//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: The Blazing Centurion // Story: Mare Do Well Meets Her Match // by DestinyDecade //------------------------------// Mare Do Well Meets Her Match An MLP: Friendship is Magic Fan-Fiction Chapter 2 – The Blazing Centurion Four hours have passed since Mare-Do-Well made its appearance in Ponyville. Rob was heading to the Daily Equestria to deliver his photos for the day. Since a few days ago, he has been taking odd jobs left and right. Yesterday was some construction work and today, he was doing photos for the Daily Equestria. Entering inside, he’s greeted by many of the employees. “Hey Rob, the boss is waiting for you. He wants to see those photos you took today.” An employee said. Rob went ahead into the next room. He got to see a colt that had a cigar in his mouth. Turning around, he got a look at the blue stallion. The colt had a coat of light gray with a mane that was black and clean cut. He had brown eyes, had black hooves and had a cutie mark that resembled that of a newspaper and microphone. From that, his talents involved taking stories from what he gets and turning them into fresh stuff for his newspaper. “I’m here sir by your request. I got some interesting photos today.” Rob said. He took out a folder from his knapsack and showed the colt some photos. “Alright then, let’s see what you got.” The boss, named Front Page said looked at all the pictures he took. Rob sat down in a chair and waited. Front Page looked through most of the pictures he took and was pretty impressed. But there was one that caught his eye. “Rob, what’s this?” Front Page asked. He showed Rob the picture of Mare Do Well that he took earlier. “That’s the Mysterious Mare Do Well sir. She just saved Cherry Berry from a plummeting hot-air balloon. I was able to get a few shots of her so I figure this would be helpful for tomorrow’s paper.” “Rob…” Front Page said, “We got ourselves a big scoop. This Mare Do Well character. Can you get more shots of this hero? I promise to pay you a lot.” That made Rob a little excited. “I can do that. So, what am I going to earn for today?” Rob asked. Front Page chuckled. “Kid, for these pictures, I’ll offer ya 1500 bits. I’m paying extra because these shots of Mare Do Well are going to be on the papers. Ya hear me! Tomorrow’s paper… Mare Do Well, Friend or Foe?” Front Page went on laughing a bit. Friend or foe? I’m wondering if Front Page really does have a clue about this hero. Rob sat there while Front Page laughs. “Alright kid, thanks for the pics. You’re a freelancer and all so you have no limit. But if you do bring in more of those pics, you’ll rake in the cash. Here, show it to the filly and you’ll get your pay. Go on get outta here. I got other work to do.” Front Page handed Rob a paper and he left the room. Rob showed the paper to a teller nearby and obtained his pay; 1500 bits. Trotting out of the Daily Equestria, Rob went to the bank to deposit. Once it was done, he went to get a bite to eat. But it got interrupted due to a colt with a fiery attitude. He was a colt that had a crimson coat with a brown mane and green eyes. He also had some kind of marking around his right eye and his cutie mark consisted of a lightning bolt and three fireballs encircling it. “Whassup Robbie!” The colt said, glomping Rob out of the blue. “How are you doing man?” He kept talking while Rob tried to keep himself composed. “I’m alright Blitz. Can you get off me please?” Rob replied. Blitz was able to give him his space. “Thanks. I’m going to get something to eat. Wanna come?” “Sure.” Blitz replied. “By the way, you heard about this Mare Do Well? It made Rainbow Dash look bad.” Blitz got angry after mentioning her. “Dude, calm down. Mare Do Well doesn’t impress me. Besides, no one has any idea what it means to be a hero.” Rob said. The two reach a café to get a bite to eat. “Okay Rob, tell me. Why do you think that Mare Do Well isn’t impressive?” Blitz asked, eating a sandwich. “That’s simple. Coming in just simply to impress others with their skill isn’t what a hero does. That’s what Mare-Do-Well is. Sure, Rainbow Dash could have saved Cherry Berry but she wasted too much time.” Rob said, eating a sandwich himself. “Yeah…” Blitz responded. He let out a sigh causing his face to show a lovey-dovey expression. “But anyway, I don’t like what that hero did to Rainbow Dash. Makes me want to go at Mare Do Well and give her a beat down.” “Don’t bother Blitz.” Rob said. “Violence isn’t the answer and Rainbow Dash wouldn’t like that. Anyway, I got to head back to Sugarcube Corner. I have to get myself ready for another job. It was a pleasure talking to you again Blitz.” Rob went to the cashier paying for both his and Blitz’s lunch. “Uh sure. Take care of yourself Rob.” Blitz replied, waving at him. Rainbow Dash then shows up feeling really aggravated. “Can you believe this Rob? This hero shows up and is stealing my thunder.” Rainbow Dash hollered. “A few hours back, she saved Cherry Berry from that falling hot air balloon. You know about that right?” “Yes I do. Dashie, is there a point to all of this?” asked Rob. Rainbow Dash continued on with her rant. “Of course! Ponyville has one hero here and that’s me! Just an hour ago, she saved some tourists from a bus. I mean come on, I can get that done easily.” Rainbow Dash continued on ranting. “Don’t worry about a thing Rainbow Dash. I’ll make sure that Mare Do Well never shows herself again.” Blitz said. Rob and Rainbow Dash were simply silent after hearing him say that. “What?” “Violence ain’t the answer Blitz.” His attention then focuses on Rainbow Dash. “Listen, I have to head back because in an hour, I’m needed for another job. Rainbow Dash, just don’t worry about Mare-Do-Well. I’m one of the few that actually don’t like this hero. She’s unimpressive.” Rob said. “You know I’m the better hero right Rob? Tell me now. Who is the better hero here?” Rainbow Dash asked. Rob simply looked at her with a serious expression. “Truth is, I don’t know. But at the moment, you are just stubborn. If you weren’t so boastful then I would praise you. Listen, I got to go. I’m going to run late and that’ll be a really bad thing. Catch ya later Dashie.” Rob waves, trotting along to Sugarcube Corner. “Wanna hang out with me Rainbow Dash? I promise I won’t let anything happen to ya.” Blitz asked. She wasn’t amused. “Sorry but not today. Put it on hold until I can get my Mare-Do-Well problem solved.” Rainbow Dash replied. She decided to fly off hoping to find somepony to rescue. Heading inside Sugarcube Corner, Rob heads to the back to prep up something to eat. Once he got what he needed, he took a seat. Finding a nearby newspaper, he takes a look at it to find that it relates to Rainbow Dash’s efforts yesterday. Suddenly, some of his friends came in and they began talking. He kept reading hoping not to get their attention. Rainbow Dash was nearby but the anger in “Ah gotta hand it to the girl, that Mare Do Well can pull off some heroic feats.” Said Applejack. Twilight agreed with her by nodding. “She really does care for everypony’s safety… especially when she was able to stop that buss.” Responded Fluttershy. “Have you even seen her costume? It is so to die for! If you ask me darlings, she’s a hero that has a lot of fashion sense.” Rarity said, chuckling. Rainbow Dash keeps looking on. “Don’t forget that she’s both modest and humble. Mare Do Well lets her actions speak for her. That Ah really admire from her.” Applejack spoke. It was all for Rainbow Dash to handle. “Please. I don’t need to admire somepony like that! She isn’t that great. Don’t you think so, Spike?” asked Rainbow Dash. Spike was writing something on his notepad. “Yep. She really is… great.” Spike said. Rainbow Dash didn’t like hearing it from her fellow biographer. “I didn’t say that!” Rainbow Dash shouted. “Like I said, Mare Do Well isn’t that great and I know one other pony that agrees with me.” Rainbow Dash said. “Really? Who thinks that Mare Do Well isn’t that great Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked. “Rob Stallion. He thinks of her as simply unimpressive plus he’s a hero himself. He knows that I’m the true hero around here and that’s me!” Her words fell on deaf ears. “If you ask me, I think Rainbow Dash is kind of jealous.” Spike said. Everypony began to laugh making Rainbow Dash really upset. “You know what? Fine! Laugh all you want, but I’ll make you eat those words that I’m just as good- no, an even better hero than Mare Do Well! Heck, I wouldn’t mind seeing a new hero outdo her. That’ll be the day. Just you wait!” She stormed off fuming in anger. A new hero outdoing Mare Do Well… well, that’s not a bad idea. Rob thought as he saw the whole thing. “I’m going to head back to the Library. See you later guys.” Spike said, walking off. The other ponies waved at him. Rob saw the five ponies head upstairs to the room where they had their previous meeting. The only difference was that a certain blue stallion followed quietly. In a manner similar to a stealth op, he got to listen in on what’s going on. “So far so good girls. Mare Do Well is making a name for herself all over town. We just only need to do this so that Dash can learn humility.” Twilight said. “Twilight, something bothers me.” Pinkie replied, “What if Rainbow Dash said is true?” “What do you mean by that? Does it have to do regarding a new hero outdo Mare Do Well?” Twilight asked. Pinkie nodded, cautiously. “Ah ain’t worried Pinkie Pie. There’s no way some hero can outdo her. Absolutely no way.” Applejack reassured Pinkie Pie. The others did the same. “Don’t worry Pinkie Pie. If we keep this up, I know Rainbow Dash will see the error of her ways and learn from it. Besides, it’s not like we’re making her look bad. Okay, so here’s what we need to do next…” Twilight went on discussing a plan with the others. Outside the room, Rob was eavesdrooping through a crack in the door hearing the entire conversation. He continued to listen in, not attracting their attention. He had a look of anger and concern in his eyes. Hearing enough, he quietly trotted back to his room on the third floor. Closing the door, he contemplates the situation at hand. So Mare Do Well is just an act by them… all for the sake of teaching Rainbow Dash the meaning of humility?! Now I know Mare Do Well’s unimpressive. He heads to a nearby drawer and opens it. Finding what appears to be a red starburst, he takes it getting a good look. “I haven’t done this in a while… but I must do what needs to be done.” Covering his eyes, he began to glow in a gold aura. Feeling a strange power inside, he let off a smile. Mare Do-Well is about to meet her match… she can count on it. The next day… Far from the town were a group of construction ponies working hard on developing a building. Some were using various tools such as jackhammers, drills, wrenches and various tools. It’s considered hard work but also takes a strain on both mind and body. One of the workers was hard at work with a jackhammer felt exhausted. But then, he begins to lose his balance. The other workers tried to reach him but were too late. Not only did the worker fall but several dangerous tools fell as well. Rainbow Dash who had just arrived saw the worker falling. “Never fear, your friendly neighbor- huh?” Rainbow Dash was then interrupted by something that came out of nowhere. It appeared like a blur catching the falling worker and landing at a safe distance. The tools were also rescued with little difficulty. But that wasn’t the end. The building itself was losing support due to the combined weight. Suddenly, all the workers were falling and that included more tools. All Dash can do was watch as this mysterious fellow rescue everypony from harm’s way… in such a short time. He then turned to the mess that occurred as a result of the collapse. He immediately organized everything so construction can begin anew. “Whoa… wh-who is that?” Rainbow Dash said, looking on in astonishment. She decided to head closer to find out who it was. Everypony got a look at this mysterious pony that saved them. He wore a uniform that was completely different from Mare Do Well. It consisted of a blue garment covering the neck, torso, front and back hooves. There were three yellow starbursts signifying some rank but were letting off energy. His front hooves also had two starbursts that did the same. He also had spike guards on his fore hooves, shins and upper shoulders. His back had a six-sided starburst while his helmet that covered his head had a red starburst that had eight points. He also had a belt around the waist connected by a buckle in the front that had three circles. His hind hooves had yellow stripes running from the belt all the way down. There were also four pleats starting at the guards wrapping around the back. Everypony silently wondered who this hero was and why he’s here. Rainbow Dash wondered as well. “Um, excuse me mister…” One pony asked. He turned to look at the young colt. “Are you a hero too? Can you tell us what your name is?” He thought about it for a quick minute. Seeing the many ponies around him wonder if it was right. But he did save the workers from certain danger so it was only fair that he tells them who he was… without blowing his cover. “My name… it wouldn’t hurt to ask.” Standing on his hind hooves, he tells everyone who he was. “Kid, you can call me Nova. I am an elite warrior from the planet Xandar. My mission is to protect the universe, keeping the piece while enacting order under the intellect of the great Worldmind. I am its highest-ranking member going by the title of ‘Centurion Nova Prime’. Basically, I lead my own squadron to keep the peace. Sadly however, I am all that is left of an intergalactic militia called the Nova Corps.” The more he talked, the more everypony looked in curiosity. Even Rainbow Dash was amazed at this. A hero from another world… this is really too good to be true! I really got to ask him. I really do. Rainbow Dash went closer to Nova, listening to everything he said. “Since the disappearance of the last Nova Prime, I’ve taken it upon myself to follow his footsteps hoping to lead the Nova Corps. Our mission will not only be protecting the universe but to find a way to save our leader. These folks here are safe and unharmed. I have to go now.” Their attention was turned to the workers who were out of harm’s way. “These workers are safe and sound so there are no worries. For where evil strikes, there must be someone who needs to strike back. That is who I am. I am Nova… and that was for Nova Corps.” He was about to leave but Rainbow Dash stopped him hoping to ask. “Wait! Before you leave, I want to ask you a question.” Asked Rainbow Dash. Nova turned to listen. “I want to ask you one question. Do you know of the Mysterious Mare Do-Well? What do you think of her?” He thought about it for a couple of seconds. Looking at Rainbow dash, he provided his response, “Mare Do Well is no hero in my book. Being a hero for the sake of making another look bad is unacceptable. A true hero is one that does their responsibility for the sake of others… and not for the sake of themselves. Basically, I feel that Mare Do Well is not a hero. If a hero is what this city needs, look no further for I am here.” It was all Rainbow Dash wanted to hear. “Thanks for answering my question Nova. You sir, are simply awesome!” Rainbow Dash shouted, letting off a cheerful yell. Nova smiled hearing that. Everypony all saw Nova look up and then fly off at the speed of light. Where he went, no one knows. One thing was for certain though, finding out that a new hero has stepped up to the plate made this pegasus pony a little excited. Far from the park was Mare Do Well getting a look at what happened. She didn’t say a word but knew that somepony arrived to make their mark as a hero. With that, Mare Do Well has some competition… serious competition. End of Chapter 2 Disclaimer My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic belongs to Hasbro and Lauren Faust Nova belongs to Marvel Comics Rob Stallion belongs to me Blitz Inferno belongs to DeviantART user Inferno111