Forked Tails of Fire

by Serenade Sketch

Fire in a Crowded Market

The next morning, the four fillies woke up and went downstairs into the kitchen for breakfast which consisted of pancakes and apple juice. "Ooh, looks good," Fire Dance said.

"Well, if you're going to find your friend, you need some energy," Applejack said. Everyone then sat down and began eating. Fire Dance then started to tell Applejack about Lantern Light, what she looks like and about how she acts.

"Thank you again for helping me find her Miss Applejack," she thanked.

"Aw shucks, just Applejack is fine," she replied slightly blushing.

"So, where are you and your friend from anyway," Apple Bloom asked.

"Oh, we're from... uh... a pretty far place," Fire Dance answered nervously.

"Where? Manehatten?"

"Trottingham?"

"Vanhoover?"

"Uh... the place where I'm from isn't really well known, so I don't think you'll know what I'm talking about," Fire Dance said in response.

"Aw, oh well, you don't have to tell us now," Sweetie Belle said surprised. Applejack became a little skeptical over why Fire Dance was so vague about where she's from, but then shook it off.

"So, any idea on where your friend is?" Scootaloo asked.

"Well, Lantern and I were heard that there was an inn here somewhere and we were trying to find it."

"I've heard of that place, The Sparrow's Nest," Applejack said. "I can go ask the desk clerk if they checked in your friend yesterday."

"Thanks, she's probably worried and I hate it when I make her worry," Fire Dance said with a frown.

"Well, while Applejack goes to The Sparrow's Nest to check for Lantern Light, we can help you search all over town," Apple Bloom offered.

"Plus, since you're new, we can also give you a tour," Sweetie Belle added.

"We know Ponyville like the back of our hooves," Scootaloo said.

"Thanks, I'd love that," the red unicorn said with a big smile. After breakfast, Applejack went off to the inn while the CMC gave Fire Dance a tour around Ponyville. As the tour was being given, Fire Dance, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom were riding in a wagon that was being pulled by Scootaloo with her scooter.

"And if you look over to your right, you'll see Sugar Cube Corner," Sweetie said pointer her hoof to the pink candy themed building. "There's a lot of really great sweets there."

"Mmm, I do love me a good cookie," Fire Dance said. She then noticed a giant castle in the shape of a tree made out of crystal. "What's that?" she asked pointing to the castle.

"That's Twilight's castle," Apple Bloom answered. "You know about Princess Twilight, right?"

"Uh, oh yeah, I've heard about her before, I just never thought I would get to see her castle," Fire Dance said.

"And right in front of us is town hall," Scootaloo said pointing to the tall building coming into view.

"Wait... do you guys smell... smoke?" Sweetie Belle asked. The other three just noticed the scent of smoke in the air and followed it to their left into the market place and saw the ashes of a burnt up vendor stall surrounded my a group of ponies.

"Don't worry everypony, the fire has been dowsed, no need to panic," a firefighter said trying to calm the crowd down.

Fire Dance then came out of the wagon and walked up to the firefighter and asked, "Excuse me, what happened here?"

"Well, I think Ms. Radiant Tapestry, who owned this vendor stall, can give you an explanation," he said gesturing to a crimson Earth Pony with an ivory white mane and a Cutie Mark of a rolled up tapestry.

"All I was doing was selling my wares when all of a sudden, I took notice to the smell of smoke. It was only at the very last minute did I find out the source of the smoke."

"We haven't found out what the cause was and considering the circumstances, I would advice that everypony be cautious of any potential fire hazards. We also have Princess Twilight on her way to investigate the cause," the firefighter announced to the crowd. Fire Dance then walked back to the CMC with a worried expression.

"Are you okay?" Scootaloo asked.

"Oh, I'm fine. Just a little worried is all," she responded.

"Well, don't worry, Twilight is the smartest pony we know, she'll figure it out," Sweetie Belle said.

"Maybe somepony was using a fire spell?" Apple Bloom guessed.

"It wasn't me, I swear, I'm always careful," Fire Dance said anxiously.

"Don't worry, we believe you," Sweetie Belle reassured.

"If you don't mind, I need a little time to clear out my thoughts," Fire Dance said while walking behind a bench. The CMC then looked at each other with worried looks with concern for the red unicorn.

"Maybe we should give her some alone time," Apple Bloom said.

"I hope she's okay," Sweetie Belle commented.

---

Maya sat down on the bench deep in thought, 'Selena, did you really... No, I know more than anyone else that she wouldn't just burn for no reason. Maybe she dropped her disguise and some embers from her flames accidentally fell and caused the fire. I need to find her and get my answer.'

---

Meanwhile, at The Sparrow's Nest, Applejack is at the front desk wanting to know if a pony named Lantern Light checked in. "I'm sorry Applejack, we never checked in anypony named Lantern Light before," the desk clerk said checking her clipboard.

"It's fine, don't worry," Applejack replied.

Just then, a voice from outside the building yelling,"Hey! AJ!" Applejack looked out the door to see Rainbow Dash flying above.

"Down here sugarcube!" she yelled. Rainbow came flying down towards her. "What's wrong?"

"Twilight needs us down at the castle, she says it's important." The two then started making their way to the castle to hear what Twilight had to say.

Author's Note:

Chapter 2 is finally done! Hopefully, Chapter 3 won't take as long, but no promises.