone cracked in half and flames coming out of it gave a gentle nod. “Sure thing, boss.”

Watching as the earth pony helped the pegasus into his lift harness, Red gave a nod, observing the time each took to go over every strap and every buckle. It would not do to have an accident, a improperly worn harness could cause a stone to fall, or worse still cause the pegasus to crash down into the ground under full load.

Unnoticed by the whole crew was a green eyed dark brown stallion, standing over near Colgate's pharmacy. For that moment, he could not rip his eyes away from watching the tan stallion spread out his wings. Giving a slight gasp, he had never seen wings that large before, they rivaled even Luna’s wing span! He felt a blush creep into his face, before ripping his eyes away and turning, trotting away back to the group going to work, he muttered to himself and flattening his ears.

“Quit dreaming, he ain’t broken like me and even if he was... No, stop thinking like that, he ain’t.”

Jaw set in a frown, head down, he found himself a spot well out of the way in an alley. Banging his head into the wall once, lightly.

“Stop thinking about it, you are normal!” he growled at himself.

Author's Note

WOW, two chapters in under a week. I don't know if I can keep this pace up but we will see. The chapters are just racing to get out of my head now. :rainbowlaugh:

6 - Hidden truths and visible lies

Rescue had made a point to stay away from the site all week. However, Red had sent word that he needed the firepony there this morning.

With great trepidation, he trotted out to the site, hoping against hope the Pegasus was not there. Ailan, he had found out his name, was from a few mares that talked to him at Berry Punch’s local bar. He didn’t need the stress right now.

Trotting up, he noted already the big winged stallion was in the air, ropes came down from his harness and he was lowering a large bucket to the ground. His earth pony helper on the ground grabbed the ropes and unhooked the empty bucket, then shifted them over to one full of dirt near the trench two other pony were digging in.

His eyes watched as he waited for Red to trot over. That big wingspan pumped harder, and with almost no effort he watched as the bucket lifted from the ground. Suddenly a thought came to him, well, not many thoughts had come. However, he had forced them away like he always did by jogging, and if they came too much, a little pain from a headbutt to a wall did the trick.

No, this idea was new. He pondered, could a pony that big lift another pony in some kind of sling? Would the flight be smooth enough? He didn’t hear Red come up.

“Yo, Chief, glad you could come by.”

Rescue snapped out of his thought and he turned. “Good morning, Red, what’s up?”

For once, Red kind of paused then gestured to the plans on the table next to them. “We are hitting a lot of large stones, gonna make us a week behind easy.”
Rescue glanced out at the work being done and back to Red.

“Well,” a long exhale followed and he gave a nod. “Can’t be helped. Are we still going to make it before the summer heat hits?”

Red glanced up at the sky and back over to the plans then gave a nod. “Yeah. If we push hard enough, we can do it, Chief.”

Rescue pondered then turned and pulled out a paper from his left saddle bag, offering it out to the brick colored stallion. Red took it, looked it over, then lifted a eyebrow with a surprised look.

“This here is on the up and up, Chief?”

Rescue gave a nod. “Yep, Luna’s seal is on it and I verified it with Princess Twilight Sparkle. It came directly in from Canterlot. The budget for five more workers, and two more stone masons has been approved,” he said, surprised himself that it happened.

Red beamed. “More ponies working, making bits to feed their families and helping get this place up off the ground. I sure thank you for that, Chief.”

“Wasn’t me, Red, but if it helps Ponyville and gets my station done, I am all for it.”

Two weeks later, Rescue found himself hanging out in a bar. Not a place his AA sponsor would like him to be, if she weren’t sitting next to him right now. As it turned out, soon as he had checked in after coming to Ponyville, Applejack was given over to sponsor his sobriety. He didn’t know her whole story but she knew the demon in the bottle well.

Sitting to his other side at the table was the mint colored unicorn mare he had become good friends with. Lyra and her marefriend were the first openly same-gender couple he had ever come across. He had confided to Lyra, but made her swear an oath to never speak of it. She had become concerned when she saw a mark on his forehead one night having dinner with them. She was quite disappointed in him over that, over the fact he would hurt himself to keep from thinking about...

“How y'all feeling, Rescue?” The southern drawl coloring the words of the mare to his left.

The big brown stallion exhaled a bit. “The smell if a bit rough, but, I am doing okay,” he replied, looking at the glass of water in front of him.

“Well now, we got to test yer limits, Rescue. Got ta' make sure you can walk into a bar or restaurant and not feel pressure.”

He gave a nod to the blonde maned mare and looked up, hearing the door open, just in time to see that same winged pegasus walk in. He let out a groan and looked away fast as he could, but it wasn’t fast enough. The sand pegasus had seen him and was heading his way. He looked up to find Lyra glaring at him just as the stallion walked up.

“Hey, it’s Rescue, yes?”

Turning he found himself looking at the green eyes of an angel given pony form. It was everything he had in him to just nod and mutter, “Eeyup.”

This of course had two reactions, one was AJ narrowing her eyes, and the other was Lyra kicking him in the leg under the table. It was the mint unicorn that spoke up. “Ignore him. Hi, my name is Lyra, and this is Applejack, and you are?”

The pegasus gave a warm smile. “Ailan Sempar, but all the fellas call me Ailan.”

Rescue could feel the eyes on the side of his head, he thought about shutting his own eyes and getting up to leave. However, before he could, AJ spoke up.

“Well grab a seat there partner, Rescue and I are just working to be social without feeling the need to drink.”

She, however, noticed Rescue acting very odd, and spoke to him.

“Sugarcube, what in tarnation got yer tongue?”

Rescue shook his head. “Nothing, I am fine.”

Whoops, rule one, never lie to your sponsor, especially when she is the damn element of Honesty! He could feel AJ’s eyes bore into him and lifted his head to look her in the face.

Before she could say anything she watched the pegasus touch Rescue’s hoof. Suddenly the lights went on for her, then again the look on Lyra’s face was enough to put the rest of the puzzle together in her head. The lack of interest in any of the mares, the fact he never once spoke of a marefriend, the way he avoided looking Mac in the eyes, and now this stallion.

“Hey, Rescue. Are you okay?”

Turning his head, he found himself looking at Ailan, and his nerves gave out. He was up and out the door before anypony could say a word. Muscles born of years of pulling wagons and of running for a living pushed him on and into the night, heading for his rented room.

What he didn’t see was AJ and Lyra bracketing a yellow pegasus stallion who looked upset. Lyra leaned over and said softly. “It isn’t you, Ailan, he is just dealing with a lot.”

AJ, who was still processing it all, did find the voice to speak. “Y’all give him a day, then talk to him. Ah will make darn sure he ain’t gonna do that again. Ah don’t know what is going on, but ah got my suspicions and if they are right, well that is between you and him,” as she turned and walked off.

Lyra was always one to butt her head in where she shouldn’t, and looked at Ailan.

“Ailan you, like him don’t you?”

Turning to look at her a moment, he set his jaw and then turned to leave.

“Does it matter? He made his point.”

Lyra exhaled and watched the pony take flight and head off above the buildings. Looking back to where AJ had headed, in the same direction as Rescue, she knew Bon Bon was going to need to be there too. So she went to grab her before heading that way.

Applejack found his door closed in the boarding house. Although, she could hear somepony inside, and she lifted a hoof and knocked, waiting she said in a soft tone. “Sugarcube, we need to talk.”

The door cracked open, then Rescue backed away from it. He wouldn’t face her, looking out the window not back over at the Apple mare who was not only his sponsor in sobriety, but likely one of the best and only friends he had in Ponyville. He heard her close the door with a click and then sit down, half blocking it.

“You... don’t like mares, do you?”

She was blunt, but that is what honesty is. He lowered his ears and kept looking out the window, unable to even meet her eyes in the reflection of her behind him.

“N.. no. I tried AJ, I tried everything to fix myself. I... I don’t know what is wrong with me!”

His voice rose with every word, but before he could get much more out, he was cut off by another knock, a voice, then a second one came from the other side of it. Lyra, then Bon Bon!

“Rescue, can we come in?”

He gave a nod that AJ could see, and she moved out of the way of the door, not speaking as the two mares trotted in. Lyra had tear stains down her cheek, and she could see Bon Bon looked upset as well. Now everyone in town kind of knew about the two. Heck, there wasn’t anything wrong with it, the heart wants what the heart wants, was Applejack’s view on it. She looked back over at the big dark draft stallion, watching his shoulders quiver as he fought down his emotions.

“Rescue, turn and look at me.”

He shook his head lightly. His deep voice filled with a self loathing and hate for himself that was almost visible it was so thick. “If I do, you will walk out that door and never want to talk to me again. I am weak, I am broken.”

Lyra hitched a half sob hearing him speak like that. Bon Bon looked pissed off hearing the words and was about to open her mouth. Applejack put up her hoof and stopped her, looking back over at the stallion in the small room.

“Rescue, ah give my word, ah ain’t goin' no place. Now, turn and talk to us. We are yer friends, sugarcube. Friends don’t turn their backs on each other over stuff like this.”

He paused, then turned slowly. Long ago he had sworn to never shed a tear, not in front of others. Tonight, he broke that promise to himself. His large eyes brimmed with them, a few stray tears raced down his cheek fur to drip off his jaw and splatter on the ground. He could see Lyra was crying, Bon Bon was both upset and angry but holding the mint pony tight. It was Applejack that shocked him the most. She had a soft smile on her face.

“Told ya, I ain’t gonna leave yer side Rescue. Yer my friend, and now ya are gonna listen to me before ya say another word.”

Applejack took her hat off and set it on the bed, looking over her shoulder at Lyra and Bon Bon before turning and walking over sitting right down in front of the much bigger stallion, looking up at his face.

“You ain’t broken, you ain’t a bad pony, and you ain’t whatever other words you are sittin' there screaming at yourself in that head of yours. You are a good pony, a good stallion, and you got to accept that as the truth. You got poor Lyra here so upset, she can’t stop crying. Ah think if ah wasn’t here, Bon Bon there would be kicking yer keester all over the room.”

He glanced up at them, then back to Applejack and nodded his head. Rescue was not daring to speak yet, and was not sure if he could keep the pressure at bay if he did. He watched her eyes move back back at the mares behind her, then back up at him.

“Ya ain’t staying here tonight, not alone. Lyra, Bon Bon, can he use yer spare room?”

Bon Bon spoke up first as she kept her leg around the mint unicorn shuddering and sobbing softly into her neck. “Yes, no questions, no talking tonight. Just rest and sleep.”

Applejack looked back at the firepony and gave a nod.

“You ain’t gonna take off, you will stay put tonight and sleep. In th' morning ah will come on over after ah drop Applebloom off at school. You and me, we are gonna have us a long talk and you are telling me what is going on in that thick head of yours.”

All the big stallion could do was nod, then, found himself in a hug tight as can be by all three mares. The soft mint one spoke with a broken, but still confident voice.

“We will help you, Rescue. All of us.”

Author's Note

Just kind of a personal note here. This chapter and the next few Rescue is going to be facing feelings and thoughts that are the same ones many of us who are LGBT have had to. I draw for this from my own personal experiences in growing up and coming out in my 30's

A lot of people run from their feelings. Be it because of upbringing, social pressure, or just self loathing. Some, never survive it, and choose death over life. Please don't make that choice if you are one of them reading this story. Shoot me a message in private, I would be proud to sit and talk with you and share my own experiences on things.

7 Truth and self loathing in Ponyville

Lyra laid next to her partner in life, looking over at her eyes. She had cried so much, she had literally no tears left. Bon Bon had still not said a word. She exhaled, lip trembling some before she finally spoke in a much softer voice than usual.

“W-why would he say that about himself? Why would h-he hate himself like that?”

Bon Bon’s heart shattered. Lyra was a good pony, and she hurt for the big stallion seeing him beat himself up like that. She too hurt, but she had to be the strong one here. It killed her to see Lyra like this, and it hurt almost as much to see her new friend hate himself, hate who he was inside. She just could not understand it, why would anypony do that?

“I don’t know, Lyra, but we will find out in the morning. We will stay at his side and be good friends and try our best to help him see he is a good pony.”

Bon Bon gave a soft nod and a sniffle as she lay barrel and chest to the other mare, legs tangled with each other. For five years now they had been together, and other than a few of the so-called upper class ponies, no one cared. Then, she paused and frowned some thinking of something.

“Bon, did you lock up—”

Bon Bon gave a nod, cutting Lyra off. “Yes, I locked the liquor cabinet and I put away the candies in the store in the locked cupboard.”

Lyra sighed and laid her head beneath her mates chin, nose pressed to her neck and tried to find sleep shortly after.

Sleep was not to come for Rescue. He laid there in the strange bed, in the strange room, looking out of the window at the stars. He wished he could see the moon, but it was not to be at the angle the room afforded its view. Equal parts hate for himself, while anger at life in general tore at him. This was far worse than the guilt of being caught by his adoptive father with magazines. Sure he had just said colts shouldn’t have such things, not until he was older that is. However, his brother had told a few of his buddies, and the other colts and fillies had made it clear that he was a sick colt. The teasing and whispered words of colt-cuddler and stallion-sucker had done their job, they taught him it was wrong to think this way.

He had spent his whole life trying to be normal, to be like others. Heck, he had dated a few fillies in high school. He had even tried to be with one in bed once, but, that had turned into a nightmare. Then came the Equestrian Guard, and one didn’t dare get found out there. One guy in boot camp had been caught looking at others in the shower. He shuddered at the thought of the beating that the others had dished out on that stallion.

Of course, he got out after doing his four years as a corpspony, and got into the Fire Academy. Once more, stallions were for mares, and you were a freak if you looked at another stallion in that way. Real stallions didn’t do stuff like that, and no firepony would stoop so low. He had been hearing all the jokes and ribbing all his life, he even used the slurs and slang himself in jokes and talks with others to play himself up.

No one ever knew the few times he dared duck out. There were a few bars in Canterlot, seedy places where no good pony would go. Dark places that stunk of sweat and shame and booze. Getting drunk was easy. He could lie to himself and say that quick go on your knees in the bathroom stall was just the creature from the bottle, and not himself. Of course, it took more to wash the taste out of his muzzle and the shame out of your mind.

He wanted a drink. Luna help him, he wanted one so bad now, to just crawl back in and give himself to the oblivion of the burning down his throat and the raw ache in his gut, the pounding head in the morning, and the smell of sweat and failure. All of it would be better than facing AJ, Lyra, and Bon Bon in the morning. Better than thinking about that pegasus…

“You are a stupid, bad pony Rescue.”

Turning his head, he looked over at the mirror. He knew that voice it was the pony inside of him. The one that always helped him hide from thoughts and dreams, watching his reflection talk back to him.

“You are a waste of pony flesh, how you have not stepped out in front of a wagon or off of a ledge in Canterlot and ended things is beyond me.”

His ears fell back, Rescue sitting up. “I—I don’t want to die.”

“And yet here you are thinking about... a stallion again.” There was venom in that tone, hate coloring the words.

“I…”

“I… I… I, what? You are weak! You think the other fireponies want a... A colt-cuddler among them! You think they are going to stand side by side with a freak like you?”

Rescue whispered out softly, his big body shaking with fear. “N-no.”

Silent tears fell, as he curled up on himself, muttering to himself over and over through his silent sobs. “N-no, I-I am not that way, no."

AJ sat in the kitchen looking over at Lyra as Bon Bon was cooking up some hay fries for breakfast. All three kept looking out the door at the steps from upstairs where the bedrooms were. Applejack frowned some.

“It ain’t like him to still be in bed. Y’all sure you kept things, y'know, locked up?”

Lyra gave a nod and pointed to the locked cabinet, watching AJ’s eyes follow her gesture.

“Yeah, Bon Bon made sure, Applejack,” she replied, hearing a noise and glancing over.

Coming down the stairs was death. No, no, that was Rescue, but he looked like hell. His mane was not even close to brushed out, his eyes swollen and bloodshot, a five o'clock shadow on his lower maw said he had not shaved, and the smell as he stood in the doorway said he had not even taken a shower. He would not look up, he would not make eye contact with any of them. The look of utter defeat was in his motions and on his face.

“I-I can’t do this today. I got to get back and shower and, I have a lot of stuff to—”

Applejack set her hoof down on the table hard enough to rattle the plates, and make the other two mares present jump. Rescue simply flinched at the sound.

“Horseapples, Rescue. You ain’t lied to me ever, but yer doing it now like ya did last night! You gonna let that hurt our friendship?”

For a moment, just a tiny moment, he heard that voice far off "freak" before he tried to look up and meet the apple pony’s gaze. He could see anger in her eyes, but also friendship and worry, she was concerned about him. Looking from her to Lyra, who again looked so upset, and Bon Bon standing there with a pan of something. She looked, hurt, worried…

“No.”

As he sat down, a glass of apple juice and a plate of hay fries with ketchup on them was slid before him on the table. How was he going to do this? He had to find a way out of it, He had to. Just then, a hoof touched his arm and he peered over, Bon Bon looked right at his face.

“My mother, she never approved of me. I ran away from home when I was fourteen, after she came home and found me, well, in bed with a filly friend from school.”

Rescue’s eyes grew wider as he listened.

“She took to me with a belt, said she would drive the nightmare poison out of me, and that no daughter of hers would be a filly-floofer,” she paused, taking a heavy breath. “I bounced around a lot after that. Foster homes, living on the street, until I got my act together and my head in gear.”

Another soft breath came. “Five years ago, I met Lyra there, and things have been perfect since then.”

He watched her walk away to resume cooking for the other mares there. Rescue glanced up to see AJ offer a tiny knowing smile, then to Lyra who wiped her cheek and a stray tear. He looked back down at his plate and it all just, spilled out.

Over the next two hours he told of everything. His childhood with his parents, losing his family to a fire, telling them of growing up adopted, and the huge family of firefighters that helped raise him. His brother and adopted father, the other foals at school, the shame and secrets, getting beat up, being made fun of. The secret hate for his brother he harbored.

Of course, they all knew about the drinking, although not the reason. He had not been ready to open up about that to Applejack, but now it all spilled out. The heavy drinking from age of fourteen, the seedy bars, the shame of a few moments in some dirty bathroom stall or some dark stinking alleyway. Only to go back to the bar and wash down the shame and feelings with more drinking.

Not once did any of the mares break in. Not once did they stop him with a question. More than once a hoof touched his arm, or a leg snaked around him in a soft hug. The tears had started up again when he started to talk about the voice, the nagging voice that reminded him every day he was a freak. That he was not normal, that no stallion would want to go at it with another stallion. He found Lyra holding him as tight as she could as the story ran out of him with the tears of self doubt and self-loathing.

After a break, being led upstairs by Applejack to the bathroom, where she urged Rescue to wash up, and she would sit right there and wait for him. He felt just a slight bit better, even if he didn’t have the guts to look at himself in the mirror. He knew that voice would come back if he did. He came out after, head down, to find the yellow maned mare true to her word. Back down the stairs to sit on the sofa with her next to him, facing the other two across a small table.

“Now that you look a bit better, y’all got some answers to give.” She started, looking at him. “What is with you and that Ailan fella?”

Rescue shook his head. “I-I don’t know, AJ, I just don’t know. I see him and my heart skips a beat. I feel like my gut is going to flip over a few times. I-I ain’t never seen a stallion like him before, then he looks at me and he smiles. He doesn’t frown, he doesn’t look mad, he smiles and he wants to talk, but I always find a reason to get away. I guess last night I just... he was right there, and then I looked in his eyes and... damn. I really screwed it up bad, didn’t I?”

The orange mare was quiet for a moment, then gave a little nod. “Ya sure did, sugarcube, and you want a chance to talk to him again you are gonna have to work hard fer it.” She said, watching the big stallion's look. “But, ya ain’t lost all hope. Ah think if you went up to him, he would talk to ya.”

Looking over at her a long time, quiet, he then gave a nod. She was right, if there was any place he could try to not be ashamed, it was Ponyville. Perhaps the big golden pegasus would tell him off, perhaps not. However, he had to give it a go if he had his friends at his back.

“I... I will try.”

Lyra gave a small smile and glanced at Bon Bon. Together, they spoke, “Wine and juice party.”

Applejack gave a gentle smile. Rescue, however, had a sinking feeling in his gut.

Author's Note

I drank a lot when I was younger, trying to escape the feelings I had for other guys. It took a long time for me to wake up and see the truth and when I did. I came to find that my friends had been trying to help me all along. The bottle is never a solution and that voice inside...lies.

Believe in yourself, not what society tells you to be.

8 - Facing fear

Rescue had stayed away from the boarding house, and in fact, away from everypony for the last two days. Lyra had insisted he stay with them, while Applejack had agreed it was for the best ,so he had been escorted back to the boarding house to pick up a few days worth of personal effects. Having AJ walk at his side gave him a little extra strength. He knew in his heart she would never let him falter. He never had a friend at all like her, but thank Luna for having met her and her family.

Tonight was the small party, and Ailan had been invited. He knew it would be small, knew everyone that would be there. Lyra and Bon Bon, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Princess Twilight, a few he knew just in passing like Colgate. He knew he was to be one of only three stallions there. Himself, Time Turner...or was it the Doctor, he was never sure, would likely come with the walleyed mare that was his special somepony.

Looking in the mirror, he exhaled as he tried to brush his mane for the twentieth time. Of course, there would be one other stallion there, if he showed up at all. What would he say, what would he do, how could he talk to Ailan? Closing his eyes, that damn voice came again, his eyes snapping open to look at his reflection.

“So you are going to do this, admit you are a freak? Parade around like some weak willed fillycolt in front of everypony?”

Shutting his eyes again, “Shut up,” he whispered. “Just... shut up. I am so tired of running from myself!”

The voice didn’t answer back. For once, all was silent. Opening his eyes again, Rescue stared once more at himself then shrugged. Turning and walking out of the bathroom, he found Bon Bon in the hall looking at him softly.

“Your friends are at your side, Rescue. We won’t let you face this alone.”

He gave a soft nod of his head. He was thankful for the words, they meant more to him than Bon Bon likely understood. He looked down at the floor once again, a bad habit he had when avoiding himself rather than the pony he was talking to.

“I... I don’t know if I can do this, Bon Bon. I... have never been afraid of things. I have always been the one my fellow firefighters knew they could lean on. Here I am acting like a scared little colt, afraid to talk to somepony. Luna knows if he will even show up!"

She lifted a hoof and touched his lower leg with a smile, tilting her head up so she could look the much taller pony in the eyes.

“He is downstairs now, Rescue. Lyra is keeping him company. He came in with Applejack and Twilight. You and I are going to go downstairs together and out into the back yard. Then, it is your call. You have to decide if you want to go over and talk.”

Rescue's eyes moved down again at the hoof touching his leg, and then lifted his head enough to look into Bon Bon’s gaze. He saw what she was offering, not just words, but a rock to lean on. To be there for him just like his other new friends were. He gave a short nod of his head.

“O... Okay.”

The back yard really was decent this time of year. It was warm still, yet the sun had just set and the moon was on the rise. Luna’s sky danced with the sparkle of untold thousands of stars. The fenced in yard was strung with small lanterns hung along ropes that stretched above the gathering. Looking around, Rescue noted all the ponies that came.

There was Twilight talking to the gray bubble-marked mare and her coltfriend. Rainbow Dash was talking to Rarity and Colgate, but the one that drew his eye, the one over at the far end of the place was the big winged pegasus talking to Lyra and Applejack. He saw Ailan’s eyes meet his and his legs started to gently wobble. The desire to run, to take off back into the house came on almost overpowering all the courage he had mustered up. It was Bon Bon at his side that broke him out of his internal fight with a nudge.

“Go, talk to him. Worst thing that can happen is he says no, right?”

Looking over and down at the smaller candymaker mare, he gave a single nod and lifted his head, offering another to others who greeted him. He could smell the sweet aroma of the wine some of them were drinking and a tiny little burn in his gut spoke of want, though he ignored it. Walking over to where the three stood, it was Lyra that spoke first.

“I think I need to check in with Bon Bon. AJ, would you give me a hoof bringing out the snacks?”

A few blinks came from the farmer mare and then a nod of her head. She got what Lyra was doing and knew it was for the best.

“Sure thing, sugarcube. Rescue, Ailan if y’all will pardon us.”

Left alone with a stallion who was smaller, but no less the stallion, Rescue opened his mouth to speak then snapped it shut as Ailan’s voice cut in first.

“Lyra has been talking to me, Rescue. She explained some things, said you would talk about other thing when you were ready. I am not here to push, heck, I am not even sure I know why I am here. I just know I look up time to time to see you looking at me. I see you want to talk but are afraid of me, or of something perhaps I represent.”

Ailan found green eyes looking back at him now. He could see fear, but also a spark of hope in the face of the rather large firepony.

“I just want to say Rescue that, whatever we talk about. Whatever we happen to say, no one will….”

Rescue found his voice, cutting Ailan off. Every ounce of himself in his effort to not sound like a moron or a scared little colt.

“C-can I get you a cup of apple juice? O-or if you want some wine, I will have to have Lyra bring it over as I am not allowed to even transport it yet, because...”

Now he found himself cut off as a hoof covered his mouth?!

“Applejack told me, and juice would be just fine, thank you,” Ailan smiled, lowering his hoof again.

If he could blush any harder, he would be lighting up the world around him. Rescue just gave a nod and bit his lip before exhaling with a not quite silent nicker.

“Ailan, I... how do I talk to you without sounding like a creep, or worse?”

The slightly smaller pegasus gave a smile at Rescue. Then a light laugh slipped out, a warm grin on his face but a deep understanding in his expression.

“Well, just like that Rescue, just like that. You and I talk, we be open and upfront about things, we don’t lie, we don’t hide from the truth. Heck, I suspect your friend Applejack there would kick both of our flanks if we lied to each other. Just, tell me one thing, okay? No beating around the bush, no half truths. I have had too many failed attempts at something more than just friends to skirt around the subject, okay?”

He extended his wings a bit and set them back with a flutter to his sides, looking right into the bright green eyes of the dark draft stallion before him.

“Is there any chance, whatsoever, there might be something between us. At least from your side of things?”

In a little shock, Rescue was unable to answer at first. He had never met someone so bold, so up front, so blunt about things. How did he answer this? Was there more than just a raw attraction here? He barely knew this pegasus and yet, part of him wanted to. Before the voice could cut in, before he could lose what little courage he had, he found his head offering a nod and his voice come out, separate of his mind’s actions. It was his heart that took over, giving no quarter to what the brain wished to say.

“Yes.”

One word, three little letters. Yet Rescue watched as the doubt fell from the stallion before him. Saw the look of trepidation slip away, and was replaced by a genuine and warm smile. A hoof came up and gestured to the table with the refreshments.

“Let's get some apple juice, and you can tell me about yourself. I am curious about what brought you to Ponyville.”

They were still talking long after everypony had left, long after the yard was cleaned up, long after the moon had slid from the sky and Celestia’s sun came up over the hills. Like the new day that washed over them both, Rescue found himself lost in the smaller stallion's eyes, and then a pair of lips pressed to his. It was just a chase and soft kiss, but as real as anything he had ever felt. They parted after, Ailan speaking before flying off.

“Go sleep, Rescue. I will come over after work tomorrow, we could go have dinner together, perhaps?”

Rescue gave a soft nod of his head, bringing his hoof up to rest on Ailan’s shoulder before pulling back.

“I... I would like that... A lot.”

9 - Dinner and a hospital

Looking at himself in the mirror for the nine-thousandth time, Rescue frowned. Turning, glancing at the blue t-shirt with the EFD logo on the single pocket, the simple pants. Turning this way and that, ignoring the pile of things on the bed and the floor of the little room he rented, Rescue gave a little huff and turned again, tilting his head back.

“Makes my plot look fat, perhaps I am fat. Oh hell, what am I going to do, what if he thinks I am fat? What if he doesn’t like what I am wearing? I should have bought something new…”

“Rescue, with all respect and love I have for you my friend, shut up.”

He snapped his attention back at Lyra, who was sitting in the weirdest way on the bed legs crossed, with her face in her left hoof as she shook her head, looking back at him.

“You look fine, it's a dinner date, not the Gala. Ailan is taking you out because he wants to be with you, not what you dress in.”

Snorting and looking back in the mirror, part of Rescue expected that negative voice to talk, but since the party two nights ago, since that parting kiss, the voice had been oddly silent. He pondered a bit as he looked back over towards Lyra.

“You sure? I mean, look, I ain’t been on a date in over twenty years, it's been since my last year in school.”

She slid off the bed and trotted over to him, looking up as always at the bigger pony.

“Yes, now relax will you! I am sure you are going to be—”

Rescue and Lyra both turned their attention to the door as a light tap came on it. He flattened his ears and looked around the room. It was a mess, and he started to hyperventilate some. Lyra rolled her eyes once again and hooked her hoof on his front leg and yanked. Rescue found himself almost thrown at the door, managing to get it open just in time. He used his body to block the room behind him and stepped out, staring right into the eyes of a surprised but happy pegasus.

“You look great, Rescue," Ailan smiled warmly.

What should he say? What should he do? Did Ailan just compliment him? Oh sweet Luna, he had forgotten how to speak, he has gone mute he has…

“Ouch, hey!”

Looking back over his shoulder at the mint colored mare, who just poked him with a hoof. She offered Ailan a smile.

“Good evening, Ailan, you look great. Forgive this big lug here, he seems to have gone dumb.”

Again, Rescue gave a snort and looked back at Ailan. The pegasus had on a simple vest, and that was it, but it was clear he had preened and cleaned himself up quite a bit. Laying his ears back, Rescue found his voice at last.

“Y... You look really handsome... Oh, er good? Great!”

Ailan laughed, a warm, soft sound as he put his hoof up on the big stallion's left leg.

“It's okay. Relax, Rescue, we are going to have a great time, and hello to you, Lyra.”

Lyra pushed her way past in the hall and said with a cheeky little tone. “You have him back by ten, and remember, Bon Bon and I expect his virtue to remain intact.”

Rescue’s eyes shot open, even as Ailan started to chuckle at that. He shot the unicorn a dirty look and gave a huff.

“Goodnight, Lyra.”

Ailan kept up the soft laugh and turned, nudging Rescue with his shoulder.

“I don’t know, Lyra, big stallion like this, how do I keep my hooves off him?”

Rescue blushed a bright red shade, though relieved his coat color hid most of it. Lyra, however, laughed and slapped Ailan gently in the muzzle with her tail.

“Just remember, no drinking. Now, you two have fun.”

Off she trotted down the stairs. The big stallion looked over at the slightly smaller one at his side and tucked his head down a bit, finding himself looking right into Ailan’s eyes.

“I... she means well.”

“Oh, I am quite aware, Rescue. She and Bon Bon gave me quite the talking to,” Ailan's eyes grew soft and his smile warm. “They love you quite a bit, Applejack the same, they really put me through the wringer before I even got to that party.”

Rescue gave a chuckle at that. He knew how they were, even in the short time they had all been friends he knew they would act like big sisters around him. “Sorry about that. They, well, tend to be a bit overprotective of me for some reason.”

They both headed down the stairs and across town. Walking shoulder to shoulder, talking about this and that. One set of eyes however, watched them go past, and narrowed with a deep frown.

Dinner was very nice, they sat in the back patio of the restaurant. Both talked, and drank some water rather than wine. The food was amazing, even if there was a slight back and forth as to who would pay for the meal. Rescue found himself caught off guard when Ailan shoved his lips to his own. A kiss soft, but held for a few seconds, only for Rescue see the bits on the tray next to the bill when it broke.

“That was not fair!” Rescue pouted.

Ailan smirked and gave a shrug. “So? I don’t see you saying you didn’t like it.”

Rescue shook his head as they both got up and trotted out. It was early yet, and Ailan had suggested they take a walk down to the park. Turning down a narrow street together they found their way blocked by three ponies. Two earth pony and one Unicorn, oddly both Ailan and he knew all three of them.

“Red, how you doing, what is—”

“Shut your mouth, coltlover!”

Rescue’s muzzle snapped shut. The venom in the red stallions tone, the look in his eyes, he had seen this before. This was not a good place to be, he glanced over at Ailan but kept one eye on the three troublemakers. Ailan shook his head.

“Red, we are not looking for trouble, just go on, you are drunk. Go sleep it off.”

“Screw you, plotlover. To think I let you work on my sites, and to think I took money from some, some… foalbucker.”

“Enough, I won’t let you stand here and talk like that Red, go home, I will come get my final check in the—”

The swing came out of nowhere. Rescue saw it but had no time to stop it. He watched in horror as Red’s front hoof smashed into Ailan’s jaw and sent him down like a tower of blocks. The other ponies two started to laugh, as Red spoke up.

“You won’t get anything, coltcuddler. You stay off my jobs, and as to you, freak...”

Rescue was a good, peaceful pony. He hated violence, he had avoided fights all his life. He was a healer, a giver of aid. Yet something new, something he had never felt boiled up inside him. His vision clouded some, as his eyes lifted to look at the red colored stallion that was his equal in size. He could see Red’s mouth moving but all he could hear was the hard thud of his heart and the voice. The voice, it was back but it was so different, it was filled with rage now not self doubt. It screamed at him...

Kill him!

“We are stopping your job, tell they send someone who ain’t a fo—”

Red never finished his sentence. Red never saw what hit him, though the other two did. Rescue planted his left hoof and spun with all his might. His rear legs snapped out, muscles built of hard work, of power and working out, fired as he kicked out in a mule kick. Somewhere deep in Rescue’s mind he winced. He heard the sound as his steel-shod hooves impacted the flesh. He felt Red's bones shatter under his kick, felt the sickening vibration of the shoulder joint give way, then heard the sound of wet splatter as the big red stallion flew back almost four feet into the wall and fell to the ground.

He turned as the other two blinked, and a tone that was not Rescue, was not who the gentle stallion was, came from his throat.

“Run.”

Both did, there was no doubts in their mind that their lives would be forfeit if they stood their ground.

Rescue turned and grabbed Ailan, helping him up to his hooves. The impact of what he had done starting to crush down on him. He had to hold it together, because Red was not getting up. They could both see it, the stallions front left leg was at an angle it should not be able to be. The raspy wet breathing spoke of at least a few broken ribs and perhaps a punctured lung.

Rescue snapped back into the ingrained training in him. Looking at Ailan.

“Go, fast as you can, get Twilight, then get to Mercy and have them send a wagon, GO!”

He watched the large-winged stallion take off without a word of argument. Turning, Rescue knelt down next to Red who was out cold. Nothing he could do without his rescue gear, but he could keep the big stallion from moving and making things worse.

Rescue gave a nod to the guards before they trotted off. He sat down again in the waiting room next to Ailan, giving a soft exhale and looking at the stallion with the ice pack on his cheek.

“I will be fine Rescue, relax.”

“Yeah, I know. I just... Fuck, why tonight? Is this what I—we, have to look forward to?”

“Rescue, just because one stallion has a problem doesn’t mean everypony does.”

Growing quiet, his ears folded down and he closed his eyes.

“I am a healer, a paramedic, a firefighter. I help ponies, I don’t hurt them. Luna help me, Ailan, I felt so angry. It was like I was watching myself from the outside. I—I can still hear the sound of his bones cracking as my hoof—”

Ailan’s hoof rested on Rescue's leg and he shook his head. “You reacted, you can’t keep reliving that moment, Rescue. It's just like your drinking and your nightmares, you can’t let it take control. You are kind of my hero. I mean, you decked a stallion for hitting me.”

Rescue blushed deeply but faced away.

“I just wish I had not had to. I have never hit anypony, Ailan... I felt the bones snap, I heard...”

Tears welled up in his ducts, and he was aware that the smaller stallions legs wrapped around him as he started to sob. An empty feeling inside, he had hurt somepony. Even if Red had it coming, he had done major trauma. Red had a punctured lung, and a concussion from crashing into the wall. None of that however was the worst. The doctor had shown him the x-rays before the guards had come to get his side of the story.

Rescue’s kick had crushed Red’s left front ulna, not just a clean break, but crushed it. The construction worker would never walk quite the same again with the metal plate holding his bones together. So he cried, he sobbed into Ailan’s chest. He had sworn to never harm another, it was part of his oath, and now one lay on an operation table because of his actions. Someplace deep, deep in his mind the voice was back, but it was still changed.

No one will ever call us a freak again.

He didn’t like that voice, not one bit. He almost wished it would go back to how it was.

10 - Hate dies in the light of truth

She had checked around, no one had seen Rescue in three days now. Not Applejack, not his friends, not even that kind pegasus. However, she had a job to do, a request had been made and as the Princess of Friendship, and the ruling princess of Ponyville, she had an obligation. Looking to her guards, she gestured.

“You two stay out here, we will go in alone.”

They both took up a spot near the door of the boarding house. Two mares, one an alicorn princess, the other a golden earth pony, trotted inside. Up the stairs they walked slowly, Twilight glanced back at the mare just behind her.

“Applejack, did he answer the door at all?”

She shook her head. “Nope, but ah know he is in there. Greenwillow said she has been setting food out on a tray near his door, then it disappears and shows up empty again. Ah think... Well, ah don’t know what to think.”

Twilight stepped up to the door. “Think about it, Applejack. His whole life is helping others, now he has hurt somepony else. However, we have a job and it will be done, even if I have to drag him out myself.”

Lifting her hoof, the purple alicorn knocked on the door gently.

“Rescue, its Twilight. Please open up, we need to talk. I am here in an official capacity.”

No sound. She looked back at the apple pony and was about to knock again before a soft click of a lock and the door inched open. She looked inside, it was dark, and the shades were drawn. She nudged the door further open to see the large draft stallion sitting back down on the edge of the bed. The room was a mess, clothing all over, bed unmade, though nothing was destroyed. It was just a mess.

Rescue didn’t look any better, his mane was unbrushed, large bags that sat under his eyes spoke of a lack of sleep. He didn’t smell terribly, nor did the room, so he was at least showering at some point. Walking in slowly with Applejack behind her, Twilight shut the door with her magic. Looking again at Applejack, she gave a nod.

“Rescue, sugarcube, how y’all feeling?”

A voice that was bereft of emotion, deep toned but almost flat, slipped out of his throat with a slight breaking. A croak to it, clearly he had not talked to anyone in days.

“How should I feel, Applejack? I nearly killed somepony. I caused grievous harm to somepony and violated every oath I stand for. Truth of things, I wish I could get a bottle and crawl my way to the bottom of it... However, you have seen to it no one in this town will sell to me.”

Twilight laid her ears down, making note that Applejack's did too before perking up again in a bit of anger. She put her hoof out before the stubborn earth pony could speak, despite knowing the words would be honest and true. She shook her head and looked back to the earth pony firefighter.

“Rescue… Red has asked I come to you. He has asked you to talk to him. Before you say no, I want you to listen to me very clearly. I know friendship, because my friends helped me learn it. I am telling you this as a friend. Go see him. Let him talk, then you talk. The worst that happens is you and he don’t see eye to eye.“

He watched the purple-colored princess speak, then take on a soft smile. Much like the one Luna took when he conquered his nightmares. His eyes shifting to AJ, she was sitting there, hat knocked back on her head, looking at him with worry, and a little anger. Yeah, guess he had that coming after the bottle comment. Exhaling in a slow, long breath, as he pondered his options.

First option, he tells her no, and she drags him there. Second option, he takes off and finds someplace to hole up and quench the burning in his gut. Third option, he listens to what his friends are telling him and face Red. Looking at them sitting there, waiting for his answer, it hit him. Friends, he had them now, not just his fellow firefighters. Rescue had friends outside the department, and two of them were sitting in front of him begging to help him help himself.

“Okay, let me clean up some and we can go,” with a pause he asked in a softer voice. “Am I to be held over for trial too?”

The princess shook her head with a surprised look on her face.

“No, you will not, Rescue. I talked at length with EFD command, including two who seem to know you well, Fire Chief Firehook and Battalion Chief Steelhook. They both seemed to be quite worried about you.”

His ears flattened, and he looked down at his brown trimmed hooves as he picked up a brush. Rescue had not bothered to even speak with them in months, and he knew he was avoiding them. He could feel the two mares staring carefully at him, expecting an answer.

“My father, and my brother, and no, I don’t really want to talk about them right now.”

They gave each other a look then Applejack spoke up.

“That’s fine, sugarcube, but we are gonna talk about them. Ya know the conditions of your sobriety.”

He gave a grunt and ignored her for now, starting to brush out his mane.

Standing there, looking at the door, it reading room 108. Rescue had no desire at all to open the door and go in. Though he knew he had no real choice. Behind him, eight mares and a pegasus stallion stood watching him down the hall. Damn Twilight, she not only had escorted him here, but rounded up all of her friends, his friends, even Ailan to come too. He could not back out of this, and he knew after that, Ailan wanted to talk. It was going to be a long day. Then he pushed the door open and walked in.

Red was laying in the bed, an almost all upper body cast on, holding his hoof upright in place. There was a series of weights attached to it from a pulley to keep him from moving it around. The cast went from his neck down to his barrel, he could just barely turn his head to look out one eye at Rescue. The big brick-colored stallion gave a huff and looked back to the book in front of him.

“Damn thing itches like crazy, but they won’t let me have a hanger to reach in the cast and scratch.”

Rescue let the door close gently and sat down, a bit away from the prone pony. Choosing not to speak yet, this was Red’s show after all. Hell, he didn’t even want to be here, both because of what Red had done and said, and because it was his fault the other stallion was laid up he was.

“I gotta ask you something, Rescue. Yous ain’t got to answer but I got to ask,” one ear laying down. “Why? They told me if yous hadn’t stayed at my side and kept my body still, I would have bled out. That I would have... Not made it.” He said, head turning a little so he could look again at the big firefighter stallion.

“So, why? I was drunk, I hit Ailan, I was about to hit you. I was talking bad, and saying stuff that no pony should to another. Yous had every right to leave me to die, so why?”

Rescue watched his eyes for a moment, then shut his own. Thinking how to explain this, how to explain how he really hated Red for what he did and said, and yet, he did his job. He did what he had to and saved a life anyways.

“Red, what you did, what you said, it was more hurtful than you could ever know. You made Ailan feel like less than a pony and you did the same to me,” he began, taking a deep breath. “But I am a paramedic, and my job is to help ponies in need. I could not turn away any more than Luna could stop watching over the dreams of others. You hurt me, you made me break my oath to never hurt another life. I don’t know that I can ever forgive you for that, or for hurting someone I... I think I am in love with.”

Red was silent for a long time, Rescue could hear him breathing but that was all. It must have been a good two minutes before the thick accented stallion spoke up.

“Yous are right there, Rescue. I don’t know what I did, an' I don’t deserve your forgiveness. However, I am going to say this. What I did was wrong, I see that now. That purple princess and her friends made me see it. I got a lot to look at and deal with but... For all its worth, I am sorry for what I said, what I did, and for pushing you the way I did. Yous got my word, the job will get finished no matter what. I ain’t gonna let yous down a second time.”

Looking at the Manehattan-born stallion for a bit, Rescue gave a soft nod of his head.

“You got a lot to answer for, but I appreciate what you said. For what it’s worth from my side. I... I am sorry I hurt you so bad. It ain’t something I am going to forget or move past easy.”

The large red draft stallion snorted some.

“Rescue, last thing you want is to hang on to that, yous might be a col...sorry, a stallion into other stallions, but, yous stood up for yourself and yous special somepony. Don’t yous ever think what yous did was wrong. I was the one that was wrong, I just learned too late and in a very direct way what I was saying and thinking was wrong.”

Rescue gave a huff, then a nod of his head, nothing else to say. He got up and headed for the door.

“Tell that pretty nurse to get in here and help me with this itch too, will ya?”

Rescue again gave a nod, and headed out of the room and down the hall to the waiting group. He knew the girls and Ailan would want to hear what was said.

Ailan looked over at Rescue with a soft smile. It had been a long day. Very emotional, and draining. He had one of his wings around the large earth pony, as they sat on the little rise near Whitetail Woods, looking up at the stars as they had before. It had become kind of their spot. He could see Rescue was still deep in thought.

“Ailan, are... Are we dating, like... official?”

He gave a smile and a nod.

“I would like to think so, my brave but squishy firepony.”

He snorted and turned looking at the smaller pegasus. Then their lips met, and they joined into a kiss that left no doubt at all about his feelings for the other stallion.

Oddly, the voice was still silent.

11 - Wagons and Foals

Looking out at the crowd gathered, he could not believe how fast this had all happened. Three months. He had been in Ponyville just three months now. The station behind him was almost halfway done, enough so that the wagons could be delivered and set in the squad bay. Standing on the packed ground that had yet to be concreted and turned into a driveway, he looked out at what must be sixty, seventy ponies out here.

He saw Twilight sitting with her friends, but oddly Applejack was sitting over with Big Mac. Ailan was simply sitting over talking with the two apple ponies. He smiled a bit, as they were a regular item around Ponyville now. He and the large-winged stallion had decided to take things slow. A kiss here, a cuddle there, or even sleeping together. However, they had not crossed that big line yet. He and Ailan had both agreed the wait was worth it as they learned more and more about each other.

Out behind him, sitting on the gravel in the light of Celestia’s sun, sat two brand new fire wagons. Bright red, with gleaming brass and gold highlights, stood the ladder and pump wagon, and the rescue wagon. No fire station in all of Equestria had such cutting edge, state of the art equipment. They were the first. Now, standing here in his dress uniform, he could not help but be proud of what they would build here. Glancing back at them, he watched for a moment as the light breeze made the blue and gold flag on a pole mounted to each wagon flap some.

The pumper wagon was a huge machine. Four static wheels, two steer wheels, all designed to be pulled by six ponies with up to four riding, split two in the front seat, and two hanging on the back. She had a huge steam pump sitting mid way, the brass beast jutting up like a fat smoke stack. The whole bed of the wagon taken up by it and the five hundred gallons of water it carried. Lining her sides were long hoof-made white oak ladders tall enough to reach all but the top windows of the crystal castle that Twilight called home.

Tucked in with them lay four large suction hoses, six inches around each and made to feed the massive pump from any source of water they could run them into. Last were the hoses, enough to supply six teams with over two thousand feet of rubber. It was a marvel of technology and magic.

Sitting by its side sat Rescue Squad One, dwarfed by the huge wagon next to it. Rescue Squad was a short draft wagon, made to be pulled by two pony. Her bed wide open, with a pull out litter, stokes basket hung on one side, the other side lined with locker boxes as were the insides. A soft canvas top bowed over to keep the elements off the poor pony who was being transported.

The bright red wagon was equipped to deal with almost any trauma they would run into, yet still big enough to take even an alicorn Luna’s size in the rear. Up front where a driver and shotgun rider would have sat, one could see a brass pump, sitting atop a fifty-gallon water tank, a short three hundred foot two and a half inch hose set to be pulled out from a drum. It was enough to fight down small flare ups and keep things in control tell the big pump could arrive.

Clearing his throat, Rescue waited patiently for everypony to settle down. With a smile, he dug deep and used his voice to his advantage.

“Good afternoon everypony, and thank you for coming out today. We will be giving tours of the new wagons, and explaining the gear used on each here in a bit. However, first I have a few announcements to make.”

He looked to his left and gave a nod, watching ten younger fillies and colts break rank and trot over, all lining up facing out at the crowd, and all dressed alike. A navy blue coat, a whistle around their necks, and a small watch cap on each head in pure white. Each of the ponies wore proud on their coat sleeve the badge of the Ponyville Fire Department that Rarity had designed. Each wore a small badge on a chain around their necks declaring them Junior Firefighter Explorers.

Looking up, he could see the parents, most showed pride. A few were worried, but he knew it would take time for them to adjust to their little ones wanting to do something for the town. He himself could not be more proud. Now, for a month he had been working with the foals, teaching them the pride, honor and traditions of being a firepony.

When he had quietly made the announcement at the small school house about the program, he had been quite surprised at the turnout and eagerness of the young ponies. Most of all he had been give quite the shock at how dedicated they took the idea. One, a young Trottingham born paint, the smallest of all of the foals, had explained it to him. They all saw this as a chance to help others, just like he had helped Big Mac in his time of need. Rescue had to reflect on that for quite some time, how that tiny event, one simple intervention, had snowballed into a whole community putting their all behind the department.

“If everypony would put their hooves together and welcome, Ponyville's first Junior Firefighter Explorers as I call out your name. Please step forward, one pace and stand proud!”

Taking a breath he called out in order…

“Junior Firefighter Applebloom, Junior Firefighter Sweetie Belle, Junior Firefighter Scootaloo, Junior Firefighter Rumble, and Junior Firefighter Archer. Step forward!”

As the first rank of five stepped forward, one could not have wiped the big smiles off of their faces if one tried. He watched as parents, family, and friends all slammed hooves to ground or together. Rescue himself smiled, they had worked on this routine for days and he was glad to see them show pride in it.

“First rank, right face, forward on the quick and return to back rank!” He called, watching them jog around and behind the second rank of ponies.

“Junior Firefighter Aquamarine, Junior Firefighter Carrot Crunch, Junior Firefighter Lilly Longstocks, Junior Captain Pipsqueak, and last but not least, may I introduce you all to Junior Chief Diamond Tiara. Step forward!” He called out.

Each of them came forward a step. Rescue looked up at the one parent he felt would be the most upset by his decision to name Diamond Tiara as the Junior Chief. However, he took note only her father was there. A little sad at that, but perhaps her mother would come around in time...he could hope.

“Junior Chief Tiara, take your squad around and take your places at the wagons,” he spoke once the cheers died down.

“For the ponies here that do not know. The Junior Firefighter Explorers will be helping out the full-time firefighters like myself and the pony that become volunteer firefighters. They will be taught how to deal with crowd control, spotting danger and reporting it, helping to keep the station and the wagons clean and ready to go. They will study basic fire fighting theory and learn first aid that they can then teach their friends and family. Please, show them the respect they have earned, as they have taken the first step on a road of honor and tradition. Some may only do it for the summer, and others... Well, you may be looking at the next firefighter generation.” He gave a smile and then cleared his throat.

“Now, on to other announcements, it is with great joy I say I am opening up the list for volunteer firefighters to sign up. Come and talk to me over at the table there,” he gave a nod.

“If you wish to find out more, we will be taking on twenty stallions and mares, of all kinds for training. Of that group, fifteen will make the cut, the ones that stick with it and do not drop out but don’t make first cut, will go on a reserve list. Now, I have bored you all with my talking long enough, so please, enjoy the refreshments provided by Pinkie Pie from Sugarcube Corner, and speak to the Explorers if you wish to learn about the two wagons behind me.”

Stepping away, Rescue turned and trotted over to the table, checking to make sure he had enough quills, paper, and such. Of course he did, Twilight had browbeat him with a clue by four and a list that looked a thousand miles long to be sure he had all in place. A slight chuckle came from his throat at that, he had learned that the bookworm princess was quite the accomplished planner in her own right.

Looking back over at the Junior Firefighters, he took note each talked with pride and clarity, standing near their assigned station in various spots around the wagons. They explained to parents and town residents alike the parts of the wagon, what they did, and how they worked.

A glance over at the small rescue wagon made him pause and then smile. There, little Pipsqueak stood proud, talking to Princess Twilight and her friends about the equipment in the various, currently open, storage compartments. Rescue gave a nod to himself, knowing he had made the right choice naming the little Trottingham paint as captain.
Another flick of his eyes to the pink filly, watching her move pony to pony, group to group, and help. Again, he held no reservation that he had named her Chief of the JFE. She had proven herself a good leader, with a good heart. Yes, he had heard all of her past, she herself had told him one day after a jog with the others. She had felt she was holding them all back because of her fear of falling into old ways. Rescue, of course, had been quick to point out just how far she had come, and now look at where she was. She was a squad leader, she was helping the others grow and learn. He had seen her coax the shy Lilly into being one of the best speakers among the group of foals. Rescue could think of no one else among all of them, that could lead as well as that little filly could.

He shook himself out of the daze he was in to turn and find a large group of ponies in front of him. Some like Big Macintosh and his sister did not surprise him, others like Mr. Cake and Thunderlane, did. One stood out, and he blinked a few times. Ailan stood there next to Applejack, and it took him a few moments to recover from the shock.

“A... Ailan, what— I mean, are you wanting to sign up for training, too?”

The large winged pegasus stallion gave a smile and a nod of his head.

“Everyone standing here does, Rescue. We all talked about it last night. However, will our... Relationship... Be a problem?”

Rescue had to think on that, he took note none of the others seemed at all shocked about that. Then again, the two stallions had been a pretty regular thing around Ponyville now for a while. After the incident with Red, more folks had come forward in support of the two of them. Even the two others with Red that night came forward and apologized for their part in it all. Looking around, the twenty-five mares and stallions that stood around the table, he shook his head.

“No, but... Can we talk about this later, in private?”

Ailan gave a nod, and stepped forward to start filling out papers. Rescue looked over at Applejack and frowned, but she just rolled her eyes at him. He started to hand out clipboards and quills to the others around the table, earning a smirk from Big Mac as he muttered not quite to himself.

“I am too old for this sh—" He caught himself before he finished. After all, there were foals close by.

Author's Note

And Arc 2 starts

12 Orientation and Love

Looking over the now twenty-nine ponies, and oddly one changeling named Kevin that had stepped up to try and become Ponyville's first volunteer firefighters, Rescue found himself still quite surprised by it all. Standing next to the big apple pony, he glanced over two other draft stallions, Jim Beam and John Bull. John, he knew to be one of the workers down at the train station. He knew how to pull trains. The other, Jim, was in construction, so hard-pulling would come easy. It was to them he looked first.

“You three will be getting special training on top of the classroom and hoof-on firefighting. I would like to train you to pull the wagons as the wheel pony. I need stallions our size at the back of the drop tongue, it means you will get trained in how to control the wagons in a turn, and bringing that much liquid weight to a stop.” Rescue gave a smile as each of the three large stallions gave a simple nod. Moving on, he stopped and looked at Kevin, lifting an eyebrow.

“Do you talk?”

Kevin shook his head.

“Let me ask you, why are you here then?”

Kevin paused, then blinked his blue eyes and glanced over at all of Ponyville and back to Rescue. Using the edge of his hoof he drew a little box with a triangle on it in the ground and pointed at it. It took Rescue a few short moments, then he got it.

“It is your home. I can respect that, it’s as good a reason as any. Now, I ain’t never worked with one of you, but all the others here vouched for you. So, I am going to put you on team three. On top of your classwork, and hoof on training, you are going to train in running the pumps and maintaining them."

Kevin seemed to light up at that and nodded his head with what Rescue took to be a smile on the odd bug-like pony’s face.

“For the rest of you, classwork will be one day a week, an hour before sundown here at the station. Three days a week, an hour before sun up, and yes, Miss Applejack, that means you too, we are here and taking a little jog around all of Ponyville before you all head to work.”

He expected the groans from a few of them, but this wasn’t a game and he needed them to understand that.

“I suggest you work on stamina, breathing, and hoof placement every day. You can do simple things like making sure you step directly every time you walk, and breathing deeply. It will all help when we get ready to start the hard training. Speaking of, come the end of the month, the challenge tower will be operational. Let me explain that to you.”

He grinned some, knowing what the now probies, a fond term given to probationary firefighters that had not proven themselves yet, were in for.

“A tower five flights of stairs high, with a squared staircase wide enough for two ponies side by side, going up it. You will learn to run up that tower, hitting every step with every hoof, no skipping steps. You will learn to do so in...” He turned and tapped his hoof on a table with a large load of firefighter's gear on it.

“Full turnouts on and correctly buttoned up, full clothing under the turnouts for padding, the harness, and of course, your helmet. On top of that, once the second month of training is done, the ones that don’t wash out or quit will be running the tower in full breathing apparatuses and with a roll of hose across their backs.”

More groans came, but one, a golden pegasus spoke up.

“Chief, what about the pegasi among us? I mean, we can fly.”

“Well, probie, let me answer you like this. You are down, broken wing, your only hope to rescue your buddy is to sling him on your back, and walk out. Get the picture now?”

He didn’t like slamming Ailan that hard, but he took note of the nod the big-winged stallion gave. He noticed a dark grey pony named Thunderlane and a few others nod too. “That makes it very clear.”

“Good. Now, if you would all grab a binder from the table, they will be your classroom lessons. You are welcome to read forward and study. You can even take the practice tests—”

Cut off by a far too joyful squeal off to his right, Rescue turned over at where the Friendship Princess and her friends stood waiting for the one in the group before him.

“Chief, can I get a copy too? For the library of course,” Princess Twilight asked with a blush.

Rescue tucked a chuckle down and gave a nod.

“Of course you may, your highness. Now, if anyone else has any questions." He paused to look over the group. "No? Grab a binder, each of you will need to get your measurements from Miss Rarity before we can get your turnouts. Also, for the three of you...” Again he looked to the other three draft stallions. “See Iron Hoof over at the blacksmiths and let him know you are part of the pull team. He is already aware of our needs and will fit you for steel boots like mine.”

Then, he gestured to the pegasi in the group. “Each of you will need to get fitted for a lifting harness. Ailan, I already know you have one, and I made sure it meets its specifications. The rest of you will need to go over to Canvas Cover once Miss Rarity has done your measurements. See me before you go over to get a voucher sheet. On that note, please remember too that all equipment comes out of the budget, so treat it right. Respect it, and it will save your life one day.”

One last look over the gathered ponies, he spotted a splash of pink in the corner of his eye. A quick glance over told him Junior Chief Tiara was waiting to talk to him, then looking back to the hopeful Ponyville citizens before him.

“See you all tomorrow night for our first class. Read chapters one and two, and remember, please do get the measurements done by the end of the week. Dismissed!" Rescue then paused and glanced over. "Ailan, if you could stick around?”

Seeing the nod from his coltfriend, he gave a smile and trotted over to where the little pink filly waited in her snappy blue coat and pure white hat, with the gold band showing she was chief. He took note of the stallion standing next to her, the three bags of money on his flank and that tie marked him well, Filthy Rich, a good sort at least from the few words they had shared so far.

“Yes, Diamond?”

“Chief Sunstreak, I wondered if I might have a word with you.”

Looking to the stallion he gave a nod. “Of course, Mister Rich, how can I help you?”

Rescue watched him look down at the little pink filly with a smile that showed simply how proud he was, then to move his gaze back up and look him right in the eyes. “While her mother may be... upset by her choice. I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for showing confidence in my little Diamond. Thank you for giving her a chance.”

Rescue shook his head lightly and smiled down at the pink filly earth pony.

“No, Mister Rich, I am the one who needs to say thank you. She earned that stripe on her hat, not by yelling at others, but by leading. She has showed all of the fillies and colts how to stand up and be proud. She has shown them how to find their own strengths, and been somepony to lean on when they felt like they were slipping. No, Mister Rich, all I did was point the way. Your daughter took over from there and showed a character few her age have,” Rescue said, moving up from the now deeply blushing filly to see tears forming in the stallion's eyes.

“Nevertheless, you have shown us, her, a new path. Anything I can do for your department, just ask.”

He and Rich had talked for a good ten minutes about small things, and was thankful he had the backing of one of the more powerful business ponies in town.

They had decided to retire to Ailan’s little cabin just to the outside of Ponyville, near the edge of Whitetail Woods. Dinner was quiet, and was just small talk. Now, Rescue found himself looking over at the stallion he had fallen in love with. He frowned some, but it was Ailan that spoke up.

“You are not happy I stepped, up are you?”

“No. I just... Look, what we do is dangerous. What if something happens, what if—”

“What if something happens to me, right? Well let me flip that, what if something happens to you? At least this way we are side by side, I can be there for you, and you there for me.”

Two seconds later, he was leaning over and pressing muzzle to muzzle with the other male. Lost in the kiss, lost in the moment. Any worry he had would have to be tamed. Rescue could not protect Ailan, but he could be there for him. Just as he knew in his heart, Ailan would be there no mater what.

Breaking the kiss, the big brown stallion looked into Ailan’s eyes and made a decision. Giving a slow exhale and looking away, already starting to blush, he was cut off by a soft voice.

“Stay the night.”

He could only nod his head.

Author's Note

Just a note, there will be a link up soon to a new story. That will be the sex scenes and clop/adult parts of the story.

13 - Stupid brave little colt

Sliding out of the nest-like bed, Rescue found himself once more looking at the sleeping pegasus beside him. Ailan had asked him to move in just a few weeks prior, a month to the day after they had taken their relationship to the physical level. Standing there at the bedside, he truly could not remember ever being this happy.

With a nudge of his hoof, the draft stallion leaned down and whispered. “Time to get up, we have a jog to do.”

Ailan’s eyelids cracked open and he rolled over on his back slowly, giving a little snort and glancing up at the stallion looming over him.

“How about we go back to sleep and pretend we did?”

Rescue shook his head. “Up and at 'em, probie,” he said as he turned and trotted into the bathroom. A quick bathroom break, followed by running a comb through his mane, and he was done. He took note of the fact that Ailan was up preening his wings. It gave him time to trot out to the living room and start laying out their leg weights. A quick knock at the door told him that it was time to go.

“Let’s go, feather head.”

Opening the door to see the usual three quarters of the Apple family Applejack, Big Mac, and Applebloom. Rescue then peeked over his shoulder to see his mate drag himself out of the bedroom and begin to strap on the weights, giving a smile and walking out the door.

“Junior Firefighter Applebloom, where is Scoots?”

“She is gonna meet us at the station with Chief Tiara and Rumble, sir.”

Giving a nod of his head, Rescue turned and started down the cobble path at a slow trot. Not bothering to look back, he knew as they jogged through town, others would join in. That had been one of the bigger surprises among the many he had. The fact was not one drop out, not one pony, or Kevin for that matter, had dropped out or washed out with poor scores. From foals in the Junior Firefighters, to the volunteer adults, every last one of them was staying strong. Some had shown themselves to be leaders, too. Ailan heading up the lift and roof team, Carrot Cake excelled at running hose and anchor, even Kevin had shown himself to be adept at running the pumps. Not once had they run over pressure or out of water during tests.

Now, keeping the same pace and cadence as he had, twenty-nine adult ponies, ten foals, and a changeling jogged along at a trot. Heading out of town, they kept a pace easy for all to keep and remain in a tight gather. The goal wasn’t to go fast, it was to build endurance and strength. A bit of a grin crossed Rescue's muzzle as he glanced back at the group. “How many feet of hose does a pump and ladder truck carry?”

It was a small, higher pitched voice that called out first, one colored with a Trottingham accent. He could not help but smile at that, even among them all the little paint was smart and quick with answers. “Two to four thousand, Chief, sir!”

He gave a nod, and so it was on all of their runs. He challenged them not only to shape their bodies, but their minds as well, for it was a tool just as all of the equipment they wore and used.

Station One had been completed for a week now as Rescue trotted out the last of the run, watching some break off here and there to shower and return to start their days. Others sat down and talked, while foals like Pip and Scoots headed inside. With it being summer and all of the foals out, he had given the two orphans a job in the station. They spent four hours a day sweeping, cleaning, helping out, and in turn, they earned twenty bits a week. On top of that, he had worked with Miss Cheerilee for them to receive credit on their grade cards over the summer.

Pip swept the floors, his small body harder now. The workouts over the months were beginning to show, and while he was smaller than almost all the other foals still, he could hold his own, even winning quite a few of the pull-offs they held once a week. Scootaloo had come into her own, too, discovering her speed on her scooter gave her an edge when running errands or delivering mail for the Chief.

Rescue watched them go about their day, and wondered what the future for them might bring.

Two nights later, that question was answered, but not in a way anypony would ever wish it to be. Rescue stood looking down at the little paint lying peacefully on a hospital bed. He could see the sterile covers over the burns on the colts left foreleg and hip. The colt's mane mostly gone, while he was held in a magical coma, for now.

Looking over at the rest of the room, Scootaloo had not left his side once. Despite the burns along her wing and neck, she would not leave. She threatened to fight anyone who tried to move her from the little colt's side. Diamond had been beside herself, finally sent home after staying almost all night without sleep.

Ailan lay quietly in one corner, Rumble in his leg grip, Thunderlane looking over and watching with a quiet pride in his eyes. There on the boy’s flank sat a new cutie mark, the red cross bore wings on each side of it. The wraps on the foal’s hooves showed he paid for that mark, and earned it in the crucible of fire and duty.

Damn it, Rescue thought. Foals were never meant to leap into fire like this!

But they did, and he was proud!

It then made him think back on that night…

The call had gone out at two in the morning in the form of a pony banging on the door hard and screaming for help. Rescue had rolled out of the bed and been out the door even as the mint-colored mare galloped with him, filling him in on what was going on. Ailan had been not too far behind, both could smell the smoke and see the glow from a structure fire in the north part of town. It had taken him precious minutes to get into gear, hook up to the rescue wagon and go. Ailan and Thunderlane had arrived just as he was pulling out, yelling to get the pump wagon going as soon as others showed up to pull. He had put hoof to ground and raced, heart pounding, quietly praying to Luna he was in time.

As he came around the corner, Rescue could see it was the orphanage, and it was fully involved. Throngs of pony-held sobbing foals, but four stood out clear in the glow. Laying on the ground was a paint colt, with an orange filly next to him. With an ease born of practice and a lifetime as a firepony, Rescue slung the heavy rescue wagon into a slide.
One rear leg kicked out and set the block break. The rescue wagon was still rocking on its springs as he unhooked and sprinted for the foals. Even as he ran up, he could see the burns and smell the acrid scent of burned fur. Rumble’s hooves appeared burned as well, while he held onto Scootaloo who had soot marks across her flank and neck.

A quick glance told him the pegasus had earned a cutie mark and likely didn’t know yet. Kneeling down next to Pip, he started to examine the foal. As he did, he spoke to the pink filly by his side who was almost hyperventilating.

“Tiara, focus!” Rescue barked making the filly blink and close her mouth. “Minutes count here, give me what happened.”

Even as he lifted an ear. He could hear the whining howl of the big fire wagon’s crank siren coming closer. He continued to listen as a now cool-and-collected Junior Chief gave him what information she had. Glancing again over his shoulder as he saw the massive wagon come around the corner, At the wheelpony yoke was Jim and John, who looked locked in on what they were doing. Big Mac and Carrot Cake were locked in and hitched to the power yoke, putting their all in. Last but far from least were the two in the lead yoke, Applejack and Hondo Flanks. Behind the wagon as it came to a stop others in gear or getting into gear ran into sight.

Rescue kept that deep, loud voice as he barked out commands. “Kevin, get the pump on line, now! Applejack, Hondo get me three lines laid. Team one and two, on the hoses. Team three, get up on that roof and cut us two vents!”

Even as he worked on the little colt in front of him, he kept focus on the others too. They had gotten Ailan and Thunderlane into harnesses and airlifted the three injured foals to Ponyville Mercy as rapidly as was safe.

Of course the orphanage was a total loss. He could see the frustration in the eyes of the brave mares and stallions who stepped up to take on a job that bore little thanks. Even on top of their day to day life and normal jobs. He spent time with the group in a huddle after, and praised them their speed, their efficiency, and gave a breakdown of what they could do next time.

Princess Twilight had stepped up, as had many citizens there that night. Not an orphan went cold or without a bed...save one.

That one breathed in and out slowly, unaware of the world around him. Rescue set his hoof gently on the colts hip, on the mark it bore now. A bright golden shield much like his own, marked with a crescent moon of fire. He lifted his ears as Doctor Horses spoke softly as he looked at a chart.

“We will keep him in a coma for another few days and let his body heal so he won’t feel pain. He is going to make a recovery.. Bbut there is little we can do about the scars along his leg.”

Rescue gave a soft sigh and nodded his head.

“Better than ones bore on the inside, Doc.”

He grew silent, and just watched the little colt sleep.

Author's Note

Poor brave Pip

15 - Recovery, The Moon, and New Thoughts

Two more weeks, and never once was Pip alone. After that question, after finding out he finally had a family to call his own now, he had discovered so much more! There, on his flank, was his brand new cutie mark, telling all he was far more like Rescue and Ailan than anypony else. It had been yet another joyful moment, but the pain had come, and medications that made him drowsy.

He had woke to find Diamond Tiara, Scootaloo, and Rumble all at his side. Across the room, the big-winged tan Pegasus that was one of his new adoptive parents, slept. It was every day, medications to help with pain, friends and now his family at his side as he worked to stand, and later, struggle to walk. He decided to never let others down. Now that his cutie mark was clear that he was destined to be just like Rescue, he could only push to better himself.

A lot had occurred while he slept in the magical coma. He found out about Scootaloo, she had a home with Rainbow Dash now. After the fire at the orphanage, every last one of the foals had found a home. Scootaloo most of all with her hero, and now mother, Pip was glad for that. He and Scootaloo had grown to be great friends, and she deserved a home and love.

The odd one was Diamond Tiara, she was always there. He woke to her walking quietly into the room and fell asleep to her reading a comic book next to him. The first few days weren't normal, but now Pip looked forward to seeing her. She was his drive, his strength to do better. She would stand at the end of the walking rails and urge him on to take just one more step. Even when the therapy was almost too much, she never let him falter.

His final day in the hospital found him surrounded by everypony he knew. His fathers bracketing him, as he had refused to be carried. Tiara had walked close with him too, that ever-present unbreakable stone he knew he could trust and lean on. With his new family at his sides, and all of the fire ponies that were not on duty, Pip walked proudly, albeit slowly through downtown Ponyville. He hurt noticeably, and others saw it. Poor Ditzy clung tight to her daughter as they walked past, while Pinkie Pie bounced with joy next to the Cake’s foals and Mrs. Cake.

They walked slow, what should have been a simple fifteen minute walk was half an hour, yet no pony left him. They all fell in behind him and the two strong stallions at his side. Pip glanced up at them and seen joy, pride, and worry all at once in their eyes. Once or twice he had stumbled some and a father's wing or a small pink body always caught him and helped him steady himself.

Through a small gate in a small fence around the house. Rescue opened the door and let him walk in first. Pip found himself looking carefully around the living room. Seeing his picture up on the mantle above the fireplace, it reminded him once more, this was his home now, and a tear began to form. However, when they showed him his room, not a shared room, his own! His bed, his dresser, his carpet, his closet with his uniforms in it. There on a shelf rested his books, a set of saddle bags hung on the back of the door that Rarity had created with his new cutie mark on them.

It was a lot to take in, and the tears came as he spun and latched onto Rescue’s leg and started to sob. He felt Ailan’s wings come together around him as well as the significantly larger earth pony that was his other father. So, they cried together once more. This time, in joy.

Of course that was not to be, not with Pinkie Pie around! The party had been enormous, and it filled the street. It filled the house and the back yard. By the end of the night, Pip was worn out and had fallen asleep. He would later find out many pictures of him had been taken, asleep, pressed side to side with a sleeping pink earth pony filly. Diamond had been carried home by her father, Pip carried to his room by Ailan. Laid out on his bed, he slept the sleep of a worn-out foal. Safe and home.

A week passed, Rescue had set up things, and now he stood here once more. Looking over his shoulder at the open bay of the fire station, the two wagons sat, gleaming brightly in the sun. Standing on the very short stage, he stared back out at the crowd. Almost all of Ponyville was here. Shops had closed, and even the Apples had put off work for this event.

He glanced to the left, spotting all ten of the Junior Firefighters standing in rank, dressed in their uniforms. There behind them, spread out in two ranks, were the rest of the Ponyville Fire Department. Thirty total mares and stallions, four of them full-time like himself, the rest, volunteers. One had come back from training to be here for this event.

Kevin, just two weeks ago, had been accepted into the academy in Canterlot for advanced training. Low and behold the little changeling turned out to have a knack for the mechanical equipment. Rescue had sent him off to learn and become their mechanic as well as a full time firefighter. It had taken a little prod from his father, a favor Rescue had asked for. However, he was proud because this was, as the Princess had put it, 'A first step in creating lasting friendship with changeling kind.

Speaking of his father, Rescue peered over to the right of the stage. Standing proud in his uniform stood an older pegasus. The light green fur even lighter with age, his wings had white along the edges. However, the light in the blue eyes spoke well of his drive and his strength. Rescue had yet to introduce Ailan to him, or the stallion standing next to the Fire Chief. That pony was a silverish-white in color, another earth pony like himself, and was in fact around the same age, but had a more playful smile. Rescue again gave a internal sigh, unsure if he wanted to introduce his brother to his soon-to-be husband.

Then, he heard a light noise, and gave a nod. Clearing his throat, Rescue spoke into the small microphone before him. “Thank you all for coming today. Before we start, I wish to give thanks to our special guest, and to both the Fire Chief and Battalion Four Chief, for taking time out of their day to come to Ponyville for this special occasion.”
Glancing back at them both, he saw them nod, then he turned back to the crowd.

“Mares and gentlecolts, we are here today to pay honor to two of our own. Now, tradition would be that Fire Chief Firehook would conduct this ceremony. However, we have a special guest speaker today, one that has pulled rank as it would be,” Rescue stopped, getting a chuckle out of many, in truth most knew who it was. The only ones who were confused were the two colts in the JFE uniforms. One a little paint, and the other a gray winged pegasus. Even their friends and fellow Junior Firefighters knew what was to come.

“Without further adieu, let me introduce our special guest. Would you all please bow, for Princess Luna,” Rescue continued, stepping to the side and lowering himself as did the whole crowd, as Luna stepped out of the fire station and walked with her chin up, her wings slightly out, dressed in her finest regalia, she looked every part of her station. Stepping up to the microphone on the small stage, she cleared her throat.

“Please, rise my little ponies. Thou do honor me, but we are here for others today.”

Tugging out a set of notes, the princess looked around and then anyone could see the tiny blush form on her cheeks. She pulled out a set of small reading glasses in a dark blue magical aura and set them low on her muzzle, clearing her throat as her gaze set upon the paper.

“Never before in the recorded history of the Equestria Fire Department, have two ponies so young done something so selfless. Before I read the account, I wish to bring on stage the ones we are here to honor.” Looking to her left, Princess Luna stared right at the ten foals with a soft smile. “Junior Firefighter Rumble, Junior Captain Pipsqueak, please come forward and take the stage beside me.”

Both gulped hard, but stepped forward out of formation and turned, walking up the two steps onto the wooden platform, Pip following with a slight tremble, one not missed by many watching. Though the uniform covered up his front legs and chest, it did nothing to hide the still-healing burns along his ribs, nor did it keep his new cutie mark hidden. Luna gave them both a smile then turned back to the crowd and her script.

“On the night of April 10th, a terrible blaze sparked at the Ponyville Orphanage. The caregiver, Miss Quill, sounded the alarm and started to get her charges out of the building. Once outside, it was learned one was missing. Upon hearing this, two foals charged back into the building despite being told to wait.” She paused and swapped papers, briefly looking over at the two foals.

“Without a thought for their own safety, the two fought their way to the middle floor. There, they found the stairs already fully engulfed. Grabbing an extinguisher from the wall, Junior Firefighter Rumble picked Junior Captain Pipsqueak up in his legs and flew up to the third floor landing. There, they came across Junior Firefighter Scootaloo, who had been overcome by extreme smoke inhalation.”

Again changing papers, most of the crowd was silent, a few sniffles, a few shocked and worried faces even if they knew the outcome.

“While Junior Firefighter Captain Pipsqueak used the extinguisher to hold back the flames, his teammate grabbed the down filly and crashed with her through the window nearby. Taking her to the ground, he was told to stay put, however ignoring his own cuts and burns, he again disobeyed Miss Quill’s orders. He flew back into the building through that window, and found the Junior Captain down, as well to smoke inhalation and two serious burns. Once more suffering burns of his own, Rumble grabbed up the Captain, and again exited the building, suffering burns along all four legs, and his wingtips.”

She gave a exhale and composed herself. “For gallantry above and beyond the call of duty, for putting others before themselves, we will issue the Iron Hook to both. Never before has any Junior Firefighter Explorer, in the history of the Equestria Fire Department, been awarded its highest honor.” She paused once more, turning to look at Rescue and the two other attending Chiefs. “Station Chief Sunstreak, if you would?”

Rescue gave a nod, and reached behind him. Lifting up a small wooden case, opening it he held it out. The princess took in her dark-bluish magic one of the medals. A cross made of two fire hooks in gold, with a bright red ribbon attached through a small hole. Turning, she glanced down at Rumble, who was shaking like a leaf, but with a proud look on his face.

“For duty above and beyond the call, and by the power vested in me by the Equestria Fire Department, as well as my own standing as princess. We award you, the Iron Hook.”
Placing it around the colt's neck as he dipped his head, She gave a nod and turned lifting the other one up in her magic and turned back, looking at the little paint colt.

“Just five years ago, you honored me, Little Pip, by being unafraid of me and befriending me after my return. Now, it is with great pride of heart and spirit, I award you the Iron Hook, for gallantry above and beyond the call of duty.”

Placing it around the colt's neck, she could see both tears and joy welling up. She didn’t miss his whisper. “My favorite princess.”

Blushing some, Princess Luna stood up and looked back to the gathered crowd.

“Mares and stallions, fillies and colts. It is my proud honor to announce that along with this award, a place in the Fire Academy will be held open should they decide, when they become of age, to follow in the hoofsteps and traditions of the Department.”

She had to smile, and many let out a laugh as one little orange filly with the purple mane let out a bellowing call. “Heck yeah!”

After, Luna gave a nod. “May I present to you, Junior Captain Pipsqueak, and Junior Firefighter First Class Rumble.”

The hooves began stomping the ground, or together, then the cheering. The ponies yelping and calling out, it was almost deafening as the two little colts bowed their heads. Rescue overheard Rumble whisper to Pip.

“Firefighter First Class? I um…”

Pip grinned a bit and in that Trottingham accent of his said. “Relax, Rumble, you will do just fine.”

As always, there was a party after the fact. Was there ever a time Pinkie didn’t throw a party? After all, the whole town, it seemed, came by and congratulated them. Rumble and Pip found themselves with Diamond Tiara and Scootaloo. Tiara seemed to have a odd look on her muzzle and kept looking over at Scootaloo who would nod and gesture with her hoof. Giving a deep exhale, she glanced at Pip.

“Uh, Pip, can I ask you something?”

Pip smiled warmly. “Always, Diamond. We are like, best friends, right?”

She gave a nod and glanced over at Rumble, who was trying to figure out why Scootaloo was suddenly standing over closer to him. Looking back at Pip, she gave a gulp and laid her ears back.

“W-would... Would you like to go out with me?”

Pip could not understand why it seemed the whole world was silent. He could see everyone around him talking. Seeing Vinyl Scratch over at the disk jockey booth, and the speakers hooked up to her turntables throbbing with the beat. Yet nothing in that moment could break him out of the only sound he could hear was his heart pounding hard.

Looking at his friend, seeing her face, his heart sunk. She looked so nervous right now. He had seen the same look when he was taking his first painful steps in therapy. Did she like him? Did he like her? Why do things like this have to be so complicated?

All of that raced through his mind in all of the second and a half before his head dipped and he spoke.

“U-uh, sure, Diamond. I-I mean, I am not anything special I-”

She put her hoof over his mouth to stop him.

“You really are like the Chief. Mr. Sempar is right, you talk too much.”

But that smile he had, that goofy, silly smile of a love-sick colt said it all didn’t it. Scootaloo poked Rumble and said just as casual as could be.

“We are going to double date with them, right?”

Rumble blinked and looked over. Pip glanced at the grey pegasus and saw the poor colt's face. He was shell-shocked. Scootaloo next to him simply wing-slapped him lightly on the back of the head. “Breathe, and just say yes.”

Rumble took a deep inhale, and then gave a stupid silly grin of his own. “O-okay.”

Unknown to them, a group of ten ponies stood watching them. One, a pegasus mare with bright-rainbow mane leaned over to Thunderlane. “I... don’t know. I mean, perhaps they are too young.”

Rescue spoke up, keeping his voice down so the foals wouldn’t know they were talking about them. “Relax, Rainbow. It's just a date, Besides, give the two fillies credit. They did come ask Thunderlane and us,” he then gestured to Ailan.

“For permission to ask them first. I would say that makes them plenty mature,” he added, watching her look at her friends, then back over and she sighed deeply.

“Yeah, you are right. It's just, I am new to this parenting thing.”

It was, oddly, that new mare named Starlight Glimmer that spoke first.

“No you aren't, Dash. Look at Tank, look at how you are with your friends.” Starlight then gave a slight smile. “You are going to do just fine as a mom.”

Rainbow could not miss the smiles and the nods from all the other girls. Looking back over at the foals talking, she smiled a bit. Perhaps it was time to get over her own fear like Diamond just did, and talk to Soarin.

16 - Facing fathers

Pipsqueak fretted over his mane as he looked at himself in the mirror. He had to look perfect. Doing any less for Diamond would be inexcusable. Working his comb through his mane a few more times, he didn’t see his father standing behind him in the doorway to the bathroom.

“You need to relax, Pip.”

Looking over at the reflection of Ailan, he gave a worried little smile. “What if I say something wrong, or do something embarrassing, or—”

Ailan shook his head and stepped in, grabbing the comb and setting it down on the counter. He turned the little colt so they could look eye to eye.

“Pip, Diamond likes you for you. Just be the best you that you can be. That will be plenty for her. You are too young to worry about these things.”

Pip blinked, then launched himself up, wrapping his forehooves around Ailan’s neck and clenched.

“Thank you. Are... are you and dad going to, escort us?”

Ailan gave a nod. “Thunderlane, Mr. Rich, Dash, Rescue, and I, yes. The plan is to let you four have your own table, your own space, we will just watch from a distance. Okay?”
Pip had to ponder that, then gave a soft smile and a nod. “Okay.”

Out in the living room, Rescue had to snap a picture of him. Then, his father gave him a little bag of bits. Pip was surprised by this, he had saved up his allowance for this. However, he was told that it was a colt's duty to pay for his date's meal.

Arriving at exactly five, as agreed on, Pipsqueak reached up and knocked on the door. It swung open to show the Rich’s butler. “Master Pip, please, do come in. Miss Tiara will be down in a moment.”

Pip gave a single nod and trotted in, following the nice pony to a sitting room. He found Mr. Rich was waiting for him. The stallion had a soft but serious look to his face, clearing his throat as the butler shut the sliding door to the room.

“Pip, you and I need to talk before you take my daughter out. I trust that you understand to act as a perfect gentlecolt with my little Diamond, yes?”

He gave a nod, looking at the floor then remembering to look up at the adults eyes as Rescue had taught him.

“Yes, sir. I will always hold her chair, open doors for her, and—”

Filthy gave a light chuckle, cutting him off. “That will do, Pip, I think we both know who the one in charge is. Diamond is going through a lot of changes. However, this Junior Firefighter Explorers she joined, has helped her shine like the precious stone she is. Just, you take care of my little girl.”

Pip lifted a hoof in the air, then across his heart as he bowed his head. “Dad says honor demands nothing less.”

Filthy would have said more, but the door opened, and in walked Diamond Tiara. She had on a light summer dress, her hair done up. She appeared like a tiny angel to the two males. Pip’s breath caught in his throat and his eyes grew wider. He had never seen her look like this, and he gulped hard. Looking down at himself in the simple coat and little tie that Ailan had helped him put on, he felt a hoof nudge him on the flank and looked back to see Mr. Rich gesture toward his daughter. Turning back, Pipsqueak took a step forward and looked at the filly before him. He could see a little concern in her eyes, could it really be she worried about what he thought?

“W-wow, Chi—Diamond you look great. I mean, really... pretty.”

He watched as the pink fillies face filled with red as she blushed hard, turning her eyes away and then back to him. “Thank you, Pip. You truly look handsome. Thank you for... for saying yes.”

Pip forgot completely about the adults in the room. All he could see was this princess of pink in front of him now. His ears laid back and he spoke in a soft, but still Trottingham-colored accent.

“Diamond, how could I not? You have been there for me every day. From the moment you told your mother no in the school yard, you have been so kind to me. You never made fun of me, you never looked down on me or made me feel like you were taking pity. When therapy was its worst and I wanted to quit. You were there to keep pushing me, telling me to take one more step. When I fell, you caught me, and... I owe you everything.”

Diamond put her hoof up, and pressed it gently to his mouth. Her answer was the same as it had been many times before, but for some reason, Pip knew it meant far more now.

“You talk too much, Pip.”

They both started to giggle, unaware of the staff peeking in from the side door, unaware of the tears threatening to flow down Filthy’s cheeks. Pip gestured and they walked for the door, as they did Filthy held up a hoof to his butler and shook his head.

“Pip, I want you to have Diamond back by... Shall we say, nine-thirty?”

Pip turned and looked back, then gulped and nodded. “Yes, sir.”

As they walked out, Pip holding the door for his date, Filthy glanced back at the staff who tumbled in through the door, landing on each other as the four of them had been stacked up watching. He gave a smile and looked back at the doorway out.

“Please, tell me someone got pictures of them.”

It was his ever faithful butler who smiled and gave a nod.

“Oh yes, sir, a whole roll of film worth.”

Sitting up at the bar, the five of them glanced over through the door into the dining room area. Spotting the two colts and two fillies sitting at the table talking over appetizers, Dash glanced over at Thunderlane.

“Your parents would have been proud, Thunderlane.”

He gave a nod and smiled. “Yeah they would have. So, are you still stressed out by this, Dash?”

The rainbow mare shook her head. “Nah, Scoots is a good foal with a good head on her shoulders. Rumble is nothing but a gentlecolt, poor kid has no clue what he has got himself into.”

They all chuckled as Filthy took a drink and glanced over at the rainbow-maned Wonderbolt.

“It is amusing, poor Pip and Rumble, out on a date with two of the most forward, strong-willed fillies in all of Equestria.”

Rescue piped up. “Poor colts,” again, laughter among them. Out of respect to Rescue and his sobriety, none of them were drinking. Just juice and water for all, that was the order of the night. The big draft stallion looked over at Filthy and gave a deep exhale. “So, Rich it's... final then?”

Filthy glanced down at the glass in his hoof grip, wishing for something a bit stronger than what he had.

“Yes, Spoiled has decided to stay in Canterlot. There won’t be a divorce because... well, Celestia forbid, ponies may talk.”

He rolled his eyes at that, glancing up to note all of the others watching him, surprised a little when it was Dash’s hoof that landed on his shoulder for comfort and support.

“We got married for the status, not for love. In retrospect, this may be for the best. It will give Diamond the best chance to be herself and grow into a fine young mare.”

He was far from upset, the truth of it all was. Spoiled was a bad mare. She was cold, unloving, and cared for nothing but money and power. She had nagged and browbeat the staff, and worse. She had done a great deal of damage to their daughter's ego and confidence.

“If you ever need anything, Rich, Ailan and I have your back. It's the least we can do, after all you did to help us with the house, and FPS, going to bat for us with the mayor…”

Filthy turned and looked at the fire pony and shook his head. The big stallion was, perhaps one of his first real friends. “Think nothing of it, Rescue, I would do it again in a heartbeat. You and Ailan... Well, just look at that colt. In the space of months, he has gone from a timid little guy to…”

Glancing over, they could all see Pipsqueak holding Diamond’s hoof as the little group talked and laughed together.

Unaware the older ponies observed them, the four foals were having a blast. Of course, the whole staff of the little bistro knew of the date. It seemed like half of the town knew. Pip had kind of taken the lead, ordering for everypony and trying to be the perfect gentlecolt. Poor Rumble, he was flustered by everything Scootaloo said and did. However, it was also pretty clear he enjoyed her. Pipsqueak saw the way he looked at the orange filly, it was the same way he would catch himself looking at Diamond.

Just a year prior, the idea of wanting to be around a filly would have made them both make faces of disgust. Now, the idea of not hanging out with Diamond made his chest hurt. Life was strange, and if this is what it was like to be in love well, it wasn’t so bad.

“Equestria to Pip, come in Pip.”

He blinked and looked up to find all three staring back at him. “Uh, what?”

Scootaloo laughed, Diamond and Rumble both just started to laugh with her. It was Rumble that spoke up. “Dude, Scootaloo asked if after dinner, perhaps we could take a walk in the park before taking them home?”

He looked at Diamond first, and could see the hope she would say yes. Then, over at the other two who had turned and were glancing at each other. He gave a nod of his head. “Yeah, that would be really fun.”

After dinner, the other three had been surprised when Pip paid for the meal. Diamond had tried to argue, but Pip had told her. “Sorry, but a gentlecolt always takes care of the bill.” Having known Rumble didn’t have a lot of money, and his fathers had given him plenty.

They had walked down the main street after leaving. Once at the central park, they picked a path that looped around it, and walked slow. Rumble and Scootaloo back about ten or twenty paces from Diamond and himself.

Rumble stretched his wing and lightly laid it across Scootaloo's back. This, of course, made her pull into his side closer. Unknown to both, Thunderlane watching with Dash from a cloud up above had to hold the Wonderbolt back some, saying to her, “They are foals, Dash, let them have their thing.”

She had grunted but gave a nod to him, thinking about how just last night Soarin had done just the same with her.

Pipsqueak of course walked side by side with Diamond, letting her lean on him just a tiny bit. She didn’t shy away from the scars that ran up his front leg and shoulder. She didn’t flinch even once by touching them with her shoulder. Rather she asked in a light tone.

“You okay, Pip? You need to rest?”

Pip looked over at her and smiled “nope, I am great, thank you for asking Diamond.”

So they had walked, and talked. Small talk, mostly about school and others. Some talk about the stuff going on at the Station or what the Junior Firefighter Explorers had been asked to help out with. Soon, they broke apart and Pipsqueak found himself walking Diamond to her door. Looking over at her, he laid his ears back some.

“Thank you, Diamond, it was really fun. I really liked going out with you. Uh, perhaps we can... do it again?”

She had blushed profusely, and then looked at him and gave a nod. “I... would like that a lot, Pip.”

Then, she darted in, and Pip felt her lips press on his cheek. A small smooch later, she turned and ran inside, giggling. He just blinked, frozen in the moment. His hoof came up and he rubbed where she had kissed him. Slowly turning, Pip started to head home, head held high, and a bounce in his step, one that announced to all who saw him, somepony was in love!

Many, many miles away, Cadence who was holding her little foal, trying to put her back to sleep. Shivered and then had to smile. Sure, she had that shiver every time somepony fell head over heals for another, after all, she was the Princess of Love. However, young love, was always stronger and always held much power. All she could do was smile down at her little bundle of joy.

“I hope you find it too one day, Flurry.”

17 - Family visit

The end of summer. It always came, and with it, the foals would be in school again. The next break didn’t come for another four months, Fall Wrap-up, and the beginning of winter.

Rescue looked around the station carefully. In the squad bay, working on the rescue wagon, Bull had the three Cutie Mark Crusaders helping him out. Scootaloo was under the wagon with a dirtied rag, cleaning everywhere she could reach, Applebloom was standing with Bull, helping the unicorn roll a fresh hose onto the reel. Meanwhile, Sweetie Belle polished the big brass siren so it remained gleaming.

He turned his head and looked out at the driveway where the rest of the Junior Firefighters were. He could see them at work, clambering all over the big pumper wagon. Each had a rag and a tin of brass polish and were doing their best to make it spotless, taking note that both Ice and Crash were working with the little ones. This brought a gentle smile to Rescue’s muzzle, seeing Ice in a rare moment. She was holding Pipsqueak up as he worked with all his might to lift the final ladder up over the hook to lock it in place.

Giving a nod to himself, Rescue trotted to the door leading into his office beneath the staircase. It wasn’t all much, though it was his kind of sanctuary and where he could go to get paperwork done. The door was wide open, and he could see Backfire with Diamond seated next to her in the cramped space. Diamond had a serious look crossing her muzzle, and had the budget book open in front of her. Poor Backfire had looked swamped by it all, but was paying close attention as the little pink filly was showing her how to enter numbers into the ledger. Rescue never ceased to be amazed at that little gal, Diamond was going to be one heck of a leader one day.

Giving off a sigh, he turned once more and headed past the small shrine, pausing briefly to glance at it, and his ears dipped down. Every fire station in Equestria and many outside it had them. On a placard were small brass tags, each one with a name, a date, and a rank on it. Each of the seventy-two tags represented a firefighter that had given his or her life in the line of duty somewhere in the Equestria Fire Department.

On the table below it rested four pictures, one of each princess of Equestria. A very careful eye might note the one of Luna was just slightly larger than the others, although one would really have to look carefully for a while to see it. Sitting on the tables left sat a polished brass bell and small brass hammer, one used to ring out code long ago, and was now used in ceremony. Last on the table was a plaque bolted down, and that was the fire pony’s prayer, one every fire pony knew in their heart. It was drilled into them in academy and training.

Looking back at the memorial placard, Rescue could not help but reach up and touch two names, side by side. He did not hear the pony behind him come up, but the voice that came, he knew. That deep, soft, Irish voice. “I think about them a lot too, son.”

Rescue went stiff for a moment, closing his eyes slowly. Giving a long, deep exhale, but not turning to look at the proud stallion standing at his side now. He was significantly larger than this male. Younger, but still his presence made him feel like a foal all over again.

“Chief Firehook. I... did not know you were coming in. Is this official, or personal?”

The pegasus gave a little chuckle but then frowned just a bit. “Would it kill yah to call me dad once in a while?”

Turning to look at the older pony, Rescue sighed slowly once more. “Sorry, dad. Just...” he grew silent again and looked back at the small shrine.

“Son, you avoided me at the ceremony. Even Princess Luna took note of it. The only time I hear from you is official reports. I have to get news of what is going on from friends and other ponies, you know.”

His father turned to look at the tall draft stallion. “Why?”

Rescue gave a slight wince and then spoke in a tiny, soft voice. “Can... we talk about this tonight, dad? I will make time for you. Just, not here, okay?”

Turning, he saw a stern look on the elder ponies face. Setting his jaw, he gave a nod of his head, looking Rescue right in the eyes.

“Alright, but I am coming to your house, and this Sempar pegasus is to be there too. That, is an order.”

Rescue laid his ears back. “O-okay,” growing quiet, then speaking once more in that tiny voice. “There is... another I—”

Cutting his son off, he rested his hoof on his son’s leg and set his gaze right into his deep green eyes once more.

“I want to meet my grandson, too.”

Pipsqueak looked up at the older pegasus stallion, a look of awe all over his face.

“Are... you really my grandfather, and really the Fire Chief?”

Firehook could not keep the smile from breaking out. He gave a single nod of his head and lowered himself so he was eye to eye with the paint colt. He took note of the scars, and the fire in the boys eyes, remembering another little foal just like this, one who stood back with his fiance watching.

“That I am, and are you my grandson?”

Pip lit up, and suddenly was embracing the older male tightly with his eyes shut, a look of pure foalhood joy on his face. Firehook slid his hoof around the colt and sat back up on his haunches, holding him close and staying silent for now.

Rescue broke the silence after a couple of moments. “Dad, why don’t you come in? Pip, you go finish your chores in the kitchen, then you can visit with Fir—grandpa.”
Firehook lowered the colt to the ground and ran a hoof over his mane, messing it up some.

“Your dad—dads, and I, need to talk. You do as you are told, and then we can have dinner, and if you are a good colt, I will tell you about the time your dad got himself stuck in a tree.”

Rescue groaned softly, lifting a hoof to his muzzle and pressing it to his forehead, shaking his head slowly, as Ailan's ears perked and said in a quiet voice, “Oh, this I have to hear.”

Pip ran off with a giggle, leaving the three stallions together. Firehook glanced up at the other pegasus, then extended his hoof out. “It's good to finally meet you, Mister Sempar.”

Shaking the offered hoof, Ailan shook his head. “Ailan, please, sir.”

“Then, you call me Firehook, none this formal stuff.”

Both gave a nod, then looked at Rescue, who had a rather uncomfortable look on his face. Exhaling once loudly, Firehook shook his head. Rescue had done that since he was a colt. It was his habit of accepting things.

“How about we all sit down, and... talk.”

The older stallion gave a nod and walked over to a chair, sitting down in it. Looking over at his son, and the pegasus who sat on the sofa next to him, he took note of the way a protective wing slipped open some to press to the earth pony’s side. A bit of a smile crossed his muzzle, remembering the way he would do the same thing with his wife when they were young.

“I... I don’t know where to start, dad.”

Ailan shifted a bit closer to offer support, Firehook gave a bit of a nod at that and looked back at his son.

“Rescue, you have always had problems talking about your feelings. However, I hope you know that while I may not have given you life, you are my son, just as much as Steel is.”

“Dad, I—“

Both remained quiet as they watched Rescue battle with himself, knowing it had to come from him.

“I brought shame to your house, to our family. You took me in when I lost everything in the world. You picked up a broken colt and did your best to raise him. I repaid you by drinking, by becoming a drunk, by hiding my feelings. I brought so much pain and anger, I just...”

Firehook gave a little sigh and looked over at the draft stallion. He could see the tears welling up, threatening to spill over and run down his face. “Son, you did nothing of the sort, not in my heart you didn’t. Yes, you had your issues, Luna knows I overlooked some, I could have gotten you help. I knew you were in pain, but I didn’t know what to do. I didn't know where to begin. But you hear me now, Rescue Sunstreak.”

Uh-oh he used his full name. Rescue looked up at his father and saw such sadness, but such love on his face.

“No matter what you do, no matter how you fall or climb in life, you are my son, and I love you. I may not have said it enough when you were growing up, but I love you, and I am proud of you.”

Rescue stood up off the sofa after a few moments, leaving Ailan to watch as he crossed the short space and wrapped his hooves around the smaller and older stallion, hugging him for all he was worth, muzzle buried in his father's mane. After what seemed like hours to him, he spoke softly.

“I love you dad. I am so sorry I even acted like that. I guess I am still trying to get a handle on being sober and all that it means facing—”

Firehook pushed back with his hooves so he could look Rescue directly in the eyes.

“Now enough of that, what is done is done. We move on from here,” he said, looking to Ailan over Rescue’s side. “And you, what are your intentions with my son?”

Rescue gave another groan and muttered, “Dad,” as he backed over to the sofa again and sat. Ailan, however, did not shift his gaze away. It was a pegasus thing, he locked eyes with the older stallion and lifted his ears to show he was not cowering.

“I intend, with your blessing sir, to wed him, and live by his side, until the day fate says our time is done and the sky reclaims me.”

Firehook found himself admiring the big-winged stallion while he spoke. Young still, proud, but knew what he wanted, and was willing to stand up for it. Giving a nod, he noticed of the worried look on his son’s face, the concern, and curiosity.

“Very well, Ailan. You have my blessing. On one condition," he paused. "You will do right by my son and grandson, and protect them as is our tribe's way.”

Ailan did not hesitate and answered back in the ages old way all pegasus learned early in school by snapping his right wing up forward and across his chest, he bowed his head looking down, showing humility before the elder pegasus.

“By the unending sky, I will with my last breath, sir.”

Looking at Rescue who appeared a little confused, Firehook could not help but chuckle. “Oh, I like this one, Rescue. He is a keeper for sure.”

“You... really are not upset that I... am not with a mare, dad?”

Firehook gave another laugh at that.

“Why would you be with a mare? Hell, I knew from the first few months after you came to live with us, you were not a mare type. How the hell it took you so long to figure it out is beyond me. That reminds me, Coalburner owes me twenty bits!”

Rescue looked at his dad with dismay and confusion, his head tilting. Ailan, on the other hoof, was trying to hold in a laugh, his barrel hitching as he covered up by forcing himself to cough.

“What? Why does Coalburner owe you twenty bits?”

Firehook laughed. “Because he was a fool and bet all of us at station three you were not... Well, you know.”

Rescue groaned again and rolled his eyes, this time his cheeks heating. Ailan could not hold back the laughter and it came out. This, of course, made Firehook start up. The poor draft stallion just sat there, shifting back and forth at the two other males. “You are both insane.”

Sitting around the table, Rescue had his face in his hooves. Ailan and Pip were laughing, the latter of the two so hard he had fallen out of his chair onto the floor with a thud. His grandfather telling the story laughed along with them.

“So-so he looks down at the cat, and all of us as we get the ladders out and says... But, dad, it's just a cat.”

Groaning, the big draft stallion muttered. “Great, just great. I will never be able to show my face in my own home. I might as well find a bag to put over my head.”
Once everyone had regained themselves under control again, Firehook stood up.

“Well, I need to catch the last train back to Canterlot.” Pip gave a little sad groan, Ailan a nod of the head.

“Dad, you will be back soon, yes?”

Fire looked back over at his son. “Yes, but, I want to arrange a meeting with you and your brother. We need to put rest to whatever poison has grown between you two.”

Firehook gave a disappointed look when he heard his son’s tone of voice and answer. “Dad, sorry, but no. He has his own life, I have mine, and I don’t want him around my mate, or my son.”

Firehook sighed. “Fine, for now.”

Ailan knew better than to push. Once Rescue made up his mind, it was nearly impossible to change his view on... what ever it was.

18 - Wildfire!

The sound they all dreaded to hear screamed from the speaker mounted to the wall of the squad bay. One loud, short tone, one softer, short tone, and one lengthy, loud tone that pulsed three times. Already, things were in motion. Rescue slammed his hooves down into his pulling boots, glancing up to make sure others were responding, too.

It had been a quiet morning, but that was past now. Rescue spotted Crash was already halfway to the pole that went from the living area down to the squad bay. The damn kid was fast, that was good. Grabbing his pants, he slipped into them with a practiced ease, then the heavy coat, buttoning up as he trotted for the slide pole. Backfire made it first and leaped out, grabbing the brass pole with her hooves and slid down rapidly. Rescue counted to three, and with the same ease as her, he grabbed the pole, wrapped himself around it, and gravity took care of the rest.

He could see Big Macintosh already in his harness but struggling some. Rescue was elated it was the big red apple pony's day on duty with the full-timers. He galloped over and started to help the other draft pony.

“Relax, Mac, think slow and steady. The fire ain’t going no where.”

He smiled as he watched the volunteer exhale, then nod. “Eeyup.”

Trotting past him to the board and looking up with all of Ponyville drawn out on the map, with ten small crystals set into it, Rescue could see crystal seven was blinking. Bull stepped up next to him and scanned over it.

“Far end of town, near Whitetail Woods, alarm box seven. This likely means a grass fire.”

Rescue gave a grim nod. “Too many houses out that way,” he paused then gestured, "Hit the alert boxes, let’s make this an all-call out. I would rather have hooves on than be in need for more ponies.”

Bull paused. “JFE, too? They are in school right now.”

Rescue glanced out the bay doors, he could already see the hints of smoke rising up into the air out past the houses. “Yes, Cheerilee will understand. She supports them, too."

The big unicorn gave a nod and trotted over to a control board. Turning a dial on it to the number seven, he pressed down on a big red button marked ‘all call’. It was not one that was used lightly. Bull did have to pause and marvel, as this was one of the most advanced fire stations in Equestria. They were extremely lucky to have the newest of everything.

Trotting back for the big pumper wagon, and taking note of Big Mac and Rescue hooked up to the smaller wagon already pulling out of the bay, the rest of the team was pulling from the bay in the massive six wheeled wagon just as the siren cranked up on the smaller one.

Citizens jumped out of the way, some looked out of windows or doors as the two bright red wagons raced down the street, sirens cranked to full, small lights of red and blue flashed thanks to magical crystals embedded in the wagons wood, and the heavy rhythm of steel-clad hooves striking the ground and stones as the fire ponies raced past.

Blue flags, marked with the Ponyville Fire Department symbol, fluttered and flapped in the wind from the short flagpole on each wagon. As they raced up the street, other volunteer firefighters ran out to join the sprint.

From Sugarcube Corner came Carrot Cake, pulling his helmet on the fly, turning and leaping to catch the back of the big pumper wagon and hanging on. Looking back at the worried but proud face of his wife standing in the doorway next to Pinkie Pie holding his foals, it was for them he did this, because he needed to contribute, to keep his family safe.

Every day without fail since she had been issued it, Diamond brought in the strange long box with ten lights along its side to school with her. It wasn’t too big, but she understood what it did. When ten sets of ears perked hearing the sirens crank up, it was not a surprise. However, when that box started to make a loud beeping sound, and seven lights on it started to flash. Ten foals spun and looked at each other, then back to their teacher.

Miss Cheerilee frowned and turned to look at the box, then up at the foals in the room. She sighed, and then nodded. “Diamond Tiara, you may take your team.”

Without a hesitation, the pink filly jumped up out of her chair and barked. “Coats on, form up in the yard. Move it, Explorers!”

Nine colts and fillies leaped up and grabbed coats as they ran out, tugging on the uniforms as they dashed out the door. Not one was laughing, not one was frowning. It was a serious look to each foals face as they formed up. Diamond ran out behind them and looked them over. “Captain Pip, lets get our team going.”

Turning, Pip looked over the other eight. “Move out!”

Ten fillies and colts began to run in time, staying in two lines of five, Pip and Diamond up front side by side. Not a few parents and citizens saw them coming and moved out of the way. To someone not from Ponyville, it might be a strange sight. However, to the citizens here, they knew the Junior Firefighters were serious about what they did and were proud of their foals.

Rescue could see the flames clearly. The grass along the edge of the Whitetail Woods was throwing up flames nearly eight feet high. The trees along the front were ablaze, but the wind was with them... for now. Even as he unhooked, he took note of how the fire was spreading along the forest edge.

Even as the other wagon came to a stop, its siren winding down. He started to bark orders out, knowing the faster they got things going, the sooner they could beat this down.

“Team One, I want three lines there, there, and there," he gestured at three different locations. "Don’t mist it, hit it hard. Team Two, get the pump on line, and get that suction pipe to that lake.” He pointed over to the one about twenty yards away.

“Team Three, harness up, start running buckets from the lake and dumping them inside the fire line, get the trees under control, and mind the updrafts! Bull, I want you to run coordination on Team Three, we don’t want any of our fliers down behind the fire line.”

Turning once that was all done, he was mildly surprised to see the Explorers at a good clip running up the path. He heard Diamond's voice clear as a bell, the filly had a set of lungs on her, that was for sure.

“Team Halt, spread out in a fan, keep civilians back until we get orders. Pip, break up the squads.”

The pink filly ran over and came to a skidding halt in front of Rescue, looking up at him. “Chief, All explorers present!"

“Tiara, good to see you so fast.”

He saw her lift her head at the praise, then looking over at the house line not one hundred yards back and frowned. “Take your team, split them up two to a house and warn all the citizens in that row and that row,” as he pointed, “to get out, have them pull back, and I want one of your squads to break off and escort the citizens down the lane to the park there,” again pointing.

She just gave a nod and was off like a bullet. He observed just long enough to see her break the teams up and send them on their tasks. Looking back at the flames, already two of the three hoses were on it. He glanced over and caught sight of Ailan lifting off from the ground pulling a empty large water bag into the air and heading for the center of the lake. It was going to be a long, rough day, he thought to himself, grabbing up a shovel he headed for the line to start working on it.

Four hours later, the fire ponies were all covered in sweat, dirt, and ash. The wind had held and gave them the break they needed. No loss of homes, no loss of life other than a few woodland creatures that ran toward the fire in a panic.

Sitting leaning on the back of the pumper wagon, listening to the steam motor tick as it cooled down, Rescue could see all of team three crashed out and half asleep. They had run a total of two hundred and eight loads of water, and over four thousand gallons between the eight of them.

Glancing up, Rescue could see five of the weather team sacked out on the clouds. One, a rainbow-maned mare, was offering her team a smile. They had kept up a steady rain on the back side of the fire to keep it from spreading into the forest more.

Overall, they lost one hundred and eight acres of grass and forest, but it would all grow back in time. He had found the ignition point already. Dry lightning by first looks of it, and was happy with that. However he would need to do a full investigation before he could sign off on it being natural. A bit of a shake of his head, the fire at the orphanage was still nagging at him, causing him to overthink.

He turned to watch the Junior Firefighters with shovels walking along, turning dirt over where they saw smoke and smoldering wood, under the watchful gaze of Bull and Backfire who would walk over and offer advice and teach, despite how tired they were.

Speaking of the Junior Firefighters, they had really shone. Not one of the twenty-two families they had asked to evacuate had argued or given them a hard time. Diamond had split off Pip’s team to escort the civilians down to the park. It had been Applebloom he found out later, that had come up with the idea to get the evacuated people water, some snacks, and keep them talking. It had been good thinking on her part, kept them from worrying or panicking.

The trip back to the station house saw members of the volunteer firefighters falling out of the group. Many of them watched as Carrot was grabbed by his portly wife and embraced tightly. There was pride in the face of Dash and the other pegasi of Ponyville as the foals ran to their family.

Diamond didn’t break off, she remained matching with Pip until she saw her father. Standing there at the station, she ran to him and jumped up, only to have him catch her and hug her close. A soft and quiet voice from the bench seat on the wagon he was pulling said, “Dad, did... did we do it right?”

Rescue gave a single nod. “Yes, son. You did us all proud once again.”

This had been their first call out as a team. Both the regulars, the volunteers, and the Explorers. They had lived up to the honor and duty of the Equestria Fire Department, and Rescue was proud of them all.

20 - Fallen Angel

Sleeping while curled up against Ailan, just as Rescue did every night. It was quiet, and was just about as perfect as it could get. However, it was not to be. The high pitch beeping of the alert box on the table kicked in. Rescue sat up, rolled out of bed onto his hooves even as Ailan was trying to wake up.

Moving over to the table, his one ear perked hearing Pipsqueak open his door and look out tiredly. “Dad?”

“Call-box two,” as he heard Ailan’s hooves hit the ground. “Go back to bed, Pip.”

Rescue was dressed before Ailan even put his harness on, but he had been doing this for quite a while now.

“Rescue, Box two, that is the one across from the Crystal Castle right?”

Rescue nodded in response as he snatched up his helmet and slid it on, buckling the strap beneath his chin. “Catch up when you can.”

He was off and running, being as big as he was. He could move at a great speed, taking long strides despite being a draft stallion, made for power not quickness. Off in the distance, he could hear the sirens of the wagons begin to wail, though he knew he would be there first.

Spinning around a corner, he could see the house, the lower floor fully engulfed. Smoke rolled up into the sky in an angry manner. Rescue was the first there, and looked around, seeing a mare and stallion run up to him with a tiny infant foal in the mare’s grip.

“You have to help! She is still in there, she is still…”

He gave a serious look at the mare in panic, then at the stallion. “Who, and where?!”

The stallion pointed. “Upper floor, second door... Chief, Archer is still in there!”

Like a slug to the gut, it all hit him. He knew the two in front of him. He knew them well, and his head pivoted like it was on a spring. He didn’t even pause to take a breath as he launched himself, yelling as he ran for the flaming building. “Tell them I went in!”

His body crashed into the half-open front door with enough force to shatter it. All he could think about was the foal, the little filly in danger, and his own past screaming in his mind now. Eyes that had spent years took in the room, the stairs up were clogged with smoke but appeared stable. He had no other options.

Testing with a hoof and ignoring the heat along his face, Rescue took a moment to snap the helmet visor down and started up the stairs. The wood under him creaked and moaned, but held for now as he reached the top. The smoke was thick, he coughed and lowered himself down best he could. Crawling now, he called out with a bellow. “Archer, stay where you are! I am coming to get you.”

The heat was growing beneath him, signalling he didn’t have much time. Reaching the second door, he tested the surface with his leg, it wasn’t hot. That was a good sign. Then, he noted the edges of a rag stuffed under the door. 'Good filly!' He thought. Rescue took a deep breath and stood, then spun and bucked his hinds. Knocking the door down, open he used his momentum to spin back forth and look around. His heart sunk, there the little filly lay on the floor, motionless. He grabbed her, ignoring the smoke, disregarding the need to breathe in the smog that burned in his lungs.

He knew he was stupid for trying this without a breather, but time was not on his side. Slinging the limp foal across his back, he was out into the hall and heading for the stairs. The air burned in his lungs, he didn’t have much in him left. Down, down he went, leaping the last two steps. His rear right hoof punched through the floor and he let out a yelp of pain as the wood bit in to him. Giving no thought, Rescue yanked it back out of the hole left as fire jumped up out behind it.

Out the door and across the small yard, he skidded to a stop as he saw the mare and stallion running for him. He didn’t have time for them, however. Laying the foal on the ground, part of him could hear the sirens coming closer, the flashing red and blue starting to bounce around the buildings as the wagons approached.

First things first, ignoring the mare in hysterics and the stallion holding her back, Rescue lifted his ear near Archer’s mouth and checked for chest movement. His heart sunk, she wasn’t breathing! Hoof up, turning her head and pressing his hoof into her throat. Life came to a grinding halt for a moment. He could hear nothing, see nothing except his hoof in place, and the silence of the body he was checking.

Time started again and his hooves rolled her onto her back. He was up on his haunches and his forehooves on her chest. He began to perform chest compressions at a steady pace, carefully focused on what he was doing. He heard someone skid up beside him, just by the pattern of hooves and breathing, he knew it was Ice.

“Ambu bag, trauma kit, and red box, now!” He ordered.

Rescue continued compressions until she skidded back up next to him with the supplies. He could hear Bull barking out orders off to the side and taking control. He heard Ailan gently pulling the two parents and the tiny foal with them back to a safe distance. However, he could not look up. Archer’s life depended on him staying focused.

“Ice, kick the redbox open, extend the antenna. Tell Mercy we are going to transport.”

She gave a nod and did as told, not once pausing to marvel at the technology once more; a box, filled with crystals and magic. It allowed them to speak with the hospital, to a doctor directly. They could even transmit EKG across this connection. Once more, Luna had pushed to equip the Equestria Fire Department with the best out there, and they were one of five stations in the world with this box. She glanced over to see Rescue grab the ambu and pump twice lightly, forcing fresh air into the fillies lungs, then initiated compressions again. Picking up the microphone in her hoof, she said, “Mercy, this is Rescue One.”

A few moments later, the speaker on it crackled, then a voice followed. It sounded like Nurse Redheart. “Rescue One, Mercy, go.”

“Mercy, we have one victim, female, age ten. Smoke inhalation. We have started chest compressions, transport available.”

There was a pause then a new voice, deeper, male. “Rescue One, Transport stat. Continue compressions. Trauma team, standing by.”

Rescue flicked an ear as he listened to Ice take full control. Leaving him to focus on slow, steady compressions. Soon a backboard was under the foal, and he was in the rear of the rescue wagon on his knees. He continued to perform the compressions despite how tired he was becoming. Sweat beaded up on his forehead, but he could not stop. This was one of the Explorers.

The trip to the hospital seemed like it took months, or longer, when in fact it was one of the fastest ones done and still safe. Little did Rescue know that Big Mac had arrived just in time, and had pulled for all he was worth. Rescue didn’t see the big red pony nearly collapse as they rushed the filly in past him. He just stayed on the gurney they had ready, kneeling over her and continuing his movements. It was only once inside he was relieved and told to stand down, did he blink. Standing there, staring at the door to the room they took her in. He didn’t hear the nurse next to him until she walked out in front of him.

“Chief, you are injured," she spoke softly

Rescue blinked and looked down slowly, seeing a light burn on his hind hoof, and the trickle of blood coming from his turnouts. He just gave a nod and on autopilot, followed her. The nurse cleaned him up, a bandage around where she had to pull a four inch-long splinter of wood out of his hoof, very painfully too. When he finally limped out to the lobby, he noticed of four of the Junior Firefighters there with their parents. He also saw Ailan with Pip. A few of the others were there including Applejack, as well as all of the ones that could make it and were not on the fire callout.

A few asked him questions, he just shook his head. His legs felt like lead, his lungs and chest felt like they were set ablaze. One thing he did also realize, was Archer’s parents were nowhere to be seen. This worried him some, but he shrugged it off. Archer would be fine, however, he did find himself pulling Pipsqueak very close and holding him to his side.

It seemed like hours later, when in fact it was only ten, perhaps fifteen minutes. His ears lifted as the muffled scream of a mare came from down the hall. A few minutes later, he watched a doctor come out of the trauma room. He looked down the hall and made eye contact with Rescue.

The world came to a complete stop again as Rescue watched the doctor's ears flatten, and his head lower. Rescue’s heart gave a lurch, and without thinking he squeezed the little paint colt tighter. A few of the others had not missed things, He heard Applejack let out a sob and then take off. Ailan was suddenly at his side, sandwiching in Pip. It was not hard for the foals to pick up on what was going on just as a small pink filly escorted by her father walked in.

Diamond was no fool, she had heard Archer was hurt. However, seeing the chief’s face, seeing the looks, seeing the doctor standing there in the lobby with tears racing down his cheek, the world narrowed to a black tunnel. She heard some filly wail in terror and then, she hit the ground with a thud.

It was an all-hooves on event. Fire ponies and chiefs from all over Equestria had come. A representative group from the griffon kingdoms, the diamond dogs, even as far away as the Saddle Arabian nation had come. Every one of them were decked out in dress blues, every last one with a black band over their badge.

They took Archers casket, draped in the Equestria Fire Department flag. It rode on the top of the pump wagon, pulled by four pony, all chiefs. At the front hitch, the Fire Chief of the Griffonian Fire Department. At his side, the Chief of the Diamond Dog nation hooked up.

They walked five-wide behind the wagon, over five hundred fire ponies, civilians, and family. Walking at the right side of the wagon, all of the members of the Ponyville Fire Department. Behind them, the foals of the Junior Firefighter Explorers walked, with one spot missing in the middle of them.

No eye in Ponyville was dry, not in the walk, not in the ponies and griffons lining the road through the center of Ponyville as they headed past the station and making way to the local cemetery. One of theirs had fallen, and she would be remembered no matter what.

Rescue walked at the side of Archer's family, silent. The war inside him forced down for now, he could not afford to show weakness or tears. He was a rock they needed and that the whole department looked to.

The procession moved along to where they would put Archer to rest. It was six of their own that slid the finely-polished wood coffin from the wagon and carried it over to the small table set for it, under a large tarp tent. Rescue took note of the quiet presence of all four princesses standing off to one side. Once everypony was gathered, he stepped up to the podium and let out a deep breath. There next to him on a table was the brass bell kept in the station’s shrine. He looked out, all he could see was hurt, pain, and loss. Yet, it was his job to stay calm. He had to keep it together for them all.

Clearing his throat and looking down at the note cards, Rescue spoke in a clear, deep voice.

“Junior Firefighter Archer was not on a call when she met her fate. Rather, she was the call, and still she fought with every last ounce of herself. She earned a place among our fallen," he paused, taking a soft breath before continuing.

“The mares and stallions of today’s fire service are confronted with a more dangerous work environment than ever before. We are forced to continually change our strategies and tactics to accomplish our tasks. Our methods may change, but our goals remain the same as they were in the past, to save lives and to protect property, sometimes at a terrible cost. This is what we do, this is our chosen profession, this is the tradition of the firefighter. The fire service of today is ever changing, but is steeped in traditions one-thousand years old. One such tradition is the sound of a bell."

"In the past, as firefighters began their tour of duty, it was the bell that signaled the beginning of that day’s shift. Throughout the day and night, each alarm was sounded by a bell, which summoned these brave souls to battle the flames and to place their lives in jeopardy for the good of their fellow citizens. And when the fire was out and the alarm had come to an end, it was the bell that signaled to all the completion of that call. When a firefighter had perished in the line of duty, paying the supreme sacrifice, it was the mournful toll of the bell that solemnly announced a comrade's passing."

"We utilize these traditions as symbols, which reflect honor and respect on those who have given so much and who have served so well. To symbolize the devotion that these brave souls had for their duty, a special signal of three rings, three times each, represents the end of our comrades’ duties, and that they will be returning to quarters. And so, to those who have selflessly given their lives for the good of their fellow man, their tasks completed, their duties well done, to our comrades, their last alarm, they are going home.”

Rescue glanced over at his father, and gave a single nod. The Fire Chief turned, and rang out the code. Three rapid rings, three times spaced each time by one second. Rescue exhaled and looked to the group once more.

“The Honor Guard will now recite the firefighters prayer.”

Turning and looking at his team, all of them flanking nine foals who were dressed in matching dress uniforms, each holding back tears he could see, but wanting to show their best. They spoke as a group, Thirty nine total voices.

“When I am called to duty, Luna, wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age. Help me embrace a little foal, before it is too late, or save an older pony from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert, and hear the weakest shout, quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling, to give the best in me, to guard my friend and neighbor, and protect his property. And if according to your will, I must answer death's call, bless with your protecting hoof, my family one and all.”
Once more, Rescue looked out at the gathered ponies and others of the world. He lowered his head and said in a soft tone, but one loud enough for all to hear.

“Junior Firefighter Archer, has returned to station.”

Applejack was worried, enough so that when Ailan had shown up to ask if she had seen Rescue. She had started to look around, and soon a large group was looking for him. It was Berry Punch that had caught Twilight’s attention to a break-in at her bar. Oddly, she had explained, only two bottles of whiskey were missing, and there were bits on the bar, enough to pay for the missing booze, and the broken lock. Now, a large posse was looking for the big stallion.

Rescue, however, knew they would, and had found himself a nice spot. Far off, near Ghastly Gorge, he sat in a little outcropping of rocks and trees that looked out to where the moon sat in the sky.

“So, you killed a foal, good job.”

That voice. It was back, and he knew why. He had failed, he had let one of his own perish because he was not good enough to save her. Now, he had buried her with full honors, not that it would bring any comfort to her parents.

“So, what now, loser? Going to do something smart, perhaps jump off the cliff and end it? Might be for the best before you kill someone else.”

He closed his eyes and muttered. “We will see.”

Then he lifted up a bottle of amber liquid, and started to drain it down, ignoring the burn as he kept going, hoping it would silence the voice.

Author's Note

All who read this.

The bell ceremony is a very real thing. It is steeped in tradition and honor. I have included it word for word, only changing out Mare and Stallion rather than Man or Woman. Please understand I have used it with the highest amount of respect for all first responders who give their life in the line of duty.

This story is a bit more to me too. I watched my father struggle after preforming CPR on the brother of a friend of mine as a kid. The brother had OD'ed and my father preformed CPR for 30 minutes before they called it. This bothered him, I think it still does to this day. I know he quit the volunteer firefighter squad just two weeks after.

Writing this, I will admit I cried. I cried because of the loss to families all over the world, and for the struggle my own father faced.

To each and every one of you in the service, be it military, firefighter, or police. Know that I hold all that charge into the jaws of danger with high regard. ...

Thank you.

21 - Demons of the past rise

Applejack looked at the group gathered around her. It was near midnight and no one had found Rescue yet.

“Y'all listen up now. Rescue is in a bad place if my gut is right. You find him, don’t go trying to take him on your own. You call Twilight and me, or one of the others to back ya up. Now,” She pointed at Dash and Soarin who had been ‘visiting’ Dash. “Y'all sweep out along the edge of the Everfree, look fer any sign you can” she watched them nod and take off.

Turning to look at Rarity and Pinkie, “You two look in tha north end of town. Check alleyways and such.”

It was Twilight who piped up then. “AJ, I am going to grab a book. I think I can cast a location spell if I get something of his from Ailan.”

Applejack gave a nod. “Good thinking, sugarcube,” she went on to give the rest of the search parties their locations and headed off on her own areas to look.

Lyra was the one to answer the door. Twilight trotted in and noted Ailan holding Pipsqueak on the sofa, with Bon Bon staying close by. He looked up with such worry in his eyes.

“Any news?”

She shook her head and explained her idea. Pip had struggled out of his father's grip and ran off, returning with one of the most personal things Rescue owned. His badge, holding it up to the purple alicorn. “F-find my dad, please.”

It was really all she could do to hold it in, not that she had any tears left after the morning of putting Archer to rest and helping console everypony she could. She didn’t understand how could Rescue do this to his family, his friends—himself. Then again, Applejack had tried to explain it, but where the fire pony’s mind was right now was a dark, dark place. Shaking it off, and swallowing the lump in her throat, she took the badge and looked down at the little brave paint.

“I will, Pip. I pinkie promise, I will.”

Turning, she nodded to Lyra and Bon Bon before giving Ailan a little nuzzle, hearing him sniffle but hold in things for the foal’s sake. Heading outside, she looked over at Spike who yawned tiredly.

“Spike, I want you to go home and wait for Princess Luna to send a letter, if she can. You are tired, and being out here isn’t helping.”

“But, Twilight. I am… Okay, but you will come get me, right?”

She smiled at her number one assistant, or some may even say a son to her. “As soon as we have news,” A thought came to her, she said. “Spike, make coffee, a lot of it. The searchers are going to need it. Have Starlight help you set up a table outside and I will guide tired ponies to the castle to rest and get a drink.”

He beamed and gave a little mock salute. “Sure thing!” and off he went running.

It took her almost a hour to get the spell to work perfectly. Standing in front of Berry’s bar, she could see the goldish glow of earth pony magic on the ground left behind. Two paths, one went back into town, the other one headed west. She couldn’t fly very well still, as she wouldn’t see the path left behind. It was faint at best.

Not thinking about the fact she should get a partner to go with her, the alicorn started trotting along slowly, head down and following the path of the glowing hoofprints on the ground. It kept going right over a bridge and out past the edge of town. She frowned but kept going, pausing to look up and around to see if anyone else was near.

Half a hour later, she was still going, This was heading out to Ghastly Gorge. A thought of worry raced through her mind, what if he—no, even in the state he was in, he would never hurt Ailan, his son, and his friends like that... would he?

She had to believe he was okay. He was a friend, and she admired the fire pony, despite how dower and stoic he tended to be. Looking around again, she recast the spell and saw the prints heading for a small grove near the edge of the cliffs. Frowning more with concern, she picked up her pace, tired but eager to find him and put his family’s worries to rest.

Coming around a small stand of trees, she found him, lying there among some rocks with two empty glass bottles near him. One smashed, the other still clutched in his hoof. Twilight gasped, she could see the pool of vomit and the bits clinging to his mouth. She could see his breathing was not normal at all. It was shallow and rough, so she kicked his hoof.

“Rescue, wake up!” in a voice that was almost as loud as the Canterlot royal voice.

He did not respond, not even a grunt or twitch. This was bad, this was very bad. She was no medical expert, but she knew anypony ingesting that much booze that fast, was not long for the world. She had to do something, but what?

“Come on Twilight, focus, think. Of course, get him to the hospital!” She said to herself.

It took her under a second to calculate the distance, the weight of the big stallion and herself, the amount of magic she would have to use, then snapped off the spell. In a blinding flash of white, the two ponies disappeared from the area. Right at the front doors of the emergency room, another white flash of pure light exploded, she and Rescue appeared once more.

Instantly she cried out into the doorway as it opened. “Hurry, he is hurt!” Seeing a nurse half asleep suddenly snap up and look at her, then hit a button on the desk and start galloping for where the draft stallion laid on the ground.

Twilight watched as two orderlies and a doctor came rushing, picking up her friend and rushing him into one of the rooms. The nurse asked in a soft voice. “Should we send for his family?”

Twilight gave a shake of her head, then turned. From her horn shot a beam of purple energy that popped in the sky, a bright star of brilliant magic that lasted for a few seconds. She knew every Pegasus that saw it would come rushing to aid any unicorn who sent up a distress signal like that.

Sure enough, first there was Rainbow Dash, with Soarin at her side. Not two or three seconds later, several others arrived looking worried and alert.

“Rainbow, go and get Ailan. Soarin, go find Applejack. The rest of you, spread out and find the searchers. Bring them here.”

Dash lowered her ears. “Is he—”

Twilight put a hoof on her friend's shoulder. “He is alive, for now. Go fast, Dash. He needs his family, and they need him.”

She saw the determination in the rainbow-maned mare’s eyes, then spun and was off, not quite breaking the sound barrier, but darn close to it. Twilight was surprised as she turned, while others left, to see Thunderlane land in the lobby. “Did you find him?”

She gave a nod and put a wing tip to his shoulder. “I did, but, we need to talk. Go find Big Macintosh, I think he will need to hear this from both of you,” she gulped and whispered. “If... he makes it.”

Thunderlane’s eyes grew wide then closed tightly in pain. He gave a single nod and took off without a word, leaving Twilight, the Princess of Friendship, to look back at the emergency room and wonder, if she was about to have to go through this all over again.

Sounds that were far too loud as Rescue started to come up out of the coma of sleep rung in his head. His mind was pounding, his whole body ached. His first thought was, where was he? Rescue slowly started to try and open his eyes, only to wince at the light and shut them tightly again, letting out a very pained groan as he did.

“Don’t try to move around, you have several IV’s in you. If you feel like you are going to puke, there is a bucket to your left.” Came a voice he couldn’t place right now, but it had sound advice.

Throwing up, he wasn’t about to—yes, he was. Turning his hoof, he reached out and found the bucket, stuffing his muzzle deeply in it just as his stomach gave a lurch and something vile and burning raced up his throat and out his mouth. He heaved three times hard, before the feelings faded off.

Rescue felt the bucket be taken from him and heard it set down within reach with a slight slosh. Daring to try to open his eyes, he could make out somepony slightly gray. A blur, but gray, closing his eyes again. “W—where am I, what time is it?”

The blob waited a moment then said. “You are in a hospital bed, it's almost noon.”

Pondering that, he remembered breaking into the bar, that was around six the previous evening. He didn’t remember too much after that, then felt a small tube tucked into his mouth.

“Sip, rinse, spit, do not try and drink it right now.”

Rescue did as he was told. cool, very pure water flowed through the straw and into his mouth, he fought the urge to gulp he swished then parted his eyelids enough to find the bucket and spit out again, looking at the figure it came more into focus. “Thunderlane? W-where is Ailan, Where is—”

“Rescue, shut the hell up and lay back. You and I are going to have a long talk.”

Slumping back into the pillow, Rescue frowned, but for now he would have to play along.

“There is a whole swarm of ponies out in the waiting room that all want to come in here. Some to yell at you, some to wingslap you, some to kick your ass, and some to hug you.”

The big stallion turned away and worked on trying to get his eyes fully open.

“You were brought in by the Princess, they had to pump your stomach and get you on extremely powerful drugs. You quit breathing once during the procedures, but started back up on your own. It's the only reason you are not intubated right now.”

Rescue flattened his ears as he listened, not quite daring to speak up just yet.

“Rescue, I am going to lay this out to you, and then leave. Big Mac is going to come in here after me and lay out some other things then leave. After that, you will lay there and take what is coming to you.”

Thunderlane exhaled deeply and looked out the window.

“You know how much it hurts to hit someone with a wing? It's like getting kicked in the balls. It hurts bad, but it's how we pegasi discipline our loved ones. Ailan said he never explained it all to you, so, I am doing it. You keep that in mind in the next few hours, you understand me?”

Rescue turned and looked over at the gray pegasus then offered a bit of a nod, seeing Thunderlane lift the water cup again and bring it to his lips.

“Tiny sip, don’t try to gulp, this time you can swallow it down. The doc will be in soon, but you have others to talk to first.”

Rescue could see the frown, as well as the pain behind it too. As the pegasus stood and put the cup aside, he turned to leave and spoke, facing the door. “Rescue, you hurt a lot of ponies, but you hurt one of our flock, and your son the worst.”

Watching him walk out, the words were like a kick to the gut, almost bad enough to make him throw up again. Rolling over onto his back once more to stare up at the ceiling, the sound of the door opening again made him glance over. A large red draft stallion moved in and shut the door behind him, sitting down at the bedside, glaring down at him.

“I—I screwed up big time.”

“Eeyup."

Rescue lowered his ears some. Then, to his surprise, the big apple pony spoke more than he had ever heard him say at once. A deep, clear tone, while kind of attractive, he had to admit. However, he knew Mac didn’t swing that way.

“Rescue, you dun screwed up. It ain’t bad enough we just put one of our own in the ground. Then, you had to go off and get drunk. Now...I know what it is like. Heck, Applejack slipped up a few times herself.”

Rescue turned to look back up at the apple pony’s eyes directly.

“However, you not only hurt everyone, you almost died. You ever think for a moment what that would have done to your family? And I ain’t talking about just Ailan and Pip.”
He gestured with a hoof.

“That family, all of them. They watched you be the rock for them. The team, the foals, the whole town watched you keep yourself steady. Now, ah ain’t gonna lecture you too much, you got a hell of a lot coming to you. You just keep this in mind as ya lay there. Every single one of them that walk in here, do and say what they will, because they love you."

Standing up, he turned and left without another word, leaving Rescue to look at the door and then back out the window, and then to the door again. He watched it start to open, and gulped deeply.

22 - Face the music

Rescue did not want to turn and look, he knew who it was. He knew the weight of the hooves on the tile floor of the room as they approached. He heard the door click shut and somepony sit, just breathing and not saying anything at all at first.

“Ya gonna face me at least?”

Rescue shrugged gently and shut his eyes. It was bad enough having Big Macintosh and Thunderlane rip into him like they did, but he knew it was only going to get worse with each visitor. This one behind him, was one of the ponies he wasn’t sure he wanted to face.

“I... I don’t know, Applejack. What... w-what can I say?”

She stood slowly and walked around the bed, sitting again so her gaze was right at his head level, looking into his eyes. He could see her stetson pulled low, but that didn’t hide the fur along her cheek or her chin matted down with tears.

“Why didn’t ya come talk to me? Ah get why ya ran to the creature, but, ya didn’t have to, Rescue.”

He shut his eyes and breathed out slowly. “Because, I was afraid to, Applejack. Because you are my best friend, because you have your own pain. You had Big Mac and Apple Bloom to worry about. I—”

Rescue shut his muzzle, clicked his hoof off the rail of the bed a few times before he spoke far softer.

“I... ran away from... everything. I figured if I could just make the pain stop, i-it's all just excuses, ain’t it? Truth is, I was weak and I slipped. Sorry ain’t going to cut it, is it?”

The orange earth mare shook her head. “Nope, but it’s a start, sugarcube. Yer back to day one,” her hoof came up and set a bright blue chip on the sheets of the bed, a big ‘1’ on it.

“Part of me wants to buck you upside the head, Rescue. Celestia knows you need it, but no. You got a whole pack of trouble coming in here one at a time. You are gonna lay there and accept every last bit of what comes with it. Then, you are going to get out of here, and come to a meeting, and we are going to talk about getting the foals, our friends, and you, a counselor. Ya hear me?”

He nodded his head just a bit as his hoof, with two IV lines in it, slid out and gripped the chip gently.

“Yes.”

She nodded and got up, not saying another thing as she headed for the door. As she opened it, he heard somepony else give a little noise. He turned to find himself looking at Princess Twilight, as the door clicked closed.

Her eyes were bloodshot with tears. She looked tired and worn out. He was about to speak when she beat him to it.

“Don’t you dare say a thing. You have not earned that yet. When I found you I thought you were, I didn’t know if you would, you are an IDIOT!”

Bellowing the last word, her wing slashed out and the tip smacked him across the nose. It stung bad, but not nearly as bad as the look she gave him. Tears again welled up in her eyes and she spun around, running out of the room. He found himself closing his eyes for the hundredth time, not even reaching to rub his nose.

The next to come in was one he had not really expected, Pinkie Pie. Her poofy mane was flat and dull, her eyes puffy and bloodshot. However, none of that was the worst, it was her voice tone that killed him. There was no joy, no bounce to it. It was flat, and almost a tiny bit cold.

“I won’t say a lot, Chief, but I will say this. You hurt a lot of ponies that were already in pain. You have to make up for that. D-do you know how you are going to do that?”

He shook his head, almost afraid of this side of Pinkie, this was not the Element of Laughter he knew.

“You are going to sit and talk with all the foals. You are going to talk to the ponies that follow you. You are going to explain to them all about the drinking, about your problem with it. Then, you are going to ask for help. If you do all of this, we can be friends again, but if you don’t... I... don’t want to be your friend anymore.”

She didn’t give him time to respond, but her words stabbed him in the heart. He just watched her turn and walk out, head down. That hurt more than Twilight’s wing strike. Far more.

Others came and spoke their mind, some to find out if he was okay, like Fluttershy. Some to read him the riot act like Bull and Ice did. Some just walked in and wing slapped him like Rainbow Dash did, saying not a word after. Lyra and Bon Bon had not yelled or admonished. They just reminded him they would help, and that he had more to make up for than he could ever do. Then, it was Ailan’s turn.

Luna knows he did not know what to do or say as the big-winged pegasus came in and shut the door. He had never seen Ailan so upset, his eyes quite swollen, his coat and wings were a mess. He had clearly not slept or even cleaned himself up. He just sat silent for a time, then closed his eyes and extended one wing, and laid it over on top him and the sheets.

“I wanted to come in and scream at you, then hug you, then hit you, and yell more,” he began, shaking his head. “But, what good would it do? I can see it in your eyes, you know exactly how much you messed up, how many ponies you hurt, so, I won’t do any of that.”

Growing quiet again, Ailan looked out the window before returning his gaze to look into his mate's.

“Rescue, I love you. I want to be with you. I want us to raise Pipsqueak, and be a family, and grow old together. However,“ he paused, taking a deep breath and locking eyes with the bed-ridden stallion. “I can’t do this again, do you hear me? You can’t do this to Pip or me. Not after this, it’s your one time. Pip cried because he was so scared, and I was too. I love you, but, do we understand each other?”

Rescue found his mate's eyes and gave a soft nod of his head. Nothing he could think of would be enough to say, but one thing came to mind. As silly as it seemed, it felt right in his heart so, he said it.

“Cross my heart, hope to fly, Stick a cupcake in my eye.”

He saw a tiny smile cross the other stallion's muzzle. He reached out with a hoof and touched Ailan’s neck gently.

“I love you.”

Ailan gave a tired nod. “You talk to much,” the smile just kind of kept warming up a tiny bit.

Out in the lobby, a pink party-pony lifted her head and muttered. “Forever,” as she leaned it back to her friend Dash’s neck. Rarity sitting next to her took note of the fact her mane, while not back to normal, was more poofy than before.

Rescue had been escorted out by quite a few others after it was all said and done. Pipsqueak was resting across his back, asleep. It had been decided that everypony would go home, sleep a few hours, and in the evening gather at the castle to talk.

Rescue had not slept, as he had too much on his mind. He simply laid there next to Ailan and Pip as they slept on the bed, thinking. Once they were back up, they headed over to Twilight’s castle together. After they arived, he pulled the parents of all of the foals aside, along with some of the other ponies of the Volunteer squad. Together, they decided they would not hold back, the foals would hear the truth, and be treated like the mature and smart colts and fillies they were.

Everypony was gathered together in a cozy room, Rescue looked around at them. Each foal was together but with parents close by. All but the regular full timers were here, they had their talks back at the hospital. Laying his ears back he gave a soft exhale of air.

So, he started. He talked openly to them all, starting off about his drinking problems. He explained not only that he drank, but the reason. His personal loss, his pain. It was almost like taking a massive weight off his back as he did. The words flowed, he talked about Archer, and the way her loss ripped the scabs off, and he ran to the only thing that ever stopped the pain for him.

Many were upset, some were angry and rightfully so. The foals had listened and then left, with his son included. They had gone to talk, oddly having told everypony to let them be alone. Many raised an eyebrow at that, but they agreed to let them take the information and do what they felt was right. When they returned, it had been Diamond who spoke for them all.

“Chief, I... We are... hurt. We are all sad,” she said, looking back at a few of the Junior Firefighters that sniffled. She turned to look up at Rescue. “But, we also agreed together that the idea of counseling sounds right. Despite what our parents think, we are no longer just foals. We have seen and done what most foals will never do. We are proud of that, and want to help you get better, in turn, helping us get better too.”

How in Luna’s sky did he ever get a group of foals like this? He took note out of the corner of his eye, the princess with a parchment and quill held in magic. He turned back and looked over the small group of foals, adults, his mate, and his friends.

“I... will send a letter now, I know my fath—Fire Chief Firehook will send a counselor from the department as fast as he can. I... give my word that I will talk to him and try to improve, if you will all follow the lead of our Explorers here too?”

Not a head in the place shook the negative.

23 - Renewed Friendships and more

It had been quite a long month for everypony. Not just for the chief, but for the whole town. Diamond looked over at the slightly smaller paint colt laying pony-loaf beside her, his side touching hers, the comic book in front of them sort of forgotten in the moment.

The counselor had come the very next day after the Chief sent his letter. He was a nice stallion, and his name was Case Study. The unicorn had been seeing all of the firefighters, the Explorers, and a good deal of the residences of the town. He resided in a little cottage near Fluttershy’s place out near the woods. In it, he had a quiet room where there were tons of shelved books and toys and all sorts of things in between.

The best thing about him was, anything somepony told Mr. Study, was private. He and Diamond conversed about how she felt, about the pain of losing Archer, and how it felt to see her friend and minor hero fall like he did. Mr. Study had done a lot in the sessions to help her understand and cope. There would be many more sessions, of course. It turns out the therapist pony and part-time firefighter had decided to move to Ponyville full time.

Pip turned and looked, catching her looking at him. He blinked, and gave a little confused smile. “What?”

Diamond shook her head and smiled softly. “Nothing, I just… Pip, h-have you ever kissed somepony before? I mean, like a real kiss?”

They both knew they likely shouldn’t be alone, thankful however for the fact Applebloom was covering for them, and the other two fillies were making sure no one came around the little clubhouse. It was their way of giving them some private time out of the eyes of the adults.

Pipsqueak blushed some and shook his head. “Well, not really. My dads will when they tuck me in, and once Princess Luna gave me a kiss on the top of my head. Oh there was that one kiss you gave me when...” he paused. “But not, um, you know, well like, uh—”

She shook her head. “You talk too much,” but her smile said more than anything else. Leaning over, their first kiss happened. It was kind of awkward and shy, and it wasn’t like he hadn't seen his father's kiss once when he walked into the kitchen. However, it made his heart beat hard, and his eyelids shut tight.

After looking over at Diamond, he could see her blushing profusely, and did what any gentlecolt should. He leaned in and nuzzled her softly. “W-was that your first, too?”

She nodded gently and then looked up to his eyes. “Yeah, it... was nice.”

He agreed by leaning over and pressing his lips to hers again. Once more, it was not the deep Prench kiss of his parents. There was a lot of innocent joy in that moment. But it was all ruined as they both heard from the doorway behind them.

“Awww, that is so cute!”

Glancing back, both of them blushed as hard as could be. Standing in the doorway was Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo. All three, even Scoots had a kind of dopey grin on their faces. Perhaps oddly it was Scootaloo who said, “Told you they would.”

Apple Bloom shouldered her friend gently. “Ah bet you haven't done that with Rumble," only to have Scootaloo blush hard and look away. “Oh my Celestia, you have!” earning giggles from Sweetie Belle.

Diamond rolled her eyes but gave a smile and glanced at Pip who was still blushing hard. “I don’t care what anypony else thinks, I liked it Pip and... I like you, a lot,” she said, making the paint pony’s eyes grow even wider. Then, she saw and felt him lean over and press his cheek to hers, a soft touch, simply doing what he had seen his fathers do. She liked how he was always so caring about her feelings.

It was all right, then they heard Applejack’s voice call out from the base of the ramp up to the clubhouse.

“Now, I gave y’all time, but ah don’t want to hear nothing more. Applebloom, it's time to do your chores. Diamond, you and the rest should be getting home—”

Applejack cut herself off, seeing Pipsqueak step out of the doorway behind the pink filly. She could see the paint’s face flush along the cheeks. They were growing up, ain’t no harm she figured as long as they didn’t go doing too much. However, she had to make sure, and she clicked her tongue.

“Pip, ah am a little disappointed in you, young colt. Alone with a filly at your age, what do you have to say for yourself ?”

Pipsqueak blinked and tucked his ears down, but it was not lost on Applejack when he moved forward a bit putting himself in front of Diamond and the other girls. She gave the colt points for standing up like that.

“Miss Applejack, we were just reading comics and talking, that is all.”

“Ho ho, and pull the other leg why don’t ya. You can’t fib to me, young colt.”

He paused, then said in a weak tone. “P-perhaps a kiss, too.”

Diamond gave a light squeak and blushed, the other fillies all giggled but hid their faces. Applejack just gave a single nod of her head. “Fair enough, ah believe you. Ain’t nothing wrong with a kiss, long as that was all it was. You two are too young fer gettin' serious. Now, you three run along. Bloom, you get yer chores done.”

After they all embraced each other, Pip escorted each of the fillies home. First, it was Scootaloo who was to wait for Rainbow Dash at Sugarcube Corner. She said she was going to do her homework while she waited for her mother to return from training.

Next, he walked Sweetie Belle home. It was on the way to Diamond’s house, after all. Lastly, he found himself on the front porch of the pink filly's house. She blushed and leaned in, kissing his cheek once softly.

“Pip, I... got tickets for the Grand Galloping Gala. I was hoping you would—I mean, if you wanted to. You could go... with me?”

The colt smiled just a bit and then nodded. He paused before saying, “Okay, but, I have to ask your father. Dad says it's a colt’s job to get permission to take a lady out someplace.”

She nudged him. “But I am taking you, so, doesn’t that mean I have to ask your dads?”

That made him pause and then give a little smirk. “Well, okay, just this time,” as it was with them. He knew who was the more aggressive, and he didn't mind it.

As both talked for a few minutes, they had no clue two stallions watched on from a window above and to the left of them. Filthy glanced over at the slightly purple older pony next to him. “She is growing up too fast, Randolph.”

The older butler pony smiled very softly and nodded. “She is, Master Rich, but look at her. You did a fine job, and she is a perfect filly.”

The two looked down at the two on the stoop again. “Randolph, she talked to me yesterday. She expressed a possible desire to go to the Fire Academy in Canterlot once she graduates. I mean, she has almost six years of school left and she is already thinking about that? Then, a firefighter, I mean, I know she is...but, it’s so dangerous.”

Randolph glanced down, then at his employer for many years. “May I be quite blunt, sir?” He asked, watching the other stallion nod in response. He then gestured his hoof. “She is a strong-willed young lady. She knows who she is, and what she wants. You can encourage her, or you can do as your wife tried and squash her. That is your call to make. Just remember how she was, and how she is now.”

Rich gave a smile and a nod. “You are right, of course, Randolph. And, for what it’s worth my old friend, thank you for everything you have done for this family.”

Clearing his throat, “It is as always, sir, my pleasure.”

Rescue sat in the small chair, looking around the group of eight other ponies at the meeting. There was Berry Punch, and next to her, Applejack who was running the meeting, and others he knew. He exhaled as Applejack held out a red chip with the number '30' on it, taking it from her as the others clapped their hooves lightly together.

“Thank you. I... it's hard,” he began to speak. “But, I am going one day at a time. I see the doctor twice a week now. I want to make this work.”

Applejack gave a nod and the meeting broke up. He found her coming up along his side and talking once everypony else had left. “Twilight still not speaking to you?”

He shook his head. “No, but I have been trying to stay out of her way. I know I hurt her, bad”

The apple pony gave a nod and looked out at the town. “Well, things are going to change. I have had just about enough of that filly’s attitude.”

Rescue shook his head. “AJ, don’t let her alone, okay. She has a right to be upset.”

The orange mare smirked. “Too late for that, now, let's go.”

“Go...where?”

Her smirk widened as she reached up and tugged her hat down some. “Well, by now, the girls and Ailan are over at the castle and forcing her to sit there.”

Rescue groaned. “How about we just ignore that and find a bottl—” getting the poor joke no farther out as she cuffed him in the back of the head with a hoof.

“Quit yer sassing and get a move on.”

Rubbing the back of his head, he muttered. “Damn oversensitive mares,” but his tone made it clear he was joking about.

The trot there wasn't long, but he did wish it was. Once inside, they headed over to one of the many rooms, the door opened to show Pinkie sitting on Twilight who was splayed out on the floor, the other mares all sitting and talking. Then there was Spike, who had an apron on, and was holding out a plate of cookies to Ailan.

“Pinkie, get off of me! I said I would talk to him when I feel like it!”

“Oh, good, and now you feel like it because, guess who is heeerrree.”

Rescue shook his head as Applejack walked out in front of him. Pinkie, who had just two weeks ago thrown him a ‘welcome to being my friend again’ party. He was elated she was back to normal, and would forever remember how close he came to losing her friendship. Of all of the things and all of the events, that was almost the most painful.

Twilight got up off of the ground and fluttered her wings, looking around with a scowl at all of her friends before setting her gaze on Rescue. He saw her eyes flash from anger to hurt and worry.

“Hello, Chief. I... trust you are doing well?”

So formal. His ears laid back, and then he gave a soft nod. “I am, yes. Oh, I got this today, too,” he tugged out the thirty-day chip from the pocket on the back of his badge holder and held it out to her.

The purple alicorn relaxed some and her eyes met his. “Congratulations on that, and... are you are feeling okay now?”

Rescue lowered his head. “Look, I know I hurt you. I have talked about it a lot with ponies who know you,” he looked up at the purple alicorn, looking her right in the eyes.

“Archer, then my act. It was unfair to everypony. However, you of all ponies, I... well—"

She lifted a hoof and cut him off. “Rescue,” using his name now as she looked in him in the eyes. “Before that day, I had never had to face the end of life. I had never helped or had to watch a pony so young put to rest. Then, finding you so close to…”

Her eyes closed and she hung her head. “You almost died. I didn’t know how to deal with it. I was so angry at you, and yet so relieved you were okay too. You are my friend, but I should have had this talk a long time ago with you.”

She paused once more, up at the big stallion again. “I... am sorry I treated you like I did, it was unfair to you, unfair to all of you,” she continued, looking around at the gathering of ponies, before looking back to the chief. “If you can forgive me, I would like to be friends still.”

He just gave a nod and then said in a soft tone. “We never stopped being friends, Twily,” a little slip. A name whispered to him by a quite playful and surprisingly jovial Princess of the Night. He watched her eyes widen and then get a slight smirk.

“Okay, sunny,” she said with a bit of an evil but playful grin.

Everypony laughed as the big draft stallion's head snapped around to lock eyes onto Ailan, who fell out of his chair as he was laughing.

“Great, just great,” he muttered.

24 - Darkness Revealed

The next morning found the big brown stallion in his office. Even with the door closed, he could hear the other firefighters going about their day. Open in front of him on the desk sat a simple folder filled with reports, the one on top was one he had been waiting for. Wildfire had brought it down from Canterlot herself at the request of the Fire Chief.

Wildfire was an interesting pegasus. Rescue had chance to work with her once or twice before. The yellow-coated, black-maned mare was blind. However, thanks to a special-built flight suit and headset unit, she could still fly missions as well as the sighted pegasi could. The scrappy mare had earned even his father's respect. This was why she was here with information of a highly-classified nature.

He frowned again and then picked up a fresh piece of paper, starting to write out another request. He would have to deliver this himself.

Two hours later, he sat in the meeting room at the castle. In the room all watching him were the Elements of Harmony, Mayor Mare, Wildfire, and of course, Princess Twilight. He found himself not wanting to believe but, the evidence didn’t lie. He looked up and around, then to the alicorn in the room.

“You are sure the room is sealed, it is only this group that can hear what I am about to say?”

He watched her nod and then say. “Yes, Chief, I sealed it myself. But, what is so secret?”

Exhaling slowly, he slid a folder to each of the mares in turn, taking note of the confused look on many of their faces.

“Princess, Mayor, ladies, before you is a report I have been waiting on for almost a month. Please, take your time, look it over some.”

He grew silent for the next few minutes before the Mayor lifted her hoof.

“It... looks to be some kind of report on the last three fires here in Ponyville, including the one that…” she trailed off.

He gave a nod and spoke in a softer level of voice. “I want you to all look at page eight. That is a chemical analysis and breakdown of residue found at every site.”

It was the purple alicorn who spoke up. “I don’t understand, Chief, they all look identical.”

His frown grew and he bobbed his head in a gentle nod. “They are, Princess, identical in every way.”

Applejack lifted her head to make eye contact. “So, Rescue, what are ya tryin' to tell us?”

Noting all eyes on him, he laid his ears back and tapped the folder in front of him. “What you are seeing is a compound known as Tetrahydrofuran. Its primary use is as a solvent in varnishes, mostly house paint and lacquers,” he took a pause. “It was used as an accelerant. I found the traces at the orphanage site, the big woods fire, and... Archer’s family's house.”

It was, perhaps by surprise, that Fluttershy was the first to speak up. “Chief Rescue, sir, are you saying that the fires were set by somepony?”

His eyes moved down, away from the sixteen pairs of eyes locked on him, then he gave a nod of his head. “Yes, we, ladies, have an arsonist and a murderer in town.”

The mares all reacted different. Applejack and Dash bolted upright from their chairs and gave off growls of anger. Fluttershy let out a sob-like squeal, while Rarity brought her hoof to her chest and muttered the word No! The mayor was speechless, as was Wildfire. Pinkie, oh poor Pinkie and her mane let out almost instantly, looking as flat as it was the day of the funeral and when she came to talk to him in his hospital room.

Twilight had perhaps the reaction he had not expected, the folder in front of her glowed with purple magic around it, crumpled into a ball, that continued to crumple, and crumple, imploding on itself before it erupted in a flash of fire and smoke with a pop. This brought all the girls to spin and look at their friend. Twilight, for her part, just focused on the now marble-sized ball of ash held in her magic.

Rescue had never seen Twilight this angry before, and it dawned on him just how much power, how much magic it took to do what she just did. He watched her look of calm returned and her head lift to look at him.

“Who,” is all she said with a dark tone in her voice.

Rescue shook his head. “I don’t know yet, I have very little to go on. Whoever it is, is very good at covering their tracks. They use easy-to-find items. I can find no residue of an ignition source, so, I have to go on a educated guess and say they are a unicorn,” he paused. “And yes, before you ask, Princess, I already had Wildfire—” giving a nod to the mare next to him, “—bring a detector crystal with her. Whoever it was, knows enough to not leave behind a magical signature, they use just enough to ignite the fire but not enough to leave behind their magical mark, so to speak."

She flattened her ears down and looked around at the others who, other than Rarity, were appearing a bit confused. “You see, when a unicorn uses magic, they have a unique signature, like a hoof print. However, if they only use small things, such as making a few sparks or lifting a item up off the ground, it doesn’t leave enough of that... mark... to track them with.”

The mayor spoke up now. “Chief Sunstreak, what can we do to prevent this?”

He shook his head. “I don’t know yet, Mayor Mare, but I do know this. Each fire was exactly thirty two days apart.”

Applejack’s head snapped up, and she blurted out. “But that there means—”

A grave look crossed his face. “Yes, Applejack, that means it will happen again tonight if the pattern holds true.”

It was the plucky firefighter pegasus who spoke up, but in a subdued voice. After all, here she was in a room with a princess, and five of Equestria’s national treasures. “Chief Sunstreak, is... is there any chance this could be wrong? An arsonist, there hasn’t been a recorded one in at least forty years.”

He gave a nod and answered the young firefighter. “I am sure, it's not possible for this chemical to have shown up in such concentrations in three fires. Couple that to the exact timing, and there is only this conclusion to come to.”

He didn’t mean to put as much power into his hoof coming down. However, when it did, the thud and the resulting crash of the cup that he crushed under it made everypony else jump in surprise. The big stallion's voice was low, angry, and cold.

“It means, firefighter, that Archer was no accident, she was murdered.”

He let that sit in the air, silent. He noticed every face, their sorrow, their anger and righteous indignation. It was Mayor Mare that broke the quiet of the room once more.

“What can we do, Chief?”

Feeling all eyes back on him, Rescue let out a long, slow breath and slumped back into his seat some.

“Truth be told, Mayor, sit and wait,” throwing up a hoof to cut off the anger he saw Rainbow Dash’s face light up with. “I do not mean do nothing. I mean, we can’t tip our hoof. We will have to man the station fully for the next few nights. We can quietly set a few more patrols in town, but...”

Pausing to look down, he blinked, seeing his hoof was bleeding. Calmly, he plucked a sliver of glass out of it and grabbed a napkin off of the table to hold against the small cut. He shook his head when he spotted Fluttershy starting to move.

“I am fine, Miss Fluttershy, but as I was about to say,” he paused again, looking around at the ponies. “The only ones that can know, is this group. If it gets out, it could cause panic, or worse.”

Applejack’s voice cut in. “What is worse?”

Rescue laid his ears back once more and looked over into his best friend's eyes. “Pony versus pony, folks panic and start to throw blame. Someone gets caught with something that looks off, and suddenly a lynching happens and an innocent pony dies.”

Twilight jumped up some “That would never—”

Rescue cut her off. “Oh? So the incident with the zebrican, Zecora, never happened?”

She closed her mouth, then sat down with a frown and a thud. “Point made.”

Rescue had sent Wildfire back to Canterlot with a mission; collect a small group of firefighters together and start searching through the records, to look for patterns that fit this one and look for causes that were suspect, and contact other departments and search for patterns in other cities across Equestria. There was no way, he thought, this was isolated or new to Ponyville.

It was going to be a long night. Rescue looked over at Ailan, then around the sleeping quarters at the others. No radio on, and the lights were down low as if the whole station was asleep. Twelve of them total sat, while at their homes the rest of the volunteer department waited by pager boxes for the alarm to go off.

Out in the small town, Twilight had put five more sets of two guards on patrol, but spread them out so they would not seem out of place. Suddenly there was a soft noise and Rescue had to look up. His eyes grew wide as he saw two thestral guards slid from the shadows near the slide pole. Both made almost no sound, even with their armor on, as they walked over.

Rescue noted one of them looked familiar, he had seen him before. “Sergeant?”

The bat-winged stallion dipped his head. “Chief Sunstreak, may I introduce Captain Darkblade. As we did not have a chance in our last meeting, I am Sergeant Nightstrike.”
The one introduced as the captain spoke. “Our princess was informed of the issue by Princess Twilight Sparkle. She bid a unit of her guards to come and watch the night with you and yours.”

Rescue glanced around at the other fireponies, almost all of whom were still kind of shocked to see two ponies just slide out of the shadows like it was a pool of water. He turned back to the two thestral ponies.

“We are honored. Where is the rest of your squad, Captain?”

He gestured. “They watch from the shadows and are in teams of two. Orders are to send one back to report to me, here, if you do not mind, and not stop anypony unless immediate harm to another is threatened.”

Rescue gave a nod and was about to say something, when the horn mounted in the squad bay below, started its series of tones. There was no time for talk, as he, and eleven other fireponies started cramming their legs into turnouts and pulling on his steel pulling shoes.

“Captain, Sergeant, you can ride in the rear of the rescue wagon,” he ordered just as he leaped out and caught the pole to slide down with that speed and grace born almost twenty years as a firefighter. Once down, he moved over to the big board and looked up. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see two of the others starting to shove the big barn doors open and block them so they wouldn’t swing closed again.

Bull trotted over and gave a grunt. “Box three,” not even bothering to catch Rescue’s nod. He moved to the call out board and turned the dial to three, then pressed down on the big red button again, knowing the foals had been ordered to stand down for tonight's callout.

Both of the Lunar guards watched on, impressed with how the fireponies moved. No waste of motion or time, it was like watching a dance happen. The captain noting how each team knew where to go, how each pony helped the other get dressed and into harnesses.

“Impressive how fast they can gear up, eh, Cap?” the Sergeant mentioned as he watched on.

“Nightstrike, I will say this, they are faster than even our unit is. Look at them, not one out of place—”

Rescue cut him off as he jogged past. “Asses and hooves, move it like you got a pair. Captain, Sergeant, in the back of the wagon, we are moving out,” speaking even as he got to the front of the wagon and started to hook in next to Jim, who was his pull partner tonight. He would prefer to have Big Mac on the rescue squad with him, but he needed Mac on the pump wagon tonight pulling as wheel pony.

Sirens cranked up, with a glance over at each other, eight ponies hooked to two wagons with four hanging onto the back of the big pump, two Lunar guards sitting in the back of the rescue wagon, all pulled out into the street together. The smaller squad taking lead and building speed up followed by the bigger pump squad. The wagon’s flags fluttered in the night air, red and blue lights strobing across houses as the thunder of wheels and hooves, sirens and bells echoed down the street.

Author's Note

Wildfire is a OC who belongs to Dusk Melody. She is the first OC cameo in the PVFD story.

Once in a while I am going to hold a contest, they will be announced in blog posts. The winner of the contest, be it a writing contest, or other, will win a spot in the story with their OC. It may only be as a background character, or they make take the spotlight as Wildfire did.

25 - Guards and clues

It had all gone sideways, even as the sirens wound down and ponies unhooked. Rescue could see it had gone wrong. Laying on the ground was one of the night guards, smoke rolling off of his form. Behind the downed thestral, flames licked up around the left side of a small cottage. Even from ten feet away, Rescue could smell burned flesh, he instantly leaped into action.

“Ice, get the boxes!” he ordered as he spun and crashed his hoof into one of the small wagons side boxes, the door popping open letting him grab the blue box inside, also hearing Bull start up with the commands in that deep tone of his.

“Team one and two, get me two lines down and get the fire under control. Sempar, Thunderlane, harness up and break out the stokes and be ready for transport.”

Rescue gave a nod as he skidded to a stop on his knees. “Don’t move, soldier. If you can hear me, just stay still,” he could see the winged pony was burned across the left side of his face, down his neck, and across his chest. He was breathing, but he was struggling.

“Shadow!” he heard the captain’s voice call out, then the bass tone of Big Mac as the apple pony got in the two soldiers way. “Eenope, y’all gotta let them work.”

Ice slid up next to him, already breaking open the two boxes she had brought. He turned and gestured. “Get me out an IV, rig it for the stokes,” his hooves flipped the lid up on the red box and he spun the antenna up. Grabbing the handset, he pressed down on the switch even as he called out. “Captain! I need his age and his name,” then into the phone-like handset “Mercy, this is Rescue One, do you copy, over.”

Static then two clicks followed, and most close by could hear, “Rescue One, Mercy copies. What do you have?”

Turning to look at the pony, he gestured with one hoof to the rear leg, pointing where the vein was. Ice was trained but she wasn’t quite paramedic material. She was the best he had as a partner right now and he was glad to have her at his side, watching her start the needle in before grabbing a pressure cuff out of the blue bag.

He could hear the captain call out. “Shadow Slinger, twenty-eight.”

“Mercy, I have one burn victim. Age twenty-eight, thestral pony. Looks to be third-degree burns along the left side of the face, left neck, throat latch, and anterior chest. Victim is having trouble breathing, over.”

It only took a few seconds before the speaker on the box squawked again. “Rescue One,” sounded like Mercy Heart himself. “Start an IV with dextrose five percent in ringers. Push five CC's Deltorphin. Can you intubate? Over.”

Rescue glanced over at the stallion's face and mouth area even as he snapped open the brown case and spread it open, reaching into one slot and pulling out a small syringe. He knocked the cap off its container and pulled it out, checking it again over then holding it out to Ice, who took it quickly.

“Mercy, I think we can. No burns around mouth area, over.”

Again, a small pause, then the speaker once more crackled to life. “Rescue One, intubate and transport ASAP, Burn team will be standing by.”

Rescue glanced over at Ailan and Thunderlane who were half way into their gear already, yelling over to them. “Get a move on!” then into the handset. “Mercy, we have air transport outbound in five, over.”

“Rescue One, copy. Land him on blue one, over.”

He barked out. “Copy, out,” then tossed the headset down, reaching into the blue box and getting out several items. Flipping the laryngoscope around, he glanced up to make sure Ice had pushed the pain killers. He noted her checking vitals and gave a nod. Leaning over, he said, “Shadow, if you can hear me. I need to scope you and push a tube into your throat. It will help you breathe, but it's going to suck. I am sorry, son, just bear with me.”

Angling the scope in, he gently used it to spread the stallion's maw open. Having to fall down on his side because the victim was prone. He brought up the endotracheal tube and gently started to push it in. Slow, easy, he pushed in, speaking as he did. “Come on, son, don’t struggle... There, done,” as he ripped the laryngoscope out and tossed it into the blue box once more.

Almost instantly, the bat-winged stallion's breathing got easier. Rescue gave a nod and yelled, “Thunderlane, get me the backboard!” hearing the captain just over his left shoulder.

“Will he make it, Chief?”

Rescue glanced at the worried Lunar guard. “I sure as Tartarus am going to do my best to make it so,” turning back as Thunderlane jogged over and lay the board out. Ailan, Thunder, himself, and Ice lifted the injured pony up just enough to slide the board under him. Keeping the burned side free and untouched. Soon as he was on all four lifted him up and put him into the stokes basket.

Looking to Ailan and Thunder “Blue pad, get moving!” He ordered, watching both nod and hook up. Take off was a bit rough, but not horrible. Soon enough, they were out of sight, and Rescue let out the breath he was holding. Turning some, he noted of now-nine Lunar guards all observing him.

“Mercy Ponyville is four kliks that way,” he pointed with a hoof, watching the captain point at three of his stallions, and as a group they took off, noting the sergeant stayed behind with the other four. Rescue also noticed Crash talking to two town guards off to the side.

Taking his leave, “Ice, box it up and inventory what we used...good job,” he smiled at the fact her usual demeanor broke, and she gave a slight hint of a smile.

“So, like I said, we saw somepony come out of the shadows and called him out. Then, the Lunar guy, he just appeared up out of the shadow of that tree over there, like... Well, like he climbed out of a pond! So, the suspect suddenly set off a large strobe, blinded all of us, and it turns out he hit the Lunar guard right in the face with it.”

Rescue cut in. “Are you two sure? It was a cast not something he tossed?”

They shrugged “No clue, sir, we're sorry.”

He nodded to Crash. “Make sure you get a full statement before you hand them over to the guards,” he said, trotting over to where the victim had been. Looking closer now, kneeling down, he started to sniff around, noting of the blanket that had been used to snuff the fire out. He then spotted something.

Rescue moved his focus up to see how the other teams were doing, and saw they were mopping up. He would have to check that, but before he could, he lifted the blanket up, and something yellow fell to the ground. He reached back to his saddle bag and pulled out a pair of tweezers and an evidence bag. Lifting the yellow object up, it reeked of some sort of chemical, and it looked like...a burst water balloon?

Frowning, Rescue bagged and closed it up, writing down a few things on the outside of it with a marker, before tucking it back in his bag and trotting over to the rest of the crew.

Backfire shook her head and motioned to the side of the house. “Looks like they caught him before he was set up. Basement was not fully involved. Give us an hour to air it out, and you can start, Chief.”

He gave a nod. Yep, it was going to be a long night.

The Lunar guard captain, and his counterpart from Princess Twilight's guard, watched from the doorway. They knew getting involved in the room could compromise the whole investigation. Rescue stood with Crash as he taught the young hothead unicorn the art of arson investigation.

Looking up along the rafters of the burned out basement, he gestured. “Tell me what you see.”

Chewing on his lip as he looked about, Crash tilted his head. “Strings, and down here, what looks like melted puddles of rubber?”

He gave a nod. “Old arson trick, fill a balloon with accelerant, hang it above a candle. The heat from the candle slowly causes the balloon to melt and then,” he tapped the floor once, “Time-delayed fire. Our culprit likes to use yellow balloons, always yellow for some reason. He always uses white candles, and always kite string,” motioning again. “See how it didn’t burn as much? It's the cheap stuff, splits up easy so they impregnate it with a product kind of like tree sap. Side effect is it burns real slow.”

Both guard captains kept a close ear, there was a lot of decent information being passed on here. Rescue glanced over at them and gave a nod. “You boys can move in, over near that table there,” he pointed, looking back to Crash. “Good, use your nose, your ears, tell me what else you find.”

Again, the unicorn looked about, then he squatted down and sniffed. “Accelerant of some kind. You can smell it near where all the puddles of wax and rubber is."

Rescue nodded once. “Good. Break out a knife, peel up some of the burned wood and wax, and get a scraping from under it.”

And so, it went the whole day he spent teaching and at the same time finding what he suspected. After he found himself tired, dirty, and still with things to do, Twilight had summoned him so he could allow Crash go return to clean up and rest.

Reaching the castle, he was again met by the two captains. Rescue looked to the Lunar guard.

“Any news on your soldier?”

A grim nod followed. “He is alive and in intensive care, they have the best burn doctor in Equestria with him. He is only alive because of your quick actions, Chief.”

Rescue shook his head. “I do what I'm supposed do, and I am glad he is stable,” giving off an exhale and gestured. “Shall we?”

“So, in short, it looks like our guy caught this fire bug coming out of the building. The guy hit him with—” looking to the fire pony, the Lunar guard captain lifted a eyebrow.
Rescue flipped a page and interjected. “—what looks to be a balloon filled with tetrahydrofuran”

The purple alicorn lifted her hoof, “Wait, a quick question, Chief, why can’t we just look for sales of this tetrahydrofuran?”

Glancing at the guard captain to make sure he was okay with a tangent in his report and seeing not, Rescue shook his head. “It’s been banned for over twenty years now, Princess. Also, it was never sold openly, it was only sold industrial. The way I have it, I figured our firebug found, or knew, how to produce a large batch, possibly a few barrels worth of the stuff from some old factory, or auction.”

The Lunar Captain picked back up. “Lucky for our guy, Captain Bell’s team was there, and were able to snuff out the fire before it…” he shook his head and the white unicorn next to him lifted his golden-shoed hoof and put it on his counter's shoulder. “We will get him.”

Pinkie Pie, who had been very quiet the whole time, in fact was just holding the evidence bag with the remains of the yellow balloon in it. She kept turning it over and over again, rubbing it in the bag. Her mane suddenly went straight out from her head like a mohawk and both ears started to wiggle faster than a bee’s wings. To her side, Rainbow Dash spun. “What the hay, Pinkie?!”

She kept shaking like that, then she leaped into the air and shouted “I know!” Landing again as she spun to look at Rescue who had an eyebrow lifted.

“Chief, Chief, this is a funtimeco model one one two yellow super-stretch.”

Looking at her, then over at the rest of the girls then back at her. Rescue sighed and said in a quiet tone. “Okay, so we know what brand. It doesn’t help, they are likely sold everywhere.”

She shook her head hard. “No, you don’t get it, Chiefaroony, not this balloon. Funtimeco stopped making this one almost five years ago now. I know because I use to love them. They are super stretchy and they can stand up to a lot of squishing and—”

She droned on, but Rescue found himself thinking about what she said at first. He looked at Twilight, who looked back at him. Then, he said “Pinkie! Stop. Just, back up.”

She paused and looked over at the fire pony. “You are sure? You are one-hundred percent sure that is what that is?”

She gave a big grin. “Yep, see!” pulling out of her mane, a board, that folded out. On it, a sample deflated balloon of what must be two-hundred types. She held the little evidence bag up next to one yellow one near the top. “See, perfect match in color and thickness, plus the balloon edge has a reverse roll, only Funtimeco does that!”

From the other side of the table, he heard Captain Bell sputter. “How, what, where did she—” only to be cut off by everypony in the room at once saying. “Don’t ask, just don’t think about it.”

Rescue stood up and walked over, the pink party pony bouncing in place next to the sample board. He took the evidence bag from her and looked closely at it. Sure has heck, she was right, reverse rolled lip, thick rubber, shiny on the inside, right shade of yellow.

“Pinkie, you may have just given us a lead. It's not much of one, but...” looking around.

“Whoever our firebug is, he or she has access to old stock. How? Where?” He asked himself, tapping his chin and looking at Princess Twilight. “Princess, can you get the records from Funtimeco for who they sold off their remaining stock of this balloon to?”

She gave a nod. “Yes, I will get right on that.”

He breathed out and looked around. “We have thirty-one days before he strikes again. Let's catch this guy.”

Everypony in the room gave a nod of their head to that.

Author's Note

For the observant among you, or the ones who get obscure references. The equipment on the rescue wagon, including the red box, are all tribute/nods to a TV show from the late 70's called "Emergency". The paramedics in it were both coached by real paramedics and all the equipment was state of the art at the time. The producers of the show wanted it to be as real as they could get so they had doctors and paramedics on staff to make sure the writers didn't make things up.

27 - The Gala! (part 1)

Despite work and the ongoing investigation, life continued. Tonight was going to be a special night. It was the Gala!

Rescue looked down at the little paint colt, watching his son adjust and fiddle with the uniform he had on. Once again, Rarity had worked her magic and provided touches to the dress uniforms that would make the night that much more special.

“Dad,” Pip said in his adorable Trottingham accent. “What if Diamond doesn’t have fun? I mean what if—”

Rescue stopped the little colt and turned him around with a hoof, sitting down and looking down into the small pony's eyes.

“Pip, you are young, far too young, to worry about all of that. You go, you have a great time, you be a gentlecolt, and I know for a fact Diamond will have fun too.”

They both blinked when the sound of a soft click, and a flash came from the doorway, turning to see Ailan holding a camera, Pip groaned and shouted. “Dad!” while Rescue gave a chuckle.

“Get used to it, Pip. Nothing is going to change him, trust me.”

He looked back to the big winged pegasus. “You about ready to go?” He asked, only to get a nod as Ailan walked back down the hallway. Rescue glanced down again at Pip. “As for you,” digging into his own uniform's pocket along the flank, tugging out a small pouch of bits and tucking it into a similar pocket on the colt's uniform.

“If things get to be too much for you, or Diamond, you two go over to Donut Joe’s shop. You know how to get there, I showed you last time we were in Canterlot. Stay there, we will come get you when the Gala is over, okay?”

The colt again smiled and hugged his father's leg tight. His ears laid back to his head as he heard Pipsqueak say. “I love you, dad.”

His hoof lifted and pulled the boy in closer still. “And I love you, Pip, both of us do.”

Two hours later, there was a knock at the door. Ailan glanced over at his soon-to-be husband, and then at his son. “Are you two ready to go?” he asked, to see nods from both. Opening the door, and what stood there was a vision of, perhaps the future.

Diamond was decked out in full Explorer dress uniform, but it was modified. Rather than pants, it had a flowing dress to the back of it, the top made to flow a bit more. Rarity had poured herself into the design once she found out that Celestia herself had extended tickets to the Chief, and to some of the Explorers. While the dress fit diamond perfectly, it still showed the tradition and colors of the Equestria Fire Department.

Pip, poor Pip, was speechless. He stood there with his jaw wide open, staring at the pink filly. Ailan had the good graces to say in a soft tone. “You look lovely, Diamond. Don’t you think so, Pip?” turning to look at the colt.

All the colt could do was nod his head up and down, almost as fast as Pinkie tended to. This made everypony give a soft chuckle, as Rescue planted his hoof on Pip's rump and pushed him forward. “Don’t make a lady wait.”

Diamond blushed but reached out as Pipsqueak was shoved closer to her, putting her hoof under his chin and slowly lifting it up so his maw was closed. “Y... you really like it, Pip?” her blush growing all the deeper by the moment, watching as the paint colt nodded his head again.

“You look like a princess, but like, better!”

The two fathers watched on as their son and the filly talked. Rescue spotted Mr. Rich through the doorway standing out at the gate, taking pictures with a camera held in his hoof. Even a blind pony would be able to see the tears welling up in the light brown earth pony’s eyes. Next to him watching on, stood a few of the other Explorers who were going, each in matching uniforms, as it had been decided by them, oddly enough, that they were all going to show who they were.

Scootaloo stood next to a blushing light grey little pegasus colt. Poor Rumble looked extremely out of place, but he stood close to his orange-and-purple colored filly date. He lifted his left wing and very hesitantly rested it on Scootaloo’s back. Rescue couldn’t help but smile, observing the small pegasus filly shift a little closer to her coltfriend. Thinking to himself, much as he was sure other parents had, they were all growing up too fast.

To their left stood a pretty white unicorn filly, again decked out in the same flowing Explorer's uniform that the other girls had on. Sweetie Belle had on a ‘d'awww’ kind of smile watching Pip and her friend Diamond talk. Next to her, shuffling his claws together some, was a handsome little drake of purple and green, dressed in a black and white tuxedo. They made a cute couple, and most had seen that one coming, other than spike who, Rescue was told, was shocked when the unicorn asked him to go with her.

Lastly, standing out a bit more to the left, was the last of the trio, the little apple filly herself. She too was decked out in a dress, but was alone. However, even a glance could tell she was not upset by such a status.

Once they were all finished talking, Rescue and Ailan trotted out to join the foals and Mr. Rich, heading down the main path to the train station. As they came around the corner, he could see the mares all waiting. Most were there alone themselves, other than Dash, who was in a Wonderbolts dress uniform, with Soarin at her side in the same type of uniform.

Rescue gave a smile as they came to a stop. “You ladies all look beautiful tonight,” he said, watching not a few of them blush and look away shyly, taking note of the train pulling up to the platform. “Is everypony ready?”

They all gave a nod and turned, Princess Twilight led the way with the group of fourteen ponies behind her.

Rescue grumbled a bit, looking at the door, waiting his and Ailan’s turn to be announced. He really hated formal events, but Ailan wanted to, and both his father and Princess Luna had hinted he needed to come. So, there he was, glancing down at his dress uniform once more, then over at Ailan. He took a look behind him at the foals, making sure no one was acting up.

The Princess of Friendship had been announced first, then the element bearers, with Rainbow Dash being first of them. He waited, hearing Applejack be announced, then he and Ailan stepped forward, looking out from the landing at the gathered ponies.

To their left was a line of guard ponies. To his amusement, he did know one of the Lunar guards in the group. It was good to see the captain again. To his right, another line of guard ponies, all city guards. There on the right stood a pony with a scroll, announcing each group. Rescue did feel a little trepidation, knowing he and Ailan were not only the first openly same-gender couple to attend the Gala, but were not of the nobility so many here were.

“Announcing, Station Chief, Inspector Rescue Sunstreak, and his consort, Firefighter First Class Ailan Sempar.”

He lifted an eyebrow, Luna did he hate formal stuff like this. Walking down the stairs towards the princesses, three of them, down a row of others, each he was expected to stop and shake hooves with, or give a greeting to. He heard behind him as he greeted the first of the thirty ponies in a line on his way to the princesses.

“Announcing Junior Chief Diamond Tiara, and Junior Captain Pipsqueak Sunstreak.”

So it went, he took note of many looks as he shook hooves, Ailan next to him doing the same in turn. One pure-white unicorn stallion with a golden mane gave a look of horror after the hoof shake. Rescue noticed him wiping his hoof off on a passing waiter’s coat after he and Ailan passed. At least he didn’t say anything.

It had been a joy to see Princess Luna again, it was nice to see her at the Gala, she so rarely showed up to it. Twilight, well, he was formal with her as was expected. Bowing to Princess Celestia, he was surprised to find her smile soft and light.

“Chief Sunstreak, please if you would introduce me to your... consort,” the word had been chosen to have less impact in a room full of stuck-up nobles.

“Of course, Princess Celestia, if it may please you, this is Ailan Sempar,” he said, watching out of the corner of his eye as Ailan bowed too.

“Princess, it is a true honor to finally have the opportunity to meet you.”

Giving a polite, but not shallow laugh, she shook her head and leaned in, speaking quietly but just enough where Rescue picked it up. “It is my honor, my little pony. It is good to see two in love and not afraid of the stuffed fools here. Do please both have a great time,” leaning her head back up and ready to greet the next group.

The night had started.

An hour later, after all the hoof-shaking and talk, Diamond needed a few moments to herself. She and Pip were standing out on a balcony overlooking the city and the massive garden just below them. Just being close and not talking, that was, until a voice came. One that made the pink filly cringe.

“Diamond Tiara, imagine my surprise when I was informed you would be here. I see you have brought the little transplant with you.”

She turned, putting herself in front of Pipsqueak and looking up at the dark purple-maned earth pony mare. “Hello... mother,” she said with venom in her tone.

Pip wisely stayed quiet, for now, keeping himself close to his date, eyes up on the mare.

“Is that any way to greet your mother, Diamond Tiara? Ignoring the social implications of arriving in that hideous costume you have on. To be seen with... him,” her mother said, giving a sneer.

Diamond’s blood ran cold. She felt her jaw tighten, her tail flicked harsh back and forth, ears pinned back as she spoke through clenched teeth. “Father has made it quite clear, Mother, you are not to be around me.”

The older mare let out a little noise and snorted. “How dare you talk to your mother that way you insolent little foal?! Why, I have half of a mind to—”

A deep voice cut in, female, but the tone was one no brook or quarter was given in. “Junior Chief Diamond Tiara, if you please, would you and Captain Pip go back inside?” looking behind her mother, stood Princess Luna who looked enraged.

Spoiled spun to see who would dare interrupt her trying to teach her daughter proper ways, only to find herself eyeball to eyeball with the princess of the night.

“P-Princess Luna,” she gasped, throwing herself into a bow. “I was just guiding my—”

Luna’s hoof stomp shut the pink mare’s mouth and made her back up a step. Luna spoke in a tone that was dark, and almost a predator's tone. Her eyes bore into the mare before her, glancing to make sure Diamond and Pip were gone, as they were.

“If you value your freedom, close your mouth,” glaring at a now afraid Spoiled Rich, watching the mare quake a bit in her dress.

“Thou dare talk to a foal that way, you dare in our castle, in my domain, under my moon? Thou's own daughter no less, and one of our fireponies!” her tone grew darker and darker with every word, but her volume remained controlled and even.

“Give us,” as she got angry enough to slip back into her old speech patterns. “One reason, why thou should not be cast into the dungeons forever,” eyes locked on the earth pony mare's.

Spoiled had no clue what to do, what do say. This alicorn before her was not only a princess but the princess of the night! “I-I-I...” stumbling over her words.

Luna snorted. “Take thyself and be gone. Consider thyself lucky we are only throwing thou out of the castle for the night and not banishing you forever from Equestria.”

She watched the mare trip over herself, then dash off, Luna spoke. “Follow her, be sure she leaves but is not to be harmed.”

One of the shadows near her seemed to grow smaller suddenly. Luna gave a long, deep exhale before a voice from behind her spoke.

“Perhaps, my sister, while she deserved that, you were a bit harsh?”

Princess Luna turned to look at the ruler of the sun, her beloved sister. “I could not stand by, while that mare used such hateful words with not only a foal, her daughter, but one of my watchers.”

Celestia gave a soft nod. “Return to the Gala once you have gathered yourself, dear sister. No more will be said about this,” as an afterthought, she said, “When will—”

Luna smiled a bit. “One AM, dear sister. It was asked to move it up an hour, and I will be sure everypony is informed. Do you think he suspects anything?”

Celestia shook her head with a smile. “No, my sister, I think he is completely oblivious.”

28 - The Gala! (Part 2)

It was a great night, Rescue had found some enjoyment at the Gala. He had danced with Ailan, and almost everypony watched as the foals took the floor and danced.
Applebloom had been asked by Princess Celestia herself to dance, and they did. Many couples cleared the floor for the Princess and the Junior Firefighters.

Really, the only downside to the night so far were the dirty looks from a few of the ‘upper crust’ types. Ailan had quickly got him to ignore them and not allow them to ruin the night. The only other note of the night, was Spoiled Rich. Luna had pulled the two of them aside and let them know what happened. She explained she would dispatch one of her fastest to fly to Ponyville and fill Mr. Rich in on the same.

Glancing up at the grand clock, Rescue blinked some. One AM, the festivities were nearly over. He was about to say so to his partner when they found themselves surrounded by night and day guards, all of them armed and without a smile.

“Chief Sunstreak, Mr. Sempar. I am afraid we have been ordered to escort you out. Please, do not make a scene.”

Ailan opened his mouth to speak, but stopped and closed it again, anger evident on his face. Rescue looked around, all the ponies and upper-crust types watching, whispering to each other. He nudged Ailan. “Forget it, we don’t need this place,” he whispered, turning to walk. “We will not cause problems.”

They found themselves escorted by eight guards out the side door. Fuming, Rescue’s steps were heavy and hard, but he kept his thoughts focused. He noted Ailan was flared up some, clearly ticked off but not trying to cause issues. They came to a stop and spun, blocking them both, one of the guards said.

“Mr. Sempar, Princess Celestia wishes to speak with you directly. Chief Sunstreak, you will remain here.”

Rescue snapped. “Like hell I will, I don’t know what the heck is going on but I am not letting you—”

Ailan put a wing up and touched his nose “Rescue, stop. Getting angry is not going to solve this. Whatever has happened, let me deal with it, okay? You did it for me back in that alley, now let me do it for you.”

Rescue gave an afraid look to his mate. “O... okay, but, one feather on you is harmed, I will not be nice about this anymore.”

Turning, Ailan was escorted off by four of the guards, leaving Rescue with the four night guards. He took stock of them, Two thestral pony, one earth, and one unicorn. It seemed like they were not playing around.

Ten minutes later, one of the guards near him tilted his head then gave a nod. “Chief Sunstreak, please, come with us.”

He paused and thought about resisting, but that would lead to harm, to a fight and he could not, would not do that. Thinking about Ailan’s words, he trusted his partner, so he gave a nod. Turning, he walked with the guard around him.

They walked him past the hedge rows, to the entrance to the gardens. Rescue had to blink. Standing there near the wall overlooking the city was Ailan, and to his left was Lyra and Bon Bon both in long dresses. He could see two rows of ponies, and the faces he knew. Members of the Third Battalion, the mares all together other than one. Applejack, who stood with her brother up near Ailan, looking down the row of ponies at him.

Center most was Princess Luna herself, looking down the row of folk. Rescue glanced to his side and noted the night guards all had pulled back and made a row, preventing him from leaving. He frowned and then looked around again. His father was here, his brother...okay, that wasn’t one he really was happy with. Some other ponies from Ponyville along one side, a number of pegasi he didn’t know.

His eyes darted around, then back to Ailan with a look that asked what on earth was going on. It was in that moment, watching Ailan smile, that it hit him. His ears went flat and his mouth dried out, breathing a bit too fast, not quite hyperventilating, but close. He felt a nudge and looked to where it came from. There stood Applejack, when had she moved from up front?

In a tone low and quiet, she said. “Sugarcube, you got someone waiting on ya.”

His voice wouldn’t work at first, then the large draft stallion’s voice cracked some. “I-I seem to, be stuck,” hearing a few snickers from the guards behind him.

She just shook her head. “Look in yer heart, ya big lug. Let’s go see a mare about a stallion you love, shall we?”

He found the strength to lift his hoof and move, starting to walk. Rescue peered to each side, there was Kevin in a cadet’s uniform. He gave a smile and a nod. There was his father and brother, he again nodded.

Applejack’s voice still quiet came to his ear as he walked next to her. “He was right, you are about the most stubborn stallion ah ever met, and that is comparing ya to Big Macintosh.”

He did smile a bit at that comment, it was a compliment in his eyes. Whispering back to her "AJ, Thank you. I wouldn't be here right now, if it weren't for you"

The Apple pony didn't say a thing, just tucked her hat down low and took up a spot next to her brother on Rescue's side of the raised area.

Walking up, he noticed of his son and his date off to one side of the raised area. Looking over at Ailan, his ears lifted, but before he could speak, Princess Luna cut him off. Why was it every mare in Equestria did that to him?

“Chief Rescue Sunstreak, we are not one for long drawn out words as you well know. However, pegasi kind has its own traditions, and Ailan here has some words to say to you,” she looked up and around. “Before he speaks, dare any step forward and contest this union?”

Not a pony stood, no pony even coughed. Rescue looked over into Ailan’s eyes and searched them, hearing the pegasus clear his throat.

“Rescue, when I saw you the first time, I knew you were somepony I had to meet. You have a life about you, a glow that says you give of yourself without reserve. We got off to a rocky start, but we worked past that. We've had our trials, and we will have more as we walk the road together.”

Ailan sniffled once then glanced back at Bon Bon and Lyra. “We have friends, we have family,” his eyes moving to Pip, then back to Rescue. “I can think of no stallion I would rather walk the road with.”

Luna turned some and looked at the draft pony. “Do you have anything you wish to say, Rescue?”

He pondered for a bit, then nodded in response. “Ailan, you looked past my issues. You took the time to see who I was inside even when I was unable to see myself. Yet, here you stand,” looking around at others and back. “We have a son, we have a home, we have each other. It is not yours and mine, it's ours. I... am honored to be welcome in your life, in your home, and... in your heart.”

Luna gave a nod and both turned to see Pip and Diamond walk over, a small pad on each of their backs. On one, a lone golden feather. Rescue knew that one instantly, it was one of Ailan’s primaries, but they were very painful to have pulled. On the pad Pip carried, lay something that made his eyes widen some.

Pip looked up at his fathers and said to Rescue. “Diamond heard from Silver Spoon that you commissioned her father for this. He lied about it not being done, and I kinda sneaked it on the train with me cause...you aren’t mad at me dad, are you?”

He smiled a bit looking at the simple silver anklet, a emblem etched into it was a union of Ailan and his cutie marks, with a blue background the same color as Luna’s body. Looking up again his ear flicked. “No Pip, no I am not,” his smile grew.

Luna stepped back some, as Rainbow Dash of all ponies stepped up and looked Rescue right in the eyes. “So, you think you are good enough to join the flock and take one of ours, do ya?” she asked, tilting her head. “Give me one reason we—” she gestured to all of the pegasi in the crowd. “—should let you.”

Rescue glanced out, seeing all the eyes on him, then back to the multi-hue mare, looking her right in the eyes. “Because I love him, because I will protect him, and because we make each other stronger.”

She gave a little snort. “Good enough for me, earth pony,” she stepped back again, reaching down and taking the feather from Tiara’s pad. He noted it had a strap it was weaved into. She held it out to Ailan.

“He is yours the flock approves. Love him with all your heart, protect him with the last ounce of blood in your body,” and she walked back to where Soarin and the remainder of the Wonderbolts stood.

Ailan stepped forward and whispered in a soft tone. “I love you, and now, with this feather, I show the world, you and I are one. The flock will know you as one of ours, as mine,” reaching up, the smaller pegasus worked it slowly. Rescue could feel him weaving it into his mane. As he did, Luna spoke up.

"I have given a gift to this couple, the feather Rescue is given, it is tradition for eons now among the pegasus kind. I have given it a spell, it will never wilt, it will never rot, it cannot burn. It will forever remain a symbol of the love this stallion has for the other.”

Ailan stepped back, and Rescue looked at his mate's eyes. Turning, he picked up the ring and smiled some. “I ain’t very good at words, but—” he held the ring up. “—the silver this is made from, belonged to my mother, and her mother before her. It was found as a lump in the wreckage of my home. It was once a ring and when found it was saved for me. I had this made, not to lay claim to you,” he smiled a bit. “But to tell everypony who saw it, how much I love you,” reaching down, he gently clipped it around Ailan’s left front leg just above the fetlock.

Luna again cut in. “This ring too has been enchanted. It can not melt, it can not heat up, and, it can never be removed other than by the one who gave it, or the one who wears it now.”

She then looked at the two. “You may kiss the groom.”

Rescue blinked, then melted, as he felt Ailan’s lips press to his in a soft, but very emotional kiss. He gave a chuff and nickered as it broke, feeling the wings of the night princess guide him to Ailan’s side and looking out at the crowd. There was a lot more noise than the small gathering should make.

Then, he saw it. The walls, the balcony along the castle walls, all of them filled with ponies from the Gala. Each and every one of them stomped their hooves on the ground or together, even the ones he could see were not thrilled, like Prince Blueblood, knew better than to spoil this moment and joined in.

Rescue gave a soft mutter. “You planned all of this.”

To his credit the big-winged stallion smirked and kissed his cheek. “I had a lot of help.”

Looking out at them all, it hit him, theirs was the first same-gender marriage done in the garden by a princess in anypony’s memory. He glanced back at Luna, taking note of Celestia and Twilight who were both wiping their eyes.

Princess Luna whispered. “It was my honor, my friend.”

Rescue gave a smile and turned again to walk with Ailan back into the palace. No longer just coltfriends, but now husbands.

29 - Paperwork

Once back in Ponyville, Pinkie Pie had put together a grand ‘congratulations on getting hitched’ party. It would not have been Ponyville if she had not. Thankfully, she had waited until the next night, as everypony was quite exhausted from the Grand Galloping Gala.

Rescue and Ailan had a lot of ponies come up and speak with them. Quite a few brought out gifts for them, even when they said they had all they needed. A lot of them were simple things; a basket of apples from Sweet Apple Acres, the office of the Mayor had arranged to have tree planted in the park in their name, and Pinkie and the Cakes were hoofing the bill for the whole party.

One pair of stallions came over to talk to the newlyweds that bore a bit of a surprise gift. Filthy Rich and Sterling Spoon both gave a soft smile. Rich informed them that the contract for the loan they took to build Pip’s room was now null and void. Having ripped it up right in front of them both, Sterling had waived the fee for the work he did to make the anklet. Rescue and Ailan had both given them a tight, long hug in thanks.

Lyra and Bon Bon had gone in with Rarity, Twilight, Rainbow, and Fluttershy and purchased them a full eight-pony Japonyse dinner set. It was really quite a shock, because this was not cheap stuff and had to be imported from a land far from Equestria.

By the end of the day, everypony was worn out. Pip again fell asleep next to Diamond, and with this, many pictures were taken. Scootaloo fell asleep, pressed up to Rumbles side. Rainbow had burned through three rolls of film on that one. All the respective parents and family collected their little ones and all headed out once the cleanup was done.

Rarity had agreed to take Pipsqueak to give the two stallions a bit of alone time. Once they got home, they had taken full advantage of some private space without having to worry about a paint colt hearing things or asking questions he wasn’t quite ready for yet.

Why did Celestia have to raise the sun? It streamed in through the open window, shining across the two sleeping stallions. Rescue lifted his head some and huffed, then laid it back down once more across Ailan’s neck, nuzzling in and muttering.

“We should get up and shower, Pip will be home soon.”

Ailan gave a little snort. “You know, he is going to ask some day.”

The big draft stallion rolled his eyes and nipped the slightly smaller pony on the neck lightly. “Yeah, but I don’t want him to learn like this,” shaking his head at his partner's silly comment.

Once they were both up and showered, something that took a bit longer than normal, Rescue headed out into the living room. He started breakfast, and cleaning up some around the kitchen. He frowned a bit as he did, damn pegasi tended to be a lot messier than he was. He did, however, find himself brushing the feather hanging from his mane, and shook his head. He would have Ailan no other way.

Hearing the front door open, he heard, “Dad, I'm home!” yelled by a little colt, sighing softly to himself.

“Pip, how many times have I told you not to yell like that when you come home?” Rescue scolded, stepping out of the kitchen as Ailan came from the bedroom, glancing at Rarity who was standing in the doorway, the big draft stallion smiled a bit.

“Thank you for taking him for the night, Rarity, I hope he wasn’t a hoofful.”

The snow unicorn mare shook her head and laughed a light laugh. “Not at all, Rescue, he was a perfect gentlecolt like always. I trust you and your husband had a quiet night in.”

Blushing a touch, he nodded. “Again, thank you, Rarity, it means a lot to us,” glancing at the colt who was coming back out of his room after putting away his overnight bag.

“Say thank you to Miss Rarity for letting you stay over,” he heard Ailan say to the paint colt.

Pip trotted over and lifted up, hugging the mare around the neck. “Thank you again, Miss Rarity, and thank you for breakfast, it was really good! Oh, and thank you for all of the advice.”

Rescue glanced at Ailan, both of them lifted an eyebrow and returned their focus to the white unicorn. She just mouthed at them from behind the boys hug. “I will tell you later.”

Rescue sat in the little cubbyhole of an office, stacks of folders and paperwork around him. He had been sitting here reading through invoices, name lists, and incident reports. Truth of it was, he was eight hours in, just like the previous four days. They had less than fourteen days left before the arsonist would strike.

Rescue gave a little frustrated grumble to himself, as he had gone over all the incident reports that Wildfire and her small team up in Canterlot could find. He had them in three stacks now, the smallest were the three in Ponyville. Next to that stack sat another pile of thirty-two folders from Manehattan, and next to that was a stack of thirty-two more folders from Las Pegasus. In front of him now was one folder open with stacks of papers in it, lists and invoices that Princess Twilight had found for him, every single invoice for the remaining sales of Funtimeco’s balloon sales.

With a frustrated nicker, he slammed his hoof into the desk and wiped his arm across it. Sending folders and papers flying off, shouting. “Why can’t I find the connection?!” at the top of his lungs.

There was a soft knock at the door and he snapped his head up. “What?!” before it opened some, and he saw Ice standing there with a worried look.

“Chief, go home, you have been at this all day. I will clean up, you go home to your husband.”

He opened his mouth to chew her out, then stopped himself and glanced at the mess. Exhaling slowly, he shook his head. “You're righ, Ice, I'm sorry. I just, we have to catch this son of a gun before he hurts someone else. I owe that to Archer’s parents.”

She shook her head and put her hoof up on his shoulder, looking into his eyes. “Chief, you sitting here yelling and getting angry, it isn’t going to help them, or you. Go sleep, relax, eat something. Come back at this with a fresh outlook in the morning.”

She paused then added in. “Don’t make me get a few of the flock in here to drag you home.”

He snorted, just four days being married to a pegasus had taught him a few things. The biggest was, it seemed since Ailan had weaved that feather into his mane, every winged pony he met treated him like family. Sure, he had seen it growing up, how the pegasi seemed to stick together far more than the unicorns or earth ponies did. It was only now he was starting to understand just how serious they took this flock thing.

“Yeah, yeah, okay, okay, but you ain’t my mother, Ice."

He watched her smirk a bit. “No, but I am just enough of a mare to tell your husband you are skipping meals,” she said, glaring at him now.

Rescue held up a hoof. “Whoa, hold up. Okay, okay, you win. I will go home.”

She smirked. “Darn right, I won.”

Once the chief had left, she set about cleaning up the papers and folders, trying to just get them neat but in no particular order at all. She found a few loose papers she picked them up and gathered them, tucking them all in the random top folder in the stack and then heading out to start dinner for the on-duty team.

In a darkened room at the top of her tower, Princess Luna sat in the anteroom, looking out at the moon and stars in the sky. She tilted her head a bit and spoke out.

“You are sure, Captain?”

The captain of her guard slid out of the shadows as he bowed his head a bit. “Very much so, my princess. It seems the council is very unhappy about the bits being diverted from their pet projects to the Fire Department and Police Departments. There is to a vote held in a hour. From what I can gather, they hope to vote while your sister sleeps, and you are watching the dreamscape, so you cannot override it.”

The dark blue alicorn frowned and gave a nod. “Very well. Alert the Second Wing, I want them all there. We will go and remind the nobles just who rules the night court and why.”

He bowed. “As you command, my princess.”

Gilded Cage loved his job. The blue unicorn had it very good. A seat on the counsel, bits flowed like water around him, the power to make anypony do what he wanted and when. Of course, then that pesky pony of a princess had to stick her nose into things.

He snorted and looked up at the gathering of fifty representatives of the noble houses.

“So, the reading of the new bill is now on record. I call for a vote. I remind you all a neigh vote means the bill does not pass, and of course a yes vote means it carries. Now, we are to vote on CC-A551, known as the tax budget adjustment bill.”

He took a breath. “How many—”

The door swung open, and all of the representatives spun around, eyes growing wide as they watched twelve Lunar guards march in, armed to the withers. However, even that sight wasn’t the thing that made ponies catch their breath.

No, that was held by the alicorn that walked in. Head up high, eyes narrowed, in her full night regalia, wearing armor no pony had seen her wear in over a thousand years. It gleamed almost as if the night itself was polished bright. Hung across her back was a scythe of pure black, its edge so sharp, so perfectly polished that it caught the light like a thousand stars, causing micro reflections to dance along it. The heavy armored alicorn moved with a grace and ease only the war-master herself could do.

“P-Princess, we did not expect you to—”

She cut the blue unicorn off with a stomp of her armored hoof. “Thou will close thy mouth Gilded Cage, or we will do it for you!”

It was easy to see why history painted the Lunar Princess as the very model soldier and leader during times of war. She walked up to the podium, forcing Guilded to back up a few steps. Looking down at the paperwork, she lifted a hoof and flipped a few pages.

In a quiet voice, not yelling or using the Royal Canterlot voice, she said. “I see you have all decided to go behind my back and try and defund the very pony who risk their lives for us all.”

Her eyes narrowed a bit as Gilded spoke up, no other pony dared make a sound. “My princess, the people demand this of us. Projects go unfunded. Street improvements, new shops, overtime pay…”

“Enough!” she bellowed in the Royal voice. Gilded let out a yelp and jumped back, the rest of the crowd gasped, a few whimpered, one poor young stallion near the front smelled of urine suddenly, all caused by Luna in her anger. At the same moment, that scythe came out held in her magic and swung down with a speed and power unheard of. A thunderous crash of wood and paper as it met blade, the podium split in two and crashed down off the stage to left and right.

Scythe still stuck into the floor, gripped in alicorn magic, Luna glared out at the gathered nobles. Once more, her tone was low, one might have to strain to hear it in the back of the room, but there was no question as to her words.

“We call a vote for this bill, what say thou all, all opposed?”

Every single hoof came up, save one. Gilded hoof stayed down. She took note of this.

“Very well, and for?”

His hoof did not lift, she glanced at him with a deep frown and turned back to the room. Yanking the weapon from the floor, it floated back to its place across her armor.
“If we hear of any attempt at deceit like this again, we will put every last one of thou in the dungeons. Be very glad our sister has outlawed executions.”

Not a sound was heard other than her heavy hoofsteps as she spun and trotted out, her guards falling in behind her. A tiny whimper came from a young noble pony up front, the stallion just realizing he had wet himself in the presence of royalty.

Luna huffed a bit as she marched down the hallway. “We will hear about this from my sister, we are sure.”

The captain at her side gave a nod. “Yes, Princess.”

Author's Note

yep upcoming update to "in the heat of the night" :raritywink:

30 - Fight!

Twilight slammed her head into the table for the tenth time in a row. Looking back up at the map on the wall, as well as all of the pins in it and the strings from one pin to another. She looked over at the big fire pony who sat in front of it, eyes tracing one string to another.

“Aaagh! There has to be a pattern. There has to be! Nothing is this random, not even Discord!”

The big stallion tilted his head some, then reached over and opened a folder again, looking at the papers on top.

“I don’t see it, Twilight. We have tracked the purchases, we have tracked the fires, and we've looked at companies from all angles. There is some critical bit of data we don’t have.”

Rescue shook his head and looked back at the frustrated alicorn. “Let's call it a day. We have seven more before he, or she, strikes again. I want to go home to my family.”
Twilight set her folder down. “Okay, you are right. I should check on Spike and get some dinner. Have a good night, okay, Rescue?”

The big draft gave a nod and then a gentle hug to the princess, pausing on his way out as she added. “Oh, and Rescue, remember, we have a picnic tomorrow. You and Ailan were going to bring Pip.”

He gave a nod. “See you then,” heading out home.

“Dad, come on, we are going to be late!” Called Pip from the living room. Rescue gave a sigh and picked up his badge, tossing it around his neck, then glanced in the mirror and trotted out.

“Okay, okay, hold your hooves, young man,” he said, offering Ailan a smile before picking up his own set of saddle bags and putting them on. “No one is going to start without us.”

Pip pranced from hoof to hoof. “But daaaad, they said noon, and it's only five-til!”

Both stallions laughed a bit, but Rescue noted a bit of a hesitation in Ailan’s eyes. “You alright?”

Ailan blinked, then gave a nod. “Yeah, sure, why wouldn’t I be?”

“I don’t know, it just seemed like... Well, okay, let's head out before Pip here falls apart.”

Trotting through town, nothing seemed out of place. Bon Bon’s shop was closed, that was a little unusual. Perhaps she and Lyra took a day for themselves, as they deserved it. Heading out at the far side of town near Fluttershy’s place, Rescue automatically glanced at the call box to make sure it had not been tampered with.

Out across the bridge, they trotted, down towards the little lake, spotting all of the mares there already and looked like they had their pets along with them. The foals were playing kickball nearby, so with a leap, Pip took off to join his friends.

Rescue trotted up with Ailan at his side, glancing over to the foals at play. He breathed out gently with a soft smile, a rare thing for him to show in public. Applejack walked up to his side as Ailan walked over to help the girls set things up.

“They are growing up too fast. Ah was just saying so to Granny Smith yesterday. Applebloom was talkin' about wantin' to continue school. I hear tell from the girls that Rumble, Pip, and Diamond have all said they want to go to the Academy when they get of age.”

He gave a nod of his head and glanced at the orange mare next to him, then back out at the foals. “I am aware, AJ, I am aware.”

She flicked an ear. “Rescue, y’all need to hear someone out today. Ah got to admit, we kinda tricked you into joinin' us today,” her lowered ears and hat held to her chest made him frown deeply.

“Applejack, what the—” he cut himself off, spotting four ponies walk up over the hill. Lyra and Bon Bon were walking beside his father. That started a smile on his face, but the last one with them sent that smile crashing. He gave a little soft snarl. “I am heading home.”

Applejack gave one of her serious looks. “You take off, and ah swear to Celestia, ah will hog tie you, Rescue. You gotta talk to him, he is your brother!”

Locking eyes across the hundred or so feet between them, he had not noticed that the foals had gone quiet. He did not take note of the girls all standing, watching. Not even Pinkie was bouncing. No, all he could see was the almost-knowing smirk on the silver-gray draft pony with the crowbar over a flame cutie mark on his flank.

“The Buck I do,” he cursed, making even AJ flatten her ears at that. “This was a dirty trick, I got no interest in talking to him. Ailan, grab Pip, we are—”

His father spoke up, cutting him off. “Rescue, please, don’t do this,” walking over the faded-green pegasus stallion to put a hoof on his taller son’s leg, looking up at Rescue’s face. “We are a family, you and Steel can’t keep this up. Please, hear him out and talk. Let's create a new bridge, okay?“

Setting his jaw, Rescue gave a hard snort. “Sorry, dad, but I told ya before, he has his life I got mine. I don’t want him around my son, or my husband,” he made sure that the word husband was directed right at the other stallion.

“I told you he wouldn’t see reason, dad. Too stubborn, and too—”

Rescue let out a loud grunt, shoving AJ and his father aside, he took only three strides and was right in the other stallion's muzzle. “Go on, finish that, then I will finish what we started in the back of Station Three,” he hissed, eye to eye with his brother, scowl on his face.

The truth of it was, no one was really sure what to do. The mares had never seen this side of Rescue before, Ailan sure had not, even his father was a bit taken back by the show of aggression from the usually quiet and passive male.

Not backing down one bit, Steelhook shoved his face up into his brother's. “You're what, going to take a cheap shot at me again? For Celestia's sake, that was twenty years ago, Rescue. What, a fella can’t change his—”

Rescue did exactly that, taking a cheap shot. He slammed his right hoof into his brother's jaw, knocking his head to the side and snarling “Screw you, Steel!” making the girls gasp, but before anyone could jump in, it escalated in a huge way.

Steelhook slammed his whole body into his brother, kicking out and hitting the dark-colored stallion in the gut. Rescue’s reaction was to grab the other male in a headlock, and down they went. In seconds, they were tied up in a mess of stallion fight. Teeth flared and bit out, hooves slammed and kicked. They rolled down the small hill as they fought and scrambled.

Applejack let out a loud shout and started to charge in to stop them, at the same time Ailan did. Both Rarity and Twilight started to charge up their horns to pull the two brawling stallions apart. However, perhaps as a shock, it was Firehook who held up a hoof. “Don’t,” his frown deep. “Let them, they need to get this out of their system.”

Pinkie gasped. “Bu—but, they are hurting each other!” She whimpered, watching them roll down the hill, off a small three-foot ledge and land in a small marsh of mud and reeds.

He gave a nod. “And you break them up, they will just hate each other more.”

Meanwhile, as they hit the mud, Rescue got in a lucky kick and shoved his brother back a few feet off him. Spinning around, he slung a hoofful of the muck into the other stallion's face. In return, Steelhook got in a shot with his hoof across the chief’s muzzle, sending him down.

With a few feet between them, and both breathing hard, Rescue snarled out. “You bully. You worthless, good for nothing, bully!” lashing out with a hoof, only to have it glance off his brother's shoulder.

Returning the punch, the mud-covered silver pony yelled. “Self righteous, stubborn mule! I tried to talk to you years ago and make up for what I done, and—”

Rescue wrapped his front hooves around his brother's neck and shoved with all his might, sending them both tumbling back into the mud, with him on top. In return, Steel flipped backwards kicking out with his rear legs sending Rescue up and over, to land with a dull painful sounding thud, back first, near the edge of the water. Both laying there now, in the muck and mess, bleeding from the nose and not a few other places where hoof and teeth had done damage. Steel stared up at the sky. Both of them unaware of the tears, the pain, and the worry on everypony’s face.

It was Steel who spoke first. “Are we done?”

Rescue was quiet for a bit, then shook his rear hoof hard enough to send a glob of muck to hit his brother in the side. He laid there, half in the water for a bit, just looking up at the sky.

“Do you have any clue how much it hurt, you telling everyone I was... and hearing them all call me a coltcuddler, and worse? Then, to start that back up when I got out of the military?”

Steel rolled over on his side, putting his hoof to his own jaw and feeling around. “You got a hell of a punch on you,” ignoring the looks from all the mares, from their father, and all of the foals who were being kept calm and together by many of the onlookers.

“No, I didn’t at the time. Hell, Res, you and I were fourteen years old. I had no clue how bad it would get, and once it did, I had no way to stop it.”

Turning his head to look at his brother, sniffling trying to get the blood that was dribbling down his nose to stop, he watched Rescue flip over onto his hooves and trudge slowly with wet, sucking steps from the deeper mud over to where he was, even allowing the other to push his head up with a hoof.

“Elevate your head. Stops the bleeding faster.” He lowered his ears, one dripping blood down his cheek from a small rip in the skin. “What about when I got back and into the Academy?”

Steel glanced out the left eye at his brother, holding his head up high as he did like the paramedic pony had said to. “I didn’t start that one, it was Windowbreaker, remember him?”

Rescue held his hoof up to his ear and then looked at the spot of blood, standing there in muck and dirt next to the stallion who was his brother. “The gryphon? The one who got kicked out for trying to rape that mare?”

Steel gave a snort. “Among other things, yeah. Look,” shifting his head down to look at his brother in the eyes. “Res, I never meant to hurt you. Hell, I had no clue how bad it was tell after we got out of school. I didn’t know folks were picking on you, and I sure as heck wouldn’t have let them if I had.”

His voice lowered some. “What you said to me, last time we talked... what, ten years ago now?”

Rescue flattened his ears, and looked over at his brother's face. “I had no right saying that to you, Steel. I said it knowing how much it would hurt you. I... I am sorry, okay?”

Watching as the other draft pony gave a sharp nod of his head, then let out a groan. “Ouch, damn it, did you have to hit me in the jaw so hard? Come on, let's go face the music, I hear a few sobs. You got a foal and a husband to face and I... well,” glancing over at all of the ponies watching them. “I will face dad, and… why does the pink one seem like she is going to tackle me?”

Rescue gave a glance over seeing tears in Pip's eyes as he stood with Diamond, who had a very upset look on her face, both being held by one pissed-off looking Lyra. “Because, that is Pinkie, and you will be, and then she will throw a party, and do something so outlandish it will break your mind. Do yourself a favor, Steel, just... go with it.”

He looked over at his brother. “Are... we good now?” Watching Steel’s eyes shift to his.

“As long as you are, Res.”

He gave a nod and started to work his way out of the now somewhat sticky mess. “Luna, help me. I have mud in places I didn’t know I had.”

Author's Note

Part of this fight is a nod to the fight between Picard and his brother season 4 episode 2.

31 - Eureka !!

“Ouch! You did that on purpose!”

Rescue winced, glancing at Rarity who currently had a small needle and double-O silk thread held in her magic. She was stitching the gash in his ear and had a frown on her face. Around him he had quite a few mares with frowns and glares.

They had helped get him and Steel cleaned up in the lake, and were now addressing their wounds. Ailan had sent Scootaloo and Pipsqueak on a high speed dash to get Rescue’s first-aid harness and packs. Scoot had a small wagon hooked up to the rear of her scooter and they returned in no time at all.

“Darling, perhaps if you and your brother didn’t act like a couple of uncouth foals, then I wouldn’t need to do this for you. Now hush and let me finish, less you end up with a unsightly scar, or worse, a rip in your ear for the rest of your life. Honestly, who acts like that?”

Applejack spoke up. “Two idiots, that’s who.”

Grumbling, Rescue glanced over at his brother attempting to ignore the ponies, including Ailan, around him. Steel had the rest of the mares around him watching, as all five foals were wrapping him up in bandages and practicing their first aid skills. He could see the other draft was currently getting a chewing out from the pink filly. It was rather amusing, really, as she had a real talent for making somepony feel like a plot hole without being rude about it.

“Honestly, is that any way for a Battalion Commander to act? Why, what if you and the Chief had hurt each other worse? Did you think for an instant how it was going to affect us? We Explorers look up to you for our guidance, and—”

Rescue yelped again as Rarity pushed the needle in a bit deep again. The effect was for him to end up tuning out Diamond so his eyes roamed to lock on Bon Bon’s. She gave a little grunt and then snorted at him.

“You are both idiots.”

He blinked, watching every mare there, his father, and Ailan, all nod. Out of the corner of his eye, he noted the mares' pets sitting near a tree, did they just nod too? Wisely, he didn’t voice his opinions and simply gave a little nod.

“Yes, ma'am.”

He heard a slight sound, like someone snickering. Looking around, he could see no one amused, then it happened again. Glancing up, it was only now he caught sight of six small clouds around above them. On each were a few pegasi, including Thunderlane, and some of the others from the Ponyville Weather Patrol. All of them seemed to be quite amused at the antics going on down below.

It was at that moment, Diamond happened to look up, and her frown grew. Rescue thought to himself, she was going to make one hell of a fire inspector one day. She had the eye for detail, and the raw talent for keeping others in line.

“Rumble, don’t you hide behind your brother. I see you up there, do you all think this is funny? Two grown stallions acting like spoiled brats?”

Poor Rumble stuck his head out of the cloud and gave a sheepish look. “B-but, Diamond, Rainbow Dash laughed first,” hearing the colorful mare start to snort, and getting a poke in the side from Lyra. This, of course, triggered Ailan to start to snicker, spilling over to a few others. Soon, all but Diamond and Twilight were laughing.

The two exchanged looks, both were very much alike in their outlooks. Rolling their eyes, they spoke together. “Idiots.”

Sitting there, Rescue was nibbling on a daisy sandwich and watching as Pip got to know his uncle a bit better. After all of the laughter was over, he had Steel had pulled away from the others and had a long almost-hour long talk. A lot had been aired, and old wounds bound together so they would heal. Rescue looked back at memories, and regretted the ten years of ignoring his brother severely. That was ten years of life they would not ever get back.

He twisted his ears a bit to listen in, hearing Pip recount the tale of saving Scootaloo and earning his cutie mark.

“So, when I woke up, my dads showed me what I received,” looking at his flank a moment, then back up at the draft stallion.

Steel gave a nod. “I saw the report, and you should know we are all very proud of you, Pip. You and Rumble both showed a courage. Not only am I proud of you as the Battalion commander, but,” he got lower and said in a softer voice. “As your uncle,” blinking in surprise as the little paint leaped up and hugged him around the neck.

“Brothers are sumthin', ain’t they?”

Rescue glanced to his right where the apple mare had laid down next to him, staring over, then over where his father and Ailan sat, speaking with Rarity and Fluttershy.

“I ain’t sorry we got in the fight, we had to get that out of our system. It was coming for a long, long time.”

Applejack gave a soft chuckle. “Rescue, if y’all knew some of the drag-out brawls mah brother and I get in, you wouldn’t even need t'say that. Ah get it, but them youngins don’t.”

He gave a nod. “Yeah, I know, AJ, I know. Still, Pip has his uncle and grandfather back.”

She smiled a bit. “You got yer family, too.”

Rescue tilted his head and spoke softer. “No, the family grew, that is all. It just got bigger by two is all.”

“Well, heck, I guess in a way you are right. Why, you keep this up they are gonna have t'build more houses in Ponyville, we are goin' to get as big as Manehattan.”

Rescue’s ears shot up, and his head snapped around, staring at Applejack for a time. Her head pulled back some as she heard him say “AJ, what did you just say?”

“Ah... said we are gonna end up getting as big as Manehattan?”

His mind tumbled and ground away, before he spoke. “Before that.”

Her eyes narrowed some more. “Build more houses?”

“Build…”

Suddenly, Rescue leaped up, so unlike the big stallion he was usually, barking out in that no quarter given tone he took when in command. “Princess! I need to see a report of everyone who moved to Ponyville in the last year, and a list of all the houses built or repaired.”

The purple alicorn, mid bite of a cupcake, blinked and looked over, as did most of the others. “Can’t that wait? I mean, we—”

It was his turn to cut a mare off, as he snapped out, “No!“ recovering some and getting shocked looks from many of the mares. “I mean, no, no, ma'am, now. I mean right now. I... I think I know the clue we were missing.”

Her eyes grew wide, and she was just gone. Just like that, in a flash of light, she was gone, leaving everyone else to wonder what was going on. Rescue snapped up his badge and started to shrug into his harness and bags, Ailan trotting over and nuzzling him.

“Rescue, what's going on?”

Rescue looked at his mate, then around at everyone else. “Just... I need to get to the castle, I don’t want to say any more until I am sure, okay?”

Ailan kissed him very lightly on the lips. “Then go, I know that look,” then in a lower tone. “Go find him.”

It was midnight, both Rescue and Twilight had been at this for hours now. Stacks of newspapers, building reports, and residence requests lay all around them. New pins were placed on the map board on the wall of the small room, and tons of new strings colored red were hung.

Twilight set the last folder on a stack and sat down on the floor with a huff. “That was the last of them, how many names do we have?”

Rescue looked at his stack and shook his head. “Still twenty two of them. Too many, and all are just best guesses so far. We really need the residency reports from Manehattan and Los Pegasus if we are going to narrow it down more.”

She looked over at the tired and still rather haggard-looking fire pony. “Are you sure about this, Rescue? I mean, it is a very thin lead. We could end up blaming an innocent pony.”

Huffing and looking up at the map again, “It has to be it Twilight, nothing else is even close to giving us a name. Our firebug is in this stack.” Rescue put his hoof up on the folders.

“Princess Luna said she would have her best pour through the archives and get us the information as fast as they could find it. What do we do now? We have six days left, Rescue,” she said with a bit of a worried tone to her voice.

He set his jaw and looked at the stack. “We watch them all, and we wait. It's all we can do for now.”

With her ears down, Twilight nodded slowly.

Dragging himself into the bedroom quietly so as not to wake Ailan, Rescue slowly took off his bags and set them near the wall out of the way. Glancing to the bed, he saw the pegasus asleep, and gave a smile. Softly tiphoofing over and crawling up into the bed, he found his winged mate pushing back, kind of spooning up to his chest.

“You make any progress?” The tired pegasus muttered.

Kissing the top of his husband's head he gave a nod. “Yes, a little. Go back to sleep, it’s two in the morning.”

Ailan yawned some. “I know, I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

Rescue shut his eyes and pulled his hooves around the smaller stallion, pressing his barrel and chest to his mates back.

“Thank you, love. I am okay, just, we need to find this guy.”

Turning in his grip, so he was barrel to barrel, the large-winged stallion touched his mate's cheek with a hoof, looking into his eyes.

“You will find him, I believe in you, Sunny.”

Blushing at the nickname only Ailan used with him, he leaned in and collected a light, small kiss.

“I love you, Ailan.”

A slight smirk followed as Ailan cuddled in closer to go back to sleep. “You talk too much.”

32 - Caught

It took Princess Luna and her team, along with Celestia pushing ten more ponies into the mix, almost five days to find the information. As fast as they found it, Twilight would receive it and she would call Rescue over.

Now, it was all hooves on deck. Stacks and stacks of newspapers, including forty boxes of files, all packed into the room they were using in the princess’ castle. The map had many new pins on it, strings of all colors of the rainbow ran here and there in what looked at first to be a haphazard. Only on a closer look would one see the patterns there.

Rescue yawned and took a sip of coffee as he glanced up and blinked. “Sun is coming up, we have been at this all night,” his ears laid down. “That means... today is…”

Fluttershy gave a little soft squeak. “Day thirty-two,” finishing the big draft stallion's sentence for him. “But, we have still not found who it is. We still have six ponies who it might be.”

Applejack sat down with a huff and slammed her hoof into the floor. “Darn it all, if this ain’t as hard as findin' a needle in a haystack.”

Twilight frowned. “Girls, we have to keep going. It's in here, we just have to find the right bit of information.”

They all exhaled deeply and got back to work, thankful that Spike was bringing them coffee and food as they poured through the mounds of paperwork. It was around seven in the morning when suddenly, for no, reason Ailan’s wings snapped out and he let out a loud snarl. He said nothing, he looked at no one, he just spun and shot up, and like an arrow, he crashed through the window near the top of the room and was gone just like that.

Rescue cried out with wide-eyes. “Ailan!” as the mares all looked up, shocked at the sound and sight of falling glass. Rescue just blinked and looked at the now-broken window. His head turned and he looked where Ailan had been sitting.

“You want me to chase him down?” Rainbow Dash piped up.

The big draft shook his head and walked over slowly to the pile of paperwork and folders. ”To what end, Rainbow? We need to find out why he left like that,” flipping through them, looking, flipping back. What could have made him so mad? What could have sent someone so peaceful into a rage like that?

It took all of them pouring through the pile almost ten minutes before Rescue opened one folder. His eyes looked over it, then the color ran from his face. His ears going flat, his mouth falling open a bit, before he whispered. “N-no. We have to find him, we have to stop him,” looking up at the confusion on all the mares' faces. “He is going to kill him.”

Turning the folder around, showing them all, Twilight's eyes went wide, then Applejack’s. The other girls didn’t understand at first. Rescue opened another folder and the light of understanding came to them, too... then the look of horror as they all scrambled.

“Rescue, we will find him first. Come on, girls, we have to!” Twilight called out as she took to the air and out through the broken window. The others ran out the door with Rescue at their hinds, following the princess out.

Almost half an hour later, they had found where Ailan was. Rather it was someone who had called in a report of yelling and fighting to the guards that found them. The girls and he had raced with all their might.

It was Applejack and Rescue who crashed through a doorway to see bedlam. Ailan’s eyes were red with rage, his forehooves lifted as he reared back above a grey unicorn, who’s flank bore the mark of a stone split in half with flame, intent on crushing the life out of the stallion on the floor.

The room, what appeared to be a basement of some kind, was destroyed. Broken boxes, chairs, and glass were all over. The heavy stench of some sort of paint thinner or varnish hung in the air. There in the corner was a set of floorboards missing, and even a casual glance could see it was filled with jars of some kind of fluid...and three bright yellow boxes with ‘Funtimeco’ printed in bright red on them.

Rescue could see the unicorn was in bad shape already. The unicorn's left eye was swelled shut, his muzzle broken, but what was the worst by far? His horn was snapped off mid way up, the raw nerves exposed, blood welled up and ran down the unicorn's face from it. There was blood everywhere, some on Ailan’s hooves, a gash along the pegasus’ side said he had not escaped this fight unharmed.

Applejack wasted not a second of time, bashing into Ailan, using her shoulder, with all her might to knock him away, Rescue in second place, both landing on Ailan pinning him to the ground near the corner of the room. The big-winged pegasus was enraged and far stronger than usual. He thrashed bellowing out.

“No! He killed one of us, he dies!”

Rescue let out a sob, not once had he seen this side of his husband. Never had he seen such anger, so much rage from the peaceful and kind pony. Ailan continued to thrash and try to get away as others rushed in. Twilight in the lead, two guards with her, saw what was going on. Her constitution failed, and she turned her head and heaved, upchucking breakfast across the floor.

Applejack slapped her hoof into the pegasus’ head. “Darn it, Ailan, quit! Look around, he is down, he ain’t getting up. Look what you are doin' to Rescue!”

While the gray unicorn was already being held down by the two guards and Pinkie, who was suddenly just there and sitting on him, her mane flat as can be. Ailan looked up slowly, the red starting to fade from his eyes, seeing his husband. His quiet, set in his ways, earth pony stallion.

Tears ran down Rescue's cheeks even as he lay there on top of Ailan helping to hold him down. Eyes shut tight, ears flat, he didn’t hear Ailan’s voice beg the apple mare to get off him. He didn’t feel Applejack shift some, the first thing he knew was being held in an embrace.

Rescue sat pressed close to Ailan, who had a long bandage along his side, and thirty-one stitches beneath. He would not flying for a few weeks, and he was under orders from the doctors to not work. The pegasus was looking down at the ground, lost for the moment. The big brown stallion stayed quiet. Ailan had apologized a million times, and a million times Rescue had forgiven him.

Looking down the hall where no less than four of the Celestial guards stood in the hall, both knew another four of the Lunar guards were inside, watching the prisoner. Princess Twilight had placed him under arrest even before they had started first aid and transported him here.

“I... I can’t believe it was Point Break the whole time. I mean, Granite, Red, and I have worked with the guy for over ten years, Res. Ten years, and the guy was going out and…he killed ponies, Res... why?”

The earth stallion hooked his leg around his husband once more, with a light touch. “I... don’t know the answer to that, Ailan, I wish I did. I have no clue, but, something is broken in that pony. Something is… “ he exhaled.

“While you were in surgery, I had to clear the house for the guards. We found over three-hundred jars of tetrahydrofuran, two full boxes of over three-hundred yellow balloons, and the rest of his burn kit. We found…”

The stallion shut his mouth and closed his eyes. Ailan was pressing harder to him, but it was a noise, a throat cleared near him that made Rescue look up and open his eyes again, finding himself staring upon three alicorns, why was he not surprised?

Celestia had a very sad look in her eyes, it was clear she was upset. Luna, on the other hoof, looked angry, a righteous kind of rage burned in her eyes. Poor Twilight, she just looked tired, dragged out tired. It was the huge alabaster alicorn that spoke.

“Chief, I know this is trying for everypony, but, please. Could you fill us in on what you found?”

He gave a bit of a nod and shut his eyes. “Souvenirs, Princess, small keepsakes that look to have been taken from every fire this pony set. I stopped counting them when I got to fifty-six of them,” he said, looking up at the three, making eye contact mainly with Luna but speaking to them all.

“Small children's toys, adult jewelry, little knick-knacks,” he continued, shutting his eyes tight, a sob almost strangled him and he felt the touch of hooves on his shoulders and a hug around his waist. He finally took a shuttering breath. “Archer’s badge.”

A gasp, a stomp of a hoof, and a tiny sob made him open his eyes again to see all three princesses beyond shocked and upset. Luna lowered her head, and before her sister could speak, she said in a soft, firm voice.

“We promise you this, Chief Sunstreak. He will never hurt another pony again. He will stand trial for his crimes.”

In a voice as tiny as a foals, he whispered out, making both Celestia and Twilight lift their eyebrows.

“Thank you, my princess.”

It was Luna who lifted her hoof and set it on his shoulder once more. “Nay, Rescue, it is we who thank you. Without your work, how many more would have known the pain of loss?”

Deep inside his mind, the voice spoke up. The hated voice, spoke words that were perhaps true, and perhaps even a shock to him.

“She is right, for once, you did good.”

He just gave a shudder and leaned all the harder into his husband.

Author's Note

Now that you have found out who it is. Go back and read chapter 5, many hints were given over the course of the story :pinkiehappy:

Next Chapter, The trial!

34 - Trial (Part 2)

Day two of the trial opened to a frowning princess on her bench, with Cadence standing before her. To Cadence’s side was the defendant and his lawyer. It was pretty clear Twilight was not at all elated.

“Mr. Break, while the crown disapproves of this most strongly,” she paused. “It has no legal ground to stop you from defending yourself.”

Cadence stomped her hoof. “Your honor, this will make a—”

For perhaps the first time in her life, Twilight Sparkle cut her beloved fellow princess and former foalsitter off with a bang of her gavel, pointing it at her as she glared down at the pink alicorn.

“I will not have my rulings questioned,” she then laid her ears back. Clearly that was one of the hardest things to date she had to do. Both of the variable god-like alicorns watching from the side box had a slightly worried look, even Discord himself knew the pressure on one of his few friends, Twilight, was beyond measure.

“I am sorry, your honor.” Cadence said with her ears pinned some.

Twilight turned to look again at the unicorn with the broken horn. “You, however, will retain Mr. Affidavit as co-counsel and as your legal advisor. If I get so much as a whiff of you grandstanding or trying to subvert the will of the court, I will have you in irons, muzzled, and Mr. Affidavit will again be re-instated as your lawyer, am I very clear on this?”

The Defendant gave a nod. “Yes, your honor, very clear.”

Twilight, still frowning, nodded. “Very well, let’s get this underway then. Production, call your next witness.”

So it went, witness after witness came up and gave their views, opinions, and what facts they had. Doctors who spoke of the pathology of an arsonist, salesponies who had sold the balloons and chemicals to the defendant, a candle maker from Trottingham that brought with her a standing order, and proof of payment for hundreds of simple white fast-burning candles. Oddly, the defense let all of them pass.

Then came time for the crown to bring the pony element into it, to get the court to see the affect the count of murder in the first had on other ponies. So, with great reluctance, Cadence turned and called out.

“Diamond Tiara, please take the stand.”

There was a muffled gasp from many in the gallery. Her father almost stood and denounced the call, but a small pink hoof came to rest on his leg. “No, daddy, I need to do this... for Archer.”

Rescue could hear her tone, the determination in it. His ears lifted and he sat upright a bit more. Anyone looking around would spot the other fireponies in the gallery doing the same, along with the three other foals in their Junior Explorer uniforms.

Filthy looked at his daughter, then gave a nod and stood so she could slide out. She walked not with hesitation but with her head held high. The small pink filly’s uniform was as clean as could be, its buttons and badge gleamed with the light that caught it. For one tiny fraction of time, all watching where caught by a vision of the future, of who she would grow up to be. Luna sat up a bit higher at that moment.

The guard stacked a few pillows behind the small bench so she would sit up and be seen, then waited for the filly to climb up. She put her hoof out without being told and brought it to rest on the glass case with the flag inside it.

“I, Diamond Tiara Rich, swear an oath before all of Equestria to tell the truth, and nothing but the truth.”

The guard gave a nod, and stepped away. Cadence stepped over and smiled very softly.

“Miss Tiara, I am going to have to ask some very tough questions. If they become too much, you say so, and that guard there will escort you off and give you time to collect yourself. Okay?”

She lay her ears back, then gave a nod of her head. “I can do this, Princess Cadence.”

The pink alicorn cracked a little smile. “Now, for the record, state your name, age, grade, and because you are in the explorer's, your rank.”

The pink filly gave a nod. “My name is Diamond Tiara Rich, I am twelve years old, in the sixth grade at Ponyville Primary school. I also hold the rank of Junior Chief in the Junior Firefighter Explorers,” her voice was strong, sure, and confident.

Cadence nodded her head. “Very good, and if you would please, explain to the court what your relationship was with a Junior Firefighter First Class Archer. I know it is hard to talk about, but it will help.”

Diamond gave a little exhale, gathering herself and pushing down the sadness from the loss of a friend.

“I was her commanding officer in the Junior Firefighters, and I was her friend.”

Cadence lowered her ears slightly. “Could you tell us about her, what kind of pony was she, what did she want to do in life?”

For a good half hour, The pink pony lost herself to the story, telling of the pegasus filly. A few in the gallery sniffled, her parents both held each other as her mother bawled into her father's chest.

Then, it was the defense's turn. Diamond tried her best to look the unicorn in the eyes as he walked up, speaking in a sickly sweet voice.

“Miss Tiara—”

Diamond cut him off. “That is Junior Chief Tiara.”

He gave a smile that said she had fallen into his plan. “Ah, yes, of course. Please, could you tell us a bit more about yourself? Perhaps you could speak to us about the seventy-two disciplinary write-ups for bullying, harassment, and using hurtful language at school?”

Cadence jumped up. “Objection!”

The unicorn looked up at Twilight. “Your honor, it goes to the witnesses credibility, and will go to show the opening statements of redemption and healing.”

Twilight let out a long exhale and tapped the gavel on the bench. “Overruled. Miss Tiara, if you would answer his question?”

She spoke, but with her teeth clenched some “I... had some issues with friendship and understanding. I was shown the right way to be, and all the others forgave me.”

His smile grew. “So, you found forgiveness, and made a better pony of yourself?”

Again her teeth still clenched. “Yes.”

“And do you think every pony deserves a chance to turn themselves around and be a better pony?”

Diamond was very quiet, glaring at the stallion who killed her friend. A stallion who was now twisting her words, twisting all her hard work and effort to be the pony she wanted to be all along.

Twilight said softly. “Diamond, you have to answer it.”

The filly gave a tiny answer. One no one could hear.

“Pardon me? I didn’t hear that, and I am sure the judge and gallery didn’t catch it.”

Glaring up at the adult unicorn, she spat out. “Yes.”

Her ears flattened, as he walked away. “No further questions.”

It was a dirty, underhanded, cold thing the former construction pony did, but it had its desired effect.

Recess had been called after that. Outside, Diamond was hemmed in by her friends. Scootaloo had made sure Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were outside as well. Getting them all together, Diamond found herself in a rather uncomfortable group hug of nine other fillies and colts. Rumble having gone and got Silver Spoon and brought her.

“Ya gonna be okay, Di?” the gray earth pony filly said in a soft tone, feeling her neck getting wet as the pink filly cried silently into it.

“H—he ma-made me b-betray Archer!”

Pip spoke up, the paint pony’s voice strong and sure. “No, he used you. No one here is mad at you, Diamond,” he then said in a much softer voice considering all their friends were around, “I... know I could never be.”

Diamond spun and grabbed the smaller colt in a crushing hug. However, he did not complain, and the look on everypony else’s face said it all. This was their moment, so he hooked his leg around her, and let her cry into his shoulder now. Making eye contact with Silver, his ears lay back as she mouthed silently to him “Thank you, Pip,” knowing the two of them needed each other.

A large group of stallions and mares watched the foals as they all huddled around their friend. It was, however, Archer’s mother who said softly. “Sometimes, I forget how much they all mean to each other. That my Archer was as big as part of their life as she was ours.”

She started to walk over, Dash made to stop her but Filthy Rich’s hoof halted her with a light touch. “No,” he shook his head.

The foals parted for the mare, tell she stood before Pipsqueak and the crying filly. Reaching down, she made eye contact with Pip, who gave a nod and let go just as she lifted Diamond up into her chest with her leg, pulling her close and pressing her pastel green face into the girls cheek.

“You did right in there, Diamond. You kept your beliefs and didn’t compromise to lash out at a pony who hurt you. A-Archer would have been proud of you... I know I am.”

Diamond could not hold back, she let out a sob and clung to the older mare. In turn, a mare, with a heart broken in two by the loss of her foal. Clung to the pink filly in her arms and cried with her, the kind of crying that needed to be done.

Dash glanced over at the elder Rich and said in a soft voice. “How did you know? How do you ever know what is right to do?”

He smiled a bit, a sad smile, but a smile nonetheless.

“Rainbow Dash, when you wake up in the morning, what is your first thought?”

She glanced over at the orange and purple filly who was huddled close to Rumble. “Will Scootaloo be safe and happy today?”

He gave a nod. “Welcome to motherhood, Miss Dash,” the stallion said with a softer and warmer smile. “You learned in months what my wife never learned at all.”

The rest of the adults stood quiet, watching the next generation console and support each other, the pony way.

35 - Trial (Part 3)

Day three, and it was easy to tell the trial was dragging on everyone. Well, everyone but the defendant, who sat with a cocksure smirk on his muzzle as he waited for the trial to be called to order. Cadence looked over at him, a slight frown on her face, deep in her gut she felt he had some kind of trick planned. She wondered what could he have up his sleeve to make him smirk and be so arrogant.

For his part, Point Break just gave a smile, even lifting a hoof to wave over at the pink alicorn, knowing full well it would drive her up the wall, that was half the fun. Glancing over at the lawyer next to him, he pondered a bit. However, he had no time for that as a gavel banged twice, the purple princess calling things to order.

“The defense may call its first witness.”

Standing and picking up a paper, he held it out to the guard who looked, then lifted an eyebrow at the two names on it.

“Your honor, my first witness is a cross examine of Chief Sunstreak.”

Quite a bit of muttering and talk erupted from the gallery before the gavel came down with a bang to silence the room. The guard looked up at his princess and gave a nod, then put the paper up on her bench. Turning to the room, he called out.

“Chief Rescue Sunstreak.”

The big draft stallion stood and made his way for the front. Once more in his dress blues, he approached the bench, hearing the alicorn speak as he sat down.

“You are already under oath, just to remind you, Chief Sunstreak.”

He gave a nod and looked the defendant in the eyes.

“Good morning, Chief Sunstreak. I just wanted to bring you up to clarify a few things with you. If you would please, tell the court. What is your current status?"

Rescue frowned some. “Active Chief.”

He gave a nod. “I see, and have you ever been suspended before?”

Growing silent again, he looked out at everyone looking back at him, eyes returning to the defendant a moment after.

“Yes, three years ago.”

The defendant faked a little gasp. “You don’t say, and why would that be?”

Again, Cadence stood. “Objection!”

Like before the broken unicorn looked up at the judge alicorn. “Goes to credibility of the witness, your honor.”

A slight nod. “Overruled, continue.”

Rescue’s eyes narrowed some, he decided to just be upfront with the truth. Better that than have ponies find out by rumor. He let his eyes slide to Applejack, who gave a nod to him. Her approval meant a lot to him.

“I was involved in an accident during a call out. I was drunk on duty, and due to my inebriated state, I caused the wagon to slide in a turn and flip onto its side.”

Again a mocking fake gasp emanated from Point Break. “And was anyone hurt during this event?”

He grew quiet, and looked down at his hooves. “Yes, Firefighter EMT Flashpoint, my partner at the time. He broke his hip when the wagon smashed into him as it rolled.”

Looking up at the judge then back to the big dark pony on the stand. “And where is this firefighter now?”

“He was retired from the department, he runs a bar in Canterlot.”

Now that smirk came back. “So, you were drunk and caused an accident that took the health of a fellow firepony. Tell us, Chief, how is it you are here now, as Ponyville’s fire chief?”

Like the pink filly before him, he found himself clenching his teeth now. It didn’t take a scholar to see the game the arsonist was trying to pull.

“I joined a help group, got sober, was reinstated and was offered this position as a way to get me away from the influences of Canterlot.”

He smiled and leaned on the side of the stand. “Is that so? And, Flashpoint, he of course is no longer a friend right?”

Shutting his eyes, Rescue wanted ever so desperately to punch this pony in the face. “We are friends, he forgave me at the same time the rest of the department did.”

The pony perked his ears. “Oh! So, you did something that caused a fellow pony to be injured bad enough that his livelihood was taken, and yet he forgave you? I would say friendship and harmony won out, wouldn’t you?”

Before Rescue could answer, he waved his hoof. “No further questions for this witness,” walking back to his seat.

Cadence said in a grumble of a voice. “No follow up questions for this witness.”

It was clear that the pink alicorn was pissed. The son of a demon was making a damn good case for no punishment of his crimes, and worse. There was nothing she could do, he wasn’t leaving any doors open to crush his cross examinations.

Now, the guard looked quite upset, most of the gallery could see it. As Rescue walked past him to his seat again, the unicorn guard said in a quite tone, muttering something.
The defendant just smiled. “Please, call my next witness.”

Now it was Twilight that frowned. She picked up the paper at the corner of her desk, as she did, saying, “Bright Armor, please call…” her mouth snapped shut and her head spun to look at the defendant.

“Approach, now!”

Cadence got up, as did Point Break, and trotted over. Twilight lowered her voice and brought her head down closer to the two ponies.

“I warned you, Mr. Break, if you—”

Point Break cut her off. “Your honor, it goes again to the opening statements. I should not be punished for actions I was not responsible for. I am a sick pony. Harmony and friendship must win out.”

Cadence looked confused. “Your honor, Twilight, what is...” she blinked as the paper was thrust out. Two names on it: Rescue, and…

“I see,” she recovered some but her ears stayed down. “The crown can not think of any legal reasons to object. No matter how much I wish to on a personal level."

Twilight leaned back up and glared at the defendant, then gestured, “Return to your seats.”

She sat quiet for a bit. This had the effect of more quiet speaking from the gallery and the gathered folks watching. Even in the royal box, one could see the two princesses and the Lord of Chaos whispering together in confusion.

“Bright Armor, call the next witness,” Twilight’s voice came soft but clear.

The poor stallion looked up. “D-do I have to?”

She gave a sharp nod. “Bright Armor, call the next witness,” she stated again.

He squeaked and his voice came out broken, cracking, the pitch going up and down like a foal going through puberty.

“Pri—” he coughed. “Princess Celestia.”

The gallery erupted into a chaos of yelling, shouts, and anger. The defendant just sat back with a smile, Affidavit holding his head in his hooves. In the royal box, Discord let out a laugh and clamped his lion like paw over his mouth. Luna’s head snapped around and she was glaring death at the defendant.

Oddly, Celestia didn’t look at all upset or surprised. She stood, and lifted her hoof to the room, even with Twilight banging her gavel over and over. That one act alone silenced the whole court. Head up, mane blowing in the ethereal wind of mana that flowed in the world, the solar princess walked for the booth.

Poor Bright Armor was almost shaking, and so she stopped and leaned down, whispering something to him no other could hear. The effect however was instantaneous. His head came up and he snapped back to attention with a look of pride and determination on his face.

Sitting, the large alabaster alicorn gave a nod, the guard turning and holding out the glass-encased flag. She needed no prompting as she set her hoof atop it.

“I, Princess Celestia Sol, swear an oath to the truth before all of Equestria.”

The guard gave a nod, and secretly a smile to his princess before turning back to his place. The defendant rose and walked across to his witness. Not a hint of being nervous as he did, rather he had the most arrogant of smirks on his face.

“Good morning, princess, if you would just for the record, state your na—”

Cadence cut in with a dark tone in her voice. “I think we can wave that, I do believe everypony here knows exactly who she is.”

A pause and a look over her shoulder as the Yak in the room gave a snort. She blushed lightly. “Sorry, everybody, force of habit” fixing her little Faux Pas.

The defendant gave a nod. “Very well, I will not object to the Crown’s stipulation,” turning to look at the large white alicorn. “Princess, if I may ask. What is your view on ponies in general?”

She tilted her head, ever the master of politics and diplomacy herself. She could see where he was going with this as clear as the water in the royal pool.

“Well, my little pony, I view all as the same, not just my ponies, but the griffons, the yak, our friends from all over. They are all good at heart.”

He smiled a bit, leading the princess where he wanted. “So, you feel every pony is good, what about the ones that do bad. Let's take, oh, Discord as a example.”

This earned a dark look from the chaos god, one that was not friendly in any way. However from the gallery a little throat cleared and his head turned, to see Fluttershy shake her head. He gave a tiny sheepish smile and a nod back to her.

“Discord is a friend, yes, it is true he caused us many problems. However, he is reformed, and has sworn his power to the side of good. True, he has faltered a bit, but he has been forgiven and helped back up again.”

Again, his smile stayed wide, arrogant as could be. In a smug tone he gestured to himself. “And do you believe everypony, sorry, everyone, can be redeemed like that?”

The alicorn of the sun pondered for a moment more then gave a nod of her head. “I do.”

Again the gallery erupted in sound, as murmurs and talking started up. Twilight banged her gavel four times and looked back down at her mentor.

“No further questions of this witness, your honor.”

Cadence stood and walked over, she gave a soft smile to her aunt. “Princess Celestia, please tell us, in the last thousand years, how many murder trials have happened in Equestria?”

She pondered a bit. “As I recall, only eight. This will be the ninth one, only counting the last thousand years.”

At this the Princess of Love gave a smile. “And, of them, when was the last one, and what was the sentence if I may ask?”

Celestia grew a little darker, her face more serious and thoughtful. “About three hundred years ago, a stallion who murdered his wife,” she paused. “He was sentenced to hang for that was the punishment at the time.”

A few gasps, after all no execution had happened in the memory of anypony in the room short of the two older alicorns and the chaos god.

Exhaling slowly, she gave a soft nod. “Thank you, that will be all,” returning to her seat.

Twilight gestured. “The witness may step down. Does the defense have any more witnesses to call?”

The overly-confident unicorn shook his head. “No, your honor, the defense rests."

With a long exhale, Twilight was quiet for some time before she spoke in a most serious tone.

“Court is in recess while I deliberated over the evidence and transcripts. Court will again be in session tomorrow at noon,” banging her gavel.

Her friends could see the weight on her as the purple alicorn came down off the bench and walked away through the doors at the back, behind her bench. All of them worried about her now.

Author's Note

Poor Twilight, to have the weight of a ponies freedom, even perhaps his very life on her withers.

36 - Twilight's judgement

All around the room sat stacks of books and papers. Spread before her was every manner of law book and text she could get her hooves on. She had been at this since court had recessed and still had questions racing through her mind.

Opening her mouth, Twilight said in a tiny, almost hopeless tone. “Discord, I know you can hear me. Please, come talk to me.”

Silence for a few moments, then with a soft pop, a door came into existence where it was just air before. However, he did not come out of it with the fanfare and chaos of his usual entrances. Rather, it opened a bit and he wrapped on it with his clawed hand. Peeking around the door edge, he could see the state of the room. The candles burned down to nubs, the smell of a meal forgotten and coffee gone cold.

“Twilight, may I come in?” Again asking, rather than just intruding as was his normal.

The haggard-looking princess looked up and gave a half smile, but it was genuine as one can be.

“Please, I... I need to ask you something.”

Stepping in, none of the mirth of his usual demeanor, looking at the alicorn before him, seeing her mane not brushed, the sunken eyes, the clear signs she had been crying at some point. He shook his head a bit to see someone he called a friend in this state.

“I am sorry Pri—Twilight, but I can’t give you an answer to this. You have to decide. I have been forbidden to interfere in this trial both by Celestia, and by... well, greater powers than her.”

She nodded slightly and could see the worry on his face, which was much out of place. It made her smile just a tiny bit, to see someone once the very enemy of peace and harmony, now someone she thought of as a friend. A frustrating friend, yes, but a friend none the less.

“I know, Discord, and I won’t ask you anything that will cause a problem. But, I have a question. Please, if you can answer it, but... it... it is not an easy question.”

She slowly glanced up at the draconequus with her ears lowered.

“When you were stone, did you really hear and see everything? Feel everything, the passage of time?”

The lord of chaos himself was quiet for a time, looking back down at this pony who he could see such pain in. Then, slowly he sat down, looking across at her. His voice soft, quiet, not quite a whisper but close.

“Twilight, do you really want the answer to that?” as his lion paw reached out and cupped under her chin.

She gave a slight nod after a friendly nuzzle to his paw. “I do, I know it's not easy to talk about, and I know I am picking at a scab, but, please, I need to know.”

He grew quiet, looking off at the wall for what seemed like eons. Slowly he turned back to her and gave a slight nod of his head. He was more serious now than he could ever remember being. However, this was not a moment to be joked about.

“Oh, Twilight, how I wish I could undo the last year. To see you, to see all the girls, even Celestia torn as they are, to see you have to deal with the loss of your innocent views. It is something I truly wish I could take back.”

Looking away some, the tall draconequus tilted his head some. “Yes, every moment, for a thousand years I was aware. I could feel the snow in winter, the heat in summer. I could hear the ponies walk past, talking. It did not cause pain or discomfort, but sometimes I wondered if I would go mad—” he paused. “—madder than I already am.”

Twilight slowly nodded her head, then came around the pile of papers on the floor and hugged the god of chaos himself. A tight, trembling hug, speaking of her holding in many emotions.

“Thank you, Discord.”

He lay his head on the alicorn's back and hugged her tight. “I am sorry, Twilight, I really am.”

The defendant sat at his table, poor Affidavit sat next to him but silent. Across from them sat Cadence with her co-counselor. Behind them, the gallery was full to the brim, ponies had been allowed to take up standing room so as to fit more in.

Over in the royal box, Princesses Celestia and Luna both sat with Discord between them this time. The draconequus appeared oddly sad, and it seemed to observers that the sun and the moon were leaning a bit on him in support.

All heads turned as the door opened, and Bright Armor snapped to attention calling out. “All rise, her honorable Princess Twilight Sparkle’s court is now in session.”

Every pony, even the three in the royal box, rose to look, observing the purple mare walk in, head up, but looking exhausted and drawn out. The look on her face was one of resolve and resignation. Celestia almost said something, she wanted to go to her former students side and hold her tight. Although, this was a trial, and even that would shape the young alicorn for the centuries to come. She had to do this on her own.

Sitting down on the bench, Twilight looked up at the gallery, making steady eye contact with the worried faces of her friends first, then on to the fire pony and his mate, and lastly with the victim's parents. She took a long, deep breath and then a slow exhale.

“The defendant will rise and face me.”

The unicorn’s arrogant smirk fell some suddenly. This was it, and he was not quite as sure of himself. Standing, others took note that along with Affidavit, Cadence and the red crystal mare stood, too, all facing the bench now.

“I will read the charges, and the decision, then any sentencing. I will make this very clear. If I have so much as one outburst from you, Mr. Break, I will have you clamped in irons and muzzled and forced to stand there.”

She then changed her attention to the gallery. “I will not tolerate outbursts, you will all stay silent,” her eyes roaming from one side to the other of the room, even making a point to look Celestia in the eyes for a moment. “I will clear this court if I have to.”

Twilight grew quiet and flipped through pages, then looked up and locked eyes with the defendant. “On the charges of one-hundred and eight cases of Arson, the court finds you... guilty.”

The defendant’s ears went flat, behind him many started to chatter, a soft whispered drone. Twilight banged the gavel hard twice and the sound stopped.

“On the charges of fifty-seven counts of attempted murder. The court finds you... guilty.”

She could see the defendant's legs tremble at that, but he remained standing. Again, the drone started and again the gavel brought the sound to a stop. Twilight cleared her throat and changed papers before her. Once more her eyes locked with the defendant's eyes.

“On the sole count of murder in the first degree, with the added charge of depraved indifference, this court finds you...”

The purple alicorn’s ears dropped to her head, before she spoke in a cold tone. “Guilty.”

A loud sob echoed from the gallery, even a glance said it came from the heartbroken mare, mother to Archer, clinging to her husband now. Cadence gave a little noise of shock, but kept herself in check. Celestia and Luna both made no noise whatsoever, but their heads turned to the defendant. A sad, almost look of pity on their faces. The gallery itself started up again, this time with louder whispers.

The defendant, however, simply stared at the purple mare, unable to give any real response yet. Guilty, he was found guilty, not the charge of not guilty by reason of insanity but, guilty.

Twilight banged her gavel hard, anger in her tone. “I said, shut up!” the gavel paid the price as on the fifth slam down, it snapped away from the handle, the head bouncing off the bench over her right side, to clatter to the floor behind her. She stood up on all fours on the chair, but her glare was at the defendant.

“You will all keep your mouths shut!”

Only the soft muted sob of the mother was to be heard, and Twilight figured that she could let go. Even Discord was a bit shocked at the outburst from the mare at the bench.

“Mr. Break, I spent the last twenty-point-two-seven-five-one hours reading every text in the land. Your crime is so callous, so cold, it's like it has not been seen in over three hundred years!”

She breathed out as she relaxed a tiny bit. The defendant still stood there, trembling now.

“I looked at every law, every ruling ever made on this. By all rights, the court should sentence you to hang by the neck.”

Celestia herself started to stand, opening her mouth but a hoof pointed at her. Her former student’s eyes locked on her suddenly. “Not a word,” never had she spoke like this, never had anyone seen Twilight so angry. In truth, one had, but that one was now locked in a cage in Tartarus for the rest of eternity.

Looking back to the unicorn defendant. “However, two hundred years ago, Celestia and the Noble Assembly outlawed capital punishment,” she sat down again, but her eyes never left the broken stallion.

“This court, having found you guilty of the crime of murder, sentences you to the only thing it can. On the rise of the sun tomorrow, you will be locked in stone for the duration of not less than one thousand years.”

Point Break sat down, eyes wide, with a thud. Unable to speak, unable to look away from the judge now. In the gallery more than one sob ripped out of pony. Cadence silently stood perfectly still as tear ran down her cheek. Not for the punishment, but for her friend, her sister in law to have to go through this.

Celestia and Luna remained silent, but Discord did not. He let out a sound that Fluttershy, even in her tears, knew. He had made it when she held him after his betrayal and his begging her forgiveness. Suddenly, he disappeared with a pop. That had Twilight look over and sigh very softly.

Looking out at the gallery, she spoke once more. “Guards, shackle the defendant and take him to holding. Court is adjourned,” banging her hoof twice on the bench. She turned and started to head out again, alone, head down. Not many saw five mares slip out the side, nor did anyone take note that both Celestia and Luna, along with Cadence were no longer in the room.

Just the fact that a unicorn was having iron shackles attached around his fetlocks, and the fact he no longer smiled. He looked as broken as his horn.

It was a long day, and a long night. Few ponies in Ponyville, and in fact, all over Equestria once the news spread, slept. Some from shock, some from a understanding this was a milestone in history. A few, piled up around a purple alicorn who had sobbed herself to sleep, could not join her in slumber.

“P-Princess, is there any other way?” spoke a white unicorn, the Element of Generosity herself, from where she lay near a dark alicorn. Luna looking on quietly at the sleeping princess, having gone into the dream realm and ensured she would have a dreamless sleep.

“I wish there was another way, dear Rarity, but a princess has made her choice and declared it. A crime has happened and now, the punishment must come,” said the alabaster alicorn lying near Twilight, one wing over her like a blanket. Under her other wing, the pink alicorn of love, who had found a moment's sleep herself.

Applejack with her hat off, one hoof touching the little dragon who had cried himself to sleep, pressed up tight underneath Twilight's wing.

“Things... ain’t gonna be the same no more, are they?”

Celestia shook her head softly. “No, my dear Applejack. Our Twilight has taken a large step in growing up, a painful step. She will need all of you now more than ever before.”

Rainbow Dash, who for once was not asleep, was just lost in thought as she herself lay near Fluttershy, keeping the light yellow pegasus mare under her left wing. She wanted so much to go to her home, to see and hold her daughter, but, Twilight needed her now.

“We will be there for her no matter what, Princess.”

At that, the white alicorn gave a soft nod with a smile as she looked down at the rainbow-maned mare. “Of that, my little pony, I am sure without an ounce of doubt in me.”

All still awake blinked as from the corner of the room where a pink mare slept, the sound of a muttered voice spoke. “Mmm, rock candy cupcakes!”

Luna muttered very quietly. “That mare worries even me sometimes.”

37 - Resolutions

The sun hung low in the sky, just starting to crest up over the hills, as the moon sat low, about to set. Ponyville was a quiet place, save the few quiet sobs and crying of ponies. Flanked by eight day and night guards, and with the sound of chains dragging, Point Break walked with his head down, unable to make eye contact with anypony. The reality of what was about to happen had set in.

He had his last meal, the last he would ever have for a thousand years. Now, they were walking him to the town square. No foals were out, parents and others had made sure none would see this. This was a bit of history only the mares and stallions should see, and even then a few were missing. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were unable to watch this, and as such, they sat with many foals, locked away in Sugarcube Corner.

Four alicorns stood tall as the prisoner was walked before them. He looked up some and kept his ears low. His lawyer made one final emotional plea. It was clear to all Affidavit was affected deeply by this too.

“Please, my princesses, your honor, Princess Twilight. Do not do this to a fellow pony, lock him up in the castle prison for life. Lock him away in a mental institution, but do not do this.”

Twilight’s ears lay back, but she stepped forward. “The sentence has been given, I am sorry,” turning her eyes to the convicted unicorn. “Does the defendant have any last words to say?”

Point Break had been pondering this all night. He looked up at the four princesses before him and then back to his shackled hooves. “N-no. I do not. I…” he paused, gulping. “I... never meant for that filly to be hurt, let alone killed... not that it matters.”

Four heads turned, as a tiny voice soft as can be from a heartbroken earth pony mare. “I... I can not forgive you, not—not yet,” as she and her husband stepped forward. It was their right to face him one last time.

The broken unicorn gave a slight nod. “I am not asking for it.”

Twilight looked up at her mentor, who gave a slight nod of her head. Turning back, she cleared her throat and spoke loud enough that the gathered ponies, a good eighty of them, could hear.

“While the accused shows no remorse for his crimes, he does show the promise of learning. As such, the crown has decided this. Every ten years, you will be released from the stone for the period of twenty-four hours. You may eat, talk, visit, then you will be returned to your prison.”

Twilight looked into Point’s face as he lifted it up. “I will be the last face you see, and the first face you see every ten years. That, is my burden to carry to the end of your sentence.”

Archer’s mother stepped up closer, the mare said in that same, soft, almost broken voice. “I have not forgiven you, but I will come and talk to you. It may be a while before I come to visit, but I will. If only to keep reminding you of a little filly and your obligation.”

The shackles were undone, and the accused was escorted up onto a small platform. “You will be transported to Canterlot, where you will rest in the royal garden with a view of Ponyville,” Celestia herself spoke.

Each princess took up a place, to the north, Cadence. To the west, Celestia. To the east the moon took up station, the dark blue alicorn with a soft and almost melancholy look on her face for she knew what a thousand years awake but unable to move or talk was like. Lastly, to the south, a smaller, younger, alicorn of Friendship took up her spot, facing the prisoner and looking him in the eyes.

“We will talk in ten years,” she said, and then gave a nod.

All heard the broken-horned unicorn whisper. “Will it hurt?”

From a place not quite anywhere and yet everywhere, Discord's voice rang light and edged with emotion. “No, that is my gift to you, the only one I can offer.”

All four alicorns lifted their ears, and then nodded once. Just because he was to serve a sentence did not mean they should be callous or cruel about this.

Twilight's voice lifted. “By the order of the crown and the court of Equestria, you are hereby remanded to stone for the duration of your sentence. May the powers that be have mercy on you.”

Then. all four alicorn horns lit up. Yellow, blue, pink, purple, the flow of magic reached out and flowed around the stallion in the middle. It was nothing to watch. One moment he was flesh and blood, the next, as the magic faded, a statue stood in his place. All four of the alicorn princesses slumped a little from the exertion of magic that powerful. Cadence was worst of them all, still a little weak and out of practice after her childbirth and the sleepless nights with a new foal. She was caught by her husband in her fall. The snow-white unicorn looked over and gave a nod to his sister to show how proud of her he was.

Princess Luna spoke up. “Citizens of Ponyville, citizens of Equestria, citizens of the world,” speaking to all there. “The sentence is carried out. Go home now, speak with your children, your friends, your families. Tell them of what you observed here. Not vengeance or retribution, but a punishment for a crime most foul. A true punishment, that offers a tiny glimmer of redemption if this pony chooses to spend his time reflecting on what he did.”

Softer, she said, “And may the powers that be forgive him one day, as they did Discord and myself,” feeling her sister's wing slip around her at that comment.

The remainder of the day was idle. Many ponies spent time with their families or reflecting on what had happened. Rescue had found himself at odds with what was done and spent most of the day just holding Pipsqueak and talking with Ailan on the sofa, together as family.

The next day, he found himself at the cemetery. In truth, he didn’t even remember walking through town, but here he was, standing before a small tombstone. Some place he had stopped and picked up some flowers, setting them on the top of the stone, looking at the shape of a badge etched into it with the number JPV0005 on it. He touched his hoof to the name under it, Archer.

Lowering his head some he spoke softly. “Justice is done, Archer, but knowing you as I did, I think you would be unhappy with how it turned out. Many are, but then again, what was right to do? It's so confusing, it really is.”

He breathed out slowly. “I... I am sorry Archer. I failed you. I was not there to protect you as I promised. I failed in my oath, I failed in my duty as a chief and a leader. Then, to top it all off, I failed Applejack and the whole town with that little slip,” sitting down on his rump.

“I don’t know, perhaps I am getting too old, perhaps I am slowing down. I don’t know that I have anything left to teach or offer. What if I fail again, what if I am unable to save the next foal?”

He felt someone behind and to his right a bit, and turned to see a butter-yellow, purple-maned mare. He had not expected her mother to show up right now.

Seeing his face, she gave a soft nod. “I come every day, Chief,” looking at the flowers. “She would have really liked that, thank you,” looking over at the older stallion once more.
“I was angry at first, I blamed you for not saving her.”

His ears fell and he turned to look at the stone, and not the mare next to him.

“But I was wrong, Chief. I saw it in how you were at the funeral, I saw how much pain you were in. You held it all in while the rest of us grieved out loud,” resting her hoof up on his leg. “You did everything in your power, perhaps more than any other could have. Don’t carry that weight anymore, Rescue. Archer would have never wanted that.”

He could not look at her as he said in a quiet voice with his head hung low. “I don’t know how to let it go.”

She gave a soft smile. “Then let us help you learn how,” she gestured behind him.

Turning his head, he could see the Elements of Harmony in all, and behind them, what must have been a good half of the town. Ailan stood shoulder to shoulder with Archer's father. There was Mr. Rich behind Diamond who had her head up and a determined look on her face. His son at her side, looking worried and at the same time proud. So many ponies here, but why?

“What…” looking back to her. However, it was Applejack that spoke now.

“We are all here because y'all were the rock for us. Now, it’s our turn to be yer rock.”

She walked over as Mrs. Archer backed up some to stand next to her husband. Rescue turned so he was facing everypony.

“You have got to be the most stubborn, hard-headed stallion ah ever met. Ya think we all would let you face this alone? Ya got friends Rescue, ya got family,” she gestured up.
Looking up, the big stallion could see perhaps ten, twelve of the local pegasi, including Thunderlane, looking down from clouds with the same look everypony else had. Moving back down, he took note of the grey walleyed mare holding her little filly unicorn close to her.

“If you give up, who is going to keep watch over my little muffin?”

He took a hard swallow trying to make the lump in his throat go away. Applejack shook her head as she lifted a hoof up and removed her brown stetson.

“Twi is right, you are an idiot, but you are our idiot—” gesturing behind her to all the folks. “—this town’s idiot, and y'all ain’t got to go at everything alone no more.”

He turned his head looking down at the stocky built, dark pink, purple maned filly that stepped forward. A small stallion and his wife looking on, as the young lady with the hedgehog cutie mark looked up at the draft stallion. "Ponyville needs its chief, and its chief needs Ponyville."

For a long time he stood there, just looking at everypony around him then gave a little nod of his head. “Okay.”

A pony of few words, the large draft stallion let his eyes drift over the town behind all of the folks gathered here. He made a promise to himself, and to Saint Luna when he came here. Perhaps it was time to hold himself to that once more.

“Alright,” he said with another nod.

Author's Note

And so ends Arc 3.

Arc 4 is going to start a few years down the line from here.

39 worries and understandings

Silver peered over at the door again, perhaps for the thousandth time. Worrisome lines etched her face and she found herself pressing to the yellow apple filly next to her that much harder. Bon Bon and Rescue glanced at each other and then spoke softly.

“Silver, Apple Bloom, trust us. We won’t let anything get out of hoof. You have us here, and Lyra will be here, too.”

Pip glanced up from where he and Diamond sat pressed side-by-side in the chair next to the one their friends sat in. “Yeah, and you have us here, too,” Pip said with a kind of confident, almost-commanding presence in his tone. It was one many of the Explorers and not a few adults had took note of. It was very much like his adopted father's tone.

Before Apple Bloom could respond, the door started to open. “Honestly, Lyra, ah got things that need doin' on the farm. Whatever tha girls got to say could.”

She paused and her eyes narrowed, looking around some, then back to Apple Bloom. She could see her sister was... afraid? Almost trembling as hard as the gray filly pressed up to her tight in the small chair. She looked over at the one pony in the room who she knew would give her a straight answer, the big draft stallion sitting up on the floor near the sofa, next to his husband.

“Okay, one of y’all need to come out and tell me what in tarnation is going on. Why does my sister look scared out of her wits? An' why are y’all here?”

It was Ailan who spoke up. “Applejack, sit down, please.”

She huffed, then walked over to the chair the pegasus pointed to and sat down, crossing her forelegs over herself. It grew very quiet for some time, before a voice so tiny, so filled with fear and almost tears, came from the yellow earth pony with the bow in her mane.

“A-A... Applejack, ah got something t'tell you, but, ah—” her ears flattened and she looked away. “Ah... am afraid.”

Never had AJ seen her sister like this. Sitting up more, legs uncrossing, she leaned forward in her chair and reached up, pushing her stetson back off so her whole face and eyes showed clear. Her very expression showed the worry now, the concern for her sister.

“Sugarcube, you ain’t never got to fear telling me sumthin'. Y’all are family, and ain’t nothing in the world is gonna change that.”

The filly looked at the gray pony beside her, who gave a little nudge and a smile. Turning back to her sister, Apple Bloom's eyes filled with tears.

“Ah... ah am, Ah mean we have been, for a year now, ah... er, ah...”

Applejack sighed softly and looked at the two. She shook her head very lightly. “Ah know, Apple Bloom. Ah be a durn fool not to be able to see it. ‘Sides that, Mac saw you and Silver there mashin' lips up in the barn 'bout two months back.”

She slid out of the chair and walked right up to her sister and the other filly, looking at them not with anger, or appearing upset. Rather, she smiled very softly.

“Ya thought, even when ma best friend has a husband, and ma other friends are married...”

Gesturing to Rescue and Ailan, then to Bon Bon and Lyra. All of whom gave a soft smile at that, she looked back to her sister.

“That ah would turn you away? Oh, sugarcube, all ah can do is be happy for ya. You too, Silver,” her tone took on a more serious color.

“We will be talking ‘bout boundaries and such however.”

Apple Bloom was out of the chair and had her hooves wrapped tightly around her sister's neck, knocking her hat to the ground as she did, face pressed into the older apple’s neck. The young filly sobbing as she clung there.

“Oh, big sis!”

Everypony stayed quiet and let the two sisters work things out in that hug, in the tears shed. Soon, Applejack gently pried her sister off her neck some, turning to look at Silver who had the hint of tears, and a very furlong look to her face. Once again AJ was the type to pick up on things far better than most.

“Bloom, you go on and get up in the chair with Silver,” she said, waiting for the yellow earth pony climb back up and wrap her legs around the grey earth pony.

“Silver,” AJ glanced around the room at the others and back. “You... ain’t told yer parents, have you?”

She bit her lip then slowly shook her head. The eldest apple sister put her hoof up on the filly's head and rubbed softly.

“Well then, figure we should go have us a talk with them. Bon Bon, you mind coming along?”

Silver blinked and looked at her fillyfriend and then up at the bigger apple mare, laying her ears back as Bon Bon came over.
“Miss Applej—”

Applejack cut her off mid word. “No, you call me AJ or Applejack, none of this miss stuff.”

She smiled very lightly. “Applejack, w... will you really go with me to tell them?”

Soft eyes found hers. “Silver, if’s you and mah sister stay together. Well, ah figure you will be apple family sooner or later. Might as well back you up as family now.”

Rescue leaned over and put a small bag of bits into Ailan’s hoof. This of course drew the attention of a few in the room. The big draft stallion lifted his own hoof up and rubbed the back of his neck. “Shut up,” making Lyra and Ailan laugh.

Applejack looked over at Granny Smith as she tucked the young Apple Bloom into bed, laying her ears down hearing her sister's words.

“Granny, do... do ya hate me now?”

The matriarch’s eyes grew soft and she put a hoof on her young grandchild’s blanket-covered form.

“Oh, child, no. Ah am old and set in mah ways. That don’t mean ah hate ya, or that little filly Silver. No, ah suspect you just give this old mare a bit ta get used to the idea. 'Til then, you keep in yer heart that ah love ya.”

Walking out and closing the door, the faded green mare glanced over at her granddaughter, admiring just how much of her mother showed in how Applejack carried herself.

“Don’t you be giving me that look, Applejack, you ain’t so old that ah can’t take ya 'cross my knee.”

Applejack gave a soft smile and a nod. “Ah need to head out in the morning, Granny. It’s my turn on the shift at the station.”

The old apple looked straight into her granddaughter's face.

“Applejack, you just know this. Ah am proud of you, yer brother, and that little filly in there. You three stepped up not only fer the farm and our family, but to help the whole town. Yer parents would be proud of ya.”

Getting a small hug from the orange mare, she continued. “Ah ain’t gona be ‘round much longer, Applejack. That is just how life works. When that time comes, it’s gonna fall on yer back to keep this family together.”

Applejack gave a soft nod and sniffled some, glancing down the hall at where Big Mac’s room was, and Apple Blooms across from it.

“Granny, ah won’t let ya down.”

Shaking her head. “Ah know, child, ah know. Now this ol' mare needs her sleep. Got a lot of things to think about. Goodnight.”

Into her room she trotted, to leave the Element of Honesty alone in the hall. She exhaled lightly and looked up, a picture frame of her parents on the wall looking down at her.

“Ma, Pa, ah know ah ain’t perfect, but, ah swear ah won’t quit tryin' to keep the family together.”

Far off in the sky, two of Luna’s millions of stars. Two that were oddly always so close together, twinkled in a merry and almost happy way.

Life in Ponyville just was, and that was good enough for everypony, as it was the same in Canterlot. However, for one butter-yellow coated, purple-maned mare, things were slightly different. She was escorted by two of the day guards to the gardens.

“To the right of the hedges there, ma'am, can’t miss it.”

She smiled a bit and gave a nod. “Thank you,” then turned and walked.

Past the benches, past the raised dais where two stallions had stood almost four years past and sworn their love to each other. She came around the hedge and found herself looking at a small area of the garden. Out past the rail, one could see all of Equestria as far as the eye could take in. There, dead center was Ponyville, a tiny beacon among the forest and farms.

She turned and stared at the statue of a stallion, a unicorn with half of his horn missing, his head hung some, and a sad look to his face. She walked over and stood before it, looking up at it.

“I... said I would come and talk, I am ready now to do just that. I know you can’t answer back, but, that is okay. I will come up here once a month and talk with you. Just, all I ask is that you reflect on things.”

Sitting down, ears back, she began to talk. As if talking to Case Study, she simply just sat there for almost three hours. Up in one of the rooms above, two alicorn princesses looked down into the garden.

“Does thou think, sister, that this will help?”

An alabaster head nodded softly. “I do, my sister. I think for both of them, this may be the best hope from all of this.”

Luna was silent for a time, watching, before she said, “Thank you, for not fighting me, sister, when I took control of the fire and police departments,” looking up at her with a smile.

Celestia shook her head and put her wing around the smaller dark alicorn. “You should guide them, sister. They were formed because of your words, your passion for watching over others. Far more so than I. All I did was keep the dream alive while you... rested.”

Both looked back out again and the view, and said nothing more.

40 - Snapshot in time

A steady beep of the heart monitor, the wheezing chug of the breathing machine. That was all Ailan could hear in the small hospital room. Laying covered in bandages on the bed lay his husband, in a coma as he had been since...

No less than four IV lines fed into the prone, sleeping draft stallion. The doctors managed to stabilize him but it was still a fight against time at this point.

Touching Rescue’s face softly, Ailan adjusted the tube that fed air down into his lungs. Even they unable to sustain him without help. The big-winged pegasus had been left alone to think about what he had been told.

Closing his eyes, he thought back to the last thirty two hours.

Rescue smiled as he watched the Junior Explorers dishing out dinner to them. It was a restful, quiet night. The whole of the station was clean top to bottom. As was tradition, once a month, every regular firefighter as well as every volunteer gathered. The wagons were pulled out into the driveway and the massive squad bay was set with long tables.

The Junior Explorers’s had cooked up a storm, and were now ladling out the hearty stew, setting out fresh cornbread before every adult prior to themselves. The atmosphere was one of an easy joy, a soft buzz of talk and ponies saying thank you as they were served. No one ate, not yet. Everypony was served first before a single bite was taken.

Tonight, they had guests at their monthly gathering. Sitting at a table of their own, the very Elements of Harmony, save Applejack who sat with her hose team. Rescue glanced over and offered an odd mix of a smile and slight look of concern, making note of Fluttershy’s guest. Having Discord there was odd, though he was behaving himself and had even been thoughtful enough to help setting the tables with the others. All he truly did was snap his fingers and they were done, but, the thought counts.

To his side Ailan, said in a soft tone. “Relax, Rescue, he is behaving, and the girls trust him. So should we.”

Turning and looking at his husband, he gave a nod. “You are right.“

Once the last bowl was dished out and the last glass filled. Rescue stood, his place at the head of the longest table. To his left sat Ailan, to his right sat Bull, his second in command, clearing his throat.

“Once again, we gather, a family,” looking around. “Tonight, we share the station tradition with new guests. Thank you for joining us,” quite a few murmurs and nods of heads agreeing with the Chief’s words.

Looking back around again, Rescue smiled warmly. “I have a few announcements before we start to eat,” this had the tan, blonde-maned mare beside Applejack groan.
“Oh, come on, we are going to starve to death!”

Everypony laughed, and Rescue glanced over. “Relax, Backfire, no one is going to take your food from you,” making most ponies laugh harder. The big stallion held up his hoof.

“First off, thank you once again to the Junior Explorers for cooking this meal,” hooves clapped or tapped the table in agreement.

“Second, Kevin, will you please come over here?” looking to the changeling in the room.

Two years ago he had returned a probie, a full fledged probationary firefighter. A year ago he had become a full-time firefighter, one of the best pump techs the draft stallion had ever seen. He watched the blue eyed, black colored changeling approach.

“I wanted you to hear this, in front of your friends, your team, and our family,” gesturing around. Rescue tugged out a black velvet case and turned it to face the small changeling. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Bull smile and nod.

“In accordance with the highest traditions of the Equestria Fire Department, having shown your commitment to the team, to the department, and to Ponyville. Your actions and honor serve to show all that you are not only a true citizen, but a firefighter to your core.”

The challenge was blushing, and it always showed as a hint of a pink glow just under the eyes where one might call the cheeks.

“Kevin, you are hereby,” opening the case up to show two small round emblem badges, each having a scramble plus a horn on it. “Promoted to the rank of Firefighter Engineer.”

All started to clap or bang hooves onto tables once more. Even Discord clapped lightly, observing without comment. Rescue smirked as poor Kevin blushed himself as hard as the day he had been welcomed back from the Fire Academy.

“You are out of uniform, Engineer,” Rescue reached out and helping him replace the pins on his lapel with the new ones. “Congratulations, Kevin,” watching the changeling smile and nod once, then trot back to his spot at the table with his team. “Now, before Backfire wastes away to nothing, let’s eat!”

At least the powers that be let them have dinner in peace, for just as the meal was wrapping up, the claxon on the wall kicked off the tones that signified Station One was being called out.

Poor Discord and a few of the Elements had never been in the station before, so they jumped in shock. However, no one else in the room did. Ponies pushed back from tables and started to move about. Rescue trotted over to the board, Bull to his side, Diamond to his other. Looking up at it, Diamond gave a little croak.

“B-box four... but that's the one in my neighborhood!”

Rescue gave a nod and peered down. “Keep calm, take charge of your team, Chief,” he then called out over his shoulder. “All call, gear up! Explorers, ride in the rescue wagon, I want all pegasi in the air once your harnesses are on.”

Discord muttered to himself, but loud enough for Fluttershy at his side to comment. “It's like perfectly organized chaos, it is both glorious and frightening to me,” getting a pat on his goat leg from the kind yellow pegasus at his side.

Rescue trotted past the non-staff. “You are welcome to trot along with us, keep back, however,” then barked out louder. “Explorers, once on scene, I need to you set formation two,” hearing Pip say in a loud voice.

“Roger, Chief!”

Bull spoke in his deep, loud voice as Rescue hooked up to the smaller rescue squad wagon next to Big Macintosh. He gave a nod to the other draft pony. “Let’s move out!” the captain ordered, climbing up on the pump wagon’s seat next to Crash.

Two wagons rolled down the driveway onto the crushed gravel street. The wail of crank-air sirens, the flicker of red and blue light, and the steady rumble of steel-booted hooves once more filling the streets and coloring the walls of houses. Ponies moved out of the way hearing the firefighters rolling down the main street. Tailing them, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, and Discord kept up. Even Rarity herself was at a fast gallop, the air of duty and pride that hung in the air had caught her up as well.

As they came up at a full gallop, wheels digging into ground when the brakes were kicked on, Rescue was out of his harness and looking up at the building. Life suddenly became very small for him. It was like living in a nightmare all over again, but it was all reality. The house was fully engulfed, on the lawn a mare sobbed, holding a stallion who was clearly burned. Rescue knew that stallion and the house for that matter.

His ears flattened as he heard the little pink filly leaping out of the back of the wagon cry out. “Where is Silver?!” and that spurred him into action.

He leaped over to the larger wagon and ripped open a door on the side, pulling out a breather mask and tank. He took note of a pony next to him. Turning, he saw Crash pulling his own tank on and gave a nod. “Bull get me five lines on that, now! Crash and I are going in!”

Ignoring the pony running here and there, he and Crash jogged over. He could see Sterling was burned badly along one leg. He groaned out. “M-my filly is in there. Chief, help my little girl...” and that was all Rescue needed to hear.

“Ice, get over here!” then looking down at the injured stallion on the ground with the mare holding him tight sobbing. “Where?”

Sterling was only able to point. “Rear upstairs b-bedroom.”

A single glance at the unicorn next to him, Rescue tugged his mask on, and the two ran for the door. Rescue did not so much as pause, crashing through the burning door and looking all around. A quick glance back at Crash and a nod they tested the steps one at a time, moving up through the smoke and flames.

Moving down the smoke filled hall once upstairs, Rescue was glad to see the fire had not yet come up there. However, there was creaking, a kind of ominous sound above them. Glancing over at the unicorn with him, he gestured up, both realizing the sounds meant that the walls and likely the attic was already fully involved.

Rescue spoke through the face mask as they moved down the hall slowly, testing the floor with their hooves before setting weight on it. “We need to do this fast, I don’t know how long it's going to hold.”

Crash used his magic, a dark and almost brackish red glow formed around the door. “No heat, I am pulling it,” and the door collapsed in on itself like an accordion. Wood splinters flew as he ripped the remains out and tossed them down the hall behind them.

The draft stallion was first through the door, he could see the windows were both broken out. A gray filly lay on the floor, a glass of water empty next to her, and a small towel over her face. Her chest rose and fell and she coughed. The look in her eyes was fear, but also hope seeing the two angels come to save her. Crash instantly put a magical bubble around her and lifted her up, placing her across his back. Both knew they had less than two minutes worth of air in that bubble.

Yelling so she would hear him through the mask on him and the bubble around her. "You did good, Silver, now its our turn," then glancing at Crash. "Time to get out, I will take lead. Let's do it by the numbers."

Turning, the filly limp across Crash’s back, Rescue took up front to keep checking floor. However, fate was not going to give them a free ride. Hearing the creaking above him, he bellowed out. “Crash, MOVE!” grabbing the smaller and younger unicorn in his hoof grip. The big draft stallion tugged then heaved, throwing him down the hall just as the ceiling gave way.

41 - Investigation

Equestria Fire Department

Official Inquire: 1025-12-A Transcript and Witness Interviews (TWI)
Interviewing Officer: *#*all Transcripts of IO removed
Status: Top Secret by order of Crown

Crash’s Point-of-View

“The Chief’s shout had me moving before I felt him grab me. He was strong, far stronger than I was. I felt him throw me with all his might. At the same time, I heard the crack of wood giving way.”

“Keeping my wits, I slid on my side, my magic holding the little filly pinned in the bubble shield on my back. However, this afforded me a front row seat to what came next. Plaster dust and wood crashed down, before a beam smashed into the middle of the Chief’s back. All I could do was watch as his eyes went wide in pain. Then he started to fall…”

“There was nothing I could do as I saw it drive him down to the floor. The weak wood under him gave way, and I watched as he crashed out of sight, the big beam following him down into the fire. “

“I had to move, I had to get help, I had to…”

Discord’s Point-of-View

“Isn’t it odd how you ponies think you need to understand everything that happens in your world? Isn’t the wonder and mystery enough for any of you?” Discord waved his lion paw in the air.

“I suppose in this case it is justified. So, as I was saying, the sound of cracking wood was heard even over the roar of the fire and the hoses spewing water onto the blaze. In truth, I almost broke my vow to the powers that be. However, well... that is what you are here for.”

He cleared his throat.

Outside, the sound meant only one thing. The house was coming down. All teams backed away, but kept the water pumping. Ice already had Sterling on the litter and was pulling him back with his wife clinging on, both looking at the house in horror.

Bull shouted at the house. “Come on, Chief, MOVE!”

Then, the roof caved in with a huge spire of embers and smoke rushing out into the air. Even that could not outdo the scream.

It was Pinkie Pie, her mouth open, and a unholy scream of pure rage and anguish came out of the pink party pony. Her eyes lit up white as the moon, and from her chest poured pink light. Some split off and slammed into Twilight who was to her right, then Rarity to her left.

Like the party pony, their eyes went white, and light the color of their cutie marks shot out from their chests as if from their very hearts. Rainbow Dash’s seemed to rise up, wings spread wide, as it too took her. The light raced across the road, where it again struck two of the remaining Elements of Harmony.

Fluttershy, who was holding a pink filly, tried to console Diamond. The butter-yellow pegasus' head shot up and her light joined the rest.

Last was the proud apple mare, locked holding the midpoint of a hose backing her brother up. Her chest lit up as the rest, and her magic raced out.

All of this happened so fast. It wasn't any wonder no one had seen Kevin, running at full speed. He had left his post at the pump controls the moment the sound of wood cracking had filled the air, wings buzzing as he headed for the home, trying to get to his Chief and his team mate. Backdraft and two others trying to stop him, was just yards from the front door, when the light hit him.

In a glow that blinded almost all watching for a fraction of a second, he grew. A changeling proved his love for others, that he was not just a love eater. Never before had any drone had such power fill him. Even Queen Chrysalis could not have hoped to match such strength.

So fate moved a pawn in its game, a black, carapace covered pawn. For that moment in time, the pawn, that most simple of pieces on the board, became the mighty knight.

Kevin’s body arched and he grew, shifting into a shape no changeling should ever be able to reach. Up into the air he stretched, neck elongating, mouth and face stretching, huge black membrane wings spread out, nearly twice the width of the house before it. Green balefire leaked from around its fangs, and it roared.

Huge powerful front claws ripped into the house. Wood snapped, and glass shattered. For Kevin, in that moment, powered by the very Elements of Harmony was given the most terrible of forms. He had taken on the form of an elder dragon.

Spike, clinging to Sweetie Belle who had let out a terrified scream at the sound of the house starting to collapse, could only watch on with amazement, for what should not be, was.

The dragon's form ripped the house asunder, the front of it like snapping a toothpick for the huge creature. All around, ponies could not say a thing. None screamed, none ran, all sat in shock.

“Now, let me make this clear. I was not shocked by the form little Kevin had taken, nor the fact the Elements had been brought in play. I was simply amazed that... Back to my story, yes?”

Out of the house, held in the carapace scaled dragons claw, lay a dark brown pony. Even as the creature turned and lay him down on the ground, ponies were in motion, their shock broken.

The six, the saviors of Equestria time and time again, ceased their glow. Their eyes returned to normal and all six hit the ground in a slump as if passing out.

Kevin, in that same time, returned to his normal form, nearly two stories up. He fell, however out of nowhere, Thunderlane caught him, inches from the ground, rolling to absorb the impact with his back and wings. The Pegasus's legs around the unconscious changeling to hold him safe to his barrel.

While everypony rushed to help the girls and assist as they could with Rescue, Sterling Silver saw an ash and ember-covered angel step from the fire, just as the rest of the building started to collapse. Flames and smoke billowed out around the pony. Bore on his back, a gray little filly who coughed and hacked as she was brought over and quickly laid on the stallions lower half.

Nearby, Bull lifted his ears, hearing something that made him frown.

“What was that, my dear pony? Oh well. I guess he heard me say something. What was it? Well, I said…”

Discord took a sip of tea from a cup that simply appeared out of thin air.

“And they told me to not meddle anymore.”

Pinkie Pie's Point-of-View

“Well, of course I remember, silly. I was watching the fire ponies do their job, and pondering what kind of cake I should make for the ‘congratulations on saving Silver Spoon’ party when the sound caught my ear. Then I was like..." She gasped. "Because it suddenly hit me. Somepony was going to break a Pinkie promise! Well, that is just the worst thing you can do, because you can lose a friend forever if you do that.”

She paused to take a breath.

“I... don’t really remember much after that. I remember waking up on the ground, and I remember seeing the emergency wagon rush off, and them air lift Chi—”

Suddenly her once-poofy mane flattened some. “I don’t want to talk about that anymore, okay?”

Princess Twilight Sparkle Point-of-View

“No, I am sorry. There is just nothing else any of us can add. We have all gone over it a thousand times. From the moment Pinkie screamed, to when we woke up. None of us remember a thing.”

She frowned some at that.

“The Elements have never done that before. I spoke at length with many scholars already, and this was a first. I really have no theory yet as to why.”

She tilted her head some.

“But that doesn’t mean I won’t have one soon. I am going to work on this as much as I can. We need to understand the Elements better.”

Inquire note: All remaining interview notes taken

Page 6:
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11

Inquire Closed

Determination: Closed
Findings:

42 - Crisis

Ailan and Thunderlane had flown faster than they had ever pushed before. They covered the mile and a half to Ponyville Mercy in less than two minutes, even with Rescue slung between them in the litter.

As soon as they had him on the ground, doctors and nurses were all over the badly-burned stallion. The stench of burned flesh had Thunderlane hurling his dinner over near a shrub. Ailan had held it together up until that very point, then broke down. He found himself held tight by Thunderlane as he sobbed. It took him no more than a few minutes to recollect himself, and by then, others of the flock were beginning to show up.

It had been a long and very tense wait. Over four hours, in the waiting room that was packed to the walls with fire ponies, friends, and family, Ailan lay on a bench with Pipsqueak as close as could be under his wing, bracketed there with a pink filly shoved to Pip's other side. Few had dry eyes, many were sobbing softly in worry.

He glanced up as Dr. Mercy himself stepped out, appearing tired and very worn. He gestured to Ailan who said softly. “Please, doctor, this—” he gestured around to all of the ponies around them. From the Elements who all looked so downright exhausted, to the fire ponies that were not needed back at the fire scene to make sure it didn’t flare back up.

Nine colts and fillies all still in their day-to-day Explorer uniforms, right down to Kevin who had only woke up about an hour prior and come out of the room they had him in. He was currently sitting pressed up very close to Twilight, who had a wing around the small trembling changeling.

“This is his family, we all need to hear this—”

He was cut off by a noise from outside, a large flash of light, making everyone turn and look, to see Princess Luna herself, escorted by an older mint stallion. Ailan and Pip jumped up, and both hugged the older male tightly.

“Thank you, Princess,” Ailan said, still hugging Rescue’s father.

“Any news?” the big mint stallion asked.

Mercy, all this time, had remained quiet, however he cleared his throat. “Very well, Princess, all—” he looked around.

“It was touch and go, but, we have him stable now. We had to resuscitate him twice, and he is in an isolation ward.”

The white unicorn lowered his ears. “Mr. Sempar, he... is in a coma. I am going to be blunt because there is no way to say this easy.”

All were quiet. Luna’s ears dropped, for that unicorn's tone spoke volumes. Ailan looked up into the doctor's eyes, tugging Pipsqueak closer.

“He has burns over sixty-percent of his body. One lung was collapsed, but we managed to inflate it again. Two of his legs are broken, one in four places,” pausing and lowering his ears. “But, even if he lives through all that...”

Once more, he just could not bring himself to tell this room. He shut his eyes and exhaled deeply, hearing the door open and Redheart come out. She put her hoof to her husband’s shoulder. “They need to know, Mercy.”

He gave a nod and looked up again. Mercy Heart’s eyes found Ailan’s, and he lowered his ears. “I am sorry, but his spine was broken in two places. It’s damage we can not fix. It is far beyond even magical fixes. The truth is, the only reason he is breathing is with a machine. He will never walk again, he may never be able to talk, or even breathe on his own... ever. There is a good chance he may never recover.”

For Ailan, the room went gray, and he fell to his knees, pulling Pip who let out a sob that was gut-wrenching. Only Luna moved over, nudging Rescue’s father to join, wrapping her wings around the three males as best she could.

Luna wanted to break down, for laying in a room was a friend, somepony who she cared for as much as everypony else in this room did. However, Ailan, Pip, Firehook, all of the other ponies there. They needed to see a princess strong, a rock as the big stallion had been in time of need, so she would shed no tear in view of others this day.

Silver started to cry, muttering, “I-it's my fault... it’s all my fault,” but was almost buried by Applebloom suddenly at her side, the other two crusaders crushing in too. Each filly crying but giving support as best they could to the distraught gray earth pony.

It was a long ten or so minutes before Ailan spoke. “C... can I see him?”

The doctor shook his head after a pause. “Not now, not for another twenty-four hours. We have to make sure he remains stable, we can’t risk any infection. The best thing you can all do... is go home, rest, and... pray to what ever you believe in.”

Turning, the white unicorn leaned on Nurse Redheart and walked down the hall to one of the side rooms. He leaned on his wife, and she leaned on him. They both knew the Chief, and seeing him struck low like this was both a physical and emotional drain. It was clear to all still able to watch, just how tired he was now, just how much he, as well as the whole staff, had put in to give the Chief even the tiny chance he had.

Giving a nod, sniffling, he whispered. “He is too stubborn to give up, Pip, I know it,” holding their son closer still.

A few hours of sleep later, Ailan had stayed in the waiting room along with the Elements, Bon Bon, and Lyra. Firehook had taken Pip home, Ailan had talked Sterling’s wife to go with Silver. Sterling himself was resting and would recover, the leg burns light, they would heal with magic in a few days. Others had gone home to sleep or help clean up from the fire, spelling others to give them time to hear the news.

Just as the sun was rising up, the moon setting in the distance. Luna’s head snapped up, she could feel great magic coming. Suddenly, with a loud pop, a tall pink alicorn mare appeared. She looked frazzled, tired, and rather maniac all at once. She didn’t even give Luna a greeting, she just blurted out. “Get Aunt Celestia here, now.”

Taken aback for a moment, Luna frowned. “We do not think—”

Cadence stomped her hoof, the same kind of look in her eyes Twilight had when she would panic. “Now!”

Never had Luna seen her niece so, well, wild. She gave a nod. “Okay.”

Ailan was a bit confused. Here he sat in a private room, the four ruling princesses, all of the Elements of Harmony, and Rescue’s father, were here. Pip and Diamond too sat in the room, they had become almost angry when Twilight had tried to get them to stay out.

With a short temper for the moment, Firehook spoke out. “What is all this about?”

Cadence looked around then said in a softer and calmer tone than she had for the last hour. “I came as fast as I could. A... little birdie told me what happened."

Discord, suddenly, was perched on Celestia’s shoulder, shapeshifted to appear like a little like a bird. “You rang?”

Many jaws tightened, however, no one said a thing out loud. Cadence spoke. “There is a way to help him.”

Luna lowered her ears. “Dearest niece, even with our power, we could not heal the damage to his spine or the lack of air to his brain.”

Luna had broken down a few hours previous, her eyes a bit puffy and bloodshot still. Celestia had held her sister throughout it, making sure she would be okay.

Celestia oddly stayed silent, watching and listening. Twilight looked rather confused, back and forth at everypony there. Cadence, however, sat up a bit more and spoke again.

“That is not true, there is one way…” she hesitated, then said in a very soft voice. “Soulbinding.”

Celestia’s eyes shot open. “No!” she blurted out. “That is forbidden magic. You should not even know what that is!”

Cadence spun on her aunt and stomped her hoof. “I am the Princess of Love! Did you think the powers that be would not show me the most powerful of love's spells? I am well aware of it and what it can do if done wrong!”

Luna was about to step in and join her sisters objection, however, a small voice cut them all off. Twilight, her tone very quiet as she had been crying quite a lot.

“Soulbinding, explain it to us all,” looking to her former mentor. “Please, Celestia, at least let us hear what it is.”

Giving a huff in an exhale, Celestia gave Cadence a deep glare. She nodded, but then a golden magic glowed along her horn, and the walls lit up with the same glow. “The room is sound sealed. No one outside this room will ever hear of this,” she said, looking around with a deadly serious look. “No pony out of this room can ever learn of this.”

She looked around with a stern look, a frown deeper than ever at Discord. “All of you will swear an oath to Equestria right now. Pinkie promise that you will never speak of what you are about to learn.”

They all looked around at each other, Discord slid off the alabaster alicorn's shoulder and returned to his normal form. Taking up a spot near Fluttershy, he locked eyes with Celestia, never a more serious look to the Lord of Chaos had she seen.

“Celestia, I invoke the right to take the Oath of Sacramentum,” at that, the alabaster alicorn gave a soft gasp. “Discord, I do not…”

Cutting her off, he lifted his lion paw up and spoke. “I... Discord, the Lord of Chaos, hereby swear I will never speak of this, to anyone outside this room, that all in hearing this, are bound by my word and deed. Tell the last of us have passed the divide,” then he did the Pinkie promise motions.

A strangeness fell, and white sparks shot between his antler and horn and back a few times. They leaped and touched every pony in the room, flying from ear to ear. It harmed no one, but it was clear something was going on. When it returned to Discord, he looked around, and lowered his ears.

“I have taken the oath for all of you, by the great powers. If one of you breaks the trust, it will be I that pays the price for it.”

Looking to the now-shocked day and night princesses, then to Ailan who looked rather confused by it all, Discord gave a soft smile.

“Consider it proof... that I have changed.”

Twilight spoke as she looked up. “Oh, Discord, you did not have to, you should not risk so much for us” knowing full well what the oath meant and just what Discord, her friend, had done.

He gave a little nod. “Yes, Twilight, I did. If only to make up for the damage I did in the past, I will stand before law’s judgement in place of any of you,” looking over at the other alicorn.

Celestia gave a nod as Luna offered a tiny smile.

“You all must understand what Discord has done. If you were to break your silence, you don’t harm yourself, you harm him. He has sworn an oath to the ancient powers, and he will take the punishment should any of you slip.”

All in the room looked at each other and back around. Applejack reached up and took her hat off, holding it over her chest.

"That there was a right stand up thing to do partner. Ah may not ah said it before, but, am right proud to call you a friend"

Discord gave a slight nod, even as the butter yellow pegasus next to him brushed his leg with her hoof. To have the element of honesty tell you that, was high praise.

Celestia now looked over to Cadence, who appeared upset with what had just transpired, but this was not simple magic nor an idea to be taken lightly.

“Thank you, Discord,” Cadence said softly.

The pink alicorn huffed, then glanced over at Twilight. “Soulbind, is a spell so deep, so filled with ancient magic. It can heal nearly any wound. It can, in some rare cases, reverse the very act of death itself... but, it comes with a price. A very heavy price.”

She sat down and closed her eyes, continuing. “It was Sombra who discovered it, he wished to find a way to prolong himself and his beloved. However, he fell to the darkness and the spell’s use corrupted him,” taking a breath. “The spell... can heal Chief Sunstreak,” her head turned and she looked at Ailan, who now had hope in his eyes.

Celestia spoke now. “But it costs, Ailan, my little pony. It would forever bond your soul to his. His pain would be yours, your pain would be his. There is no undoing it, and there is no going back.”

Twilight's eyes were wide, not with wonder, but with the weight of just what the spell did as she listened. No one else dare speak.

Luna continued where her sister left off. “It means, once it is done, thou are linked forever more. When one of thou passes on to the Elysium, so will the other moments later.”

It was Applejack who spoke up. “So, yer sayin'... If he does this, when one dies, well, so does the other?”

Cadence gave a nod picking up again from Luna’s point. “Yes. It also requires a little bit of life energy from all who love him. Not a lot, it will, however, shorten the life of all involved by a year or two. This is the demand of the universe for allowing a spell that delays Thanatos’ call.”

Twilight looked around, everyone else kind of absorbing the ideas put forth. She looked at her fellow princesses, then at her friends. Lastly, she peered at the heartbroken stallion and the little foal at his hooves. The purple alicorn stepped forward one pace, and looked at the pegasus in the eyes.

“If you wish this, Ailan, I will gladly give to it.”

The five all looked back and forth and stepped forward a step. It was oddly Rarity that spoke for them almost by some unwritten rule.

“I think I speak for all of us, to say, we will give all we can.”

Luna glanced to her sister. She saw the nod and gave a light smile.

“Thou has our help and our power too.”

Cadence looked over at the stallion she had only met a bit ago in person. “Love can do more than you will ever understand. There is enough in this room to give me strength for eons. I will lead the spell, if you will let me and you wish it.”

Pip glanced over at the pink filly next to him, then when she nodded, he looked up at his father standing over him still.

“If it will help, dad, if it means I—we—don’t have to lose him. Then, Diamond and I offer everything we can, and then some.”

Last was Firehook, who had stayed quiet. He spoke in a soft voice.

“Ailan, my son loves you, you love him. This is a huge weight to carry for both of you. If an old stallion's words can help, I will gladly give up a few years, for a chance to see you and he together and him get a chance at a long life.”

Ailan was quiet, just looking around before he said in a tiny voice that was threatening to crack.

“I need time... I need to think, please. This is a high price to ask. I understand you all are willing, but is the risk of many worth the life of one, even if I love him with all my heart?”
Ailan headed for the door he paused at it. Looking back at the little paint colt.

“Pip, you and Diamond mind the girls for right now. I need to take a walk.”

No one said a thing as he walked out the door and off.

Twilight turned to her friends. “Would you all let me speak with the other princesses alone, please?”

Applejack nodded and helped herd out the two foals and Rescue’s father. Twilight however stopped Discord as he walked out with Fluttershy.

“Stay, please.”

Twilight turned and looked at the others. Her ears laid back as she asked. “There is more, I can see it, a question that was not asked,” she took a soft breath. “And... if it fails?”
It was Discord who spoke, in a tone just like the day Twilight had asked him for an answer to a painful question.

“Then, my dear Twilight, they will both have their souls ripped asunder. They will become lichs just as Sombra was. All the love, the compassion, the very fabric that makes them what they are will be turned to hate and dark magic. It will mean we, all of us in this room, will have no choice... but to destroy them.”

Not one in the room could look anywhere but each other. Even the youngest of the princesses understood now, the seriousness of this spell and why it was forbidden.

43 - Deep thoughts

Ailan opened his eyes, looking again at the dark-colored stallion laying on the bed. How long had he been sitting here, just watching the stallion? He hoped perhaps even praying would give him an answer to the questions that ate at his gut.

Forty-eight hours ago, they had been happy, eating dinner with family and friends. Now, the stallion who he loved was lying here in front of him, and may never wake up again.

“Oh, Sunny, I don’t know what to do. I love you, but... can I ask such a price from so many?”

A slight noise made the pegasus lift his ears and he turned to look. Quietly, he took note of the draconequus now standing stooped over due to the lower ceiling in the isolation ward room. At least he seemed to be taking things seriously. He was masked and wearing a gown with booties, like Ailan was.

“Discord... why are you taking such an interest in this... in us?”

Slinking over closer and half sitting in a crouch, Ailan watched as the mismatched creature looked down at the earth pony on the bed.

“The truth? Because I have never in my life seen such dedication. Oh, I am sure it was there, but I was too busy having fun to see it. Now that I see the truth and magic in friendship, my eyes are more open to other things going on around me.”

Discord tilted his head a bit. “You are going to say no, aren't you?” it was more of a statement not a question.

Ailan looked back to his husband and gave a little soft controlled sob. “Y... Yes. How can I ask something like that? I am just one pony, Rescue is just one pony.”

The draconequus glanced over at the pegasus, then back to the earth pony on the bed, listening for a time to the hiss and chug of the breathing machine that was keeping him alive.

“Let me venture this to you, Ailan Sempar. No one has said you have to ask at all. In fact, I believe I observed nine of the most powerful ponies in all of existence, along with two of perhaps the most dedicated foals I have come across, and one broken-hearted father, openly offer to pay the price for a chance to see your husband there once more.” gesturing to Rescue.

“All to give you and he the opportunity to grow old together, to teach your son to be a stallion, and perhaps save a life or two. Then again, I am just the god of chaos, what do I know?”

Before Ailan could speak, the avian-like claw lifted up and he snapped his fingers. Just like that, he was gone with a soft pop of air. Ailan frowned and looked back to Rescue, remaining quiet as can be.

Twilight found herself leaning on Celestia, still in the private room. All the others had gone out to talk, or to rest. Discord had gone off to who knows where. Right now, the purple alicorn was watching Spike who was sleeping in the chair across the room. In it, pressed in close, was Sweetie Belle, her head resting on his leg.

“He grew up, well, is growing up, isn’t he?”

Celestia peered over to the young dragon, and then down at the smaller alicorn pressed to her side. The same feeling of motherhood swelled up inside her chest, as she lifted her wing and looped it around Twilight.

“He is, as have you, Twilight. I am proud of you both more than I have words for.”

Not looking up at her former mentor, the purple mare exhaled. “Do we have a right to cast this spell, Celestia? Do we have a right to tamper with something so powerful and life-altering?”

Celestia shut her mouth and was silent for some time. She looked over at the sleeping young couple, trying to weigh what was the right answer.

“I believe, if Ailan decides it's right, then yes. I... am not thrilled with the idea, in fact, I wish Cadence had never brought it up. However, with the sacrifice Discord gave of his honor, and how you stepped up first to offer to pay the price asked, I think in that moment, it became the right thing to do.”

Twilight then spoke in a very soft voice. “Are you... disappointed in me for that?”

Celestia shook her head. “Far from it, Twilight. You have proven time and time again that your loyalty, love, and passion for good, can carry the day. I, in truth, stand in awe of all of you. I have lived and ruled for thousands of years. Never have I seen so many come together to help one pony. I said it when you ascended, Twilight, and I mean it now as I did then.”

She then turned enough to lift a hoof under the purple princess' chin and look down into her eyes.

“You... are an inspiration to us all, even to me, Twilight. You have exceeded everything I could have ever hoped, and continue to do such every day. One day, thousands of years from now, I will pass on with my sister into the beyond. I will leave behind somepony I know in my heart will stand proud and sure. Somepony who will guide and teach, and keep everypony safe.”

Lowering her ears, she tucked her face into the sun goddess’s shoulder to hide the blush there.

“Thank you. I... I will do my best.”

Rainbow Dash laid in another small waiting room, the rest of the girls around her. She looked over at Fluttershy, who was not sleeping but resting with her eyes closed.

“Flutters, why did he do that?”

Teal eyes opened and the butter-yellow pegasus turned her head. Looking over at her oldest and best friend, she smiled very softly.

“I really don’t know, Rainbow. I have been laying here thinking about it. It was so unlike him, and yet, it was so typical of him.”

Blue wings fluttered and settled back in at her side once more. “Yeah, I guess. I just,” she stopped, giving a long exhale of air.

“He doesn’t even really know the Chief or his husband well.”

“I don’t think that was the reason, Rainbow.” Rarity spoke next. “I think he knew the outcome of the promise we had to make, and I think he made the choice to protect his only friends the best way he could.”

Dash thought about that for a bit, then nodded in agreement. “Yeah, that kinda makes sense, I guess. I mean, for him.”

“D... do you girls think the Chief is going to be okay?” Pinkie, who had taken things very hard, had been sleeping but woke up a bit ago, her mane flat, her tail with none of the poofy bounce to it. She looked over at Rainbow Dash, one of her best friends.

“I don’t know, Pinkie, but, if Ailan says yes, well. We will give it all we've got, right?”

Watching Pinkie nod and lay her head back down, Rainbow stood up and trotted over, laying down once again, pressed up to the pink party pony.

“Hey, then you get to throw a party for him, okay?”

The mare gave a semi-smile. “Yeah, I will. I will even make him that No-Rum-In-It-because-you-can't-have-Rum-Rum cake he likes.”

Luna had chosen to sit outside and look up at her beautiful night sky, staring straight up at the star-encrusted space beyond the earth. She knew they should all be sleeping, but, who was going to be able to sleep right now? Her ear flicked and lifted hearing a noise, and turning her head to look.

“Sorry, Aunt Luna. I... I just needed to be near someone.”

Spotting Cadence, her mane was a mess, and her wings needed preening. The young alicorn of love was taking things very seriously.

“We are glad for the company, our niece. We are thinking about Rescue and... unsure of what we should do.”

Cadence sat down next to the slightly larger, dark-colored mare. “He really is one of your friends, isn’t he?”

Luna gave a soft nod. “He was a broken stallion when I found his dreams. We spent months every night working on them. In that time I came to care for him. I know that I should not but, I do,” having broken out of her typical speech patterns for a bit.

Cadence looked up at the sky once more. “Was I wrong to bring this up?”

Luna shook her head quickly. “No, thou—sorry you, were right. Now, only if Ailan will see the hope and love being offered.”

Cadence gave a little smile. “You know, Discord went to talk to him. I have never seen the lord of chaos so worried about one pony and one event before.”

Luna gave a little hum noise and nodded her head. “Perhaps it is time we forgive Discord. It has been thousands of years.”

Cadence smiled warmer still at that statement. “If I did not know better my beloved aunt, I would say you have been reading Twilight’s friendship reports.”

Luna huffed. “We may have glanced at them in our spare time.”

Two more hours later, a quiet voice had asked them to gather once more in the room. Ailan had his head down, his eyes bloodshot and puffy. Luna was holding him gently with a wing to her side to help him stay upright.

In a voice that was nothing like the confident and cocky stallion's tone. He spoke as he forced his eyes to each pony in the room.

“If... if we do this, he has to know. He has to be told it all.”

Eyes glanced around, each pony in turn looking to Discord who tapped his chin for a moment with a lion finger.

“It would not be a violation of the oath, he is the subject of the spell, after all. I think ol’ order will give me a tiny bend on this.”

Pinkie Pie lifted her head some. “Order?”

Celestia spoke very lightly with her same calm, yet serious tone.

“Order is to Chaos, Law is to Unrest, Laughter is to Sadness. Each of the gods and spirits have their counterpart. However, Order is the highest of them, Chaos is only second to him.”

Discord snorted. “Not that Order ever had a lick of fun,” rolling his eyes.

Applejack looked around then lifted her head, setting her body and jaw in that way only she could, making it clear she had made up her mind.

“So, are y’all are gonna do this?”

After a moment looking around, each pony in turn gave a nod of their head. All looked back to Ailan. The pegasus lowered his ears.

“I... I don’t have words, even if this doesn’t work. T-thank you. Thank you, all.”

Luna squeezed the emotionally-drained big-winged pegasus lightly. “We shall prepare. This will need to be done someplace away from others. Sister, not even our guards may observe.”

Celestia nodded her head. “Twilight, can you teleport yourself and the Chief, along with all the medical gear, say… half a mile, to the edge of the Everfree?”

The purple alicorn thought for a moment then gave a nod. “I think so, yes, as long as I can rest for a few minutes after that, before we get started.”

Ailan tuned out all of the magic talk, Ailan tuned out because he went limp. His body, up for forty-eight hours, finally gave out and he passed out. It was only Luna’s wing and the quick action of Celestia grabbing him in magic that kept him from face-planting into the ground.

“Y’all put him on my back, ah will carry him over to the next room to sleep while we get stuff done.”

Applejack didn’t even flex at the weight of the stallion, as Celestia lay the unconscious male on the earth pony's back. She just turned and trotted out. Pinkie did smile just a tiny bit, as did Twilight who was standing next to her, both girls hearing Applejack mutter on the way past.

“Darn stallion, ‘bout as stubborn as your husband.”

44 - Come Together

Twilight looked over at what must be half of the town. The call had gone out, they needed a wall made, a round wall with a flat surface inside. So they had come, fireponies and soldiers, mailponies and shopkeepers. Not one complained, not one put in less than one-hundred percent.

Of the other half of the town, they were helping, too, bringing food, water, drink, and small tents to take a break in. They had started nine hours prior and already it was halfway finished. Many were working well past their break point, but none would stop.

She observed all this from the small rise where she directed everything going on, currently watching Big Mac, Jim Beam, and John, the three biggest stallions in Ponyville, all hooked up to a huge bundle of trees devoid of root and branches. They were dragging the twenty foot-long logs by huge chains hooked to pulling harnesses provided by the Fire Department. It was heavy and backbreaking work, but the three working together made it seem like a walk in the park.

Twilight glanced up to where Rainbow and her team brought in small clouds to rain down in the pit dug where the trees had been uprooted, making a thick, sticky mud of the ground, much like paste. This, in turn, was picked up by more ponies and loaded into carts, then carried over to the growing log wall, where it was packed in, to form a wall no eye could see in or out of.

Red, the defacto forepony on this endeavor, trotted up to Twilight.

“Yo, Princess, we are moving faster than yous thought,” he glanced to see Thunderlane and another team of pegasi bringing down yet another tree from the edge of the forest.

“I know yous said you can’t tell us what this is for, but, will it really help Chief Sunstreak?”

She looked to the Manehattan-born stallion and gave a nod.

“Yes, Red, it will go a long way to doing just that.”

He gave a nod and yelled over his shoulder. “Okay, you mooks get your plots moving faster, this here is going to come in an hour faster, yous hear me?!”

A chorus of grunts and nods came from the many construction ponies on the job, and they got back to work. The only one not present was Ailan, but he was in the room with Rescue once more. He had slept only four hours, then they found him in the room again. Luna had tried to talk him into coming out, only to be told no. In the words of the large-winged stallion, “I know he can hear me, I don’t want him to be alone.”

Twilight flicked her ear again and exhaled slowly, speaking in a voice no one else should have heard. “Please, please let this work.”

Unaware that Celestia had come up beside her, the regal voice soft, light, as she herself watched the workers.

“So many come together for one, it will work Twilight. I know in my heart it will work.”

Twilight looked up at her former mentor and back at the ponies now lifting the logs up into place. One, a young earth pony with a hedgehog mark on her flank, was pushing hard. Alone, she was lifting a log in place on her back that normally took two, or three stallions to lift. It was clear to Twilight that with how big she was growing and how strong, that Lily would grow into one of the rare and very strong earth pony draft mares.

Both princesses heard the large red-coated forepony heckle the other workers. “Come on, you mooks, that little filly there is doing more work than some of you!” making a few grin, a few more grunt and work harder. Of course, making one little purple-maned pink filly blush, then heave with all her might sending the log upright into spot next to the others in the trench.

“It has to, Celestia, look at all of them. This is my town, my protectorate,” she closed her eyes. “I can’t give them the news if it fails.”

Celestia’s eyes closed, she kept the sound of her heart breaking to herself. To see the filly, now grown into a mare, to come into her own, to see Twilight have to face all she has already and still feel so deeply. It was more than she wished on anypony.

“Come on, Rumble, we have to keep up. They can’t keep working this hard without food and water.”

Applebloom looked back at her best friend's coltfriend, who had a large bucket slung under him with a lift harness. He was struggling to stay up, but managing okay, carrying the apple cider-loaded bucket with as much care as he could.

“Oh, come on, how…” he huffed out. “How much farther to the table?”

Suddenly, the weight lifted off it some, and a white unicorn filly’s magic carried it over to the table. “You made it, thank you, Rumble.”

The grey pegasus slumped some as he landed, breathing hard. “T-twelve runs to Sweet Apple Acres and back, I am done,” looking quite beat now.

An orange, purple maned filly leaned over from the table and kissed Rumble on the side of the face. “You did fantastic.”

As colts are wanted to do, Rumble got a goofy grin on his face and sat up some. “I... I could do one more, I bet.”

Scootaloo gave a little laugh. “Nah, help the rest of the Explorers to hand out drinks and sandwiches, okay?”

Watching the exchange from another table where sandwiches were laid out, a gray earth pony filly glanced up with a smile, catching the eye of the pink bow-wearing earth pony, whom returned the smile.

So it was, the Explorers and their school friends poured every ounce they had to offer in keeping the workers going.

Ailan came out of the anteroom into the hall, looking about before turning and moving down the oddly empty hall. Peering into the private waiting room, the only ones right now in it were Diamond, who looked a bit worried, and Pip, who was asleep.

Walking in quietly, he gestured to the pink filly to come join him, watching her slide off the sofa gently so as not to wake Pipsqueak up. She trotted over and sat down closing her eyes.

“Di, are doing okay? I know a lot is going on, and...” Ailan glanced around to make sure they were not being overheard. “Just, look. You are already like a daughter to us, so please, talk to me.”

She opened her eyes and looked over at Pip sleeping. “W... what if this doesn’t help Rescue?” She had a color of fear in her tone. One that was never present, even at the worst of times.

Ailan’s ears laid back, and he hooked his wing around her and pulled her over close to him, hugging her to his side, and continued to speak in a soft, calming tone.

“I know it will, but, if it doesn’t, we will do what we must. We will remain family and strong.”

She sniffled and wiped her cheek with the back of her hoof. Giving a long exhale and sniffling once more.

“H... how did you know you loved the Chief?” The baby-blue eyes turned up to look at him.

The golden colored pegasus exhaled slowly and thought for some time.

“When I close my eyes to sleep, it’s his face I hope to wake to. When I am alone, or afraid, it's Rescue's voice I think of. I guess, what I am saying is, one day I woke up, and realized that I didn’t feel right unless he was in my life. Does... that help explain it?”

She gave a thoughtful nod and looked over at the sleeping paint colt. “I think I get it, Ailan, I think I get it.”

He smiled and kissed her on top of her head. “I would have been surprised if you didn’t, Di.”

Both looked up at a noise, seeing Applejack standing there with a soft but tired smile.

“It’s done, y’all, it’s time to get this rodeo started.”

Ailan shut his eyes and said in a very soft tone.

“Please, let this work. I... I don’t want to go down the road without him.”

He soon found he had an apple mare and a pink filly sandwich him in a strong earth pony hug.

45 - Law and Chaos

Now sealed in the large round room, Twilight found herself going over the runes and glyphs drawn on the floor and walls. Everything glowed with a light hint of purple that colored all of her magic. Her eyes flicked over every last detail, ignoring the other three alicorns, eight ponies, and Discord.

Unaware her former mentor had walked over next to her, Celestia could see Twilight was lost in going over every last detail once more.

“Twilight Sparkle, it is all perfect,” resting a hoof on her once student’s shoulder. “Are you ready?”

She looked up and blinked, then back over her shoulder at the group around the gurney in the dead center of the room. One dark colored earth pony laid on it, a breathing tube down his throat. Under the gurney lay the breathing machine pumping and wheezing away. A small box next to it charged with magic to keep it working for a few hours.
Twilight could see Ailan had climbed up behind Rescue and was holding his husband close. Luna had cast a small sleep spell on him to ensure that he would not be awake for the main spell.

“As ready as we can be. I just wish... no, it has to be enough.”

Cadence spoke softly. “Mares, stallions, take your spots.”

So they did, a princess once more at the points of the compass that they represented. In between each, the other ponies took up their positions. Discord remained outside the now-formed circle, just observing. No one was all too sure what chaos magic would do, so he was ordered to stay out of things.

Twilight spoke so all could hear. “Cadence will start, I will come in and weave the matrix that will hold her spell together. Then, in turn, Luna, and Celestia will add their magic in. Rarity, your element is next,” turning her head some.

“Fluttershy next, Applejack, Pinkie, and then Dash. Once Loyalty joins in,” she turned her head the other way. “Pip, Diamond, Firehook, you will find Cadence’s spell will hit you. It won’t hurt, but it is going to make you tired very fast. You have to fight with all your might to stay awake and on your hooves, okay?”

All three gave a nod of their head, looking across at each other from the southeast and southwest sections of the rune-strewn room.

Now she took on a softer and hurt tone. “If the spell fails, Discord will teleport anyone who isn’t an alicorn out of the room. You have to run once you are outside. Run for Sweet Apple Acres and don’t stop until you get to the barn, okay?”

No pony had been told the outcome of the spell's failure, other than the four alicorns and Discord. They were just told to run in case it exploded. She could feel Applejack’s eyes on her. The Element of Honesty knew she was not telling the whole truth, but was not asking for it right now.

Twilight exhaled deeply and looked back to Cadence. “When you are ready.”

Head up, Cadence started to mutter softly the verbal components of the ancient spell. The runes lining the robe over her barrel and flank glowed with the blue of her magic. Then, from her horn, a beam shot out It centered above where the pegasus and earth pony slept. Splitting from there it spread out across the room, meeting each pony in turn.

Twilight's horn lit up next, her magic enveloping Cadence’s. Like a tube around it, forming a shield and smoothing the flow of mana out. As she did, like water flowing into cracks, each of the runes across the floor took on a blueish-white glow. Up the walls the magic flowed and across the ceiling, the result bathing the whole place in mana’s light.

Bright golden magic joined as Celestia brought her link to the sun to bear, followed quickly by the deep purple of lunar energy, Luna’s eyes shut and like her sister's mane, hers still and resting across her withers.

One by one, each mare that represented the Elements of Harmony lit up, their chests glowing the color of their gift, the beams joining together in the center of the room. So far, no strain on anypony showed. However, now was time to bring in the two earth ponies and the one pegasus.

As a tendril of pink magic slid from the rainbow orb in the center of the room. It flowed across and smacked into the forehead of Pipsqueak first. He stumbled just a bit, but on trembling legs, he forced himself to stay standing. Next, it was Diamond’s turn, and she too stumbled a bit, but with force of will and a heart sure that this was the right thing, she pushed herself to stand tall once again.

Lastly, it was the older pegasus’ turn to join the circle, and as the tendril hit him. His wings flared and he shut his eyes. Pain etched across his face, but it was fought down and won over. Not because he could ignore it, but because he knew this was his son's only chance, muttering under his breath, “I won’t let him down.”

Discord stood back, watching, observing quietly. His face etched in worry.

Twilight huffed out, “O...okay C-Cadence. I have them all, now join Rescue and Ailan in.”

Cadence, who already had a bead of sweat drip from her jaw, gave a grunt. Two more tendrils of magic flowed from the nearly three foot-diameter globe of magic and down into the two ponies on the gurney. The moment it made contact, the room flared and everyone, save the chaos god, groaned in effort.

“Twi... it’s getting weak, can you boost the matrix?”

Horn flaring brighter, the Alicorn of Friendship shut her eyes tight. “I... I got it, Cadence.”

Luna spoke out weakly. “I-it seem stable now. We shall push the power up to full, be ready.”

Celestia gave a low groan. “Everyone focus, just like we talked about,” her own magic flaring up brighter.

As the swirling ball of color spun faster and faster still, the strain on everypony could be seen clear. The two foals trembled with the effort to stay standing. Pip’s grandfather huffed out, “S-stand firm, f-fireponies,” doing his best to embolden the two young ones.

All was not right, however. Discord could see it as Twilight started to shake. He bit his lip, eyes flicking to Fluttershy, who was giving it her all.

“Cadence, I-I can’t close the matrix loop. It's starting to fray!” Twilight called out

The Alicorn of Love flared even brighter. “We have to, we can’t fail, we just can’t!”

The runes about the room changed, the glow filling them flowing from that soft blue-white to something far darker, a green tint started to fill them.

“Twilight, it's collapsing!” Celestia cried out.

Twilight's eyes flooded white with energy and her body flared out. Wings spread, horntip glowing brighter than the sun for a split second.

“I... can’t...hold...it!” panic in her tone as she yelled. “Discord, get them out of here, now!”

In that moment, the room seemed to become one hot white ball of mana’s glow. In the center, the two stallion's mouths were open and an unholy scream of pain came from them, the kind of sound a soul makes as it is ripped into shreds. Joining the scream was four alicorns.

Discord lifted his claw, snapped his fingers, and no one could see the look on his face.

Soft blue dotted with stars as far as the eye could see in every direction. This is what Discord found himself floating in, looking around he let out a huff and turned, knowing he would find a smug ball of white energy.

“What do you want, Law?”

“Chaos, you know better, you were told…”

Discord cut him off. “I told you, ever call me that, My name is Discord now.”

The ball seemed to pulse as if chuckling. “As you wish, Discord, my brother. Now, please answer me, what are you doing? You were reminded we can not interfere with the course of mortal events.”

Discord waved his lion paw in the air. “You mean like you did? Using a changeling to act as a power sink for the Elements, not exactly hands off.”

The ball pulsed a few times a blue tone of color before turning white once more. “We could not allow Gelos to have a promise broken. We remember the last time that happened.”

Discord snapped his fingers as a chair and a cup of tea appeared. Sitting down and taking a sip of the tea once he had hold of it. “Yes, yes, I do get it. So, perhaps I am just... nudging things along a bit. After all you did give Eros the vision of the spell. I would say you have been playing your hand in things too.”

Again, Law pulsed blue a few times, then yellow and back to white. “Very well, but I felt it, brother, you used your magic directly. Why?”

Discord set his teacup down to float in the air, glancing over at the glowing orb of energy once more. “I could not stand by and watch my friends fail. It would destroy them, you and I both know that Law. Yes, I said friends, perhaps the first I have ever had. If that means I break a few rules along the way, so be it. Let the universe punish me for it later. I am Discord, what fun would it be if I didn’t throw a wrench into the works every now and then?”

"And Thanatos?"

Discord gave a grin "He can wait, it's not like he is going to get any better looking"

The ball changed color once more, a bright warm orange pulsing.

“Why, Law, I do believe that is the first time in our existence I have seen your sour puss laugh.”

The ball resumed its white color. “Perhaps, Ch—Discord, perhaps. I will allow this, it is clear this—Friendship has taught you much. I am glad to see that, my brother.”

Discord snorted. “Don’t get too used to it," and suddenly was gone once more.

Luna gave a soft groan, eyes fluttering open. The last thing she could remember was the spell matrix collapsing in, then the screams. Bolting upright onto her hooves once more, she looked around, confused.

All around her, ponies were laying on the ground. She could see her sister starting to move once more. Twilight looked the worse for wear as smoke rolled off the tip of her horn. Cadence was out cold, as were the Elements and the three family members. She could see everypony was still thankfully breathing, then her eyes roamed to the table.

Laying there, the two stallions looked at peace. The breathing machine was dead, burned out by the looks of it. The worst in her heart as she took a trembling step over to the gurney. Leaning down, she could see Ailan’s chest rise and fall, he was breathing. Then her eyes went to the large earth pony stallion. There, she saw it, and again, he was breathing on his own!

“How... how can this be? The spell failed, w-we felt it break!”

Celestia, looking very worn down, moved to her sister's side looking down at the two on the gurney. She was quiet for a time, before saying very softly. “I smell chaos magic’s touch sister,” looking up and around, not seeing the draconequus around.

Luna glanced to her sister then back to the two laying before them. “Could... could he have used his magic to save us, to save them?”

An alabaster head gave a little nod. “I am not sure why, sister. I do not even pretend to know why Law would allow it, it goes counter to nature. However, there can be no mistake here, Discord...saved them and us from the consequences of what we would have had to do.”

Twilight came up slowly, clearly in pain, likely nursing a powerful headache. “I heard what you said Pri... Celestia,” laying her ears back. “Will they... live?”

She glanced over at Cadence who had yet to start to wake, let alone anypony else in the room, then back to her once student. “Time will tell now, Twilight. We have to wait, and see. He is breathing on his own, that is a good sign, but did the magic heal him, did the soulbind work?”

She shook her head. “We won’t know until they wake. Now, Luna, see to taking down a section of wall, remove the runes first. Twilight, start to gather up ponies, they will all need sleep, as will we.”

Luna gave a nod and turned to work. Twilight started to check on the two young foals first. Meanwhile Celestia looked down on the two stallions.

“Again, Discord, I find myself not only in your debt. I can say, without doubt, thank you, my old friend. Any past you owed for... is wiped clean now. All... is forgiven.” her voice said in the softest of whispers. "I am sure that mother would forgive you too were she here"

46 - Awake

Redheart took down numbers from the two monitors onto a clipboard held in her magic. The steady beep from both units was a welcome sign. Sleeping on the two beds side by side lay two stallions, one a large draft she knew well, the other a huge-winged pegasus. Hearing steps behind her she turned her head and looked at her husband.

“Still the same? I tell you, Red, we can’t figure it out. Two days now and still their hearts are in perfect sync, their breathing in perfect sync,” Mercy laid his ears down.

“He,” Red pointed at Rescue. “Shouldn’t even be breathing let alone…”

Redheart gave a soft smile. “Mercy, stop. You heard the princess' orders. Don’t look to deep into it, okay?”

The white unicorn frowned then gave a nod. “I know, I know. I just…”

From one bed, a slight groan made them both spin their heads to look in that direction. The golden pegasus twitched some and a dry-throated word came from him. “R-Res?”

Mercy was at his side in a single step. “Stop. Don’t move at all, Mr. Sempar. Can you understand me?” looking up at his wife and head nurse. “Red, go get the princess... now.”

A soft, strained voice from the bed spoke. “Y-yeah, I... where am I..? Why do I feel like a pile of stones landed on me? Where is my husband?”

Red ran down the hall, so she didn’t hear the questions, or the answers to them.

“You are in Ponyville Mercy Hospital. You went through quite the ordeal from what I am told, and he is laying behind you.”

A eye cracked open, looking up at the doctor. “Is he—”

Mercy set his hoof on the stallion's muzzle. “He is alive and breathing on his own. I am told to let the princesses tell you the rest. That is all I really can speak to.”

Ailan gave a soft nod. “T... thanks, Doc, thank you for... for saving him,” closing his eyes again.

Mercy gave a soft exhale of air. “I wish I could take the credit, Ailan. Now, you rest, gain your strength back. I want my favorite EMT squad back in action.”

When next Ailan opened his eyes, it was sundown outside. Sitting in a chair across from him was Princess Twilight, along with a little paint foal sitting with her reading a book together. Again, his voice cracked and croaked out.

“Ca—” he licked his lips. “Can a pony get a drink of water?”

Pipsqueak leaped up and was across the short space in a heart's beat, looping his hooves around his pegasus father’s neck in a hug. “D-dad, I was so worried! How do you feel?”

A voice from behind him he couldn’t see, but he knew well. Luna’s tone for sure. “Pip, let your father get a breath and some water, then he can tell us.”

Twilight’s magic was a little shaky still, but she brought a glass of water over in her purple glow. Lifting it to Ailan’s lips. As he took a sip he kept one hoof on Pip’s hoof to keep him sitting near him.

“Ah, a little better,” he even sounded a bit better. “I... I remember going to sleep behind Rescue. Then, I remember, it was dark and cold. Then it hurt, like I had fallen in fire, and suddenly it was gone, and…” shaking his head very gently. “I don’t remember a thing more, but my back hurts like hell.”

That made Twilight’s ears lift, and two alicorns walk around the bed into view. Celestia leaned down. “Pipsqueak, would you do me a huge favor? Go out and tell Thunderlane to fly and let the others know your father is awake and talking, and that I am sure Rescue will be soon, too.”

The colt snapped to attention and his eyes glanced to the darker alicorn, who gave a nod and a smile. “Yes, Princess!” and he was out the door, hooves scrambling.

When the door closed, Celestia exhaled. “Yes, princess, not yes, my princess,” glancing at her sister. “And you doubted the loyalty and love ponies have for you.”

Blushing, Luna turned and looked at the stallion pegasus laying on the bed. “We heard you say your back hurts, Sempar?”

He gave a soft grunt. “Yeah, it's like, you know when your leg falls asleep? It’s like that, only more painful, and my whole spine and hind legs.”

All three princesses looked back and forth at each other, then Celestia’s horn lit up. Unseen by Ailan, she lifted a stainless steel and rubber Taylor’s hammer up. Turning it in her grip, she brought the handle point down and poked it lightly into Rescue’s frog.

Ailan jumped his right leg, the same she poked on the big earth pony stallion, twitching. “Hey, what the heck?!”

All again looked at each other and Twilight gave a nod, turning to look at Ailan. “We have a lot to talk about, Ailan, but let me start. Rescue... is going to make it. The spell worked.”

Ailan didn’t hear much else, as tears welled up and he was overwhelmed with emotion. He cried, and three princesses lay their hooves on him lightly to offer support as he did.

“So, the closer we are, the more we can feel each other's pain, aches, tickles, all the basic touches?”

Luna gave a nod. “And if you concentrate very hard, you will be able to get a slight hint as to where the other is, at distances.”

Ailan exhaled. “So, why isn’t he awake yet?”

Celestia fielded that one. “That tingle you still feel is his spine and cord healing. I suspect he will wake in a few hours,” she laid her ears back a bit.

“Ailan Sempar, you will have a road before you. Chief R—your husband’s body will be healed, but his brain will need to relearn some things. Likely how to walk again, how to access the muscle memories in the parts of his brain and nervous system that were rebuilt by the spell.”

He gulped and gave a nod, Twilight spoke very softly.

“It won’t take too long, a month or two at the most, but at first he will be as weak and helpless as a newborn foal. You are going to pick all that up from him, too. The pain, the frustration, the anger. The soulbond will give that all to you. It is going to be a hard road for you, because you will have to learn how to push all his emotions down, at the same time you help him learn how to do the same.”

Luna again spoke. “But, there are other things. When you or he feel joy, the other will know if they are close. If you feel afraid, the same. You will not hear each other's thoughts, but you will know when something has happened good, or bad, to the other.”

Ailan again gave a gulp and nodded his head. “And, when one of us, passes, the other will join minutes later.”

At that all three gave a slight nod, Celestia spoke. “Yes, you will cross the divide together. Such is the price you paid for this, you will never know time alone, nor will he. It is a life of together, not his or yours alone now.”

Ailan exhaled longer and slower. “I... I can live with that,” turning and looking up “Pr... Saint Luna,” the term making Celestia blink and Twilight give a slight smile. Luna on the other hand blushed rather hard.

“Will you be the one to stay and help me explain it all to him. When he wakes that is. I think it would mean a great deal if you were the first princess here. Nothing personal, Twilight, Princess Celestia.”

Luna glanced at her sister first, who smiled very softly, then over to Twilight who gave a bit of a nod, then turning back to the bedridden golden pegasus.

“We would—I would be honored.”

Almost two hours to the minute later, a cough came from the other bed. Rescue’s eyes opened a bit and he let out a groan.

“W-why do I feel like I got hit by a wagon, then it b-backed up and finished the job?” his voice cracking some.

As the room came into focus he could see the night out the window, he could see the lights on soft in the room. He could see Ailan laying in the bed just feet away from him looking over into his eyes…wait.

“A-Ailan? What, where are we? are... are you okay? Why can’t I move? Why can’t I get up to hug you, what—"

The Pegasus reached out with a hoof and gently placed it on the big earth pony draft stallion's lips.

“You talk too much.”

Tears welled up in Rescue’s eyes. He was quiet for a few moments before he murmured around the hoof.

“There is a story here, isn’t there? That, or I died.”

At that Ailan smiled some and moved his hoof to touch the bigger male’s leg. “A very long story, Rescue, but one that has to be talked about. We will wait for Luna, she stepped out to talk with Twilight for a moment.”

Rescue laid there, he couldn’t move, talking was a chore. It was a hard effort just to make his jaw move some. “I... I love you.”

Ailan’s felt tears run down his muzzle as he looked at his husband, or had they been there for the whole of the conversation?

47 - Back on the hooves

Rescue lay there, looking sideways at the love of his life, and the princess sitting behind his bed. This was all so much to take in, and he had remained silent after the last question was answered for what must have been ten minutes.

“Friend, Rescue, are… are you okay?”

His deep green eyes lifted from looking at his husband's eyes and to the princess of the night. She had yet again helped him in ways he could never repay.

“It... is a lot to take in my pr—” He paused at her look. “Sorry, Luna. I just,” licking his lips and giving a exhale. He found a cup with a straw lift up in front of him, held in dark purple magic. He took a few sips before it was lowered again.

“And I can never tell anyone, not my own brother? My friends, like Bon Bon and Lyra?”

Luna shook her head, as Ailan’s hoof reached out and pressed to his own. “No, Rescue, you can not, not ever. The magic cast that night, must never be known of outside the royal court.”

He gave a soft nod. “I understand, I will honor the word given. I will have many questions, I am sure, but, I am so tired right now. I need to sleep, I mean no disrespect.”
The princess of the night gave a soft smile. “No, my friend, sleep now. You have earned it,” looking down at Ailan. “Keep watch on thy husband, this is what I charge you with pegasus.”

He smiled very softly. “I would do nothing else, my princess.”

She gave a nod and got up, seeing herself out. As soon as the door closed, Rescue spoke in a soft tone.

“I... I am scared. I have not felt like this in—”

Once more, a hoof touched his lips.

“Shut up, Rescue, you talk too much,” backed by a pegasus with a warm smile on his face.

Two days later, they came for him. A mare with a medicine ball cutie mark, and a smaller pink filly with a Tiara on her flank.

“Okay, Chief,” Helping Hoof said, the cream-colored mare with the deep purple mane and tail. “I have sent your husband away as informed to, and now we get to see how much you can move around.”

Rescue muttered. “And... Diamond, why are you here?”

The pink filly put a serious look on her face. “To make sure you don’t slack off, Chief. There is someone very special to me that has spent weeks crying himself to sleep beside me. I will not stand for this one moment longer than it has to go on,” she had a force in her tone that gave no ground or question.

Rescue looked at her and exhaled softly. “Fantastic. Well, at least you didn’t bring Applejack with you, too.”

Helping gave a warm laugh. “Oh, trust me, she has already made it very clear you are getting plot-kicked if you slack off in therapy.”

The first few days began hard, just now learning to move his hind legs. Breaking out in a massive sweat lifting his legs up even just a few simple inches, being able to roll himself over onto his back or his other side. Yes, he was healing fast, but learning to do things over again, it was both tiring and painful.

Day four met Rescue with a harness around him, holding him up, as he stood with a balance bar on each side of him. Helping was holding the control rope that kept his weight barely on his hooves. Diamond stood at the other end of the bars. It reminded him of how she was with Pipsqueak, how she had been the voice to push his son into walking again.

“Chief, come on now, a large stallion like you? Take another step.”

The big brown stallion gave a low gruff nicker. “It hurts!”

Diamond snorted. “Yes. If it didn’t, you wouldn’t need to be here. Now,” she stomped her hoof on the ground. “Take a step for Ailan!”

Focusing, he lifted his front hoof up a inch, dragged it forward and planted it, hearing the pink filly again. “Good! Now one for Pip!”

Again, he focused hard, and lifted his rear left leg and dragged it forward, moving a step. His body trembled, never had he felt so weak as he did now. Yet there was that force of will known as Diamond Tiara, glaring at him with a mix of determination and care.

“Good, you are doing great. Now, take one for me,” her voice changed softly. “How else will you be able to dance with me one day at my wedding?”

Rescue’s head lifted and he looked at her, then took his left forehoof up and and planted it, pulling himself forward. His body trembled and he nearly fell to the ground, really only the harness and rope kept him up, hearing Helping say in a soft tone.

“Perfect. Diamond, grab the cart get it under him so he can rest, let's get him out of the harness for the day.”

The earth pony slid the cart under the big stallion's belly and spoke, “Good job, Chief” kissing his cheek softly. He could not help but smile at that.

“Pip is a fool if he doesn’t keep you close, Diamond," enjoying watching her blush herself quite brightly.

Three weeks from the day he started therapy, almost to the hour. Rescue stood on his own, looking at the crowd around the exit door of the hospital. At his side stood Ailan, even if the soulbond didn’t exist, he would know Ailan was there, pressed to his flank lightly . To his left bracketing him in was Applejack, she smiled a bit.

“Ya thought you would be walking back to the house alone?”

Rescue muttered at AJ’s comment. “I could have hoped.”

Big Mac gave a snort. “Eenope.”

Smiles and happy greetings was the order of the day. All through the walk home, Pipsqueak and Diamond leading the way, still bracketed in by Ailan and Applejack.

However, there was one little grey filly who did not have a smile. She had tears in her eyes as she stood, trembling next to her parents who had warm smiles themselves. Apple Bloom stood next to Silver and nudged her. In the background behind them Rescue could see the house was already being rebuilt.

Silver walked out to meet the big fire pony looking up at him, tears raced down her cheeks. “Chief I... I am so, so sor—”

Rescue took a page out of Ailan’s book, putting his hoof out to silence the filly. He heard his husband choke a chuckle down at that.

“Silver, it was not your fault. I have seen the report. Faulty wiring to one of the new electric heaters started the fire. You did everything right, you are alive, and that is all that matters to me.”

She sniffled and worked around his hoof looking up at him again, and suddenly was hugging him tight as she dared. The big stallion sniffed a bit himself as he heard her words in his ear.

“Thank you for saving me and Crash.”

He had already heard about the serious case of hero worship the filly had on the fire pony unicorn. She and Bloom stopped in every day to the station after school and dropped off cookies or apple pie, or just hung out and helped clean. Apple Bloom mostly to keep Silver happy.

“You are welcome, Silver. Now, I should go lay down with my family.”

Letting him go, she trotted back to her family and Apple Bloom, giving the bow-wearing filly a little nuzzle that made her blush hard and Applejack give a soft laugh.

The draft pony stallion turned and continued his slow stride for home. As he did, he gave a little huff. “Chief Tiara, tell me, have you found a replacement for the missing member of your squad?”

He heard her sniff once, he knew well it dug up a painful memory, but she gave a nod.

“Yes, Chief Sunstreak, and you have met her already.”

He lifted a eyebrow, considering he was out of the loop tell he was reinstated to active duty. It did not surprise him Bull, the acting Chief, had not told him.

“Do tell, who then?”

Now it was Pip and Diamond who started to giggle lightly. Pip spoke up with that light Trottingham accent of his.

“Dad, you saved her life, her fillyfriend is an Explorer, her best friend is a Explorer. Did you not put it together?”

He came to a stop and looked back over his shoulder at the family walking down the street, Silver and Apple Bloom pressed side to side, talking. Giving a little grunt, he nodded.

“I see. Captain, I expect her to be up to snuff and caught up on classwork by the time I come back to station.”

Together, the Pink filly and the paint colt barked. “Yes, Chief!”

Applejack and Ailan both chuckled, but Rescue simply gave a nod. A new member was joining the family. One who had already seen the monster they stood against, and not been found lacking in courage.

It was Ailan who whispered in a low tone. “She already visited Archer, and asked for her blessing. It was... a bit strange. She asked me to walk her there, not Apple Bloom, and while we were there, a pure blue meadowlark landed on her head stone. I tell you, Rescue, it sat there, and just sung to Silver and I.”

Rescue nodded his head. “Sounds like Archer was approving in her own way.”

Author's Note

Sorry for the long pause in there folks. Things in life just had me stressed out and I couldn't focus on the story at hand. However this is it, the end of Arc 4 and so we head into Arc 5 and the end of story 1.

Not to worry, I already have story 2 outlined and story boarded. :rainbowlaugh:

48 - Senior year and new Explorers

Two more years had passed, and much had changed in Ponyville and yet remained the same. The little town had grown, but that was to be expected. After all, one of the four ruling princesses kept her home and watch in it. There was talk of expanding both the Ponyville Police Department and the Ponyville Fire Department, as the outskirts were now taking too long to reach in an emergency. Rumors around hinted that in the next few years, a new fire station may be opened.

Ten fillies and colts exchanged looks around the small table in the old converted barn. Years ago, Applejack and crew had helped the Explorers convert one of the old apple storage barns into a place they could meet and hang out.

Each had changed over the years, no longer were they little colts and fillies. Growth spurts had hit them all, so had growing up some. Here they were, seniors the lot of them, their last year in school. A new generation of Explorers had formed in the elementary school. The older explorers had mentored the new ones and taught them all they could.

Among them was one that carried the most honor among them all, Little Yellow Tip. The pegasus filly had been but a tiny foal when her sister, Archer, was interned. Every firefighter knew the story, and every one of them had taken her under their metaphoric wing. Now she stood as the Chief of the younger chapter, much to Diamond's joy and her parents pride.

Standing there, she looked around at all her friends, her fellow Explorers, exhaling slowly and offering a nod. “So, we agree then, exactly at six tonight?”

She locked eyes with each and got a nod, of course, finding herself looking up at Lily to see her nod. Speaking of Lily, she had received her own growth spurt in the summer just before this year. She now stood eye-to-eye with stallions like Hondo and her father Filthy. Most knew in the next few years she would likely top out taller than them, bigger. Not as big as Mac or Jim, but a big draft pony mare for sure!

Lastly, to her right stood a colt that stood eye level with her. He had filled out, too, as it showed in his brown-and-white patched fur, in the way his muscles shifted even under the scars along his leg and belly from that fire so long ago. He smiled when looking back into her eyes and nodded.

Apple Bloom spoke up “all together right? Crusa—” she blushed. “Sorry. Explorers forever,” as the others laughed a bit.

Silver stood next to her nuzzled her fillyfriend. “And that is why I love you,” much to the awww’s of quite a few of the others and a few snickers from the other two of the Crusaders.

Rumble looked up at the clock: five fifty-nine, then glanced across the table at his brother. “Hey, Thunder. I... I need to tell you something.”

Thunder looked up from his paper, he had grown as well. A little stronger, improved flyer, working not only with the weather team, but leading them for the last eight years, since Dash became a full-time Wonderbolt. Thunderlane remained on the volunteer firefighter squad and still one of the two go-to pegasi for airlifts, along with Ailan.

“Sure, what’s up, little bro?”

Rumble exhaled slowly and pulled a folder out from his pack and set it in front of his brother. “I am going to go to the Academy after this year. I need your signature,” he paused “I... have decided to go into the paramedic program.”

Thunderlane lifted a eyebrow and gave a nod. “You know, that means a year in Academy, then another year doing intern work at a hospital and with an ambulance squad? It means you may not get a spot in Ponyville, or you may not see Scootaloo for a while.”

Rumble lowered his ears. “I know, and Scoot and I talked. She... is going to go into the same program. We are hoping we can get placed together. She knows she can never be a lifeline flyer, so the next best thing is this, her words not mine.”

Thunder gave a nod again and his ears folded just a bit. A softer look at his little brother who really wasn’t so little anymore. “Mom and Dad would have been proud of you, Rumble,” as he started to open the folder to sign paperwork. “I know I am.”

An orange filly with a fuchsia mane looked over at the clock, then gave a nod mostly for herself, peering over at the mare who took her in at her lowest point, and the stallion who adopted her when he took the rainbow-maned mare as his wife.

“Mom, Dad,” even now, after all the years it felt weird, she had parents.

Both looked up from dinner, Dash tilting her head some. “Yes?”

Scootaloo slid a folder from under her chair and put it on the table. “I... need to talk to you both, a serious talk.”

Soarin looked over at his wife then back to the filly. “Scoots, you know you can always talk to us.”

She gave a nod. “I have decided to go to the Fire Academy. I want to become a Paramedic, like Chief Sunstreak.”

The two Wonderbolts looked at each other, then gave a smile, turning back to the filly who may not be their daughter by blood, but was in their hearts. Dash spoke up now, with that light smile on her muzzle.

“I am not going to lie, seeing you go away for a year or more hurts, but, if this is what and who you want to be, Scoots... you know I support you.”

Soarin chuckled softly. “And what are the odds that Rumble is doing the same thing?”

Scootaloo blushed and tucked her head down some. “Yeaaah, I mean…”

Both of the famous flyers laughed as Dash tugged the folder over and opened it.

Silver Spoon looked over at the light yellow filly with the bow in her hair next to her. She gave her a little hoof touch, then looked back at the collection of adults. Her parents, Applejack, and Big Mac. It still felt odd not to see Granny Smith there, even after almost two years it felt wrong to not see her.

Applejack gave a little tap of her hoof on the table “All right, you two, now out with it. What is goin' on that you wanted to talk to us all at the same time?”

Apple bloom glanced at Silver, then back at the group, looking up at the old clock and smiled.

“Silver and I have decided, we are staying in Ponyville for now, after graduation that is. However...”

Silver glanced at her parents. “We have decided to join the Volunteer squad, as soon as we are both eighteen, just a year or so from now.”

Silver's parents looked at each other then back to their daughter. They both gave a slight nod. “I see nothing wrong with this,” her father spoke softly. “You have proven you have a good head on your shoulders, Silver,” glancing to his wife, who gave a smile and a nod.

Applejack looked over at Big Mac, who smiled just at it. “Eeyup,” holding out his hoof. The Matriarch of the apple clan gave a snort and pulled out a small bag of bits from her mane, putting it in the hoof.

“Darn it, Bloom, ya dun lost me twenty bits!”

Apple Bloom started to laugh, this kicked off the rest of the gathering, two fillies as they laughed pressed close. There was no doubt in Big Mac’s mind, as he watched then glanced over at Silver’s parents, that the Apple clan would be getting three ponies larger, sooner or later.

So it went across Ponyville that night, fillies and colts spoke to their parents, some to explain they were going to stay and join the squad, others to slide a folder over a table. To look a parent in the eyes and say they were bound for Canterlot after graduation to try their hardest to become one of the foolish ponies who ran headlong into the fire.

Pip and Diamond didn’t need to really ask permission. However, like all of the other Explorers, they sat down with their parents as a group and talked about what was happening right now, at exactly six PM, across Ponyville.

Not one pony argued, not one admonished or tried to change a mind. There were a few who were quite surprised, however.

“Darling, sister, are you sure about this? What about your singing career?” Rarity spoke, sitting next to Hondo and her mother.

Sweetie Belle gave a little smile at that. “I can do both, Rarity. Look, I know you worry, I know Mom worries about Dad when he goes off. This is what I really want, and I want your support.”

Rarity looked to her parents then at her little sister, well, not-so little sister any more. “Of course, I will support you. To give of all your free time like that, to risk your very life helping others in need. What kind of Element of Generosity would I be if I turned my head to such a giving nature?”

Hondo grunted a bit and looked at his wife. “We did good,” all she could do was nod as she held a tissue to her eye and tried to dab the tears there.

Looking her mother and father in the eyes, Lily slid the folder across the table.

“Mom, Dad, I want to go to the Academy after graduation.”

They both appeared a little shocked, but as her mother took the folder and looked in it, her father nodded gently.

“Lily, we have watched you grow from a timid filly, shy and afraid others would see her strength as strange or different. Now, you are proud, sure, you speak with confidence. Your mother and I may not understand what drives you to this decision. However, we love you and are proud of you.”

At school the next day, they all met in the open quad area at the center of the buildings. All with big warm smiles, but five of them with folders. Diamond looked around and gave a even happier smile.

“No way. No one's parents flipped out?”

Sweetie Bell spoke up. “Well, Rarity was a little worried, and did bring up the fact we won’t see a lot of Scoot for a year or more,” her ears lowered, making note of the fact Apple Bloom and Scootaloo's did the same.

Everypony there knew how close the Cutie Mark Crusaders were to each other, sisters, perhaps even deeper than that, for they shared what no pony in the history of Ponyville shared: linked cutie marks.

Pip was the one to speak up. “Hey, you know you will see each other as much as you can, it won’t be for that long. Besides, my dads made me give my word I would come home to visit as much as I can, so we can drag Scoot with us.”

Scootaloo gave a snort. “Like Dash would let me stay out of contact, she would kick my plot.”

They all laughed and put their hooves in, a circle of ten hooves, all touching. Diamond then spoke in a soft tone.

“For Luna, for Equestria, and... for Archer. We will do our jobs so no other pony has to loose a friend."

They all nodded.

49 - Every firepony's worst nightmare

The stench of ash, of burning forest and grass hung in the air thick. Luck had been with them today and the wind had shifted along much of the fire line, pushing the smoke back out to the north. Rescue stood with his father, his brother, and the chiefs of Manehattan Station Fifteen as well as Canterlot Station Four around a table strewn with maps. The half open sided tent shifted a little above them in the light breeze, as the big stallion tapped the map.

“If we move Station Fifteen’s team from here to here,” he gestured, “We might be able to cut a fire break before it pushes into the edges of Whitetail Woods. That would take the pressure off of the deer tribes and give them a chance to keep their village.”

Burnline, the Station Fifteen Chief, gave a nod. “My boys can do it.”

Rescue’s ears lifted, hearing a noise above the din of the busy fire camp. The high pitch buzz of wings could only be one pony, and that was Scootaloo returning with news from the outer edges of the expansive forest fire.

Looking up and out the open flap, he could see her coming in fast. While she could only fly in short hops, perhaps a mile at a time at best. She was fast, far faster than most pegasi, perhaps even as fast as Rainbow Dash herself in that short distance. He took note of the panic on the filly's expression as she reversed her wings and came down on all fours with a thud, skidding to a stop.

“Chief, they need help, now!” She blurted out, even as other fire ponies, exhausted and dirty, started to gather around behind her.

Rescue glanced at his father, then back to the young tangerine filly. “Calm down, Explorer, take a breath and tell me exactly who and where.”

She was bracketed in by her two Crusader sisters who both offered her support both physical and mental. She glanced back to the team of big stallions.

“Pump wagon fifteen’s squad is trapped, sir, the fire closed in behind them,” she walked forward and tapped the map with her hoof. “Here, they are holding ground for now, but…”

Her ears lay back and she looked up at the larger dark brown stallion. “Station Fifteen’s Explorers are with them, Chief. I got out just in time, they don’t have long,” the panic in her tone setting in once more.

Rescue heard Burnline give a worried nicker and utter. “Damn! Okay, okay, I can gather…”

Rescue cut him off with a hoof and said. “We don’t have time, Scootaloo, listen close. I know you are tired, but,” he turned and tapped the map at an area about two miles away, near the edge of the Ghastly Gorge.

“Thunderlane and the Ponyville weather team are here. You fly, you go with all your might. Tell him to give me cloud cover, ASAP,” the big stallion dragged his hoof along a small area. “Here, in a line like this.”

Snatching up a small copy of the map. He held it out to her, giving a nod as she tucked it into her harness bag. “Go!”

They all watched as Scootaloo snatches up the modified scooter from where it had been laid earlier in the day. Once more, the high pitched buzz of her smaller-than-average wings kicked in, and she was gone in a cloud of dust.

The others in charge gathered around as Rescue glanced at them. “We don’t have time to pull in more squads, we are going to use the Explorers.”

His brother, Steelhook, blurted out. “They are just foals!”

Rescue snapped back. “They are trained Explorers, every last one of them! I know they can do this. Have faith in them and the training we have all given them!”

He saw his father nod. “He is right, we do this with his plan. We don’t have time to argue or spare.”

Rescue exhaled, then called out. “Chief Tiara!”

The pink filly on the cusp of marehood pushed forward. Slung across her back was a shovel, strapped to the dirty harness she had on. A smudge of dirt in her mane and across her muzzle spoke to how hard she and the other Explorers had been working. “Yes, Chief!”

Rescue grunted. “Get the younger Explorers together, I want that—” he pointed to the chuck wagon, “—stripped out in ten minutes. I don’t care what you do, throw the stuff inside out. Get it empty and as light as you can, and get Pip and Lily harnessed up,”

Rescue called out, turning his head as he spotted the big draft filly. “Lily, you are taking lead, you are going to get in there soon as the weather team has a break in the fire line. Get the Explorers out of there. Pip!” he turned and looked at his son. “I need to you pull with her.”

Both cracked off loud. “Yes, Chief!” and turned, dashing to get into their pull harness. Already, he could see Diamond taking charge. The Junior Chief of Station Four’s Explorers, as well as Junior Chief Yellow Tip, were both listening to her and giving nods. Soon, they broke and started to get their teams going.

Only ten or so older firefighters were in the camp. Of them, four were in the medical tent, the rest were support and logistics. He looked around and barked out. “The rest of you, if you are able to move, gear up, we are going to need every shovel and backpack sprayer we can get.”

Turning, he found himself being looked at by his father, his brother, and the two other chiefs. It was Steelhook who spoke. “I don’t know about this, Rescue, but, it may be their only hope, what can we do?”

Rescue exhaled. “Pray to Luna we get there in time,” already moving to the other side of the tent and starting to shrug on his coat.

Hell, that was what they were in. Looking over at his team, each of whom held a small scared foal in their legs as they all tugged the reflective fireblankets up, getting ready to let the fire blow over them in the hopes some of them would make it out. The adults knew the truth, and the Explorers clearly had a clue. It was not likely they would make it.

Spark Arrestor had been a firefighter quite some time, the grey stallion with a fire-yellow mane looked down at the little purple filly in his leg grip. She was bawling as he held her. “Shhh, we will make it, I know it, I just... that orange pegasus had to have made it and told the other teams,” having to talk loud over the roar of the blaze around them. Another tree crashed to the ground a few feet out from the circle they had cleared as best they could.

Coughing hard, one colt looked over, his eyes bloodshot from the smoke. “I... I want my mommy,” breaking Spark’s heart. He lead them here, it was his fault this team was in this spot. The rest of the team did not blame him, they had to move fast, this was the only place to go when the fire jumped the break. They were all scared, he was scared, any pony in their right mind would be.

From above he heard a mighty crash, at first he thought one of the larger trees had come down into the group. Then another, and another, peeking his head out from under the tarp, eyes half closed from the sear of the heat, he could see pegasi! Seven of them were pushing clouds in, they looked to be making a fire break, or trying to.

Turning to his team under the tarps, he called out. “Okay, team, look alive. The weather team is above us, they are trying to rain out a line for us. As soon as it is damped down, we run, everyone gather a—”

Cut off by the sound of wheels crashing through brush and crunching down burning embers. He looked back out to see two smaller pony pulling what looked to be the chuck wagon, stripped down. One, a paint pony he had met, that was Chief Sunstreak's son, the other was a rather large filly. Both had on their full turnouts, helmets and breathers, clearly huffing hard as the swung the wagon around hard and came to a stop. A Trottingham accent called out through his mask.

“Get the Explorers in the wagon now, anyone else who can run will run behind us, any that can’t walk will go with the Explorers in the back. Move!”

The fire ponies didn’t need a second more to think about it, carrying fillies and colts fast they had them in the back of the wagon, tucking the fire retardant tarps around them.

“We can all run, let’s move,” watching that pink filly dig in next to the smaller paint colt. He saw the wagon start to move, sparing a moment to marvel at just how strong they were to move wagon and ten foals through this kind of sludge and dirt.

It wasn’t five strides in and the wagon was at a good clip. The roar of the fire to both sides of the small pathway cut made it impossible to talk or hear. Heads down, trying to breath thru the makeshift masks of wet fabric. The team followed the wagon at a full gallop, one hundred yards, two hundred, three hundred, they sprinted knowing it was the only hope. As they broke out into the open clear of the smoke and heat, Spark turned to see a sight to end sights.

On the line was every chief including his own, ponies in makeshift coats, badly injured and burned, even some of the support staff. He could see what must be thirty some odd Explorers, all with shovels and small sprayers working the line hard to beat it back enough to give them the chance to escape in one piece.

Slowing to a stop the wagon skidded sideways a bit. The two Explorers ripped off the breather masks, huffing as they unhitched and collapsed to the ground almost simultaneously. Two smaller ponies, one a pink filly with a grey streak in her mane, wearing an Explorer chief helmet, the other an off-green with a multi-hue tail and mane rushed over. He tilted his head some watching the way they both attended two on the ground. There was far more going on there than just concern for a teammate.

“Spark, get your team on this line!” He heard Chief Burnline call out, kicking one, a unicorn who was still huffing.

“You heard the Chief, let’s move it, ladies!”

Four hours later found most of the teams wandering back into the fire camp. Two more pump wagons rested, with fire ponies sleeping or eating near them. Not one pony was clean, a few looked to have light burns but were ignoring them for now, even as the Explorers, all forty of them now together, came trudging back in. They saw many wave, more rise to their hooves, shovels banged and axes clanged with sharp sounds, all together as if they were clapping.

Diamond leaned over. “Chief Firehook, what are they doing?

The older stallion looked down then around and back at the pink filly. “They are giving you a proper welcome, Chief. News has already traveled of you, all of you,” he looked back at the astonished group of foals, colts and fillies alike looking shocked.

“It is a sign of respect, you are one of them now,” he nods to the exhausted ones banging hooves, axes, and shovels. “All of you faced the beast, and reminded it who is boss,”

She gave a little nod, sniffling once before she barked out. “Chief Yellow Tail, dress your team’s line,” as they all walked a little prouder heading for the center of camp.

“Yes, Chief Tiara!” she heard the young little pegasus bark out with the same tone of pride. "Cupcake, quit screwing around"

Steelhook gave a snort and leaned his head over as they walked, whispering to his brother.

“You do realize, Rescue, we are going to be calling her Battalion Chief some day, perhaps even Fire Chief?”

Rescue nodded his head, glancing at the way she, as always was parked side by side to Pipsqueak.

“I suspect I will be calling her my daughter far before that date.”

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Silver Spoon, and Diamond Tiara all walked into the medical tent. Seeing their friend on her back with her hooves held up by weights, Nurse Redheart was putting a salve gently along the area where her hooves met her flesh. The burns were not awful, but they had to have stung. At her side Rumble sat, ears tucked, looking very worried.

“For Celestia's sake, Rumble, I am fine, I got burned worse making dinner for the station.”

His response was cut off by Diamond. “Of all the boneheaded things you have pulled, Scoot” looking at her friend's eyes, ignoring the nurse for now. “Why didn’t you tell the Chief you got burned getting the news about Squad Fifteen’s situation out?”

Scoot shrugged a bit and winced, Redheart gave a little tick of her tongue. “Stop that, young lady, at least until the salve cuts the pain some.”

Turning her head to look at the former bully. Thinking to herself how that really was a lifetime ago now wasn’t it? “I had to get Thunderlane and the team, Di. I couldn’t let a few little burns stop me from helping.”

The other two Crusaders chuckled, as both Silver and Diamond rolled their eyes almost as one and used one of Twilight’s favorite sayings. “Idiot.”

Yet they remained at her side even after Nurse Redheart left, talking quietly with the injured pegasus, telling her about the rescue, about how her they all got jumped in big, how Pip and Lily had risked it all to get the Station Fifteen Explorers out. Scootaloo could hear the pride in Diamond’s voice and it made her smile, almost able to ignore the sting from the light burns.

Apple Bloom piped up. “You should have seen Crunch, he was almost lifting Lily up, he looked ready to cry he was so worried.”

Sweetie Belle gave a warm smile at that. “I would say that pretty much confirmed they are a thing. Why they want to keep it secret, I have no clue.”

Silver shrugged. “I have known about it for a year now.”

All of the others stared at her.

“What? It’s not my place to spread gossip, is it?”

Diamond gave a shoulder bump to her friend. “It is when its something juicy like that.”

All laughed, and smiled and went back to talking. Not one of them aware of the fact they were being watched. Applejack stood next to her brother, with Hondo on the other side of her. All three were dirty, smeared with ash and wood chips and smoke, jackets open, helmets hanging off a hook of their harnesses.

“Y'all think we did right, letting them join up all them years ago?”

Hondo glanced over, nodding. “Without a doubt.”

A simple 'eeyup' came from her brother.

The apple matriarch dipped her head agreement. “Come on, ah hear the chuck wagon is back up and working. Ah figure ah can make a few apple pies for folks. ‘Sides, the Chief said the winds are blowin' the fire back into itself, we may be done by the end of the night."

50 - Summoned

It was quite odd being summoned to the castle of Friendship directly after school. That is exactly what the message had said to do. All five friends had got to talking on the walk there from the school.

“What do you think this is about, Di?” Rumble asked as he walked, one wing over Scootaloo’s barrel and back.

The pink filly shrugged. “No clue, but had to be important. I mean, it was a Royal guard that brought the message from what I heard. The school administrator told me that has never happened before.”

Pipsqueak shoulder-bumped Lily, being the only one among the Explorers walking that was even remotely close to her size.

“Hey, so what happened when you told your parents and Crunch’s parents you were dating?”

Lily tucked her ears, cheeks beginning to heat up visibly. Giving a cough, she muttered something neither of them could pick up.

Diamond Tiara glanced over. “Oh, come on, Lily!”

The dark pink filly gave a tilt of her head and said a bit louder. “They spent all night talking about grandfoals together.”

All of the others burst into a lighthearted laughter, Scootaloo recovering a bit. “Mom said if I don't make her a grandmother before she is eighty, she is going to ground me for life, no matter how old I am.”

Everyone burst into laughter again, all but one colt. Rumble just looked at his fillyfriend with a bright, warm blush on his cheeks.

Arriving at the towering crystal structure that dominated Ponyville's average height, the five were guided in down the hall by two of Twilight's Friendship guards. After many years without protection, she had formed her own guard with their own unique armor and colors.

Walking into the gathering room where the six thrones sat, each took note of some oddities. Their parents were there, even the two Wonderbolts in uniform still. Scootaloo lifted an eyebrow as she saw along with the six Elements of Harmony, there was AB standing with Applejack, Silver right at the bow-wearing filly's side.

Standing next to Rarity was Sweetie Belle, Spike at her other side with his claws resting on her back. She did smile a bit, seeing her unicorn friend with the bright blue gemstone around her neck on a chain. Spike had recently proposed to her, just weeks prior. The rules under the condition it be allowed, were set by Rarity, Twilight, and Sweetie's parents. They must wait until they graduated from school.

“What's going on?” Diamond spoke up, one eyebrow lifted as she looked from her father, to the Chief standing next to him, and back to her father's warm smile.

It was Twilight who stepped forward and spoke. The alicorn had grown a bit taller over the years since her ascension. Still not quite as big as Cadence, but taller than her friends now.

“Royal mail was delivered for each of you, protocol says it must be opened here.”

Held in purple magic, five envelopes floated out. Three had a red wax seal holding the flap closed, one floated to Lily, Diamond, and Scootaloo in turn. Two however were different, they bore a golden wax seal, with the mark of Luna herself pressed into it. They floated to Pip and Rumble, the two colts taking hold of them. Each and every envelope carried the emblem of the Canterlot Fire Academy on the front.

Exchanging glances with each other now, Rumble spoke first, staring at the envelope held in his hoof. “So, um... Wow, how do you want to do this?”

Diamond looked over at the pegasus colt, and back to her own envelope. “How about you open yours first, Pip, then Rumble, then—”

Scootaloo spoke up with a kind of tremor in her voice “I... I want to go last.”

Diamond looked over at one of her best friends and gave a bit of a nod. “Okay, then Lily, then me, then Scoots.”

They all nodded, and Pipsqueak turned it over in his hoof. Sitting down gently, he ran his hoof edge along the fold to break the golden seal. Opening it out and looking at it, his ears laid back.

“From Her Royal Princess Luna. You are...” he paused to read it over again, “You are hereby notified of acceptance to the Canterlot Fire Officer Training Academy for the Fall start, on completion and graduation from high school.”

His smile grew wider. “Should you master this task, and graduate with honors. You are hereby granted a guaranteed spot as a probationary firefighter in Ponyville Fire Station No. 1”

The paint pony giddily leaped in the air. “Yes!” holding it out to show Rumble, then the others. “No way I am going to mess this one up!”

A lot of smiles were to be had, and one stocky dark brown stallion had the widest one as he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with his husband. They watched as Pip held up the letter. “Dad, look! I made it, I made it!”

Rescue and Ailan both gave a nod, Rescue spoke for them. “We are proud of you, son.”

Pip then blinked as some words sunk in, and he looked at the paper again. Looking over at Diamond, then up at his two fathers, and then back at the paper once more. His mouth moved a bit. “Officer training…” he again looked over the page, reading it again and again. His head lifted up and once more he looked at his fathers.

“Dad, w-what does this mean?”

Rescue exchanged looks with Ailan and then smiled. This time it was the soft spoken, large winged pegasus stallion that spoke.

“It means, Pip, you are going to school not only to train as a firefighter, but, to be trained as an officer.”

Pip just sat down on his plot again with a thud. Mouth moving but not saying anything, eyes glassed over some.

Thunderlane peered over at his brother as he started to rip open his letter. Watching the young pegasus’ lips move. “Royal Princess…. Fall start, proba—” his mouth closed and his head shot up. “No way! Pip, I got the same posting if I get honors!”

He paused and looked it over again. “Oh man, I don’t get to go to officer school,” although he didn’t appear to be too upset. “Guess you get to have the long study nights and dealing with morons like me.”

The two best friends banged hooves and grinned. “Best. Day. Ever!” they said together much to the laughter of many in the room watching on. Pip, however, brought them down a notch.

“Rumdum, dude, we are going to have to study hard. We have to make honor roll no matter what now.”

Rumble slugged his friend in the shoulder. “Whatever, Squeaker, we can do it,” earning him a returning gentle punch in the shoulder back, before they started to laugh again.

Diamond rolled her eyes at the pet names. “Idiots,” but said with a smile on her face. She looked now to Lily. “Your turn.”

The large filly sat down with a slow and careful motion. Lifting her hoof up and doing as the two before her had, slitting the wax seal. Unfolding the letter she was quiet as her eyes looked it over, reading it to herself. Her ears pinned back some, and a mix of joy and sadness came to her face.

“I was accepted,” then she added, cutting off the congratulations and making her parents' smiles fall some. “But... I won’t be going.”

Her father and mother blinked, and then her mother spoke. “Lily, why would you say that?”

Everyone looking at her with confusion as she folded the letter as neatly as she could.

“We can’t afford it, I overheard you and dad talking about the costs. It's okay, I will just stay here and join the volunteer squad, perhaps in a few years if I work hard then I can go.”

“You will do no such thing, young filly!” came a voice from the side of the room. The colts and fillies turned to look. There stood Archer's mother and father, the two older ponies walked over and joined the rest of the adults.

“You will go to the Academy, and you will do good.”

Tugging a scroll from her bag, she unrolled it. Clearing her throat and getting a nudge from her husband, she exhaled and began to read.

“The Archer Scholarship is awarded once every two years to the filly or colt who exemplifies what it means to be a first responder, be it firefighter, paramedic, or law enforcement officer.”

Sniffling once, she continued, the confused look on everyone's face. Well, really, only five fillies and colts.

“This year's recipient, and our first, Lily Longsocks has showed such strength of character. Showing bravery beyond her years in charging head long into a uncontrolled forest fire, along with her teammate Pipsqueak Sunstreak. She gave hoof to saving ten young lives along with the ten mares and stallions they were working with.”

She looked up at the stunned filly.

“Due to a large donation from several large contributors who have asked to remain nameless, It is my joy to award you this year's scholarship in honor of my daughter.”

Rolling up the scroll she held it out, a light purple magic caught it up and carried it over, where she took it out of the air, still speechless. Looking at it, to the mare, to her parents, back to the mare, back to her friends. She looked back once more to her parents as tears welled up in her eyes.

“M... Mom, Dad, I am going to the Fire Academy!”

Pride and happiness showed on the two smaller ponies faces as they watched their daughter's face, tears racing down her cheeks before she got tackle-hugged by the other four standing with her.

As they watched on Lily’s father leaned over. “Thank you... for making this happen,” looking at Rescue.

The big stallion shook his head and gave a nod to Rarity. “Thank her,” he whispered in return.

Once the hugs and water works were finished with, Lily sniffed heavily and wiped her eyes with a hoof. They all turned and looked at Diamond, who held her envelope in her hoof.

The pink filly slid her hoof edge like the ones before her, breaking the wax seal. Unfolding it and not reading out loud at first, she kept her eyes rolling over the words, reading it three times before she dared speak. Her lip trembled a bit and she whispered in a tone that made it clear she was holding back waterworks.

“P-Pip, I... I am going to officer training, too.”

Pipsqueak was at her side and they looked into each others eyes. No one else existed in that moment, before a paint pony leaned in, and pressed his lips to the pink fillies lips. A kiss that was filled with the very true essence of love, all around them could see it. However, both Rescue and Mr. Rich cleared their throats. It was Rescue who spoke up, much to the chuckles of many of the mares standing around.

“Okay, you two, I think that is enough.”

Breaking the kiss both blushed furiously hot, causing more chuckles and not a few light laughs from all around. However, Pip pressed his side to Diamond’s side and looked up at everyone, then turning his head to look at Scootaloo.

“Your turn, Scoot.”

All eyes turned to watch the small winged pegasus slit the wax as four before her had. As she opened the letter, a small slip of paper fluttered down to land near her hoof. She started to read the letter, much like Diamond had, quietly and to herself.

Suddenly, her ears went flat, and her face fell. This came as a surprise to many, and a few started to move forward, one such was the rainbow-maned mare who had adopted her so many years ago.

“I... didn’t get into the EMT program.”

She said in a sad tone, before her grin tugged at her face and she started to beam in a bright smile.

“I made the Paramedic program!”

Everypony groaned at her bluff, Dash gave a little mutter. “Damn, kid,” but it was a happy tone. Taking a step back to again sit next to her husband and fellow Wonderbolt. Twilight, of course, gave a small snort and shook her head, glancing over at her friend.

“Just like some of the pranks you use to pull.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Yeah, 'til Pinkie pulled that prank with all of you on me and taught me a lesson, speaking of...”

Everyone could see Pinkie now. Her whole body vibrating, her mane and tail as puffy as can be, eyes locked on the five facing the group. However, she had not exploded... yet.

Rumble sauntered over to Scootaloo, and suddenly things got taken down a notch in the room.

“O... oh, Rumdumb, this... this means almost a year apart. I mean, once we are out of Academy, I will have to do a intern rotation at a hospital, you will be here in Ponyville doing your probationary period.”

His ears laid back and he pushed his face into the orange pegasus’ muzzle lightly. “We will make it work, Scoot. I can catch the train every weekend, or something.”

Pinkie Pie was the one to mutter, in a voice that sounded like she was straining to hold in every bit of joy she had. “Look, under your hoof!”

Everyone turned to look, even the ones that had known what was going on seemed a little surprised. Scootaloo lifted her hoof and saw the slip of paper, picking it up.

“What is—” she read it, then again.

Twilight gave a little huff. “What does it say?” glancing at Pinkie who seemed to know what it said going by her face.

The tangerine, purple-maned filly gulped and then suddenly let out a loud whoop. Leaping into the air with that high pitch buzzing of her wings, the smaller-than-average filly did a triple-hoof kick loop before landing right back where she started with a thud, all much to the surprise of everyone, especially Rumble.

“It's from Doctor Mercy,” she cleared her throat and read out loud.

“Miss Scootaloo, after having been approached by a concerned citizen. It was brought to my attention you were to enter the Paramedic program. We here at Ponyville Mercy Hospital believe it is high time we have a locally trained Paramedic and EMT crew.”

She sniffled some and continued.

“So, in accordance with that, this note is to let you know that upon graduation from the Academy, with honors I must insist. You will spend your internship here, as a member of the Mercy Hospital crew. We look forward to seeing you then. Yours, Doctor Mercy Heart.”

That was it. Pinkie Pie had held it in long enough, perhaps too long. As Rumble and Scoot grabbed each other in a embrace, she exploded! Almost quite literally the reality defying earth pony leapt into the air and went off with a huge kaboom.

Confetti and streamers shot into the room in a massive cloud of color. Much to the amusement of her friends and everyone else watching on.

Applejack leaned over and said in a half whisper to Twilight, who stood next to her. “You think that Pink...”

Suddenly, Pinkie was there, in both of their faces and grinning widely. “No spoilers!” and stuffed a single cupcake each into both their open, surprised maws.

Spinning to look at the five friends hugging and showing each other their letters. “Now we get to party!”

It was, as Pinkie Pie parties go, one to be remembered for a long time.

51 - The Firefighters Ball

Tonight was Ponyville’s time to shine. Every year a new city was picked to host the Firepony’s Ball. This year, that honor went to Ponyville, held in the crystal castle of Princess Twilight herself. The Running of the Leaves had been just two days prior, meaning autumn was done for, and the first snow would come to the land in a few more days.

Twilight's magnificent castle was lit up with strings of lights, long banners hung from the ramparts, displaying her own cutie mark, along with ones the colors of the the Equestrian Fire Department. Looking over the room one last time, the grand ball room had been decked out by Pinkie Pie, as usual. Done in taste, almost a holdover to that first night party when Ponyville received its first fire chief.

However, unlike that night, tonight would pack her castle to the rafters with fire ponies, fire griffons, and all sorts of differing first responders from all over the world. The purple alicorn exhaled deeply and glanced over at the smaller similar-colored drake at her side. He held a long checklist in his claws just starting to roll it up.

“That is it, Twilight, everything checked three times. You just need to go get your regalia on, and we are ready to receive them,” Spike beamed, dressed in a black tuxedo with a dark purple sash and bow tie matching his own colors. A close eye would catch the small pin on his lapel that carried the mark of the Cutie Mark Crusaders with a small musical note in it.

“Spike,” she looked back at him. “I just want to say, I am proud of you. You have grown from a baby dragon, into a mature and proud adult.”

He blushed lightly and touched the princess’s neck with his claws. “Twilight, I will always be at your side. You have been my sister, my best friend… and, my mother. I love you.”

She smiled and kissed his forehead lightly and sighed softly. “All right, we have an hour, let's get me ready.”

The house was full. Not only was his father here, but his brother and many others. Diamond, had just shown up and was sitting on the sofa talking with Fire Chief Grendel of the Griffon nations. Over standing near the kitchen he could see Ailan speaking with Ember Light, the Fire Chief of the Minotaur nation and her date Rock Smasher. Over near the front door, the Fire Chief of Saddle Arabia spoke with one of the newest fire chiefs, a big yak named Water Stream, who was young but well-thought of.

Rescue breathed out and fiddled with his tie again, ensuring perfection. After all, here he was hosting almost every fire chief and battalion chief in the known civilized world. They had all agreed to a light snack and drinks before the ball started, so his home was offered up for such a gathering. He did take note of quite a few of them turning one or both ears to the two young ponies on the sofa talking to the griffon.

“So, Junior Chief, we hear you are to attend the Academy in Canterlot come next fall,” The wise, older griffon said with a warm tone.

Pipsqueak smiled, and glanced over at the pink earth pony next to him as she gave a nod. “Yes, sir. Both Pip and I will be taking the officer training on top of our regular class load.”

Many gave a smile hearing that. It was, however, Steelhook who spoke up as he stood near Rescue. “You all watch that one, we will all be calling her Chief one day, mark my words.”

Most laughed, everypony grinned, but Diamond just blushed and hid herself a bit into the slightly bigger paint colt lying next to her on the sofa.

A gruff, deep voice came from Ember Light as she held up her drink. “Be nice to not be the only female at the summits.”

Scootaloo shook her head. “No way, Mom, you have like, a thousand pictures already!”

The rainbow-maned Wonderbolt simply grinned, “Scoot, just go sit on that cloud with Rumble, please.”

The tangerine filly huffed but leaped up, gliding over to the cloud. As she did, the grey colt in the matching Explorer dress uniform grinned. She slugged him in the shoulder. “Stop grinning, moron.”

However, she did shift in close and looked over at her mother, as well as Thunderlane, and a few others now snapping pictures again.

“Ah, give this one to them, Scoot, this time next year we are going to be in Canterlot.”

She exhaled softly. “Yeah. I know, I know,” rolling her eyes.

Twilight gave a warm smile and dipped her head. Looking out at the ballroom full of brave folks who took one night a year to put on their best uniforms and mingle. It was so unlike the Grand Galloping Gala. No nobles here, no pretense, no pressure to play the political game. She turned and looked at Luna who her right and dipped her head, gesturing to the mike.

Luna gave a nod and stepped forward. “Good evening ev—” before she could continue, an ear-piecing squeal of feedback kicked in making her wince. She shot a look over at Spike who had a sheepish look as he turned a knob down a bit on a panel.

“Sorry,” he muttered.

She smiled at that and shook her head. “Let us try this again. Good evening, everyone. Once more, we find ourselves gathered together. A chance to renew bonds across borders, to talk and share tales, but most of all,” the princess gestured to herself, sweeping across to the ponies on the stage with her. “To give us a chance to thank you all for what you do, for us.”

Luna waited for the hoof banging and clapping to come to a stop. The princess of the night offered a bit of a nod. “We would like to thank our host for the evening. Princess Twilight Sparkle, who has opened her home, and her protectorate to us all,” more stomping and clapping kicked in. A glance at the smaller alicorn would note the deep blush on her face.

Looking out at the crowd, she was once more reminded of how far things had changed. Spotting the glint of light off not a few small silver medallions around many of the gathered necks, and still in awe that her simple words could have spawned into a service that reached every corner of the planet. Luna lowered her ears some, but not allowing herself to dwell on past mistakes.

Once the noise had died out again, the powerful dark blue alicorn dipped her head to the room. “Now, please, enjoy the food, the music, and the company. For tonight, it is our turn to serve all of you.”

Pipsqueak and Diamond, along with Lily and Crunch found themselves in a large group of younger fire ponies and griffons. Of the twenty or so listening to Pip and Lily tell the story of the wagon run thru the forest fire, almost half were winged types like griffons and pegasi. She and Crunch kept giving each other little smirking looks as they watched their special somepony address the group.

What a group, too. All of them together were known as the Hot Shots. Crazy younger stallions and mares from all walks of life who flew or jumped by parachute into the middle of forest fires with nothing but axes, saws, and a backpack of food and water.

“So then, Lily just yells at me, 'look out!' Before I can say what, she crashes her shoulder into a big branch that was coming down, and it explodes in ash and embers around us both. She didn’t even break stride!” Pip grinned, glancing at the much larger draft filly, who had a warm blush now.

To a lot of oohs and grins, the one in front gave the biggest smirk. The big griffon, named Gaslamp smirked. “Leaf, you bring what I told you to?” looking over his shoulder at a light blue unicorn mare with yellow mane and a leaf on fire as a cutie mark.

“Sure did, Cap,” Leaf answered as she levitated out of her pocket a velvet case and carried it over in her soft blue magic to the griffon.

Snatching it out of the air, he looked at the two Explorers before him. “We—” he gestured with a claw behind him at the group. “—are insane, we get our kicks breathing smoke and burning our feathers and fur surrounded by the roar of fire. We live to hunker down in a dirt hole and face the beast on its terms.”

The ones behind him nodded. Many around them had paused in conversations to listen in. One such to freeze was a dark brown earth stallion, who was keeping an eye on his son.

Using two claws to tug out two small silver pins. Each one identical to the ones that adorn the pockets of the group around them. A parachute crossed with an axe and a saw.

“You both showed the kind of guts it takes to be one of us, so with that in mind. We—” the griffon gestured to the whole group. “—decided you made the cut. You are now honorary Hot Shots,” even as he spoke he reached out and pinned the silver medal onto the pocket of Pip first, then Lily.

Both filly and colt blinked, then glanced at each other and shouted. “Yeah!” banging hooves together.

Poor Diamond just hung her head and muttered. “Idiots,” but her smile remained warm.

Suddenly, the whole group started to hoot, and in the case of the two Diamond Dogs bark, all stomping the floor in welcoming their two newest members.

Many heads lifted, many a pony wondered what was going on. However, a group of three stallions, a griffon, and a female Minotaur all gave a groan. It was the older faded mint-green Pegasus among them that asked “Did they just make my grandson one of them?”

A stocky red draft stallion walking by with his date, a rather pretty darker-purple mare that bore three flowers as her cutie mark, said one simple word that made all five of the fire chiefs facehoof together. “Eeyup.”

Rock Smasher just chuckled and took a sip from her glass of wine. “Just what the world needs, two more insane ponies,” she said with a smirk on her muzzle as she glanced over at the hooting group, spotting the fact that Pip and Lily had joined in the call, leaving their dates to match the facehoof action of the chiefs.

The dance floor cleared as the music wound down. Up on the stage, Princess Twilight tapped gently on the microphone, then said in a soft voice “Will the station chiefs and their dates please take the floor, It is time for the traditional Chief’s Dance.”

A mix of ponies and griffons, diamond dogs, and Saddle Arabians took the floor. Out of them all, only two couples were of the same gender. Rescue and Ailan looked over at the even odder couple. Guinevere, Station Chief of Griffonia Number Two, and her wife Wool Gatherer, a pony. Both couples had proved love knows no bounds, not gender nor species.

Softly, the music started, a slow dance number. Rescue found himself, despite being far bigger than Ailan, letting the pegasus lead. Pressed neck to neck, right hoof hooked around right hoof. He closed his eyes and forgot everything around him, except for the stallion he was with currently. It didn’t matter how many were watching. It didn’t matter that some may judge him or both of them. All that mattered was he loved the large winged pegasus and he, in turn, loved back. Both slowly lifted their ears after a bit, blinking.

The music had ended, and as they looked about, took note the whole of the Chief's Dance had cleared the floor for the two couples. At first a blush started to form, then hooves started to stomp and claws clapped. He and Ailan looked at each other then over at Guinevere and Wool, who looked back and smiled, all four bowing softly to their friends, their co-workers, their brothers and sisters.

It was about time, Big Macintosh had come over to get him. Together, they had set up just off stage out of view of others. Looking up at the few in the orchestra that would be part of this, Princess Twilight, again, came out and tapped the mike a few times.

“I am sorry to break into the party, but, tonight we have something rather special,” she peered offstage where Mac gave a nod, looking back out at the crowd.

“One of our local volunteer squad, has put together a song for all of you. He will be singing it tonight with backup. So, Big Mac, Chief Sunstreak, can you come up on stage please?”

As the two big draft stallions walked up on stage, there were quite a few confused and surprised looks. Applejack and Ailan looked at each other a few times before she spoke out. “Big Mac?” but Mac just smiled at her and bobbed his head in a nod.

Rescue walked over to a chair set out front near the microphone stand, pulling a old battered case out from behind where it had been hid, then tugging out a well used and old guitar he wrapped the strap around his neck.

This, of course, made Pipsqueak blink and glance over at his Pegasus father. Together, as one, they said, “He can play the guitar?”

While the dark brown stallion tuned with a few plucks, many noted a few other changes. A set of drums were brought forward and Pinkie Pie took a spot behind them. Her big bright smile warm, but she was unusually silent. Next to her, Miss Octavia had replaced her cello with a violin. One of the orchestra had brought out a bass guitar and lastly many took note that another local had joined. Lyra came off the harp and sat down behind what looked to be a steel guitar.

Quiet for a moment, then Rescue started in with a soft corde, plucking the strings with a light touch, closing his eyes and letting himself flow into the music.

Big Mac softly leaned into the mic, and came in, his deep tone colored with a southern twang so few heard him allow in his words.

That old alarm was sounding, and he knew he'd have to go
But all he could think about, were his little foals at home
He signed on to this job, to help the ones in need
But every time he ran into that fire, he knew he might not leave.

At this point, the drums came in with a soft kick, Pinkie’s face showing how serious she was about this. The steel guitar came in with a long, soulful sound. Joined in was the bass, and there in the background was the soft tone of the violin.

He doesn't want any money, for the things he trained to do
He helps the ones in need, and he see's the whole job through
He's well aware of the costs, that it takes to save a life
But that doesn't matter, to the pony he is inside
We all need to sing, that firefighter's song.

Big Macintosh continued into the song, his eyes looking out, but not really seeing. Even now, a few in the crowd of brothers and sisters could see where the song was going. Some swayed with the soul of the country-esque song. Some, like Applejack standing next to Cheerilee, had tears beginning to well up in her eyes. Ailan and Pip just sat quite, in awe of what they heard.

When that pony pulled up on scene, all he heard were those foals screaming
He ran right through the front door, to save a few young dreams
A few moments later, that house it had collapsed
He'd never go back home again, to hang out with his foals

As the chorus started in a few in the room full of firefighter kind picked up with it. One here and there, then more joined in. What was never meant to be a heart song, grew into one. Even off to the side Princess Luna and Twilight joined in, tears racing down both of their faces. As they all sung, another note rung out, a heavy brass bell kept the time with the drums.

He didn't want any money, for the things he trained to do
He helped the ones in need, and he saw the whole job through
Well aware of the costs, that it takes to save a life
But that didn't matter, when the family was inside
We all need to sing, that Firefighter's Song

At that moment, the pony on the piano joined in. Even with all this the big apple stallion's voice stayed steady and on key.

I hate to be the one that brings up, all this sad and bad news
But that stallion will never have again, the things that you and I do
He was taken from his foals and wife, while helping a family
So please sit back, and thank the stars, there's more pony like him, that breath
And they don't want any money, for the things they train to do
They help the ones in need, and they see the whole job through
Well aware of the costs, that it takes to save a life
But that doesn't matter, to the ones they are inside
We all need to sing, yeah we all need to sing
We all need to sing, that firefighter's song

Big Mac took a shuddering breath, and lowered his head as one after another instruments dropped out tell it was just a lone acoustic guitar held in a earth pony’s hooves. His voice alone rung out the last words to a room silent as death.

And we all need to pray, 'cause that firefighter's gone.

Even as pony hooves stomped, griffons and others clapped. No eye was dry in the room, for they had all lost a brother or sister. Down in front of the stage, Ailan wept quietly with a smile on his face, his wings around a too-proud-to-be-seen-crying paint colt and his pink special somepony. Such was all of the Explorers from Ponyville, some stallion or mare, or in some cases a number of Explorers from other towns. Held them lightly and let them cry, for their pain was more recent than anyone's in the room.

Rescue just gave a nod to Big Mac and began to put his guitar away.

Things begun to wind down. Of course, Rescue found himself pinned in with Mac by a whole group. Ailan, Applejack, Pip and Diamond, his father and brother.

“So, when were you going to tell me you knew how to play?”

Rescue shrugged a bit and glanced at his husband. “It... just never came up.”

Steelhook gave a grin. “I am glad you never gave that up, Res. And Big Mac, that was... wow.”

They all gave a nod at that sentiment.

Diamond and Applejack spoke up in unison. “So, wait, you have known how to play the guitar for a long time?” Looking at each other, both giving a grin.

Rescue looked down at the filly, who was likely to become his daughter in law sooner or later.

“I picked it up when I was eleven,” he gestured to Steel. “He and dad bought me a guitar for my birthday that year because I had been learning how to pluck a few chords from a neighbor. Even in all the years since then, I kind of kept practicing in private.”

He gave a gesture up to Octavia standing beside the DJ with glasses on. “She gave me a spot to practice at her house once in awhile, and Mac heard me plucking out a old country song a few months back. So, he came to me with this idea.”

He glanced to Ailan. “Sorry I didn’t tell you. It has always just kind of been my go to place when I need to think and be alone, just me and the strings.”

The big winged pegasus then nodded. “Like when I go out flying.”

Rescue leaned in slowly. “Exactly,” and pressed his muzzle to his husband's lips.

Author's Note

I want to make sure to give proper credit here, while the words were changed to fit "pony". The song Big Mac sung, was done by an artist named Paul Cummings. He wrote and sung it as a tribute to firefighters everywhere. Please give it a listen and like on youtube.

Hey mods, if adding the song in like I did is considered against the rules. please let me know I will remove it from the story and just link the song.

52 - Hearth's Warming eve (Part 1)

Hearth's Warming Eve. The snow was thick on the ground, and in the air. The wind kicked up even harder as she flew, pushing her to work harder to keep her speed steady, knowing she had to get through to Ponyville, get this package to its recipient. Her blue outfit didn’t hold in much heat, and even as a pegasus, it was cold. She could feel the ice starting to build up along her wings, and yet still she flew swiftly. The weight of the small package was nothing to her, but its meaning to somepony was heavy.

There, in the distance, she could see the outline of the Friendship Castle, the lights festive and bright, even through the blinding storm. Streaking in, she struck the ground, but her strength was at an end. Her hooves slipped and she tumbled end over end, thudding into the door hard. She thought she could hear a few voices cry out as the darkness closed in and took her.

A worried voice faded in as she took stock of where she was. Something warm was packed around her, and she felt padding under her. She slowly tried to focus on the voice, because trying to open her eyes hurt.

“You sure she will be okay, Chief?” the familiar voice said. Why couldn’t she place it?

A deeper voice spoke. “She won’t be flying for a few days. The frostbite was light, she lost a few primary feathers, and that left hoof is strained, but nothing is broken. She will be just fine, Rainbow”

Rainbow! That was the voice’s owner. Slowly, she groaned and started to open her eyes. Many worried faces came into focus. She seemed to be lying down on a pile of pillows next to a huge fireplace, but she needed to focus on who not what. A cough rumbled up her throat as she pressed her face into the blanket to cover her muzzle.

“W... ah... the... the package! I-is it okay?”

A hoof of purple touched her lightly through the blanket. “The package is safe, Lightning Dust,” a bit of amusement in the tone. “Your record remains intact, but, you are getting such a lecture after you rest some. What were you think—”

A pink hoof in the mouth of the purple alicorn giving the speed-delivery mare a dressing down. “TwiTwi, not right now!” Pinkie Pie smiled.

Lightning Dust looked up, to focus on a large, muscular stallion, dark brown in color, pressing his hoof edge to her neck lightly. He seemed to be counting softly before he gave a nod. His voice deep, that must be the one she heard talk about her condition. Taking in the uniform, the badge, it hit her, she had delivered to this one before, mostly just paperwork that was needed faster than the normal mail could bring it.

“You will be okay, Miss Dust. Just relax some,” a smile grew on his muzzle. “I took the liberty of signing your delivery paper, and filling it in already. However...”

The big stallion grew a bit more serious. “You will not be going out again, you are here for the duration of the night and this storm. You are far too weak and injured right now to fly, and the train back to Manehattan won’t be running until the tracks are cleared in the morning.”

It was the Princess of Friendship who spoke up next. “Welcome to our party, Lightning. When you are up for it, somepony will bring you some warm cider, and you are quite welcome to join us all.”

She looked up at the stallion again, then around at all the others. Many here were in uniform just like his, others not. It was like almost all of Ponyville and their families were packed into the huge room.

“Chief, m—” she was cut off by a few more coughs, “May I ask... what was in the package that had to be here tonight, no matter what?”

He just smiled “Tradition Miss Dust, tradition,” he answered. Everypony around him other than a few of the older pony, had a very perplexed face that matched hers. However, he offered no more to the answer as he turned, pressing close to a pegasus of gold and green.

She guessed by how close she watched them walk away. His special somepony, perhaps?

Rescue glanced over at the down flyer, just checking on her visually. He was not on duty, but she was still his patient for the night. He gave a smile as he noted Rainbow Dash and Soarin sitting with her talking. Joining them and carrying hot cider drinks on a tray on her back was Scootaloo, Rumble, and not really much of a surprise, Ponyville’s mail carrier. Mrs. Hooves had been rather motherly to the special delivery Pegasus, doting over her state much to the amusement of many of the flock.

“Y’all never do quite switch off do ya, Res?"

Turning his head to look at Applejack, he chuckled. He then glanced to see what his husband was doing, making note of him currently conversing with Lyra and Bon Bon. He shifted his focus back at the Apple matriarch with a shrug of his shoulders.

“In the same way you never pass your farm without checking every tree over,” he then switched subjects. “So?”

Applejack tilted her head then glanced over to where her brother stood next to a rather gravid looking dark pink mare with a light pink mane. She gave a bit of a smile at that and looked back at the stallion next to her.

“Any day now, Mercy says. Gonna be strange having a foal on the farm after so long,” her smile faded just a touch. “Ah sure wish Granny had been able to see it.”

In a rare display for him, Rescue hooked his leg around Applejack’s neck and gave her a light hug. Breaking it almost as fast, she was, perhaps, his best friend, and one of the few he dropped his stoic nature around.

“She knows, I am sure of it.”

AJ gave a bit of a nod at that and just stood with her friend watching ponies talk and laugh.

“Who is on duty?” She looked around at the crowd and noting no one missing.

Rescue gestured. “Ice, Bull, Thunderlane, Jim, Hondo,” he paused. “Scoot is on deck for standby, and the rigs are outside under tarps. Been having some of the Explorers go out and shovel a path and knock the snow off them once a hour.”

Applejack glanced over at the big dark stallion, then gestured with her muzzle to where the group of pegasi were staying close to the injured flyer. “How is she doing, by the way?”

Rescue peered over at the tangerine filly laying with the others around Lightning. “She has a knack for triage, AJ. She is going to make a hell of a paramedic. I admit, I am proud of her, she has not once complained or freaked out.”

“Who are we talking about? Oh and happy Hearth's Warming to you, Applejack.”

Rescue turned his head to find himself flanked by his father. Giving a soft smile to the older faded mint pegasus.

“Scootaloo, and thank ya, Firehook, happy Hearth's Warming to you, too. So, what is that ah see around yer neck?” she poked at it.

Rescue gave a nod and stayed quiet. The older pegasus’ smile grew warmer still.

“This, well... this is a knit scarf given to me by a thoughtful grandson, and knitted by my son in law.”

Applejack gave a chuckle then looked around again. “Say, Res, where is yer brother?”

Rescue glanced at his father then back to Applejack. “He switched duty with a stallion at Canterlot Station Three so the guy could spend tonight with his family. It is a kind of unwritten rule some of the command will do so the rank and file don’t miss out.”

Quiet settled in with the three as they just observed the room and the joy being shared by all.

The five Explorers were slightly confused as they were escorted to a room down the hall from the big main party going on. The Friendship Guard, a mare named Swift Lance, gave a smile and opened the door, standing back to a place of attention next to it.

Stepping inside, they took note of others here. Rescue and Ailan, Firehook, but then there was Lily’s father, Soarin, Mr. Rich, and last but not least, Thunderlane. Diamond looked around slowly and back at the gathered ponies. They each had such a serious look. Over to the side, quiet and clearly asked to remain so, sat Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust, observing.

“Come over Explorers, and stand before your fathers.”

Each did as bid, Diamond facing her father. She glanced over to see Scootaloo take a spot in front of Soarin, looking to her other side to see each had done as bid.
“Chief, what is—”

The big dark brown draft stallion held up a hoof to silence her.

“The five of you have embarked on a path,” his voice deep, a bit more serious than they were use to hearing him be outside a call.

“A path that, if you work hard and dedicate yourself to, will mean a life of service to others. You all know the story of how the firefighter tradition was born. Now, tonight, you will learn of one of our deepest and most secret traditions. The ones here before you have all been sworn to keep what they see and hear this night secret, and so they are allowed to observe.”

He looked down at Pipsqueak as he spoke but his voice carried so all in the room could hear him clear.

“Our kind does not seek glory or fame. We do not do what we do for money, or power. We watch the night for the glow of flame, because our princess bid us to,” there was a gravity to his words as he continued.

“Make no mistake, we do not worship her. She is our patron saint, pointing the way that we take in duty and honor and watching over our fallen as she does the dreams of everypony.”

Clearing his throat he looked down the line of stallions and back to his son before him. “Long ago, a father gave his life this night saving a family from the beast, his last breath spent giving his son a gift. In that tradition, on this night, we remember him and what his sacrifice meant.”

Rescue exhaled and gave a nod. Glancing down as five hooves drew out a small black velvet case and held it, still closed.

“Take this,” looking into Pip’s eyes. He could see Pip was bewildered, proud, and a little scared.

“Wear it with the honor it carries. A symbol to all who share our fate that you are one of us in spirit, and that you remember the cost we pay to keep others safe.”

Each of the young ponies reached out and took the case offered to them by the stallion before them. Opening them almost in sync, and as one taking a sharp breath in. Laying there in the velvet sat a small silver medallion on a thin silver chain, the very cutie mark of the Lunar princess etched into the small metal item.

Firehook spoke up. “We do not wear them to show off, we do not wear them where others can see them. However, we do not lie if asked about them. You will each be talked to by your fathers in private here in a bit. Tonight, however, is rare.”

He gestured over to the two pegasi watching.

“We have allowed two guests, one who risked her life to bring the packages you hold, and one who has risked life time and time again to escort her.”

In a tiny and very soft voice Lighting whispered. “I... if I had known what was in the packages, I would have flown through the Windigo lands to get them here if I had to,” having picked up on the solemn and powerful moment. Rainbow hooked a wing over the other mare and hugged her softly.

The young Explorers had not taken their eyes off the medallions they held, then exchanged looks between each other, they all nodded once to one another. Almost as one sliding them out of the cases, they slid them on, each tucking the medallion into the back of the small badge case they wore around their necks. They did just as they had seen the firefighters do.

Diamond looked up at her father, but spoke in a voice that was clearly aimed at all. “Why us tonight? We have not graduated from the Academy yet.”

Filthy Rich looked down at his daughter and gave a nod, glancing over to Rescue who gestured for him to explain just as it had been explained to him less than a hour ago.

“Because, my Diamond, soon you will be going off on the path you have chosen to take. The five of you have shown the dedication and values that others only dream of. You have each faced fire and come out on the other side stronger for it. Now, I don’t pretend to understand for a instant what that feels like. However, I want you to know one thing.”

He glanced at all the other fathers, and soon back to his daughter. “I am proud of you, Diamond Tiara. You have shed so much as you have grown up. You think of others not yourself, and I am proud to be part of this ceremony to show you just how I feel.”

Diamond hitched, gave a little noise then leapt forward and wrapped her forelegs around her father's neck tight, hugging him with all her might as she started to cry. “I love you, daddy!”

Taking the pink pony's lead, the others grabbed their fathers and hugged tight. A few shed tears, one such was Scootaloo hearing the words of the off white Wonderbolt that was her father.

“You are not born of my blood, Scoots, but I could not love you more, or be more proud of you,” as he held the smaller than average filly who cried into his shoulder.

Thunderlane looked into his brother's eyes and spoke very softly. A hitch in his throat telling he was holding back a lot of emotions.

“Mom and Dad would have been proud of you, Rumble. I know I am not your father, but, I think tonight, more than ever before, I get it.”

Rumble like the others were already doing, grabbed his brother's neck and hugged tighter than ever.

“I love you so much, Thunder.”

Rescue gave a soft nod to himself, as he held a paint pony close, and felt the wings of his husband wrap around them both. A soft whisper from him, almost a prayer of sorts.

“Watch over them please, as you do us, Luna. Welcome a new generation of your night watchers.”

Author's Note

Well all, that is 52 chapters in one year. I made my goal!!! :pinkiehappy:

Of note, the version of Lightning Dust in this story is based on a story written by Unicorncob with his permission. It is the future (around 8 years) version of the LD from this story The Dusty Trail. Please give it a read, it really is a great story.

53 - Hearth's Warming eve (Part 2)

Having rejoined everypony at the party, Scootaloo just could not rid of the smile on her face, even if she couldn’t really tell her two Cutie Mark Crusader sisters about why she had it. She was just about to trot over and grab some more warm cider, when something caught her eye. Off sitting alone for a moment, she spotted her former elementary teacher Miss Cheerilee, taking a break to get off her hooves. That wasn’t the unusual thing. After all, she was very close to giving birth to a foal.

What caught her eye was the wince, the slight tension she saw. Her past six months working hoof-in-hoof with Chief Rescue and EMT Ice had been paying off. Her eyes narrowed some and she turned, trotting over.

“Miss Cheerilee, are you okay?”

The light purple mare peered up from where she was resting, attempting to force a smile, and nodded.

“Oh, yes, Scootaloo. I just…” her face winced again in show of some pain.

Smaller-than-average wings spread out as the orange filly watched then her eyes again narrowed. 'Training, observation, and intuition', was what the Chief said made a good paramedic, and she was putting it all to use now.

“You just had a contraction, didn’t you,” not a question, more of a statement from the Pegasus filly.

Eyes going a bit wider with worry the older mare gave a soft nod. “I... I think so, yes.”

No panic set in, rather Scootaloo looked around, then gave a nod. “Stay here, relax, and breathe, okay? I will be right back with help.”

A few around them had taken note now. Scootaloo looked up at Big Macintosh, who was suddenly there and looking very worried. “Stay here, keep her calm.”

Spinning around, she made for where she knew the Chief and Ice were talking with some of the others in the squad. Finding a group of them standing there, including little Yellow Tip and Pound Cake, gesturing to the huge dark brown stallion.

“Chief, we have a situation,” this made many ears lift among the ones gathered. Scootaloo had proven herself to be the kind of pony not prone to exaggerate things. So, when she said something, it was worth a listen.

Rescue gave a nod. “Report.”

She looked over at the gathering around where the pregnant mare was laying down. “Cheerilee has gone into labor,” looking up right into the emerald eyes of the Chief.

He chewed on his lip for a moment before he gave a nod. “Ice, go break out the boxes. Yellow Tip, Pound, go with her. I need the red box, brown box and blue box.”

He then turned his head, not even bothering to see if they left, he knew they would. “Bull, go find Ailan and Thunderlane. Perhaps Rainbow, too. Let's have them assess if they can do a airlift.”

The unicorn grunted and turned, trotting off. Turning his head Rescue looked at Crash. “Go find the Princess, alert her, then find Applejack and have her gather her friends. Tell the Princess we need a room, clean, and with sheets that can be thrown out on the bed."

The cocky unicorn gave a nod of his head and spun taking off to do as bid. Now, Rescue turned back to Scootaloo and gave a nod. “Find Diamond, tell her what is going on. I want her to grab the rest of her team, along with Yellow Tip’s team, and start digging out squad one. Tell four, earth ponies and pegasi only, to go see how far down the road they can get and how deep the snow is. Make it very clear no one should go far enough that they can’t see the castle anymore then have them return and report. Soon as you have done that, find me again.”

Once everypony had split off, he trotted over to where Big Mac stood looking down with panic in his eyes. He grunted, “Relax, Mac,” looking around. “Folks let's give the mare some room, all right?”

Many grumbled, but turned and stepped back a few paces to clear up some space. Kneeling down he looked into the mare's eyes. “How are you feeling?”

Frightened eyes looked right back. “C—Rescue, they are coming fast, far faster than I was told they would,” she gave a little half chuckle. “I guess she is tired of waiting to join the family.”

Rescue nodded and stood, glancing around as a voice spoke out. “Clear a path, please”.

The purple alicorn, flanked by Applejack on one side and Fluttershy to the other moved thru the crowd now gathering. Making note of Ice holding the red box, and the two little Explorer foals each with the brown and blue box on their backs.

“Chief, I have a room ready. What is—” pausing and eyeing what is going on, then nodded in understanding. “Everypony, please, back up more.”

Looking over his shoulder at Twilight, he gave a nod. “Mac, let's get her up and moved to the room they have ready. First floor, princess?”

She bobbed her head in a nod. “Yes, I could teleport her.”

He shook his head. “No, too risky at this stage. It is also better if she walks, moves things along a little.”

The big stallion was careful to keep his voice even and calm, panic or having other ponies begin to would not help. Shifting to look over his other shoulder he took note of Jim being close by.

“Mac, you and Jim bracket her, use your barrels to hers and support her so she doesn’t have to walk on her full weight,” knowing his orders would be followed, he turned again.

“Ice, go set up in the room. Yellow, Pound, once that is done join the others outside clearing snow.”

Twilight spoke up, once again taking charge. “Everypony else, please, return to the party, things are well in hoof here. Nothing to see, just another Apple about to join the world,” causing many to laugh softly.

Thunderlane shook his head glancing to his right at Ailan and then to his left at Rainbow.

“No way we can transport in this. Winds are shifting too fast, and the snow is coming down too hard.”

Rainbow gave a nod, the Wonderbolt looking up at the sky, shaking off the snow on her back that had already gathered. “Report back to the Chief. Sorry, boys, but I can’t let any of the flock try to fly in this, it would just end up bad for everypony.”

Ailan and Thunderlane looked at each other then gave a nod in kind. Ailan noted something out of the corner of his eye, four of the Explorers trudging back through the deep snow. Lifting an ear, he picked up their conversation.

“The drifts are too big to move through, Rumble,” the voice of a certain confident pink Explorer Chief spoke.

Lily, walking next to her, gave a nod. “It is hard even for me, I doubt even the Chief and Mac together could move the rescue squad through this kind of snow.”

Rainbow looked at the two stallions next to her in the falling snow, and her ears went flat. “This... isn’t good.”

Rescue glanced down at Rainbow and Diamond as they gave him the news. He again chewed on his lip a bit as he pondered what to do next. Both mares were watching him, ears up, alert, but worried.

“All right. Diamond, pull the Explorers back inside, make sure the tarps are up. Have somepony grab the yellow box out of the left front hatch of Squad One.”

He then turned to look at Rainbow.

“Can you get Pinkie and a few others to help keep the party going? The more ponies are distracted, the less likely they will get in the way.”

Applejack wandered up, having come out of the main hall. Rainbow looked to her left and smiled a bit, but shifted back to the Chief as the Element of Honesty asked her question.

“Res, y’all are gonna deliver right here, ain’t ya?”

Looking his friend in the eyes, he gave a nod. “No choice, AJ,” resting his hoof on her shoulder and looking down into her eyes calmly. “I will do everything I can to make this smooth. It is going to be okay.”

She pondered the big stallion's idea for a moment, then nodded her head.

“Okay, ah will keep Mac calm. Let’s get this rodeo going, ah got a niece on the way.”

Diamond took off, as did Rainbow, but Applejack hung back a moment.

“Rescue, you ever done this before?”

He exhaled slowly, calmly. “Once, back when I was a probie. I have Ice, and Scoot to assist me now, too.”

She laid her ears back and looked at him right back in the eyes. “You do what you got to, that is an Apple in there.”

He nodded and turned without a word, heading inside the room.

Rescue glanced at the door, hearing voices through it, even as he took the purple and pink mare's blood pressure. He frowned lightly, but relaxed as he heard Cheerilee say softly.

“Please, Rescue, you are one of his best friends. He will listen to you.”

He grunted and gave a nod, looking to Ice and Scootaloo. “Monitor her. If the contractions get to the eight-minute mark, come get me if I am not back.”

Turning, he moved to the door, opening it and sliding out to see what was going on.

“Eenope!” a massive hoof came down with a stomp on the floor to make a point. The big red stallion was being held back by Applejack, Pipsqueak, Applebloom, Silver, and Diamond.

“Mac, yer being a darn fool! Y’all gotta let Res do his—” Applejack cut off as Rescue barked out.

“Mac, stop this!” He walked, staring eye to eye with the big red stallion, giving a hard snort-huff of air. “Your wife is in there giving birth to your daughter, you think hearing you put up an argument is helping her?”

The stocky red stallion didn’t back down. He glared at his friend and fellow draft pony.

“Ah don’t care, Rescue, Ah need to be at my wife's si—”

Rescue gave a little angry snort. “Shut up. Think for a moment, you rock head. What do you think you are going to do? Are you trained? Do you have the wherewithal to stay strong if something does go wrong?” he glared daggers right back.

The others there all lowered their ears. While the truth was yes, the Chief was being rather blunt about this.

Mac glared at the slightly smaller, the dark colored draft before snorting and lowering his head, backing down.

“Eenope,” he said softer.

Rescue put his hoof up on his friend's shoulder.

“Mac, I swear to you, I swear to Luna,” he paused and lowered his tone. “I swear to my parents souls,” making Applejack blink and Mac take a shocked look up into his friend's eyes again.

“I will do everything I can to bring your daughter into the world safe and keep your wife healthy.”

Mac kept looking into Rescue’s eyes, then lowered his ears and gave a nod. “Ah... ah am sorry ah acted like a fool.”

Rescue shook his head. “You didn’t. You were thinking with your heart and not your brain,” he lowered his voice. “You got two sisters to lean on. Go on, try to relax some, okay?”
“Eeyup.”

As he turned and headed back, he paused and looked behind him.

“Diamond, Pip, grab Sweetie Belle and Spike. You all stay close to the Apples, they are going to need all of their friends and family near.”

Rescue circled back and headed back into the room.

Rescue again glanced at the clock, watching the second hand as he kept his hoof on Cheerilee’s stomach. Next to him was Scootaloo, holding a clip board and writing things down as he asked the teacher mare.

“All right, last few, are you allergic to any medications?”

She gave a little groan of pain and huffed, then shook her head. “N-no,” breathing through clenched teeth. Rescue gave a nod at that.

“Last one, do you know your blood type?”

She exhaled as the contraction ended. “Y... yes, HAB negative.”

That made Rescue pause and lower his ears. “You are sure? That is one of the rarest there is.”

She nodded. “Y-yeah.”

Looking at Scootaloo, then over at Ice. “Ice, start a drip, Ringers five percent Dex. Scoot, let’s get Mercy medical on the radio, double check your leads, they are going to want to monitor.”

Observing the tangerine filly move over and pick up the receiver grip of the red box and flip a few switches, she called out into it. “Mercy General this is Squad one do you copy, over?”

Cheerilee touched Rescue’s leg. “She really has grown up, hasn’t she?”

He looked right back down at the teacher, “Only because ponies like you did an amazing job of raising her and teaching her.”

A smile from both ponies before his ears caught the speaker crackle.

“Roger, Squad One,” a deep male voice that sounded like Mercy himself responded. “I don’t know this voice. Who is this, over?”

Scootaloo again gripped on the switch. “Mercy One this is Squad One badge JPV zero-zero-zero-three, over.”

A pause followed while the others chuckled, then the speaker crackled again. “It’s good to hear you on the horn, Miss Scootaloo. So, it will be you and I relaying instructions and information. Can you start the EKG for me, please?”

Still just focused on being who she was, the filly did smile some and flipped two more switches. “Roger that, Mercy, transmitting.”

Back and forth they spoke, the Pegasus filly giving all the vitals she took and wrote down, and in turn, Doctor Mercy asking questions and listing. In the meantime, Rescue had a blanket over Cheerilee's lower half. She was turned and laying on her side, but her head and shoulder upright on a few pillows.

“Okay, Cheerilee, it’s time. Ice, coach and keep an eye on her blood pressure. Scootaloo, I need to to watch the leads, and relay information exactly as it is given.”

Both girls nodded as Cheerilee huffed, and then cried out with the worst contraction yet.

“Here we go!”

“Head is out,” Rescue called out as he slid his hooves into place to help guide. “Come on, Cheerilee one more push. Hardest one you have given!”

The mare’s coat was painted in sweat foam, the smell of blood and fluid in the air. She screamed as she bore down. It was a rather big foal. Just like its father.

Suddenly, the stallion lifted his foreleg up and used his hoof to smack something just out of view of the other three. The sound of a wail and then a foal crying, Rescue called out. “Ice, forceps and cutter. Doc, good color, and boy she has a pair of lungs."

Scootaloo simply stared. She had never seen anything like it. Blood, the mess, the smell, and yet there was a tiny foal, a new life! She gave a soft smile, she got to help bring a new life into the world!

As he laid the foal down, once swaddled on his mother's belly, and the umbilical cord cut and tied off. He frowned some and said in a softer tone. “Ice, start another bag. Cheerilee, I want you to listen close, you are loosing a lot of blood. You need to stay with me, alright?”

Again, there was no panic in his tone, but Scoot knew this was serious. The stallion started to do what he could as she relayed what he said to the doctor. Instructions flew back and forth fast, and she worked her hardest to get them exact as he acted as the transfer.

Cheerilee gave a little huff. “I... I will be okay, I just need to res—”

“Buck me, she passed out,” Rescue heard Scootaloo pass the info on.

Then, the speaker crackled and he heard Mercy say, “Can you get a pint of blood in her, then double-zero the rip closed?”

He thought then gave a nod. “Yes, I can, but she is HAB Neg, we don’t have any.”

Rescue glanced up as he realized the little orange, purple-maned filly had not relayed his words. Rather, she looked up at the stallion and said softly.

“I... am HAB negative, Chief.”

Not knowing she had held the the microphone open, so the doctor could hear it all. A few moments later once more the speaker crackled.

“Squad One, I can’t make this call for you. If you feel it is safe, do a direct transfusion, no more than three quarters of a pint.”

Rescue exhaled and looked at Ice who gave a nod. “She can do it.”

Looking back to his student, his future paramedic, Rescue gave a nod. “Ice, plug them in and get a bag of ringers into her at the same time. Scoot, you are going to pass out. Don’t try to fight it, okay?”

Laying down near the teacher, the tiny foal on her chest, Scootaloo winced as Ice pushed the first needle into her leg. Looking up at the big stallion, she put on her bravest face.

“I won’t let the squad down, Chief.”

Scootaloo woke up with one hell of a headache pounding away at her forehead. She licked her lips and started to open her eyes. This was not the room she was last in, and there were a lot more ponies in here.

“What... is going on?”

Leaning over her, she found herself looking up at Redheart, who smiled a bit.

“Welcome back, Explorer Scootaloo,” the mare backing up some.

Now that she could look around she saw in a bed next to her, Cheerilee with a foal in her arms. The teacher looked over at her, and said in a broken, almost sob of a voice.

“Y... you saved my life, Scootaloo.”

Then, others, Applejack, Big Mac, her Cutie Mark Crusader sisters, a number of others crowded around speaking her praise. She learned they had to take more than first thought and she passed out from it. She also found out that just an hour before dawn, the snow had ceased, and they were able to airlift her and Cheerilee with her newborn foal to the hospital.

Once things calmed down some, it was just Apple Bloom, Silver Spoon, Diamond Tiara, Sweetie Belle, and Rumble left. They had moved Cheerilee to another room to give her personal space to feed her foal.

“Ya really did it, Scoot, ya helped bring a foal into the world, and ya saved a life doing it,” Apple Bloom said with a smile.

She smiled and lay back among her fellow Explorers and friends. “I... I guess it really was a Hearth's Warming miracle,” as they all giggled and stayed close.

Rumble said in a softer tone. “So?”

All looking at him, then at the tangerine Pegasus as she laid her ears back.

“I know more than I ever did before, Rumble, this is what I want to do. You should have seen it. It was messy and scary, but, it felt so right.”

Diamond touched her bedridden friend on the arm.

“You have always been a hero, Scoot, to all of us. Now you know it, too.”

She blushed and tucked her head in, elated that the subject changed, her friends bantering back and forth. She, however, looked outside through the ice-frosted window at the sun in the sky. Now she got it. She finally understood why the Chief did what he did. She would never let him down. She would never let Luna down, or the ponies of Ponyville.

Not ever.

Author's Note

And so a new foal enters the world, on the most special of nights. Aided into the world not by her own tribe, but by ponies of every tribe working together.

54 - Spring is here

Winter wrap up was well over with at this point, and as usual, the first day of spring kicked off with all hooves on deck. Both wagons had been placed outside in the driveway. The younger ten Explorers climbed all over, polishing and cleaning, while the older ten swept and cleaned the station out.

Rescue gave a bit of a huff and glanced around. It was not like Applejack to be late. However, she received the benefit of the doubt. What ever the reason, it was likely a good one. He peeked over his shoulder at the activity once more, before picking up the push broom and beginning to sweep the dust up from the small curb along the driveway.

“Res? Hey, Res! Wake up!”

Kind of lost in his thoughts, he blinked his eyes slowly and looked up as somepony yelled again. He glanced down at the broom in his hoof and back up at the orange mare. She had a smirk, but something was off. She had that look in her eyes which told him she was worrying about something.

“Applejack! What’s up?”

She exhaled, Rescue noticed her ears lower to her head. She never could lie or hide things. Then again, Element of Honesty kind of did that to ponies.

“Ah... ah need to talk to ya, out of earshot of others.”

Pondering a moment, then giving her a nod and a gesture, “We can to talk out by the pond,” as he turned. He looked over his shoulder and called out.

“Shining Star, Pumpkin Cake,” he observed the pegasus and unicorn fillies perk their heads from working on polishing the brass hub of the rescue wagon. He gestured to the broom as he set it down.

“Soon as you are finished there, grab the dustpan and finish up the curb here.”

Turning again, he motioned to Applejack and with her headed back along the crushed gravel path to the rear of the firehouse.

Rescue glanced over at the smaller, golden-colored mare as she stood on the small dock built into the pond. He could see something was off, this wasn’t the Applejack he knew. Lifting a hoof he touched her shoulder.

“What’s going on, AJ?”

She glanced over then lowered her eyes to the dock, her head hung low for a moment. “Ah... ah am havin' a foal.”

Blinking, the big dark-coated stallion pinned back his ears. His head tilted a bit, a little dumbfounded with this sudden news.

“I didn’t know you were seeing anypony. You sure?”

Applejack nodded slowly. “Just got back from the doc’s,” she took a pause and shut her eyes. “It’s… It's Max’s.”

Again, he blinked, keeping quiet with his eyes locked on the mare at his side. He shifted his gaze to look out at the pond once more, observing ripples along the water's surface as a fish caught a small insect and disappeared back into the shallow blue.

Rescue breathed out softly, keeping himself contained. “Does he know?”

She removed her brown stetson, resting on her haunches. Not looking over at him, but out at the water, perhaps even the same exact ripples he was watching.
“Yer... yer the first I have told, Res. Ah,” she went quiet for a moment. “Ah don’t know what ta do. It ain't like we planned this, ah mean I ain't sad about it, just...”

Rescue placed his hoof under her jaw and lifted to close it gently. The big stallion thought it over, remaining quiet as minutes ticked past, before sitting down himself, shifting so his flank was pressed to his smaller friend's body.

“Do you love him?”

There wasn’t a pause, he saw her nod her head out of the corner of his eye.

“Then, tell him. I have known Bull for over fifteen years. If he feels the same, he will not be anything but happy.”

She again paused and then said. “Ah ain’t worried about him, just... Mac, Bloom…”

Turning he cut her off with a soft chuff.

“Bloom will be overjoyed, and you know it. Mac... well, he will be a bit mad at first, only because you and Bull ain’t married, but he will get over it. You are his sister, and Bull is one of his friends.”

He turned to look out at the water again. “I would be more worried about Pinkie and her reaction, you know how she is.”

With that Applejack gave a warmer chuckle of her own, sliding her hat back on top of her head.

“She ain’t as bad as ya make her out. Ah know you and her are friends but she really isn’t as out of control as ya think.”

For one moment, he thought back, to that moment in a hospital when she looked him in the eyes and said she wouldn’t be his friend anymore if he did not set things straight. He shivered slightly, answering back. “So, your call now.”

Applejack gave a soft nod of her head. “Ah think ah need to tell Max first. Ah can do that alone, but telling Mac…”

Rescue shook his head "Do you want me to go with you?"

She thought for a bit then shook her head "Thank you, but no. Yer right, he is my brother an ah got to do it maself"

The large-for-his-tribe dark yellow unicorn stallion ran a hoof through his short-cut blue mane, giving an exhale as he stared back at the apple mare.

“I know we talked about it, Applejack, but... I guess this is time we be serious about it,” his ears laid back. “I will make a honest mare of you, no not because of this but, because…”

She reached up a hoof and closed his mouth gently pressing up on his jaw from under it.

“Sugarcube, ah know how you feel, and ya know how ah feel. So, yes.”

Bull nodded slowly, nervously. “Your brother is going to kill me, right after the Chief does.”

Applejack gave a soft laugh. “Res already knows. Ah needed somepony to talk things out to first,” she then paused. “You ain’t mad ah talked to him first, are ya?”

Bull smiled lightly, something very rare coming from him, and something she knew he did far more around her than others. She watched him as they came to know each other, and knew he only allowed the barriers down around her.

“Nah, the Chief is a good pony. I should have known you would tell him first. So…” he turned to look into the apple pony’s green eyes. “A father and an Apple,” is all he said, before she leaned in and presses her face to his in a nuzzle, his leg hooking around her withers and pulling her into a hug that turned into a slow romantic kiss.

Rescue glanced over at Big Macintosh while the two of them worked to roll up hoses. He cleared his throat some to grab the big red apple stallion's attention.

“You are being unusually quiet, even for you.”

Mac’s jaw set some and he gave a nod. “Eeyup.”

The dark colored draft stallion shook his head. “Your sister talked to you, didn’t she? Before you snap at me, you think real hard about your words. Of course she talked to me, she is one of my best friends and my sponsor.”

Once more the red draft was quiet, before glancing over and giving a nod. “Ah don’t rightly know what to think, Res. Ah get it, she is an adult, but she is still mah little sister, and Bull is a good stallion, but…”

Rescue again shook his head. “Ain’t your call, Mac, it belongs to her and him. Now, am I going to have to keep you and Bull apart?”

Mac’s eyes narrowed, then he shook his head. “Eenope, we had our talk last night. Ah may not be happy, but, he gave his word he was gonna make her a honest mare,” letting out a long, deep breath.

Once more a nod from the large dark stallion. “She goes on light duty, and I am going to try and talk her into dropping down to the Auxiliary.”

Big Mac gave a nod. “Thank you, Res,” as he hefted a roll of hose up and setting it into the rolling storage rack.

“I don’t care, AJ, you are pregnant with a foal. Department rules are clear on this. I can’t have you in a front line team!”

The hoof of the orange mare slammed into the desk, as she and Rescue sat cramped in the tiny space under stairs room that passed for his office.

“Darn yer stubborn plot, Res! Ah ain’t even but a month at most. Ya can’t pull me out of rotation!” A pause came, then she attempted a new tactic. “Mah family counts on that extra money!”

Rescue rolled his eyes. “Sure, pull the other leg. You know damn well that ain’t true, you thick-skulled mare. Besides that, Apple Bloom is going to be sliding into the spot on the roster once she graduates from school. She has already passed all of her written tests!”

Applejack set her jaw and gave a little unpony-like growl.

“So now ah am just a used up ol' nag?”

Rescue gave a snort back. “Rarity is the drama queen, not you,” watching her face shift from angry to almost a laugh being held in just.

“Look, I said I can’t put you in rotation. That doesn’t mean you ain’t on the volunteer squad anymore, it just means I can’t have you in active duty slots or on the teams. However…”

He held up his hoof to cut off the anger returning to her expression.

“It does mean, I can move you over to the auxiliary squad…” he opened up a folder and slid it over to her. “As the adult squad leader for the Explorers program.”

The goldenrod-maned mare flipped through the pages in the folder and peered up. “But, Res, that is yer job. Ya love working with the foals,” her tone was far more surprised and a bit softer now.

Rescue gave a nod. “I won’t be giving it all up, however,” he exhaled and pondered the mare in front of him.

“AJ, I have to tell you something, and you have to hold it as private and secret as anything you have before, at least for another four months.”

She lifted an eyebrow, then went through the hoof motions. “Ah Pinkie Promise.”

Rescue smiled just a bit. “Let’s just go take a walk out back, there are too many ears around here.”

Watching the sun lower in the sky, Applejack looked over at the stoic pony next to her.

“This what ya want?”

Focusing on a small ripple on the pond, a fish snatching another insect from above most likely.

“I... ponyfeathers…” he taking a breath “I just don’t know, AJ. You are the first one I have talked to about this. I can’t even talk to Ailan about it, not for another few months.”

She leaned on her friend's leg and was quiet for some time. It was always like this, over the years she and Rescue had blossomed into friends. She had stood by to advise him, she helped him and he helped her. They always seemed to think out all the words before they spoke. Perhaps that is why she liked the big idiot so much.

“Well fer what it’s worth, ah think it is the right step, for you, and your family. You sure you can’t tell m—”

He grunted. “I can’t, not even a hint. Too much at riding on things right now.”

She rose to her hooves and grabbed her hat out of the grass. Once it was up on her head, she looked at the big stallion.

“Ya know what is right in yer heart. Don’t you go overthinkin' things.”

He just gave a nod and smiled a bit at that.

“As if that is going to stop me.”

Shaking her head she turned and started walking off, but Rescue heard her mutter. “Idiot, just like that husband of yers, and that damn colt you two raised,” of course, there was a calm, friendly tone in her voice.

Author's Note

OK I lied, it is going to be another 4 perhaps as many as 6 more chapters before I wrap up book one.

That said, Book two will start off in canterlot and follow the five colts/fillies who are going to the academy.

55 - Regrets of the past

Diamond warmly smiled as she sat off to the side, observing her friends and loved ones while they ran about. The party was, as typical for a Pinkie Pie party, enormous and jam-packed with fun. In fact, it was the first moment she had alone in a few hours, considering it was her own birthday party. She had turned seventeen, by Equestrian standards, and the law, an adult mare, even if she still had four more months of school.

She glanced over at Pipsqueak, who stood conversing with Silver, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and… Scootaloo. Her ears folded down some as paining memories came back to her—her past, something that had been plaguing her thoughts too much lately. The things she had said to them, to Scootaloo especially. The pony she used to be had treated everyone of them like dirt, or worse. She had said things no pony should say to another.

Turning to look at the distant sunset, then at her surroundings, she slipped out through the back gate. She needed this time to ponder, she needed an ear that would not judge back, she knew who she needed to speak to.

She hoped no one would see her slip out. However, one pair of orchid-colored pupils followed her motion, a frown forming on the muzzle of the pony.

Head dipped as she lay on her belly, legs tucked under her, facing the cold gravestone, a tear ran down her cheek. The moon had risen just minutes prior, not that it mattered much. It was the weekend, no school tomorrow, and she doubted anyone missed her at the party... well, perhaps Pip by now.

“I know they all forgave me, I know you did, too... But, what if I fall again? What if I become my old self again? I mean, Canterlot, you know what it’s like there. I was an evil, uncaring pony Archer, what if I forget?”

She shut her eyes, tears raced down and she sniffled. A few stray notes slipped from her, remembering a heartsong that initiated her change, “There's something jagged in me, and I've made such mistakes I thought that diamonds were hard, though I feel I could break.”

From the shadows, a deep voice came, as a rather tall, dark form emerged. Her head turning at the voice, watching a night-blue alicorn step out of the shadows. They rippled around her, as if made of water.

“Thou carry a heavy weight, little one. A weight we have seen in thy dreams.”

Setting her hoof on the surprised pink filly to keep her from rising up. “May we join you?”

Diamond blinked, then gave a single nod. “O-of course, Princess Luna.”

Slowly lowering herself down to sit as the smaller filly was, on her belly legs tucked under, she turned and looked at the stone, the name, the carved-in badge.

“We had a hard time adjusting to life when we came back, then once again when we came to understand about the department and our words that spawned it.”

She paused, looking at the gravestone once more. “We have never felt such loss as this one,” shifting her gaze to look at Diamond again.

“Diamond Tiara, you have a strength inside you. A drive to do right, to do good. Yet, thou carries the weight of thy past like a stone chained to a yoke around thy neck. We,” she froze. “I too did such.”

Luna closed her eyes. “And yet, all of Ponyville came to my aid—thou included—and taught me, I deserved to be happy, not to punish myself for my past. Thou does not need carry that weight, none of thy friends would ever let thou fall to that old way”

Sniffling and looking away, back to the gravestone. “I-I am so afraid, Princess…”

Luna touched the younger fillies leg gently. “Luna, please. We are not in court, and I think of thou as someone special to me, as I do all of the ones who watch the night with me.”

A little surprised, A light blush on her cheeks as she gave a nod. “Luna, I just am afraid. I said words unforgivable. I said things to Scoots that,” sniffling once more.

In a tiny whisper of a voice, so unlike the strong-and-sure pony most saw. “Luna, I once told her she was useless, good for nothing. That her parents dumped her because she was a flightless blank-flank,” the tears racing down her face harder now.

“She forgave me, even after all that, but, I don’t know how to forgive myself... I don’t want to be my mother!” She sobbed. She felt a wing slip around her form and found herself pressed to the side of the princess of the night, sobbing into her neck.

Luna glanced down at the wailing pink filly, feeling the tears, the sorrow. Allowing Diamond to let it all out, the very contemplation she had kept bottled up for years now. Luna kept her wing over the smaller earth pony, keeping her pulled close. After a time, she heard the sniffling and slowing of the hitching sobs.

“Diamond Tiara, none of us are destined to be like our parents. We are each our own pony, and we all make mistakes. It is however, how you learn from them, that defines who we are. Some, like your mother ignore the lessons, and some.”

Reaching down and using a wing tip to lift the fillies head up, she used her feathers to wipe a few tears away, looking into Diamond’s glassy eyes.

“Some, rise up, find change and become better pony for it, like yourself.”

Again sniffling, using her leg to wipe away snot at her muzzle, Diamond looked up with red-rimmed eyes at the princess.

“How can you be so sure? How can you believe in me when, when I can’t even believe in myself?”

At that, a smile pursed the night princess’ muzzle. All she did was nod behind them with her head turned and said in a soft tone.

“Because you have friends who will stand by you no matter what. A pegasus to shield you from harm, a unicorn to light your way.”

Diamond turned and looked, seeing three best friends standing there. One pegasus, one unicorn, and one bow-wearing earth pony. She whispered very lightly.

“And an earth pony to shoulder my burdens.”

Luna nodded slowly. “You of all ponies know well how true that old saying really is.”

Diamond Tiara turned, and Luna found herself in a strong hug. “T-thank you for reminding me, Saint Luna.”

Luna attempted her hardest to hide the burning blush as she wrapped her hoof around the pink filly. “I will never get use to hearing all of you call me that, but...I am humbled and honored, and will never falter in my watch over my watchers”

Diamond broke the hug and found herself in the center of a Cutie Mark Crusader hug-sandwich. All of the fillies were on the cusp of adulthood now, just months away, in fact. It felt more right to her than things had for a long time.

“L-Luna, how did you know?”

As the lunar diarch rose up she smiled a bit. “I believe Scootaloo is best to explain. I must take leave now, my little pony.”

Walking for the shadow that fell from a nearby apple tree. One planted to forever cast shade over the gravestone. Luna spoke in a softer voice. “Captain, we return to Canterlot.”

All four fillies watched as the shadows again rippled, engulfing the blue alicorn, and then seeming to shrink as if it lost mass, smaller now than it was before.

Apple Bloom muttered. “Ah will never get use ta seein' that,” making note of the other three nodding in agreement.

Turning to Scootaloo, Diamond lifted her eyebrow. The orange filly smiled a bit and knew what the question was without it being voiced.

“I saw you slip out. I knew you were down, so... I kind of followed you, and then I ran back. I had Apple Bloom crank out a letter, and then Sweetie had Spike send it by dragonfire.”

Watching them all nod, Diamond sniffled and grabbed them in a second embrace. “I said it the day I stood up to my mother, and it is as true now as it was then. You are all amazing, I am lucky to have you as friends.”

Hugging back, the three fillies all said in unison. “So are you, Diamond.”

The true test of character, of heart, is the actions one takes in the face of fear and panic.

Words spoken by a stallion she had much respect for. Her teacher, her mentor in the Department, and the one who drove her to realize her dream to become a paramedic. They flashed through her mind as she held her hooves over the rag. That, in turn, pressed to the large wound along the rib cage of the mare she knelt over.

In the distance she could hear the sirens coming. She knew help was on its way, but would it be fast enough? Glancing up at her two friends, she spoke quickly yet clearly.

“Bloom, you just keep holding his leg. Don’t let him move it, no mater what. Sweetie, can you keep that wagon up?”

The white unicorn’s horn glowing bright, the body of a wagon being held in her magics touch, keeping the weight off the mare trapped under it in the wreckage. Allowing her pegasus friend to maintain the pressure on the gaping wound the poor mare suffered.

Her voice strained. “I got it, Scoot!” but said in a quieter tone. “I hope they hurry!”

She looked back over at the earth pony, just checking once more to be sure she was keeping the other victim from trying to move around.

How fast it had happened, one moment they were chatting, walking to school. Then, a terrified scream, then a crash of wood and metal. The three had run around the corner to find a large wagon crushed to the side of a building. A stallion was laying off to the side, and the leg of another pony sticking out from beneath the wreckage.

They did not panic, a response which was trained out of them by years of Explorer training and experience. They snapped into action, in moments already working in tandem to reach the pinned mare. Other ponies stood around in shock. It had taken a good shake by Bloom to get one mare to run off and hit the nearby call box button.

Looking down at the tan mare she was kneeling over, not even sure if she could hear her words. Scootaloo kept up her talking while she held the red-soaked rag to the injury.

“Help is on the way. You just lay here, don’t try to move. You are okay, I won’t leave your side.”

A voice nearby that she knew called out. “Hondo, help Sweetie, keep it steady,” it was Carrot. She spotted the lanky earth pony stallion out of the corner of her eye crawl into the wreckage next to her. She heard his rapid breathing, almost smell his fear, yet he faced it as they all did.

“If I leverage up with my back, is it safe to move her out from under this?”

She shook her head. “No, I can’t tell if she has spinal damage. We need the board and straps before we dare move her. As long as they can hold the weight off her, it’s best to keep her right here.

The stallion nodded, then rose up some, strain plastered all across his face, arching his back and neck into the bulk of the wagons wreckage to help keep the weight stable. He called out, “Can you two move it away?”

A low tone of the mustached stallion next to his daughter came, the effort clear in his voice.

“Too much, all we can do is hold the weight!”

The sirens were close now, winding down as both wagons zipped around the corner.

Sweetie Belle had her eyes closed, an ice pack pressed to her horn and forehead as she laid flat on her stomach. Bracketed in by her father to one side, and Apple Bloom on the other, Scootaloo sat across from them on another long bench in the waiting room. All four looked up at the sound of the doors opening and closing.

Rescue glanced over at the three young fillies. Somewhere in his mind, he took note of the fact they really were not far from adulthood. To be quite frank, Apple Bloom was almost as big as Applejack now, and the other two were not far behind. Walking over to where they rested, he gave a nod to Hondo.

“You three did good. Twinkleworks is going to be okay,” he spoke, sitting down.

“She has a few broken ribs, and she lost some blood, but your quick actions saved her life. I am proud of all three of you.”

Scootaloo looked up, Rescue let his stoic nature drop some, and he offered her a smile.

She smiled back then lay her ears down. “What about the other victim, the stallion? Also, does anyone know what caused it?”

Rescue gave the tangerine pegasus a nod. “Rivet, and yes, he will be just fine. Dislocated hip, a lot of scrapes and bruises but he will be okay.”

He laid his ears back, then lifted them again. "Best as anypony can figure right now. His wagon's brake failed. He tried to stop it, but it dragged him with it. Twinkleworks was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Now he turned his head to look at the father and daughter team. “You two did good work. You kept the bulk of the weight off the victim and gave Scoot room to work.”

Hondo looked over at the filly at his side, a thought traveled through his mind. When did she get to be so big? When did she grow up and stop being his little foal?

“Sweetie did most the work, Chief. I couldn’t be prouder than I am right now,” he said, giving his daughter a nuzzle.

Apple Bloom smiled some at that, then said. “Chief, y’all are gonna have t'write us an excuse note fer being late for school.”

He smiled a bit more at that. “That shouldn’t be a problem, Bo, your sister is already heading over there to talk to the office staff and your teachers.”

She smiled slightly at the nickname, sparing a moments thought about it. It had come from someone calling her ‘bow’ because of the ribbon she wore day in and day out in her mane. That then got shortened to Bo, and so it stuck.

Turning his head back to look at the pegasus filly, the big stallion leaned down some. “You were first responder, first on scene, I expect you to write it all up.”

Scootaloo looked back up with wide eyes. “I... I have never done an incident report on my own before.”

Rescue rested his hoof on her leg. “I know, I will help, but it’s high time you have your name to your first one... EMT Scootaloo.”

Her jaw dropped open, as the other two fillies gave a shocked look over.

“What?”

He gave a soft chuckle. “I got the report last night, you passed the written test with a ninety nine percent, and you passed the practical with one-hundred percent. As of this morning, you are the first certified Emergency Medical Technician the Ponyville Explorers have produced.”

Rescue suddenly found himself in a bone-and-lung crushing hug around his neck. He gave a smile at that, sure it might be a bit out of the norm for a professional setting but, she had earned it.

“I suspect Pinkie is already planning a party, you know how she gets. I will let you tell your mother and father before the official announcement goes out.”

All any of them heard was a choked up whisper from the purple-maned pegasus.

“I won’t let you down, Chief.”

Once again, he broke his norm, hooking his leg around her to return the hug. “I know you won’t, none of you could ever do that, Scootaloo.”

Author's Note

The accident idea was given to me by Stinger and what he faced in a RL first responder event. I of course had to modify it to fit in the pony world, and the story confines.

56 - Looking to the future

Flames licked around the open edges of the stone building's doorway. The crackle of wood, a few old sofas, the stench of burning in the air, and the thick black plume of toxic fumes rolling skywards. The building doing exactly as it had been designed to do, provide a controlled place to practice fighting fires, one where the station could teach proper tactics.

“Now, keep your spray low. Don’t worry about the door frame, you are looking to push the burn back. Give yourself room to breach, Lily. As backup, you keep your eye fixed on the frame and sides. Pound, watch left as Pip pushes in. Pumpkin, you watch right and make sure the hose doesn’t kink behind you.”

Rescue observed as the four young Explorers worked the two-and-a-half-inch hose. All four in full turnouts, the younger two at the rear in hand-me-downs, but both Pipsqueak and Lily in brand new coats made especially for them, breaking in their new protection so they would not show up to the Academy with the horrid smell of newbies.

“Pip, narrow your spray a bit. Lily, dig in some, make sure you are giving Pip enough hose to move but still taking up most of the weight.”

Guiding the four as they practiced, he kept a watchful eye on them. Glancing over his shoulder, he took note of Kevin on the pump controls, with little Cream Puff paying rapt attention to the mute changeling's every gesture. He peered back to his fire team again, then frowning some. “Pound, wings in!”

He gave a little snort as the pegasus colt tugged them in again. “Good,” he commented.

Leaning on the wall of the showers, Pipsqueak exhaled and looked over at Pound Cake, the pegasus under his own showerhead, looking worn out.

“You two did good out there,” he paused and reached up, shutting off the valves, turning to shake himself off some.

“Pound, how come you and Pumpkin joined up? Like, what made you two want to become Explorers?”

The twins looked at each other, and pretty typical for them, they spoke together. “Dad is one, and we figured it was only right to keep the tradition going.”

Pound continued alone as his sister rinsed out the soap from her mane. “We grew up watching Dad rush off to help others when the call went out. We remember how tired he looked coming back, but how proud Mom was of him. So, when we came of age to join the Explorers, well...”

His sister looked over at her brother and gave a nod, finishing his thought. “We wanted to do that too, to step up and help other ponies.”

Lily shut off her own shower stall and shook off, grabbing a towel to dry her mane in her hoof. “Ponyville is like that, isn’t it?” the pink draft mare gave a nod. She was taller than almost every stallion in town now, bulkier, pound for pound one of the overall larger mares in Equestria.

They nodded back in unison and started to dry off and clean up the showers. A voice from the locker room spoke out as the four Explorers worked.

“Smash,” it was Bull’s voice, she turned to look at the doorway between showers and the locker room. She did blush and smile slightly at the nickname given to her the night of the Firefighter's Ball by the Hot Shots, when they were made honorary members of the crazy group of firefighters.

“Cap?”

Bull gave a bit of a nod and held up a envelope. “Chit approved, go over and get fitted for a pull harness. You are going to need it,” he gave a slight smile, unusual for his rock-hard self, much like the Chief. Bull kept his emotions to himself most the time.

“Chief wants you ready to pull wheel, get in some practice before you leave to the Academy.”

She let off a half-gasping squeaking noise in surprise. “Y-yes, sir!”

Wheel, the Chief wanted her to pull wheel! Watching the Captain walk away again, she was lost in thought for a moment, towel still hanging across her back, her thoughts broken by three other voices around her.

“Yeah!” Pound exclaimed while bumping her leg, she looked over and down at the colt.

Blushing a touch, no matter how much she had grown both physically and socially. She was still that shy filly from so long ago deep inside. Turning to look to her right she saw pip walk over closer and hold up his hoof.

“Congrats, Smash, you deserve it. First filly to pull wheel from Ponyville!”

Bumping his hoof with hers, she tucked her ears down and said in a softer voice. “It’s more than that, Pip, I will be only the third mare in the history of the Department big and strong enough to pull wheel. It's not like there are many draft fillies around.”

Pumpkin bumped the big pink filly’s side with her head. “Just means you have to show the stupid colts what a mare can do. Filly power!”

She began to laugh as the two colts rolled their eyes in amusement.

Senior prom, just two months more and school was over for them. Ailan leaned on the doorway of the bathroom watching his son comb out his mane. He closed his eyes, exhaling slowly as he let himself feel. Like a bright spot in his mind, he could feel his husband. The big stallion was striding home from the store, a few blocks away still.

“Dad?”

Blinking, he looked over at Pip. No longer did he look down at his little colt, rather they looked eye to eye, if anything Ailan had to look up a tiny bit.

“Sorry, I was just thinking, wondered where your father was.”

Pip smiled a bit. “Is it still strange?”

The pegasus gave a little nod. “Sometimes, but not in a bad way of any sort. It’s like, a warmth inside me. If I focus real hard, I can feel him as if he was standing right here with me even when he is far away.”

The paint colt gave a snort as he nodded his head. Looking back to the mirror “Dad, I... I am going to ask Mr. Rich for permission tonight.”

Tilting his head some, the golden stallion lifted an eyebrow, fluffing his wings and letting them settle back to his sides.

“You two are still so young.”

Giving a nod, the paint colt looked back over at him. “I know, but... Dad, I love her. It hurts when I watch her walk home, when I am away from her.”

Pip breathed out slowly as he set the brush down, looking at his father through the mirror once more.

“Am... I doing the right thing, dad?”

For a moment Ailan was quiet, then he gave a little nod. “If your heart says it’s right, son, then yes. I don’t think anypony can deny you two love each other.”

Hearing the front door open, Pip lifted his ears some then turned, glancing at his pegasus father. “Thank you, for... well, for everything.”

Ailan just shook his head and touched noses with the once-small paint pony. “I could not be more proud of you, Pip. No matter what you do in life, your father and I love you and are proud of you.”

Exhaling again, long and slow, Pip gave a nod back. “I guess I should tell father.”

Walking up behind Ailan in the doorway of the bathroom, the big brown stallion lifted an eyebrow. “Tell me what?”

“Ah, good evening, master Pipsqueak. Please, come on in. Master Rich is in the study and Miss Tiara will be down in a bit,” the old, graying purple earth pony gave a soft smile.

“Thank you, Mr. Randolph, sir, could...” Pip paused and then continued. “Could you... stall her? I need to speak to Mr. Rich.”

Randolph lifted a bushy eyebrow, then an understanding came across his wrinkled face. The smile that showed for a moment on the age wise face was genuine.

“Good luck, master Pip,” speaking in a far softer tone.

The paint gave a nod back then turned and walked down the short hall to the door of the study. Walking in, he heard Randolph softly close the pocket door behind him. Looking around, he noticed Mr. Rich sitting at his desk, the stallion glancing up. A warm and kind smile crossed the elder pony’s face.

Filthy examined the young stallion thoroughly, the cut of the tux he wore, the corsage in a see-through box on his back balanced with care. The badge neatly tucked into his shirt, even the little pin on his right lapel, a parachute-with-axe-and-ladder crossed, looking every bit the gentlecolt he met so long ago, but now a grown stallion. However, there was something in the boy’s stance, a slight touch of... could it be fear in his eyes?

“Pip, please, come sit,” Filthy paused, frowning slightly. “Is something wrong?”

The paint walked over, sitting down as he exhaled long and slow. Silent for a time before he spoke.

“I... I want to, I mean... Diamond and I have known each other a long time, I mean like a long time. I really care for her a lot, Mr. Rich. I want the best for her, and I…”

Filthy tilted his head, then the light of understanding twinkled in his pupils. He slid out of his chair and strode around the desk, silencing the young stallion with a hoof to his leg. He looked Pip directly in the eyes now.

“Let me tell you something, Pip,” he took a breath. “I have long feared this day, and yet looked forward to it. You and my Diamond are a team, both in life, and in the heart,” keeping his eyes on the younger's.

“Swear to me you will never treat her as anything but the precious stone she is.”

Pip lifted his right hoof up and gestured it across his chest to cover his heart. “Mr. Rich, I would sooner throw myself off a cliff than ever hurt Diamond. I love her more than life, more than I have words for.”

A moment more looking the young paint in the eyes, then Filthy patted his leg again and turned, walking back around the desk to sit, he sniffled and brought out a hanky from his pocket, dabbing at his eyes some.

“Pip, I long ago began to think of you as a son. I would be proud to see you and Diamond join our two houses. The answer is, yes, you have my blessing.”

Exhaling very slowly Pip gave a soft nod. “I won’t ever let her break, Mr. Rich.”

A soft smile on the elder's face. “Pip, so much like your fathers. I don’t think you even know how to fail somepony,” another pause came before he added. “Pip…”

The paint turned, halfway to the door and looked back. “Sir?”

A tiny hint of worry came to Filthy’s face. “Just... make sure you always come home to her, okay? I don’t think I could stand to see her heart break if ever a day comes you... don’t. ”

Pip gave a solid nod of his head. “I will do my best, sir,” before he opened the pocket door and walked out to wait for his date.

57 - Prom and Questions

Pipsqueak stood in the entrance hall, his back to the stairs as he conversed with Randolph.

“You will do just fine, master Pipsqueak, I am quite sure of that.”

Before the paint pony could respond, he noted the old butler gesture. Turning his head, his eyes grew wide as saucers. Standing at the top of the stairs had to be a goddess!

A flowing silver dress graced the pink earth pony, its form hugging hers yet still granting ease for her to move. Pipsqueak spotted hints of stockings beneath the train of the dress that hung down just inches from the floor, and her mane done to flow off the side of her head and neck.

Sure, she had looked great on their first date, then the night of the Gala, and again for the various times they attended the Firefighter's Ball together. Tonight, however, was beyond all that. Tonight, he had no words, no thoughts. His brain froze up at the sight before him, as she looked back with a little concern on her face. She was always like that, he knew, and always worried what he thought of her.

Pip suddenly realized he had forgotten how to breathe, as it was Randolph who poked him in the side, bringing him back into reality to take a deep breath as the old butler whispered. ”Breathe, and greet your mare, master Pip,” in his ear.

“W-wow,” was all he could mumble.

This was enough to bring a red blush to the pink mare as she walked down the stairs, looking into Pip’s eyes with a shy smile.

“You look handsome tonight, Pip.”

Again, it took him a few blinks to process. They had been dating and seeing each other now for nearly a decade—seven years to be more precise—and yet she could still take his breath away just by flashing him a smile.

“I…” a pause followed, then he whispered, but Diamond heard it quite clear, and her blush grew brighter even as her eyes widened.

“I think I have a new favorite princess. Luna, forgive me.”

A throat cleared, and both earth ponies turned to glance at Filthy and the rest of the staff. Everypony had cameras, even Mrs. Twinkleworks, despite the cast on her rear left leg from the accident, stood there.

Pip stepped forward some so he was next to Diamond and turned his head, plucking the corsage off his back and looking at her. She reached up with a hoof and took it.

“I got one that—”

She had set the small box down, then used her hoof to lightly press to his lips. A smile on her muzzle, and a look of pure love in her eyes as she whispered.

“You talk too much, Pip,” then rested her hoof down again, she continued. “C-could you help me put it in my mane?”

Ignoring the older ponies all snapping what must be hundreds of pictures, Pip focused on opening the clear plastic box and taking out the pink-edged white orchid, its edges surrounded by silver baby's breath. He gently worked the little ribbon that hung from it into his date's mane, just in front of her left ear, whispering as he worked to secure the corsage.

“I-I love you, Diamond,” his heart beating faster while he spoke. It was not something he said out loud in front of the staff and Mr. Rich often.

With a smile that could have melted the heart of a windigo, the mare of his dreams whispered back. “I love you too, Pip.”

Pictures, so many pictures, despite the fact the staff members and Mr. Rich were all misty eyed by now.

Stepping out first, Pipsqueak trotted around the carriage he rented and opened the door to help Diamond Tiara step down, looking over to the stallion pulling it.

“Thank you, kind sir.”

The tuxedo-wearing stallion, one they both knew pretty well, considering Jim had been on the volunteer squad since its inception.

“Yous two have a fun night,” as he trotted off to pick up his next appointment and bring them to the prom.

Both earth ponies peered up as they heard the rush of air. A chariot came down and landed as smooth as can be, coming to a halt off to their side.

Two pegasi pulling the chariot were well known in Ponyville, and now, all of Equestria. Soarin and Rainbow Dash, both decked out in dress Wonderbolt uniforms. From the back, Rumble stepped down, offering his hoof to a brightly-blushing Scootaloo.

The small-winged mare took the hoof and eased down. The dress she wore hinted at the one worn so many years ago at the wedding of Cadence and Shining Armor. Its pink flowed long across her flanks and down to the ground, edged in purple-and-pink fabric flowers, and it complemented her form but left her wings free.

She looked up slowly. “Thank you, Rumble, and... thanks Mom, Dad.”

Both Wonderbolts smiled warmly, Rainbow speaking in a lite tone. “Enjoy yourselves,” as the two took back off, chariot in tow.

Rumble escorted his blushing date over to where Diamond and Pip stood. He glanced at the pink mare and smiled.

“You look very pretty tonight, Di.”

Pip smirked at that and looked to Scootaloo, the paint pony dipped his head. “May I add, Scoot, you look radiant,” recalling words to use that a certain fashionista taught him many years ago.

Both colts gave a knowing wink to each other, before turning to look. Up the road came a larger fiacre pulled by Big Mac. The red apple stallion had donned a coat with tails and a top hat as he brought the carriage to a stop. Three sets of ponies sat in the back, one made to open the small door. Leaping down, Spike turned and tugged the step stool out of its place in the side of the wagon and set it on the ground. The Tux wearing drake then offered up his right claw, helping down his fiance.

Sweetie Belle stepped down, wearing what was clearly one of Rarity’s hoof-made dresses. This one a lighter pink than Scootaloo’s, trimmed with purple frill just like her pegasus best friends. However the roses stitched to this one each had a small green center that matched her iris color perfectly. Moving with her soon to be to stand aside.

Next to step down was a sight few of them had seen before. Silver Spoon wore a dark black tux, much like the stallions did, her silver-and-grey hair not done up in her typical braid but combed out and brushed to lay across her neck like many stallion styles did. She turned and offered up her hoof, helping the last of the Cutie Mark Crusaders down.

Apple Bloom’s dress, like the two other Crusaders, bore a striking resemblance. Pink with purple trim, cut in a far more traditional western-country style, her bow one with a matching purple edge trim to it. However, what differed were the fabric flowers. Each was a daisy rather than a rose, and each had a center of a soft orange like her iris color.

Rumble chuckled some. “Dude, we just got upstaged by Silver Spoon!” the drake and paint pony both gave a nod as the mares all observed the last of them walk over and join the group.

Glancing back to the wagon, the group watched the fifth couple step out. A light olive-green stallion in a matching black tuxedo, as the rest had on, stepped down. Carrot looked up, smiling as he offered his his hoof to his much bigger date.

To say there was much of a surprise among them all would be a understatement, for none of them had ever seen Lily in anything but her uniform, or nothing at all like most ponies did. Stepping down from the carriage, the sizable draft mare shyly smiled.

Her long flowing dress done in a patterned layer of light-to-dark-purple that shimmered softly in the moonlight, trimmed with a blue that matched her deep eyes. The most striking feature of all had been the soft hints of silver worked into it, stars just hinted at, that shimmered as she moved. The usually-rough-and-tumble mare’s mane brushed out and styled.

To say all the stallions and lone dragon had to take a pause was another understatement in itself. Diamond spoke up first, glancing at the taller mare next to the smaller olive stallion.

“Wow, Lily, you look...” pausing. “Amazing, you are so beautiful!” the other girls, including Silver, nodding in agreement.

Blushing that much harder, the draft mare tucked her head some and spoke in her soft way. “T-thank you, Diamond, you look great, too. You all do.”

Five couples looked back and forth before a few laughed and a lot of smiles were shared.

Silver Spoon turned and looked at the dapper-dressed big apple stallion. She smiled a bit “Thank you for giving us a ride, Big Mac,” she leaned way up, smooching his cheek softly.

He just gave a nod, with a light blush showing on his cheeks. “Eeyup, now you youngin's mind yer manners now, and have ah good night,” then he lowered his tone just a bit and said to Silver. “An, if'ns you get to drinking even a bit, you have somepony fetch me. Ah won’t be mad, ah will take all of ya home safe, okay?”

She nodded and a smiled, then turned as he headed off, walking back over to her date, she glanced at everypony else who had all heard the proud draft stallion's words. A nod was given by each in turn.

“Can you believe it, two months more of school and then, we ship off to the Academy,” Scootaloo added, voice softer than usual.

Pip smiled. “Come on guys, let's go inside. This is our prom,” as he hooked his front leg to lead Diamond inside.

Glancing at the clock, Pip smiled softly, relaxed, and looked back out at the ponies on the dance floor, taking note of some of the couples out on it. Over to one side, he spotted Spike grabbing two glasses of punch, It was hard to miss Lily and Carrot. The big draft filly and smaller earth pony stallion surrounded by a large group of their classmates.

The vote for King and Queen of the Senior Prom had been almost unanimous in their favor. They deserved it, too, they were far too humble, and had been behind almost every charity and fund drive the school had held for the last four years. Pip smiled at that, watching his friends get the accolades they deserved.

“They really do fit together, don’t they?” Diamond asked in a soft tone.

Turning to look at his date, his fillyfriend, his heart, Pip found himself nodding. “They do. I think of all our friends, they are about as perfect a couple as you can get.”

Pipsqueak pondered some, then he gave a smirk. “Like Mr. and Mrs. Cake, they just kind of... fit.”

Diamond gave a nod of her head at that.

“Di, will you take a walk with me? I want to show you something. It’s not far, just, please... I want to share this with you.”

She lifted her ears, looking at the colt she had fallen in love with for a long moment, then nodded. “All right, Pip, lead the way.”

Outside, along the path and away from the gymnasium, out through the fence and down the street. There was hurry to their walk. Both looked up and admired the brightly-twinkling stars and shining moon in the sky, despite the light from the gaslamps they walked past, up to a little picket white fence, the paint colt opened the gate.

“Why are we at the elementary school?”

Pip shook his head saying nothing as he walked in after her, he guided her over near the stairs to the little red buildings door. Both glancing at the now well-used and aged, but cared-for playground equipment. So much had changed on this very spot for Diamond, and for Pip. Turning her head to look at him, she saw he had a rather odd look on his face. He laid his ears back and spoke.

“Nine years ago,” he paused as both heard the clock on town hall start to strike midnight.

“On this very spot, strangely enough, on this very day,” letting the chimes ring out until they ceased, turning back to look at the confused pink earth pony.

“You changed, Diamond, and with that change, you showed me kindness, care. You spoke some words to me that day. You said to me, I think everything will work out just fine.”

She was blushing now, and he could see it in her cheeks, in her ears. “Pip, I... I can’t believe you remember that.”

He continued. “Diamond, since that day you have been a rock for everyone. You have helped lead all our friends on to bigger and better things. You... you helped me most. You stood at my side and never let me fall even when I was recovering from my burns. I came to understand something since that day, Di, I am not complete without you.”

She turned her head away, embarrassed. When she looked back, she sucked in a deep breath. Pip was kneeling down, and in his hoof sat a small blue box. She found herself locked eye-to-eye with the stallion.

“Diamond Tiara, I have already asked your father for permission. Now, I ask you. Will you marry me?”

She let out a very real whimper, all she could do was nod her head yes, her brain going a million miles an hour, but not one thought transitioning to words to be spoken. She watched as he opened up the box. Inside was a thin, thin golden chain, with a small medallion on it. His cutie mark, with a small diamond set in the center. She just blinked and whispered.

“O-oh... oh, Pip... Y-y... yes!”

His smile grew wide as he stood and drew the chain out, slowly putting it around her neck as he hugged her, and clasped it behind her neck.

She clung to him in a hug, tight as she dared, feeling him return the crushing embrace. Both of their ears perked as hooves started to pound the ground and clap together. A few hoots, a few ‘yeah!’ from their left. Turning, both still holding each other, to see the whole class there.

Everypony was stomping on the ground, other than Spike, who was clapping his claws. Tears were in not a few eyes, including Silver Spoon who had one leg around a softly sobbing Apple Bloom. Everypony in the group with a wide smile, as if they had all expected this for a long time now.

Rumble gave a grin. “About darn time, Squeaker.”

Pip fired back with a bright grin on his muzzle. “Shut up, Rumdumb.”

Pip was the only one to hear the happy tone in Diamond’s voice as she whispered very quietly, rolling her eyes with a grin. “Idiots.”

Author's Note

Can you believe it, next chapter is it, the book is over.

58 - Graduation

Rescue sighed heavily as he watched the paint pony rush past again, racing from his bedroom to the bathroom.

“Pip, quit running in the house.”

The colt peeked back out, bending his neck around the door frame. “Dad, I am going to be late!”

Ailan trotted in from the kitchen, two mugs of coffee balanced on his wing. He slid one off into Rescue’s waiting hoof. “Pip, you have three hours before you even have to be there. It’s not like they are going to fail you if you don’t show up for graduation. Like your father said, relax.”

Pipsqueak gave a little frustrated nicker. “Fine,” going back to combing out his mane. “Thank you both again for letting us hold the after graduation party here,” he paused. “And thank you for having Pinkie tone it down.”

The bigger stallion smiled and leaned his head over on his mate’s neck. “You are welcome, son. You would think after all the years here, I wouldn’t have to tell that mare to calm down, especially with her condition.”

Pip looked back out again. “Condition?”

Ailan smacked his husband in the back of the head with a wing. “Good going, Res.”

Rescue glanced back at Ailan and snorted, then turned his head toward the bathroom.

“This stays here and with you, because Pinkie wants to tell everypony after tonight so it doesn’t overshadow the ceremony. However, she and Cheese Sandwich will be having a foal.”

Pip let out a laugh. “Cool—oh... but, how does that work with Cheese on the road so much?”

Ailan answered softly. “As they always have, I suspect, they make it work.”

Diamond stood beside Silver as they stared out at the packed amphitheater, standing from where all the soon-to-be graduates prepared for the ceremony. She donned on her black gown, just as everypony else had.

“Look, there is my mom and dad with your dad,” Silver smiled warmly.

Diamond glanced to her childhood friend, smiling. Of all her friends, Silver had forgiven her past actions by far the most, tilting her head some before responding.

“Silver, we never really talked about it directly, but… Are you upset that I am leaving to go to Canterlot for a while, to the Academy?”

The silver mare lifted an eyebrow, turning to her best friend. “Why would I be upset?”

“Diamond, you are chasing a dream! You are going to learn how to help other ponies. I couldn’t be more proud to call you my best friend.”

A smile came to the pink mare’s face, she lowered her head some.

“I don’t say it enough, Silver, but, I love you. You are like a sister to me. I-I want you to be my best mare."

Silver didn’t bother to look shocked, though, she did blush and nod in response. “Of course, Di, I would be honored. You know, when you and Pip first started dating, it was a rather huge shock.”

She paused, glancing over her shoulder at where Pipsqueak stood, conversing with Rumble and a few others. Silver turned back to look at Diamond once more.

“But, you two just fit together. I can’t picture you or him without the other at their side.”

Blushing hard, Diamond Tiara lowered her voice and spoke in a very quiet tone. “Pip’s fathers are leaving for Canterlot after the graduation.”

Silver blinked and looked over. “They won’t be there for the after party?”

Biting her lip, she shook her head. “They won’t be back until Sunday, and my father is going with them.”

Again, the grey filly looked over at the boys then her head snapped back to look at her best friend.

“Are you...”

Diamond just gave a soft, blushing nod.

Silver's eyes shot wide. “No way! Um, did you…”

The pink pony blinked then her eyes lit up with understanding, and she gave a nod. “Sweetie helped?" Again, Diamond nodded.

Both girls leaned in and started to whisper and nudge each other while giggling. Apple Bloom looked over and then groaned, turning her head to look at the paint pony.

“They are doin' it again.”

Pipsqueak peered over at where the two fillies talked, and eventually back to the one next to him.

“I said it the first night we saw you two, and I say it again now. I don’t like this," but he had a soft grin on his muzzle.

“Relax, Squeaker, what could go wrong? I don’t see any tree sap about—Ouch!” Rumble rubbed his shoulder with a hoof and looked to his side.

Scootaloo lowered her hoof, having slugged the other pegasus lightly. “Don’t be a jerk, Rumdumb,” then, before he could say a thing, leaned over and gave him a soft kiss on the lips.

Lily gave a chuckle, seeing the goofy grin Rumble grew that cut off any retort from the pegasus.

“Does he always do that when you kiss him?” the huge draft filly said.

The orange filly glanced over and up at her friend. “You should see him when I snogg the life out of him.”

Thankfully, the pegasus' gowns had cutouts for wings, as Rumbles wings snapped out and up, the left one smacking Carrot Crunch on the side of the head.

“Ouch, hey! Watch where you point them things!”

Everypony around laughed, poor Rumble blushing instead as the orange filly once more gave him a soft nuzzle and a kiss. This time to the side of his muzzle not on the lips.

“I love you, even as goofy as you are.”

Up on the stage, at the podium, Principle Top Marks looked out at the sea of ponies. All colors, all tribes, even a few other species in the mixture. Then, he looked back down at the square of black robes and flat hats, framing eager eyes.

Seventy-two ponies about to start into adult life. How many graduations had he presided over? Well in truth he knew, this was his Eighteenth one and he could remember almost every young face and name he had helped usher into the adult world.

“Thank you all for being here. I look out on all of you and I see the future. I see scientists and explorers. I see teachers and farm workers. I see salesponies, and I see firefighters.”

He took a pause and a breath.

“Today, each of you have earned the right to walk across this stage. To shake my hoof and the hoof of a few of your teachers. To go from being a student, where your worries came in the form of book reports and math tests.”

A smile crossed the old blue unicorn’s muzzle.

“To the worries of the future. It is daunting and unknown, perhaps even terrifying to some of you. I say, do not fret, for each of you have in you a light, a drive. Some of you drive others to insanity with your stunts, true.”

Laughter came from everypony, most of all from the two he looked at as he said that, the lanky tall golden-colored unicorn and the chubby shorter blue unicorn. He waited for the laughter to die out.

“However, each and every one of you, are right where you should be. Now, if you would all give a hoof to our guest speaker. We have kept who it is secret from all, please give a round of applause to, Mrs. Cheerilee Apple.”

Stepping aside as the purple mare trotted out from the side stage where curtains had been up. Everypony clapping and stomping hooves.

She took her place at the podium, then looking over at the unicorn who had announced her. Everypony was giving her a standing ovation. However about a third of the graduating class put their all into it.

“Thank you, Principal Mark, and thank you all. I am here today to set a milestone in my career as a teacher, and for twenty-two of the students graduating today."
She looked down, locking eyes with many of the graduates in turn.

“Each of you were my first students. I watched you grow from my first year as a teacher. I strived my best to give you a good start, and today, I stand here one of the most proud mares in Equestria.”

She was cut off by a sound from the curtain. “Mmooommmyyyyy!”

Hearing the cry, many in the audience laughed, as she turned and looked. With a sigh, she gestured. “Okay, come on,” shaking her head as a little filly came running out and just about wiped out as she looked at the crowd and the sound of everypony’s adoration.

Her legs came to a stop, but too young to understand forward motion does not stop with the legs, catching her just as the light brown foal started her fall. She gently lay the filly across her back, the foal's eyes focused out on the crowd, ears lifting out of her bright red mane. Doing her best to hide behind Cheerilee’s neck, face pressed into her mother’s mane.

Cheerilee back to the crowd. “Now, pardon me for that,” looking back down at the graduates. “Each of you will go on to do great things. The bonds of friendship and love tie each and every one of you together. Now, if you will all put your hooves and claws together for this years valedictorian.”

Eyes looking down once more at the front row with pride on her face. “Silver Spoon.”

Silver stood and trotted up the steps onto the stage, a little stack of note cards in her mouth, setting them on the podium she hugged the teacher and whispered to her. Seeing the bright smile and the nod, before she left the earth pony to face the crowded amphitheater.

“Thank you all for venturing out to see this, to giving your time to hear the long, boring speeches, before we get to the good part.”

Laughter emanated from quite a few at her joke, letting things calm again. She looked at her cards, then shook her head and stacked them again, looking back up.

“I had a long speech about the future, how friendship will help us all, but I only have one thing to ask of all of you.“

Reaching up she removed her glasses and let them hang on the little chain around her neck.

“We, seventy-two, should be seventy-three. We are missing one, one we lost many years ago.”

Many ears lowered, most here knew who the now-somber mare spoke of.

“As such, the graduating class has a gift to give. One that was hard for all of us, but first. Please, if you could all bow your necks in a moment of silence for our lost classmate, Archer.”

A moment of silence, it seemed even the birds observed this moment. Then she lifted her head and said in a soft tone.

“Will her parents please come to the stage along with Chief Sunstreak?” she paused. “Yellow Tip, you too.”

All but the students looked bewildered, as they had kept it from everypony even the Principle. Trotting down a aisle, came the huge dark brown draft stallion, followed by a pegasus mare and stallion.

At Rescue’s side a small pegasus filly in an Explorer's uniform trotted with her head up. All stepping up on stage, Silver reached under the podium and pulled out what appeared to be a plaque, handing it to Rescue who took it from her and turned looking down at the two parents and their remaining daughter.

“The graduating class wanted to do something special, something to remember their friend. With their help—” he held out the plaque “—and money, time, and energy. They petitioned command, went to many meetings, even stood before Princess Luna in night court to make this happen,” pausing to nod out at the whole class before looking back at the family.

“The Equestria Fire Department is proud to announce. Ponyville Fire Station One, is now named in the official roles as the Archer Memorial Station.”

The mare taking the item could not hold back the tears that welled up, her small daughter pressing to her father's leg as he began to sniffle.

“As well, I have a gift for the graduating class. One that may mean a bit more to ten of you than anypony else,” he continued, glancing over at silver then out at the crowd once more before turning to the parents and yellow tip.

“Archer's name and badge number are to be added officially to the roll of fallen. Her name and number will be placed on the wall of remembrance in Canterlot, the Firefighter Memorial in Manehattan, and on the memorial plaque at every station from coast to coast.”

Along with the tears of sorrow and joy shed by a mare who hugged the huge stallion tightly, others in the crowd weeped along with them. The stomping started light, then folded into the whole amphitheater.

The house was packed, as was the back yard. Pipsqueak had asked everypony simply just to try not to destroy the place. Glancing out into the back yard, he spotted Grailda, the one griffon in the class being very chummy with a drunken Snips, shaking his head in amusement at that.

“What?” the pink mare who walked up on his left asked.

Pip gestured to the odd couple. “You would think with how they were the last four years. Playing pranks on each other, the fights,” he smirked. “They would have figured it out by now.”

Diamond just shook her head and yelled out the open door. “Get a room, you two!”

Laughter followed, the griffon and pony among them as the two blushed a bit.

Diamond turned back to the paint pony. “Pip,” then around, ensuring they were alone. She leaned up and nuzzled his cheek. With a blush that was hot red under her pink fur, she said softly.

“I... I was planning on staying the night."

Pip blinked, then blinked again, and again. His ears up, but mind still trying to process things. She looked worried, had she broken him?

“Pip?”

He shook his head then gave a shy, timid smile, lowering his head a bit. “Di, a-are you saying—I mean are you sure? I—n-not that I don’t want to. Just I mean we—”

A hoof covered Pip's muzzle and Diamond shook her head. “You talk too much,” lowering her hoof once more. “Yes, I am sure.”

The two pressed sides together and watched their classmates party and celebrate for a bit. Silent, and happy to just observe as a couple.

Pip heard the door close, looking up as the sound of the click came. Turning, caught mid-tug on his tie to undo the knot. He stared at the pink mare, seeing her blush hard.

Diamond stood there in his room, lace stockings up her back legs, a matching lace saddle, her hair down from the bun as it was for graduation. She looked frightened, unsure, yet her eyes sparkled with her feelings for the slightly-taller paint stallion.

He didn’t speak, just moved over to face her, and lowered his muzzle. Pressing into a kiss, pouring every bit of himself into the moment. To show her just how he felt about her, and this moment. One hoof reaching up to click the light off.

Author's Note

WOW... over a year in the making. A story that has evolved from a simple idea into this. Book one, is done, and I thank each and every one of you who read, contribute, edit, and/or follow it.

Book two is in the works, The title will be "PVFD: A new generation" and all your favorites will be back including Rescue and his husband Ailan. Will Pip and Diamond make it in the academy? Will Rescue ever get a sense of humor? Will Rumble ever grow up?

Stay tuned to find out.

1 - Ponyville (Edited)

Rescue sat down on his haunches looking up at the night sky. It was nice here in Ponyville, he could see the stars above. He exhaled slowly, this would be his new town. That this was his chance at redemption, a fresh start after all the strangeness and tragedy.

He took the time as he sat there on the small hill. Watching the moon rise, he dipped his head and did as he has for almost 20 years now. He said a quiet prayer to Luna, as his hoof lifted to grip the small medallion that hung around his neck from a thin silver chain. Just a simple thing, etched with the very same shape and symbol that adorned the night princess’s flank. Almost every firepony and most the firebirdy he knew had one also. It was not really talked about outside the ranks of the EFD, but it was tradition. Lifting his head as he clutched the medallion in his hoof, he looked at the moon.

“When I am called to duty, Luna,
wherever flames may rage,
give me strength to save a life,
whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little foal
before it is too late,
or save an older pony from
the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert,
and hear the weakest shout,
quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling,
to give the best in me,
to guard my friend and neighbor,
and protect his property.
And if according to Your will
I must answer death's call,
bless with your protecting hoof,
my family one and all.”

Bowing his head now, eyes closing he added in softly. “You have given this stallion a second chance to right what was wrong and redeem himself. For that Saint Luna, I have but one thing to offer. I gladly offer my oath on the moon itself that my life will be spent upholding the firepony values. I will lay my life down to keep any foal from having to lose their family as I did,” his hoof sliding from the little metal he looks back down at Ponyville.

Just six months ago he would already be well into his second bottle of booze. The liquid the only thing that kept the nightmares of that night away. Just thinking about that night would have sent him into sobs of grief and into the bottle. He had spent his whole life in it, running from the memories. It was only now, he could see that. Luna had come to him, she had spent many nights in his dreams helping him, showing him how to cope and grow past the pain. His adopted father, the very pony who had saved his life, and his brother both stood by him despite all he had done. Even his fellow firefighters had forgiven him and stood at his side as he found sobriety and got himself back on path. Now, the badge that hung on a strong chain around his neck said it all, Chief.

Finding himself looking back up at the moon, the memories again came. However now it was not pain and anguish but just a simple longing to see his family again. That pain, she said, would always be in his heart for it was his drive. It was what pushed him to be the pony he was, and do the things he did. After all, it took a special kind of stupid to run into a place even the angels dared not tread. He closed his eyes and thought about that night...

The roar of the fire was like a freight train, the sound of a door crashing in. All he could do was cough and sob out, a shadow picked him up and slung him over its back. Coughing harder, blackness started to creep in, to take him. In the distance screams, his sister is screaming, his family, then a crashing sound, and darkness took him.

Light, pain in his chest, pain in his throat, his head pounded. Eyes opening as ten year old him felt cold ground under him, An angel held him, a dark angel of smoke and soot. He could see tears running down its face as it held on to him, making clean streaks as they washed away ash. Bringing down a mask the angel, no it was a pony. He could feel cool air rush into his lungs every breath. Up behind the stallion the moon hung bright, the mare in the moon looking down at him.

Memories rushed back, a fire, his family, waking to being choked by the fumes and smoke. Then the angel, his savior, covered in smoke and embers crashing in, carrying him out. This stallion above him, braved smoke and fire for somepony he did not know... a firefighter! In a moment bittersweet, one that should be a time of joy, his flank flared warm, the light of the moon above seemed to stream down onto the winged pony holding him on the grass, and himself. The blank flak flared and in place of what was once a slate, now sat the mark of his destiny, a dark blue shield carrying the cross of red on it.

Of course they had told him his family never felt the fire, that the smoke had taken them...but he knew the lie, he saw it in each firefighters face every day. The very pony that had saved him had adopted him, Then lieutenant now Battalion chief, his father Firehook had always tried to protect him from the memories. He was not alone in it, all the firepony of Canterlot station three had taken on the roll of father and mother for him. He was their good luck charm, a reminder of their job.

Two of their own perished in that blaze, doing their jobs, trying to save his family. Their names forever etched in the brass tag on the shrine in every firehouse in Equestria. He had grown up among the firefighters and paramedics, 30 stallions and mares, along with two gryphons, and a diamond dog raised him. Yet he knew the lie, he had heard the screams, he had heard them every time he closed his eyes.

Again looking up to the moon, he spoke to it, “Saint Luna, princess of the moon, I do not know why you picked me to be a smoke eater, to watch over hearth and home when you must attend to other things,” shaking his head softly as he did.

Now he was sober, he no longer ran to the bottle to hide and cower. He had to be the pony he was destined to be, and Ponyville was his chance to live up to the legacy he was given by fate. The bits were in place, the firewagons ordered, Equipment being built as he sat here. He had a daunting task before him, build a station, and train a almost all volunteer fire squad. He would do just that too! Setting his jaw he stood and started down the hill into his new home town, no pony would ever suffer as long as he still drew breath.

Author's Note

A huge thank you to my editor Thunderblast

14 - Stress and Solutions

Ailan nudged Rescue again, watching the big stallion laying on the ground shift about gently. His deep green eyes opened and peered up at him.

“You have been here all night.”

Looking over where the colt was sleeping on the bed, Ailan noted Scootaloo and Rumble were absent. In their place was Carrot and Applejack, along with Applebloom, then looking back down at the stallion still gradually waking up.

“Come on, let’s get you home and in bed. No argument, okay? We are all taking shifts around the clock, he won’t be alone.”

Rescue gave a soft grunt and a nod, slowly standing on all fours. He looked over and his eyes again grew soft and thoughtful. Turning to look at his mate, his ears lifted some, seeing something he had not thought he would in them. “I—”

Ailan shook his head. “You don’t need to say it, Rescue. I see it in your eyes. I can tell what you are thinking.”

Looking over at the sleeping paint and giving a exhale before turning back to the draft stallion, speaking in the subdued tone they had kept out of respect.

“I don’t know how we will do it, I don’t know if we can afford it, but... I know I can’t stand to see that look in your eyes. I can’t stand by knowing all I know about you, about your past, about us...” Ailan gave a nod. “We...will find a way to make it happen.”

Rescue’s ears shot up and his eyes grew wide. Looking at the smaller stallion, he found himself lost in his mate's eyes.

“I—oh... Ailan, I—”

Nuzzling the stocky pony, Ailan pressed a hoof to Rescue's lips. “We will figure it all out, okay?”

Two days stretched into two weeks. First it was an infection, then a need to once again heal what the infection had destroyed. The little colt lay in bed, fighting for his very life on that bed. The whole time he did not fight alone. His fellow Junior Firefighters stood at his side, flanked always by one of the older ponies that had taken the step to become volunteer firefighters. Without knowing it, Rescue had brought them together in a way no training and no amount of talk could have.

Rescue and Ailan had not been idle in that time. First off were meetings with the princess, then with the Mayor of Ponyville, then Foal Protection Services. Next, it was finding a loan to build another room onto their home. That came in the surprise form of a no interest, no payback time loan from Mr. Rich himself.

The most shocking thing had been as they returned from yet another meeting and more paperwork with Princess Twilight and Foal Protection Services. The two arrived home to find Red and eight other ponies with a foundation laid and walls already beginning to go up. It had been the big red stallion himself that had explained it, meeting them mid way to the house in that odd limp he bore and would for the rest of his life.

“I owed yous both for the way I acted, for my actions. When I heard what was going on, courtesy of a rather blunt and very well-spoken pink filly. Well, the boys and I figured it was the least we could do.”

So it had gone. Every single day they had come to spend time with Little Pip and what ever pony from the Volunteer Fire Department was sitting with him, and Rescue was unsure he could hear they talked to him, praised his brave act, told him of the ceremony that was to come as soon as he recovered.

Rumble, Scootaloo, and the other Junior Firefighters had stepped up as well. Not once did they let the mares and stallions rest vigil alone. Scootaloo and the other two of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, as they referred to themselves, had taken over cleaning duty at the station but 'only tell Captain Pip is back up on his hooves', as Applebloom had put it.
Today was the day they were going to bring Pip up and out. The room was covered in flowers, stuffed little pony toys, balloons, and hoof-made cards. Rescue and Ailan stood off to one side while Doctor Horse and Nurse Redheart monitored the young colt, watching as Pip gradually opened his eyes, looking around him. He winced some from the tightness of the new flesh across his hip and the still-healing scars, yet it wasn’t his own pain that was his concern. His first words, dry and scratchy, were clear.

“Is Scoots okay? What about R-Rumble?”

Rescue touched the colt's head lightly with a hoof. “They are fine, Pip, thanks to the bravery you and Rumble showed,” a pause came. “Stupid, little foal.”

He smiled as the words came out, and Pip offered his first weak smile back.

“After the doctors are done with you, we... have things to talk about," Rescue added.

Pip gave a blink, then a soft nod.

It had been a quiet discussion at first. Pip listened carefully to the Chief and his partner. The more they talked, the more surprised he was. Then came that question, one he had watched others at the orphanage be asked and answer. Pip had to really think about it, they were asking him not to just come live with them, they were asking if he wanted them to adopt him! He had asked them to leave for a bit, let him think. Much to his surprise, they had respected his wishes, and so he sat in silence. He thought about the mother and father he'd never met. He thought about the teasing, the orphanage, the kindness there.

When Rescue and Ailan walked back in, Pip was propped up with fluffy pillows behind him. He glanced away and his ears pinned down. However, always the forward and brave one, he looked to meet the Chief’s eyes with his own.

“Chi—Rescue,” as the big stallion had asked him to call him outside of training. “What if you grow tired of me? What if you don’t want me anymore?”

Oh, that had been a long talk. One Rescue had not wanted to have. However, he had it. He told the little paint about his own past. His parents and family, the fire, the loss. He explained to him of the joys growing up loved by his adopted father. Pip had shed tears at his story, and despite his burns and healing leg, he had embraced the draft stallion tight. Ailan had remained close, but quiet. This was about all of them, but Pip clearly needed to know the truth.

“Okay.”

Four letters, one little word, but it brought joy to Ailan’s face. Looking over to see tears race down Rescue’s cheeks, the three hugged close and as gentle as they could so as not to cause Pip more pain.

That was how two souls walking together, found a third to join them and how yet another scar inside a stallion once overwhelmed with them, was healed. There in a stuffy, antiseptic-smelling hospital room, one little word from a rather tiny colt, put paid to the long hidden emptiness in all three of them.

19 - In the Dark (interlude)

He smiled as he worked, his work was enjoyable, after all. He ran another string up over the beam, then tying it up, making sure the bright yellow balloon hung down at just the right height. He gave a little laugh at the jiggle it made, thanks to the fluid inside it.

Oh sure, It was not always fun. The mean dummy-head firefighters continued ruining his work and kept forcing his only friend to have to leave, but that was going to change.

Looking around, he could see twenty of the balloons, each one above a single blue candle. It had to be blue, because red was the color whorses used. That was what mommy had told him when he was a foal.

This was far more messy than he liked, but it would be far faster than his last two attempts at freeing his friend. He walked over to check things one more time, before glancing at the watch worn around one hoof.

Up above him, on the floors above, ponies slept. Four ponies, a family, such a nice family, but that was a lie. No family was nice. Daddies did bad things, and mommies looked the other way. Well, that was alright. His friend had shown him how to have fun, how to make the indecent things stop. He knew one of the ones sleeping above was just like the mean fire ponies, so, that made this all okay.

Not a sound was made as he slipped up the stairs, looking around to be sure nopony saw him coming out of the cellar door. He looked back and with a barely held-in smile, gave a nod. A soft green glow, then all twenty candles lit. He closed the door behind him and took hoof, heading for a spot he could watch his best friend play with new pony friends.

26 Interlude 2

He huffed deeply, looking back for the millionth time. No one thought to chase him before, but it still rankled him. They dared to stop his fun time, and it just made his blood boil thinking about it. Ducking into a door, he closed it behind him before heading across the unassuming living room.

Through another door and down the stairs to the basement, a quick spell lit two lanterns to provide light. Lifting three floorboards up near the corner exposed a hiding spot, he pulled the cloak up and off, lowering it into the cubby space. Next went the canvas bags from his back, opening them to check things before lowering it down into the space.

With a bit of a chuckle he paused to take inventory of things. He still had eighty mason jars, each filled with a pinkish-clear fluid, and two boxes of Funtimesco balloons. He would have to get more at some point. Two cases of white candles, which would be plenty to finish his fun.

Closing things up, laying the boards in place and pushing the nails down into the holes so everything looked normal, he turned and trotted up the stairs, time for bed. He had work in the morning.

Laying down, he wondered if they would catch him, then shook his head. They were stupid just like all of the others. Besides, he got to burn someone tonight, that was fun. It was a thrill, his heart raced thinking about it. The flare of his friend, how eager he was to play with the new pony, and how that pony had screamed.

Memories welled up, hearing his father yell at him for playing with his new friend. The sound of a belt striking flesh over and over, the pain that came with it, happier thoughts as he heard his parents scream, they had so much fun meeting his friend.

Laying there, he slipped off to sleep with a grin on his face.

33 - Trial (Part 1)

Twilight looked up at her mentor and fellow princess, her ears back, then over at the other two in the room. Princess Luna was looking on with a slightly sad look, Cadence’s face filled with worry for the youngest among them.

“A-are you sure?” She asked, looking back up at the alabaster princess. She shut her eyes as the elder's hoof rested on her shoulder.

“Yes, Twilight. This act has happened in your domain. As princess in Ponyville, it is your duty to sit judgement during the trial. Your understanding of Equestrian law is unrivaled even by the leading judges and lawyers in Canterlot. I know you can do this”

Luna spoke next. “Twilight, thou art fair and just, and even if thou has personal feelings about this pony, thou will set them aside for their right to a trial.”

Cadence moved some, nuzzling her sister-in-law. “This is just another test in your life, Twilight.”

The purple alicorn again closed her eyes and reopened them, staring down at her hooves, flicking her gaze about from left to right a few times as she thought about what was being asked of her. She lifted her head and rose to all four hooves, wings spreading just a bit and head coming up.

“I will do it. It is my duty to the ponies of Ponyville, and Equestria... but, it won’t be easy.”

Celestia, with a knowing smile on her muzzle, gave a nod. “It never is, Twilight Sparkle, it never is.”

The trial took a month to prepare, between getting the prisoner healed up and able to take his defense, finding a lawyer that would defend him, and collecting every last bit of evidence.

It had been decided that Cadence would stand as prosecutor for the crown. Across from her would be a lawyer from Canterlot, a unicorn named Affidavit Apple, and as it turned out, a fourth cousin to the Element of Honesty. One of the few unicorns in the Apple family, in fact.

Twilight’s castle had been cleaned out for the trial. What was once the main room and greeting area was now set with tables and benches. In the front sat Twilight up on her throne, moved from the map room for this. A wide bench before her, a gavel and lamp set on the bench, along with many quills and sheets of paper.

At the two tables to the left and right, facing Twilight, sat Cadence with her co-counselor, a crystal pony by the name of Ruby Law, the brick-red mare's hair done in a bun, her tail folded and held with a band. A set of glasses on her face as she went through stacks of folders and papers. The other table held Affidavit and his client. The unicorn’s broken horn was covered with a ivory sheath to keep the raw exposed insides protected and sealed. It was the only visible mark remaining from the fight.

The courtroom benches filled to the brim, so much it had been decided only ponies who had been directly affected by the accused would be allowed in the court. This meant right up front sat Archer's parents, holding each other. Next to them sat eight other ponies, two couples, and the rest singles. All victims, all were to testify if called.

Included in the audience, Rescue and Ailan sat quietly, along with Applejack, and several other of the firefighters. Each of them bracketed a colt or filly, all wearing their Explorer dress uniforms. Pipsqueak sat between Ailan and Rescue, Diamond Tiara right next to him and her father directly behind them in the next row. To Rescue’s side sat Rumble with Applejack and his brother Thunderlane behind him. Last was Scootaloo, to Ailan’s side with Ice sitting beside her. Behind her sat Rainbow Dash.

“Your honor, again, I object to the presence of the Elements of Harmony and the young Junior Firefighter Explorers, It could be seen as—”

Twilight turned her head to look down from the bench at Affidavit and cut him off. “Mr. Apple, the court and the crown has made it quite clear they have a legal right to be here. Need I quote Equestrian law sections one-two-one-three point-three to sections one-two-one-three point-nine to you word for word?”

He sat back down. “No, your honor. I withdraw my objection.”

A slight noise made the alicorn look over to the left side of the room. A box-like area had been roped off, where The princess of the Sun and Moon sat, listening carefully. Next to them sat one that would make any pony a bit nervous. The very representation of chaos himself, Discord. It seemed the powers that be in the universe wished this even to be observed and had chosen him because he knew the pony races well. Twilight gave a slight smile at the nod her former teacher and mentor gave, and looked back to the room.

“Prosecution for the crown, you may make your opening statements”

Cadence stood, her wings fluttered a little before settling back into her side. Walking out into the open area between the tables and bench, she was quiet for a time before turning to look at the room and all the ponies, the representatives from the Griffon Empire, the Minotaur Empire, and even Yakyakistan. She exhaled a bit and shook her head.

“Where can I start? How many lives have been disrupted by the defendant’s actions? How many paths of destiny were changed and corrupted, all because of the actions taken?” She began, turning and peering over the crowd once more.

“The defendant will tell us he is sick, he will tell us he did not mean to hurt anypony. His lawyer will tell us he needs help, that he didn’t know what he was doing,” she turned and a small box levitated up off the prosecution table and over to her. It opened up and a simple match was brought out.

“But, we know better, don’t we? The crown will show that one-hundred-and-eight times, that we know of, he willfully lit the flame that burned homes, destroyed families, and killed a young filly at the cusp of her growing to adulthood.”

Each word she spoke, she struck a match and let it fall to the floor to snuff out and trail smoke up into the air. Over and over she struck them, and by the time she got to number twenty-seven, every eye in the room was on the defendant who was almost quivering each time she did it.

Affidavit stood. “I object to this display!”

Twilight gave a nod. “The prosecution has made its point, move on.”

Cadence looked back over her shoulder and up at the judge, then nodded. “I have nothing more, your honor,” walking back to the table, matchbox in tow. A pile of wood matches lay where she had stood. The broken unicorn's eyes locked on them, unaware that every eye in the room was on him.

Affidavit stood and looked to his client. Exhaling, he nudged the unicorn pony to get his attention. That had the desired effect of breaking his look at the pile of wood on the floor. Walking out, the stately pastel-yellow stallion shook his head.

“Is this what Equestria is? Is this what we want? Fear, hate, a lack of compassion?” He said, nudging the pile of matches on the crystal floor.

“My client is not Sombra, he is not a warlord. He is a sick pony who needs help. The defense will show that all of the acts he is accused of, are not of his own volition. That he deserves compassion and understanding, not punishment.”

Turning to look at the crowd and seeing many hateful and dirty looks. He was, however, prepared for that. He knew he would get them having to defend this guy.

“How can we punish someone who does not understand what he did was wrong? How can we punish someone who has already been punished?”

Pointing over to his client, “He will never again know the touch of magic, forever blocked to him by a broken horn. Is that not enough? He deserves a chance to get healed, to find harmony and friendship again. Isn’t that what our country, our princesses, tell us we all deserve?”

Without a word more he turned and walked back to his table, hearing the gavel behind him bang twice.

“The crown may call its first witness.”

Cadence stood and looked back. “The crown calls Station Chief Rescue Sunstreak to the stand.”

One guard near where Twilight’s bench was called out. “Station Chief Rescue Sunstreak, approach and be sworn to oath.”

Rescue stood and walked along the aisle and to where the small raised platform was next to the bench of the judge, sitting down as the guard walked over, holding a small Equestrian flag folded inside a glass case.

“Place your right hoof on the flag, and repeat after me. I, state your name, swear by the honor and duty to Equestria, to tell the truth with no reservation or withholding.”

Rescue did as told, swearing his oath with no reserve, not a flinch or a glance away.

Cadence came forward and looked him in the eye. “For the record and the court, please state your name, rank, and occupation if you would.”

The big draft stallion gave a nod. “Rescue Sunstreak, Chief of Ponyville Fire station One, and acting Fire Marshall of Ponyville.”

She gave a nod. “I see, and you have been with the Equestria Fire Department for how long?”

He gave a slight smile. “Twenty years now. Today in fact” He happen to catch a look from the pink party mare in the audience watching. He gave a slight grin knowing she would be throwing him yet another party soon.

Again she gave a nod. “Congratulations on that milestone." she smiled "Please, explain to us what all of this is,” carrying over a huge stack of folders from her table to the small bench table before him, forcing him to have to look around the side to see everypony watching and listening.

“These are reports and evidence we used to track down the arsonist.”

So it went, question after question, answer after answer. Rescue sat up on the bench for three hours, going down every last bit of evidence. Not a few times did the defense object, some to be overruled some to be upheld.

Twilight glanced up at the windows and then banged her gavel after Cadence had said she was done.

“Let's take a recess, everyone return at one, and we will continue.”

Poor Rescue had sat on the stand the entire time, being cross-examined by the defense on details here and there. It seemed silly, but, a pony's freedom was nothing to take lightly. Now he was sitting on the sofa at home, his shirt open, dress pants and coat tossed over the back of one of the chairs. Ailan was pressed to his side out of his dress uniform, and around them sat friends.

The foals were all asleep, Rumble snoozing pressed to Scootaloo, her face pushed into the crook of where his front legs and chest were. His head on top of hers and one wing over her lightly. Thunderlane was resting on his belly over near them, Pip and Diamond were slumped over, Diamond’s head across Pip's back as her father sat next to them, quietly watching them sleep.

Rainbow glanced over at them sleeping from the chair she was half sacked out on, giving a long exhale, “Will every day be like that?”

Rescue glanced over at the mare and gave a soft nod. “I... think it's going to get worse, Dash, and I worry they may get called to the stand.”

Every parent there exchanged looks, all understanding how traumatic this might become for the foals.

“I hope you are wrong,” Filthy Rich said as he again glanced down at his daughter, sleeping in peace with the colt. “For their sake Rescue, I pray you are wrong.”

Rescue hoped he was too.

38 - It's the small things

Rescue glanced up from the inventory of the drug box on hearing a few ponies talk, seeing Pip and Diamond walking up the driveway of the station side by side. He could not help but smile at that. They looked just right together.

Summer was here, and as he watched them approach, it was with a little sadness too, for they were growing up. Three years ago, they had lost a friend, and three years ago the pony responsible had paid a price for that crime. It had changed things immensely. The generation in front of him had been forced to grow up a little faster than they should have.

He called out, seeing them in their Explorer uniforms. He did so not as a father, but as Chief. “Good morning, Junior Chief, Junior Captain.”

Both looked up, and both smiled. It was still good to see the big draft stallion even if Pip saw him every day, and Diamond almost the same. The truth of the matter is, over the last three years, they had spent more and more time at each other's side.

“Good morning, Chief! Reporting for duty. What is on our docket for the day?” The pink filly spoke with a smile on her face.

She wasn’t the same little foal he met five years ago when he moved to this town. She was confident, strong, and life had started to turn her into a mare. She had a small growth spurt, bigger now, not as big as a full-grown mare, but one could start to see where she would be in a few short years.

Turning his head to look at the Trottingham-born paint pony, he too had grown, now shoulder-to-shoulder with the filly next to him. Pip had filled out some, while both Ailan and Rescue had watched it happen. He was going to be shorter than most stallions by an inch or two, however, he made up for it in bulk, not fat, but muscle. Already at his age he could out-pull most adult unicorns, and Rescue had no doubt at all when he reached full adulthood. He would be able to keep up with all but the biggest draft stallions in strength and stamina.

“Dia, I need you to help Ice this morning with the stock inventory. Pip, dishes need to be done, then do a bed check. Once you have that done, harness up.”

He grinned a bit, knowing Pip’s favorite thing in the world to do, while it was work, was also his joy. Even before he said it, he could see the colt’s eyes light up.

“I need to you take the hauling wagon down to the farmer's market. Do the shopping for the week, and stop in at the train station, there is a delivery of new hoses waiting on the loading dock.”

Pip’s smile almost ate his whole face up. “Yes, sir!” and he was gone, up the stairs to start his work. Diamond looked over to where he had run, then back up at the tall draft stallion before her.

“He won’t say it out loud, Chief, but when you trust him to do things like this alone, it means a lot to him.”

Rescue offered a wise smile to the very observant pink filly. “I know, Dia, and I also know he and you, heck, all of the Explorers are growing up far too fast,” his ears wilted some.

She shook her head as she walked past him heading for the little office under the stairs. “You and my father sound the same. Oh, daddy would like me to remind you, it is your turn to bring snacks tonight for the poker game.”

Rolling his eyes, he gave a nod back. “A pony forgets one time, one time, and it's a lifetime of nagging,” but his tone was good-natured. The poker game had started a few years ago, a thing to get some friends together. Now, it was a once-a-month regular. It was Applejack, Big Mac, Filthy Rich, Bon Bon, Ice, and himself. Once or twice a year, others would drift in and out, but that was the core group that played. Never for bits, always just for fun.

Life in Ponyville isn't so bad, he thought to himself as he turned back to the brown drug box and closed it up. He needed to take the rescue wagon over to Mercy this morning and restock on a few things. Turning to walk over to slip his harness on, he took note of a walleyed-grey pegasus mare coming in for a landing, wincing as she slammed down like she always did.

“Good morning, Chief!” she said with a smile as warm and genuine as any could be. She always greeted him with her head turned slightly right so she could focus on him. Some more foolish pony that met her took this as a sign of her not being all-together smart. However, he knew better, she was perhaps one of the smarter ponies he'd ever met, for she had figured out how to be happy in life, something so few ever completely solve.

“Good morning, Mrs. Hooves, how are you?”

Walking out to the driveway to meet her, Rescue watched her turn her head and tug out a stack of letters tied with a single string together and offer it out to him. Once her mouth was clear, she spoke again.

“Doing great! Thank you, Chief. Time and I wanted to say thank you again for the wonderful dresser you and Ailan got my Muffin for her birthday. It fit in her room just perfect and looks great in there!”

He chuckled, setting the stack of letters to balance on his back. “Mrs. Hooves, nothing to it. We've got a new one, and Applejack thought with a bit of work refinishing it, it would make a great gift.”

She gave a nod. “Well, we are still thankful to all of you for it. Making ends meet on a mailpony salary and what Time brings in, when you have a filly growing up faster than you can keep up, it's not easy.”

Her ears perked. “Oh! By the way, Jim over at the train station asked me to remind you there is a shipment of things on the dock waiting for you!”

With a smile and a nod of his head, he replied. “I just gave Pip his duty for the day, including picking that all up.”

She perked and then lowered her ears a bit. “Can you believe they are all going to be starting tenth grade when summer ends?”

He exhaled softly and shook his head, glancing back into the building. “No, it just seems time is flying by, and I wish I could make it slow down.”

She gave a little sound in her throat almost like a giggle. “You and me both, Chief. Oh, see you at the game tonight?”

He turned and looked. “Gracing us with your presence, Mrs. Hooves? I will have to hide the snacks then,” his grin warm and friendly.

She snorted. “Like that worked last time,” before she took off to continue her route.

Rescue laughed lightly, grabbing up the stack of mail and back into the station.

Pip smirked as he watched Rumble get locked into a headlock by Scootaloo.

“What are you going to do now!?” she said as everypony else sitting around Sugarcube Corner laughed. The warm, light laugh of the pink filly next to him made the paint’s heart beat faster. It seemed lately just her voice did that to him, he had no clue why.

“Okay, okay, Scoots, I give, yes, I love you!”

This of course had every filly there give a little ‘D'awww’ sound and most the colts snicker. Scootaloo let the other pegasus go and hugged him tight, but no pony could miss the the blush on her cheeks.

“Jerk!”

The pegasus colt tucked his head down and nuzzled the top of the purple-maned filly. “You wouldn’t have me any other way.”

Diamond looked around. “Anyone see where Silver went?”

Dinky looked up from where she was sitting, with a few of the other school ponies. “I saw her go outside,” she gestured toward the door.

Diamond blinked. It was unlike Silver to slip out without saying goodbye. She got up and poked Pipsqueak with her hoof. “Come on.”

Sweetie Belle, currently half laying across a bench with her head resting on Spike’s leg, lifted her head. “Ooh, going to smooch more?”

Spike chuckled as did several others. Spike had grown as well, he was now almost eye-to-eye with Twilight. He was strong, but still the kind and loving drake. He had his arm around the white unicorn.

Diamond blushed and gave a little snort. “No... maybe.”

Pips ears lifted up at the last part, of course he got that goofy grin any colt in love gets. This in turn made a few of the other colts laugh lightly.

Walking outside with her coltfriend at her side, Diamond looked around a bit. “Where could she—” pausing. Pip heard it, too. Voices around the corner of the building. It sounded like Silver and... someone else?

Both poked their heads around the corner. Diamond, however, was not prepared for what she saw. The gray filly was locked in a rather deep and clearly pretty serious kiss... with Apple Bloom! Pip, on the other hoof, just stayed there, nothing to say other than a little noise in his throat.

“S-Silver?” the pink earth pony said. This had the effect of the two fillies shoving away from each other, both sputtering and almost as a duet blurted out

“I-it's not what you think!”

Not one of the four said another word, instead simply stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity. It was Diamond who did something first, looking behind them, she made sure no one was coming, and then shoved Pip into the alley and slipped in behind him. She could see her best friends both blushing hard, looking... ashamed.

“Dia, it's not what you think you saw. I mean, okay, perhaps it is, I—”

Diamond cut Silver off with a hoof lifted up. She tilted her head some.

“Just...tell me, how long have you two been seeing each other?” sounding more upset by the secret than seeing two fillies kiss.

Apple Bloom gave a exhale. “About a year now. Just happened, we was doing homework one night, an' got ta talking and well...”

Pip put a hoof on Diamond’s leg. “Are you angry at them?”

All three went silent watching the pink filly, before she said. “No. Well, kind of, because, we are all friends. I am a little hurt you couldn’t tell us.”

Silver spoke up. “Diamond, we can’t risk Applejack hearing about it. I mean, sure, she is okay with Bon Bon and Lyra, but—”

Pip spoke up. “Applejack would never think a bad thought, she would be happy you two found each other. She might lecture you about going slow and stuff. Heck, she did with us and we are not even her foals.”

Apple Bloom shook her head. “Ain’t like that, but if Applejack found out, then Granny would know and, well, you know how she is about that.”

All of them frowned slightly, Diamond pondered a bit then spoke up.

“Okay, we keep it a secret... for now. However, you two have to come clean sooner or later. I think you should talk to Rescue or Bon Bon first and let them help you.”

She paused and then gave a soft smile looking at her two best friends. “Do... you two really love each other?”

Watching them look at each other's faces, they both smiled very lightly and looked back at the paint colt and pink earth pony. Silver said in a very sure voice tone.

“We do, Dia, we really do.”

Diamond smiled just a bit. “Cool, we can double-date for the prom!” Silver letting out a giggle at that and soon the two besties were gabbing back and forth. Apple Bloom moved over to where Pipsqueak was, both watching them.

“Ah got a bad feeling 'bout this.”

Pip nodded in turn. “So do I, Apple Bloom, so do I.”

Author's Note

And so, Arc 4 starts