Let's get some reviews here! I'd like to know how this is being received. It can only get better after all.
It was a VERY uncomfortable trip. Ponyville was a good five days from Trottingham along the usual road. This road avoided the major bogs and a cursed river or two that lay on the border of the Everfree. and adventurous pony could make the trip in only two days if they took a direct route, but then on the other hand the would probably end up dead. A pony who was simply impatient could avoid this possibly terrible fate by simply walking around the Ursor Cave, but some were still foolhardy enough to chance it.
Firestorm had simply been in a rush. Still, falling in a bog, being chased by timber-wolves and having a chance meeting with an unhappy manticore who had required actual fucking conversation, had left him worn out. He stood on the edge of the forest, looking down on the picturesque village that bore the name Ponyville. he looked over the roofs and trees from the rise he had climbed. The neat brightly coloured town was the total contrast to his ragged and mud splattered appearance. His entire body was painted a dull browny-grey from the mud of the bog. his saddlebags were near ruined, but luckily had protected their contents. He began to tiredly stumble towards the town. My I'll take the coach like a normal pony on the way back.
He made for the way-cottage on it's rustic hill just outside the town itself, with it's gorgeous view over the town that Firestorm never failed to miss. He was about the climb the rise when he heard a voice from the building; "Uh, Ditzy... as a fireguard-to-be, I don't think a summer salad is meant to be ON FIRE!"
As crashes and squeals emanated from the building, Firestorm rapidly backtracked and circled the hill, deciding that a pony in the village would be more than happy to take him in. If not...
I could always sleep under a bench, He thought cynically as he made his way into the town. He drew a look or two because of his plainly terrorized appearance, but he didn't bother answering any greetings or such, he had somewhere to be after all.
Of course, it got a little ridiculous, so he turned from his path and made a beeline for the only building where he knew he was sure to find a free bath. He stood in front of Carousel Boutique and knocked on the door before taking out his heavy cloak and sitting down with a forlorn look on his face. As he watched, the usual white unicorn with that overdone purple mane opened the door with practiced drama. "Hello there, friend! Welcome to Carousel.." She noticed who she was talking to "Oh, it's you. I see you tried the Everfree route again. Do you ever learn you idiotic stallion?"
Firestorm couldn't disagree with her. he flashed her an ironic smile. "You won't believe this, but I actually made a friend this trip."
Rarity looked at him. "you're right. I don't believe you.". She smiled down at him. "It's good to see you, cousin."
Firestorm stood up and bowed dramatically, "It's so kind of one so high as yourself to recognize one so lowly as me as family."
Rarity laughed at him, well used to Firestorm's level of sarcasm. "Shut up, you make many more bits than I do, it's not my fault you have absolutely no style... Uh, is that the special cloak I made you...covered in...dirt?" She looked fit to drop, so Firestorm threw the slightly ruined cloak inside and walked off with a cursory goodbye, aware that Rarity would compulsively fix the cloak, but wouldn't let him inside until he looked presentable. Which meant a proper wash. He could go to the Spa like Rarity usually forced him to...
Or he could just go jump in the stream over there. That sounded better.
Firestorm dropped his wrecked saddlebags and pulled out everything he'd brought along: A role of parchment, A bag of bits, and his last bottle of rare northern aquavit. It wasn't much, but he had needed to leave space to carry the fuses back. And the aquavit was nearly finished anyway. He left everything in a pile and mozied over to the stream. Its clear water and pebbly bed looked inviting.
The peace was broken by a shattering thunder roll from his left. He looked up and saw two streaks racing through the sky. one was rainbow coloured, the other an unstable mix of blue, black and crackling white. the two unmistakable trails were left in the Wake of the two rapidly approaching mach cones. Firestorm knew without a doubt who was about to pass over him. He dashed into the stream as quickly as he could and dived to the bottom. There he remained, staring up at the sky, watching the light as it refracted through the water. the trails suddenly appeared, and then slowly faded away. Firestorm felt his breath burning for release, and pushed to the surface. Maybe I should get inside in case that dumb mule with wings decides to fly over again, He thought as he rapidly scrubbed himself clean. Then he jumped to the bank and trotted up to Rarity's house, dragging along his possessions at a rapid pace. He let himself in at the back door, absently noticing that his cloak had been repaired and washed and was currently hanging on the line.
Firestorm dried himself off on a towel in the laundry before walking through to the main kitchen, the central room of the building. He heard a banging and the sound of Rarity's loud sewing machine. He knew better than to enter the workroom, not wanting to become a living mannequin (again) and instead shouted out from the kitchen table, "Hey, Rare! Where'd you go?!"
The clattering sounds stopped for a moment as Rarity called out in a slightly more respectable manner, " I'm just busy making and order for this afternoon, I'll be down in a minute, it's just this material is so difficult..." She trailed off before the machine started up again. Firestorm shrugged to himself and, rather than bugging the busy unicorn, he made himself a sandwich. All the fashion crazy mare had were bloody daisies and a few berries. He found an egg or two, but wasn't going to bother frying one. He ate the simple meal, and waited in silent thought as the ruckus above continued unabated.
He was awakened by a knocking at the door. She shook his head, wondering how long he'd been dozing. He stood up and wandered out into the hall.
"Rare?! Your customer must be here!" He called out.
"Oh, be a dear and let the fellow in, will you? I will bring his gear down presently." Rarity answered. This was followed by a lot of scuffling and muttered curses obviously not meant to be heard.
Firestorm laughed silently at his compulsive cousin. She'd probably overdone the entire thing with jewels and frills and whatnot. On the other hoof, it was probably some bigwig colt looking to impress a mare with some fancy dressing. Not the sort of pony who liked being kept waiting. So of course Firestorm took his grand old time.
Eventually he got to the door and prepared his lungs for a parody of Rarity's classic greeting.
He tossed his head and leaned down, then pulled open the door and rushed up proclaiming, "Welcome to Rarity's Carousel Bou-WHAT THE FUCK?!"
He fell back, carried by his own momentum, and landed against the opposite wall of the show room. He stared at the annoying nightmare framed in the doorway.
"Hiya! Didn't expect to see you here!" Chasing Haze cheered happily, "That was one hell of a reaction, mate, you okay?"
No, Firestorm thought, Definitely not.