Bannhammer

Max looked down at the young filly, conflicted. Part of him wanted to scold her further for her mistakes, but he just couldn't bring himself to do it. Some strange instinct was telling him to take it easy on the youngster. "I think that would be a very mature thing to do. I'll come with you." Max chuckled at her last comment, something about the youth triggered a sense of happiness. "I think you did more damage to the office than the frog." Max shot Tempest a glare and started to approach the secretary, who was mopping furiously. He stood silently and nudged PeaBea forward, giving her a chance to speak for herself. He turned his attention from the young pony and back to Tempest.

Maximilian squirmed on the ground, trying to get up. He was still angry at Zephyr, but slowly a feeling of guilt started to seep in. "If I have to work with you to get out, so be it!" Max was able to stagger to his hooves, as long as he kept his weight off of the injured one. He looked at Zephyr just in time to catch the sly smirk. "I would help you, but I think a pony like you is much more qualified for physical labor." Max closed his eyes, pain racking his body. "Let's, let's just get this over with." He was barely able to stand, and he just tried not to focus on the pain. Why did he feel bad? All he did was tell zephyr the truth, and yet he felt terrible about it. Something in the back of his mind was nagging at him. He shot a glance at Zephyr. "I can use that spell as long as I need to." Max focused and illuminated the area. "Just make sure not to kill me until after we make a hole. I want to die for something.

Max silently fumed, amazed that Tempest would boss him around like that. Normally, Maximilian would curse out a pony who disrespected him like that; the only thing stopping him was the young filly in the room. "I will do my part to direct the tidying, but don't expect me to do any cleaning myself." He watched in silence as the young pony described her parents to the other Pegasus. He didn't really listen, picking up scant details and small facts. Max was more focused on the bossy weather pegasus. His attention was attracted by Cloud Kicker's reply, wondering what the heck PeaBea's parents were like. The young filly's response intrigued him, her parents couldn't fly? Of course, it wasn't impossible for wings or horns to skip a generation, and Max merely chalked It up to genealogy. Then he started to think. Well, she said her father worked on a farm, That means earth ponies.... Most of the agricultural families  stay fairly constant, so probably not too many unicorns or Pegasi. Max had no clue what to make with this information, and even though he tried to push his curiosity away, he couldn't help but think about it as time continued. After a moment of thought, Max motioned to secretary to continue cleaning. He turned his attention to PeaBea. "I don't think that's what Cloud Kicker meant... Is anypony in your family a Pegasi?

Maximilian wasn't expecting that. The crying seemingly came out of nowhere, and all Max would do was stare. His mind tried to process what was happening, but he just came up blank. What the heck was Zephyr doing? Max couldn't figure it out. All he could do was stagger towards the emotionally broken stallion. When he spoke, it was filled with anger and confusion. "You're sorry."  His confusion turned to fury. "You're sorry?!" Max stood over Zephyr, wobbling. "Well that just solves everything!" "It warms my heart to know that you genuinely feel awful about what you did!" Max loomed over the pegasus, sneering down at him. He noticed the severity of he tears, and he fell silent. Was Zephyr trying to trick him again? Max desperately wanted to believe the Pegasus, but he couldn't be sure. The tiniest feeling of guilt could be felt in Max's gut, as he started to realize the cost of his 'fun'. "Are you serious?" Max tried to lean over, but his leg gave out and he ended up sprawled on he ground next to Zephyr. He cried out in pain as he collided with the ground. "I want to believe you, but how can I? Especially after this..." Max's voice grew quiet, deep in thought. "I don't trust you, I know you'll just take me out and run."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! you old coot! Now lemme find a cane for ya so we can put ya out to pasture!

Max waited for a moment for the reaction from the green Pegasus. His ominous words scared him, but Zephyr was upon him before he could act. A strong blow to his jaw sent him rolling onto his chest, he could taste blood flowing in his mouth. Max's response was to cry out, and a small amount of blood sprayed out onto the cavern floor. That was something that had never happened to him before. Max only had a moment to worry about his jaw, he quickly felt a very funny feeling in one of his legs... Like a burning and tearing sensation. As the full pain started to seize his body, Maximilian started to shout out in agony. The muscles in his leg twisted and tore, causing a pain so intense it threatened to knock Max out. Zephyr threatened to break his leg, and Max had no trouble believing him. The rich unicorn had never been much trained in the use of magic, a short stay at Celestia's school saw him expelled for using magic to counterfeit bits. Of all the spells he learned, there was only one he could use in this situation. Somehow, he focused through the pain, and his horn started to glow. Right when the pain was at it's worse, a blindingly bright flare erupted from Max's horn. The green Pegasus pulled his hooves close to protect his face, the sudden movement tearing whatever muscles were left intact in the leg. Zephyr stumbled back, releasing Max. The white stallion turned and gave Zephyr a hard strike to his left eye, before scrambling backward, away from his assailant. Maximilian tried to stand, but his front leg gave out and be collapsed to the ground, moaning in pain. He knew he didn't have much time until Zephyr recovered, and that strike to the face probably didn't do much to improve his mood. Maximilian had to gamble now. "How are you going to get out of here?" He shouted, with a pained expression. Max was speaking through the pain, and he would continuously get up and fall over. "Listen! I know you're pissed, but killing me or breaking my legs just makes it much harder for you to escape!" He couldn't help but curse out in pain."Mother rutting Celestia! What did you do to me?" Max groaned in pain. "I know this will sound crazy, and i'm probably only saying it so you'll stop beating me, but we're going to have to work together."

Pain flashed through Max's body as he was struck again. Zephyr yelled at him to get up, , Max responded by crying out in pain, but he stayed down. The green Pegasus continued yelling, shouting some drivel about only doing what was 'necessary'. As he was hit a second time, Max shouted again and flipped over onto his stomach. The white stallion gritted his teeth, the pain was unlike anything he'd ever experienced, and he just wanted it to end. All he had to do was exactly what Zephyr wanted, and he'd be fine. Max would not get up, he merely stayed there, in fact he rolled over so that he was once again on his back. It wasn't courage, it wasn't strength, it wasn't due to some honor or sense of duty, Max resisted out of pure defiance. Max did it just to spite the pony he was trapped with. He would not let some scum boss him around. He knew what his father would do, he knew what any Rockefilly would do, resist. "I know exactly what your kind is capable of. My father warned me, he told me about you scum, and if you think I'm going to comply at all you've got another thing coming." Max was still scared, and it showed. His body shook and, the rich pony was barely able to hide his fear with a confident expression. "Aren't you used to resistance by now? I'm sure you're planning on teaching me a lesson... Max was still on the ground, and as he spoke his anger inside grew. To the point that he didn't care what happened, he just wanted to piss Zephyr off. Max spat, and it landed right on Zephyr's muzzle. The rich stallion couldn't think of a good reason for doing that, it just happened. He remembered seeing stuff like that in movies and books, but he never thought he would do it in real life. "...But you won't dare touch me again, if you do, neither of us is getting out of here." Max understood a very troubling fact: neither pony wanted the other to escape. If Zephyr got out without Max, he could also steal his fortune. If Max got out without Zephyr, he would do the one thing any law abiding pony would, alert the authorities. It was a standoff, and Max wouldn't be the one to blink.

Max was angry, he was upset, and yet the image of a filly nearly in tears almost tore his heart in two. He didn't know what a parent was supposed to do, and he struggled with his emotions. Yes, she had messed up, and yes, it was her fault, but she was just a child. He could keep yelling, but that would get him nowhere, he needed to balance it. How do other ponies DO it? "Um... Don't cry!" He stammered, reacting to the young pony's withdrawal. The rich stallion paused for a moment, trying to figure out what to do. Maximilian loosened up, trying to present a less intimidating image. With a calm voice, he leaned down and tried to soothe PeaBea. "I'm not mad at you, I just... I just want you to know that you really scared me. I thought that you had been hurt!" He felt awkward talking to another pony in that way, but he just felt like that's what he's supposed to do. Normally he'd punish somepony severely for their mistakes, usually firing them, docking their pay, or just cursing at them. His anger was not something that anypony  wished upon themselves. In this situation, his usual rage and fury was subsided, controlled by his instincts. Max didn't know what else to say, his inexperience in this area made quite apparent. "Just don't do it again, ok? I was really worried." With a blush, the rich unicorn backed away and faced Tempest. He tried to change the subject. "I think we should deliver a message posthaste."

Maximilian watched, unimpressed, as the pony stayed on the ground. For a moment, it would seem as if Zephyr had been defeated. That was quickly disproven. In a flash, Max found himself on his back, shoved to the ground by the stronger pony. Before he could even utter a sound, he felt strong hooves smash into his gut. The wind was knocked out of him, and when he opened his mouth to shout, no words came out, just a gagging sound. All the while, his mind was racing, filled mostly with fear. A frantic panic that seized him and only served to make him gag more. In that painful moment, gasping for air, he realized that he had gone WAY too far, and that he may have just sealed his fate. Deep within his mind, Max was at least glad that he wasn't wrong about the pony, and that he would die being correct. His thoughts were interrupted as he was struck again. Max would've protested, but he had no time to catch his breath. A sharp blow to his side filled his whole body with pain, and he once again tried and failed to shout out in discomfort. The rich unicorn flailed wildly, and he managed to deflect the next couple of hits. Max waited for the finishing blow, and he was surprised when he found himself pinned down, and still alive. He looked up at the pony who had just beaten him, his eyes full of fear. Maximilian Rockefilly Jr was scared out of his mind, and while he tried to hide it, his eyes betrayed him. The fear he felt kept him from breathing, and he struggled not to throw up. He groaned and writhed in pain, a pathetic display. The rich stallion received another earful, this time a blatant threat. The loud shout froze Max, finally ending his frantic movements. Maximilian knew that his next move would be very important, and should not be taken lightly. An apology, followed by some whimpering and begging, would be the smartest move. Of course, Max was dealing with a violent criminal, so screw it. He might be afraid, he might even be terrified, but he couldn't just give in to scum like Zephyr. He blinked, and grinned, barely able to hide the fear in his heart, and his brain's frantic signals to CEASE AND DESIST. Max's logic, which wasn't very logical, was as such: Well, he's going to kill me, might as well go all out. Despite his brain's warnings and his body's complaints, Max opened his mouth. His words were choppy and slow, mainly because his chest hurt like hell. "B-Break my legs? Max coughed, he sounded scared. That tone quickly faded with the next few words. "I don't doubt it, that must've been how you k-" He wheezed."Kept your victims from running away." He coughed again, loudly and right into Zephyr's face, making sure to get as much crud on him as possible. Max finally caught his breath, and he continued on. "I bet you're quite experienced, but I'm not some defenseless mare for you to rob, so I might be something different for you to try" He paused for a moment, gauging his response. "Although, you seem more like the 'kill first' type, you know, because then there aren't witnesses." Max's anger returned, and he futilely struggled to free himself, held down by the much more powerful pony. He realized that there was no point, and so he simply went limp, using as little energy as possible.ÂÂ

Max was silent. He slowly trotted towards Zephyr, who was now on the ground. His pained and angry words stuck in Max's head. The Rockefilly stopped right next to the Pegasus, towering over him. The sight beneath Max was pathetic, and normally he would just spit on him and leave, but something was wrong. He was still too suspicious. "You're a sad criminal, you know that?" Max lowered his head and spoke into Zephyr's ear. His voice definitely had contempt in it, but there was a hint of confusion. "I don't trust you, how can I? If I make a way out for you, you'll just take me out and run. Max sighed and stepped back, giving Zephyr his space. "I was just trying to have some fun, just trying to kill the time. I didn't know you'd be so easy, and I especially didn't know what I'd find." His anger quickly returned. "But no time for fun anymore, I'm not going to let you win."

Ace didn't immediately react. The pony had only spoken a few words before shooting off into the sky, once again charging towards the turbulent sky. The REA soldier hesitated, feeling a whole different range of emotions. His mind told him to go for it, to relive his glory days of dare devil flying and thrill seeking. Deep in his gut, his body told him to turn tail and flee, his nerves once again acting up. His emotions conflicted, Ace stayed on the ground, chewing his herbs. He'd flown through a storm like that before, a supercell designed and created by the REA as a perfect weapon. It had been mistakenly used against their own soldiers, and Ace had to fly up through it to tell the weather ponies to stop it. The experience was so terrifying and stressful that he could never forget it. He'd won the bronze star for his actions, but that was the day he lost his nerves. Luckily, he didn't have to choose. The storm was swiftly taken care of by a pair of red streaks. Ace sighed in relief as the prospect of flying through the storm was literally dashed. The two ponies asked who had initially divided the storm, Ace pointed to Thunder Boomer, who was still in the air. "It was all him."

Max bounded quickly up the steps, hoping to catch the young filly before she could mess up anything else. He didn't even come close. The smartly dressed unicorn followed the muddy tracks into a large office. He burst through the door, and was instantly assured that PeaBea had been there. He didn't know much about this town, but he was fairly certain that a mayor's office, even in backwater towns, were supposed to be clean. An older mare looked at him, exasperated. Max opened his mouth to speak, but the words were caught in his throat due to the horrifying thing he could see behind her. The lack of PeaBea, and the knowledge that there was only one place she could have gone. The excitable young Pegasus had made her way onto the roof. Maximilian shut his mouth, holding in the many profanities he would normally use in such a situation. The mayor started talking, but her words went unheard; the Rockefilly too distracted to notice or care. He could only stand there in a terrified silence as he heard a clattering on the roof. It would stop and start, it did this a couple times, and each one made Max cringe in fear. There was a pause, and Maximilian prayed that maybe she had come to her senses. The long, loud clattering and the sight of a pegasus pony plummeting past the window making his greatest fears a reality. With a shout the rich stallion turned and ran out of the mayor's office and he went down the steps as quickly as he could. He burst into the main room and out into the town, looking around wildly for PeaBea. "Peanut Brittle?!" He galloped frantically around the perimeter of the town hall, expecting to find an injured filly. When his search came up empty, the dejected Maximilian trudged back towards the town hall, hoping tone explain what had just happened to the mayor, and ask for her assistance. Max dragged his hooves as he entered the building, his head hung low and his whole body was slumped, as if his spine had simply given up the will to function properly. He stared at the ground, and he silently made his way towards the steps. The only thing he could hear was his own breath, and that of somepony else. The rich stallion looked up to investigate, and what he saw brought untold joy, and untold anger to his heart. The young pony was safe! The young pony had done something stupid and dangerous. She was alive! She was in trouble. In all of his years, Max had done and experienced many things, one of the few areas in which he had NO experience was children. He had never raised a foal, and his parents had barely raised him. Max subconsciously took a page from his fathers book as he trotted over to where PeaBea was trying to sleep. He stood over her and began to yell with a stern expression on his face. "Young lady, what you just did was stupid and reckless! You could have been killed! You messed up the town hall, you messed up the mayor's office, you drag me around town looking for you, and did I mention that you almost died?"

Max scowled as he was told to shut up. Who did this pony think he was, telling Maximilian Rockefilly jr. shut up? He was ready to scold him, and as Zephyr trotted towards him Max opened his mouth to speak. He didn't say much. Before he could utter another sound Zephyr was in his face. The Pegasus' shout hit him in the face, and his hooves were planted in his chest. Max was sent to the ground, with the pissed pony standing over him, visibly angry. In that moment, with Zephyr Burst towering over him, wings extended and breath heavy, Max was afraid. He was helpless, he couldn't defend himself, there was nopony to help him; it seemed like he had finally gone too far. Max raised a hoof over his face, waiting for the green pony to strike. It never happened. Instead of receiving the beating he so richly deserved, Max got an earful. The delivery pony was shouting into his face, and all Max could do listen. There were a few tentative moments of silence as Max anticipated violence. He opened his eyes, and Zephyr was no longer over him. Max looked to the stack of bits he had counted earlier, and they were still there. He looked up, and saw that instead of beating him or stealing from him, Zephyr was trying to escape. Max was dumbfounded. The green pony had him in the perfect position, he could have done anything. he could beat him up, steal his fortune, leave him for dead, and then escape.  It would be easy, any thief could do it. So why didn't he? He could only watch in silence as Zephyr cried out on despair and pounded on the cave in. With a blank stare, Max tried to wrap his mind around this development. Was this part of his plan? Was he afraid? It seems so genuine... He silently observed for a minute, until he couldn't remain silent any longer. Max only muttered, trying to say something without actually saying something. "Rut it all. If you're trying to trick me, it won't work..."

Maximilian made his way over to the coffee shop, hoping that a strong cup of brew could sweeten his mood. The rich stallion bowed to the mare in charge. "Madame bistro herself, it's an honor. I'm well aquatinted with your other locations." He ordered a macchiato, and he faced the sheriff. With a business like tone, he replied, "I did a little bit of reading on that on the way here. I'm glad you were able to solve the propel before it got out of hoof." Max looked outside, presenting a contemplative image that was just for show. Believe me, sheriff, I would hate to jeopardize your town through my actions. I plan to buy land close to town, to make sure it isn't on any buffalo land." The Rockefilly returned his gaze to the mustachioed pony. There weren't really that many obstacles for him, since his plan was completely legal. The only thing that could hamper him would be a prying law enforcer. Those were the kinda of problems and delays that Max wished to avoid. Max levitated a folded up piece of paper out of his tux's pocket. He unfurled it and set it on a nearby table. "Now, sir..." Max didn't use that term often, and he felt weird saying it."I have something for you to consider..." Upon closer inspection, the large paper showed a blueprint of a medium size building. The diagram was labeled 'Western Trade'. "It's a store, to be specific, it's a souvenir shop. Every town has one, but not Appleoosa..." Max smiled and continued, pointing at various things on the paper. "It won't infringe on any business' here, it'll give ponies jobs, and it will raise money for the town. But before I build, I have to ask..." Max paused, he really didn't care what the answer was, but he had to at least act like he valued a second opinion. "What do you think?"

A few days off to relax, that's what leave was supposed to be. For Ace High, a few days from the REA meant one thing, he could fly however he wanted too. The strict formations and straight lines were abandoned for loops and corkscrews, the rigid rules replaced by a carefree shot through the clouds. His two tone tunic flapped in the wind behind him, somehow staying on despite his maneuvers. Green on the back, and the inside was a sky blue; the whole thing clashed horribly with his midnight blue pelt, but it wasn't meant for fashion. The soldier pony was glad to be back in the heart of Equestria, it was a welcome change from the harsh mountains of the griffon lands. Six years of service taught him to cherish every moment he had at home. In those six years he'd changed a lot, going from a cocky hotshot mere inches away from being a wonderbolt to a well refined machine. At the front, he was a pillar of strength and one tough pony. Civilian life was different, but enjoyable. Of course, that didn't take into account his shot nerves, and the fact that when he was home, surprises and loud noises could stop him in his tracks. None of that mattered now, Ace was focused on enjoying his flight. In all of his years of flying, despite all of the competitions and battles, his favorite thing was to simply glide. As he continued his relaxing exercise, a familiar sound could be heard off in the distance: A loud booming that gently built up over time. That sounds pretty bad. Are the weather ponies doing an exercise? Or did one of their storms go out of control? As he flew closer to investigate he could see massive, black clouds appear over the horizon. He'd seen pretty bad storms In his time, and this one was up there on the list. It was almost a supercell, and Ace had to wonder if the REA was doing an exercise in weapons grade storms. The tactical aviator could feel his gut start to tighten up, and that all too familiar feeling was coming back. He managed to reach into his tunic for a small pouch that contained a simple mix of herbs, he stuck a few in his mouth, hoping to calm his nerves. Ace noticed a lack of ponies, which confused Him. That meant this wasn't a planner storm, and it wasn't the REA... What is going on? Who is going to get rid of this thing before it reaches a town? Almost as if to answer his question, a single pony could be seen bursting out of the top of the clouds, a tiny speck above a swirling tempest. The pony did a loop and stopped on the cloud to rest for a moment. Ace couldn't believe it. For a pony to fly through a storm like that was crazy, for them to do a loop at the end was just plain ridiculous. His mind flashed back a few years, to when he'd done the same thing in a. Weaponized storm, and the idea of somepony doing it willingly dumbfounded him. Ace waited for the pony's next move, and he could only watch as the green Pegasus dove down back into the storm. The storm was sliced in two by the pony's perilous descent, and Ace quickly tried to get closer to see the result. The pony burst out of the bottom of the storm and pulled up into a glide, mere feet above the ground. The remnants of the vicious storm hung in the air, torn asunder by the dare devil. Ace realized something when instead of simply landing, the pony did a roll: It was a STUNT When Ace did it, it was a matter of life and death. This pony did it for kicks? The memories of his own stunt came back to him. His gut twisted up, and he needed a few more herbs to keep himself from losing it. With renewed vigor, the REA pony descended to the ground, hoping to catch the flyer before he could get away.  His tunic flapped Wiley as he slowed down, and without a sound he came to a halt in front of the green Pegasus. Ace was genuinely impressed, he knew how difficult that maneuver was, and he was glad to see another pony pull her off.  He didn't take any time to introduce himself, he just started talking. "That was reckless, stupid, dangerous, not to mention completely irresponsible.... He shifted his tone. "But it was awesome."ÂÂ

This pony confused Max. What was he waiting for, why didn't he just get it over with? And just what was this nonsense about 'that is no longer my life' The rich unicorn stared at Zephyr while he looked for a way out. Change was a very interesting concept to Max. It was an essential concept, and his entire fortune was based on exploiting it. However he dealt with change in numbers, in prices, in commodities, not in Ponies. To him, ponies were a fixed variable; and once set, they don't change. He was a rich, powerful pony; he was simply that way, and he couldn't just change his ways once they were set. This pony was trying to con him with the idea that he had somehow stopped being a thief. Max wasn't stupid, he knew that ponies couldn't just change like that. With a scoff he called after Zephyr."Not bring it up? How can you possibly expect me NOT to talk about the fact that i'm stuck here with a criminal!" Maximilian took a step forward. "Just leave you alone? Is that what your victims said, before you robbed them?" Max shifted his tone to a mock whine. "Oh please! Just leave me alone! Don't hurt me! HELP!" He narrowed his eyes and trotted closer to Zephyr."Or were they too scared to say anything? Frozen in fear as you willingly took their bits from them?"

Max jumped back in surprise as the cave's entrance was sealed. The moment of panic passed, and the rich stallion was quickly back to his regular self. His attention returned to the green Pegasus. He had definitely gotten under Zephyr's skin, but that surprisingly didn't make him feel that great. The pony had slipped up and basically admitted his guilt, which begged an important question, what the heck was Max supposed to do while in a cave with a thief? "I'm stuck in a Celestia forsaken cave with some street scum? Just my rutting luck!" For some reason, Max was angry, really angry. Once again he'd been trapped with a criminal, first a purple pony and now a green Pegasus. It seemed like the world just had it out for him. He narrowed his eyes, refusing to hide behind a grin any longer. It wasn't about having fun or passing the time anymore, this was Max trying to drive home a point. "I don't think I'm better than you, Zephyr Burst..." Max spoke venomously and full of contempt."...I know I am." "I hurt ponies, believe me, but when I take their bits I make sure they stood a chance in the first place." His words slowed to a crawl, and he spat them contemptuously at the Pegasus. "You know, it's ponies like you that mess it all up for the rest of us. We try to improve the world, but you just have to drag us down and hold us back!" Max stomped the ground in frustration. After a moment he took a deep breath and faced Zephyr with a calm expression. "Well, get it over with. Just try and knock me out, or stab me, whatever your kind does. I suppose I was a pretty good mark."

This was a new experience. Max had never really dealt with young foals, even when he was one. He couldn't understand why PeaBea was doing this to him. Why would a young pony act so uncivilized? It certainly wasn't how he was raised. Max simply stormed after her, totally confused. When he entered the town hall, what he saw wasn't very good. A frazzled pony stood off to the side, and tracks of mud, leading from a trapdoor, were all over the floor. He tracked them towards a flight of stairs, and as he looked up them he could hear the young filly's voice. "Peanut Brittle! You're not allowed up there!" The Rockefilly paused for a moment to give poor Daisy a look of exasperation. "I sincerely apologize." The rich unicorn slowly scaled the steps, hoping to avoid the mess she had caused. "For the last time, young lady, this is NOT good behavior."ÂÂ

Max couldn't help but burst out in laughter. The idea that this pony would be so easy never occurred to him. Even If he hadn't said anything, his body language made the truth quite clear, his words only made it that much simpler for Max. Of course, this might prove to be a very interesting point in that day's action. Maximilian could stop now, leave the Pegasus alone, and return to counting bits; but where's the fun in that? "You seem like a very dedicated pony, intent on doing your job, but..." Max paused again, remembering something Zephyr had said. "For me to Not talk about Manehattan? Even though it's the best place in Equestria? Preposterous!" The way the Pegasus was built, the scars on his body, his reluctance to talk about Manehattan, and now his admittance of 'bad memories' only served to motivate the Rockefilly further. The gears in his brain were working at a dizzying pace, putting the pieces of the green puzzle together. Maximilian carefully retraced the steps of their conversation, putting small bits of information into order to try and paint a bigger picture of the Pegasus in front of him.  Scratched and scarred = tough life 'bad memories' = tough life in Manehattan 'you clearly have no idea' = suggests first hoof experience Wondering if we've met before = possible fear of repercussion? Possible fear of repercussion = guilt or fear Slow loss of temper = most likely guilt Guilt of what? "A bad memory isn't a reason to hate a place for good, you know." Once again, Max approached Zephyr Burst and draped a hoof over his shoulder, pulling him in. "One bad experience can just be a fluke. Don't judge a town for the actions of a few foals..." Maximilian chose his words carefully, trying to to prod too far or provoke past his means. The last phrase Zephyr used was particularly amusing. Just as you shouldn't judge me..." He pulled Zephyr in, really making him uncomfortable. "I may not look it, but I've seen my fair share of 'that' side of Manehattan. I mean, my offices have a pretty splendid view. I get to see the ponies pass by every morning, some on their way to an honest day's work..." He paused, shifting his tone from friendly to contemptuous. "And others, on their way to another day In the streets. Where the gangs do nothing but fight and make it difficult for us ponies trying to do something with our lives. Ponies with no regard for law and order; they do as they please with whom they please. The type of ponies who steal, lie and cheat from others in the back alleys at the point of a knife to get what they want. They're preying on the innocents and terrorizing those who are better off." Maximilian sighed and squeezed Zephyr tight. He was certain that this green pony came from the very streets he as talking about. He still wasn't sure to what extent the Pegasus was involved in the street culture, but he wanted to find out. Max suddenly had an idea, and he gasped and pulled back. "Oh you poor thing! Did one of those bad ponies rob you? Is that why you're afraid to go back?" A few more sentences, and then he could properly gauge the response. The rich Unicorn added a slow shake of his head and continued talking. "It's sad, ponies doing such terrible things..." "I mean, I wish I could just do something about it, but getting rid of them is tough. Believe me, i've tried." "They just stick around, like roaches, and you just have to stomp them out and hope the rest scurry away to a different hole." Max flashed his most annoying look yet, one filled with fake understanding and sympathy. "Don't let some bad apples spoil the whole town for you." Maximilian's mind flashed, and he remembered a lesson he'd learned recently from the purple pony, Snake Oil. The slightest twinge of guilt hit Max's conscious, and for a moment he considered that maybe, maybe, he had just gone too far. It was too late now, and there was a chance that Max might just eat his words. Such a big risk, just for the satisfaction of knowing that you got under a pony's skin seemed like a stupid thing. Then again, that's why you play the game. (OOC: geeze, When I typed this whole thing on my iPod, I didn't think it was this much XD)

Maximilian stared blankly at the pony in front of him, hiding the satisfaction he felt on the inside. This pony was fun. He could see the pony tense up in anger and confusion. This was the tricky part, if Max played the next part right,he could really get under his skin. He stood there quietly as the Pegasus asked him some basic questions, watching with a smirk on his face. The snarl, combined with the obviously annoyed attitude, combined to further motivate Max. He was about to oblige the green delivery pony with a very condescending answer, but he found himself cut off. Max paused for a moment, making sure that the irritated pony was finished. "First of all, I didn't mean to offend with my comment" LIE "We haven't met before..." "and I assure you that my being 'annoying' is merely my inability to properly communicate with a pony such as yourself."LIE "And I do sincerely apologize if you find me too talkative for your tastes." LIE "I 'speak as if I know you' because it isn't incredibly hard to find out about a pony solely through appearance. It wasn't very hard to 'decipher' certain things about you. I already pointed out that you're a very lonely delivery pony who doesn't like Manehattan, and you only confirmed this with your reaction." "If I go too far, just let me know where the line is, and I shan't cross it..." LIE "Because I would hate to 'say something I really shouldn't'." LIE

Maximilian found himself bounding outside into the mud, not out of any genuine concern for safety, but out of the fear of being blamed for this. The rich unicorn tried to catch up to the excitable young foal, but he ended up gently stepping through the muck, trying not to ruin his fine, white pelt. "Listen here, Peanut Brittle! Miss tempest said that we should stay put." Max stopped and called out in annoyance."This is NOT staying put! This is the opposite of staying put!" Max was glad when she finally stopped, hopefully she had decided to listen to him. His confusion was only compounded when she yelled out the word 'Frog'. Before he had a chance to question her completely non sequitur comment, she was off. Maximilian rolled his eyes and grunted in frustration before timidly giving chase. His anger turned to despair as she managed to squeeze under the town hall, there was no way he could fit under there as well. If that Pegasus finds out I lost her... Max didn't want to finish that though, and he instead put his face close to the opening and yelled, "Peanut Brittle! That's not a place for young fillies! Get out of there this instant!" All he heard in response was 'ribbit ribbit'. He spent a few more moments yelling into the dark space under the building before giving up. "Horsefeathers!" He took a step back and paced around, trying to think of a solution. Something caught Max's eye, and in a flash he ran up to a window looking into the Town hall. A small, dirty pony was bounding around the interior, chasing a terrified amphibian. "How... when... what?!" Max was dumbfounded for the moment, trying to comprehend how the young pony had managed to get herself inside of the building. The feeling passed quickly, and he forced his way inside to confront her. "Peanut Brittle! Stop this instant! Until that weather pony gets back, we have to stay put!"

Maximilian faced the young, red, unicorn mare and smiled. She wasn't being annoying, and he didn't see any harm in answering her simple question. "Well, I might just open a second home, maybe even a business. There's a lot of opportunity in this town, and I'm not the type of pony to pass it up." Max gave a gentlecolt's bow and humbly added, "I couldn't think of a better chauffeur, I do love a hard working pony. He would've continued, but a shout from the sheriff caught his attention. A moment later, Max saw a yellow streak collide with the mustachioed pony, sending them both into the ground. After a quick exchange, it appeared that the two ponies were ok, and the young filly was receiving a reprimand. "A single pardon will suffice, Sheriff. We have plenty of rambunctious young fillies back in the big city..." Maximilian approached the young Unicorn and stood over her, looking down with power in his gaze. "No worries. I think you've harmed the sheriff's pride more than anything else." Max smiled, if she had collided with him, he'd be infuriated, but he simply found this situation amusing. With a flamboyant turn, Max shifted his attention to a small shop across the way. He read their sign, and started to make his way over, motioning for the other ponies to follow. "Let's continue this over there, my treat. I do believe a nice cup of coffee would pass the time nicely, maybe I can even learn a little more about the town." Max raged in his head. Like about those darn properties! With a 'cheery' disposition, Maximilian headed over to Madame Bistro's.ÂÂ

Maximilian grinned and made a clapping noise. "Oh well done, that took some insight on your part." The rich stallion stood still, giving the green Pegasus an annoying look of contempt. "To answer your question, there really wasn't any point in bringing that stuff up; other than the fact that I like to make sure I know who I'm dealing with." Max could see the details a bit better, and his eyes were drawn to the scars and scratches on the green pony's body. "And looking at you, I think I'm dealing with a very tough pony..." He narrowed his eyes, and with an unsettling grin he continued, "Anyway, I'm a born and raised Manehattanite." Max paused for a moment, considering Zephyr's words about not liking Manehattan. "It's not a perfect city, I'll admit. But it is the best one, just so long as you avoid the undesirable parts. Where the scum and thieves hang out and wait for innocent ponies to pillage." "But I'm sure you have different reasons for not liking that fair city." Max examined his Tux, and with a slight pout he changed the subject. "This storm ruined my Carriage, probably killed my employee, and it ruined my suit. Honestly, I don't know why Celestia put Pegasi in charge of the weather, when she didn't give them the brains to handle it." The rich pony quickly added, in a falsely embarrassed tone. "Of course, I don't mean all Pegasi."

Hoo Boy. This trip was already off to a flying start, not even in town for two seconds and he receives a warm welcome. Maximilian smiled in a completely false manner, presenting the image of a friendly stallion. his first comment was directed to Honeythread. "Now it is just a great pleasure being in this fair town of yours. I've heard a lot of good about it back in Manehattan, and I just had to check it out." Max gave a warm chuckle as he faced the sheriff and his friend. Trying to hide his annoyance at her question, he spoke slowly and with lots of fake emotion. "Now Ma'am, I don't mind at all. There isn't a Mrs. Rockefilly quite yet, I'm afraid." He gave the sheriff a look over, he seemed to be a tough old stallion, but he shouldn't give Max too much trouble. "Well, Sheriff, I'm pleased as punch to be here! I'll be sure to check out Madame Bistro's as soon as I get the chance." Maximilian straightened out his Tux and looked around. "Priorities first, though. I myself was thinking of picking up some land here, a pony could do a lot of good with a plot here. A lot of good for every pony..." He flashed a grin and adjusted his suit again, trying to stress his wealth in a stealthy manner. Any land would do, and Max knew that they key was starting small, maybe even losing money at first. Of course, if he played his cards right, he'd make the money back and then some. Max kept looking at the sheriff, with a sly grin and a falsely warm disposition. Max asked a very important question. "Now sheriff, I must admit that I'm not entirely up to date on the land laws around these parts, and the last thing I'd want would be to make your job tougher..." He paused, giving the pony with the badge a respectful nod. "So do you know where I might procure a list of available properties?" Max didn't expect the sheriff to actually give him a list, the statement was meant to show how much he 'respected' the legal procedures. Max smiled. "Now I don't want you rushing around on my behalf, I have a few days to spend here. I can just grab some famous apple pie and some coffee while I wait, take your time!"Max didn't really mean that of course, he just didn't want to come across as impatient. He gave a playful wink to the two mares nearby. "I might even do some sight seeing."

Maximilian continued counting, and he couldn't help but chuckle at the question. Max would answer it, of course, but only as much as he wanted to. "Yes." He didn't go into detail about why he was doing it. The story of his youth didn't need to be shared with the Pegasus. He could've dragged on about how he wasn't allowed to own toys as a foal, so he used bits as his only method of 'fun'; he could've mentioned that it was his only real way of dealing with stress, but he didn't see the need to. Max simply gave an annoyed snort as if to say 'duh'. Now, when he grew older, Max lost the need for toys and he found another source of fun. It was getting under a pony's skin. Getting power over some pony, or just pissing them off merely through words was a good way to pass the time. Of course, it was usually fun for him, and not the poor pony that had to put up with him. It wasn't an easy 'game', go too far and it could end very badly for Max. It required a quick mind and a silver tongue, two things he fortunately had. Maximilian had wasted enough time, and he wanted to get started. Immediately after answering, Max wheeled around and approached Zephyr. He had an inquisitive look in his eyes, with the slightest sense of contempt in his gaze. "Let me get a good look at you." Max took a moment to examine the Pegasus, and when he felt that he had enough information, he began to speak his mind. Most of this was pure observation, coupled with some guessing; if he did it right, he might even get it right. "Judging from your parcel there, you're a delivery pony, you're probably heading for Manehattan. Now, I doubt you started in Manehattan, because that's where the storm started, and you would've taken shelter much closer to the city. You're flying down the road from Ponyville, but I don't think you started there, considering that you seem more like a distance flier." Maximilian smiled, and took another step closer. "My guess is Cloudsdale, a good distance away, but not too far. Now I think the reason you ended up here is because the Pegasus ponies once again messed up the weather, so some poor schmuck like you gets caught in a squall when all you expected was a drizzle." When he got closer, Max's smile grew into an arrogant smirk. "But that's not the interesting thing." "This is usually vacation time for most ponies, but you've been given the job; so I'd say little to no family." Max smirked and continued, putting fake sympathy into his words. "Everypony else had an excuse, but not you. No way to take a vacation and not enough family to give you a reason to say 'no'." The rich unicorn kept talking, slowly moving towards Zephyr with every sentence. "You packed lightly, so unlike most ponies who do a long distance delivery, you don't plan to stick around afterwards." With a laugh, Max finally got right next to Zeph and planted a hoof on his shoulder in a mock show of camaraderie. "To sum it up, you're a lonely delivery pony who got stuck in a storm delivering to a town you probably didn't want to go to in the first place." Max just stayed there, his hoof draped over the shoulder of the green Pegasus. "Of course, that's just my first impression."