Years ago...
It was the moment many in Dodge Junction had thought would never come; the wedding of Big Red and Cherry Jubilee. There were many ponies among the guests who were ecstatic at this turn of events. Their mutual attraction to each other had long been known among their fellow Dodge Junction denizens. Many had shown distinct impatience and exasperation at the pair's inability to act on their feelings. With them about to tie the knot, the townspeople found themselves overjoyed at the long-in-coming partnership.
One guest wasn't so happy, though, and his name was Marshall Starr. Marshall had nursed an attraction to Cherry since childhood, but had never been able to act on it. Something always seemed to get in the way. The Hootenanny incident from their youth was only the beginning. Many more failures had occurred, and Marshall found himself going over them in his head as the bride and groom recited their vows.
A year or so after the Hootenanny incident, Marshall's father, Lone Starr, had led the Cherry Cavalry on a camping trip. There were only three tents, so they had to pair up for the night. Marshall offered to share a tent with Cherry, but found she had already asked Red to share hers, leaving Marshall to bunk with his father.
And then there was the time when Cherry came down with a terrible case of pneumonia. It was so bad, she had to stay in the hospital, taking over a week to recover. Both Marshall and Big Red stayed by her bedside, but when Cherry finally awoke, it was Red she thanked first, even though Marshall had started his vigil before Red.
And of course, there was the period of time after White and Silver had passed on. Marshall had noticed Cherry coming by Red's house all the time to help him with Shine and Mist. Marshall hardly ever saw her during that period.
As the years went by, Marshall had desperately hoped for a chance to confess his feelings to Cherry, but before he knew it, Big Red had proposed to her, and she was lost to him forever.
Marshall left memory lane just in time for the kiss.
'Where did I go wrong?' He thought. 'All those chances, and I fouled them up. ...No, wait. It wasn't me... it was Red. He always got in the way, every time! Some friend he turned out to be, stealing the mare I love right out from under me!'
During the reception, Marshall tried sneaking away, but was caught by the newlyweds.
"Where ya goin', Marsh?" Big Red asked. "This party's jest gettin' started!"
"Oh, I really have to go..." Marshall said awkwardly.
"You're leaving?" Cherry frowned. "Why?"
"I've... got a ton of paperwork to catch up on." Marshall lied.
"Oh, I see." Cherry sighed. "Well, don't let us keep you."
"Thanks, Cherry." Marshall nodded, forcing himself to look at her and smile despite his inner turmoil.
"Ah'll see ya around, pal!" Big Red waved, as Marshall walked away.
"Not if I can help it." Marshall muttered under his breath.
On that night, Marshall made a pledge to avoid Big Red unless absolutely necessary. When their paths did cross, Marshall was aloof and cold to his old friend. Big Red didn't know why Marshall was acting that way, but he did pick up on his attitude, and kept his distance also.
Little did they know, it was becoming the beginning of the end...
The present...
One evening, Big Red was strolling through Dodge Junction, feeling pretty good. After finally making a connection with Eclipse, he felt like everything was falling into place, and that all was right with world.
As he continued his stroll, he bumped into Marshall.
"Howdy, Marshall." Big Red smiled.
"Evening, Red." Marshall said dully, giving a small hiccup.
Big Red picked up a strong smell of concentrated cider on Marshall's breath. He chose not to bring it up, figuring Marshall just needed to wet his whistle that night.
"So, how are things?" Marshall asked. "How's Cherry?"
"She's doin' right fine." Big Red grinned.
"That's good." Marshall sighed. "You're a lucky guy, ya know that, Red?"
"Ah surely am." Big Red beamed.
"What I wouldn't give for your luck..." Marshall muttered.
"'Scuse me?" Big Red frowned.
"Nothing." Marshall shrugged.
"Well, things are pretty good overall, up at the ol' homestead." Big Red grinned. "Ah finally got through ta Eclipse, an' all three a' them boys have made 'emselves at home."
"Ah, yes." Marshall narrowed his eyes. "The juvenile delinquents..."
"Hey, now." Big Red declared. "They ain't all that bad, once ya get ta know 'em. Ah'll admit, Eclipse was a hard sell, but in the end, it really didn't take much ta make 'em decent, law-abiding citizens."
"Oh, really?" Marshall asked sceptically. "What if they're just acting reformed, so they can pull over your eyes?"
"Ah think Ah'd know if'n they were." Big Red declared.
"Yes, because you know kids so well..." Marshall rolled his eyes.
"Callin' mah childrearin' abilities inta doubt, huh?" Big Red glared. "Ah did a pretty good job raisin' Shine and Mist, didn't Ah?"
"Cherry helped." Marshall pointed out. "And I'm betting most of the so-called 'reformation' of those punks is down to her too."
"Ah will admit, she's done her fair share a' connectin' with those boys." Big Red nodded. "But Ah did teach 'em the value of an honest day's work."
"Oh, yeah." Marshall snorted. "You're such a hero, getting a bunch of underage lawbreakers to buck cherry trees."
"Don't knock buckin'." Big Red glared. "It's worth more than ya think."
"It's basically kicking a tree." Marshall pointed out. "Any idiot can do that."
"Ah'm talkin' about what comes from the buckin'." Big Red countered. "Cherries, which Ah use ta make mah cherry wine..."
"Uh-huh." Marshall sneered. "I've never mentioned this before, but your wine tastes disgusting!"
"Say what?" Big Red gaped.
"You heard me!" Marshall growled. "It's flat, and watery! I wouldn't feed it to a rat."
"Y'know, Ah didn't wanna mention this, but Ah think ya've had a li'l too much ta drink." Big Red declared. "Maybe ya oughta call it a night an' go home."
"Typical Red." Marshall snarled. "Always gotta get on the high horse, actin' all preachy an' high-and-mighty. Pretty judgmental for a hay-brained farmer!"
"Now, Marshall, please, go home before ya say somethin' you'll regret." Big Red pleaded.
"No! I need to say this!" Marshall raged. "Redwall Barrel-Roll, I've always hated you!"
"...Like that." Big Red cringed.
"I mean it, Red!" Marshall roared. "Every time something went wrong in my life, it was because of you!"
"Yer gonna haveta run that one by me again." Big Red frowned.
"Let's start at the beginning, shall we?" Marshall growled. "White and Black. They were my friends first, yet as time went by, they seemed to spend more time with you than me."
"That's not the way Ah remember it." Big Red mused.
"Not to mention you made a better impression on my father then I ever did." Marshall snarled. "On more than one occasion, he'd go on about what a 'fine boy' you were, and how any father would have been 'so proud' to have you for a son. That's more praise than he ever gave me! I became the town's sheriff because of him, and did I get any praise? No! He only went on and on about how you were so great at kicking trees!"
"Marshall..." Big Red whispered.
"And then, there's Cherry." Marshall whispered.
"Cherry?" Big Red asked. "What's she got ta do with anythin'?"
"Everything." Marshall declared. "I've loved her since we were kids. I always dreamed of one day confessing that love, and having her return it, but you kept getting in the way, Red!"
"Ah did?" Big Red gaped.
"Don't play dumb." Marshall sneered. "You always found ways to get her all to yourself. It only got worse when you took Shine and Mist in. She was around your place all the time. I barely even saw her for days on end! And finally, you made sure I'd never get to be with Cherry by asking her to marry you!"
Big Red took a step back, shocked by the surprise revelation.
"Ah never knew..." He said apologetically.
"And that wasn't even the worst of it." Marshall spat. "Your adoptive son married Celestia herself, becoming a prince, and your adoptive daughter became princess Twilight Sparkle's personal student, and is marrying the son of two highly-esteemed Wonderbolts and carryin' his foal to boot! And let's not forget you taking part in the battle against Black. Now, most of Equestria thinks you're some great father and glorified hero, instead of what you really are: a hay-brained farmer!"
"Marshall, ya gotta get a hold a' yerself..." Big Red urged.
"And then there's those punk kids!" Marshall roared. "Those no-account troublemakers! Why'd you offer to look after them, anyway? Did you just want some free labor?"
"That ain't it." Big Red glared. "Ah jest wanted ta help 'em. In fact, if'n nopony can find their pa maybe me an' Cherry could go the whole hog and take 'em on permanent, like. Give 'em a proper upbringin', ya know?"
"Seriously?" Marshall sneered. "Raising a bunch of budding criminals? Not to mention a griffin. A griffin! What were you thinking?"
"Ah wuz thinkin' Ah could give 'em a better life than one on the streets." Big Red countered.
"Oh, right." Marshall snarled. "Saint Red, at it again. Always acting so noble and charitable! No wonder everypony in this town loves you!"
"Marshall, Ah-" Big Red started.
"It's not fair!" Marshall roared. "I'm the sheriff! I should be the town hero! I should have tons of friends! I should be married to Cherry! You stole my life!"
"Stole?" Big Red repeated.
"Before you met me, you were a nopony." Marshall glared. "You would never have done any of those things if we'd never met. You'd never have ruined my life! I hate you so much!"
Big Red stood perfectly still, horrified by the sheer level of resentment Marshall had spewed at him.
"Marshall, ya gotta calm down..." He pleaded.
"Calm?!" Marshall spat. "I'll show you calm!"
Marshall reached for the crossbow strapped to his side, and aimed it right at Big Red.
"It's about time I finally wipe that stupid-flank smirk of yours off your face." He snarled. "Once and for all!"
Big Red grabbed the crossbow and tilted it upwards, sending the arrow soaring into the night sky. He then kicked the weapon out of Marshall's hooves.
"Fine." Marshall grit his teeth. "Hoof-to-hoof it is."
Marshall lunged forward. However, despite their close proximity, his inebriation rendered his movements sluggish and clumsy, causing him to miss. Big Red sidestepped him, and caught him in a head lock.
"Let... me... go!" Marshall strained.
"Time fer ya ta cool off!" Big Red groaned, dragging Marshall across the street.
Big Red dunked Marshall's head into a rain barrel. Marshall came out gasping and spluttering.
"Ready ta calm down yet?" Big Red asked.
"Raaargh!" Marshall roared, still struggling to break free.
"Suit yerself." Big Red sighed.
Big Red dunked Marshall several more times. He soon felt the fight fading from Marshall. When he was sure, the soused sheriff was no longer a threat, he pulled his head out and dumped him on the ground.
"Ah'm sorry ya feel that way about me, Marshall." Big Red declared, frowning deeply. "Ah had no idea ya held such ill regard towards me."
"That's putting it mildly." Marshall spat.
"However, Ah'm not sorry fer always doin' what Ah thought wuz best." Big Red declared coldly. "Ah did the things Ah did, because that was jest who Ah was, a pony who wanted to do right by everypony. Jest like White and Black."
Marshall stared at Red silently, unable to think of a retort.
"And Ah'm especially not sorry over winnin' Cherry's heart." Big Red gave him a look of pity. "Maybe Ah might not've loved her as long as you had, but Ah certainly love her more than anything. Ah never meant to hurt ya, Marshall... but if ya believe Ah did, just to ruin yer life... then Ah pity you."
Marshall remained silent.
"Ah really tried to make things work between us... but Ah think it'd be best that we put an end ta our friendship, before any more ponies get hurt." Big Red declared, though his face seemed to be faltering. "Goodbye, Marshall... Ah hoped it wouldn't've had ta come ta this..."
Big Red walked away. Marshall crawled to his hooves, and watched his former friend leave.
"Like I care!" He screamed, trying not to appear hurt. "Go on, get lost! Good riddance!" His voice started to break. "I can get along just fine without you in my life!"
The pinto stallion dropped on his flank, leaning back against the rain barrel, and started crying profusely.
Not long after, Big Red reached the homestead. He stopped just before he reached the door. He crumbled against a nearby post and started sobbing quietly.
"That's another old friend, lost ferever..." He wept.
Many years ago...
Marshall was making his usual nightly rounds of Dodge Junction, keeping an eye out for trouble. He seemed to find it when he spotted a shadowy figure sneaking around Big Red's homestead.
"What have we here?" He frowned. "A burglar, maybe?"
Marshall snuck up on the shadowy figure, slipping behind trees and bushes. Once he was close enough, he leapt forward, tackling him.
"You're under arrest, pal!" Marshall pinned one of the intruder's hooves against his back.
"Still got it, huh, Marshall?"
"What?" Marshall gasped, loosening his grip in surprise. This allowed the intruder to get up. "Black?"
It was indeed Black Knight Paladin, having been on the verge of leaving after his earlier "chat" with Big Red.
"Miss me, Marshmallow?" He smirked.
"You're alive?!" Marshall gasped.
"Yep." Black nodded. "Can't keep a good stallion down."
"What... how... White told us how he threw you out a buckin' window and off a cliff!" Marshall stammered.
"Trust me, even I have trouble explainin' that." Black chuckled.
"Yet here you are." Marshall frowned, before he glared at him. "You have some nerve comin' back here, after what you did!"
"Oh, not you too, Marshall." Black rolled his eyes, "At least Big Red was nice about it all, when I talked to him."
"Big Red?" Marshall gasped, "What did you do to him?!"
"I did nothing. I was just in the neighborhood and I decided to drop him a visit." Black declared. "And see my niece and nephew... that's some good kids White sired..."
"I swear, if you've hurt any of them, I'll..." Marshall growled.
"Hurt them? Now why would I hurt two adorable kids and my best... once best friend? My beef was only with White... and nature took care of him for me." Black gave a small scoff.
"Forgive me for the assumption." Marshall sneered sarcastically. "It's only after hearing how you murdered an entire village of innocent ponies. I'm not sure if I even know you anymore...."
"Hey, don't be like that." Black gave a smirk. "I'm still me... except for the eye-patch and some scars here and there."
"Is all of this just a big fat joke to you?!" Marshall pressed forward. "You betrayed everything your father believed in! Not to mention the RDL, Equestria, Celestia, your own brother... and you betrayed me!"
"You?" Black frowned. "How did I do that?"
"I always looked up to you, Black!" Marshall barked, his eyes growing misty, "You were the pony I wanted to be! Brave, strong, witty, charming... I became sheriff because I wanted to protect ponies, just like you and White... and then, you go 'round killing ponies over a bunch of Changelings?! That's... that's unforgivable, Black."
Black remained silent... before scoffing.
"Hmph, funny. I didn't expect this."
"Expect what?" Marshall growled.
"You turnin' into this cold, bitter cop." Black mused. "When I last left you, you were so cheerful and full of light. And now... all of that anger and resentment. Big Red hadn't changed one bit when I saw him."
"Oh, shut up!" Marshall snapped. "I'm goin' to run you in for treason and attempted regicide! May Faust have mercy on your soul when you are cast into Tartarus!"
"Wow, you're not even going to give me a chance to turn myself in? Didn't our friendship mean anything?" Black mock pouted.
"You should have thought of that before, traitor!" Marshall barked.
"Hey, don't be mad at me, just because you're mad at Big Red!" Black snapped.
"...Excuse me?" Marshall whispered harshly.
"Oh, don't bother denying it." Black sneered. "I know full well you've always had it bad for Cherry."
"You... do?" Marshall froze.
"It was obvious, what with you always mooning over her like a lovesick puppy." Black shrugged. "And it was equally obvious how much you resented Red for always being around her, even though it was your own fault for never making a move."
"My fault?" Marshall glared.
"Yeah." Black nodded. "If you weren't such a coward, maybe things would've turned out different."
"You're calling me a coward?" Marshall growled.
"And why not?" Black smirked. "Maybe if you had the guts to actually tell Cherry how you feel, things might've turned out differently."
"You..." Marshall gasped.
"But instead, you threw yourself into being a sheriff, just like your dear ol' daddy." Black sighed dramatically. "Still tryin' to earn the old guy's approval after all this time, huh?"
"Don't you dare-" Marshall snarled.
"Which brings me back to my original point." Black smirked. "You've got in for Red for getting Cherry instead of you. That kind of pent up anger isn't healthy, you know. If you don't let it out sometime soon, there'll be trouble."
"Like I'm going to take advice from a fugitive criminal." Marshall spat.
"And here we go again." Black rolled his eyes. "Red was at least nice about condemning me. Then again, Red was always better than you at everything, wasn't he?"
"Shut up." Marshall seethed.
"A better friend, a better worker, a better stallion..." Black rolled off.
"Quiet!" Marshall yelled.
"You, on the other hoof, are distinctly second-rate." Black sneered. "You were always the weak link of the Cherry Cavalry, and we all knew it. Even Cherry."
Marshall was silent, his body quivering with rage.
"Well, it's been great catching up." Black said pleasantly. "But I really must be moseying along now."
"You're not going anywhere." Marshall raised his hooves. "I'm taking you in. By force, if necessary."
"Go ahead and try." Black snorted. "I could do with a laugh."
"Gladly." Marshall nodded. "We'll see who's the weak link here!"
Marshall lunged forward, grabbing Black. They briefly struggled, before Black managed to land a kick in Marshall's side. Marshall staggered back, winded. Black took the opportunity to launch another kick, catching Marshall in the face. While Marshall was reeling from that, Black bodychecked him, knocking him to the ground.
"...This is truly pitiful." Black shook his head, as he glanced down at his defeated friend. "I hope you take what I said to heart, Marshmallow. Because you will certainly lose more friends if you don't."
"Oh, buck you..." Marshall hissed.
"On the bright side, at least I helped you let out some of that anger of yours." Black smirked.
Black made his escape, zigzagging through the cherry trees, and vanishing into the night. Once he caught his breath, Marshall stood up, the full enormity of his failure sinking in.
"Great, Marshall." He sighed, disappointed in himself. "Just great. What kind of sheriff are you? ...The kind that lets a traitor to the crown push you around and escape, that's who!"
Ashamed of his failure, Marshall didn't write a report on his encounter with Black, nor did he mention it to anypony else, even Red. The shame was too great. It was a weight he would carry until his dying day.
And furthermore, what Black had said would eventually come to fruition.