//------------------------------// // A New Pony, A New Legacy... // Story: The Ballad of Maxie Ruby Part 1: A New Friendship // by DarkMoxand12 //------------------------------// The royal city of Canterlot; a place of humble beginning and new tomorrows. About a month has passed since Twilight Sparkle became a Alicorn and Canterlots' new Princess. Since then; Princess Twilight has ruled side along Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Events around Equestria have been silent and threat-free. That was until... "AAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!" A loud scream was heard from a mile away. A orange stallion with a red flowing mane and red-orange mixed tail galloping frantically towards the castle with a small magenta dragon lying on his back covering her ears from the shrieking sound of her best friend. "Maxie, could you scream any louder? I don't think they heard you in Saddle Arabia!!!!" The dragon screamed, annoyed at Maxie reactions. "Sorry Cathleen, But how could you be calm at a time like this?" Maxie Ruby gasped. "Princess Celestia expected me to be at the castle almost two minutes ago. I'M LATE CATHLEEN!! LATE!!!" Maxie Ruby screamed out as he continued to sprint towards the castle. Cathleen raised an eyebrow. "Really? You are tripping out over two whole minutes? It's not like the Princess is gonna like...punish you or something. The letter I just finished reading was that you needed to report to the castle for a important assignment as her student. Thus come as soon as possible...not at a certain time." Cathleen scowled. "Oh hush up, my friend. We're here." Maxie soon arrived at the door to the Princesses Chamber. The royal guard Pegasi stood guard at the door as Maxie soon came to a sudden halt. Huffing and puffing; Maxie struggled to speak to the guard. "Maxie...*pant*...Ruby...here to...*gasp*....speak ...to the...*pant, pant, pant*." Maxie couldn't stop gasping for air as his lungs were on fire. Cathleen sighed and jumped off of Maxies' back; approaching the guard. "Maxie has a royal assignment from Princess Celestia." Cathleen groaned as Maxie, right behind her kept gasping for air. The guards smiled at both Cathleen and the dramatic Maxie. "You both may enter, The Princess is expecting you Maxie." One of the guard responded as both moved away from the door to let it open. Maxie was now on his back gasping for more air. "Oh you are such a drama queen, Maxie." Cathleen laughed. "I am not my sister, Cathleen." Maxie grunted as both Cathleen and Maxie walked into the Princesses Chamber. ******************************************************************************************************************************************* Soon, Maxie Ruby and Cathleen walked down towards the the Princesses throne. Both bowing down at the presence of the Princess of the Sun. "Maxie Ruby, Cathleen. Wonderful to see you here again." Princess Celestia greeted as both Maxie and Cathleen rose back on their feet. "Princess Celestia. You summoned me here. Anything you would like me to do? What is my bidding?" Maxie spoke ever so generous towards the Princess. "Actually Maxie, I'm releasing you as my student so that-" "WWWWWWHHHHHHAAAAATTTT????? Ohmygosh, I'm sorry Princess. Whatever I did wrong I want to make up for it the best way possible...Just please don't release meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee." Maxie bowed and pleaded towards the Princess. "Oh brother." Cathleen rolled her eyes. "Oh Maxie, you certianly did not do anything wrong. I'm releaving you as my student and leaving you in the capable hooves of Princess Twilight Sparkle." Princess Celestia smiled. "Princess Twilight? May I ask why, My Princess?" Maxie Ruby suddenly asked "I have to travel to the Crystal Kingdom for a while. Cadence is having trouble with some of the local events." Princess Celestia sighed. "Wait so...who's gonna lead the castle?" Maxie raised an eyebrow and scratched his mane. "My sister Princess Luna, Knowing her now I'm sure she'll do a excellent job leading Equestria. As for you Maxie; I need you to pack your belongings because Princess Twilight will be waiting for you in Ponyville." Princess Celestia smiled. Maxie Ruby started pouting and grunting to himself. "Ponyville? Come on Princess. You know I'm not good at socializing with other ponies. They are so quick to judge." Maxie slammed his face on the marble walking path. "Uggh why is everything a excuse for you Maxie?" Cathleen shouted. "When it come to making friends you want to avoid trying." The graceful Princess giggles and glided down towards Maxies' side. "Princess Twilight also had the same problem before I sent her into Ponyville and now she has many wonderful friends that even saved Equestria more than once with The Elements of Harmony." The Princess pointed her wing towards the stained glass windows of the events that has transpired with the Elements and its wielders. "Hmm good point on that. But that's just one thing; how in the wide world is that gonna help me, Princess?" Maxie asked as the Princess smiled at his question. "That's for you to find out Maxie. Now go home and pack your things, my student. You have a place waiting for you in Ponyville." The Princess ordered. As Cathleen jumped on his back, Maxie Ruby soon headed out the royal entrance galloping home to gather his belongings. ******************************************************************************************************************************************* Later; Maxie and his female dragon companion were on the Canterlot Express. Looking out the window; Maxie gazed into the sky. "Hey," Cathleen said poking Maxie's leg. "Are you alright? You don't seem like you." "Cathleen...I just don't feel right with this exchange. My family has know Princess Celestia for generations. My Great Great Great Grandfather fought by her side against King Sombra. Why would she give me up to Princess Twilight like that?" Maxie soon sighed at the thought. "The Princess means well; you know she has royal duties to take care of. Don't worry...she'll still raise the sun." Cathleen smiled. Maxie soon had a small smirk. "You always know how to make me feel better," Maxie responded. "Plus, I've never been in Ponyville before...I just hope the ponies aren't like...uptight." "You worry too much Max." Cathleen said. "Hey look were here. Ponyville." As the train pulled up into the station; the whistle started to blow loud and the doors opened and both Maxie and Cathleen walked out onto the station. "Ok so we are here now; Where do we stay at again?" "Umm we'll be staying near the Ponyville Library. C'mon it's over here." Cathleen started to walk in town towards the large cottage a couple of houses away from SugarCube Corner and the Library. Walking through Ponyville; the mares and gentlecolts were pleasant enough along with the fillies filled with energy while playing. Soon; Maxie and Cathleen opened the door of the cottage to get settled in. A two-story building with furniture, a desk, a small shelf filled with books, a couch and a coffee table in the living room. Finally able to sit down on the couch; Maxie soon sighed again while Cathleen rolled her eyes. "So...I heard Princess Twilight has an assistant named Spike. Another dragon a little older than me. You'll think he'll be cute?" Cathleen grinned and giggled. "What the hay kind of question is that?! I'm not a girl dragon. You have your imagination my young, curious friend." Maxie giggled; leaning his face on his hoof. About to close his eyes; Maxie is disturbed by a knock on his door. "Who is that? Cathleen, can you get the door please?" Cathleen sprinted towards the door to open it. "Maxie...I think this one is for you..." Cathleen soon tuned around towards Maxie with a sudden shocked look as Maxie raised a eyebrow towards his dragon companion.