For a moment I stood on the riverbank and my gaze fell to Ponyville on the horizon. I could feel my heart pounding, the gnawing sensation that I should turn back, but the thought of disappointing my subjects kept me in check. Swallowing what was left of my fear, I reared back, digging my hooves deep into the riverbank as I gauged my jump. Stamping the ground a few times, I gave myself some room for error and backed up even more to allow myself a running start. The earth seemed to spin under me as I kicked off the riverbank, my hooves striking deep into the sand as I approached the river, I took this leap of faith knowing that there was no turning back, that there was no room for failure on my part, and risking everything. In order to save my father and our ponies I would have to steal the elements of harmony.
I overestimated my jump. I cleared the river with ground to spare, as the other side of the riverbank housed millions upon millions of different sized pebbles. My landing was less than perfect, far less than stellar, and far more painful than I had hoped as I found myself face down in a pile of rocks. Through the stinging pain I wiped away the pebbles in bedded in my face, clapping my hooves together to shake loose the wedged rocks, as I glanced into the river to see my reflection.
A Flame Pony is what the ponies of Equestria called us, it wasn't rare to hear of Flame Ponies, everypony knew that we kept to ourselves, but it was indeed rare to see a Flame Pony beyond our borders. It was most certainly going to be surprising to see one in Ponyville. Checking the sides of my face in the reflection of the water, one could say I was a shade between black and grey, while my mane and tail flicked fire like a torch. My eyes were as grey as ash, but it was common among Flame Ponies.
As I continued to check my face for blemishes and remaining pebbles a passing fish thought it good fun to leap from the water and splash down in front of me, in which I instinctively recoiled, backing away from the river's edge. Even the smallest amounts of water would sting a great deal, to be bathed in it would not only be unbelievably painful but it would certainly be the end of any Flame Pony. I thought it best to leave the river, my complexion was clear enough to make a strong first impression, but I feared the flames would be all any pony would care to look at. I looked about at the edge of the river bank, the grassy fields stretched on for a ways but no clear dirt path was in sight. I lifted my hoof to my face, the flames that danced about my hoof would prove to be a problem, and I felt my options become more and more slim as I decided to test the waters; figuratively of course.
With one clean stomp I pressed my hoof into the thick green grass for a few seconds and quickly removed it. The luscious green grass did not start to blaze to my relief, although my hoof print left a burnt black ring, weighing my options I decided it would be best to try and gallop across this field. In hopes of minimizing any lasting damage I could possibly do to this green heaven that stretched out before me.
I started off in a trot, hoping not to be out of breath by the time I reached the limits of Ponyville but as I proceeded I felt the urge to run faster in fear of even leaving one patch of grass a blackened mess. As I galloped towards the borders of Ponyville I saw a sight that both raised my hopes and sent butterflies fluttering about my stomach. A large red barn had appeared over the hillside, as well as the dirt path that seemed to lead up to it, and my intense need to reach this path without meeting another pony had me galloping faster. I took great care in leaping over the wooden fence that marked out the acre, I took even greater care to dance around the loose hay that was strewn about and found myself almost kissing the dirt path as I came clambering onto it. I took a few deep breathes to regain my composure, looking back at the way I came to ensure no small fires were left by me and was glad to see no more than a few faint blackened hoof prints were left leading up to the dirt path. My eyes cycled back towards the barn when I met the eyes of another pony that stood frozen at the sight of me.
At first glance I merely thought pony, but it was a colt, a rather large colt to be exact. Straw like mane, with a strand of straw in his mouth, a large wooden beam laced around his neck, and his bright red body seemed to scream Apple Farmer. I felt my knees shake as I tried to summon the courage to talk, I cleared my throat as this colt continued to stare, unfazed and unspoken.
"Hello there..." My voice squeaked. This seemed to be the trigger warning the colt needed as he proceeded to yell fire at the top of his deep voice and disappeared into the barn. I felt a sudden wave of panic wash over me as I looked around for an escape, but even before I could take a step the colt reappeared with a bucket of water. As quickly as he had appeared, he swung the bucket throwing the water my way; I panicked and leapt out of the way as the water splashed onto the ground. I did not hesitate to run, I was already down the dirt path when the sounds of a bell were being rung from the barn, and I could hear commotion from up head. Digging my hooves into the dirt path, sliding to a stop, I frantically looked for a place to hide, but nothing yielded such a place to a Flame Pony as three more ponies came rounding the corner in a hurry.
"Leaping lizards! That there pony is on fire!" cried Applebloom.
"Stay back sugar cube! I'll put the poor fella out!" said Applejack. In her mouth was another bucket of water.
This yellow pony swung her head back, flicking the bucket the water sailed out and up into the air to douse me. I panicked once more, this time I opened my mouth spitting fire into the air, evaporating the water to steam as the two ponies before me stared in utter shock. I stood frozen in place, as did they, no pony moved nor said a word as an elder pony came trotting up out of breath from the run.
"Where's the fire?" asked Grannysmith. Her eyes fell on me, as her old wrinkled face lit up with excitement.
"Well butter my back side and call me a biscuit. It's a real live Flame Pony!"
"Flame Pony?" asked Applejack.
"I haven't seen one of them since I was just a filly." said Grannysmith. The elder pony slowly approached me, her eyes straining to see me as she rubbed the bottom of her chin with her hoof. She looked back at the other pony, then pointed at the bucket the yellow pony had in her mouth.
"They don't like water none though. I'm sure this fellar would appreciate it, don't you think Applejack." said Grannysmith.
Applejack looked at me, and then down at her bucket, putting two and two together she realized her honest mistake.
"Sorry about that stranger, when someone yells fire around here you don't take any chances." Applejack said tossing the bucket aside.
Before I could say a word I felt the ground trembling as large heavy hooves came lumbering from behind, as the same colt from before came charging down the path with another bucket of water. I recoiled once more in fright but the pony called Applejack came rushing past me to cut him off.
"Whoa there Big Mac! Easy! Easy he's not on fire!" Applejack cried holding up her hooves to stop Big McIntosh from throwing the bucket of water.
"Well, Grannysmith says that this here is a Flame Pony, a pony that is 'supposed' to be on fire... I reckon." Applejack continued as Big Mac looked up at him.
"Well don't just stand there looking like you seen a ghost! This here is a guest of Sweet Apple Acres! Show him some of our sweet hospitality!" Grannysmith said.
Big Mac tossed the bucket of water aside. He walked past Applejack and I saying the word 'yup' before heading back down the path the three ponies had come from.
"Sorry for the mix up, we don't get many Flame Ponies around these parts, well... any til today in fact." Applejack said.
"Are you really on fire?" Applebloom asked. Her hoof reached out to touch my tail but lucky for her, as well as myself, I jumped out of her reach.
"Yes." I snapped. It wasn't at all how I wanted to sound, but my fear of burning this little filly outweighed my need to be kind about it.
"Applebloom! You should know better than to stick your hoof in an open flame... even if it is a walking talking flame pony." Applejack scolded.
"Sorry." said Applebloom backing away from him.
"Don't worry your pretty head there sweetie, it's not every day a Flame Pony comes around." Grannysmith chimed in.
"You got a name stranger?" Applejack asked.
I raised my head proudly, although my eyes looked away in embarrassment.
"Smolder... of the Ashenfield." I replied.
"Smolder of the Ashenfield? Now that there is a mouthful. If it's okay by you I'm thinking that you can shorten that down a bit, how's Ash sound? It'll be easier for the ponies around here to remember." Applejack suggested.
"Sure..." I replied slowly, unsure if that name would stick.
"This here is Grannysmith, the little one is Applebloom, the big colt you met earlier is Big McIntosh or Big Mac for short, and I'm Applejack. This here is Sweet Apple Acres." Applejack said, she held out her hoof to me but I pulled my hoof back shaking my head no.
"Oh right, Flame Pony." Applejack mumbled awkwardly.
"Enough chit chat, we got ourselves a guest and we got lots of food to eat." Grannysmith said.
"Come on mister, you haven't eaten until you've tried Sweet Apple Acres very own Apple Pie." Applebloom said.
The three ponies walked off down the path, I was hesitant to follow, but I felt that building a repertoire with these ponies would prove useful later on. There wasn't much choice in the matter anyways as I followed them a few steps back to ensure that I would not bump into any of them if they stopped short for any reason.
As we grew closer to the house, I could already smell the delicious baked goods wafting through the air, and my stomach rumbled in anticipation. The very thought of food almost had me bouncing down the road after them, although my mind began to wander back to the ponies at home, and I quickly lost my appetite again. Only by the smell of the Apple Pies did my stomach beat out my guilt, it was a moral defeat but I did not care when I came to look upon the picnic table filled with all sorts of wondrous treats.
"Let see here..." Applejack began.
The wooden furniture the food was placed upon, as well as the benches they were meant to sit on didn't seem 'appropriate' for me and I decided to politely sit down on the ground.
"Don't trouble yourself; I am used to eating without a table or chair." I said.
In truth, there wasn't much need for furniture for the food we Flame Ponies ate. It was just roots and herbs from their neighboring forest, Flame Ponies learned quickly what was edible and what was just root. Apples were a rare delicacy indeed to Flame Ponies, and I wasn't above eating it off the ground.
"I don't see another way of getting you to sit with us without turning this into one big bon fire." Applejack admitted. She took a slice of Apple Pie, dropped it on a plate and brought it over to me. She watched as my eyes lit up from the very sight of it, and watched how earnestly I ate it.
"That good huh?" Applejack asked.
"I've never tasted anything so delicious in all my life." I replied.
"Well that is a mighty fine compliment, thank you." Applejack beamed.
I couldn't help myself, I devoured that slice of Apple Pie as if it were my last meal, I savored every bite, savored the smell, and I had to restrain myself from licking the plate.
"Hey Applejack!" A voice from the sky rang out.
I look towards the sky, as did Applejack, to see a rainbow colored pony came soaring down from the clouds before her.
"I was just passing by when I smelled some of those tasty Apple P-that pony's on fire!" Rainbowdash cut herself off as her eyes darted to me. Before Applejack could speak a word Rainbowdash exploded from her spot into the air, taking a large puffy cloud from the sky and moved it above my head.
"Don't worry dude! I'll save you!" Rainbowdash yelled.
It all happened so quickly, while I was busy licking the plate thinking no pony was looking, Rainbowdash had begun to bounce on the cloud causing rain to fall, but Applejack beat her to the punch as she threw her lasso around me and pulled me to safety with one hard tug. I landed a few feet away from Applejack, I was rather surprised she managed to pull that off but noticed the lasso had caught fire and began to burn away.
"Rainbowdash, just stop for one apple bucking second and come down here." Applejack said stamping her hoof down.
"Applejack that pony is still-"
"He's a Flame Pony Rainbowdash; he's supposed to be on fire." Applejack cut her off.
Rainbowdash's mouth fell open. Her eyes darted from Applejack to me and then back to Applejack.
"Are you serious?" Rainbowdash asked.
"Yup." Big Mac said aloud walking out from inside the house carrying a tray of cups filled with cider.
"That is the second coolest thing I have seen all day today!" Rainbowdash exclaimed.
"What was the first thing?" Applejack asked curiously.
"Me of course." Rainbowdash replied.
I got to my hooves, wiping the dust from my backside, looking down as the ruined lasso still burning in the dirt.
"I'm sorry about your rope Applejack." I said.
"Hey, don't worry about it Ash. I've got plenty more rope up in the barn." Applejack replied.
"Yeah, sorry about trying to douse you dude. But you got to admit, having a pony on fire is just crazy, am I right?" Rainbowdash asked.
"Well it's not normal around these parts I'll give you that." Applejack said.
"So you got a name Matchstick?" Rainbowdash asked.
"Smolder of the Ashenfield." I said.
Applejack waved her hoof at me, signaling me to try the nickname she had offered me earlier and I thought it best if I tried it.
"Or... you can call me Ash for short."
"Whatever you say Matchstick." Rainbowdash said.
Rainbowdash made a few circles around me, looking at me from all angles before sitting herself down in front of me with a rather excited but curious look.
"So what kinds of stuff can a Flame Pony do? Can you breathe fire like a dragon?" Rainbowdash asked.
"Well..." I began.
"He did that earlier when I made the same mistake of trying to pour water on him." Applejack chimed in.
"You are literally the second coolest thing I've seen today." Rainbowdash said.
"What was the first?" I asked.
"Me of course." Rainbowdash answered.
"Of course." I agreed watching Applejack roll her eyes.
"Look every pony, I appreciate the food..." As I said these words my eyes became fixated on the rest of the Apple Pie but were quickly drawn away from it by their curious looks. "But I really need to get to Ponyville, so if I can-"
"Hey no problem Matchstick, Applejack and I can escort you into town." Rainbowdash interrupted.
"Sure we will, it will help to have us there to ward off any other pony that may try and pour more water on you." Applejack said.
"I... can't argue with that." I said.
"Then it's settled! To Ponyville!" Rainbowdash yelled.
"But is it alright if I have a quick bite before we head off? I skipped lunch today." Rainbowdash asked as Applejack nodded in agreement.
I said goodbye to those we left at Sweet Apple Acres, took one last sniff of the Apple Pie, and before I knew it I was being escorted down the dirt path by an earth pony and a pegasi pony. I could not have gotten luckier... I think.
"Ponyville has some of the nicest ponies you'll ever meet, it's like the friendship capital of the world." Rainbodash said floating above us.
"I don't know about that, but she's right about the nicest ponies you'll ever meet. You can count on that." Applejack assured him.
Colorful. That was the word I chose to describe Ponyville, it was so colorful when compared to my home, and so full of bright and beaming ponies. They were hustling about, moving carts, buy food, playing games, delivering mail, eating, talking sleeping, there seemed to be a roll for everyone in this town and at that moment it seemed it was to stare at me.
I watched as Ponyville came to a stop, all eyes were on me for a full ten seconds before a massive explosion of whispers erupted from everyone.
"Attention everypony, if I could have y'alls attention for just one minute!" Applejack announced.
"This here is a Flame Pony, his name is Ash, I've been told that his kin are rare in these parts so I think it would be best to put on our friendliest faces and give him a big Ponyville welcome." Applejack said aloud.
"And don't go throwing any water him! He doesn't like that!" Rainbowdash chimed in.
Much to my surprise those few words were enough to sway these ponies, there was no longer a look of bewilderment, no more whispers amongst everypony but a lot of smiling faces that waved and greeted me as I walked into Ponyville. It wasn't long before we were ambushed by a runaway cupcake cart. Or at least a cupcake cart that seemed to be out of control but some how still keeping every last cupcake in place. Like it was magic.
"Rainbowdash! Applejack! How long have you been hiding this from me?" PinkyPie asked in a demanding voice. I watched as the vibrant, excited, energetic and rather peculiar pink pony popped up from behind the cart. I stared in bewilderment as she quickly approached me, she got very close to my face as she squinted as if peering into my very soul. Even as I attempted to lean back away from this pink pony she in turn leaned closer not breaking eye contact.
"Cupcake?" The pink pony asked suddenly lifting a cupcake up to my face. My confusion was met with curiosity as I eyed this treat before me, as I began to open my mouth to respond the pink pony crammed the cupcake in my mouth.
"Start talking." PinkiePie demanded as she turned to Applejack and Rainbowdash.
"We just met him this morning Pinkie." Rainbowdash explained.
"There isn't much time! I have to get everyone together! I wasn't planning on throwing a party of this size today! But never fear Flame Pony! I will throw you the best Newcomer Party ever!" PinkiePie cried. The one they called Pinkie began to bounce around me, she spoke so fast that I could not make out all the words she was saying but she seemed very excited about the idea of a party in my honor.
"I don't need a party, really." I said after swallowing the cupcake.
"Nonsense, you're the first every Flame Pony to have ever come to Ponyville in probably forever, so it's only natural to throw a party! Unless of course you were not the first Flame Pony to come to Ponyville, which would make this party more about your first time here in Ponyville which would make the party even more special because it will be all about you!" PinkiePie said excitedly as she took hold of the cupcake cart.
"I better get started, so much party planning to do and so few PinkiePie's to do it!" PinkiePie cried as she took off like a shot back down the dirt road and disappearing from sight.
"Don't worry Ash, that there was just PinkiePie, she's a little energetic but she throws the best parties in all of Ponyville. It will be sure to make you feel right at home." Applejack said.
The thought of a party in my honor was frightening, of all the things that could go wrong, namely setting something or everything on fire was the most distressing thoughts I had but it was also being the reason for the party also made me uncomfortable.
I was snapped out of my thoughts at the sudden shrill shriek of another pony, I covered my ears and looked around to see a very beautiful white and purple unicorn still shrieking at the sight of me.
"Rarity! Can you knock it off?" Rainbowdash tried to yell over her scream.
"Can you believe it? A real live Flame Pony here in Ponyville! The rumors were true! I cannot believe my good fortune!" Rarity exclaimed rushing over to me.
"Rumors?" I asked curiously.
"Oh darling! Your breath is like a furnace! Your mane is positively on fire! Everything about you just screams wild! Please! Please! May I take your measurements?" Rarity begged.
"Look Rarity, Ash here wanted to see Ponyville and it would be best if he didn't get any more attention than he's already been getting. The last thing we need is to have a line of people asking him to do things." Applejack said, coming to my defense.
"Why Applejack! Comparing me to somepony who would ask him to preform like some circus clown?" Rarity asked offended.
"I don't really mind... if it would help you with... what do you do again?" I asked.
"Oh darling you've just made my day! Come along then dear!" Rarity squealed.
"Rarity is a fashion designer, one of the best in all of Equestria, but lookout though she can eat up your day before you know it." Applejack said.
We followed Rarity to her home, I watched as they entered but I remained outside on the dirt path. There were a few curious ponies that had brought cameras to take a few photos of me, I did not bother me as much at first, but they slowly started to creep forward as if to get a closer shot. I moved closer down the path towards Rarity's house to try and show that I did not want them getting close to me but it did not stop them.
"Be gone you vultures! He is my inspiration!" Rarity exclaimed bursting through her front doors.
Some final pictures were snapped before the ponies ran off as Rarity, Applejack and Rainbowdash came trotting back out.
"Come along dear, we have much to do." Rarity said motioning towards the door.
"I'm sorry, but I can't."
"Why, whatever do you mean?" Rarity asked.
"I... don't do well indoors. Especially ones that are not fire proof." I said.
"Well, that does prove to be a problem." Rarity said.
"Can't you just turn it off?" Rainbowdash asked hovering over him.
"Unfortunately I can't. Not even the eldest or strongest of our ponies can 'turn it off.'" I said.
"It must be hard getting around." Applejack said apologetically.
"I've become accustomed to it." I replied.
"Never fear darling, I will just have to work outside." Rarity said.
Applejack did not exaggerate on the eat up your day line she used before, Rarity took her sweet time in attempting to take my measurements, delayed by her tape measure melting and a few supposed fire proof garments catching fire. I myself did not want to be rude, I wanted to maintain a sort of image with them while I was here, and that imagine was apparently a yes pony.
"I've never had a more difficult client, you have proven to be a very challenging obstacle indeed darling." Rarity confessed. Her horn glowing as she magically lifted another tape measure.
"Rarity, can't we do this some other time?" Rainbowdash asked.
"I must strike while the iron is hot Rainbowdash, Sorry was that insensitive? I'm not quite sure of what Flame Pony culture is like, but I'm sure it is just as rich and vibrant as the flames on your mane my dear." Rarity said.
"What in tarnation are you trying to do Rarity? The poor guy has been standing there all day." Applejack asked.
"I'm glad you asked Applejack, Canterlot is having a premiere and inviting ponies from all over to participate in what they are calling the 'Next Big Thing.' I, myself, thought that this would be the prime opportunity to showcase a new line of fashion to ponies from all over but I did not know what could fit the criteria." Rarity explained tossing a few sheets of fabrics onto Applejack's back.
"You could imagine how frantic I was, how starved I was for inspiration, I had almost given up hope when I heard a passing rumor on the street. I was on my way to the market when I overheard talk of a Flame Pony here in Ponyville, then PinkiePie came bouncing around the corner yammering on about the party for the Flame Pony and I just had to see it for myself." Rarity continued.
"So you're using him to come up ideas for some dresses? You know he's a guy right?" Rainbowdash asked.
"I thought I could come up with a couples theme for the premiere, incorporating the colors of a Flame Pony and hoping to weave in their culture into beautiful deep designs leaving a bit of mystery in the folds." Rarity said.
"You can't stop her once she's got her mind set on something." Applejack remarked.
The ponies continued to speak amongst themselves as I stood up on my hind legs as per Rarity's instructions and tried to remain still as she attempted to measure my height from a safe distance. A sudden shake of a bush caught my eye, I glanced over to see nothing and I discarded my thoughts as just a trick of the eye. Although in doing so that same bush seemed to shake once again as I quickly turned to look but it was nothing more than a mere bush. At this point I knew something was there, to what it was I could not tell but I began to think it may be another pony with a camera.
"Rarity?" I asked.
"Yes darling what is it?" Rarity replied.
"I believe somepony is hiding in that bush over there." I said.
At these words the bush seemed to jolt in surprise as every other pony suddenly took notice of this.
"Well what do you know, there is something in that bush." Applejack said.
"I'll go check it out!" Rainbowdash cried. With a sudden blast of air Rainbowdash rocketed towards the bush that seemed rather frightened by this and disappeared within its leaves. There was a short struggle as Rainbowdash reappeared from the bush holding yet another pony, this one was a soft yellow pony with a soft pink color mane.
"Fluttershy? What are you doing hiding in the bushes? Again." Rainbowdash asked.
The pony called Fluttershy did not speak merely covered her face with her hooves as Rainbowdash dragged her over despite this pony's sudden dead weight defense.
"I guess she wanted to see what all the commotion was about." Applejack said.
"Did you want to come see the Flame Pony as well, Fluttershy?" Rarity asked.
Fluttershy did not speak, she merely nodded her head slowly, raising one hoof to peek out from and saw me towering over her; still holding that pose for Rarity. She squeaked in fright as she attempted to run back towards the bush but Rainbowdash still had a hold on her.
"It's okay Fluttershy, Matchstick is cool. Well hot but in the temperature sort of way." Rainbowdash said trying to reassure her.
"Yes, go ahead and relax darling." Rarity said to me waving her hoof for me to come down.
"His name is not Matchstick, Rainbow. It's Ash." Applejack corrected.
"Whatever, the point is Fluttershy shouldn't be scared of him." Rainbowdash said.
I couldn't help but feel at ease with Fluttershy's response, most ponies due cower or run away from me when I approach them. Usually to return with water to douse me but that has been the reoccurring theme today. Conventional methods of shaking hooves were out of the question, so I decided that it would be best to put some distance between me and Fluttershy. I stepped back a few paces, I sat down with a plop, and brushed my flames back down my mane. It really didn't do anything.
"Hello Fluttershy, I'm Smolder of the Ashenfield or Ash for short." I said in my most pleasant voice. I hoped.
"Or Matchstick." Rainbowdash added with a large sigh from Applejack.
"...hi." Fluttershy whispered.
Fortunately for me I heard it, which gave me some relief to know it wasn't go away or somepony help me. I guess it really is the small victories that matter.
"Your friends have been extremely kind to me." I continued.
Fluttershy removed her hooves from her face, she looked at me carefully before standing up right, but she quickly looked away. She began kicking away imaginary rocks with her hoof, apparently too shy to continue our conversation, but I did understand the reason for her name.
"Fluttershy, was there anything you wanted to ask the Flame Pony?" Rarity asked nudging her slightly.
Fluttershy hid her face behind her mane, I felt myself becoming anxious, and scrambling for ideas I tried to think of something to break the tension. I suddenly had a thought, a rather clever thought that used to work on fillies and I was hoping it would work now.
"Well then, I guess I'll just be heading back to my home now..." I said begrudgingly turning to walk away but not before throwing a quick wink at the other ponies.
The idea seemed to work as Fluttershy perked up, the other ponies seemed to pile on.
"Oh! Leaving so soon?" Rarity asked dramatically.
"So many questions left unanswered!" Rainbowdash said aloud clutching her heart.
"Perhaps we shall never see you again!" Applejack said sadly raising her hoof to her head.
"It may be many, many years before I return to Ponyville!" I said hamming up my own line as I echoed ville quieter and quieter as I walked away from them.
"Wait!" Fluttershy shouted.
She quickly covered her mouth with her hooves, but seemed to already be in too deep not to continue.
"I was wondering... if you don't mind that is... but I was just wondering if a Flame Pony ever gets hot." Fluttershy asked.
"That's your question?" Rainbowdash asked.
"Yes." I said aloud walking back towards them.
"Really?" Applejack asked sounding shocked.
"Yes. We Flame Ponies can withstand a rather large amount of heat, but dragon fire and lava are two things that can make a Flame Pony very uncomfortable." I said.
"That's so interesting." Fluttershy said. "Are Flame Ponies afraid of the dark?"
"Some Flame Ponies are, even though we have our own light source it's still pretty scary to hear strange noises at night." I answered.
"You don't say." Fluttershy said. She strolled up to, keeping a rather overly safe distance but sat down to talk all the same. "Does a Flame Pony ever catch a cold?"
I would like to say that this didn't go on for another four hours, I would like to say that Rarity did not take this opportunity to continue her work allowing Applejack and Rainbowdash to continue escorting me through Ponyville, but it did not.
"I can't thank you enough Mr. Flame Pony, I will surely be the biggest hit in Canterlot with these new designs!" Rarity exclaimed hugging her work.
"Glad I could help... I think." I said stretching out my legs.
"I wonder what else I should ask." Fluttershy asked herself.
"How about, do you ever get bored?" Rainbowdash asked hanging off of a nearby tree branch.
"Or how can you stand to answer all these questions?" Applejack asked yawning.
"I don't mind, I usually never get to talk to anyone that isn't a Flame Pony." I said.
"Oh my goodness! That reminds me, PinkiePie asked me to tell you guys that the party is going to start at 6oclock and that we shouldn't be late." Fluttershy said suddenly.
"Well what time is it now?" Applejack asked.
"It's about Five Forty-Five, we have just enough time to make it to the party." Rarity said bringing her supplies inside.
Yes! Finally something fun to do!" Rainbowdash cried as she bolted off towards the center of town.
"Would it be too much to ask to have you come back at a later date? I would really like to get your opinion on my designs after I hammer out a few details and make a few mock models." Rarity asked.
"I'd be more than happy to." I said.
"Then that settles it, let's get to that party." Applejack said.
Escorted by Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy it began to dawn on me how easily it had been to make friends with these ponies. I assumed that we were friends, they treated me like a friend and I felt the need to act like one as well. They spoke amongst themselves for a time, of things they had done, were doing, what they planned to do in the days to come. For the first time today I felt as though I fit in, I felt comfortable around them and I don't think I could have asked for a better feeling.
"Surprise!" PinkiePie cried.
There were several loud bangs from party poppers, a couple streamers that flew overhead, and the party cannon that fired hundreds of pieces of confetti into the air. It seemed like every pony in town had showed up for this party, a party for a pony they had only met a few hours ago and technically most of them have yet to even see him.
"Welcome to your first day in Ponyville Sparky!" PinkiePie shouted. The crowd of ponies cheered as the music began to swell, the ponies began to dance, and some started to eat while others began to chat. Some ponies even came up to me to greet me, welcoming me to their town and offering their aid if I needed it.
"Since this is your first day in Ponyville I thought it would be best that you shake off all those worrisome thoughts of fitting in and meet every pony in Ponyville so no pony wouldn't not know that a Flame Pony, that's you, was new in town and felt a little scared about fitting in." PinkiePie said. She followed up with a party whistle that she blew loudly.
"PinkiePie was it? I really appreciate that you've gone through all the trouble to put this together but-" I began but PinkiePie blew the noise maker once more to cut me off. She wheeled up the party cannon and fired it once more that drew everyone's attention as the music went quiet once more.
"Hey everypony, our new Flame Pony has something he'd like to say!" PinkiePie shouted.
I could feel every pony's eyes on me, I could hear Applejack and Rarity trying to explain to PinkiePie my nervousness but I felt that this is what PinkiePie meant by meeting every pony.
"Hello... Ponyville." I said as my voice cracked. I got a few giggles from the crowd but I cleared my throat and kept going.
"I wanted to thank you for taking the time to come to this amazing party, for a complete stranger that showed up only this morning. I was afraid of coming here, afraid that I would be nothing but a burden. That my appearance would have been the reason I was turned away, or met with hostility. Imagine my surprise, standing here in the middle of Ponyville the way that I am, and being able to speak to the kindest of ponies I have ever had the good fortune of meeting." I said aloud.
"What I'm trying to say is that I felt the warmth of my flames all my life, but today is the first time I have felt the warmth of so many caring and loving ponies. Thank you."
It was another surprise to see all the ponies cheer for me, to hear so many compliments and encouraging words come my way as Flutteryshy, Applejack, Rarity and PinkiePie cheered along with them. I felt myself smile for the first time, and genuinely felt happy about myself. There was another blast of the party cannon that got the party back into swing as I made my way towards the center of the party where many ponies encircled me asking me several questions at once.
I ended up answering a lot of the same questions over and over again, but each pony that asked it was very excited to see me so I did not bother as me much. It wasn't long before I was pulled away by PinkiePie, well it was more of another party cannon parting the sea of ponies and allowing me to walk through but I was getting a little crowded with some many ponies trying to get a look at me.
"This way Sparky! I have someone you just have to meet!" PinkiePie shouted waving at me to follow. I did so, trying my best not to step on the confetti, not to bump into ponies that weren't looking, and overall just not set anything on fire.
"Sparky, I would like to introduce you to my good friend Twilight." PinkiePie said throwing her hoof around a purple pony's mane.
"Twilight Sparkle, Sparky. Sparky, Twilight Sparkle." PinkiePie said introducing us.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, uh Sparky. I've been reading up on Flame Ponies ever since I heard you were here in Ponyville." Twilight said.
"It's actually Smolder but I've been told Ash is easier to remember." I said glancing at PinkiePie.
"But Sparky sounds so much better!" PinkiePie argued.
"No it doesn't!" Spike said walking up to PinkiePie with some candy in his claws. "I think Fireball is a much better name for him!"
"What about Fizzle?" PinkiePie asked.
"Nah, he doesn't look like a Fizzle. I think The Inferno would suit him better." Spike said.
The small dragon continued to debate my name with PinkiePie as Twilight motioned for me to follow her.
"Was that a baby dragon?" I asked curiously.
"Yes, that's Spike. He's my pet dragon." Twilight replied.
"You have a pet dragon?" I asked.
"Well yeah, I've read that Flame Ponies were really good friends with dragons." Twilight said.
"I suppose they were at one point." I shrugged.
"How are you enjoying your first day in Ponyville?" Twilight asked.
I paused for a moment, I looked back on my day from jumping over the river all the way up to the party in my honor, and it made me smile. Twilight had already noticed my smile and smiled along with me.
"It has been one of the best days I've ever had in a very long time." I said beaming.
"Well that's good to hear, Ponyville can get a little crazy from time to time." Twilight said rolling her eyes.
"Hey guys!" Rainbowdash shouted swooping out of the sky with a party hat on and a slice of cake in her hoof. She was followed by Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy who all had pieces of cake in their hooves.
"I see you two have finally met, Twilight Sparkle is the smartest pony in all of Ponyville." Rarity stated.
"Thanks Rarity." Twilight said.
"Think nothing of it dear, I'm sure you know all about Flame Ponies with all the research you've been doing." Rarity said.
"How did you know I was doing research?" Twilight asked curiously.
"When are you not researching something?" Rainbowdash asked.
"I think what she means is that you probably took it upon yourself to read up on some Flame Pony culture to help make Ash feel more at home." Applejack said.
"That's very sweet of you Twilight." Fluttershy said.
"It was just a bit of light reading, the library doesn't have much about Flame Pony history, just some notes and accounts from other ponies that had met them." Twilight confessed.
"I appreciate the trouble you went through... for me." I blurted out. After everything everyone had done for me I did not want to have anypony feeling like they didn't try hard enough.
"Don't mention it." Twilight said with a smile. "Come to think to of it, having you around could help us better understand Flame Pony culture."
"Oh yes, I'm sure there is lots of things we could learn." Fluttershy said.
"Go ahead darling, what is life like amongst you Flame Ponies?" Rarity asked.
"I bet it's filled with tons of volcanos, hundreds of flame ponies spewing fire into the sky, going hoof to hoof with dragons and the heat from their fire melting everything in their path!" Rainbowdash interrupted.
"Let him talk Rainbowdash, I'm sure he'd like to get a word in at some point." Applejack said.
"Go ahead darling." Rarity said.
"There's... fire?" I said bluntly.
"We could use a little bit more information than that." Twilight said.
"What do you want to know?" I asked curiously.
"I'd like to know all about Flame Pony history, and how you catalog it without using paper or parchment to record it." Twilight said.
"I'd like to know of all the wonderful littles animals that dwell in the land of Flame Ponies, and what sort of pets you keep." Fluttershy said.
"Tell me of the latest fashion you flame ponies are wearing this season, I would like to know how you Flame Ponies manage not to burn off all your clothes." Rarity said.
"I'd like to know what sort of food you Flame Ponies eat, it must be something mighty tasty if you ain't ever tried apples before." Applejack said.
"Once you get done answering all the boring stuff you can tell me of all the fiery explosions that go on when you go hoof to hoof with some mean dragons." Rainbowdash said.
I felt my stomach churn. I could see the look of anticipation in their eyes, waiting for me to tell them of the pleasures of Flame Pony life but the more I thought of my home the worst my stomach turned.
"What's wrong darling?" Rarity asked.
"N-Nothing's wrong." I said quickly.
"It didn't look like nothing." Rainbowdash replied.
"You looked you had some bad cider Ash, you want to tell us what's wrong?" Applejack asked.
"Are we being to presumptuous with our questions?" Twilight asked.
"No it's not that, I just-" I mumbled. I felt nervous.
"We don't have any recorded history Twilight Sparkle," I began. "Our ancestors left murals carved into walls of our origins but they have since crumbled away." Twilight gasped at my words.
"There are no animals within our Ashen Fields, we keep no pets nor do we ever see or hear birds anymore. I'm sorry Fluttershy." I said watching Fluttershy cover her mouth in shock.
"Flame Ponies... don't have any clothes to speak of Ms. Rarity. We have no ponies capable of making such luxury, nor do we have any material that doesn't burn when it comes in contact with us." I continued.
Rarity seem to almost faint as the others looked on in disbelief.
"We have no farms, no groves; we have no food that we can grow. Our land is barren, full of volcanic ash and glass. We venture into the Dark Marsh Forest to dig for roots, we've ate them as long as I can remember." I continued. This time Applejack was taken aback by my words.
"As for dragons, we have none. We are bullied by the spiders that invade our land, the timber wolves that hunt Flame Ponies digging for roots, and fight off goblins that dwell in the mountains of our land. They attack us at night, steal our food, scare our fillies and destroy our homes." I concluded. I watched Rainbowdash stare wide eyed, mouth a gape, in disbelief at me.
"The land of Flame Ponies is nothing but a forgotten kingdom, populated with lost ponies." I mumbled grievously. I shook my head, deciding to keep my eyes trained to the ground, I felt embarrassed and above all else ashamed.
"Why haven't you ever asked for help?" Applejack asked.
"What?" I asked bewildered.
"Help? Why haven't you come to ask for help sooner?" Rainbowdash retorted.
"Help from where?" I asked bewildered
"Well from Ponyville of course, or the Canterlot, or even the Crystal Empire?" Rarity asked.
"I was told that such places despised Flames Ponies and that making such contact would only further their distaste for us." I said.
"Nonsense!" Fluttershy said, stamping her hoof gently.
"Fluttershy is right, you have been nothing but polite and kind to every pony today." Applejack chimed in.
"It sounds like your home is in need of a lot of help Smolder, and I think that we are just the ponies you need." Twilight said. The other ponies shook their heads in agreement.
"I cannot ask you for such a request, I have nothing to give you in return or-" I began to ramble as Rainbowdash interrupted me.
"Friends help each other out all the time! We don't need to be paid or bought to help out a pony in need."
These ponies smiled so warmly at me, I felt myself become emotional and I felt ashamed for it. I came to on the premise to steal, to lie and cheat my way to get what I needed but here these ponies are offering salvation for nothing. I summoned what was left of my courage and dignity as I lowered my head respectfully to them.
"Thank you." I said.
"I would not have believed it if I had not seen it with my own eyes." An elegant voice said aloud.
The music was cut short, a sudden gasp rushed through the crowd as many whispers soon followed as I raised my head to the tall, white, multicolored maned pony adorning a crown.
"Princess Celestia!" The group said together as she carried herself gracefully towards me.
"What are you doing here?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"I received an invitation to a party for a Welcoming of a Flame Pony." Princess Celestia said.
"I sent her the invitation! It's not every day that you get to see a Flame Pony." PinkiePie said springing up from behind Twilight throwing confetti in the air.
Princess Celestia looked down at me without a smile. She seemed displeased at my presence and positioned herself in front of me.
"What are you doing here Flame Pony?" Princess Celestia asked.
"He came all the way from the Ashen Fields looking for help your Majesty." Applejack answered for me.
"You know it is forbidden for Flame Ponies to leave the Fields. Yet here you stand." Princess Celestia continued.
The mood had changed quickly, there was feeling of dread in the air, no pony made a sound and no pony moved.
"Princess Celestia-" Twilight began but Princess Celestia's wing shot out to silence her.
"Listen well citizens of Ponyville, in years long past there was a war between Equestria and the Ashen Fields, for supremacy over the elements of harmony, while their King demanded the right to rule all of Equestria under chaos and fire. I had no choice but to banish their king to the void and punish the Flame Ponies of the Ashen Plains to live a life of solitude from the rest of Equestria. Flame Ponies are lying, mischievous, and dangerous ponies that seek only to destroy and harm those around them; they are not to be trusted." Princess Celestia declared.
"Your Highness, this Flame Pony is different." Applejack said.
"It's true! He's done nothing wrong, he's been with us all day and he hasn't so much as set one thing on fire or forgets to say please or thank you!" Rainbowdash said.
"He was most cooperative in helping me with my new line of clothes for Canterlot's Fashion Show." Rarity said.
"He was also took the time to answer all of my questions." Fluttershy said.
"Sparky also gave a really nice speech thanking all the ponies for being so nice to him because he was so nervous about meeting everyone today, because it's probably from all the things you just said right now but he was brave enough to do it anyway!" PinkiePie exclaimed.
"What we're trying to say Princess Celestia is that this Flame Pony has done none of the things you have accused him of, in fact he's the opposite, and he's come here asking on behalf of his ponies for help." Twilight Sparkle said strolling up beside Princess Celestia.
"If what you say is true Twilight Sparkle I would be moved to reconsider my thoughts on this matter but for now I cannot allow-"
"Liars? Mischief makers? Is that what you call us?" I shouted in anger.
The flames on my mane flared wildly, my face screwed up in anger as I stared back at Princess Celestia, I could feel the rage swelling inside of me. Heat from my flames caused the ponies to back up but the Princess remained still, unfazed by my spectacle.
"You have something you'd like to say Flame Pony?" Princess Celestia asked crossly.
"Take it back." I said.
"I will not. You and the other Flame Ponies will wear such titles for eternity, your cowardice and lust for power has become your undoing, and you will remain in your Ashen Fields, never to trouble anypony else." Princess Celestia stated.
"Then on behalf of the sick, the starving, the lonely, and the meekest of Flame Ponies. The ponies you left without hope, without understanding, and the follies that have grown up with only the colors of fire and ash." I said aloud.
The flames from my mane leaped out into the air, splotches of fire burned the ground, and from beneath my hooves the ground broke open from the heat spewing steam from the cracks. I could feel my rage almost brimming, the urge to spout fire was caught in my throat, and my eyes fell to the ponies that had shown me such kindness. I could see the fear in their eyes, the worry for my safety as well as every other pony, and my rage began to subside. My mane flickered back to a soft flame, the ground began to cool, the heat I had been generating was beginning to subside and I felt myself kneel.
"I ask that you take pity on my ponies, much that once was is now lost, and much of what we are now is scared." I said bitterly.
I kept my eyes to the ground, I felt a wave of shame wash over me, and for all of my bolstering I could not stand up for my ponies but instead pled for them.
"I would do anything to see my ponies smile again." I said.
"...please." I swallowed hard at this word.
For a moment or two I wrestled with myself to look up at the Princess, when I finally decided to do so I saw that she had one eyebrow raised at me, as if surprised.
"It must have been very difficult for you to do that Flame Pony, your ponies are a proud race, and any sign of weakness is looked down upon. But it was not weakness that stayed your anger but courage to do what was best for your ponies." Princess Celestia said.
"Therefore, I will consider your request." Princess Celestia announced.
It was my turn to look surprised, from the cheers of everypony in Ponyville filling the air I felt an immense weight lift from me as I stood up in excitement.
"I will be honest with you Flame Pony, the crimes you have been punished for were agreed upon by all the rulers of Equestria, I will bring your request to them in our next summit but it some ponies may not be so quick to forgive." Princess Celestia continued.
The cheering died down as my heart seemed to waver at this news, but I still felt some hope that I had made it this far regardless. At least Princess Celestia had taken notice of our struggle.
"Furthermore, it would help to sway that Summit in your favor if you could prove how Flame Ponies have changed. If you are willing to become the spokesperson, an ambassador for your ponies, you will be allowed to state your case personally to the Summit. To do so, I will allow you to stay in Ponyville for a time."
"While here, I will expect you to learn and understand the magic of friendship, and all about the elements of harmony from anypony willing to help you. Twilight Sparkle?" Princess Celestia called out.
"Yes Princess Celestia?" Twilight asked.
"I would have you send reports detailing the progress of this Flame Pony, how well he gets along with the other ponies, his contributions and anything bad that might come about. It will better underline the relationships between his home with ours, and if Flame Ponies are ready to be forgiven." Princess Celestia said.
The Princess strode forward to me, she looked me over once, taking notice of my missing Cutie Mark and the uncomfortable look on my face.
"Use your time here well, Flame Pony, for it may be the only chance you get." Princess Celestia warned.
"I will make the most of it." I replied.
"What is your name, Flame Pony? I've heard the ponies here call you Ash, Sparky, and even Matchstick." Princess Celestia asked.
"Smolder. Smolder of the Ashen Fields." I said.
"The name suits you." Princess Celestia said as she spread out her wings before me. With a single leap, she soared into the sky as all the ponies in Ponyville cheered and waved goodbye.
As I watched the Princess disappear into the night sky, my thoughts circled back to stealing the Elements of Harmony and how it seemed so unnecessary now.
