Tending Flames

Things became rather complicated after the incident in the hospital. Firestorm hadn’t really noticed it before, but now, a few weeks after the fire, he couldn’t help but look back on it all a bit cynically.

They had had to sedate Chasing Haze that day, and nearly every day after that. His fits had been attributed to shock, and had been as irregular as they had been sudden, until Twilight Sparkle herself had been called to cast a sleep spell on him, knocking him out.

Rainbow Dash had been given the less than desirable duty of informing Chasing’s family of his condition. She had flown to Canterlot in the hope of contacting one of Chasing’s sisters, who often frequented the city. A letter had been sent to the royal barracks to intercept them, and Rainbow Dash had been due to arrive back today with one of them in tow. Firestorm hadn’t inquired after her, for reasonably obvious reasons.

Ditzy had recovered well from her injuries, as had Dinky, though both bore other scars. Of course, they did, they’d just lost their home. The pair had all but moved in to Rosewood when Dinky was born, because of course, a unicorn couldn’t live comfortably in Cloudsdale. The pair had looked after the place admirably ever since, with the help of a regular allowance from their family. Now though, not only had they lost Rosewood, they were being blamed for it. Firestorm was disgusted by the willingness of the townsponies to accept the first explanation given to them. At least Ditzy had friends like that Carrot Top filly to take her in.

All things considered, Ditzy agreeing to come today was very strong of her.

Fire storm paused in his thoughts, and in the middle of the street. He had spent a lot more time in Ponyville than he had expected, but he couldn’t have changed that if he wanted to. Questions were still racing through his mind about the fire, questions that only Chasing could answer. And besides that, Firestorm couldn’t help but care for the blue Pegasus. His gallant, if extraordinarily risky actions had saved a pony Firestorm considered a friend. If nothing else, Chasing had proved himself a brave pony.

Firestorm started walking again, noting the irony in the way the ponies around town treated him. Chasing was considered a hero, and by extension so was Firestorm, having been the rescuers’ rescuer. But while Chasing was fretted over, and would no doubt be showered with praise later, the citizens of Ponyville treated Firestorm with reverent distance, knowing and for once honouring his preference for his own company. Firestorm may not have expected or welcomed lavish praise, but this awed silence that seemed to follow him everywhere seemed a little unwarranted, too. All he had done has move the fire...along with half the roof, but Twilight Sparkle had actually been responsible for that.

Firestorm stopped off at the Blacksmith’s shop on his way to the hospital, for a small order her had put in. The slate grey pony behind the counter looked at him blankly before actually recognizing him. Firestorm grunted a small laugh at that, noting that this was probably the first time that he had ever walked into this shop minus his trademark firecoat and layer of ash. The pony grunted in return, immediately reaching under the counter and pulling out the small wrapped package Firestorm had asked for.

Firestorm hoofed over the bits and placed the package in his saddlebag before turning halfway to the door. Then he stopped, and decided that after all these years, it was time to ask, “Hey, you know, I never did learn your name?”

The other pony hesitated. Then she answered, “Steel Grey, sir. Good to see you’re well.”

Firestorm smiled and replied, “You too Grey, and its Firestorm; it’s long overdue as is. Thanks for all the help.” Firestorm turned and made his way back into the street, thinking, I can’t believe she was a mare under that apron all this time! He actually hoped that this was due to his own apathy; otherwise that girl had it bad...

His terrible humour aside, it wasn’t long until He found himself looking over a small gathering under the eave of the hospital entrance. He joined the group just as they began to lead off into the building. Following the bleached corridors through the building gave Firestorm plenty of time to inspect his company. Twilight headed the column, followed by a Pegasus Firestorm assumed was Chasing’s sister. From the descriptions he’d heard, this should be Wandering Haze. Her caramel coat and long magenta mane certainly didn’t mark her as an explorer, but her cutie-mark – obviously a dotted line leading to a red X-marks-the-spot – made her occupation quite clear. Following her was Rainbow Dash, resolutely looking forward, away from the unicorn behind her. Firestorm understood her actions, but was still a little disappointed. Of course, things would have been better if he had just apologized...But that could wait a bit more. Instead, Firestorm dropped back ‘til he was shoulder to shoulder with Ditzy.

Immediately, Ditzy turned up to him and gave him a bright, hopeful smile. “Hello. Do think Chasing is awake yet?”

Firestorm shook his head as a smile forced its way onto his lips. He and Ditzy went way back: He had stayed at Rosewood many times in her early days at the cottage. They were comfortable with each other, and had become close since the accident. Even Ditzy’s usual nervous stutter had fallen away. He gave a single emphatic nod and stated, “Trust me, that Pegasus has many more moments to ruin. I can even tell what he’ll say,” Firestorm stopped for a second, leaning to one side and throwing a hoof in the air in a parody of Chasing’s usual greeting, “Hiya! Whatcha all do without me? Can I ask annoying questions until you fall asleep?”

Despite being majorly exaggerated, it wasn’t a half-bad impression. Ditzy giggled into a hoof as Firestorm fell back into his own character. The small moment was, however, was not lost on the other members of the party. Twilight Sparkle looked back at them with a bemused and perhaps mildly annoyed expression, forehoof still raised in the act of walking. Rainbow Dash gave Firestorm a derisive glance before snorting and turning back to the hallway ahead of her. He knew that he had been a little insensitive, but the mood was unbearably dark for what was supposed to be a happy day.

Firestorm was about to call out an apology before he saw the third expression directed his way: Wandering Haze stood half facing him, a brow raised and a small smile gracing her features. Firestorm regarded her nervously. In his bid for a laugh, he hadn’t thought what her reaction might be. When she didn’t continue, Firestorm walked up to her. Ditzy followed him, also noticing the reactions of the others. Wandering Haze fell in next to them, giving Firestorm a small nudge on the shoulder with one of her oversized wings. “That was a pretty good imitation. Heh, Chasing actually used to say stuff like that all the time.”

Firestorm snorted slightly. “You he doesn’t anymore? First time I ever saw him, he ruined an important project of mine, then he flutters down and greets me like a canary after the last birdseed.”

Wandering Haze gave a harrumph before replying; “I see what they mean about you being grumpy. Rainbow warned me about that, but I still owe you a debt of thanks. You saved my little brother’s life. It was brave of you.”

The unicorn sighed dejectedly, but spoke before the broadwing could move away. “Please, excuse me, I didn’t mean to sound so rude. Maybe if I spoke like your brother more often, my humour would be less lost. I honestly hope he’ll make a full recovery. After all, he saved the life of one of my closest friends.” Firestorm found himself looking towards Ditzy, and he noted her odd little smile.

Wandering Haze cocked her head at him for a moment, before her expression softened at the sight of the two. She nodded understandingly before turning back to the hallway, following the now receding Rainbow Dash. Firestorm and Ditzy, relieved, followed her.

The terse little group wound its way through the hospital, and soon found themselves in the ward that had contained two of their number recently. Now, they all waited nervously for the awakening of a third.

Twilight’s horn began to glow.