Pegasi: Fire and Rescue Chapter 6

Nightmares

“Attention all firefighters! Lightning storm came through and has caused a fire with a slow rate of spread!” Patch announced.

The firefighters stood at attention as they listened. Windlifter narrowed his eyes as he watched the trees sway.

“Rapid…” he whispered.

“Correction, rapid rate of spread.” Patch added.

Windlifter nodded.

Blade came out, pacing back in forth in front of them. “Alright Mud Droppers, this is a big one. Let’s work fast to put it out.”

The firefighters all nodded.

He looked to Dusty. “Champ, you wait in the main hangar.”

“What!?” Dusty exclaimed. “N-No!”

“Blade come on, give him a shot.” Dipper said defensively.

Blade’s eyes narrowed. “He’s not certified.”

“But-”

“He’s. Not. CERTIFIED!” Blade snorted.

“Blade… Please…” Dusty pleaded. “I can do this…”

“We need every firefighter we got.” Windlifter countered giving Blade “The Stare”.

Blade shook his head, looking at Dusty with narrowed eyes. “... Maru.”

“Yes boss?” Maru asked.

“Get every firefighter loaded up.”

“Ooookay.” he said, getting his equipment.

Dusty gave a grateful look. Blade snorted a little as he went to go get loaded up.

Maru gave the others their clouds before doing Dusty last… snapping a photo of him after he was done.

“What was that for…?” Dusty asked, blinking his eyes rapidly from the flash.

“... The Wall!” Maru answered before trotting off.

… Thanks for the vote of confidence…

“Ignore Maru, he does it to everyone.” Dipper said as she took off.

Dusty followed after, trying to keep nervousness from kicking in as he saw the huge smoke stack in view. They went straight to work, the Smoke Jumpers already on the ground to help build a line to hold the fire back.

“Alright Champ, set up for a drop on the south side of the fire, split load.”

Dusty nodded, bringing his clouds over to the area. He gave one of them a good kick, dropping his retardant… that dissipated before it could touch the fire.

“You dropped your load too early, it dissipated before it could reach the fire! Watch where you are next time!” Blade barked.

Dusty cringed, mentally scolding himself. Uggggggh… Cut me a break some day will ya!?

They continued on with their work, slowly getting the fire under control.

“Blade!” Dynamite shouted over the radio. “We got a situation down here!”

“Report.”

“The fire jumped a line, we need a drop!”

Blade looked down below to see the dragons trapped in by burning branches. “Copy that, Dipper set up for a drop-”

“I see them, I got it!” Dusty shouted, making his way over to the Smoke Jumpers. He narrowed his eyes, focusing on them. He got into position, kicking his clouds at just the right moment, the fire retardant in them putting out the fire around the Smoke Jumpers.

“Alright! We’re clear!” Dynamite shouted as she and her crew made their way out.

“That’s my Dustmuffin!” Dipper cheered.

“Don’t start celebrating yet.” Blade chimed in. “We still got a lot of work to do, head back to base and reload.”

Dusty nodded. “Copy that.”

------

After awhile, all returned to base but the Smoke Jumpers.

“But… we didn’t even finish…” Dusty said, looking out towards where the fire was.

“It’s under control.” Dipper said, grinning. “The Smoke Jumpers are gonna keep an eye on it for the night so there’s nothing to worry about. They’ll keep everything safe.”

“Okay…”

“Hey, you did a great job out there by the way.” Dipper nudged him with one of his wings. “Way to save the Smoke Jumpers.”

“Just did what I had to do so I just-”

“You could’ve gotten yourself killed today.”

Dusty gulped as he looked over to Blade. He had a very unimpressed look that would scare any pony.

“That could’ve been you spread out all over the forest instead of the fire retardant, watch your altitude next time and wait for my orders. Don't’ start celebrating that certification just yet.” Blade turned away before trotting off, leaving Dusty alone with Dipper.

Dusty hung his head, sighing. “Great…”

“Oh don’t worry Dustmuffin that’s just his way of saying good job.”

Dusty sighed. “Yeah… Good job alright…” He mumbled. I screwed up…. BAD.

She brought a wing around him. “Hey… it’ll work out.”

Dusty nodded before starting to walk away. “I… I’m gonna lay down for a bit-”

“Wait, Dustmuffin I thought we could maybe hang out for a bit since it just the few of us at the base right now.” She smiled a little. “We could watch CHoPs together.”

Dusty shook his head. “Not really in the mood right now…”

“Ah come on Dustmuffin!” She trotted up beside him, brushing him with her wing. “It’ll get your mind off things.”

Dusty winced a little, his back was acting up again and he really wasn’t in the mood for this. “Dipper please no-”

“Just one ep-”

Dusty stopped, stomping one of his hooves, looking Dipper right in the eyes. “I SAID NOT RIGHT NOW!”

Dipper stopped short stepping back. “I…”

Dusty held his glare before his look softened, lowering his head. “I… I need to be alone.”

He galloped away towards his hangar, slamming the door. He slipped off his harness and firesuit, throwing himself onto his bed, burying himself under the covers.

I don’t know if I can do this anymore…

Outside Dipper looked into his hangar concerned.

“Dusty…” she whispered.

“Just what in Equestria are you doing missy!?”

Dipper looked up, surprised to see Maru off to the side. “M-Maru…”

Maru looked unamused as he glared. “The stallion wants to have some alone time… Do you realize how creepy that looks standing in front of his window?”

“B-But I’m just-”

“Lil Dipper…” Maru gave her a warning look.

She lowered herself a little, hearing her nickname. “I just wanted to cheer him up…”

Maru sighed going up to her lifting her head up with one of his hooves. “I know… But this isn’t going about it the right way… Have you even heard yourself the last few days?”

Dipper thought for a moment over everything she had said to Dusty since he had arrived at the base. Her eyes shrunk a little as she remembered some of the faces he made.

“Oh Celestia…”

“Yeeaaah…” Maru got up in her face giving his best “creepy” grin. “Hi! I know we just met but I think we’re SO perfect for one another, so wanna go out with me!? And maybe have my kids?!”

Dipper cringed. “Please tell me I didn’t say that last part.”

“Implying.” Maru backed up a little. “Implied you basically wanted him all to yourself… And also, all the asking him the other night about past special someponies?”

Dipper lowered her head. “Ugh… I’ve been so stupidly selfish… I…” she sighed. “Oh Celestia… what have I done?”

“You got excited… A little too excited but honestly… It’s not the first time someone here’s gotten that treatment and no it wasn’t you back then.” Maru explained.

“I see…” Dipper sighed again. “I want to make it up to him… he looks so sad right now…”

“Then give him a chance to relax a little, apologize when you get a chance and be the mare I know you are. That sweet upbeat firefighter who never gives up…” Maru nuzzled her a little. “Alright?”

Dipper nuzzled back. “Alright… Hey Maru?”

“Yeah kiddo?”

“I’m hoping he does.. but do you think… he’ll ever be accepted by… you know?”

“I think he will...  Blade just is rough around the edges at first… Remember how it was your first month here?”

“Oh yes… took awhile before he warmed up to me… then… well..” She looked at the black cloud patterns on her wings. “These happened not too long after come a certain fire.”

Maru nodded remembering. “I remember… and then you were like the rest of us… Part of the family… Part of the team… And by the way you, wanna know who got the similar fangirl treatment back then?”

Yes.”

Maru looked around quickly making sure said pony was not around before whispering. “Blade. Dynamite and Pinecone went NUTS.”

Dipper’s eyes went wide. “For real- Okay actually I can believe that, they love CHoPs.”

“Yep.” Maru nodded sagely. “They once spent the better part of an afternoon trying to watch him train. Darn near gave him a heart attack!”

Dipper couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh sweet Cadence!”

Maru chuckled. “Yep, but they got the message soon enough… And of course… Dr. Whooves started playing on TV.”

“Then they moved on… Hehe… Got ya.” She looked to the hangar again. “I’ll make it up to him… I swear I will.”

Maru smiled fondly ruffling her mane. “Atta girl.”

Dipper giggled. “Wanna go get some cider while we wait for him to cool off?”

“It would be my honor… ‘Sides I got some stuff I wanna show ya… Little way to get back at Drip for the other day…” Maru smirked as he lead her away. “And don’t worry about the newbie… I think it’ll work out…”

Dipper nodded, following after him. She took one last glance at the hangar before trotting off with Maru.

------

Flames burned brightly around. Ponies and animals were all in a panic as they tried to get away. Dusty breathed heavily as he flew around, trying to help them by putting out the flames.

“HANG ON! I’LL CLEAR THE PATH!” he shouted, dropping the last of his retardant.

He looked around, seeing ponies making their way out.

“HELP!!!!”

He looked to see two Earth Ponies trapped on a bridge, surrounded by flames. Both were holding onto each other tightly, one holding out a hoof to Dusty.

“I’m coming!” Dusty shouted, flying over.

He flew over the bridge, flying low to the river to gather water into his wings. He started speeding up as he saw the bridge starting to come apart. He flapped harder, starting to push his limits.

BEEP BEEP BEEP!

Dusty’s eyes widened as he look at his bracelet, he could feel the pain coming back.

“NO NOT NOW-ACK!” He cried out.

His wings started to give out.

“No… NO!”

He looked up to the two ponies on the bridge, reaching a hoof out to them. “I HAVE TO SAVE THEM!”

His wings gave out completely he fell into the river, going under. He was gasping for air, trying to make his way back to the surface but the current wouldn’t let him and the pain in his back was too much.

“No…”

He sunk down lower in the depths of the water, feeling defeat come over him.

I… I wanted to save them…

“In time… you will.”

Dusty looked around wide eye before seeing a bright blue figure before him. It looked like a pony… but it also looked like a dragon as well.

“Just find the courage in your heart and you will be able to save them.” the figure spoke.

“W-Who are you…? What do you mean…?”

“You will know in time.”

The figure started to pull away, fading from view.

“Wait!” Dusty reached his hoof out. “Come back! COME BACK!”

------

Dusty sat up in his bed gasping. He looked around to see he was back in his hangar, still in bed, not in a river drowning. He brought a hoof to his head, trying to calm himself down. His breathing started to slow but he couldn’t shake the feeling the dream had given him.

What…? What was that all about…?

There was a knock at the hangar door. “Hey kid? Ya awake?” Maru called.

Dusty shook his head, composing himself. “I’m up.” He answered as he got out of bed, opening the door to his hangar. “What’s up?”

“Wanted to give your wings a once over… That and the Smokejumpers are gonna annihilate your breakfast if you don’t move now.” The mechanic replied levitating Dusty’s harness over. “I’ll be borrowing this for a bit.”

“Alright… Wait weren’t the Smoke Jumpers keeping an eye on the fire?”

“The boys came back for food, left the girls to watch the fire, they’ll be heading back once they get their meal and like I said, you’ll miss yours if you don’t hurry.”

Dusty nodded. “Right.”

“Now, hurry along, also.” He levitated a scroll over to him. “This came in from Propwash. I know they generally contact by radio but looks like they decided to go with paper this time. I didn’t read it, just so you know.”

Dusty took the scroll in his mouth. “Thank you.”

He trotted over the fire pits to go get his meal while Maru went back to his workshop.

Dusty quickly got his meal before sitting down to read the letter. It was from Rainbow Dash.

Dusty,

Sorry for going all paper on ya but the radio broke today so didn’t really have an option. Anyways, we just wanted to let you know things are going alright in Propwash. Mayday is recovering well from surgery and he’ll be all set when you come home. Fill N Fly is almost finished too so yeah… also… good news. We may have found somepony who can fix your gear box. Yes, you read it right! We’re gonna get you all better! Dottie just needs to make arrangements so when you get home the operation can be done and you’ll be better than ever before. I look forward to hearing from you. Be safe.

Rainbow Dash.

Dusty felt his heart skip a beat as he read about the part about his gear box.

Oh Celestia… Yes! YES! That’s the best thing I’ve heard all week! I’ll be me again!

He sighed happily, nibbling on his breakfast.

I’ll be able to race again… I’ll be able to give 100% in firefighting once I’m certified… yes…

“Dusty?”

Dusty jumped a little, quickly rolling up the scroll as he looked behind him. He saw Dipper giving a sheepish look as she held her meal in her wings. “Can… I sit with you?” she asked. “I won’t if you don’t want me to.”

Dusty shook his head. “You can stay…” He smiled a little. “I don’t mind.”

Dipper nodded, sitting with him. “Feeling better today? I know yesterday was rough.”

“Yeah.. I feel a lot better…” He smiled giving a nod. “I’m… I’m sorry for snapping yesterday, I was just tired and… Honestly Blade makes my grouchy war hero mentor look like a puppy.”

Dipper giggled. “It’s okay… and I don’t blame you for snapping at me of all ponies.” She frowned a little. “Dusty… I want to apologize for my behavior… I’ve been acting so selfish these past days and… I gave the worst first impression ever… I want to make it up to you… I just want you happy… You’ve already had it bad enough as it is.”

Dusty’s gaze softened. “Thanks Dipper… I forgive you… I know how it is to finally get to meet your heroes in person... “

Dipper smiled. “Thank you… friends?”

Dusty smiled and gave her a little nuzzle. “Friends. Let’s just pretend that didn’t happen kay?” He offered.

She nuzzled back. “Okay...” She smirked. “Though… we could joke about it…”

Dusty chuckled. “Dipper my friend… You just met the third prank devil of the Jolly Wrenches.”

Dipper giggled. “Awesome!”

“Well, glad to see you two getting along.”

The ponies looked up to see Windlifter walking up to them, sitting down with his meal.

Dipper nodded. “Yep… just worked some things out.”

“Good.” Windlifter nodded, looking to Dusty. “Rough night?”

Dusty blinked. “H-How’d you-”

“Your eyes are still heavy with sleep and your mane doesn’t look like it was smoothed out when you got out of bed.”

… He’s as observant as Dottie is… “Yeah.. I didn’t sleep too good… That and Maru had to pretty much rescue my breakfast.” He replied quickly smoothing his mane down.

Windlifter looked over to where the breakfast was being served to the see the Smoke Jumpers wolfing down what was left and carrying some left overs with them for the girls back at the camp.

“Well, he did it just in time too.”

Dusty looked as well and shook his head. “Yeeeaaaah… I’m glad he didn’t decide to just let me sleep in.”

Windlifter nodded. “Fire is still burning, but should be out by tonight. Only a few embers left we should be fi-”

ZOOM!!!

The three looked up to see Pegasi flying in, pulling large carriages behind them.

“Whoa! That was super low!” Dipper commented.

Windlifter’s eyes narrowed. “Cad’s VIPs…”

“Oh yeah! The big party at the lodge!” Dusty perked up. “Hey we should go!” He looked to Dipper. “Right?”

Dipper gasped, putting on her best fake fangirl look. “A second date!? Wow!”

“Um…” Dusty started playing along giving his best fake creeped out look. “I was more so thinking you.. Me… Windlifter-”

“Oh! Right, you’re absolutely right, I should get to know your friends.” Dipper replied, trying really hard not to laugh.

Dusty stifled a snicker. “But… They’re your friends.”

Dipper shook her head. “Let’s not carry on, I’ll go get ready!”

She hurried off, leaving Dusty along with Windlifter.

Windlifter raised an eyeridge.

Dusty fell over cracking up. “BAHAHAHAHAHA!!”

“Glad to know it’s a joke.” Windlifter said, chuckling a little.

“Oh yes.” Dusty chuckled wiping away a tear from laughing so much. “It’s all in good fun, but MAN it’s hard to keep a straight face!”

Windlifter nodded, looking to the skies again to see more carriages flying over. His eyes narrowed. “Hm…”

They shouldn’t be flying so low… It’s a hazard for the embers that are still burning…

Windlifter shook his head. “Well… it’ll be interesting to see the lodge… I haven’t been in it for awhile… Cad forbade us from setting a hoof or claw in their because we were always covered ash from fighting fires.”

“Hmph, well remind me not to wipe my hooves… I’m a country colt after all.” Dusty said, using an exaggerated southern accent.

The jerk has it comin’...

“Will do.”