This fire
Chapter 4, Training begins then a talk over cake

I now stood on the hill I made a half hill yesterday. Can't believe how comfortable Twilights couch was, and half of what they eat meant that I was going to have to hunt.
'Well, anyway let's get started'.

From here I could see Ponyville and Everfree forest along with many other woodlands I had yet to explore, well except Everfree. I was told strictly to stay away from there. But the hill I was on had multiple craters both small and great, and a trench in the distance which was no doubt my entrance into Equestria. There was either no or charred grass all over the hill.

But being inside a library for half a day really lets one learn about there surroundings. So after taking in some peaceful breaths, I dropped to the ground and began my training routine. It consisted of push ups, sit ups, stomach crunches and a sprint around the hill, I would put the number of laps up as I got even stronger.

I was never really normal in the human world. I always felt different, but why wouldn't I when my family has a long line of magic in it and it's also in you. Plus the fact that when I get angry I get incredibly powerful. At least I thought I was powerful till Angelo put me in line and sent me here. I had tried using magic but it just ended up in a fire starting or me getting slightly more power but not as much as when I get angry.

But he said I should train to beat him. So I will, and I will continue to until my dying breath. 'Because I will not let him destroy everything I love!'. I quickly recovered from the stomach crunches and began sprinting.

I loved my family, I loved my friends and I love my world. But more importantly the amount of innocent people that will die in the aftermath of him completing his plan. I had to find out what that was too. But now training and also magic meditation was the only thing I could think of to get stronger.

I finally ended my sprint by falling on the ground. No magic used, and I did two laps around a total of four miles. Pretty good.

Pretty soon when I was out of collage and couldn't get a job, that's the British system for ya. I decided to use my heritage to my advantage. I opened up a shop, a magic and demon hunting shop. Though the latter was rare, it paid well.

I got up from the ground and began my walk to a dirt road that lead to Ponyville. 'Anyway where was I? Ah yeah reminiscing'. I sold real magic, not that stuff you see in the fake shops. Mainly I sold weapons that I created to fight demons. But I also sold life stars. It took me three years to learn how to make them but it's worth it. They can heal any wound, all you need to do is smash its sugar glass casing, I choose sugar glass so that no customers would sue me after having glass shards embedded in there chest by something meant to heal them.

I saw the Ponyville sign, and Twilight wanted to start her studying session today. 'Well back to my life story'. Most magical items were easy to make but others you had to find, like blue and purple orbs. But even rarer a golden orb. Blue orbs increased your vitality and endurance while purple orbs increased ones total magical energy. Golden orbs though had an amazing ability, they brought back the dead or yourself if you do with it in you possession. I have only ever read about these though, but one day I hope to find them all.

I saw the library ahead so I picked up my pace. When I was near the door I heard voices coming from inside. I approached the door and opened it expecting to see a visitor to the library.

"SURPRISE!".

"AHHHHHH!". I stumbled backward and fell with a thud.

"Are you all right?". I heard Twilight ask, so I just raised a hand into the air and gave a thumbs up. That was followed by laughs from all around the library.

"What is this a party?". I asked while getting up.

"Yep, everypony gets a greeting party". I heard Pinkie explain.

"You guys set a party for me?". I was answered by multiple nods. "But I'm just a stranger and I nearly hurt you".

"You said you're self that it wasn't you when that happened so we know that this you won't hurt us". Dash reminded me. 'So forgiving…'

"Well then". I walked over to them. "Lets get this party started!". Loud cheers were all I could hear for a few seconds and then even louder rave music started playing. After a while of looking around I saw a white pony with a blue mane and purple goggles.

The party was damn good so far, even though rave wasn't my taste I took a shot at raving. Then I slowly drunk punch while talking to various ponies, I was sat down on the couch minding my own business when Dash approached me and took a seat next to me.

"How are you liking the party?". She asked me over the loud beating of a cool base.

"It's damn good so far". I looked over to her and she seemed to be biting her bottom lip. "Look, if you feel like you need to ask me something just ask".

"Do you have a marefriend back home?". I looked at her silently thinking about what she was asking. "Oh, you mean girl friend. Well no really, I didn't want to put anyone in danger". She looked at me understandingly.

"You mean when you get mad?". It was a good guess.

"Well there is that, but in my world I'm hunted". Her eyes widened and I knew she wanted the reason. "You see I hunt demons in my world, only the weak ones or else I might be dead now. But after a while their boss's got angry when they found out that a human was killing of their minions. Their only considered low level, but when you have more than one and there cronies on you tail it becomes a problem". Her eyes were wide with surprise and wonder. Then their was a loud thud.

I behind the couch which was the source of the noise and saw Twilight with a note pad rubbing her head in pain. "Now how did that happen?". She looked up.

"I was listening in on your conversation…..sorry". I looked up at the book shelf she was probably on top of. I'll admit that for her height that took some skill. "I just wanted some early notes". She gave me a slight smile.

"Well I can forgive that any day, get up here". I stretched over the couch and grabbed her and picked her up, putting her down on my lap. "So Dash why did you want to know if I have a girlfriend or not?".

"Oh, no reason". She quickly replied. She then jumped of the couch and disappeared in the crowds of multi coloured ponies. I set Twilight next to me, she seemed disappointed.

"I hope you got a lot of useful notes". She looked around for her note pad.

"It's behind the couch". She looked over the edge and then her horn started glowing. A glowing note pad suddenly flew up and then set itself beside Twilight.

"Yes, and again I'm so sorry for eves dropping". 'These ponies are really something different'.

"Listen Twi". She looked at me. "You told me your sorry and that's more than I'd get in my world so just calm down and enjoy the party". She was noticeably taken back but at the same time gave me a smile.

Pretty soon Dash was back and she had brought the rest of the group. They all took places on the couch, though Twilight and Dash went in my lap. We talked, we laughed and overall it was the best times I've had in a long time.

After the party I decided to be the one to clean up while Twilight, Dash and A.J showed people to the door and said there farewells, however Rarity, Pinkie and Fluttershy left. They then started helping me clean which went faster thanks to them.

After the cleaning was done A.J and Dash left. I fell back on the couch and closed my eyes quite tired after a night a partying. Then there was a tug at my arm. I looked to my side to see Twilight with her note pad and pen also two plates each with a slice of leftover cake.

I shifted to a more comfortable position and grabbed my plate and placed it in my lap. "So what do you want to know?". She immediately began reviewing her notes to find a topic of interest.

"Could you tell me about the demons and then you can tell me anything you want". I took a small bite out of the cake and swallowed. She did the same.

"Well back home I own my own shop. I sell items of magical properties some I make myself. But also weapons meant for defence though that's only to my dedicated and special customers. And pretty soon I got contacted by multiple demon hunters looking for supplies. Then after a while I thought to myself "I make my own supplies and I can make nearly any weapon for demon defence so why can't I do what these guys do?".

"When I first started out things ran smoothly and I was bringing in a lot more money than before but that was how most bad things start I guess". I took another bite. "I started out killing the lesser demons but I only found out later that as a hunter you should lay low because if you kill enough of the cronies the big boys will start coming. And I killed a lot and they came for blood. I came home after a long and hard days work. I opened the door and half the house was destroyed. Me being me I drew my gun and went straight through the living room door. Big mistake". I took another bite and then it began to rain outside. 'Just like that day'.

"Two demons beat me down, they came out of nowhere". I could hear my own voice, it had gone to it's deep tone though it was barely a whisper. Twilight moved closer to me. "They were more than enough to keep me down, I had no muscle like the veterans. The only reason I had been doing so well was because of my special skill with alchemy and my custom gun. One of them had my mother in one of it's filthy hands and it's other hand held a blade". I felt my eyes watering up. "They made me watch as my mother was gutted and decapitated". A single tear started down my cheek which was then followed by others. I didn't sob and my face remained still.

"I just screamed as they laughed. I was screaming out of rage at myself and them. And then their was this surge of power. I only wanted blood. With the new found power I tore and mutilated them until the walls were painted with there blood". I looked down at her and looked her in the eyes. She was crying excessively and her water glazed eyes showed me my reflection. I was turning, but I was in control. 'Better to finish this fast'. "I then went on a personal mission to protect others from demons and to get stronger". I looked away from her and got up. She knew I was turning but she didn't show fear. But I didn't want to hurt her or damage this place.

I walked out the door and before she could ask. "I'm going to blow off some steam".

"Just come back soon". 'These people'. I gave her a firm nod and walked out into the heavy rain. Funny thing was….steam was actually coming of my body.

I had reached the hill it was only now I noticed that the flames encasing my arms were undisturbed by the rain and continued to wave and dance gracefully. I could also feel it on my feet. It wasn't hurting me however it was keeping me warm and dry. But my shoes began to char.

I began by punching the air in front of me the flames grew more intense as my anger did. I moved to using kicks and punches in combos and using moves I didn't know from styles I didn't know but I didn't care. I jumped fifteen feet into the air and front flipped to get even more distance away from the hill. I landed gracefully, twisted around and brought my wrists together, moved them to my side and waited while I felt a supernova of heat that could hurt anything but me gather between my hands.
Then I thrust them forward. A fireball the size of an elephant was propelled at the hill with a trail of pure black smoke behind it. When it impacted the hill a gigantic explosion followed. The explosion was of pure fire and there were no debris like a man made explosion. No this was an explosion of super heated fire that was made to kill and decimate but more importantly to leave nothing left.

I panted hard as the adrenalin rush died down. The fire ball had taken a giant chuck out of the hill and my previous craters were nothing compared to it. I looked down at my hands and saw the claws of fire that now covered my fingers. Feeling hungry I started sniffing the air with my now heightened senses. Then I got the feeling that I was being watched but I quickly dismissed it and ran into Everfree forest.

So far I had been walking around the forest for nearly an hour but the flames stayed on my body. The rain had somehow gotten heavier and thunder and lightning cracked through the sky. It had turned from a hunt to a walk and even though I felt quite peaceful the flames stuck. Ahead I could see a faint light I went to investigate.

Stopping behind a tree as to not be noticed the flames flickered and died as if they sensed my intention. I peeked my head around the trunk and I saw a old time looking caravan. It was wooden and had small square gaps on the sides which served as windows though I couldn't see in as thick curtains hung from the inside blocked my view. However the source of light was a lone lantern that hung by the door.

I walked over to the caravan and knocked on the door. "Hello?".

"Just go away! I know you're here to mock me so just do it and leave!". I was a little taken back. But I could hear sobbing from behind the door.

"Why would I do that I don't even know you?". There was the sound of stomping and the door flew open throwing me to the floor.

"Just leave!". She then looked to the ground where I lay. I was unharmed but the impact still worked. Her shock was visible. "What…what are you?".

"Not really sure". I got up and gave her a smile. She seemed taken back by my smile and reply.

"Are you going to kill me!". I held my hands up.

"Whoa why would you think that". She seemed to think over her own accusation.

"Sorry I was hasty in judging you". She did look truly sorry.

"Don't worry about". I gave her a reassuring smile.

"So who are you?". I approached her.

"Luchiano or Luke whichever you prefer and I'm the appointed defender of Ponyville". She smiled for some reason.

"Well since were using titles. Ahem, I am the all powerful Trixie or that's what it used to be…now it's just Trixie". She tried to look cheerful about it but I could tell she was saddened.

"Well then I am honoured to be in the presence of such a powerful yet graceful lady". I gave a gentleman's bow. She giggled.

We then shared a laugh. "So Trixie why are you out here?".

"Well you see I said things I couldn't live up to and I was run out of town for it. Soon word spread and soon no town would accommodate me". I could tell this conversation was bringing bad memories back to her.

"How about I put in a good word for you and I could also escort you to Ponyville I heard this place is dangerous". She noticeably lightened up.

"You would do that….for me?". She seemed totally taken back.

"Sure why not I mean you haven't done anything bad to me".

"Yes of coarse just let me gather my things!". She rushed into her caravan and began rummaging around. I smiled as I watched her excitedly rushing around with a new found purpose. I felt something warm hit my neck.

I turned around slowly and I saw a lion staring me down with wide blood shot eyes. Claws shot forward to meet my chest. I simply side stepped and the claws missed. 'How?'. I didn't have time to think as it tried again with it's opposite claw. I again side stepped.' I need to end this'. I brought a high kick the creatures solar plexus, winding the creature. A ran up to it and somehow ran up it's chest and gave it strong kick to the jaw. Using the momentum I front flipped and landed on it's shoulder so I brought both my feet on each side of it's neck and I twisted.

Crack!. That's all I heard as the body fell limply backwards while I simply did a back flip and landed on its chest. 'I didn't even break a sweat'. I felt it again. That familiar surge but now it wasn't inspired by anger. I looked over my shoulder to see Trixie with packed bags and a look a awe. "How did you?".

There was a loud rustling directly in front of us. Six more of those creatures emerged from the dark forest. "Manticore's!". Trixie screamed.

"So that's what these things are called. Hmmm". I got up off the comfortable corpse. "Come on then!". They all rushed forward with claws shinning and fangs glistening with saliva. I started punching and kicking in each ones direction as they had no tactic. My attacks had effect but they quickly recovered and had numbers on there side.

I flicked my wrist and suddenly fire engulfed my arms and legs. My feet now having three talons of fire each. The manticores not caring about my transformation again rushed forward and I began my attacks again but this time they had a lot more impact and each hit produced sparks. They were pushing me back to Trixie, I couldn't let that happen. I jumped backward and landed in front of Trixie. I held my palms lazily outward and flames burst forward burning the manticores alive as if my hands were flamethrowers.

I closed my hands and the flames died. All that remained were the black smoking bodies of the manticores. And the flames also seemed to engulf a few trees and much of the grass. I walked into the centre of the bodies "Come on let's go".

There was a loud crashing sound as multiple heavy things landed on me. I guessed these were manticores.

Trixie didn't know what to do their were at least seven manticores on top of him. She couldn't do anything to save him. "AAGGGHHHH!". All of the manticores were stabbing and slashing him, some even biting. She screamed so loud she nearly deafened herself.

A red light burst from the cracks in the manticore dome and continued to get brighter until suddenly they were propelled in all directions by an explosion of fire. And there where he was once pinned he stood though Trixie could not see him as he was encased in an orb of bright shinning fire that was impossible to see through. Though soon the orb of flames died and what stood there was not friendly. It took breaths in deep, heavy pants. A faint smoke slid out of its mouth with each exhale. Claws and talons of flame now looked physical. It had spikes of dancing flame upon its head instead of hair. All the while its entire eyes glowed bright yellow. This being was of pure flame. It took a staggered step forward and gave a mighty roar to the heavens. Huge and powerful wings of flame spread out from its back and flame licked outwards from its body.

The manticores that were propelled from before were back and they were pissed. They all tried there previous tactic and lunged at him. And again they covered him but this time they all burned from the intense heat. Another mighty roar from the breast as intense fire engulfed the manticores and nearly Trixie and her caravan.

The flames again died and the creature still stood there but now ash covered the ground around it. And now it again took steps forward but these were more controlled. Trixie wanted to run and hide but how could she. This thing saved her.

As it got uncomfortably close to her it fell to its knees. Trixie moved closer to it and could feel the intense heat radiating off it. The intensity alone was making rain around him turn to steam. The creature slowly lifted a fiery clawed hand and began stroking her mane and although the heat was intense. It didn't burn or hurt her. She looked into the eyes of the creature and saw the same kindness as she saw in brown haired male.

She nuzzled in to his neck and started crying and the creature embraced her while continuing to stroke her mane. She saw the flames turn from a red and orange to a dark and light blue. "Turn back please". She asked the creature of fire.

The flames then died and the flames atop his head stopped waving. Now all she could feel was hard and cold stone which felt uncomfortable in the rain. She looked up at him and suddenly the stone golem turned to ash and there he was.

Trixie smiled gently. "Lets get you inside". He nodded weakly and she helped into the caravan.

In a tree lucky enough to not be swallowed by fire sat a man. A man with black boot, pants and gloves as well as a shirt but he also wore a red waist cote and red trench coat. He carried a strange and huge sword. He had been watching. "Guess I found my guy". He chuckled.