400 word Rarijack short · 10:12pm Jan 23rd, 2014
I thought I'd share this short story I created for the Rarijack group writing prompt forum.
If you would like to try your own hand (hoof) at it, all rules and story posting is in the group's thread
If Rarijack doesn't float your boat (ship), a lot of the other shipping groups do these word association story threads.
Prompt: Fire
Fire.
The smouldering embers licked at my flanks, eager to devour my soft flesh. The searing pain that followed coaxed me to flee further into the room, narrowly escaping the flame’s appetite. Cinders swept into the doorway on a light breeze, latching onto unsuspecting nearby objects, the wave of destruction seeping slowly through to engulf me.
My world became illuminated in an explosion of orange and black, when the piles of fabric set alight, burning as if a wick to a match. Floorboards and cabinets groaned when their wood collapsed, overwhelmed by heat, and then shattering to oblivion.
It circled around each wall like I was its prey, creating an almighty, resounding roar which pounded in my eardrums. The fruits of my labour, my home, would soon meet its demise in a chorus of smoke, flame and ash.
The fibres of my heart ripped and split with every hollow, rib crushing beat.
I was going to die.
There was no way in my mind to deter me from the very true notion. All could do was accept my horrible fate. I tried to think of my family and friends, how my life was a good one. However, it didn’t matter. In a few moments I would be no more, and part of another tragic story in the history of time.
The smoke made my lungs burn excessively, as I hit the workroom floor with a meaty thump. Getting back up would be pointless, I could already feel the glow and fiery heat on my coat. This was it. My eyes clenched shut and my chest lurched, as I prepared myself for my slow, excruciating end.
A voice.
To whom it belonged, I knew almost instantly. It was so faint, as if an angel was speaking down to me. The breaking of glass was barely audible through the high whine now piercing through my ears. Fresh air oozed into the room, causing the flames to coil and dance unwillingly. Through the crack in my one open eye, I saw a dark, magnificent figure. Daylight poured in behind, revealing the silhouette of an all too familiar brown Stetson.
As she hauled my broken form onto her well-built back, my entire body enveloped with pure happiness. Wrapping my hooves around her neck, I nuzzled deeply into her coat. My feelings were uncontrollable.
I couldn’t believe it, she had saved my life. Her.
Applejack.
The original is posted here.
Okay, I will stop goofing off and get back to writing things that matter.
