Why Losing My Virginity Will Destroy the World

by Kamunari


Welcome to Ponyville

Why Losing My Virginity Will Destroy The World
Chapter 3
Welcome to Ponyville

Ponyville was everything Dawn had imagined, the friendly atmosphere was a stark contrast to the metropolis that was Canterlot. The uniquely rustic buildings were only off set by the occasional oddly styled or completely unique building. Though there was a sense of freedom to the style of the town Dawn was struck by how ordered it all felt. No two unique building was within so many blocks of each other. As much as Dawn had wanted to spend all day checking out his new town, he had business to take care of. It was partly for that reason he had blown off Twinkleshine.

Asta perched herself on Dawns back preening her feathers playing her role of pet bird. Dawn considered letting her explore the area but he wanted to get settled in before any exploring could be done. As he made his way towards the center of town he considered his mental checklist. First he had to report to town hall, after meeting with the Mayor and filling out his residency paperwork, he would have to find out who and where his new unit’s Commander was. After reporting for duty and getting his assignment, then he would be free to find his new apartment. Looking up at the position of the sun Dawn noted that it was a few hours before noon, assuming none of these tasks to more than an hour a piece he would have a good part of the afternoon to sightsee and get settled in.

Asta perked up looking off towards another part of town, her feathers bristled and she made ready to fly. “What is it?” Dawn asked concerned. A slight ground tremor was Dawns first clue. Taking to the air, Asta flew off leading the way. Dawn pushed magic through his horn manipulating the shadows around him cloaking his body, while the shadow cloak spell did not hide Dawn as effectively as an invisibility spell would have it had various uses. Sounds of fleeing ponies and general chaos let him know he was headed in the right direction. More tremors shook the ground as he could see a large shape towering over the few building that blocked his view. As he made his way between two houses his eyes beheld the source of the panic. Letting out an earth shaking roar, the behemoth turned its wide powerful head.

Standing over thirty hooves high at the shoulder and over a hundred hooves from head to tail this four legged beast was massive. Its greenish brown hide was roughed and wrinkled giving it the appearance of living wood. The beast head was large enough to eat a pony hole, with its wide set beedy eyes and its forward set horns it gave off an air of some monster from Tartarus. Branch like spines all along its back and down its massive tail gave the monster a more tree like appearance. Its tail was just as long as its body at about fifty hooves spines here also giving it the appearance of a tree growing from the rear of the monstrous animal.

As the beast roared its massive maw was visible to all. Its teeth were serrated and rounded still large enough to crush a pony but not quite the teeth of a predator. The behemoth paused and looked about, confusion mixed with rage. Asta landed on a post nearby crying out in her manner. Dawn looked about the remains of the market that the beast had all but decimated. He spotted what Asta had been trying to call his attention too. A red maned filly with a pink bow was cowering within the remains of an overturned apple cart. The beasts foot was close and if it moved closer there was a chance the filly could be crushed. The monstrous foot was like that of a stump with it’s toes burying themselves somewhat into the ground for support.

It was then that a large red earth pony stallion jumped in front of the beast. In a voice of authority he called up to the creature. “Hey big and ugly, you messed with the wrong town.” The beast focused on the fool trying to decide if the small red thing was a threat. The red stallion stuck his head into a bundle that lay across his back pulling from it a large broad claymore. Though he held the oversized sword in his mouth it was obvious that as an earth pony such a weapon would be impossible to wield effectively. The beast seeing the weapon repositioned itself to square off against the threat. While the red pony could hardly hope to pose a threat to the behemoth its instincts told it to wield it primary weapon against the threat, Its forward facing horns. Unfortunately this caused the beasts hind leg to come dangerously close to the filly.

Dawn was just about to jump from the shadows in order to save the filly, but his position was somewhat behind the red stallion and any move on his part could startle the beast. Just the griffon wings fluttered as a brown streak dived and snatched the filly from her spot. The creatures tail suddenly twitched almost slapping the eagle winged creature from the air. But a sudden burst of runic magic and suddenly the griffon blur and the filly were flying in the opposite direction. Swooping around and passing over the red stallion the brown figure called down. “Shes safe sarge, the market is clear!”

“Alright! Now its just us Bugly, lets dance.” Charging forward the red stallion wiped the huge sword around like it was nothing but a dagger. The beast tried to crush him with its face, only succeeding in planting its face in the ground. For all his size and obvious strength the red stallion was also quick on his hooves. As the stallion ran between the beasts legs his sword hacked and slashed trying to open the tough hide in the tree like limbs. The stallion was dismayed to see his weapon had little to no effect.

“Mael, do your thing.” The red stallion called as he continued dodging the beast footfalls. “Ok boss,” called a fat blue unicorn stallion from across the market. Magic formed around the unicorns horn. From what Dawn could sense it was a typical combat spell non typed magic blast, with a moderate damage rating. Or it should have been what was released was a cone of fire what a far larger damage yield that was put into the spell. Half the remains of the market were now on fire. The red stallion did not seem happy that he now had an inferno to contend with now. “Mael!” the red stallion cried out in protest. “Sorry not what I intended sarge!” the portly unicorn apologised.

It was then that the red stallion started to slow, despite having only been in combat for less than a minute he was showing signs of fatigue. Now a dark green blur swooped down striking around the beasts head. “Winded already sarge? No wonder your still a virgin, mares aren't looking for a one minute wonder.” Grumbling to himself the Red stallion made to escape form under the beast. Unable to let the comment go unanswered he retorted, “Well at least I’m not too busy bucking trees to even talk to mares, Shade.” After a few seconds he paused, attempted to make a comment but never got the chance. In that moment the beast sidestepped kicking the red stallion across the market.

The green pegasus looked worried as he saw his superior go flying. The behemoth was now focused the hovering green pony. The pegasus looked relieved when he saw the earth pony rise from the rubble. “Hey sarge I think its time to let Alpha company take it from here.” the green stallion called down to the red one. Dawn noticed out from the eve of a house came a Zebra stallion. He check over the battered red stallion applying some sort of salve. Within moments the red stallion called out, “Over my dead body will I let Big Mac take the glory for this.” The green Stallion only rolled his eyes. The beast seeing the flying pony was out of it’s reach and that the red one had paused its attack, it stumbled around confused, angry, and hurt.

“Mael use your magic, see if you can take it down.” called the red stallion. Nervously the fat unicorn called back, “Ok B..Boss,” Again pushing the same spell through his horn Dawn had expected more fire. What came forth was not fire but lightning. And again it was of a yield far more potent than he had put into it. Baffled but impressed Dawn considered adding his own magic into the effort. But the lightning as the fire had only served to further enrage the beast. Also seeing now that the portly unicorn was the biggest threat the beast turn on the unicorn mage. As the beast turned to face the unfortunate unicorn Its tail removed most of the second story of some ponies house.

Dawn moved quickly the chaos of battle giving him cover. The shadows surrounding Dawn stretched out and wraped around the blue unicorn. Slightly panicked the fat unicorn kicked and screamed as he was pulled into the realm of shadows. Half an instant later the Blue unicorn was standing next to Dawn confused, but safe and unharmed. Wrapping more shadows about himself, Dawn called to the beast, “Hey Hey Heeey!” Pushing more magic into illumination spells combining them with the shadows, mirror images of himself appeared in front of the beast waving about. As one the group moved away from the portly unicorn.

The red stallion from before cried out, “Hey damn fool, get out of there!” The zebra was applying some bandages to the stallion, mumbling trying to hold him back. The beast’s ire still focused on the pudgy unicorn was only slightly distracted by Dawn’s antics. As it began to turn back towards the threat of the fat mage Dawn began to pool dark magic around his horn. Every clone mirrored him as excess shadow magic bled from the corner of his eyes. “Whats the plan anyways,” Dawn called out as he readied to let loose his magic. “We’re gonna take it…” The red stallions words were cut off as the zebra wrapped gauze around his muzzle. The green pegasus called down, “We were only supposed to clear the market, after that lead the beast from the town. Sargent Big Mac has a plan but he needs us to bring the beast there.”

Dawn nodded, the dark magic built up shot from the horn of each of Dawns. The shadow bolt was unlike a typical magic bolt. Typical combat magic uses some form of energy: elemental, raw magic, or even light. When that energy impacts something it expands causing damage to the target. Shadow magic also called dark magic is more subtle, instead of altering the environment it alters the targets sense, feelings and mental states. Like all magic this can be benign or sinister depending on the user and intent. Due to its frequent abuse throughout history dark magic has been a restricted field of study. The shadow bolt instead of causing direct damage it caused physical and emotional pain. Depending on circumstances this could incapacitate almost any foe. Almost, in this current instance it did little but further enrage the beast. It turned it full attention to the group of Dawns.

“Oh crap!” Dawn exclaimed. The beast turned back towards Dawn and gave a loud roar announcing its displeasure with Dawn. The beast’s tail swung around wiping about smashing the roofs of a few more houses before it stomped towards the group of clones, Dawn turned and ran. Dawn noticed a brown blur swoop down in front of the herd of clones. “Hey, follow me.” Dawn noticed that what he had thought was a griffon was not quite. It had large eagle like wings and front talons, as well as a sharp beak. But its hindquarter, barrel, and head was that of a stallion. Dawn could see a cutie mark but couldn't quite make it out. He knew this halfbreed was unusual but couldn't remember the name of the species.

In his thoughts he hadn't noticed that the beast had caught up, it crushed half of his illusory copies with one swipe of it’s head narrowly missing Dawn himself. Down to about six copies he changed their position to place them around him at the extreme ranges of the spell. Knowing that the center of the herd would be a likely target he placed himself somewhere to the fringe right. He wanted to summon more, but maintaining a dual layered spell was tough enough. Adding a third layer like he did with the shadow bolt was complicated enough when standing still. Now that he was running for his life a miscast would cause a cascading failure with possible magical feedback.

As they ran through the streets of town the beast would careen into building after building. Dawn severely hoped that all the ponies had been evacuated. The beast made another attempt to crush the group of Dawns, only able to smash three the group now consisted of three clones and the original. Dawn spread the clones as far apart as possible, position no longer a concern. It now came down to a one in four chance the beast would attack him.

As the griffon/pony lead Dawn to what he hoped was the outskirts of town he noticed several pegasi with large long cloths easily fifty hooves long began to flank the beast. The drapes seemed to make the beast nervous but it did not give up the chase. As the road out of town became clear he now understood what the pegasi were doing. It was then that Dawn noticed a large group of ponies standing to either side of the road. In the middle of the road stood another red pony this one had a candy apple red coat, orange mane and tail, and fierce emerald green eyes.

A tree sized food landed on one of his clones dissipating the magic. The remaining two formed a triangle formation as the beast emerged from the town proper. A shadow fell on Dawn as he realized that the beast was about to step on him. Quickly dismissing the spells he paused only a moment as he pushed more magic into his horn. As quickly and accurately as possible, he weaved the spell matrix together passing into the shadow plane. His haste had cost him though as feedback fed into his horn. Stepping from the shadows near the red stallion, mentally exhausted, physically winded, and suffering from a feedback migraine Dawn couldn't help nod to the stallion. “Nice day for a stroll through town.”

The orange maned stallion cracked half a smile and replied, “Eeyep.” Dawn had to suppress a little cheer in his heart. The large apple farmer had been somewhat of a heroic figure in some of his favorite fictions. Seeing the big red pony in the flesh left Dawn a bit star struck. But a gesture from the apple farmer brought Dawn back to the present. One does not simply ignore Sargent Big Macintosh.

Following where the apple had pointed his hoof Dawn quickly ran to join up with one group of ponies. The beast had only briefly paused when it had lost sight of the group of ponies it had been chasing. It began to meander within the sheets of fabric but now seemed at a loss on what to do. At this point Big Mac let out a loud whistle, gaining the beast’s attention as a lasso landed around one of the beasts horns.

The beast looked down at the red stallion and noticed the rope attached to its horn. Several tons of beast heaved intending to toss the large earth pony only to have the line go taught and the beast head did not budge. In a moment of confusion Big Mac h3aved his end causing the creature to lose its balance ant topple to the ground, its head scaring the pacted earth of the path by a few feet. When it opend its eyes before it stood a paragon of the earth, a male among males. Big Mac's emerald eyes wore a calming expression yet to the beast it was as if this pony was the earth itself. Best not anger the earth least it open and swallow you whole. The eyes of the red pony promised safty in compliance, and even though not a word was spoken an understanding was reached.

Dawn and everyone present watched in awe as the rampaging behemoth was cowed by an earth pony one fiftieth its size. The beast stood up and shaking the dirt from its body, started walking. Big Mac had to trot to maintain a lead but the creature was content to move cautiously. Whispers among the ponies told Dawn that what he had witnessed was something special. As one the procession made its way across the field. After a few minutes the group was on the outskirts of a dark forest. Dawn assumed that this was the infamous Everfree forest, the trepidation on the faces of those around him seemed to confirm that.

Big Mac flipped his neck sending a ripple up the line releasing the beast. Everypony tensed unsure how the beast would react to its freedom. It regarded Big Mac for a few moments , apparently satisfied it waded into the trees. Though it could be heard moving deeper into the forest, it didn't displace any trees. Spotters above describe it like a fish swimming through the trees. And then it was gone.

****

Captain Davenport watched the operation unfold from atop the makeshift observation point, the town water tower had been rebuilt again after the fiasco with the rampaging Spike the dragon. The Captain hoofed his binoculars to Mayor Mare beside him. To his left stood lieutenant Noteworthy. Hovering above them all Shade had paused in awe of alpha companies commander. Shady Grove was technically a member of charlie company, but his expertise regarding the wilds of the Everfree were necessary for this meeting.

"As you saw the Behemoth despite being big it’s relatively harmless, as long as it's not provoked. Its fear of open spaces here was used to our advantage and thanks to Big Mac’s impressive display of cowpony skill we were able to calm it enough to lead it back into the Everfree." Shade summarized his debriefing not seeing a need to exacerbate his Sergeant's blunder.

Mayor Mare nodded, years of experience dealing with crisis and damage control in the political arena helped her map out how she would proceed. "My dear Captain, I’m so glad your fine and capable ponies were able to handle the situation so admirably. Though the market did suffer some incidental damage I’m just glad no pony was seriously hurt.” Casting a glance toward the smouldering remains of the market she sighed. Turning to Captain Davenport she probed for info she would need, “But I must ask how could this happen?”

Captain Davenport looked up towards Private Shady Grove, “Private Grove spotted the beast yesterday near the edge of the forest. It was unlikely it would leave the forest since its natural instinct was to stay in cover.” Shade noded in confirmation at the Captain’s words. “He reported the sighting and gave a report on suggested countermeasures in the event of an incursion. I had only read through the report an hour prior to the event and this was the result. According to the Private’s report this incursion should have been extremely unlikely but here we find his caution and forethought has been paid back in dividends.”

The Mayor nodded solemnly, “Indeed how commendable Private Grove, your service to our fine community is a boon to us all.” Shade sighed at all the fake sounding words. Davenport was trying to be sincere not one for playing politics, but the Mayor couldn't help talking like it was days away from the next election. The Mayor continued unfazed by the privates growing irritation, “However this brings me back to the point, how did this beast get into my town.” Her usual jovial tone was gone, replaced with one of authority and displeasure at some assumed failing that would be named when she had her answers.

Shade spoke up knowing the Captain would only bury himself trying to spin it, “A behemoth like this wouldn't leave the cover of the forest for just anything. Its instincts are so strong some have been seen braving forest fires rather than chance open ground at night. It would have to be something really nasty. While an ursa major could take on one, behemoths are way better at traveling through dense forest than an ursa. A behemoth could easily outmaneuver and flee a solitary hunter like an ursa. Now lupus major could threaten a behemoth, though they are rarer than ursas, lupus hunt in packs like the more common timber wolves. Theoretically a pack of lupus could have done this but there would be signs of it. Claw and bite marks on the beast, sounds of them hunting at night, and hordes of fleeing manticore and other predators.”

Lieutenant Noteworthy spoke up, “What about timberwolves, I've seen ‘um like reform themselves into giant wolves using the wood around them.” Shade tried to suppress a chuckle much to the Lieutenant's displeasure. “Sorry sir, but Behemoths aren't normally predators. But since they eat trees like a cow eats grass or shrubs, timberwolves consider them to be a predator species. On a lighter note our timberwolf population seems to be hiding.”

Noteworthy rolled his eyes but smiled a bit as the Mayor and the Captain chuckled at the good news. The Mayor spoke up, “Well this still doesn't answer my question, if it wasn't any of those. What was it?” a hint of ire in the question let them know her patients was wearing thin. The Captain spoke up this time, “I think what the Private is trying to say is we don't know, but whatever it is it’s worse than what it isn’t.”

A long pause as the words hit home. Shade himself had been suggesting this fact but the manner in which the captain framed it made him realize how bad this could be. Shaking off the heavy feeling Shade tried to deflect the seriousness, “Or maybe it just got a hankering for some sweet apple acres trees and got lost, its a good thing too that beast could have cleared an entire field in a day. Well whatever it was i'll keep a lookout for clues, I’m sure whatever it was it had to be big. And if its big enough to scare a behemoth it'll leave some clues.” The Mayor and officer ponies seemed to relax a bit at Sade’s levity and reassuring words.

****

Captain Davenport saw that the unit was forming up in the south field, and dismissed Private Shade to join his fellows. He then turned to the Mayor and gestured for her to descend the makeshift observation platform first. Accepting the captains chivalry she did so and brought up another matter that interested her. “So who was that unicorn stallion that lead the beast from town. I know Sargent Mar.. Maximum was supposed to handle it but after that nasty hit,” her smile belied the false concern for the fallen sergeant and his ill attempt at seeking glory.

Captain Davenport sighed as he and lieutenant Noteworthy joined her on the ground. He was hoping that somehow he could just wash his hooves of charlie company. Then he remembered the new lieutenant, realizing who the potential new hero was Davenport decided to push his idea. “Yes Mayor I believe that was the new Lieutenant. He must have just arrived and heard the commotion. It was good he was there to lend his skills and expertise to charlie company. They are woefully understaffed and in desperate need of good leadership.” The mayor noded, “I’m inclined to agree, the current commander was less than ideal. But being the only other pony that underwent full guard training Sargent Maximum was your only choice was he not?” Davenport drooped his head but agreed, “He has promise as a soldier but lacks the leadership needed to command. He’s brash and prideful and usually his actions put his own safety at risk. I would want to see if new lieutenant could rein him in a bit.”

The Mayor gave a knowing look at the Captain, “I take it that doing so could upset our newest resident?” Davenport noded and added, “While by right he would be entitled to take command of alpha company I wish there was some way he could be assigned to where he is more sorely needed. It breaks my heart knowing that all my ponies in alpha will be upset at the demotion of their beloved leader and now town hero Big Mac.”

The Mayor gave him a snicker, "Don't go overselling it, getting a potential rival out of the way is not an easy thing." The Mayor advised. Davenport was a bit flustered, "That's not the reason," But Mayor Mare cut off his excuse, "The reason doesn't matter all that much. All you have to do is put a little spin on it.” The older mare smiled knowingly, “If he makes a fuss just explain it to him. Rather than the easy road of taking charge of the well oiled company that another stallion has grown and cultivated into what it is, he has charge of one of the worst units in all of Equestria. One that has all the makings of an elite force but is simply lacking leadership.” Davenport was slightly awed, everything she said was technically true but deceptively enticing. “And if he still doesn't seem happy about it send him to me.” Davenport felt a thrill down his spine, with the Mayor’s support things were looking up.

****

The after action muster was boring as usual. Captain Davenport, Lieutenant Noteworthy, and Mayor Mare crawled from their hiding spots just so they could take the credit for all their hard work. Maximum Crimson tuned out the speeches knowing that despite his efforts he would be blamed for the mess in the market. Keeping his bering Max scanned his ‘company’ with his eyes. Four ponies and a sergeant was not a company. The Mayor and Captain Davenport had insisted that these ponies were elite but Max just couldn't see it.

At the end of the squad of ponies stood their unicorn mage, Maelstrom. The fat stallion had a blue coat and white mane and tail, but what made him unique was the fact that he was a Discorded pony. Mael had been born Otto Tune, a snobby rich unicorn musician from Manehatten. During the return of Discord, Otto had been summoned to play some chaotic music for the mad god. Discord hated the performance so much, he used a powerful curse that twisted Otto’s talent into something called wild magic. Along with the talent swap, having his personality adjusted had apparently made him realized how bad of a pony he had been, and vowed that he would never return to the pony he was. When the elements of harmony had defeated Discord Otto was happy to find the change were there to stay. After almost an entire year of research and study with the canterlot eggheads, apparently the only work he is suited for is battlemage out in the middle of nowhere. But a mage who can’t control his magic is dangerous. And as much as Max liked the young stallion, he was a pain in the flank. The smell of burnt coat and mane made Max’s nose twitch.

Next in line was a zebra stallion. Zenith Nadir at first glance looked every part a tribal pony.The typical zebra stripes, alternating black and white stripes in his mane and brushy tail at the end of the typical zebras long doc. On his flank was the zebra’s mark, the medical symbol of the winged staff with the two intertwined snakes meeting nose to nose right below the wings. Instead of the typical zebra jewelry Zenith wore a simple arm bad with a red cross signifying that he was a guard doctor. Zenith had developed an aloof and slightly condescending Discord may care attitude. His terrible bedside manner aside, he was a competent medical doctor. And despite the stigma he faced as a zebra doctor, he was openly optimistic and slow to anger. A good doctor he may be but hardly elite.

Next to the Zebra was another odd sight, Gordon Raven was a strange creature. He was half griffon and half pony. Hippogriff is the correct term for the half breed. His fore legs and claws, wings, tail and beak were all that of a griffon. While his face, ears, cutie mark, hind legs and hooves, of a stallion. Instead of a hair on top of his head feathers lay between his pony ears and down his back. The tips of his feathers were tinged red while the overall color was a dark brown with white spots. And typical of griffons he sported a golden brown coat with a slightly red tinged brown brush of a tail. His cutie mark was a magic symbol with griffonic runes etched throughout. After finding his special talent was in runecraft, which was unusual for a non unicorn, Gordon was recruited by the guard as a runesmith. From what Max understood runes were magic symbols that could affect things like unicorn magic did, or be used to enchant equipment. But they were missing the magical energy necessary to do the effect. While Gordon was unique without runes prepared ahead of time he was at best a decent flyer since his griffon wings made him clumsier and less maneuverable than a pegasus.

Finally at the head of the squad was Max’s good friend Shade. Shady Grove had grown up with Max in the mountain town of Fort Redwood. Shade was a dark green pegasi with a black mane and tail. His cutie mark was a copse of trees around a small lake casting a shadow. Shade was technically the company's executive but his role was more like a scout. Shade had a knack for covering the group from the shadows. Shade’s family are the wardens of the mountain, protecting the balance between, weather, wildlife, and pony. He had translated those skills to the Everfree. If anypony was elite in this company it was him.

Max felt a pang of homesickness, the Fort had such a colorful history. Back way before the Lunar Rebellion the Fort was a Pegasi stronghold. Originally the Fort had been built as a stronghold for the bandit lord Sky Cutter. Since the Lord Sky Cutter liked to take non pegasi as consorts, he built his fortress high in the trees primarily out of wood and other material so that his ‘guests’ didn’t need special equipment. Even if the non pegasi could escape down to the ground the Redwood mountain was a dangerously hostile place. But as the Pegasi became more militaristic the Fort became a true outpost. Intended to stage forces against potential incursion from the southern border.

Nowadays the Redwood Mountain is a tamer safer place, with each race working together to keep it so. Max’s own father Mountain Apple had moved there take advantage of the high altitude and warm climate to grow the fruit of his name sake. His mother's family had not been welcoming to the Apple farmer. And had dad not joined the Cherry clan when he married mom, he had always speculated that they would have never found his body.

Max noticed that things were wrapping up, somepony mentioned a get together at Sweet Apple Acres. As the command was given he dismissed charlie company. Max didn't feel like talking to anyone about his little attempt at glory seeking. It had been mostly harmless, no pony was hurt and the beast was dealt with. He would slink off home, sleep a few hour then get up and go to work. Barnyard Bargains would receive a train load of new product that would be needed to be shelved.

Taking another sniff of the odor coming off his body he realized he would need to get cleaned up also. His dark cherry red coat was singed in a few spots. Luckily his solid black mane and tail would hide any burn marks, all he would have to do is even out the burned parts and shampoo the smokey smell out and no one will notice. Max checked his cutiemarks just to make sure no damage had been done, his entire flank on the left side hurt and was sensitive to the touch. His mark, his pride looked back almost pristine. It was three blades crossed, one was a glaive laying diagonally with its blade pointed down to the left, diagonally crossing it was a sword similar in design to his claymore blade pointed down to the right, and over the center of both was a chefs knife blade pointed down with its edge to the right. It represented his talent for using blades. He could use any blade even the Magesaber which was represented on his cutiemark. The Magesaber was traditionally used by unicorns since it was unwieldy when used by mouth. Not a practical weapon either since unicorns could use smaller lighter weapons more effectively, but his size and strength made it a devastating weapon. As Max approached the town proper he saw a red blur galloping towards him.

Max was only a block away from his door when a familiar voice called out, “Sargent Maraschino Cherry!” Big Mac called out to the brick red earth pony. The Apple farmer had fury written all over his face, Max had been expecting this but was still offended at the use of his birth name “Big Mac you know my name is no long...” Max was cut off when Big Mac redoubled his assault, “What in Tartarus were yah thinkin. Applebloom was in there, she coulda been crushed.” Max countered quickly, “But she wasn’t, I had faith my guys could get to her. I just needed to keep the beast’s eyes on me.” Big Mac was only a few inches taller than Max but he used every inch to his advantage. Peering down at Max he spoke in a low even tone, “And I’m forever grateful. But your recklessness out there coulda got yourself or somepony hurt.” Big Mac was pointing a hoof accusingly at Max’s chest. “There was a plan and if’n you just stuck tah it maybe we coulda saved half the market.” Max threw up his hooved in exasperation, “There it is. This isn't about Applebloom, is it Big Mac? Just because I wanted to try see if my team could do the job ourselves, I’m reckless. What about you? You take the thing on by yourself, show off to the whole town. But no I’m the screw up I can’t fight monsters with out my cousin holding my hoof.”

Big Mac’s color was far deeper red than usual, and his fury was slightly tainted with embarrassment. “Look Max, I ain't no showoff. I was just doin what I had tah. It ain’t about whos bigger or stronger but who can get the job done. But why did yah think yah had tah do it all on your own? It was Shade’s bukin plan for Celestia’s sake. I think your team more than proved itself out there.”

Max was shaken a bit by this, it was true despite his attempt at glory seeking his team had performed awesomely. Was he the one who didn't belong? Max’s buried his reflections with anger, “Maybe I just figured since my talent is related to battle I should be the better soldier between us. Anything you could do as a leader I should be able to do it better. I bet you're just scared that I'll take your place.” Big Mac snorted, “Yah want my job! Yah can have it! I only signed up ‘caus a you. Yah come tah town with delusions oh grandeur wanttin tah rekindle our Pa’s glory days. Well here it is, I hope its everything yah always wanted.”

Mac was right, He never wanted this, it was the town militia that took his Mother and Father. No it was the monster that killed them, Max had to reminded himself. The monster that would of killed Mac and his siblings. But Mac was only doing this for them, not for glory or recognition. Max realizing his pettiness hung his head, he spoke in an almost pleading manner “No no, Mac I’m sorry. You're right I shouldn't trying to compete with you. Seeing you do so well rallying alpha company, seeing how much they respect you. I guess I felt jealous.”

Big Mac was calming down, he no longer seemed ready to attack. The red apple farmer sighed, “Max, all that stuff ain’t ‘bout bein’ a good soldier. But your problem is a lot simpler. Yah need tah figure out who yah are. ‘Cause who ever that was out there twernt you.”

Max shook his head not sure how to take the wisdom of his cousin. Max had spent his whole life running from who he was. Maraschino Cherry, Cherry Boy, Little Cherry, everything about his past self ticked him off. So he reinvented himself, Maximum Crimson was a hardened soldier. A cold warrior who would do anything for victory. The words of his mentor Iron Will still rang true in his heart. ‘Want something that you lack, go in and take it BACK!’ It was a metaphor for his life. Max had been lacking, his destiny set. So he searched inside himself and is pushing to change his destiny, to take it back, master his own fate.

“Don’t be late tah the party. Yah better show your face.” Big Mac added interrupting the awkward pause. Having said his peace the farmer turned and started on his way. Apparently Max was not going to be able to skip out. “Ok Mac, but I have work tonight so ill just pop in say hi, grab some food, and head out, ok?” Mac looked back and nodded, “Eyep. See ya cuz.” Max sighed as he entered his house. “So much for a nap,” he muttered to himself.