Fire, it has more than one meaning. For some, fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the exothermic chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products. A logical explanation yes but there is another.

For others, it can have a symbolic meaning such fire consumes, warms, and illuminates, but can also bring pain and death; thus, its symbolic meaning varies wildly, depending upon the context of its use.

Fire could also symbolize war, hate, anger and pure rage but for me, fire isn't any of that. Fire is an ally, a close friend who's had my back ever since I was born.

Funny, I look back at my childhood from time to time and realize the harshness I've overcome. I was told that a day after my birth, I was given into the town orphanage. Without never knowing my parents, I lived a life without a last name.

Years of degrading hope later, I turned thirteen and the orphanage caught fire with me in the center. Everything was ablaze and I just sat there whilst the other children evacuated the building. I waited for the fire to consume me as it did with everything else but it never did.

The flames danced and flickered around me, I waved my hand through the fire just to see the flames follow my movement. The fire of unknown origin had left me unharmed as it burn the building down onto the ground.

From that day forwards I had been living the streets, stealing from the market for food. Of course, that led towards the people despising me for robbery - though I didn't mind the hate.

After two years of this I came across a man that caught me stealing from him, the odd part was that instead of showing malice he showed me kindness, saying someone like me needs to go to school and stuff. The next week I found myself going to a high end private school.

Attending school had gotten me a few stares and comments from both the students and staff. Once my predicament was revealed to the school, I was treated as an outcast. I never knew why.

Apart from being outcasted by the others, I was bullied by the school rich kid and his lackies. Calling me worthless and street rat but I paid no mind to the name calling, it was the beatings that got me.

He would send in his lackies to teach me a lesson. Everyday of the week, same time and same place. Alone with no friends, I decided to make one.

Luckily the school had a woodshop class room and being granted permission, I began my work. It took days of work but once it was done, I knew I had done a great job in crafting it.

It was a marionette, appearing as if it was crafted by master craftsmen. It was then I had plotted a devious prank against my bullies and began painting the marionette, giving it the most coldest stare and creepiest smile, I knew that it would work.

It was a simple prank, I hide the marionette inside their lockers and the first was the rich kid. Give them a good scare, I always thought.

The next day was amazing, it worked and the spoiled brat ran down the hall screaming in terror, allowing me to retrieve the marionette before he had returned, making him look like a fool. The next day was his lackeys, their reactions were a little over the top.

I had placed the marionette inside one of their backpacks and once they saw what it was, they just fainted. No screams or yells, just them hitting the cold hard floor.

This went on for months until I decided to write a message. Cutting my finger, I wrote Leave him alone in blood. It worked, heading my message, they left me alone and never bothered me again.

The next time I saw the rich kid and his lackeys again was when they were picking on a new target, a girl about the same age as me with an odd looking hair; black and white that seemed to swirl around her head. Listening in to their mocking and taunting I thought I had to get my marionette again but that all changed when the girl grabbed the rich kid and headbutted him in the face. From that day on if there was a fight, that girl was somehow part of it… or had started it. By luck or fate, or someone hating me I ended up in detention and met the girl and found out her name was Blake. Ever since then the two of us became good friends, even though most of the time Blake ended up in detention.

It was three years later that I graduated from the school. During graduation though, a fire started and like the orphanage, the fire burned everything around me.

Like the orphanage before, the fire seemed to ignore me. I didn't feel any heat and my skin wasn't showing any burnt marks. It was then I realized, I can move the fire with the wave of my hand.

The next day, investigators arrived to look for the cause of the fire but found nothing. The fire seemingly just appeared out of nowhere. When I went to see if Blake was alright I found her simply laughing and thought that was one way to end a graduation. Ever since that day the two of us stayed in touch.

Taking what I've learned from the now burnt down school, I began building my life. At first I worked with wood. Repairs, building and even crafting. After a whole year, I had gained the money to buy my own house. There I began a hobby in inventing.

Blake on the other hand started her own coffee shop called ‘Over the Moon Coffee’. I remember in school that, other then getting into fights and in trouble, she was pretty good in the kitchen. She even gave me a discount for helping with some fixing the walls. It was all well and good for quite some time, it was to the point where it was hard to believe that I grew up a poor orphan.

Though one day, which started off like any other day with people wanting some odd jobs done here and there but during in the middle of the day I had caught my wallet halfway from being pocketed by some kid. At first I was furious but then when I looked at her, the little girl that tried to steal from me, I saw a kid version of me staring back up at me with fearful eyes. With a sigh, I pocketed back my wallet and offered the kid something to eat, she was quick to accept my offer and I led her back to the Coffee shop. Once in Blake notice the two of us and asked me what’s up with the kid. I took a few moments to explain what has happened before ordering some food and drinks. Blake allowed me to have it for free since the kid looked like she hasn’t eaten anything for almost a week. I thanked her and said I owed her for this. The kid kept on thanking me over and over even after we left the shop but I wasn't done, I didn't want to leave the kid to a life I knew very well of. So after thinking on my decision, I finally decided to give the kid the home she needs and offered the chance to live in the spare bedroom of my house. Of course she was skeptical, why would I offer such a thing to a kid that tried to steal from me. After explaining to her that I'm in no way joking, that my offer for a home was not a hoax. When the kid tackled me into a hug, thanking me for the kindness I've given her, I felt like I've given her a chance at the life she never got.

One issue that arose was new clothes for the kid, and some for myself while I'm at it, but I didn't have enough cash. Again Blake helped me out, even though she tease me about spending my money on a pre-order. After buying some clothes and getting rid of the her old worn attire, I helped make herself at home at my place and later learned that her name was Skyler.

Everyday for past first few weeks she would ask permission for everything, even to use the bathroom and each time she did I kept telling her that she didn't to ask for permission for everything, more so the bathroom. But as time went on, her habit of asking for permission was eradicated for the lack of a better word. During her first few weeks I had gotten the legal papers done to become Skyler’s legal guardian. As celebration Blake closed up shop a bit early and the three of us had a party with pizza, pop, video games, and movies. All in all, it was great.

It's not often I'm caught sleeping in my garage, mostly because I rarely ever dedicate so much time to another one of my projects. My head laid upon the desk in which most of my work takes place on, a half built metallic hawk was displayed on its stand that was located a few inches away from my sleeping form. I've taken on a hobby of crafting metal sculptures of various themes, only recently started doing some of animals. I must've overworked myself the night prior, even when I could hear the garage door open my body dared not to wake up from its slumber. I didn't wake up when I felt someone shook me, or they said my name. I was out like a light. Nothing could wake me from my slumber.

That is, until I heard the sound of an air horn blaring near my ear. This obviously woke me up in a jump and I fell with my chair backwards. The sounds of laughter giving me an idea on the culprits.

“For fucks sake Blake.” I grumbled, rolling onto my stomach and pushing myself up. I dusted myself off as she laughed hysterically.

“Oh, oh man… that never gets old!” she laughed as she held her stomach. I glared at her as she slowly calmed down. “Another late night?” she asked, chuckling to herself. I groaned at this, having been reminded of last night.

“My body decided it was a good idea to shut down here, now I feel stiff.” I said before stretching my back and earning an audible pop. “So what brings you here and with an airhorn no less?” I asked her. Blake rolled her eyes, which were Heterochromia. Her right eye was a dark blue colour while the other a light brown. Her hair was cut short which added he fact her hair was black and white, made it look a little odd. She had a dark blue shirt with the logo of her coffee shop on the front; a crescent moon with a cup of coffee in the middle of it, and some black jeans. She stood the same height as me and even though she looked more slender, I knew for a fact she was strong… really strong.

“Skyler is over at my shop for breakfast, asked me to wake your ass up for some grub.” Blake answered me before giving me a wide grin. “The airhorn was for my amusement.” I groaned once again as I placed the chair upright.

“Don't be surprised if your kitchen catches fire again.” I told her, walking past her and towards her shop which just happened to be a short walk away.

“You wouldn’t dare.” She said with a frown. “I just finished cleaning up the last time it got torched.” I chuckled at the memory as she caught up, walking beside after she did. The walk was spent with Blake making sure I wouldn't torch her kitchen again though I kept telling it was a simple joke, she didn't find it funny… not one bit. When we entered the shop, she had already told me that I was going to pay double today which quickly led to me threatening to torch the kitchen again, all in all it was a regular start of the day. Skyler was sitting in a booth eating her food as Blake went into the back for mine.

“Hey squirt.” I greeted the young thirteen year old as I walked over to her booth. She turned to me before swallowing her food.

“Hey Isaac, finally woke up huh.” She said with a giggle. I rolled my eyes and sat down on the other end of the booth. She kept giggling, no doubt imagining the reaction I had earlier and I soon brought her out of her fit when I took a sip of her drink. “Hey!” she said as I did this. I chuckled a bit as I felt something hit on top of of my head lightly.

“If you want something to drink you can ask.” Blake said as she put my food in front of me.

“Just the regular diet soda for me.” I told with a chuckle as I handed Skyler’s drink back to her. Blake nodded as she took Skylers drink to get it a refill.

“So, what were you working on this time?” Skyler asked me. I looked over to her as I took a bite of my sunny side up. It took me moment to process her question, the blaring horn still echoing in my head.

“I was working on a metal hawk, I plan to make as life like as possible.” I told her, envisioning it now when I finally finish it. She arched a brow at this, knowing that I was never one for making things lifelike.

“Really, how's that going for you?” Skyler asked skeptically. I rolled my eyes at her tone and simply said.

“Halfway there, already made the frame of the hawk. I just need to be sure not to fuck up in making the outer layer, I really don't want to start all over again.” I told her before taking a bite out of the toast given to me with my breakfast. She stifled a little laugh, remembering my many reactions to failing some projects. Some were mild while others were a little over the top, which involved lots of fire, it's fortunate enough that I had made the house fireproof but still. As I thought that Blake came over with both drinks for the two of us along with a bowl of different fruit and coffee with enough cream and sugar to make my teeth rot just by looking at it.

“You sure you got enough sugar and cream in that? Seems like it could use more.” I said jokingly to Blake, earning a laugh from Skyler as a result. Blake rolled her eyes before grabbing and popping a grape into her mouth.

“I don't judge you of what you eat or drink.” Blake said. I shook my head with a chuckle as we all ate and chatted amongst ourselves. Eventually I learned about today's preparations for the Summer Solstice Festival and that the Princess was sending her protege to town to oversee the preparations. The thought of someone from Canterlot here in town, it just didn't sit right with me. We all knew Canterlot’s population consisted mostly of Nobles, rich snobby assholes that think highly of themselves and treat those of the middle and lower classes like trash. But then Skyler told me that I was tasked to give the tour of the town for our visitors and well…

“No.” I told her simply with a frown.

“But it was from the mayor!” Skyler stated. I crossed my arms and was reminded of the sleeveless shirt I wore currently that allowed my tattoos of dragons on full display. It was something I had gotten a few years ago, simply because of how fitting it was. It took me a moment to process the fact that she mentioned it was from the mayor herself before planted my head firmly against the table with a loud bang.

“I just can't catch a break.” I said, my voice muffled by the table. It was true, the entire week was full odd jobs given to me by the mayor. From repairing the school house wall that crumbled down after a failed science project, to helping gather the animals for the town's very own animal lover for her part in the Summer Solstice. “She owes me still, she hasn't paid a single coin for any of the jobs I did for her.” I said in a grumble.

“Did she say it was volunteer work?” Skyler asked me.

“While I like to do volunteer work every now and again, she's been making me work my ass off for an eventual pay she keeps saying.” I told her angrily. The mayor was a nice woman, the kind the town would want for mayor but she does have a tendency to change the subject, when the current subject is about my pay.

“Well good luck with that, I would've come along but I got roped in making pastries for the event.” Blake told the two of us. “Making a lot of Mooncakes.”

“Aren't Mooncakes a Lunar festival cake?” Skyler asked only for Blake to answer with a nod.

“They're just a popular choice for a lot of people.” I told Skyler as I stood up from the booth, having finished the meal given to me by Blake which I thanked her for, like I do many other times. I've always insisted in paying for the food but she just denies it, simply repeating the same answer of we're friends. “So doubt you have school today on account of tomorrow's festivities, what do you plan on doing? And your answer better not being playing that rage inducing game you play so much.” I told Skyler, regarding of her habit of playing that overly difficult video game I bought for her birthday.

“Hey! I’m trying to hit the hundred percent achievement on that game!” Skyler pointed out to me. “And I’m close too!” I rolled my eyes as I looked at Blake, once again silently thanking her for the food before looking back at Skyler and asking.

“When did the mayor say the princess’s protege or whatever would be arriving?” I asked her, making a mental note to talk with the mayor personally at a later date.

“By the fountain in the center of the town. She said that she’ll be coming in on some kind of royal ride so it’s hard to miss.” Skyler said, she even added the time that the person will be here at. With a sigh I nodded and began my trek towards the town center, passing by familiar and friendly faces on the way. When I finally arrived however, the town square was almost barren with it being the early morning. The fountain was already on, so at least it wasn't completely quiet. I walked up to the fountain and sat on the edge of it with the intent to wait. It was fortunate that I didn't have to wait too long, seeing the distant chariot slowly making its way here from above. Seeing that I had at least a few minute left of me time, I laid onto the edge of the fountain and draped an arm over my eyes, blocking the light of the sun from blinding me. The sound of wheels and hooves greeted my ears as the chariot landed. Soon some doors opened and some people walked out before the doors closed. There was some talk before the chariot took off, leaving whoever behind.

“Wow, this is some town… I kinda like it.” A boys voice said, sounding close to Skylers age if I had to guess. I heard a little grumbling for another before the boy spoke again. “Oh don’t be like that, the Princess told us to come here, at least have some fun with it. I even brought a list for you.”

“Drake, you know we don’t have time for this. There are more important issues to deal with.” a female voice said in a unhappy tone, which made me frown a bit. Nobles.

“Really, you want to tell that to the Princess?” The boy, Drake I guessed, asked. There wasn’t an answer for the next few moments before Drake added. “Like I thought, anyway we need to find some guy that was going to be our guide… Maybe that’s him over there?” The sound of them walking up to me was a sign that me time is now over.

“Not even ten minutes to myself.” I muttered to myself as I moved my arm away from my eyes, squinting a bit to avoid being blinded by the sun. I turned to the two newcomers, seeing the woman was a young Magi, somewhat around my age, slightly pale skin and some glasses in front of her purple eyes. She wore a purple skirt with a deep dark red vest with a symbol of a high end school on the front of a navy blue jacket. Next to her was a younger boy, again around the same age of Skyler, wearing a black shirt with the words ‘Prepare to Die Edition’ on the front of it along with some dark purple with green flames jeans. From the look of his purple scales and slitted eyes he was a Beastkin.

“Excuse me, but are you our guide?” the boy asked me. I nodded and sat up before stretching arms a bit.

“Yup that'd be me… unfortunately.” I said, muttering the last part to myself while the Magi woman read on what was no doubt a list of the preparations. The boy looked over at the Magi and sighed a bit.

“Well, hey there I’m Drake and this,” he gestured to the woman. “Is Lydia. Sorry if she doesn’t say anything, she’s in a cranky mood.”

“Hey!” The Magi snapped, frowning at the young Beastkin who simply rolled his eyes. The Magi cleared her throat a bit before speaking. “Anyway, I’m Lydia Aurora and I’m here to oversee that everything is going smoothly for the festival tomorrow.”

“Yeah yeah.” I said with a dismissive wave of my hand while I used my other hand to wipe the tired look off of them. When I was done I stood up and looked at them with an already bored expression, having just thought of the oh so many things I could be doing right now. “Well, what's first on the list?” I asked impatiently. The woman, Lydia, blinked a few times as she stared at me before shaking her head and looking down at the list, a little blush forming on her cheeks. She shook her head and pulled a list out of her jacket pocket.

“First we need to check up with food, that means we need to go to… Sweet Apple Acres and… Over the Moon Coffee?” Linda said in a odd tone, as if she never heard of the place before. With a destination set, I motioned them to follow me before heading over to the Apple farm. On the way there, Drake looked at the building we passed by in awe, seeing each and every one of them were more different than the other. We even passed by the Sugarcube corner bakery, which was oddly empty but it was still morning so I didn't think much of it for now and continued on. Lydia spent the trek muttering to herself about everything needed to accordingly and something about an old myth of some Nightmare.

Soon the buildings thinned out to an old dirt trail, the building were soon replaced with rows upon rows of apple trees. Lydia was still too busy rereading the list while Drake looked at the endless rows of apple trees in awe. I soon led them to a large gathering of people, spotting the farmer girl in charge of the operations of this farm.

“Jacqueline!” I called out for her, gaining her attention as soon as I uttered her name. The woman in question was a tall fit blonde haired Tarren with a brown cowboy hat on. She wore a blue button shirt with some ripped up jeans. A pair of old worn out boots covered her feet as she stared at me. She smiled as she walked over to the the three of us.

“Why howdy there Isaac! What brought ya to the farm?” Jacqueline asked as she got close, able to see the freckles on her face. I smiled at her hospitality before greeting her as well.

“Sorry about the sudden drop in but we've got a visitor here wanting to see how the feast is coming along.” I told her, smiling as I spoke. She smiled at me before seeing the other two. She went over and greeted them, as well as almost ripping Lydia’s arm off while shaking her hand.

“R-Right…” Lydia said, rubbing her shoulder a bit. “Anyway, I would a list of all the items that you'll be providing for the festival.” Lydia asked in a formal manner.

“Shoot, we’ll do better than give ya some list, and ya can meet mah family as well!” The farmer said before dragging the Magi off to see everything apple themed including Jacqui’s extensive family.

“She going to be okay?” Drake asked me as he watched Lydia meet the Smith family. The latter struggled hard to get the farm girl’s attention but at the same time not trying to be rude.

“Probably.” Was my answer to Drake's question. The two of us watch as Lydia’s face paled when she sees all the food getting piled up in front of her. I soon had to hold back a laugh as Lydia soon got guilt-tripped to stay and try the food.

“Free food! Aw Yeah!” Drake said happily before running over to the mountain of food. I chuckled a little at this before leaning against a tree to wait for them to be done, I was offered to try some of the food as well but I immediately declined. I soon lost myself in my thoughts as I waited.

End of Chapter I

Author's Note

Once again, many many thanks to co-writer ExoDemonG for making this possible and be sure to send some feeback.

List of Names

Twilight Sparkle: Lydia Aurora
Spike: Drake
Pinkie Pie: Dianne Pye
Rarity: Sophia Belmont
Sweetie Belle: Lucille Belmont
Fluttershy: Angelina Calliope
Rainbow Dash: Rachael Dawn Wind (Wind is a real surname, it's Finnish)
Applejack: Jacqueline Smith
Applebloom: Samantha Smith
Big Macintosh: James Smith II (junior)
Granny Smith: Sarah Smith
Scootaloo: Skyler Hawk

The list will be updated with more characters.