ZephyrBurst

Max' words were not heard as he was fully focused on the mare in front of him. Just as planned, she got herself ready for impact. Zephyr was going to blindly charge and hope to see something spectacular from Silver, maybe some nifty takedown move. Sure he had his own ways of dealing with the situation Silver was in, but he was always looking for ways to improve upon that or ways to use another pony's own momentum and weight against them.

He would study any moves that Silver used against him. He figured instead of asking, he could get to see and experience them directly. In the past, Zephyr often did the same when he had gotten into his many tussles due to his stealing and being caught. If Silver didn't block or misjudged and took a direct hit, it would still be satisfying as Zephyr really wanted to hit her anyway. Either way, Zephyr would be happy with the outcome and was willing to suffer through whatever pain that Silver would inflict upon retaliation.

However, Zephyr made a split second change before reaching Silver and leapt over her, using his wings momentarily to give him enough lift to make it over. As he landed just behind Silver slightly to her left side, he knew she'd be keeping her eyes on him. One trained like her would know about never letting your opponent out of your sight. Zephyr used this as an advantage as well as her momentary confusion in his leap, and hit at the ground hard as he turned his body toward her to shove a wave of sand in Silver's face. Using this moment of blindness, Zephyr charged and body checked Silver, sending her back a bit. He wasn't done, and using her momentary stagger, he was ready to strike her with his right forehoof.

He was half wanting her to turn this around in her favor. If she could, Zephyr really wanted to see it. Hopefully she didn't disappoint.

The answer was perfect for Zephyr and he smiled upon hearing it.

The amount of bits Max put on the table added with Silver's was more than Zephyr usually saw in a single day. Generous wasn't strong enough of a word. Zephyr saw no point in adding any bits himself and didn't bring much anyway. He wanted to save them for something else, something was sure to catch his eye, either here or in Stalliongrad. Most likely the latter.

Zephyr followed Max out, with Silver behind him. This little town was so... little. It wasn't long before reaching the edge of town where Max led them, who actually was encouraging them to fight. Zephyr held back a laugh but not his grin that followed his phrase. Silver seemed unsure of either herself, or this situation. Regardless, she put her cloak and sword to the side.

"First, we will practice blocking. Or do you have anything you'd like to work on before that?"

Zephyr was a few paces away, and quickly replied. "I like that idea, but first..." Without warning, Zephyr charged at Silversword, intent on striking her in the chest. No matter how this turned out, Zephyr knew he would be pleased with the outcome. What Max said would definitely hold true. He was very certain he knew how Silver would react, and was greatly hoping his prediction was right. As he charged, he made sure to pay close attention to what would happen next.

Zephyr found their responses to be to his liking. Feeling satisfied with things, he didn't add anything else. He was still concerned about the rooming situation and wondered when they would be shown the room.

Zephyr reached for a utensil with his muzzle and cut the pie into thirds, though not very well. The pieces were uneven, but Zephyr didn't care and he took the mid sized piece and placed it on his plate. He was very skilled at this and nearly dropped it during its journey to his plate. He gave a quick glance to Silver and slid the pie to her before returning his gaze to the piece he had set for himself. His mouth watered upon smelling the sweet aroma flowing up to his nose and without any hesitation, he dug in. Zephyr wasn't a very messy eater and hated having food on his muzzle, so he tried his best to stay clean.

After Zephyr finished his piece of the pie, he got down from his perch and turned his back to Max, glancing around the bar. "So what's happening now?"

Train with... her? Why does Max seem to keep making all these terrible ideas? Questions, concerns, or ideas... Zephyr had a few and was about to voice them. He was about to set Max straight with this. A line had to be drawn, but another idea popped into Zephyr's mind. This Destrier probably knew a lot about fighting that he did not, and he could use her for some of those techniques and pointers. Aside from that, all he had to do was plan a route. Max would just need to give him a map and where in Stalliongrad they were going. This wouldn't be that hard. As much as he didn't want to work with Silversword, her combat tips could prove useful, possibly even against her if it ever came to that. This would be perfect, he was always curious to better himself in that regard, and now would be the perfect chance.

Zephyr gave a content reply, disregarding any manners for his previous and sudden outburst, as he did not know the social etiquettes tied to such an action. "I think that sounds perfect. Just give me a map of Stalliongrad and the place we're going and I'll have that to you by tomorrow night. And I think it's a great idea to have us train together. I'm sure there's things we can share with each other to help us in case things happen."

It was two against one if Silver did voiced her vote against it and Zephyr knew this fact. Besides, Max had the final call on everything. Though now Zephyr had to make sure he could teach her something too. Maybe a bit about how street thugs think. He'd have to think on that, but for now, he was content to know there was at least something in his favor.

He finished his sandwich and eyed the apple pie, ready to consume the tasty treat, when suddenly another idea came up. "Would either of you like part of this pie, it smells great." Zephyr only performed the gesture to help his cause, and it helped everyone else out as well. Nopony would know the difference anyway.

Oh great, now Max was just asking for her to ask prodding questions that he didn't want to answer. Luckily their food had arrived and Zephyr immediately started eating, not thinking to thank the waiter, though no one else had done so, to his knowledge. The food, whether it was suppose to taste good or not, did not matter. It was excellent to Zephyr as he had been hungry for most of the second half of the train ride. He had severely underestimated the travel time on the train and did not pack anything to eat, something he rarely did. He would make sure to never make that mistake again.

Eventually Silver asked him a question, one which wasn't at all intrusive. He was happy to answer, seeing how it didn't include anything personal. "No. My delivery job only has me delivering east of the mountains that divide up the desert from there. I don't even have to fly over Everfree Forest, not that flying over it is that big a deal." He shrugged and went back to eating his food. His tone was friendly, but he didn't care to talk anymore to her. She didn't seem interested in any conversation and that was fine with him. He hadn't started on the apple pie, but he was looking forward to it. That would be saved for last.

Now that he thought about it, he did have one more question for Max. He hadn't finished his sandwich yet and he put it down to ask. "Max..." He glanced to him. "If we're leaving for Stalliongrad in a week or so, what are we going to do here while we wait?" He very much wanted to know the answer to this. Especially if it involved working with Silversword. If so, maybe he could think of ways now to engage in as little contact with her as possible. He let out a satisfying belch without warning. Zephyr would have held it back more, but he hadn't felt it coming very well.

"Discon... what?" He gave her an odd look as he tilted his head, then quickly moved on, shaking his head as he went to the next point. "Well, I'm sorry I assumed that about you. It was wrong." Zephyr meant it when he apologize, but his tone didn't lend itself to it. He looked away from the mare as he was bored of her and didn't really feel like forcing a conversation. He just wanted this day to end or for Max to give him a task to pass the time. As long as it was away from this mare.

He looked away from the mare and his thoughts went back to Copper Key. (Mal) He remembered her name well and wished she would be open to sharing it with others except for him. Though secrets was something he knew all too well and why they were important to keep. A promise was a promise, so he would never repeat her real name. Thinking about what she said, he was the only pony that knew the name and the only one she was willing to share it with. The thought made him feel special, and provided a happy place away from the situation at hoof.

Sure the tension had lifted somewhat, but he still had no freedom here. At least the knight could leave if she wanted to. Zephyr returned his focus to Max and sighed quietly, remaining completely silent otherwise.

Zephyr's ears twitched when Max ordered another drink. He had no idea Max would indulge like that, though he had heard that some ponies drink a lot more when they were under lots of stress. 'Maybe he was drunk in the cave... No, he probably wouldn't have been able to speak so well.' Letting the habits of other ponies he didn't care about bother him would be silly, so he dismissed the thought, he was more concerned with how Silver answered his question. Something about it rubbed his fur the wrong way, he needed more clarification.

He responded to her wing showing very matter-of-factly. "No need to show them, I already caught a glimpse earlier." He put his fore-hooves on the table. "I mean unless you're showing them off, which if that's the case, I think they're okay." He only took a slight glimpse at her wings and was simply saying 'okay' in the small chance she just wanted some recognition as a pegasus. Though thinking on that more, he found it weird and dismissed any further thought on it.

"There's something that bugs me about your answer. You said your sword makes it quicker to strike down dangers. These dangers wouldn't happen to be other ponies would it? Isn't killing against some 'knight code of honor' or whatever?" Giving a small hoof gesture as he spoke. "Even I wouldn't kill others to defend myself if I didn't have to."

He knew the question was quite blunt and standoffish, but her wording confused him.

Roommates put in 'Batman Begins' so we watched that.

Yeah, going to wait on the episode before I listen.

The waiter took their orders and left the party of three alone in their awkward silence. Conversations wasn't something Zephyr was very good at, especially with ponies who had almost nothing in common with him. He ignored Max' comment about the drinking, and wasn't sure what he meant by it. The one time Zephyr indulged too much with alcohol, it left him sick and in an altered state of mind that he did not enjoy. After that situation, he never touched any such drink again nor had any interest in doing so. He never understood the drinking habits of others and chose to avoid being around it. The social implications behind it further destroying his interest in such activities as Zephyr preferred being in quiet places away from crowds.

Zephyr didn't want to go back to jail and if Max' threats were true, he knew he needed to get along with Max, and unfortunately Silversword as well. Something needed to be said among them and if Max was the only one making any effort toward this, this awkward atmosphere would definitely continue on longer. Zephyr decided to look at Silversword and pick out anything about her that caught his attention that could be used for a conversation. Her sword, Zephyr always found weapons to be odd. While Zephyr understood why getting the upperhoof in a fight was important, he himself would often employ many means of leverage on his opponent, but a standard weapon always confused him. His preference was a good old fashioned hoof beating whenever possible. He kept his look at Silversword, trying to keep his glance neutral. He didn't care to look friendly, but he didn't want to look intimidating.

Finally he spoke... "Is that sword you're carrying your preferred method to fight? Seems a bit impersonal to me, but I guess in your line of work, that wouldn't matter. I've always preferred more direct methods if it comes to a tussle." Maybe, just maybe, this could lighten the mood. He didn't know what else to talk about. Fighting was something he felt he was good at and seemingly, the only common ground he shared with the mare.

(( OOC: I don't know if that would make it hard for Max to do much since Zephyr went straight to Silver. I wouldn't mind the posting order periodically changing if someone sees that it wouldn't mess things up. Anything that works as long as everyone is fine with it. Sorry for the late reply (well late for us), this may happen periodically this week. ))

As they all walked toward the restaurant of Max' choosing, Zephyr had been eyeing Max as something was off about how he walked. He kept a close eye for awhile and as they entered the restaurant, he realized what was wrong. Max had a slight hobble coming from the leg that Zephyr had nearly broken back in the cave. Seeing his handiwork affect Max for such a long time didn't make Zephyr feel that great and reminded him of why Max was probably treating him like dirt for most of this.

The lack of windows made the place rather drap as it was completely reliant on artificial lighting and no view, but other than that, Zephyr didn't mind it. He was certainly happy to hear that Max would be paying. Max was on his way to having a reliable protector in Zephyr if he fed him well. Zephyr thought about speaking it out loud, but kept that thought to himself. He paid no mind to the other customers inside, though their greet was rather odd. They spoke as if they knew Max on a personal level. Did Max frequent this place or live in Appleoosa? No way, that was impossible. Not Max.

There was an awkward silence and then a sudden outburst from Silversword. She must've sat on something unpleasant from the looks of her. It was hard, but Zephyr managed to hold back a laugh. When she sat, Zephyr averted his eyes from her and remained quiet. The atmosphere being somewhat tense and awkward as none of them smiled or spoke. Which then led to another decently sized speech from Max...

'Wait a minute... Max LIVES here?!' Zephyr couldn't believe that. Max living in a place like this? He had a bit more respect for the rich stallion. Zephyr didn't know Max was capable of living in places that weren't a big luxurious mansion probably made of gold and diamonds. He knew his thoughts about Max were wrong and unfair, but he felt ponies like Max were why he had such a hard life in the past. It was hard breaking this misconception.

Zephyr thought about everything Max had said. He lived here in Appleoosa and they were going to Stalliongrad to discuss something. It must be about the railroad he mentioned that he would have built. All Zephyr was supposed to do was protect him in Stalliongrad and do whatever else he was told. Though Zephyr didn't understand why Max would need the protection of two ponies there, it was probably no better or worse than Manehattan in terms of crime. He had heard the place was a bustling economic center. Zephyr put all the pieces together in his head to something that made sense to him and verbalize his thought to Max.

"So you're having a railroad built from..." Just then, the waiter approached and asked to take their orders. Zephyr took Max' earlier advice, saying it exactly as Max had said it, as he had no idea what that was except for the alfalfa part. "Oh! I would like an alfalfa and watercrest sandwich and an..." Since Max was paying and he DID mention it. "apple pie! Those would be great!" He turned back to his two table companions with a smile, ready to eat, as he was hungry from the long train ride. Silversword seemed to have calmed down, from the expression on her face. Good, he hated her, but it would be nice to get to know her a bit better without scornful remarks from either of them. If Max was going to make an effort for this, Zephyr felt it only fair to try as well. In a sense, Max could be doing him a favor.

Something needed to be done about this dreary atmosphere between them all. Max seemed to want to lighten up the mood and Zephyr felt compelled to follow suit. He was surprised and a bit impressed with Max, despite his seeming lack of experience with this sort of thing. He could tell Max wasn't that great with getting others to work well together. Or at least it didn't show. Forcing the two into the same room when they already hated each other didn't seem like a good idea. Despite this, Max was honestly trying and Zephyr found it deserved respect, so he would comply without question as long as he remained fair. Though he still wanted to hit him for the tracking device. Zephyr was going to try and remove it when he got the chance and discard it in a hole in the desert somewhere. Or the Manehattan junkyard.

Zephyr saw Max picking up the pace after he glanced back to the two of them and did the same to keep up. He decided to keep a lightened tone as they made their way into town. "Looking forward to that apple pie, I suspect you'll be taking care of our food expenses?" Zephyr really hoped the answer was yes as he was sure Max wouldn't be cheap. Since they were going to be spending a lot of time together, Zephyr was sure he would be eating where Max ate, which meant good food. As they made their way further into Appleoosa, Zephyr glanced around at the town's sights. Wow was it ever... sparse. Zephyr was used to big cities like Manehattan, Cloudsdale, and Canterlot. Being in such a small town was actually a nice change of pace. This place was even smaller than Ponyville, which Zephyr found small.

A few times, Zephyr had to flick his ear and shudder his back slightly as a fly would land on him. Of what he knew about Max, Zephyr couldn't believe that Max would be found in a place like this. Why wouldn't they just meet in Manehattan where Max lived? This dusty desert town was just so... unlike the Max he remembered.

Leaving in a week so the two of us can get to know each other? Zephyr couldn't believe this. Of all the bad luck. Couldn't they just get to know each other on the train there since that's also going to take a few days? Bleh, he didn't want to get to know her at all. Sure he had to work with her for a few weeks, but that was it and then they would go their seperate ways and hopefully never have to speak with each other again.

Zephyr wasn't ready for what Max said just before he started trotting off. Rooming together with that... thing? Zephyr was sure this wouldn't end well. He'd rather room with Max instead if there were only two rooms, or her with him would be even better. Plus, he had a marefriend and he knew she would not approve of him sleeping in the same room with another mare. This whole situation was a disaster just waiting to happen. Every moment it just got worse and worse.

Just as Silversword started her trot after Max, Zephyr began his as well, trotting faster than her and going passed her closer to Max, not even glancing at her as he passed her by. And great, the three of them eating lunch together. It was starting to get pretty obvious that Max had no idea what he was doing. It was as if he wanted this to fall apart before it even began. He had thought about warning Silver, as he passed by, that he had a marefriend, and to not get any ideas, but knew there was no point.

Upon getting closer to Max and thinking of food, he realized he hadn't eaten for the entire trip to Appleoosa, and was hungry. He spoke lightly on the subject. "Lunch sounds great, what are we eating?"

The mud on her face still made her look rather cute, she was definitely easy on the eyes. Zephyr was actually feeling bad for how he led her on to thinking that he had liked her. Though the thought did cross his mind during all this, he was still unsure and wanted some time to really think it through. He did feel that it was right to accompany the mare for the evening, as per her wishes.

She walked toward her growing watermelons, giving one a nuzzle, and talking about how she talks to her plants. A thought he found odd. She passed him a grin and patted the spot next to her. He knew what it meant and found no harm in sitting next to the mare. On his way toward her, he began thinking of conversation topics, he was no good at this. He realized they were back to a situation that he wasn't all that great with. There's got to be something we can talk about. I don't want to disappoint her more than I already have. Or maybe I do, if she doesn't like talking to me, she won't like being around me.

He reached the spot she had gestured for him to sit at and for her pleasure, sat just next to her. He still hadn't thought of a topic, and he couldn't go through with trying to get her to dislike him. If anything, he wanted to keep her as a friend as he did like that she was okay with his awkward social nature. He sat in silence for a moment, when a question came up. It was so obvious a question to him. His ears perked up and he smiled as he looked toward her at his side.

"Why do you talk to your plants? Does it do anything to them?" It was the perfect conversation topic, at least he thought.

For once, Max said something in Zephyr's favor and actually apologized for Silver's threat, even reprimanding her. It was a bit assuring for him and he didn't feel quite so down as before. As long as nopony was unfair, Zephyr felt they could possibly get along. Though he couldn't help but think what could happen if the two of them were alone. Then again, she had her honor to protect, surely she wasn't stupid enough to just start a fight with him over nothing.

"I merely stated my opinion. While I recognize it may have seemed arrogant.."

'May have seemed arrogant? This mare sure is full of herself.' Zephyr hated her more with everything she said. Seemed arrogant, it WAS arrogant and ignorant in his eyes. She nothing about him and made these big claims. He wanted to hurt her so much.

"It would be far more dangerous for one to go in a large group." Zephyr did agree with that however, but kept to his previous thought and said nothing, so he simply nodded in agreement with her statement.

Zephyr just wanted to move on with this, but he didn't want to say much, hoping to not upset anypony again. If he just remained quiet and did as he was told, he could get through this with as little trouble as possible. "When do we leave for Stalliongrad?" It was a simple question and to the point. He stopped at that and waited to hear the rest of the plan and hopefully his duties, but he wasn't expecting that much. He figured his job details and duties would change as this went along.

"Why are you recommending that I watch My Little Pony? You HAVE seen the previous renditions of this right? They all SUCK!!"

What I didn't like though was how Rarity suddenly forgot she's the element of generosity and wasn't willing to compromise with Sweetie Belle. Dunno, felt a bit too forcefully convenient for the episode.

Her being the element of generosity wouldn't change how she is. Yes, she's got those traits which led to her matching that element, but it's not going to suddenly magically change her to compromise in every situation. I felt she was written right in this. This is her work, her entire livelihood. For the most part, it's usually the only times she truly freaks out is when it involves her work.

Zephyr was hating this situation even more as Max was now talking down to him as if he thought he was better. He felt himself getting angry at Max' condescending tone, but he kept himself in check, he didn't need this silly knight here for that. Whom he could feel staring at him with those cold eyes and that annoying smile that he really wanted to smack off her face. Of course she'd have a weapon, she's probably not a decent enough fighter on her own. Though Zephyr wasn't assuming this to be the case, he was sure she had some martial training.

He couldn't help but roll his eyes at Max' desert comment. Like Zephyr was scared of being left somewhere. He knew how to take care of himself. Even in the desert, he was sure he'd figure something out. Though Zephyr wouldn't have done so if he knew Max was simply going to use yet, another condescending tone with him. His last words stung however, even from Max. Zephyr wasn't sure how a simple eye roll in response to what he saw as a rather ridiculous statement could be considered disrespectful.

"Unlike this one, I could actually survive in a desert.."

He knew it, she DID think she was better. Of course she'd join in and kick him while he was down after Max' whole ramble. He wanted to explain to her about his being able to take care of himself and survive on his own, but seeing how Max had just told him to get along with her and to be 'respectful' or whatever, he didn't and remained quiet. Yet she didn't stop, she kept making small quips toward him. Zephyr was beginning to feel... bullied. It wasn't a good feeling. He didn't know why he even cared, but he felt oddly alone and horrible that everypony here hated him, neither of them even know much about him. Maybe it was due to knowing he was going to be spending an extended and unknown amount of time with the two of them. He didn't want their approval, he didn't care for that, but he felt he didn't deserve the treatment he was getting.

Zephyr thought back on what had happened so far, and he realized all he's done is ask a simple question for clarification and an eye roll to Max, maybe a glare or two to the knight. He sighed after Silversword made the last verbal jab toward him and his ears drooped down. If this was the way it was going to go, he would simply interact with the two of them as little as possible.

Zephyr ignored the mare once again, he didn't pass her a glare or any mean looks, and glanced to Max. He spoke softly, looking down somewhat. "I understand Max. I won't be a problem for you."

He would try to get through this with as few incidents among them as possible. That mare had better watch what she says though, Zephyr felt her lucky that he was under such strict conditions. He wasn't scared of her, he simply hated her, he hated everything about her. Everything she said and did only reinforced his self-given perception of her job.

Just as Max noticed Zephyr was close, without warning, Max levitated an object toward Zephyr and snapped it to his left hind leg. "What the hay is this?!" Zephyr shouted instantly the moment it snapped onto his leg, as he started giving it a shake to knock it off, which it did not budge.

"Do not be alarmed, Zephyr. It's merely a tracking bracelet, nothing more."

Zephyr just knew there would be much more to this than was originally told to him. He wasn't happy, in fact, he was angry about this. This rich snob was now his boss for all of his community service time. As Max continued, Zephyr began to wonder if it would be better to simply beat Max up again and take up the remainder of the sentence along with another assault charge, in a cell. He quickly threw that thought to the side. It can't be that bad, and that cell was terrible for even that one night, or at least it would have been if his cellmate wasn't there for most of the waking time of it. Plus he wouldn't get to see Mal again for an even longer period of time. Periodically, Zephyr would poke at the bracelet with his right forehoof or shake his left slightly, hoping the bracelet would give a slight budge, but it didn't move a single millimeter.

Then Max mentioned something worse for Zephyr. This silver pegasus, who seemed to be hiding her wings, was a knight. Even worse, he would have to take orders from her. Zephyr did not do well when around authority of any kind, and now he would have to take orders from one for an extended period of time. This wasn't going to be good at all.

'I should take her out now while she's not expecting it, then break ALL of Max' legs. Yes, take out her hind legs first, maybe one of her wings, then fly up with Max and drop him.' These thoughts whirled through his head as Max spoke and the knight looked at him. This whole situation was unexceptable, but he had no way out. It was this or a cell. It wasn't even freedom, he was almost literally chained to Max. He chose to stick with it.

Silversword glanced to him and smiled. 'Don't smile at me you self-righteous twit.' Zephyr simply frowned and gave her a glare before returning his eyes to Max. The mission wasn't exactly clear to him, but he still reluctantly replied. "I understand." It hurt to say it.

Zephyr had to add his confusion to the statement however. "I'm a little confused though. Why me? If I'm such a 'wild card', why do you want me here? I mean, it's me and this... her here." He pointed his left hoof toward her, the bracelet rubbed against him as he did so. Already this thing was beginning to show just how annoying it was going to be. "Are we protecting you from something?"

Zephyr wasn't happy at all about this, not happy at all. His initial punishment had been extended. Apparently upon reviewing the situation, he was found that he should have gotten much longer than a simple one week sentence of imprisonment for what he had done. Assaulting three royal guards and resisting arrest. Since he was let out early and given the community service time, they didn't put him back in. Instead, he was assigned to assist in this project until it was finished, or his community service time requirement had been reached, which he didn't want to think about. The extension on that was ridiculous in Zephyr's mind. Zephyr would have fought such things, but he knew he wouldn't be able to articulate his argument well enough and knew it would simply fall on deaf ears because of that.

He knew he would be away for a few weeks before they would give him a break, which was greatly upsetting. All he wanted to do was spend more time with Mal again, but now this was getting in the way. He found it ironic that if he didn't get punished, he wouldn't have met the mare at all.

He didn't even know what the this project was, only that it was privately funded. He was simply told to take a train to Appleoosa at a specific time and meet up with a white unicorn named Maximillian. The name was incredibly familiar. His first thought was the Max that he had gotten stuck with in a cave near Manehattan, but that was impossible. What would a rich snob unicorn like that be doing out in some dusty hole like Appleoosa? Zephyr had no ill will toward the town, in fact, he was somewhat liking the idea of being able to come out here. But he knew it was not a place that Max would like to be, he was sure Max would think the town was beneath him. So no, he was definitely meeting up with another white unicorn named Max. Zephyr hoped so...

The train ride was uneventful. The car he was in was luckily very quiet. There weren't many ponies around. He did glance about a few times at the few that were in there. Some blue earth pony stallion, a silver earth pony mare that Zephyr noticed had a sword under a cloak, though upon having a second glance, he was sure he saw wings under the cloak. There were a few other ponies with various arrays of colors.

"Everypony off!" Zephyr heard somepony yell it from the front. He waited for everypony else to leave the train before him as he was in no rush to get off the train. There were still a few ponies on board when Zephyr decided he would get off the train. He wanted to stretch his legs and wings anyway. Zephyr wasn't prepared for what he had just seen as he walked out of the train doors. There stood Max, the one he was hoping very much wouldn't be the Max he remembered. He was talking with that silver pegasus mare that he had seen before. He knew now this was who he, unfortunately, was supposed to meet up with here. Well, at least Max was simply the middlestallion in all this. Max would just be bringing him to his 'real boss' in this. Oh he so hoped that was true. This unicorn knew his secrets, and worse, he had crippled the pony during their last encounter. Hopefully Max did not know the reasons for his being here.

Zephyr's legs reluctantly began to bring him closer to Max and the silver mare. When he was within a decent speaking distance, and in Max' line of sight, he stopped and said nothing, only looking at Max. There was no way this could end well.

Zephyr was thinking things over as he glanced back to Holly. He tried to pay no mind to her hoof on his flank, but it wasn't as if he could ignore it. It was a mare with her hoof there after all. Though all he could do was frown as he looked at her trying to convince him to stay.

'So she just wants to talk, that should be fine I suppose.'

He finally turned his body to face her, still keeping his frown. "You didn't sound dishonest at all. I was just flustered and I'm sorry I said all that. A nice pony like you doesn't deserve such treatment." He sighed. "You go and admit you like me and I just shout in your face about it." Zephyr was feeling too down to feel nervous anymore. He hadn't been looking at the mare, but rather her hooves, with his head down. Zephyr knew he was being rude and lifted his head to look at Holly, trying to not look quite so gloomy.

"I guess I could stay and talk for awhile. I don't really have many friends... I guess... I guess I don't really have any friends at all." Upon thinking more about it, he wouldn't mind having a conversation partner for the evening. It would be nice to finally have a normal conversation with somepony for once. If she didn't ask too much about his past, it shouldn't be too bad, he thought.

With that thought, his frown shifted a bit to a lighter expression. "If you really don't mind, I'll stay for now and we can talk. I really should apologize again for all those things I just said. I didn't mean any of it. Well... except for the last part." His ears drooped down upon having to tell her this. "I'm just not a good stallion. It's better for you if you forget about liking me any more than a friend." Zephyr felt lucky. What were the chances that this mare actually liked him? Even so, he still felt he needed to think about this. Now that it was brought up to him, he didn't know how to really handle such things. Zephyr wondered if he just didn't like her back the way she liked him. Still, he did want a friend.

It was another delivery to Ponyville for Zephyr. This would be one of his last deliveries for awhile as he was being forced into helping the lead organizer for some project out in Appleoosa. Zephyr didn't know the details behind it, he just knew it was counting toward his community service and would be taking leave from his delivery job as the project apparently required him to stay on site around the clock. That was going to be annoying. No pay for 24/7 work, but at least it would quickly burn through that community service, which upon closer look at the official papers, was more than the 100 hours initially set. Zephyr had forgotten that the Canterlot Royal Guard's sentence said 'no less than 100 hours' which was convenient for them as they could set whatever they wanted.

Due to this time that he knew he'd be away, he did go visit his 'partner in crime', Malediction, the day before this. He did say he was going to pay her a visit and Zephyr made sure to keep his word to her. It wasn't something he would ever forget, and he planned to go see her again as soon as he was able to.

Now that Zephyr thought about it, this would probably be THE last one for some time. It was a bit depressing. Not that he wanted to do this delivery job forever. He just hated being forced into whatever that project would be. Though he had to be thankful that he didn't have to spend that time in a dungeon cell.

There were two parcels he needed to deliver to two different businesses that he wasn't familiar with. He figured it would be best to start with the Ponyville town square. As he made his decent, he noticed a fancy carriage, much too fancy for Ponyville. Zephyr glanced at it pulling toward the town square, but quickly paid it no mind, it was none of his business and he had other things to worry about.

Zephyr hadn't noticed that the carriage stopped in town square and as he landed, a red carpet was rolled out, which Zephyr landed on. It wasn't anything that he had ever seen before. Kinda soft, though incredibly pointless when there's nice soft green grass all around. Zephyr glanced around for some street names, hoping to see if one of the two packages matched a close by street address. Suddenly a loud announcing voice shouted.

“ANNOUNCING HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, PRINCE OF CANTERLOT, AUGUSTUS BLUEBLOOD!”

'Augustus Blueblood?... Royal highness?... In Ponyville? Why?' He thought to himself as he looked toward the carriage, which wasn't far off. There was a pony inside, but Zephyr couldn't see him very well. The name Blueblood was unfamiliar to him. Again, Zephyr realized he had other, more important things to do. Royalty wasn't any concern of his. He still stood upon the red carpet, unknowingly tracking a bit of dirt on it with his hooves, glancing around to see if he could spot somepony that might know where one of these two businesses were.

Zephyr was not expecting the mare to retort in the manner that she had. He figured she would run away, try to fight him, just something to get him away. Zephyr figured if the mare didn't like him, it would be easier for her to get over his rejection, but now that gambit had failed in every way. Some of the things she said bugged him. Sure he could see ponies being in love, but love at first sight? That stuff is for fairy tales and foal's dreams.

His cold, dark expression changed to confusion while she spoke. Zephyr realized that this was his fault, he probably led her on without knowing. Still, his idea not working caused some irritation. He didn't know anything about this mare, but he felt that stern look to be a bluff, it simply had to be. This mare was simply too... proper to understand him. Zephyr began to convince himself of this, and his earlier glare returned.

"Love at first sight. You... you're silly. That idea is silly!" He backed away and started walking in circles in front of the mare, lost in his own confusion and anger.

"You could... you could get hurt like this." He spoke while walking in his circle, looking down, and periodically glancing up toward the mare. "You have no idea that I could hurt you out here and nopony would be able to help you. And love... that's so silly. I can't believe you really think such a thing e-exists." Zephyr was simply rambling, continuing his angry circle walk. "All of that you said, it's... it's a lie. Why would you do that?! I think you're just saying all that stuff about liking me even if I killed somepony." He stopped briefly to look at her. "Which I DIDN'T!" And returned to his circle. "This is... this is just so silly. A mare like you, liking me. It's..."

He finally stopped his anger induced circle walk and looked toward Holly. "It's all a LIE!" He stared at Holly, gritting his teeth in anger and breathing heavily. As he stared at her face, he couldn't hold onto that anger though. She didn't deserve to have all this said to her. Finally, the anger washed away from his expression and he looked upon Holly with sad eyes.

"I'm sorry Holly Dash, but... I'm just not the stallion for you. I need some time to think about this." He turned away from her and starting walking away, his head drooping down.

Zephyr had to bring a forehoof up to cover a giggle when the colorful mare had rubbed mud on her face. It made her look far too cute, even Zephyr had thought so. She was just trying to wipe away tears, which sunk Zephyr's heart, as he had been the cause of that. He was ready to apologize for making her cry, but her next words caught him off guard. Sure she had said she liked him earlier, but a full on crush? Zephyr wasn't sure how to respond. And now she was apologizing to him, he was confused. 'She's never liked other colts like she likes me?'

Everything the mare said made Zephyr feel worse. Uncomfortable... never. He stood silent, listening to the mare, and thinking about his response. He had to let the mare down easy. Or maybe he should say yes. Zephyr wasn't sure, he thought if he said yes to her, it would make her happy, but then he could possibly make her feel worse later. Then she mentioned the word, 'dating'. Zephyr's mind began a whirlwind of thoughts. 'What if I start to actually like her? What if she starts liking me more? Then what? What if she finds out about what I used to be? Would she approve... she wouldn't. She's far too proper for a pony like me. She would hate me if she knew.' Zephyr was nervous, it was clear as day on his face. He had to take a step back. 'What do I say?'

Finally the awkward silence was too much and he started walking toward the mare. He knew how to handle this now. He'd make sure there was no way she could possibly like him. Not after this... His expression shifted suddenly. He began to slowly approach the mare with a menacing and cold stare, one which could make even most hardened of ponies back down. "You can't like me. You don't know anything about me, or what I've done." His tone matched his rather menacing expression and posture. "I'd like to hear you say those words after you know what I was... what I can be."

Zephyr was only a couple paces from Holly and his distance was still closing. Whether she had back away or not wasn't something Zephyr was aware of. "I don't think you can... And I find it rather silly that you would lead me out here alone when you've no idea..." He was now face to face with the poor mare. "... what I'm capable of." His eyes had narrowed on hers, and his tone colder with his last few words.

"...stupid..." Was the mare saying he was stupid? Zephyr was confused. Was the compliment too much? Was she upset because he couldn't help her? Maybe it was his awkward way a speaking.

"STUUPID!!! I REALLY LIKED YOU, YA KNOW!!!" And with that, the mare ran off.

Zephyr was about to say something, but the mare was gone in an instant into the woods. He couldn't believe the words she shouted to him. 'She liked me?' But now she was gone. Zephyr thought about chasing her down, but instead he simply sat back on his rump with a dumbfounded look on his face. It was another example to him that he still wasn't ready for any real social relationships with anypony. Even though the mare had run, he caught a glimpse of tears as she ran away. No matter what, Zephyr found that all he did was hurt everypony he met, whether he wanted to or not. He blamed the afternoon's sudden turn for the worse on his inabilities at comprehending others well.

He fell forward on his front side and laid in the grass, trying to hold back the tears that so desperately wanted their release. Crying wasn't something Zephyr ever liked doing, he usually always fought back any tears when possible, this moment was no different, they didn't flow. Then he caught sight of something... It was her fruit basket. The silly filly had left it behind. Zephyr couldn't let her leave it behind, so he got up from his mopy state, took the basket within his muzzle, and started toward the direction Holly had dashed off to.

Even though he couldn't see her anymore, tracking her was rather easy as she left easy to see hoofprints on the ground. Zephyr picked up his pace since tracking these prints wasn't too difficult, eventually finding himself in Whitetail Woods. Once there, the prints suddenly shot off in a different direction. For what reason, Zephyr was uncertain. Why would a pony suddenly do that? The possible thought that she was being chased entered Zephyr's mind and he picked up his pace again, just in case it was something that was flying, as he didn't see any other prints along with the mares. Whatever it was that was chasing her was causing her to gallop as her prints were stretched far apart. Soon he could hear the sound of a hoof hitting the ground and Zephyr stopped, following the hoofprints slowly. There were no other sounds such as screaming or... he stopped thinking morbid thoughts. It was simply the normal sound of the woods, its soft breeze, birds chirping, woodland creatures scattering about their day, and that digging sound. Zephyr made his way through some brush, following the prints through them, finally reaching a... small shack? Zephyr wasn't expecting to see that, among other things, like a garden.

Upon glancing over the garden, he saw the mare, harshly digging at the ground, putting effort into making sure her hooves could be felt along the soft soil. There was a sizeable hole by this point. It was clear she was upset, tears could be seen rolling down her face. He took extra care in his steps toward the mare, her back was to him, and he pondered on how to announce his presence to her. Upon reaching a few paces away, he laid the basket down in front of him and spoke softly, somewhat apologetically.

"Uh... excuse me." He paused for a moment to be sure he had her attention. "You left your basket back there." He nudged the basket with his right forehoof.