//------------------------------//
// Chapter 3 
// Story: She Will Bring the Fire 
// by EquestrianJimmy 
//------------------------------//

   Her eyes gleamed. The guards lowered their heads and opened the gates for their monarch. Celestia’s coat shone in the setting sun as she entered the palace. Her younger sister greeted her with a smile.
“How art thou, dear sister?” 
“I’m fine, Luna. How are you this evening? Ready for your shift?” Her light magenta eyes gleamed with an unknown anticipation. 
“We are most lovely this evening, sister. And yes, we are prepared.” Celestia nodded lightly.
“Excellent.” She trotted to her throne, and took a seat as Her mane billowed in the setting sun.

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“It’s okay, Fluttershy.” Twilight tried to comfort her friend, while placing the splint and bandage on her wounded leg. “We’ll send a letter to the Princess, telling her of the fire. I’m sure she’ll have her squadron on it, and it will be out in no time.” Fluttershy continued to cry softly into her hooves, as Twilight tended to her wound. 
“Woah! The smoke’s really starting to get thick, Twi.” Ranbow flew in from the window with a report. Fluttershy flinched.
“Turn that frown upside down, Fluttershy!” Pinkie bounced over and smiled wide. “Everything will be okie doke. ol’ Twilight will get everything taken care of.” She patted her purple friend on the head. Twilight rolled her eyes.
“Spike, Take a letter.” The purple dragon bounced over with scroll and quill in hand. “Dear Princess Celestia, I would like to report a fire in Whitetail Wood. We will be on the scene in a few minutes to assess the situation. Some help would be greatly appreciated. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.” 
“Got it.” Spike inhaled sharply, and sent the note to the Princess. 
“We should head out. Fluttershy, would you like to come?” Twilight looked at her friend, and was met with a whimper and shake of her head. “Spike, could you stay back with Fluttershy?” 
“Aw… But I wanted to help.” Spike pouted and kicked at the floor beneath his feet in disappointment. Rarity piped up.
“I’d be happy to stay behind, Twilight. Besides, I think Spikey-Wikey would be more of a help than moi.” She giggled, and patted the dragon on the head. He blushed. Twilight trotted over, and smiled.
“That’s very generous of you, Rarity. Okay. Here’s the plan everypony: Spike, You’re on bucket and refill duty with Pinkie Pie. Applejack, you clear any debris that’s in our way. Rainbow, give us an eye in the sky.” She nodded, proud of her fast organization. 
“You got it, Twi.” Rainbow zipped out of the Treebary, and towards the woodlands. Spike raced around the house, trying to find any type of bucket. He eventually came up with a few large containers, and some pots from the kitchen. He placed one on his head. He stood and shouted;
“Ready when you are, boss.” Twilight opened the door.
“Let’s move it, ponies!” The group trotted out into the heated evening air. Rarity turned to Fluttershy with a concerned look. 
“It’s going to be okay, darling.” Rarity gave her friend a tight hug.
“R-Rarity?” 
“What is it, Fluttershy?” 
“W-what happened to your dress?” Fluttershy looked up at Rarity with a confused look.
“Oh… A cooking incident. I can’t leave Sweetie in the kitchen alone, or disaster will surely strike.” She chuckled. 
“Ah.” Fluttershy’s face returned to her hooves. Rarity caressed her head as she gave her friend another tight hug.
“How’s it looking, Rainbow?” Twilight shouted to the blue Pegasus in the sky.
“Not too good, Twi. Hurry it up!” The group began a quick gallop, excluding Spike who was running behind. 
“W-wait up guys!” He panted. 
“Sorry, Spike.” Twilight cantered back to the dragon, put him on her back, and continued her gallop towards the woodlands. The ponies eventually trotted into the forest, a thick fog of smoke enveloping them as they entered. 
“Well, hay. This is certainly a mess.” Applejack tilted her hat at the sight of the inferno. “Sure is gon’ take a bunch more ponies to get this blaze contained.” 
“I think we’ll be fine with a little magic, AJ.” Twilight snickered. “Spike, Pinkie, Go fill up. We have some work to do.” The two grabbed their tools, and headed over to a nearby creek. 

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Twilight’s Letter landed on Celestia’s lap as the clock struck 8. She picked it up and read it over. 
“Luna, would you come here.” Her younger sister trotted over. 
“What is it, Sister?” Luna gave a puzzled look. 
“There’s a fire in Whitetail. Since this isn’t technically my shift, I’m going to leave this up to you.” She handed her sister the scroll. “I should head to rest. Make sure this gets taken care of.” 
“Yes, dear sister.” Luna nodded. Celestia rose from her throne, and retired to her bed chamber, grinning from ear to ear.