Fiery Passions

Chapters

Chapter 1: Vacation
Chapter 2: Horse Feathers!
Chapter 3: A Wild Goose chase

Chapter 1: Vacation

Tap...Tap...Tap. Spitfire scribbled her name over the form, and shoved it aside to her pile of finished paperwork on her desk. A sigh escaping her lips, as she pushed her chair backwards and trotted towards the door to the end of a long day. She opened up the door, and was tackled to the ground by a familiar blue pegasus.

“RAINBOW CRASH.” Spitfire shouted, landing on her back from the sudden assault of her fellow wonderbolt. “What in Celestia’s name do you want this time? I already told you that you can’t teach the rookies the new routine, it’s way too dangerous.”

“Sorry about that Spitfire. I actually just wanted to talk.” Replied Rainbow Dash with a slight blush raising to her cheeks. Spitfire rolled her eyes, as she got up and dusted herself off.

“Alright. Five minutes. Make it quick.” She groaned. Spitfire muttered under her breath. This had better be important. She felt the sweat dripping down her face. Ponies don’t realize how hard my job is. Rainbow Dash needs to learn.

“Welp...how do I put this? Applejack invited me to go with her to Appleplooza for the weekend.”

Spitfire stopped her right there. “Let me guess you want some time off so you can go?”

“Yeah...basically. But I was sorta hoping you and Soarin could come too.” Rainbow Dash smiled, rubbing the back of her head, feeling the sweat drops running down her own face.

“Listen, Rainbow. I’m really honored you’d ask me to come, but I can’t just up and leave. I have paperwork to do, recruits to teach, wonderbolts like you to keep in line. I don’t have time for a vacation,” Spitfire groaned, and sighed.

“Come on PLEASE. I’ll never ask for anything ever again.” spoke Rainbow Dash, attempting to make her best pout face. Her lips curled downwards, eyes widening, batting her eyelashes at her, going so far as to kneel in front of her.

“You know that approach might work on Soarin, but not me. Crash, I simply don’t have time. I have too much…” she began rattling on about her work again. “WHAT are you doing!?!” Spitfire questioned as Rainbow Dash, literally threw her paperwork out the window.

“There. No more paperwork.”

Spitfire lifted her hoof, hitting her forehead. “You idiot, that was the paperwork I had just finished!”

“Whoops.” Rainbow Dash replied, suddenly backing away from her desk.

Spitfire shook her head, muttering under her breath. She couldn’t believe the nerve of Rainbow Dash. No she could believe it, but she thought she had learnt her lesson.

“Listen to me for once in your life Crash. I cannot afford to take a vacation. Do you even know how backlogged I am already? And to make things worse you just went and took all the work I did, and threw it out the window.”

“I’ll get it back. I promise!” she interjected quickly.

It was seeming more and more like Rainbow Dash was either oblivious, or wasn’t going to give up the chase until she agreed. She glanced over to her desk. She groaned at how much work she would have to do if she took a whole weekend off. On her desk was the typical amount of daily paperwork. Her finished pile was gone. She groaned more as she turned her attention to Rainbow Dash once more.

“I will go with you on this vacation on one condition.” She tilted the frames of her sunglasses down to look directly into her eyes. “You help with the mess of paperwork this is going to cause.”

Rainbow Dash bit her lips, but nodded. “Awesome! Heck yeah, you got a deal. I can’t wait to tell Soarin.”

“You mean you didn’t ask him first?” questioned Spitfire, fixing her sunglasses back upon her face properly, coughing against her forehoof.

“I asked him like two weeks ago. He was so easy to convince. All I had to do was offer him some freshly made pies from Aj’s farm, and I had him eating out of my hooves,” she smirked a wide eyed, proud grin.

“You’ve had this planned for weeks now? It’s not like you to be this focused.”

“What do you mean? I’m always focused. It helps that I’m already awesome at just about everything.”

“Including crashing.” Spitfire reminded her. She felt Dash sulk in her steps. She wrapped a wing around her. “Sheesh, I’m just messing with you Crash. You’re a valued member of the team, but sometimes you need to tone it down a bit.”

“That’s fair. I’ll meet you at the train station in an hour. Be sure to clean up before then! You smell like a musky old rat!” Rainbow Dash teased as she flew out the door, before Spitfire could lash back at her.

“Huh...What have I gotten myself roped into this time? I mean I’ve never actually been to Appleloosa. It might be nice.” Spitfire muttered to herself as she sniffed at her underarms. “Shessh, I really do smell like an musky old rat. I’d best shower up. Wouldn’t want to make a bad first impression,” she reminded herself.

Spitfire made her way out of her office, and to the locker room, she put her shades away, as well as her coat and hat. She grabbed her sweat towel, and headed straight for the showers. Stepping inside the shower area, she went to one of the stalls, and turnt the water on to about a medium temperature, not scolding hot, but not lukewarm either. A nice middle ground of soothing comfort. She sighed as she felt the water pouring down over her body. She closed her eyes, and began to wash herself up, starting with her mane and tail. Grabbing the bottle of shampoo, she spread it through her mane, scrubbing at her roots to get all the clumps of dirt and grime out, and doing the same with her tail.

Spitfire then reached for the washrag, and lathered it with the ivory soap she had purchased from a local maker right in Cloudsdale. Spitfire always liked helping out where she could. Many thought her to be nothing but a brute aggressive leader of the Wonderbolts, but she had a caring heart, and pushed the team like she did, because she knew what was best.

She began with her face, keeping her eyelids shut, she rubbed the cloth over her forehead, cheeks and her muzzle and chin, moving her way down to her neck, continuing onto her chest fluff, and down to her torso, moving to her front legs, and then her back hindlegs, washing over her rump, and finally cleaning her sensitive bits, before finally rinsing the soap off the cloth, putting the washrag back over the rack to dry, and rinsing the suds off of her body. Letting out a sigh of content, she reached for her towel and immediately put it into her face to clear her eyes of any soap, water, or dirt that might have still remained.

“I may as well fly down to the train station.” Spitfire said as she glanced up at a clock. It was already fifteen minutes until the time Rainbow Dash told her to meet her at the train station. She exited the headquarters in a full on sprint, and the second she was out the door, she spread her wingspan out fully, flapping them up and down, and soaring off into the sky. She expected that Soarin had likely stayed in Ponyville with the promise of pie, so she wasn’t really worried about him being late. But, she was a mare of deadlines, and there was no way she was going to be late.

Flying through the sky, always gave Spitfire this sense of calm. There was nothing to worry about, but the weather itself. She flew through the clouds, and dove down towards the train station. Landing with a heavy thud, she huffed and looked around for signs of Rainbow. Surely enough, she was already there.

“Hey Spitfire! You made it, and just in the knick of time too.” Rainbow Dash went over to her, and wrapped her wings around her.

“Yeah...Yeah...I’m here. You went to a lot of trouble for this. You are so in for it when we get back.” Spitfire reminded her. Though she did return the hug, wrapping a wing around Rainbow Dash in return.

“Howdy there, Sugarcube. Rainbow here’ has told me a lot about ya, and the other Wonderbolts. I reckon we don’t really get to see ya much outside of your line of duty. I think it’ll be nice bonding for all of us. Ain’t that right Rainbow?” Applejack smirked as she pulled Rainbow tightly against her, causing Rainbow Dash’s face to flush.

“Applejack! Stop, you are totally embarrassing me in front of my heroes.” Rainbow Dash pouted, lips curling downwards. Spitfire couldn’t help but burst out in laughter. That’s what she got for ruining all her hard work!

“Aww, come on Rainbow don’t be such a stick in the mud.” Applejack smiled, nuzzling her affectionately.

“Yeah, I could really use a vacation. It’s just so time consuming being a Wonderbolt. It doesn’t give you a lot of time to just mess around.” said Spitfire, rubbing the back of her mane with her forehoof.

“Well, that all changes as of right now. I want both you and Soarin to actually enjoy yourselves. Applejack and I have plans already, so you two can do whatever you want once we get there.” Rainbow Dash instructed.

Spitfire raised an eyebrow at this. “Since when are you the one giving orders Crash?” questioned Spitfire.

“Since this was my idea! And you're on vacation. So that means, right now you aren’t my boss.”

“You’re certainly right about that, I am your boss ain’t I Sugarcube?” smirked Applejack. Rainbow Dash tensed up as she felt a drop of sweat landing on the ground beneath her.

“Anyways. We have a train to catch.” Rainbow Dash interjected quickly. Spitfire could tell she was trying to hide something, which would only make her punishment when they got back, that much more rewarding.

“Hey guys! Wait for me.” spoke Soarin as he trotted up to the train station with exhaustion on his face. Sweat Drops pouring down his cheeks. His stomach clearly expanded from a recent big meal. “Man...I didn’t think I would make it.”

“Sheesh, and you call yourself a Wonderbolt.” Rainbow Dash teased him, jabbing her elbow right at him.

“Oww. Come on Rainbow. You’re the one that said I could eat as much pie as I wanted. And well I couldn’t stop. It was just so good.”

“I might not like pie, but Applejack is one hell of a cook.” smirked Rainbow Dash, wrapping her wing around her. Applejack flushed slightly, putting a forehoof against her cheek.

“Awwh, shucks. I just follow the recipes really. Ain’t nothing fancy about it. I’m pretty darn sure I ain’t the best cook in Equestria.”

“You’re the best in my books.” Rainbow Dash replied with a simple nod.

“You two are adorable, but the train will be here any minute now.” spoke Spitfire, just loving that she could tease Rainbow Dash a bit more.

The train pulled up to the station, tooting to signal it’s arrival, as it stopped, and allowed the ponies on board to get off at the station. After all the ponies from the train departed, the conductor called for the ponies to hand in their tickets and hop on board. Rainbow Dash bolted for the train, and handed over her ticket first.

“Always in such a hurry. What’s the rush?” questioned Spitfire.

“She’s just full of spirit that’s all.” Applejack said as she handed over her own ticket and hopped on board. Soarin was behind her, still groaning about eating too much pie.

“Ugh...I hope this ride doesn’t make me sick.” he said as he hopped on board.

Spitfire was the last one to get on the train of their little group. She sighed as she handed in her ticket, and decided to sit next to Soarin. Though she decided to let him have the outside seat, just in case.

“So what’s it like in Appleloosa? You ever been there before?” questioned Spitfire.

“A few times. It’s a nice place with a lot of nice ponies. It’s a lot like Ponyville. And everyone wears hats for some reason. I hope we won’t need any hats. I didn’t bring any.”

“Not going to wear a pie hat?” questioned Spitfire, in a clearly sarcastic tone.

“Hey! That’s actually a really good idea. But where on earth do you find a pie hat?” questioned Soarin, as he seemed to ponder on that thought.

“I’m surrounded by idiots.” Spitfire muttered to herself. She glanced out the window, towards Ponyville. She couldn’t help wondering if this vacation would actually be good for her or not, or if she’d just be more annoyed and frustrated by the end of it. She figured she should at least give it a chance. She was sure with Applejack keeping Rainbow Dash distracted,she’d at least be able to admire the scenery of the place.

The train started up, letting out a huff of steam, as the conductor made his last call for passengers.

“All aboard! Last call! Alright every pony. Next stop Appleloosa!” he spoke over the loudspeaker.

Spitfire glanced out the window, just lounging back in her seat. It would be a while until they arrived. She looked over towards Soarin, whose face was red as a beet, and already he was dashing to the bathroom.

“That’s why you shouldn’t eat so much pie.” she called out to him. She knew he heard her, but was in too much of a hurry to get to where he was going.

“Man, Rainbow Dash is right about one thing. I really do need a vacation.” Spitfire sighed to herself, trying to relax, and not think for the length of the ride.

Author's Note

Hello everyone. I don't know about you, but I don't want to be known for oneshots, so I'm trying more longer stories again. Not sure exactly how long, but I've got a few chapters of this written and have been waiting for the right time to let it loose. And well I decided today was that day! Will update bi-weekly or on the "opposite" wedsneday of "Broken Promise." thank you for reading. <3

Chapter 2: Horse Feathers!

“Hey Slowpoke, are you coming or are you just going to laze about on the train?” questioned Rainbow Dash, stopping in her sprint. Spitfire groaned, shaking her head.

“What? Huh?” she asked in return,stirring herself awake and shaking her head, rubbing the sleep dust out of her eyes., staring out the window, and sure enough, they were at the train station stop for Appleloosa. The big welcoming sign was a dead give away.

“Welcome to Appleloosa.” Spitfire glanced back at Dash again, who was tapping her forehoof against the other as she let out a huff, wings fluttering as she flew in the air.

“I must’ve dozed off.” Spitfire said as she shifted up from the seat, she immediately noted Soarin was nowhere in sight. “Did Soarin ever come out of the bathroom?” she asked, a bit concerned for her teammate.

“Oh yeah he’s fine. Just ate too much pie. But that’s nothing new. He’s outside with Applejack. I came back in because you weren’t coming out, and if you took any longer you’d be on your way to the next stop, which is a dead end!”

“At least then I wouldn’t have to deal with idiotic recruits that throw out the wrong paperwork,” Spitfire muttered, rolling her eyes.

“Ah come on! That was an accident and you know it.” Rainbow Dash whined, protesting her case. Spitfire wasn’t listening. She was already moving outside to see what this town had in store for her. She really wasn’t sure if she’d be glad that Applejack and Dash had plans, or if she’d be totally lost without a guide. That’s when she noticed him. He had a yellow coat just like her, an apple as his cutie mark, he had light blonde mane and tail, and wore a brown vest and cowboy hat, and he was talking to Soarin, like they were old pals. She trotted up to Soarin, tapping him on the shoulder.

“Hey Clipper, how’s your stomach?” Spitfire asked him, giving him a good pat to his back. Soarin tensed up, and she noticed a drop of sweat running down his cheek.

“My belly is all swell and good now, Captain. Thanks for asking.” Soarin said as he and Braeburn exchanged glances. “This is my friend Braeburn, we’ve known each other for a while now, though being a Wonderbolt keeps me from visiting more often. It’s really great here, and they have great sweets.” exclaimed Soarin as he reared up on his hindquarters, and whiny with a gleam in his eyes.

“Well, howdy there miss. Soarin has told me a lot about ya, and your team. I must say it must be really hard to lead a team as talented as the Wonderbolts. I value hard work, and honesty. A lot of respect, name’s Braeburn it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Braeburn smiled, tipping his hat, and bowing towards her.

“Spitfire. Pleasure’s all mine, I take it you’re in charge of this whole place?” Spitfire asked, glancing back and forth, to take in her surroundings. The dirt under her hooves wasn’t unfamiliar to her. She saw how the buildings lined up opposite of each other, and there was this giant space between each side. She found herself getting lost in the simplistic charm this town seemed to hold. She suddenly felt naked without a hat. Not that she needed one, but it seemed like this town was rather crazy about ponies wearing hats.

“Alright, Spitfire. Welcome. Allow me to give ya’ the grand tour. Soarin, I am mighty glad to see ya again as well, but I reckon you don’t need a tour. Excuse us.” he smiled towards his fellow friend.

“Ah, yeah. I know this town like the back of my hoof. Besides, I heard there’s a pie eating contest.” he said licking his chops and dashing off. Spitfire rolled her eyes, and shook her head. He would never change.

“He sure does always seem excited for pie. Can’t say I blame him. I’m a fan of it myself, I just haven’t been able to really relax much to enjoy it.”

“Yeah...I feel that.” Spitfire said as she looked to her left and to her right, continuing to observe her surroundings. There were a lot of ponies in this town, not quite as many as Ponyville, but there was this certain sense of a tingling sensation running through her. She felt a hoof on her shoulder blade.

“Allow me to show you the wonders that Appleloosa has, my lady.” he smiled gently, as he began showing her all the local sites and properties, even introducing her to Sheriff Silver Star.

“Howdy there, welcome to Appleloosa. If any pony causes you trouble, or if those buffalo come again, you can count on
me to be there.” he bowed to her, tipping his hat.

“Thanks, but I can handle myself.” Spitfire said as she continued walking alongside Braeburn. She noticed ponies traveling to and from the main parts of the town as they trotted along. She had a lot of respect for authority, and she was strangely in awe of how relaxed he seemed being the leader of an entire town.

“So...you’ve got a buffalo problem?” asked Spitfire, she really hadn’t seen much signs of trouble since she arrived, but where there was trouble, she found herself aiming to put an end to it. She sighed, thinking how much she tried stopping Rainbow Dash from doing her crazy stunts when she had first arrived as a Wonderbolt.

“Welp...you see, the buffalo really haven’t bothered us much since we found a compromise. We give them our pies, and they let us have our orchard.” he smiled pointing to the orchard that had enough room for buffalo to stampede through. Spitfire studied the lands, it was a good spot to grow crops, but she didn’t know much about the Buffalo, so it wasn’t her place to judge them.

“What is it with ponies and pies?” Spitfire groaned, shaking her head.

“Hey, I'm quite the gluten for sugar and sweets myself. Especially after a hard day's work, ain't nothing better than coming home and having some sweet apple pie. Just warms your whole body up!"

“Ugh. Can’t say I get it, but hey you enjoy it. As a Wonderbolt I have to keep in tip top shape or otherwise there would be a world of hurt.”

“True, but don’t be afraid to spoil yourself to something sweet and sugary ever now and again. If all you think about is fitness, then the world almost feels...flat.”

Spitfire merely nodded. She really needed to get Soarin to cut back on pies, he was probably going to be a mess again after the pie eating contest.

Braeburn tipped his hat towards Spitfire as they came to the end of Appleloosa’s property.

“Wooo, now lass. This is as far as we go. This is buffalo territory, and trust me when I say, they might seem friendly, but they don’t take kindly to strangers just waltzing in on their home lands.”

“Thanks?” asked Spitfire with a raised eyebrow, if the buffalo were territorial it was best to heed his advice. Besides, the view of the sky was rather nice from right here.

“Welp, that’s the town, I know it doesn't seem like much. But it’s home,” Braeburn smiled a big wide eyed grin. She could see how proud he was of the town in his eyes. Standing there next to him, she couldn’t help but feel this sense of calm and tranquility.

“It reminds me a lot of Cloudsdale. Though a lot more calming. I can see why ponies would vacation here. It’s a good spot.” Spitfire said.

“Oh...Welp I’m glad you decided to come here then. I’ll ensure your stay here is the best you’ve ever had or my name ain’t Braeburn.”

“No stress. I didn’t even want to come. I’m the leader of the Wonderbolts, and I don’t really have time to “mess” around as Rainbow Dash often does. Seems both of my teammates planned this trip behind my back.”

“They probably did it for ya own good though. You…” he began, stuttering. “Seem exhausted, and overworked. I reckon you could use a bit of down time from all that work ya’ been doing,” Braeburn flushed slightly, Spitfire tilted her head towards him and didn’t want to cause her unrest.

Spitfire mutters under her breath. Maybe he has a point. But...She felt a hoof on her shoulder.

“Now listen here y'all. As long as you are in my town, I’m making it firm and clear that you ain’t to be thinking about work. I want you to think about you, and what you would do with your time off. Enjoy yourself, stay awhile, and enjoy the pleasures of the simple things life has to offer. Keeping ya head up in the clouds, ain’t no good for relaxing, and I reckon that’s a darn fact.” Braeburn said.

Spitfire’s lips curled upwards into a big wide eyed smile as she chuckled.

“Yeah...I can’t say that’s not true. So what do you Appleloosa folks do for fun?” she asked him curiously. I wouldn’t mind just sitting here and watching the sunset.
“Well, I guess it depends on your interests. There’s a lot to do here, but I reckon for a mare like yourself, you might enjoy the races.” Braeburn replied. “We unfortunately haven’t been able to have them lately though. There’s been something causing one hell of a stir out yander. I’ve been trying to figure out what it is, and what it wants so that we can have some fun. I’m sure ya’ll don’t need to know much to understand.”

“A problem huh? Maybe I can help lend a helping hoof. It’s just not in my nature to “relax”.” Spitfire admitted with a slight shrug of her shoulders. “Besides, you look tired and overworked. I think you could use some help.”

“Welp, I reckon you got me there. I can’t ask you to get mixed up in my problems. You’re here on vacation.” Braeburn snorted, shaking his head. It wasn’t right.

Spitfire starred into his baby blue eyes, raising an eyebrow slightly, and tapping one of her back hooves onto the ground, as she crossed her front forelegs around her chest.

“Not wanting to get me dragged into it is perfectly understandable, but you brought it up, so you might as well fess up.

"What’s causing you trouble? Is it the buffalo?” Spitfire asked, starring right at him.

Braeburn took a deep gulp of a breath, as he felt his whole body twitching. He needed to say something. Anything.

“I reckon the weather is awfully nice today. Say, why don’t I take you out for dinner tonight? Treat you to what Appleloosa has to offer.” Braeburn said, praying she’d leave it at that, and agree to join him.

“Avoiding the question only makes me more interested to know what’s going on. But for now. I will let it be. I’m sure I’ll find out one way or the other.” spoke Spitfire. He’s hiding something. I don’t know what, but I’m going to find out.

“Great! I promise it’ll be a night you won’t soon forget. And maybe you’ll finally learn what it’s like to take it easy.” said Braeburn with a bright smile rising up on his face.

Spitfire sighed heavily. This place was going to drive her crazy, but she couldn’t deny that Braeburn had this sorta charm to him. She didn’t know why, or how, but she liked it. She smiled back at him.

“Well, cowboy show me your way of life, and we’ll see who will be learning from the experience. Who’s to say I can’t teach you something about hard work and dedication?”

“I reckon ya could, but I told you, as long as ya’ll are here in my town, you ain’t to be thinking about that. I want you to have a good time, Spitfire. Life isn’t all work and no play. Gotta learn to lay back, and admire the beauty before you.” replied Braeburn as he offered his forehoof to her. “Shall we go fill our bellies with some good home cooking? I’m perched.”

“Sure…” replied Spitfire. She paused and looked to the sky. Don’t get lost in the clouds. Good advice, now if only Rainbow Dash would heed it. She wasn’t sure what Rainbow Dash planned to accomplish by dragging her out here, but she’d find out soon enough. After dinner.

Braeburn held the door for her, she glanced at him and trotted inside to the restaurant. The whole place gave off this rustic charm. The tables were all wooden, covered by a simple white cloth. Ponies of all sorts were gathered at the tables. She could see Soarin digging into some kind of pie at one of the tables. She shook her head, as Braeburn gestured her to their table, and pulled out the chair for her. She glanced at him, not used to special treatment, but sat down, and waited for him to sit with her.

The waitress came to the table to take their order. Spitfire noticed she too was wearing a hat. What was it with ponies and hats in this town?

“Hello there, it’s a pleasure to be your waitress today, what may I get ya started with? We do have fresh cider on tap, and a variety of hoof squeezed fruit juices, and water as well.”

“Water is fine.” spoke Spitfire. She could just imagine if Rainbow Dash was here, her eyes would’ve lit up like a filly on Hearth’s warming at the thought of fresh cider, but Spitfire didn’t really need it.

“I’ll have some freshly squeezed apple juice.” spoke Braeburn with an eager yip in his voice.

Spitfire coughed into her forehoof to hide her slightly tinted cheeks. Why was he so darn adorable? What? She blinked and sighed. Air must be getting to her.

“So, do you at least feel more relaxed now? Y'all sure seemed awfully tense at the station. And exhausted. Not that I mean to pry or anything, but it isn’t good to run yourself ragged.”

“Yeah...I guess. I’m concerned about whatever is going on beyond your borders. It isn’t wise to just do nothing.” said Spitfire, as she pondered on how she could be an asset to the town, and maybe help solve his problem. She knew Rainbow wanted her to have a vacation, but she wasn’t going to just ignore a problem when it could be solved.

“I told you before, this is my problem, not yours. Don’t worry, I’m looking into it, but right now I’d like to enjoy dinner with a beautiful pony.” smiled Braeburn.

Spitfire looked over to Braeburn with the slightest raise of a brow. “Hehe, nice try buddy.” she shook her head, and waited for the food to come. In the back of her mind, she wandered about what was going on beyond the borders, but she also wondered how much trouble her recruits might get into while she wasn’t there to watch them. Rainbow Dash dragged her here to some middle of nowhere town, because she needed a vacation, well she hated to be the bearer of bad news, but she wasn’t going to have a vacation.

She was going to find out what was going on, whether this cow pony liked it or not. She couldn’t deny, he was a good looking stallion, but she certainly wasn’t here to look for a relationship. She was married to her job as a Captain of the Wonderbolts, and she couldn’t see herself ever leaving until she grew old and couldn’t keep up anymore, but that was a ways away yet. Their food finally came, and Spitfire noticed immediately how much Braeburn enjoyed his supper. She glanced around, looking at the others within the restaurant. Every pony seemed to be having a good time but her. Gosh...why was she here? She was going to get back at Rainbow Dash for this… Going to give that bolt six thousand laps when we get back.

“Spitfire? Are ya’ll going to eat your food or just stare at the wall all night?” asked Braeburn, a bit concerned, tilting his head to the side, and looking at her. He scratched at his hat, wandering to himself, just how stubborn this pony was. And here he thought Applejack was bad!

Spitfire snapped out of her thoughts, and picked up her silverware and began to enjoy her dinner as best she could. Her mind felt all over the place, but she knew right now, she needed to wait for sunlight. She wouldn’t get anything accomplished in the evening, and she knew in the back of her mind, Braeburn was stubborn and set in his ways. She understood his reasons, but she also knew she couldn’t change him, just like he couldn’t change her.

Change. It was such a simple thing, yet so hard for her to embrace. She was a Captain of an elite group of flyers known as the Wonderbolts. She was used to seeing change around her, but for her to change herself to be more…”chillax” as Rainbow called it, she didn’t see herself doing that anytime soon. She wondered just what Rainbow was doing on this vacation.

After they arrived here, Applejack and her just wandered off. She could envision what they might be doing, but that wasn’t the kind of thoughts to be having over dinner with a nice gentle colt. She shook her head, and decided she’d worry about herself and try not to get wrapped up in Rainbow’s vacation. Rainbow had bought her to relax, because apparently she thought she was overworked. Spitfire glared directly at Braeburn, envisioning Rainbow in his place.

“Woah, now. What did I do?” asked Braeburn, looking back at her, a raised eyebrow, feeling a drop of breath being swallowed down his throat by her intimidating stare.

“You didn’t do anything wrong. I just...have a certain rainbow maned pegasus on my mind. I didn’t even want a vacation.”

“Yeah, I can clearly see you’re tense, but that’s why she did what she did. She just wants to help. Even if it wasn’t in the best of methods, she’d try and that’s something ain’t it?”

“I suppose.” Spitfire sighed heavily. This is supposed to be her vacation, but relaxing just wasn’t something some pony like her could easily do, nor did she really want too. Work was in her blood, flight was her passion, and bossing other ponies around gave her quite the thrill. She looked over towards Braeburn. He was sorta similar to her, and that was respectful, she could value the morals, and duties he had as the leader of Appleloosa.

After dinner was finished, Braeburn insisted on paying for their meal, and she didn’t fight him on it. Right now, she just wanted to go back to her house she’d be staying at while she was here, and just get some well deserved rest. Perhaps she did need a vacation...

Author's Note

I know it's been like a LONG time since you saw anything from this story, but I have been focusing on "Broken Promise" so this story was put on the backburner, but then I remembered I had this chapter finished, so I hope you all enjoy it, and Happy Hearthwarming!

Chapter 3: A Wild Goose chase

Tossing and turning in her bed, struggling to get comfortable. “Ugh!” Spitfire groaned, opening her eyes fully, staring up at the ceiling of her hotel room.

She pushed the blankets away from her body, muttering.

“Why am I here? I don’t need a vacation.” Spitfire declared, swiveling her hindlegs to the side of the bed, allowing them to dangle. She leaned her front forelegs back behind her, leaning against them. Rolling her eyes, and exhaling deeply.

Taking a moment to relax, she took a deep breath in… before slowly exhaling.

Her ears tucked against her as she heard a knock on the door. She mumbled, standing up from the bed approaching the entrance. Opening it slowly, to see who was on the other side.

Braeburn stood there, grinning from ear to ear. “Hey, Spitfire! I sure hope ya slept well. We got a lot to do today.” Braeburn started to say, pausing as he saw the exhaustion in Spitfire’s eyes. “That is if you’re up for helping out, there’s no obligation. I just thought… you might want too.”

Spitfire opened her mouth to respond, as a soft yawn escaped her lips. Batting her lashes, she put her hoof over her muzzle. She looked back at Braeburn, tilting her head to the side.

“Wait, just a second. I thought you wanted me to relax…” Spitfire inquired, staring blankly at him. She slouched her shoulders, arching her back.

“Well, yeah… I did want you to relax and enjoy yourself while you’re here.” Braeburn began, scratching the back of his hat. “However, it seems to me that you’re most relaxed when you’re working.”

Spitfire smirked a smug grin, extending a wingtip and putting the tip of her feathers upon his shoulder. “I knew there was a reason, I liked you. Now shall we?”

“Oh course!” Braeburn said, flushing as he awkwardly took a step back, as he swallowed a breath.

Spitfire followed him downstairs, and outside of the hotel she’d been staying in. She stopped herself, looking around to the many ponies of Appleloosa, they were all enjoying themselves dancing in the center of town. She raised her eyebrow, and shook her head. She couldn’t comprehend this level of relaxation. Perhaps, that was why Rainbow Dash was so aggressive with bringing her here.

“Now, I still don’t really like the thought of endangering you, however I realize you are a strong, and capable mare. I reckon, I shouldn’t make a fuss.” Braeburn stated, rubbing the back of his hat, his eyes narrowed onto Spitfire, before turning his head away.

Braeburn whistled for a wagon to come, and offered to aid Spitfire up into it, before realising she was already hoovering in the air.

“You do know I can fly right?” Spitfire asked him, while remaining airborne.

Braeburn blushed darkly, tipping his hat forward on his muzzle, in a desperate attempt to cover his eyes. He hopped into the wagon, and asked the driver to take him to the end of the Appleloosa lands.

He felt his spine shivering, as he looked out to the brazen lands of Appleloosa. Glancing out the window, he saw her, flying outside his window, waving at him. The wagon wheels bumped over the uneven ground as it came to a sudden and swift stop.

“We have arrived,” said the stallion from the front of the wagon.

Braeburn stepped out of the carriage. “Thank you, kindly. Have a safe trip back.”

Spitfire hoovered in the air beside him, glancing out towards the territory of the Buffalo. Crossing her front forelegs across her chest, sighing. The question digging at her subconscious. “So… what exactly is going on here? I know you really didn’t want me involved, but I’m here now. No sense to hide what’s already out in the open.”

Braeburn stared out to the horizon beyond, sighing heavily. He took a deep breath in. “Honestly, I really don’t like all the trouble we’ve had with the buffalo. We’ve tried to be hospitable towards them, and respect our differences.”

“It’s clear to see that something is wrong, and we need to address it.” Spitfire instructed, continuing to hover in the air, blankly staring out into the wide yonder.

Braeburn lifted a hoof to his hat, rubbing the back of his head, exhaling. He slumped his shoulders.

“Believe me, I’m fully aware of that.” Braeburn began, but before he could even finish his sentence his ears flickered at the sound of approaching hooves and a lot of them. He initially took a few steps backwards, feeling a bump in the soil beneath his hooves, as he landed upon his rump.

A cloud of smoke epirated from the soil of the ground, as the many hooves skidded to a complete and sudden halt.

Standing there was none other than the leader of the buffalo, Chief Thunderhooves. With him, seemed to be his herd of buffalo, all of them silent, yet the unwavering stares at Braeburn, sent a chill down his spine. He gulped for air, gasping before struggling to address the buffalo with respect, and authority.

“Um… Hello there Chief Thunderhooves. I wasn’t expecting a visit from you. Can I help you with anything? Anything at all.” Braeburn stuttered, his lips stumbling over the words escaping his maw in a raspy voice.

“Calm yourself, young colt. I came to speak with you, it is of utmost importance. Do not waste my time, by stuttering and cowering in fear. I don’t intend to bring any trouble to Appleloosa.” Chief Thunderhooves stated, stomping a hoof into the soil of the ground, rolling his eyes and exhaling deeply. Kids these days.

Braeburn bowed his head forward, so that his hat tipped slightly down, towards the bridge of his nose. He quickly adjusted his hat, and smiled softly, nodding. “Well, then...um what brings ya to these parts?”

The Chief exhaled a deep breath, before speaking.
"Strangeness travels amongst us, and ponyfolk have been spotted in odd places."

“Trouble with the buffalo? Oh no that can't be good," Braeburn said, swallowing the breath he’d been holding.

Chief Thunderhooves stood silently as the wind whistled through the valley.

“Would you be willing to aid us? I know we haven’t been on the friendliest of terms, but I am in a rough patch.” The Chief said, with a subtle tip of his large snout forward.

Braeburn bit his bottom lip, fidgeting on his forelegs. His eyes darted from one end to the other, taking a mighty gulp.

“Um, well… “ Braeburn began, fighting against his better judgement for the right response.

“We’d be glad to assist you. However, we’re going to need to know a lot more to truly find out what’s causing this stir.” Spitfire stated, speaking up at last, noting the way Braeburn fidgeted like a filly.

“I’m afraid I don’t know much more,” began the Chief, pausing for a moment as he turned his head towards the horizon behind him. “My kin have felt extremely tired, and drained almost to the point where no buffalo can do their job, preventing us from making any progress.”

“Hmm.. I reckon that doesn’t sound very good at all.” Braeburn hesitated.

Spitfire stared at Braeburn for a good long minute, coughing into her hoof before once more, taking charge. Shoving her shoulder blade against his, coughing twice.

Braeburn felt Spitfire’s barrel next to his, causing his cheeks to redden, as he stuttered. “Yes, we will help you however we can.”

The Chief nodded, before turning around to head back to his own territory.

Braeburn paused to look over towards Spitfire, he opened his mouth to speak. She pressed a hoof to his mouth and shook her head.

"Don't start."

“What do you mean?” asked Braeburn, blinking, seeming oblivious.

“You were about to say something lame like “You don’t have to come if you don’t want, I can handle this on my own.” began Spitfire giving him the stare down. Her orange eyes staring right into his very soul. The fire in them, reminded him of a phoenix, burning intensely for all to see.

“Actually, I was gonna ask if you needed anything before we left.” Braeburn began, scratching the back of his hat, as his cheeks flushed. “Afterall, it would be awfully rude of me to not allow a beautiful strong mare like you to accompany me. There’s no knowing how long I’ll be gone, and it might be rather nice to have some company.”
“No, there’s nothing I need back in Appleloosa.” Spitfire said, sighing. She couldn’t help rolling her eyes, remembering the paperwork, and how behind she was going to be, because of Rainbow.

“This ain’t gonna be easy, you sure you wanna get messed up in my problems?” asked Braeburn. Silently he stood there awaiting her reply, however he could feel the fiery passion within those eyes. There was no way, she wasn’t going to tag along. He wished he knew if that was good or bad, for her sake.

“Honestly, Braeburn, I didn’t even want to come to Appleloosa,” Spitfire stated, dully. Her eyes narrowed, almost looking sleep deprived, or perhaps the better word was exhaustion. It was painted on her face, clear as the sun rose in the east.

“Then why did you come, if you didn’t want to?” Braeburn asked, while staring out to the barren emptiness of dust. “ I don’t mean to pry… but that doesn't really make a lick of sense.”

Spitfire didn’t respond. Idly she stared out to the same emptiness he was gawking at. The land was filled to the brim with dust. The valley itself was covered like sand, except it was solid to the touch, almost bone dry.

“Um… but you seem like a mare who doesn’t let others tell her what to do, so why?” Braeburn asked, swallowing the breath he had been holding. He trembled visibly, despite the burning sun beaming down on them.

“I am.” Spitfire said abruptly. Sighing heavily, she realized why Rainbow Dash had done this. Yet, she didn’t have to come. She chose to come. Maybe, just maybe…

"A teammate of mine, recommended I get away from the office for a bit.” Spitfire continued, sighing. She didn’t really want to discuss the matter further. She turned her attention back to the reason, the two of them were out here in the first place. “Well, are we going to stand here idly all day long, or go find out what’s brewing?”

“I guess that’s probably the best course of action to take.” Braeburn replied, biting his bottom lip, twitching visibly. His mouth suddenly felt dry as the desert around them Now, wasn’t really the time to be asking questions. It wasn’t his place.

The ground beneath their hooves felt firm and solid. Wind ever so gracefully blew against them, tempting them with the facade of comfort, and yet leaving them aching, as they forged forward.

Braeburn glanced over to Spitfire, to gauge how she was doing. She was already at least five paces ahead of him. He blinked at the amazing stamina she possessed.

"What are you gawking at?" Spitfire demanded, head narrowing sideways to stare daggers into Braeburn's very soul.

“Nothing!” Braeburn shouted, swallowing a gulp of breath. Mane on the back of the neck started to become sticky with sweat. Knees daring to buckle. Eyes desperately looking for cover from her burning gaze.

Spitfire stared at him tilting her head down slightly, wings flapping at her sides as she hovered in the air. "You know, I thought you were Applejack’s cousin... maybe honesty doesn’t run in the family after all."

Braeburn opened his mouth to speak, lifting a forehoof in protest to her words but before he could reply, she was already moving forward towards the Buffalo’s lands.

Braeburn snorted, shoulders tensing up as he hurried to trot after her. “Hey, wait up, I thought we were in this together.” Braeburn pouted. He admired the way her wingspan had spread so quickly, after she took off. “Whew, that’s a Wonderbolt, alright.” It left him gasping for air by the sheer dust she left in his path.

Braeburn struggled to push himself forward, using all the strength he could muster. The heat wore on him with every step, but he kept pushing himself forward.

Spitfire's hooves hit the dirt with precision as she came to a full stop, before turning to glance behind her for signs of Braeburn in her tracks. “Argh, darn that stallion, I swore he was right behind me.”