Hitch took a deep breath as he stared at himself in the mirror. He had just finished getting himself ready for his date. His mane was combed smooth. His teeth glistened white. He had even put on a small amount of cologne from Zephyr Heights. He smiled proudly at himself; he was Maretime Bay's Sheriff. He kept the town safe and free of litter. And he was friends with Sunny Starscout and three other outstanding mares. But, he was completely nervous about meeting his date for the first time. His date was a heifer named Iola Zulch. They had met on a dating app on their phones. At first, they just Directly Messaged each other. They talked about a few things they liked. Shockingly enough, they had a few common interests. When they felt comfortable enough, they gave the other their phone number. The best way to describe her voice to him; was like the gentle breaking of a wave on the beach. She said his voice to her sounded like thunder but was gently like rain.
After that, they eventually called each other on a video chat. It was a little awkward at first, but they eventually moved past the moment. Her hair color reminded him of embers on a fire. A bright orange pattern of hair blending in with large splotches of black hair. He had complimented her, saying her hair reminded him of campfires. That earned him a blush from her. She said that his hair color reminded her of the dunes near her hometown. After their first video chat, they started video chatting with each other every chance they got. Hitch smiled as he remembered when she called him; while he was taking care of his baby Sparky.
Hitch smiled lovingly at his son, who was sound asleep in his forehooves. The little dragon snuggled against his father's chest. Snoring cutely as his father rocked him back and forth. Hitch had wrapped a small blanket around his son's body. He jumped as he heard his phone start ringing. Thankfully, the sound did not wake Sparky. But, the little dragon cooed a little at the sound. Hitch smiled as he gently rubbed the back of his son's head. He then reached for his phone to check and see who was calling him. He smiled when he saw his girlfriend's name on the screen. He quickly pressed accept.
A few seconds later, he saw her face on the screen. She smiled as she said. “Hey, Hitch.” She waved at him.
Hitch smiled back before whispering. “Hey, Iola.” He then asked her. “How was work today?”
She replied. “Boring.” That caused him to chuckle; he noticed how she was trying to see his son. She asked him. “What are you holding?”
He smiled as he turned his phone towards Sparky. He heard her gasp as she saw his sleeping son in his hooves. She asked him. “Aw, who is that?”
He answered proudly. “This, my love. Is Sparky.” He gently kissed his forehead, causing his son to smile. “My son.”
She asked. “You're a daddy?”
Hitch nodded before answering. “Yeah.” His son yawned cutely before his eyes started to open.
Hitch spoke softly to his son. “Hey, buddy.” He propped his son up a little; before moving his phone in front of him. He said. “I want you to meet this pretty lady.” He saw Iola smiling sweetly at his son before introducing her. “Sparky, this is Iola. Daddy's Girlfriend.” He looked at her. “Iola, this is my son, Sparky.”
Iola smiled as she greeted the young dragon. “Hello, Sparky. Nice to meet you.” She giggled a little as the dragon stared at her. She laughed a little more as the baby hid his face in his father's chest. She commented. “Aw. He's shy.”
Hitch chuckled to himself at the happy memory they had made together. Sparky eventually stopped being shy of her. In fact, he grew excited every time she would call. And, Iola, he swore she fell in love with his son. Speaking of which, he checked himself over once more before walking out of the bathroom. When he was outside in the hallway, he could hear his son laughing. He smiled as he walked toward his sons laughs. He found him in the main living room of the Crystal Bright House. He was playing with Izzy, who was rolling a ball at him. While he rolled it back at her.
Hitch called out to his son. “Hey, Buddy.”
Sparky perked up at the sound of his father's voice. He looked up and smiled before he started laughing. He lifted his tiny claws in the air. His father laughed as he scooped him up and held him close. Sparky squealed as he nuzzled him. His little arms tried to wrap around him as his hooves gently squeezed him.
Hitch smiled as he held his son in front of him. He then said. “Hey, bud. Daddy's going out tonight. I need you to be nice to Aunt Izzy, okay.” His son just looked at him with a smile. He chuckled before gently kissing his son on his forehead.
He looked at Izzy and asked her again. “Are you sure you're okay with watching him?”
Izzy giggled as Sparky sat back down. She spoke. “Yes, Hitch. I'm glad I can babysit this little cutey.” She gently tickled the baby's stomach causing him to laugh wildly. His arms and legs were waving wildly in the air. She spoke to Sparky. “Who's gonna have fun with aunt Izzy?” She started tickling him again while saying. “You are! You are!”
Sparky laughed as she tickled him. Hitch smiled before he lowered his head down in front of his son. Sparky smiled and gently rubbed his head against his fathers. Hitch then said. “I'll be back soon, okay.” he looked his son in the eyes before saying. “Love you, buddy.” he then kissed his son again before walking towards the door.
He paused a moment as he heard a small whimper come from his son. He turned and saw his son looking at him sadly while holding his arms out. Hitch wanted to run to his son and hug him. But, Izzy gently scooped Sparky up and hugged him close. She then motioned for him to have fun. He nodded and exited the home; he knew his son was in good hooves. He looked out towards the town; before turning and looking at the path that led out of town. He took in a deep breath and slowly exhaled. He then began walking down the path, heading to meet Iola.
By the time he reached the location they had chosen for their date, the moon was high in the sky. Iola had told him of a small area of woods near her hometown. It was popular because the woods were home to a colony of fireflies. And, when they would glow all at one, it would make it look like daylight again. He smiled as he got closer to the location. He was excited to meet her in person finally. But, he was still nervous. His heart was beating a little faster than normal. He was sweating a little more than usual. And his legs felt weak. But, it all disappeared when he saw her.
She was standing in front of the woods. She was dressed in a fancy dress that appeared to have a color similar to hot-rod flames. The way the moonlight hit her; made her hair shine. She then turned and looked at him. They stood still for a moment; before they started walking toward each other. There they stood face to face in the flesh. His eyes locked with hers, becoming lost in their beautiful color. Just like her hair and dress, her eyes seemed to have a fire burning inside them.
Iola broke the silence as she greeted him. “Hey, Hitch.” Her voice was just barely above a whisper.
His voice matched her as he said back. “Hey, Iola.” He added. “It's good to see you.”
She replied. “It's good to see you too.”
They stood in silence once more. But then they took a step closer to each other. They gently rubbed their heads against the neck of the other. He brought one of his hooves up and wrapped it around her. And she did the same. Neither of them had a clue about what to do. But, this, this, it felt good. They broke the hug and looked at each other again.
She asked him. “How was the walk?”
He answered. “Good.” He smiled before asking her the same question. “How was your walk?”
She replied with a smile. “Same.” She giggled before complimenting him. “You look very handsome.”
He smiled and thanked her. “Thank you.” He complimented her in return. “And, you look lovely.”
She blushed as she replied. “Thanks.”
They stood in silence again; before she gently took his hoof in hers and led him towards the woods. He followed her, both of them walking side by side into them. Both of them smiled happily, enjoying the others' company.
The woods were dark and completely silent. The only sound that could be heard was the sound of the couple's hoof steps on the grass. Iola was a little disappointed; she must have got the times wrong. Usually, the fireflies would be making these woods glow. But, for some reason, they weren't out tonight. Hitch smiled as he gently nuzzled her.
She looked at him and smiled back before apologizing. “I'm sorry, Hitch. I thought the fireflies would be out tonight.”
He replied. “You don't have to apologize, Iola.” He smiled before nuzzling her again. He added. “I'm happy just spending time with you.”
She giggled before saying. “I'm happy spending time with you too.” She suddenly noticed one of his ears perk up. Before he turned his head to the right, she looked in the direction, but she saw nothing. She did ready herself, thought, although these woods were popular with couples. The fireflies were not the only reason why they were famous. These woods were occasionally home to hoop snakes. Snakes that got around by curling up into circles; before biting their tails and rolling. It was a pretty sight to see them rolling. But, they're highly territorial, and they have very potent venom.
She asked him. “What do you hear, Hitch?”
He replied. “Hold on a second.”
She watched as he walked up to a nearby tree. She grew curious as he seemed to talk to something or someone. Was there someone watching them? He walked back to her with a smile on his face. Before she said anything, the fireflies started to glow. Both of them gasped as the tiny bugs began to glow. The limbs and leaves of the trees, appearing almost like the stars themselves, glowed on them. Iola smiled happily. She hoped that she could show him this beautiful event. When she looked at him, she saw the astonished look on his face.
He commented. “This is so beautiful.”
She giggled, causing him to look at her. They smiled at each other again and moved to be closer to the other again. Their faces almost met, but were separated by one of the fireflies. It buzzed loudly between them. Iola felt that the bug had just ruined the moment for them. That was until she heard Hitch say. “Wait, what?”
She looked up at him and asked. “Is something wrong?”
The firefly buzzed loudly before flying down one of the paths in the woods. Hitch looked at her and said. “He wants us to follow him?”
She replied. “He?” She then said. “Wait, you can talk to animals!?”
He nodded. “Yeah,” He grew a little nervous before explaining. “Since magic returned. Earth ponies like myself were given magical abilities of our own. I can talk to and understand animals.” He lifted his left hoof and added. “I can also do this.” He stomped his foot on the ground, and magical energy surged through and headed right for her.
He panicked for a moment as he thought she would get hurt. But, the magical aura stopped just in front of her. From it, a flower bloomed in front of her. The flower looked like a rose, except it had orange and black color patterns. Hitch wondered what flower that was. He was about to ask until he saw her put her hoof to her mouth.
She then whispered. “A Fire Flower.”
He asked her. “A what?”
She repeated the name. “This is a Fire Flower.” She then said. “It's my favorite flower.”
Hitch was about to say something, but the magic retook effect. The grass around the flower glowed a bright green. The blades began to grow and wrap around the stem of the flower. Gently, it was picked from the ground, and the grass started to form a band around it. The grass continued to grow until it was just above her head. It then gently placed the banded flower behind her ear, before using the grass to secure it to her hair gently. He was about to compliment her, but the flower in her hair began to glow. Its glow was like the gentle flame of fire. The light then magically transferred to her eyes. She shut her eyes at first. When she opened them, it allowed Hitch to see her beautiful eyes again. Only this time, they glowed like fire.
He walked towards her and said in wonder. “Iola, you're eyes.” He was lost in the beautiful flames that danced in them. He continued. “They look like.”
She interrupted him. “Like they're on fire.” She watched him nod. She explained. “This flower is very special to my family and me.” She tried her best to keep from crying.
Hitch asked. “Why?” He was standing face to face with her again. He wanted to know, but he was too lost in her eyes.
Iola stared back into his; she saw the flames of her eyes dancing in his. She began to explain. “This flower has a special power.” she began to move her face closer to his as she continued. “If you.”
The firefly from before flew between them again, buzzing loudly, breaking both of them out of their trance. Hitch almost yelled at it, but before he could. It flew off. Iola had a massive blush on her face. She nearly kissed him! Usually, that wouldn't be a bad thing. After all, she cared for him deeply. But, this was their first date. And, her Ma and Pa always said. “No, Kissing on the first date!”. She giggled as she heard their voices. But, at the same time, she was wearing the Fire Flower. This date had become something more the moment it bloomed and was placed in her hair. Right now, the date had turned into a very delicate ritual. And, if they.
Hitch spoke. “Iola?” She jumped before looking at him. She looked at his face and saw the concern he had for her. She also noticed that her eyes still held the Heart Fire. That meant the ritual had not started. But, it was close. He asked her. “Are you okay?”
She smiled and replied. “Yes.” She asked. “What did the Firefly say?”
He answered. “He said we need to hurry up.” He glared at the small bug as it suddenly buzzed at him. He spoke with strictness in his voice. “Just because she can't understand you. That does not permit you to use that kind of language!”
Iola laughed at the comment, only imagining what that little bug had said. It buzzed loudly at them again before flying off. They looked at one another and started to follow it again. They were heading deeper into the woods. They didn't know where it was leading them. But, so far, this tiny adventure was becoming more exciting.
The couple found themselves standing on the edge of a large lake. Neither of them had known that it was here. The waters were calm, so calm that it looked like a giant mirror. The stars and moon seemed to float on top of the surface. Before Hitch could ask why the Firefly had brought them here. Thousands of fireflies flew up from around the shores of the lake. They all converged on top of the lake, putting on a dazzling light show. Just below the surface of the lake, another glow started to shine. The couple watched as the light of the fireflies was joined by the light of hundreds of lake jellyfish.
The couple was amazed at this beautiful sight of nature. The fireflies glowed in random patterns. At the same time, the jellyfish started shifting and changing their colors in a strange rhythm. Suddenly, the two screamed as they felt themselves pushed into the lake. They had not seen a small group of fireflies massing behind them. And, in a rather sneaky way, they had decided to give the couple a slight push. Thankfully, the jellyfish in the water had moved out of the way and had given the couple plenty of room to swim. Both of them came up gasping for air as they began to tread water.
Hitch asked her. “Iola, are you okay?”
Iola answered. “I'm fine.” She asked him as she turned towards him. “Are you okay?”
He answered. “Yeah.”
They shared another moment of silence before they burst out into laughter. This date was going far better than they both had thought. They began to float on their backs as they stared at the stars. They floated on the lake's surface; the night air cooled their bodies. At the same time, they were surrounded by the beautiful glow of fireflies and jellyfish. Hitch looked over at her and smiled. He caught sight of her eyes again. He still saw the fire dancing inside them and the flower in her hair. He noticed that it also seemed to be on fire.
He asked her. “Iola?”
She looked at him and replied. “Yes.”
He continued his question. “What were you saying earlier about that flower.”
At first, she didn't want to answer; she was worried that if she told him that it would freak him out. But, the moment she saw her eyes reflected in the lake. She sighed and answered. “Hitch, what I'm about to say is very important.” She looked at him before she started to swim towards him. “It's vital to my family and me.”
He nodded as he swam to meet her; he asked. “Why?”
She answered. “This flower.” She motioned towards it as she continued. “It's called the Fire Flower. It is used in my family for an important ritual.”
He asked her. “What kind of ritual?” He saw how she suddenly had a look of fear come across her face; before she looked away. He gently turned her head back towards him. “Don't be afraid to tell me anything. I want to hear it, please.”
She saw the caring look in both his face and eyes. She gulped before she answered. “The ritual is called “The Heart Flame.” She started to explain. “If a female of the Ember Clan finds a male who shares feeling for her. The ritual ties them to each other.”
Hitch asked. “How?”
Taking in another deep breath. Iola answered. “Take the flower of fire and place it in your hair. Should the fire ignite, open your eyes if you dare. Inside the Heart of flame will be set ablaze.” She looked into his eyes. “Allow the one to see your gaze.” Hitch felt himself become mesmerized by her beautiful eyes again. They moved close to one another; he wrapped his hooves around her, and she wrapped hers around him. She called to him. “Hitch?”
He replied. “Yes.”
She warned him. “If we continue, there is a chance something could go wrong. And, if it does, I would.”
He silenced her by bringing his hoof to her mouth. She stared into his eyes, and he stared back into hers. He said in a reassuring voice. “Nothing will go wrong.”
He began to move his head closer to hers. She did the same, softly speaking the last words of the rhyme. “Share with the one you choose a kiss.” Their eyes began to close as the remainder of the words echoed in her mind. “Should he be unworthy, his soul will burn to a crisp.” Their lips were inches apart now. A tear fell from Iola's eye, hoping he was the one. The last words continued. “But, should he be your Soul Fire. Forever the fire of your love will burn in endless.” She took one last look at him. “Bliss.”
The two kissed, and from around them, a magnificent fire erupted. But, nothing was burning, not even them. The flames formed around them. The jellyfish shifted their colors to match the fire. And the fireflies also matched its harsh flames. Above the couple, the fire formed into the flower in her hair. The flower glowed brightly before a tiny ember flew up. The moment the ember reached the top, the flower above bloomed. And floating just above it was a heart that burned just as brightly as the flames. The flames extinguished the moment the couple broke the kiss.
Iola smiled happily as she saw that Hitch was still with her. But, she started to cry tears of joy as she saw that he now had the Heart Fire in his eyes. A sob escaped her as she nuzzled him. She spoke in a voice filled with happiness. “You're the one.” She sniffled a little before continuing. “Your, my Soul Fire.”
They floated silently for a moment before Hitch said. “I love you, Iola.”
She replied in a soft voice. “I love you too, Hitch.”
Hitch slowly opened the door to the Crystal Brighthouse. He didn't want to make too much noise; the others were probably sound asleep. He held the door open, and Iola walked in. He then gently shut the door. They nuzzled each other before they started to walk to the shared room. The date had by far been the best they had. And it was the first of many to come. As they entered the room, Hitch saw the crib next to his bed. He gently walked over to it and looked inside. He smiled as he saw his son sleeping peacefully on his bed. He motioned for Iola to look. When she did, she quietly awed at the sleeping baby dragon.
Sparky cooed softly as his eyes started to flutter open. At first, he saw just large blurry shapes and four bright orbs. As his eyes focused, he eventually saw his father looking down at him. He also saw the heifer that his father had been talking to. He smiled and lifted his tiny claws. He was cooing out, wanting to be picked up. Hitch gently lifted his son and held him close to his body. His son purred and nuzzled his father lovingly.
Hitch spoke to him, “Hey, champ. Sorry, I'm late coming back.” Sparky continued to nuzzle him. He chuckled as he turned his son to look at Iola. “Sparky, this is Iola.”
Sparky looked at her, his eyes becoming immediately fixed on the fire that burned inside hers. She greeted him, but he could not understand their words. He began to reach for her; she awed as she was gently handed him. Iola couldn't believe how cute the baby dragon in her hooves was. He stared up at her; while she stared down at him. She smiled happily just as he yawned and snuggled closer to her. He fell asleep in her hold just seconds later. Iola smiled as she looked at Hitch. The Heart Fire in their eyes burned brightly as they gazed into each other's eyes. He wrapped his hooves around both of them. At the same time, she snuggled her body close to his. Yes, this was perfect.
Author's Note
Hope you all enjoy this new oneshot. Lol. Please leave a like or a comment
