//------------------------------// // Dragon's Fire // Story: Poniocracy Side Stories // by sunnypack //------------------------------// Chapter 1: Dragon’s Fire or the story of how the world’s most potent alcohol was ever produced “Buzzer!” a voice called out from across the fiery plains. “Buzzer!” The massive behemoth of a dragon turned slightly to regard the small pony that gingerly made her way around the various volcanic rocks and assorted grime and ash that were the sole features of the surrounding area. Buzzer’s eyes narrowed as he considered blasting the small pony back with a breath of fire. He discounted the idea when he spotted the small cart strapped onto the pony as she heaved at the cart across the small distance between them. “What is it, Bacardi?” he tolerated the pony, as annoying as she was, because she would often bring along a few barrels of her brew. Wasn’t enough to make a dragon drunk, but at least it had a pleasant buzz. He reflected that her alcohol had been recently stronger, but it still wasn’t satisfactory. He was getting tired as well, so he didn’t want to put up with the pony’s whining. “Buzzer!” she repeated once more, making the dragon grumble. “I’ve finished this batch,” she continued excitedly, heedless of the growing impatience of the dragon. “You know, I know you know that I put in malt and hops and grains and such but I suddenly got the idea while towing some–” “Bacardi,” the monolith of a dragon growled. “–Still it would benefit with a little more settling time, but then my friend showed me this wonderful little invention it’s called–” “Bacardi,” the dragon growled a little louder. Buzzer hated the prattling of the minute little creature. If she wanted his opinion on some alcohol then he would taste it, not listen to her talking all the time. “–Then Ale came up with a really great idea of moving the burner to–” “BACARDI!” Buzzer roared and Bacardi finally stopped yammering and blinked at the dragon. “Yes?” she answered sweetly. Buzzer groaned, stupid little ponies, they were always so cheerful and oblivious. “Just give me the keg and I’ll taste it,” he grumbled. Bacardi smiled sheepishly and brought the cart closer. As Buzzer reached a claw out, Bacardi added, “Also, just going to warn you–” Buzzer downed a gulp and his eyes widened, he spit out the contents all over Bacardi who stood there in mute shock. “Hey!” she yelled indignantly. “What did you do that for?” Buzzer spat out the remaining drops of the foul liquid swirling around in his mouth. “What do you mean what I did? This is horrible!” Bacardi stamped her hoof on the ground. “Of course you stupid dragon! I told you the secret was to set it on fire with your dragon fire. That’s why this whole brew is called Dragon’s Fire!” The dragon took the next keg in his claws a little dubiously. “You sure?” he asked the earth pony. “Yes,” Bacardi snapped, trying to find some sort of rag or something into the plains. The ash would stick to her coat and he’d have to spend hours getting the sticky liquid off her. Buzzer popped the keg and blew a small breath of fire over the liquid, holding it away from him in case it exploded. You never knew with Bacardi, half the things she gave him nearly exploded. The keg burned brightly for a few moments before settling down and extinguishing itself. “Try it now,” Bacardi urged and the dragon took a more cautious sip. His eyes widened and he stumbled back. This time it was not in disgust. “This,” he said in shock. “Is amazing!” Bacardi pranced around in joy. “Wait till you try some of my home brew specialty,” she declared, moving to the cart and producing a small bottle. “I call it, ‘the Nightmare Cometh’,” she presented proudly.