//------------------------------//
// Chapter 24: King Smolder 
// Story: Smoldering It Over 
// by Turtlehaus 
//------------------------------//

"Well, this is your big moment." Wingston said looking me over.

Wingston and I stood outside the large marble doors that led inside to the Summit Chamber where every head pony, yak, donkey, and zebra from their respective kingdoms would convene to address the issues of Equestria. In light of the recent events that had transpired in the Ashen Fields, many of the members called for an emergency meeting of the Summit, and had the date moved up significantly. In fact, it had only been two days since I had went hoof to hoof with my father that this meeting was taking place. Needless to say, I felt very nervous entering the chamber looking the way I did.

Having a stitched ear, a black eye, cut lip, a broken wing, several cuts and bruises, and no formal clothes to wear; I wasn't too excited to stand in front of any pony. Wingston did his best to make me look presentable and his only contribution to my ensemble was wiping away flecks of ash that stuck to my legs.

"You've worked very hard to get here, Smolder. Just take it slow and try not to be nervous." Wingston said encouragingly.

I smiled down at him, trying to feign confidence but my flaring mane gave me away.

"How are you feeling?" Wingston asked curiously.

"Good." I replied nodding my head.

"Good?" Wingston asked.

"Yeah, good." I said still nodding.

Wingston stared up at me, unconvinced that I was anything but good.

"You know, I have been wrong very few times in my life, Smolder." Wingston said lifting up his new staff.

The two broken halves of his staff had be rejoined, being held in place by branching strips of metal I had fused together to hold it in place. Unknowingly giving Wingston essentially a wooden, metal coated club to hit me with, but he showed great restraint from doing so.

"I can attest to that." I replied.

"Well, I was wrong about your brothers. I didn't believe they ever cared for you, but I was proven wrong. Their sacrifice was made out of love for their little brother, and I am grateful to them for keeping you safe." Wingston admitted.

"It should have been me." I said trying to choke back my quivering voice.

"Saying that will only belittle their sacrifice. For all their flaws they recognized the good in you, the strength to defend this Kingdom, and the ability to lead our Flame Ponies in the coming years to rebuild what we have lost. You were far too valuable to be lost in the Void and far too important to your brothers to see you suffer the same fate that befell your mother." Wingston said endearingly.

"I couldn't save my family, Wingston." I choked out feeling myself whimper.

"No, you were not able to save your family. Nor were you able to convince your father to change his ways. Unable to save your brother's from being sucked into the Void." Wingston agreed with me.

I hung my head in grief. Wingston knocked his staff against my head; the extra weight behind it really shook me up.

"Every pony is responsible for the choices they make. Your father made his, so did your mother and your brothers. You can't force a pony to be something they're not. Your brothers believed themselves to be cruel, powerful like your father, but through your actions they realized what sort of ponies they were." Wingston explained admiring his new and improved staff.

"What sort of ponies were they?" I asked trying to compose myself.

"I consider them to be heroes for what they did. It is how I will remember them." Wingston replied.

Wingston's words resonated with me. I too felt that their sacrifice was brave and noble; even if I wished that they had not done so.

"How will you choose to remember them, Smolder?" Wingston asked.

"They were my brothers, my protectors… my family." I said trying to sound proud.

"Your family has grown quite considerably since a few days ago. You're responsible for every Flame Pony in the Ashen Fields now." Wingston reminded me.

"I won't let them down." I said finding my confidence.

"I know you won't, my King." Wingston said with a smile.

The sound of a latch clicked from the other side of the marble doors, swinging outward revealing a large circular room lined with white marble pillars and large round oak table that stood in the center of the chamber. Personal Royal Guard ponies stood behind each respective leader, the leaders sat on matching wooden chair that circled the table; except for one. 

A stone chair waited for me resting between Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance. Princess Celestia had Peanut and Cosmic as her royal guards standing behind her, the two of them tried to sneak a wave at me without any pony noticing. While Shining Armor and Nightshade stood behind Princess Cadance who also tried to wave at me without being caught.

"Now presenting the soon to be crowned King of the Ashen Fields, his Royal Highness, Prince Smolder and his personal advisor Wingston." An appointed pony bellowed aloud; ushering us in.

I seated myself while lifting Wingston up onto the arm of the chair so that he would be level with the rest of the leaders seated here. I had no escort, like the other leaders here. Even with the insistence of General Hearth I felt it necessary for him to remain in the Ashen Fields and to come here unguarded.

The appointed pony left the room closing the marble doors behind him officially bringing the Summit to a start.

"I would like to thank every pony for being able to make it today under such short notice." Princess Celestia began.

"What smell like burnt wood?" The Yak known as Prince Rutherford asked aloud sniffing the air.

"… me?" I replied slowly.

"Fire Pony smells good!" Prince Rutherford declared stomping his hooves; his guards joined in.

"Thanks?" I said looking confused.

"Smell remind Yaks of winter nights, warm and cozy in homes with family." Prince Rutherford said with a smile.

"Well, we should address our newest guest here today, Prince Smolder, son of King Scorch, is here with us." Princess Celestia announced trying to segway the meeting right along.

"Greetings!" Prince Rutherford bellowed stomping his hooves; his guards joined in again.

"Hi." I said raising my hoof slightly.

"So this is the Flame Pony we heard so much about? Much smaller then I imagined him to be no doubt." The Zebra named Princess Sheva remarked.

"You mean to tell me that little pony took out the Mad King Scorch?" The donkey named Duke Wellington asked unconvinced.

"He had help." Wingston spoke up.

Wingston glanced over at me for a moment, sizing me up before turning back to the other leaders.

"Lots of help." Wingston said nodding his head.

"Fire Pony looks like kitchen table after Yak Feast! Broken and splintered!" Prince Rutherford declared.

"Thanks?" I said again still unsure if the Yak was complimenting me.

"We're all here due to the recent events that took place in the Ashen Fields." Princess Celestia continued.

"I've read the report. Are you sure the Mad King is gone for good this time?" Duke Wellington asked curiously.

"Unless there is another magical mirror lying around, we can safely say that the Mad King will remain in the Void for all time." Princess Cadance replied.

"Then Equestria can be at rest, his banishment is for the best." Princess Sheva said.

"We're here to discuss lifting the banishment of the Flame Ponies." Princess Celestia announced.

"Yaks vote for more Fire Ponies! Great for parties!" Prince Rutherford shouted stomping his hooves; his guards joined in.

"I'm not against giving the Flame Ponies some room to stretch their legs, but I'm not convinced that this here little pony has got what it takes to run a kingdom." Duke Wellington said.

"With this I will agree, a lot of responsibility for such a little pony." Princess Sheva said.

"You make a valid concern, Duke. It did cross my mind that Prince Smolder is a bit too young to take the mantle of King." Princess Cadance said.

"Fire Pony shows up beat up. Yaks see this as strength needed to lead." Prince Rutherford remarked.

"There is more to being a King then just having strength." Duke Wellington retorted.

"Wisdom and grace is what is needed to take the old King's place." Princess Sheva stated.

"I think it might be a nice change of pace if we let Prince Smolder have a chance to speak." Princess Celestia interjected.

"Speak, Fire Pony!" Prince Rutherford demanded.

"Hi, I'm Smolder." I said starting off strong.

"Hello Smolder!" Prince Rutherford shouted.

I had never felt so out of place in my life. Two days ago I was a stone statue and now I'm sitting with the most powerful and influential ponies in all of Equestria. Wingston looked over at me; urging me with his eyes to say something. I decided that being just Smolder would be easier than trying to be Prince Smolder.

"When I was a foal, I tried to eat rocks." I said awkwardly.

The whole chamber was quiet.

"Do rocks make for a good meal?" Prince Rutherford asked aloud.

"No, not really." I replied.

"Duly noted!" Prince Rutherford exclaimed over the giggles of Princess Cadance.

"I don't think that is something a Prince would do, but it was something a small foal unsupervised would have tried. Only a few ponies ever called me a Prince, it was out of respect, but never out of necessity. I didn't get any special training, special tutoring or even a crash course in table manners, but I did learn to read and to write thanks to a good friend of mine." I continued.

"Literacy is an important foundation for small foals and fillies!" Prince Rutherford declared.

"The Flame Ponies have always looked towards the King to guide them and protect them. Even if I don't wear the crown the Flame Ponies will still regard me as such, but I want to prove that I am worthy to hold that title. So I can still come to these cool, super-secret meetings and get some advice about being a good leader from every pony here." I explained.

"Fire Pony thinks Yaks are cool?" Prince Rutherford asked.

"Yes?" I said.

"Fire Pony has paid compliment to Yaks, a wise leader indeed!" Prince Rutherford declared stopping his hooves; his guards joined in.

"Humble and sweet are the Flame Ponies words, my feelings on this matter have been stirred." Princess Sheva remarked.

"Well he isn't arrogant, I'll give him that. He doesn't look like he's too excited about the job, but seeing as he's willing to be open to advice about how to be a good King I can get behind this." Duke Wellington stated.

"Then we are in agreement to allow the Flame Ponies to return to Equestria and give Smolder our blessings for his coronation?" Princess Celestia asked.

"Yaks have no beef with this." Prince Rutherford stated.

"I too am fine with this; the Flame Ponies have been sorely missed." Princess Sheva replied.

"I haven't got any gripes with it." Duke Wellington declared.

"The Crystal Empire is in full support of seeing the Flame Ponies return." Princess Cadance agreed.

"With every pony in agreement the Flame Ponies are free to leave the Ashen Fields, to come and go as they please." Princess Celestia announced.

Just like that, our Flame Ponies could step beyond our borders again. All of my nervousness seemed to melt away. I no longer felt anxiety about being here and my heart was suddenly filled with excitement to tell our Flame Ponies that they were free.

"When will the coronation of the Flame Pony begin? I would like to sit in." Princess Sheva asked curiously.

"I want to sit too!" Prince Rutherford declared.

"We could do it now." Wingston said reaching under his wraps and retrieving a rather odd looking crown.

It seemed to be painted with the midnight sky, but reflected like the surface of water. Several jagged edges formed around the top of the crown, but it was, to say the least, not all that impressive to look at.

"What about the ceremony?" Princess Cadance asked sounding surprised.

"I hereby dub thee King Smolder." Wingston said with a flare in his voice placing the crown on my head.

"Short and to the point, I'm starting to like the way these Flame Ponies do things." Duke Wellington said with a smile.

"It is made from obsidian. It has been worn by the Great Dragon Rider, Lord Smoke and every King since then. Try not to break it." Wingston explained.

"That's it? This is simply undeserving of such a great honor! Surely we could do some sort of ceremony for him?" Princess Cadance objected.

"It's cool." I said; amazed that the crown fit.

"Then let us be the first to welcome you back to Equestria, King Smolder." Princess Celestia said with a smile.

"The Fire Pony has been crowned! Celebrations are in order!" Prince Rutherford declared stomping his hooves; his guards joined in.

Unfortunately for Prince Rutherford, there wasn't going to be a party. The Ashen Fields were in shambles, Castle Char in ruin, the mountain decimated, but our Flame Ponies spirits had been rejuvenated. A day for partying would come much later rather than sooner for us. I was welcomed to stay for the rest of the meeting, the issues spoken of were beyond me and I did not partake in them, but listened all the same. Wingston was eager to offer ideas and suggest things, I could see that he missed being able to attend such events.

The emergency meeting of the Summit came to a close. The larger more diverse Summit meeting would take place its regular scheduled time where I could meet further leaders of different kingdoms and lands. I said goodbye to Princess Sheva, Duke Wellington and shouted farewell to Prince Rutherford.

"You look about as bad as I feel, Smolder." Nightshade said strolling up to me and give me a once over.

"I'm glad to see you're up and about again." I replied.

"That's only because Belle kept trying to serve him meals in bed; I've never seen a pony shake so much." Cosmic interjected walking alongside Nightshade.

"I was cold!" Nightshade insisted.

"Nightshade was so nervous that he passed out in his porridge a few times." Peanut commented walking up on Nightshade's other side.

"I was tired!" Nightshade shouted.

"Belle has an unbelievable amount of patience for the shenanigans Nightshade pulls." Shining Armor said walking over with Princess Cadance.

"I am a perfect gentlepony!" Nightshade said in his defense.

"Gentleponies don't stammer for an hour straight when talking to pretty ponies." Princess Cadance retorted.

Nightshade had lost the battle of his dignity, fuming in embarrassment he tried to steer the conversation away from him.

"So, from Cadet to a King in under a week, that's pretty impressive." Nightshade commented.

"It doesn't feel any different." I replied.

"Do we have to start calling you your royal highness now?" Cosmic asked.

"I would rather you not." I replied.

I could feel every pony looking me over. I knew I looked like the dragon's dinner but I felt fine.

"Your dad really did a number on you, huh?" Nightshade asked sadly.

"I'll be fine." I said reassuringly.

"Are you sure?" Peanut asked.

"Wingston has already said that I'll be at a hundred percent in a couple of days." I reassured them.

"What do you plan to do now? Seeing as you're free to go where ever you please?" Cosmic asked curiously.

"Home." I replied.

"Is there anything we can do to help?" Shining Armor offered.

"Thank you, but no. For right now we need to start rebuilding on our own, relying on each other and finding our strength to get things started. After that, we'll host a party in Canterlot's and the Crystal Kingdom's honor for your help in saving our kingdom." I explained.

"That sounds lovely." Princess Celestia said striding up to us.

"Are you sure, Smolder?" Princess Cadance asked sounding concerned.

"If we need anything, you'll be the first pony I ask." I said trying to reassure her.

"May I have a word with Smolder alone, please?" Princess Celestia asked strolling up to every pony.

"Yes, my Lady." Peanut said taking hold of Cosmic and Nightshade; pulling them away.

"Bye, Smolder!" Cosmic and Nightshade said together struggling against Peanut's iron grip.

"Take care, Smolder." Princess Cadance said.

"Don't hesitate to ask for help." Shining Armor said walking off with Princess Cadance and the others.

Shining Armor and Princess Cadance disappeared around the marble doors leaving Princess Celestia and I alone in the chamber.

"You look terrible." Princess Celestia remarked looking at my ear.

"I'm fine, really. I'm not in any pain." I said wiggling on the spot trying to prove that I was telling the truth.

Princess Celestia giggled at my foolish wiggling. I felt my heart jump and a laugh slipped from my mouth. She quickly composed herself. I could see her wanting to talk about something serious so I stopped my dumb wiggling.

"How are you feeling?" Princess Celestia asked.

"I'm… getting by." I said in all honesty.

"Smolder, if there was any way to have saved them-"

"I know that there was nothing you could do. You stopped me from jumping in after them and being lost to the Void as well." I interrupted her.

Princess Celestia fell quiet as I tried to find the resolve to continue to speak without whimpering.

"I didn't know what I was thinking. I was just acting foolish. My brothers decided to protect me, the Ashen Fields and all the ponies in it from my father; believing that I could give our Flame Ponies a better life then they could." I said proudly.

Princess Celestia let me talk it out.

"I won't pretend like I don't miss them. All I wanted was to protect them and I couldn't even get that right. Everything I tried to do didn't work out. I couldn't even get some dumb boulders without fighting a bunch of stupid spiders. In the end my father still took everything from me. How am I supposed to be the King of the Flame Ponies? It should have been either Pyre or Wick and I hate myself because I can't even remember which one is older! I'm just now realizing that I'll never be able to see them again…" I trailed off; breaking down in front of Princess Celestia and started to sob.

"Smolder…" Princess Celestia said softly to me.

"I just can't stand to be alone." I said quietly.

"You're never going to be alone again, Smolder. You have Wingston, General Hearth, Spike, Twilight, Princess Luna, Shining Armor, Nightshade and many more ponies that care a great deal about you. We're your family now, and we're here to help you." Princess Celestia said comfortingly.

"I didn't even get to say goodbye." I whimpered covering my face with my hooves.

I felt something drape over me, followed by a sudden pull as I came sliding up against Princess Celestia's leg; she was hugging me. I was so startled by this that I stopped sobbing to look up to see how badly I had burned her, but to my surprise she was unharmed.

"How…" I began to ask looking up at her.

"Rarity asked me to give this to you." Princess Celestia replied raising her wing to reveal a long black sheet of fabric draped over my back.

"It's a cloak Rarity made from a material similar to the ones Wingston wears." Princess Celestia said warmly.

It even had a hood that could cover my mane. I marveled at it while Princess Celestia watched me gush over it.

"I've never been… hugged before." I said in disbelief.

"I'm glad I could share that with you." Princess Celestia said with a smile

The sound of wood prodding the marble floor echoed into the chamber as Wingston appeared from around the corner.

"There you are, Smolder. Oh, Princess Celestia. I did not mean to interrupt." Wingston said lowering his head to her.

"No trouble at all, Wingston." Princess Celestia replied.

Wingston was still limping more than usual, his leg still recovering from the blow he took from my father. The burned rags he had were beginning to fall apart, and I knew he needed this more. I quickly crossed the room to meet Wingston, ensuring that he would not try to walk all the way over to me like the stubborn bat that he was.

"Rarity made you a cloak, Wingston." I said draping it over his head.

"For me?" Wingston asked curiously, fighting his way from underneath it.

"She said something to the effect that your drab clothing was simply unbearable to look at anymore." I said watching him reappear from beneath it.

"It's rather long." Wingston said looking suspiciously at me.

"You'll grow into it." I assured him.

Wingston looked at me, trying to see if I was hiding something, but eventually slung it over his head. The hood covered is large bat like ears, and the extra fabric bunched up under his eyes allowing him to look much like he did before. I lowered myself down to him, motioning for him to climb aboard.

"Thank you for everything, Princess Celestia." I said straightening up.

"Until our next meeting, my Lady." Wingston said bowing his head to her.

Princess Celestia watched Wingston and I leave the room.

"He's such a dork." Princess Celestia said to herself.

As I carried Wingston down the corridor my mind came back to the riverbank where I first took my leap of faith. Unsure of what was going to happen, not knowing if I was going to succeed or fail. I looked over my shoulder to see Wingston admiring his new cloak, pulling on the tassels to tighten the hood and rubbing the fabric between his long fingers. I was going to focus on what I had left, on the things I could still control and hope that these things, these ponies I had come to care for would last. That I would be able to live up to the sort of King my brother's believed me to be, what my Flame Ponies needed me to be, what my friends thought I could be, and the King I wanted to be.

"I am the King." I chuckled to myself.

"Did you say something?" Wingston asked.

"Nothing." I said quickly feeling myself smirk.

I am Smolder of the Ashen Fields, son to the Mad King Scorch and Queen Sunbeam, younger brother to the Twins Wick and Pyre. I am the last of my house. I was tasked to steal the Elements of Harmony, and save our Kingdom. I ended up doing all that, and becoming King in the process. Not bad for a pony that ate rocks as a foal.


The End