Breathe.
That's the part I always find myself forgetting, I forget to breathe. It sounds stupid, but every single time I see this sight before me, it takes my breath away. I look back over my shoulder at my lieutenant who seems indifferent about the whole situation. His face isn't completely visible behind his mask, but I know it has no expression. With a nod, I turn back to the scene in front of me, A fully involved room and contents fire. I crawl forward a few more feet and straddle the hose tighter. Before me the flames dance their alluring tango, leaping from floor to ceiling. This deadly performance could go on forever, but not if I wanted to keep my job. I open the nozzle, releasing a stream of water into the base of the couch. The fire reacts in disagreement, screaming as it releases a hiss of hot gasses that are quickly sucked out of the hole that was cut in the ceiling just behind us. With the battle quickly becoming one sided I continue to sweep the spray around the lower parts of the other living room furniture. even beneath the heavy weight of the turnouts around me, I could feel the temperature dropping from its probably 400 hundred degree Celsius mark. This would chock up another 'Bread and Butter' house fire for the season.
As we trotted back outside I ditch my helmet and mask to suck in as much fresh air as I could. Fresh was putting it mildly, the air still lingered with the odor of artificial material letting off toxic gasses in combustion. But it was something. I pass a glance to my Lieutenant who as I expected has no expression, and if it wouldn't have been for the heat he probably wouldn't be sweating either. At least not as nearly as much as I am, my fur is always a mess after going interior. The turnouts at first are awkward, you have to get up on two hooves to get into them. They're a thick nomex suit that covers your entire torso and legs. By the base of our hooves there's a piece of hard rubber for the back hooves and a softer more malleable rubber for the front hooves. It has EFS on our front shoulders and our name across our flank. Because of the seal that has to be made, it's awkward at first to get used to tucking your tail in and flattening your ears for a prolonged amount of time.The hood is just a sock that fits over our heads and get tucked into the jumpsuit, the whole for our face sits over the edge of the mask. There are two types of masks and helmets. Ones designed for unicorns and one for non unicorns.
"Third fire, right mute?" Phoenix, my lieutenant said as he walked over to me. Mute was my ever so affectionate nickname the battalion gave me when I arrived. Not actually a mute, I talk. Just not a lot.
I responded with a nod as I pull the rest of my turnouts off my legs and stretched. "Kind of, third house fire. But not third fire." I had been a wild land firefighter for a private company some time back. but after the academy I was stationed in Ponyville and saw my first structure fire. And this was only the third.
"Those are two completely different things, don't go mixing them or I know you're going to fail that test of yours." He said half serious half sarcastic. The hard part was telling which was which. I loaded my gear back onto the engine. There was a lot of cleaning up to be done, but smaller fires like this wouldn't take long. The test I was about to take before we got called to the fire was an exit exam. It would mean the difference between moving to full pay and out of probationary status.
I guess I should give a little history behind myself shouldn't I? Well while I clean up I'll start with my life (the boring part) and then a little history. (not so boring in my view) My name's smoke eater, born just outside of the bustling city of Appleoosa. Earth pony with a dark red almost maroon body and a light orange, ginger hair. Average in school but above average outside of it. I was never into sports, I'm athletic but not competitive. So I found myself volunteering a lot, and yes I was a Colt Scout. I started working for Braeburn Forestry as a wild-land firefighter as soon as I reached the age of maturity. After two years I got accepted into the fire academy in Canterlot. Finally stationed in the Ponyville District of the Equestria Fire Service.
The history side is a little more interesting, just barely ten years after the return of Princess Luna the Everfree forest started to change. Princess Twilight wrote many detailed reports about it's change and why it was changing. New animals and beasts began to emerge from within. new species never before seen emerged, some friendly some not. One of the elements of harmony managed to keep the wild ones from terrorizing the then small town of Ponyville. This lasted for several decades before they started. They were called the Great Everfree Fires, and would blaze it's way faster than a pony could gallop. It was contained with a mix of weather ponies and magic but it did not last. A year later the fire spread to whitetail wood and soon Ponyville was endangered. The princess of friendship had the town evacuated and called upon for aid. That's when the Equestrian Fire Service started. Volunteers from all over Equestria came to help fight the fire.
The new Equestrian Fire Service was initially managed by the Royal Guard. But as new fires sprouted around the nation it was realized this was not an isolated incident. The fires are random and sporadic, it defies the normal fire prevention magic that lays over Equestria. Soon buildings would burn and whole cities were endangered with these fires. The princesses realized the service could not be solely operated by volunteers. So by a royal decree the fire service was officially a branch of the Equestrian Government. All of this happened in a matter of months, and the mind behind it all was a pony that was hardly ever seen. There have been rumors and myths that his pony, though an earth pony, supposedly he (or she) could use magic without a horn. But rumors are hardly ever truth, at least in my view.
flash forward 100 years and the combustion engine, the telephone, and new types of roads were invented throwing Equestria into a new era of technology. It is rumored that the one pony was the mind behind it all, however these inventions were discovered in all other parts of Equestria. So more rumors, less truth. Flash forward to the present and find ourselves in the the common room at the Ponyville Fire Station #3.
[Press Enter to submit]
And off it went, my exam on the fire service and all my training. Would I leave my probationary status and become a full fledged firefighter? we shall see, but at least I felt confident on it.
"Hey, finish that exam" I look up at Pike who's leaning on the back of one of the chairs across from me. He was a mint green Pegasus with a blue mane. If you didn't spend a lot of time with him you would think he was a pain in the ass. But he was a lovable pain in the ass.
I affirm his statement with a nod and closed the laptop in front of me.
"Good, remember when we got you to stir the tanks on the engine because you believed us when we said if you didn't the magic in the water would go stale?"
The dirty look I gave him was all he needed. I had spent all day mixing the tanks on the engines. If it had not been for my boredom and listening to textbooks on tape I never would have reached the part where it said 'Magic doesn't go stale'. Oh boy I was furious, but now a year later I find it hilarious how how much I didn't actually know coming out of the academy.
"Well we got a new booter in tow and he fell for the first one you didn't fall for. He's in the shop looking for a water hammer as we speak. Isn't that great?" He said chuckling. Little pranks like those weren't uncommon for us new guys. They are never truly mean and most of the time you look back on it and laugh. If done right it can create a really comfortable atmosphere. done wrong, well let's not go there.
I let a smile cross my face as I remember not falling for that trick a year ago, disappointing Pike's attempt. my thoughts didn't go any farther as I realized that Pike is still standing on his hind hooves leaning on the chair looking at me. His smile is fractionally smaller and his eyes convey a sparkle of an idea. Probably a bad one. He noticed my look and continued.
"Okay, okay you got me. We want your help." He said biting his lip and now I noticed he was containing an unnaturally high amount of energy.
"With?" I raise an eyebrow.
"Chicken and I" (Phoenix's nickname) "Have an Idea to get the new guy so good that he will never be able to live it down." He pauses at the look I'm giving him. Phoenix doesn't prank ponies. He gives them a hard time, and laughs later. "Okay so it was my idea but I needed him on it so we could use one of the staff vehicles."
THIS took my interest. Why would a prank involve a staff vehicle, why would Phoenix agree to it, and why in Equestria would we take the chance of this ending in disaster. I took a sip of my coffee and watched as he stifled a little laughter.
"First I need you to grab one of the rubber mallets and tap on every possible part of Engine 3. Then Chicken is going to call you over to his office and I will have to tell the poor guy that he is going to take over your task. Which is using the mallet to find soft spots on the engines."
I smiled, big mistake. Pike saw it and his energy level grew.
"But that's not all. We needed the staff vehicle because I'm going to break it to him that he has to do every vehicle in the district. and- and- " he had to stop from spontaneously combusting on the spot. "And the look on the ponies faces at the other stations as this booter shows up to check for soft spots on orders from Chicken will be perfect!" He couldn't contain it any longer and fell over in hysterics.
I'll admit I may have laughed a little, or a lot at the picture of some of our teammates from other stations watching this newbie walk in and start banging on everything with a rubber mallet.
"Oh sweet Celestia this isn't good." Jumper said as she entered the room, looking from Pike on the floor to me on the other side of the table muzzle in hooves containing a school girl style giggle fit. The dark blue earthpony raised a hoof to her face just below her well kept blonde mane. "Pickle what do you have planned?" She asked nervous and excited at the same time. (Don't even start with me why HIS nickname is pickle.)
"No time, Mute go get the hammer I'll let chicken know we're about to start." I scooped up my laptop and dropped it in my bunk as I headed for the shop. The poor guy was still searching for the water hammer. He was small in size and had some unusual spots to his white fur. It was something like a map of the world plastered in ink on his backside. I reached for the hammer and paused, an idea to help with Pikes prank. I needed to have Stacks trust me.
"Want some help Stacks?" I asked, grabbing the rubber mallet off the wall.
"Yes please." He looked at me, lost trying his best to make his superiors happy. Which at this point was everypony.
"A physical water hammer doesn't exist, it's a concept. A water hammer is what happens when you close a valve too quickly and the water slams into it." I said grabbing the mallet and turning to walk away.
"Oh." He looked almost broken if it weren't for the smile of amusement and embarrassment.
I left and went over to the engine closest to the station offices, passing Pike who gave me a shit eating grin. I hesitated at what I was to do. I just started tapping, starting at the bumper I worked my way around the doors and towards the back of the engine. It didn't take long for Pike and Stacks to join me.
"Smoke, what are you doing?" the kid asked me.
For a split second I was worried I was the one being pranked by the prank master of the fire service. I turned to answer him but was stopped mid turn as Phoenix poked his head out.
"Smoke Eater, BC's office. NOW" He practically yelled. I looked over at Pike who even looked confused.
"Pike gotta go, can you handle this?" I asked handing him the mallet.
"Of course Mute, I can train the new guy so we have another pony who can do it." Pike was a terrible liar, but it was convincing. I handed him the hammer and trotted inside the swinging door and into the Battalion Chiefs office. Sabre was sitting behind the large wooden desk with Phoenix was standing next to him. I'm pretty sure that sabre, a yellow unicorn, thought his special talent was to be in the guard when he got his cutie mark of crossed sabres. But turns out his special talent was leading.
"Sabre, Phoenix." I said standing as professionally as I could.
"Yes, I know what Phoenix and Pike have planned." Sabre started. Oh buck, one year in the service and I'm about to get an ass chewing for hazing a new guy. Smart move Smoke, smart move indeed.
"But that's not why you're here Eater."
Oh.
He slid a hoof written letter across the table and I didn't need to pick it up, there was not a lot on it given it's full size piece of parchment. As I read along I felt the room get colder.
Mr. Smoke Eater,
It is with great importance that I meet with you this afternoon. We have much to discuss and little time.
(Signed)
Princess Twilight Sparkle
I could not bring my eyes away from the paper, the words were like molasses soaking into my mind. I glanced up at my superiors and they looked as puzzled as I did. Silence fell between us as I digested the information in front of me. The creek of the swinging door caused us all to jump as Pike came walking in.
"Yo Mute, Chicken that was PERFECT You even sounded serious yelling like that!" he emphasized perfect like ballet teacher would bellow for a well practiced routine. It was until he looked at the three of us standing stunned his smile dropped. "What's wrong?" He could tell something was amiss.
"Smoke has a meeting with Princess Sparkle."
Pike laughed it off like nothing, it obviously didn't soak in. Sabre lifted the paper up with his magic and showed him the broken royal seal on the back.
"Wait, you can't be serious. Is this a prank or is our favorite mute actually getting an audience with the princess of friendship?" He asked still not believing it.
"He is, and it's almost two now. Smoke, take the command vehicle. you're excused from your duties for the rest of the shift, I don't know how long you will be gone. And for all that is good, keep us in the loop. Admin didn't send us this letter until now because they thought it was a prank. And Pike is right, it still may be a prank so be careful." I stared at the letter a little longer before scooping it up and walking past
Pike who eyed me as I left.
The princesses don't make public appearances as much anymore. Most of their appearances are on TV. A festival here and there, but not to the extent they used to. The time when the Princess of Friendship wandered about the town ended a long time ago. So to have an audience with any princess was something seen only by the wealthy or the important. I was neither.
Driving the command SUV over to the palace only took a couple of minutes, traffic was light and I hit mostly green lights. If the town was the size it is now several centuries ago it would have taken nearly two hours to go from one side to the other by hoof or wagon. As I approached the Palace in the heart of old town, the tall castle loomed into view. I couldn't see a formal parking lot so I resorted to parking by the courthouse across the street. Getting out of the SUV I I looked down, my uniform was a little wrinkled from sweating in it from the earlier fire. Probably should have showered first. I smoothed it out best I could and trotted up the steps. The two royal guardsman guarding the great double doors regarded me with some interest as I approached. the royal guards still wore the traditional red uniform but since the invention of gun powder the objects on their hips were something I would rather not see the operational end of.
I stopped before the door and stood like an idiot for probably a good minute or two. Is sompony nervous, because I totally got this. I am prepared. uhhh... "Do I knock, or.."
"The only ponies allowed in are by invitation only." the guard on the left said. I plucked the letter from my pocket and passed it to him.
His eyes wavered for a moment before he spoke into a radio, I heard my name and the rest was whispers. He handed me the letter back and went back to standing at attention. The doors before me opened and I took my first look into the hall. It was magnificent the whole interior looked straight out of a story book. from the long rugs on the floor to the tapestries on the wall it was fantastic. I walked in cautiously and the doors closed behind me, clipping my back hoof which caused me to jump and turn around.
"Good afternoon Mr. Smoke Eater." I finish the 360 looking like a foal. Behind me was a peach earth pony with a green mane. She wore glasses that hid a pair of dark red eyes. Which would have been unnerving had it not been for her smile that greeted me. Her whole appearance was something of a mystery however. I could have sworn she wasn't there when I walked in.
"You weren't- I mean- Hi." Was all I stammered out, her smile didn't waver and she shook her head.
"You can relax here, you are a welcomed guest." This did little to help my racing heart. "Please follow me."
She turned and started to walk away and I followed cautiously. I was lead through the great halls and up a flights of stairs. Lots of stairs. We came out into a similar open hallway with more rugs and tapestries. She pushed open a pair of tall double doors that led into a grand room with a table that had seven chairs and an odd smaller chair. It sat beneath what looked like the roots of a tree with small gems dangling from it.
"The princess is in a meeting and will be with you in just a moment." She turned to leave and I was so absorbed by the room that when I turned to say something the door had already shut.
I walked cautiously around, the table seemed to be a stone of some kind. But smooth as any gem. Closer inspection showed a small layer of dust. The room itself was plain as my eyes wandered. For a moment I could have sworn I saw movement in the dangling gems. A painting on the wall caught my attention. It was six ponies all posing together. All had a medallion of some sort around their necks, except for the purple unicorn. the symbols I recognized as the Elements of Harmony.
"The bearers of the Elements of Harmony." I said to nopony in particular.
"More importantly, my friends." The soft voice came from behind me. I almost screamed as I whipped around for the third time today. Behind me was a tall and fair purple alicorn with kindness in her eyes. The whole of Equestria knew her, I was in the presence of Princess Twilight Sparkle. I promptly dropped to my knees and placed my head lower to the ground.
"Your royal highness." I said closing my eyes. I kicked myself several times in the head mentally. What do I say? What do I do next? How long do I stay like this before I should rise? Do I look her in the eyes? Do I stand at attention like the royal guardsman? Oh ponyfeathers I did not think this trough.
"Smoke Eater." She said that like she knew me. Well of course she knows me, she sent for me personally. But the way she said it, like we knew each other...
I took this chance to rise and look directly at her, risky I know.
"You need not worry. I appreciate the formality, but relax you are here for a very specific reason." She said, her eyes went from looking at me to past me. I followed her gaze up to the painting on the wall.
"My friends. Though the elements slowed the aging process allowing them to live for nearly a century longer than most ponies. Eventually time takes all." I looked at the them then back to her. Her eyes showed both joy and sorrow, and a face of pain that only those with immortality must face. Though centuries old she showed no signs of aging and still looked the way she did in the portrait.
"Your highness-" I began, but was cut off with a wave of the hoof.
"Please, just Twilight." Wow, okay first name basis with a princess. Not the kind of day I was expecting, not half an hour ago I was beating on a fire engine with a rubber mallet. Wow.
"Twilight," The word sounded strange in my mouth, like calling a mother by her first name. "I'm not sure why I'm here."
She looked away from the painting and gave me a warm smile. "I know you don't, but let's talk somewhere a little more comfortable." Okay so it didn't take me that off guard, I mean I was already off guard when I got here. But someplace more comfortable?
We took a path along what appeared to be the long main hall, flanked by many doors and staircases. There was a noise behind us and I turned around but failed to see the source of the noise. Princess Twilight seemed unfazed as we continued our stroll.
"You're fitting of your title." She finally said as we descended a staircase on what felt like the other side of the castle.
"My title ma'am?" I asked looking at her.
"Mute. You remind me in a way of Fluttershy." She said smiling at a memory that I imagine floated up with that name. How did she know my nickname?
Futtershy. I thought back to more history lessens. Yellow Pegasus, master of animals and the element of... Generocity? Crap I really should have paid more attention in that class. But that teacher was horrible, and I mean F- for a teaching grade horrible. Never was organized, never gave us due dates. And NEVER gave out any late passes. It made my hazmat class seem like a night at the club.
We turned a corner and a we walked along the railing that looked down at a grand entry way with a massive staircase. it was beautiful, with more colorful tapestries and murals. flanked by suits of armor and a magnificent banner. A truly grand entrance. There i saw some more guards and another pony walking about. Wait. That's not where I came in... Did I come in the back door? I noticed that Twilight had followed my gaze and concerned look.
"Amethyst was surprised that you didn't come in this way. When the guards alerted her you were here she was down there and when they said you were at the servants entrance she had to teleport to meet you."
Ohhhh, that explains the magically appearing assistant that scared the daylights out of me. Got it. "I apologize Princess Twilight. I hope I didn't cause her trouble."
"Do not worry Smoke, you didn't. She was rather glad to have an excuse to practice her teleportation spell." So the stories were true, that the princess was as kind as the elder sisters. And she still taught the more archaic spells to ponies. I would love to nullify more rumors, but that would definitely have to wait.
We turned a corner into a single door this time that led into a small reading room of sorts. There was a chair and a small couch. The fire was lit, and even though it was the end of summer out it gave off a feeling of internal warmth rather than external. There was a tray in the center with a tea set and some small pastries. Twilight took a space on the couch and motioned me to take the armchair. I sat down watching the way that I sat as though not to seem improper.
"Do you drink tea?" She asked pouring it out of the pot with her magic.
No. "Yes."
She levitated a tea cup and I took a preliminary sip. I didn't normally drink tea, I was all coffee. A green tea here and there but that was it. It was still hot, but not unbearable. The tea was delicious, I had never had such a vibrant fruity flavor from a tea before in my life. I could see Twilight watching me out of the corner of her eye as she placed the teapot down and picked hers up.
I took another sip enjoying the sweet liquid pass over my tongue.
"This is a recipe that dates back to before I was a princess."
I didn't realize my eyes were closed because they shot open. BEFORE I was a princess?? Wait so you became a princess??? Woah.
"If you would like perhaps another time I can show you the recipe."
Timeout. Why is she talking to me like we're old friends. Shes sitting there enjoying her time like we're old friends that haven't seen each other in a long while. I like it a lot, it feels good to be treated like this. But by a princess? I'm happy and nervous at the same time.
"Princess Twilight." I started, picking my words very carefully. "I would be honored to learn how to make a tea as wonderful as this. But I am still in the dark as to why a pony of my value is having the honor to have tea with you."
Her smile faded and she looked at me the way a mother would look at a foal when he asks why the sky is blue. "Smoke, your life is about to change forever. And you will be tasked with one of the most difficult problems any pony has ever faced. You will be pushed to your very limit and beyond. And I want to give you something that will help you."
She stood up and went behind of the book cases. I placed my tea cup down a little shakily and pressed my mind for answers. First, why me? Second, what could be so important? Third, why me? Fourth, what can I do that other fire ponies can't? And can you guess what five is?
Twilight returned with an envelope no bigger than a credit card, she levitated it over and I examined it. It was a plain brown envelope and on the front written;
TEoH
Do not open until the 25th day of Nets
I looked at it puzzled, the date listed was next week. She must have noticed my confused look as she picked her tea back up and
"I ask you two things that are rather strange. First don't open that until the date listed. Second always keep this and the note I sent you with you no matter what." She said. Immediately I put it in the breast pocket of my uniform next to the note.
"Your high-" I stopped myself. "Twilight, I don't know what challenge I am about to face, but I promise you that I will not falter in my duties to you or Equestria. Come what may, I will do my best." Half of that was more a reassurance for me than for her. But it sounded good at least.
"Thank you Smoke, I know that you won't let anypony down." Her smile softened, it almost looked as though she was fighting an internal battle. "I know the note that I sent to you was cryptic in it's own way. However although it told you we had much to discuss. I find that much of it I cannot tell you quite yet." Her smile was now almost gone, her eyes seemed trapped. I knew there was an extensive conversation waiting behind those eyes but it was held back.
I smiled in an effort to reassure her, my mind was going a million miles a minute. Special assignment, that's what I gather. Maybe I'm being sent to the Griffon Territories to assist them with their fire service. Though similar they still have a long way to go, maybe they've asked for help. But why send the new guy, who has limited experience. I can name at least ten other fire ponies who would be a hay lot better than me. Oh, maybe there is new equipment being tested and that's what I'm going to be used for... Oh, that could be it. Could explain the friendly vibes, maybe I am a guinea pig for a new experiment. Fun.
I glance up at the princess who now is smiling once more and looking straight at me. I realize my smile has gone lopsided and I straighten up putting back a more professional face. God I'm a foal.
"You're a thinker Smoke, and not a talker. Often analytical, that's why we need you. Don't hurt yourself by thinking your not worth your weight, you're worth much more. I will send for you again next week to talk more."
Thinker? If she means that I'm smart she has obviously not seen my grades. Any of them. How does she know all this about me anyways?
"I will be ready when the time comes." Totally not.
"I'm sure you will be." her smile and the way she said that sounded like a total lie. So not as comforting as intended.
We said our goodbyes and I exited this time out the front entrance. Leaving the large blue castle behind me I could not shake the feeling I was being watched. The hair was on end and I would shiver occasionally. It followed me all the way back to the station. I only had a week, but my gut told me it was going to feel a whole lot longer.