//------------------------------// // Chapter 18 - Going South // Story: The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds // by Kamahido //------------------------------// Sometime later, Arc and Auriel stand up from their chairs. “Well, we should probably be getting back to Cherry Jubilee's booth, Auriel. It's just about lunchtime.” Bon-Bon smiles at the pair! “Thank you for taking the time to stop and chat Arc. I'm sorry for the way I acted earlier. Derpy must truly be one lucky mare to be able to count you among her friends!” Lyra nods! “Yes... she is. Arc, I'm sorry for causing so much trouble for you with Ember. I promise to stop helping her try to... you know…” “Thank you, Lyra. I would appreciate it! But do you think you could do me one more favor?” “What's that?” Arc looks at her notebook. “Do your best to set the record straight on... everything human.” Lyra smiles. “Yes. I will.” Bon-Bon nods. “We both will!” As Arc and Auriel walk away, Lyra turns to Bon-Bon. “That right there made this entire trip worth the effort!” Bon-Bon nods. “You said it! We've learned so much!” Lyra sighs as she watches Arc and Auriel walk away. “Yes. But for the first time, I feel like we know so little! I've always thought humans were amazing creatures, but until today I never really understood just how much I want to understand what makes them tick!” Arc and Auriel return to Cherry's booth to quite the line of customers! They step behind the counter to a frantically busy Cherry and Ruby! “Things seem to be going well here!” Auriel’s eyes look to try and see the end of the line! “Well would be an understatement!” Cherry glances over as she fills an order. “Somehow word got around that we were serving food created by a human!” Ruby laughs! “Yeah! That and it tastes amazing!” Ember looks over their dwindling shelves! “We've almost sold out of everything Arc!” Dinky puts a completed order on the counter for a customer. “Yeah dad! And it's not even noon yet!” Cherry smiles nervously! “This is unprecedented! At this rate we won't have anything to serve the second wave of tourists!” “Second wave?” Ruby looks in the direction of the train station. Some ponies come from far enough away that they arrive shortly after lunch! This is the only time we get more than one train stopping here a week!” Arc turns to Cherry. “I'll head back to the ranch and whip up some more goodies!” Cherry shakes her head. “It's okay Arc! You really don't have to do that!” “It's fine. In fact, I insist!” “Can I come too dad?!” He nods. “Sure Dinky! I can use all the help I can get!” Auriel and Ember join Arc. “I will come as well!” “Let's do this thing!” Arc smiles! “Thanks everyone! We'll make this the most Cherry-riffic festival in the history of the town!” He turns to Ruby and Cherry~ “Are you two going to be okay by yourselves for a while?” Cherry nods. “Yes! We're used to doing this by ourselves! Oh, as long as you're heading back, I have some more pies in the refrigerator. Could you bring them along with more Cherry Preserves please?” “We're on it! Everyone follow me!” Arc quickly leads the party behind the stall where a large number of crates are stacked. He calls forth his gauntlets and quickly places a sigil on the ground! “Everyone on!” They do so. Arc quickly teleports everyone back to Cherry 's basement! Dinky, Ember and Auriel rush toward the Production Facility! Arc turns to call after them. “Get started without me! I'm going to run those cherry pies and preserves back over there! Hopefully it will buy us some time to make more food!” Ember nods! Good thinking! See you in a bit! Her and Dinky head to the Production Facility together! “Need a hand with that Arc?” “Sure!” Auriel and Arc grab the much-needed supplies and rush them back to the stall! Cherry gives a sigh of relief as they return! “Thanks you two!” “Ember and Dinky are making more goodies as we speak! We'll be back as soon as we can!” Ruby nods! “Don't push yourselves too hard! You’re supposed to be having a good time here!” Arc smiles! “Are you kidding?! I haven't had this much fun in years!” He and Auriel hurry back to Cherry Hill Ranch's production facility. Arc runs in the door and hurries over to a sink to wash his hands! “Okay, now I'm ready for this!” Arc and company spend the next two hours making more cherry-based foods! Hearing a train whistle in the distance he turns to the others! “Okay, that's going to have to do! Everyone grab everything and let's get back to town!” He calls forth his gauntlets and places a sigil on the Production Facility's floor. The group quickly steps on it! Arc activates the sigil and the group makes their way back to the booth! A large group of ponies can be seen heading toward town from the Train Station! Cherry nods to them as they return with the delivery! “Just in time, it seems!” Ruby points a hoof to a sizable crowd. “These treats are so popular, we've got a whole slew of customers who were waiting for us to restock!” Arc nods! “We'll do our best not to let them down!” Ember looks at the crowd nervously! “As much as we made, I don't think it's going to last too long! How about Auriel and I head back to the ranch and keep making this stuff?!” Arc nods. “Good idea! I'll come with you two!” Ember shakes her head. “No Arc. You should stay here. Didn't you see how the crowd followed you over here?! They all want a good look at a human I’d wager! You stay here, and the sales will climb!” Auriel nods! “Don't worry about us! We know what to do!” “Alright! Everyone do your best! I'll pop in every hour or so as I have time to pick up what’s ready!” Auriel and Ember fly back to Cherry Hill Ranch as fast as they can! Dinky looks to the huge crowd of ponies standing in line. “I just hope we can hold out!” Cherry puts a hoof on the filly’s shoulder. “Don't worry, Dinky! Everything will work out! Worst case scenario, we run out of food!” Ruby nods. “It's not the end of the world you know!” Arc look at the line with determination. “We can do this! I know we can!” They continue serving food to the festival go-ers! Arc returns to the production facility more times than he can count for various dishes, preserves, and anything else they need from Cherry Hill Ranch! On his most recent trip back Arc accidentally bumps into someone! An unfamiliar voice rings out! “Dad! Look out!” Arc stops as he feels the resistance of having hit something! He looks around his load. “Sorry about that! I was in too big a rush and didn't...” Filthy Rich is sitting on the ground collecting himself next to a rather angry looking filly! Behind him is another filly who appears to be hiding behind her father! Arc apologetic expression changes! “You?! After what you did to my friends, I take back my apology!” Filthy Rich stands and finishes dusting himself off. “Believe me, after the money you cost me on my last deal, I'm not too happy to see you either! But in any case, Hero of Light, I would like you to meet my daughters, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Dear, this is Hero of Light Arc. He's a servant to all pony-kind, or some other such nonsense.” Diamond Tiara looks down her nose at Arc, snootily. “How do you do.” She looks him up and down, clearly unimpressed! “Hmph! Not much to look at, but I guess being a clumsy oaf isn't a beauty contest! Well, as long as you're here, you can sell us a dozen Cherry Scones.” Arc walks past the Rich family. “Sorry, but you'll have to wait in line just like everyone else.” Filthy Rich calls out after him, irritated! “We're not much for lines!” Arc doesn’t turn around! “This will be good practice for you then. Now I would love to stay here and dump a jar of Cherry Preserves on your head, but I have to get back to work!” He leaves the fuming pair behind. Filthy Rich shakes his head. “Arrogant little cuss. Who does he thing he is talking to US that way?!” Diamond Tiara nods! “I agree father! He should learn to respect his betters!” Silver Spoon steps out from behind her father. “Well, the two of you could have been a bit more civil as well! Father, what did he mean about you doing something to his friends?” “Oh nothing dear. It was simply business!” Diamond Tiara looks to her father. “Whatever it was, I'm sure it was well within the bounds of the law, right father?” “Of course, dear! We Rich's have always stayed on the up and up!” Diamond Tiara nuzzles her father happily! “You're so good at making the law work for you, father. I hope someday I can be just like you!” “Don't worry my dear! I'll teach you everything I know!” Silver Spoon shakes her head! “Just because something is legal doesn't make it right!” Filthy Rich shakes his head and pats Silver Spoon on the head. “You have a lot to learn, Silver Spoon. For starters, there is no right and wrong in business! Just what is and what is not permissible by law!” Diamond Tiara walks over to her sister and gives her a hug. “Don't worry Silver Spoon! I'm sure you'll learn that eventually!” “You're a smart filly Silver Spoon. You just have to apply what you've learned to the real world.” Meanwhile… Arc returns to the others “Sorry I took so long. I ran into someone... unpleasant.” Ember looks at Arc’s dusty form. “Like what? A garbage can?” Arc shakes his head. “Nah! That would have preferable! I saw Filthy Rich and his daughters!” Cherry looks over angrily! “That skinflint has a FAMILY?!” Arc nods. “I too was surprised to learn that fact.” “Were his daughters nice, dad?” “One of them seemed to act like he did. The other seemed quite shy.” Ruby rolls her eyes, sarcastically! “Great! The next generation of business tycoons! Just what we DON'T need!” Arc looks at the sisters, confused. “This is very unlike you two. Is there more to this than simple business rivalry?” Cherry nods and turns back to her work. “There is, but we should focus on the task at hoof for the moment.” “Sounds good.” Arc and his friends help Cherry and Ruby in their booth until evening. Dinky looks at the crowd. “I'm seeing quite a few Hero of Light costumes out there!” Auriel nods. “You must be quite popular, Arc!” “The Hero of Light is the one who's famous. The human known as Arc... not so much. In fact, I get the feeling most of the ponies here don't even know what a human is!” Cherry sighs. “After all you've done, that's a bit depressing.” Arc shrugs. “I'm okay with it.” There is a sudden disturbance! The sound of a bell ringing several times can be heard! All the out of town ponies look around confused! “What's that ringing?” Cherry looks over at Arc. “It's the bell to summon the Dodge Junction Volunteer Fire Department. There must be a problem somewhere in town!” “Can we help?!” Ruby shakes her head. “It's alright. Three gongs mean the volunteers are to rally at the Fire House. They'll call for more help if they need it. Around here it's usually pretty minor stuff.” Ember turns to him. “You can't be everywhere Arc. Let them handle it.” “Well, okay.” A few minutes later the bell rings again! This time however, it is continuous! “Can I assume that’s them calling for reinforcements?” Ruby turns to them in a concerned voice! “This is bad! That's the signal for every able-bodied pony to report for duty! This is a real emergency!” Cherry moves to get a better view from the street! A cloud of smoke can be seen rising heavenward! “This doesn't look good! Is the Train Station on fire now?!” Arc nods! “Come on Ember! Let's go check it out! Dinky, you stay here with Auriel!” “But dad, they need EVERYPONY!” Arc sighs. “Fine! Just stay close to me!” Auriel looks to Arc. “I'll keep an eye on the booth!” “Thanks! We'll be back as soon as we can.” Arc, Ember, Dinky, Ruby, and Cherry all run toward the smoke! They quickly see that it is not the Train Station itself that is on fire, but a nearby building that housed the Costume Shop! The Sheriff and his Deputies are trying desperately to put out the blaze with the help of most of the townsponies, but are losing! Arc runs up to the Sheriff with Ember! “Need a hand, Sheriff?” “You're a big one! Well, we need everypony we can get right now! I haven't been able to locate the shop keeper anywhere!” Ember looks toward the blaze! “Do you think she might still be in there?!” The sheriff nods! “That's all I can think of! Our top priority is to get somepony in there to see if they can locate her! I've got a couple lads running back to the firehouse for some turnout coats and helmets!” The roof of the building begins to buckle! Arc shakes his head! “There's no time!” He grabs a bucket of water from a passing pony and dumps it over his head! “What are you doing, fella?!” Arc calls forth Eidolon's Ward! “My job! Ember, you stay out here and keep everyone back! I’m going in! “WHAT?! But…” Arc turns to her. “Just trust me!” Ember sighs. “Fine. But you be careful in there!” He charges forward and attempts to open the door! However, the heat of the fire has warped the door jamb! “Well, I guess it's time to put these to the test!” Arc activates his Hand Cannons and two Magic Blades emerge! He cross-cuts the door and kicks it in! Retracting his magic blades and running into the burning building, Arc calls out for the salespony! “SASSY SADDLES! WHERE ARE YOU?!” Hearing no response over the din of the flames, Arc advances deeper into the shop! Not seeing any sign of the mare in the shop, he heads for the back room! “SASSY SADDLES!” Entering the back room, Arc quickly spots a fallen clothes rack and a pile of costumes with a hoof sticking out from under them! Pushing the costumes aside, he quickly uncovers the unconscious mare! As he kneels down to pick her up, a loud snap can be heard above him! Looking up he sees that the main roof beam is giving way! “Great!” Standing over Sassy Saddles Arc raises a magic shield just in time to deflect the falling beam! It hits the shield along with most of the roof! Meanwhile from outside the building, Arc’s friends trot around nervously! Cherry turns to her sister! “Oh! What's taking him so long?! You don't suppose he's...” Dinky puts a hoof on Cherry's fetlock. “Don't worry! My dad's got this! At least... I hope he does.” Suddenly a large section of the roof gives way and crashes into the building! Ember and Cherry scream out! “ARC!!!” The pair rush toward the inferno, but can't even get close due to the intensity of the flames! Wide-eyed and fearful for her father's life, Dinky's eyes dart around looking for a way to help! She turns to the fallen front door, fully engulfed. “No...” Her eyes dart over to the other side of the building! Flames leap out of every window! “No...” Another large section of roof collapses inward as something inside Dinky snaps! “NOOOOOOOO!!!” Dinky runs forward to face the flames! She yells angrily to the burning building! “My daddy... GIVE HIM BACK!!!” Dinky's eyes suddenly glow white and she levitates a few feet off the ground! Strange runes cover her body and the surrounding ground! Reaching forward, she somehow pulls the flames out of the building to a central point between her hooves, where she magically compresses them into a small orb! When the flames are all gathered in front of her, she smashes the orb with her front hooves, extinguishing them in one blow! Returning to the ground, Dinky falls to her knees quite winded after expending so much energy! Ruby runs up to the little filly! “Dinky! Are you okay?!” Dinky turns to Ruby, breathing heavily! “I... I did it!” Ember flies over what’s left of the building! “Please Arc... don't be dead!” Cherry does her best to peek through the blown-out windows! She looks up at Cherry overhead! “I think I see him in the back!” Ember flies down! “On it!” She touches down and hurries over to Arc who is just throwing the last of the debris off of his magic shield! “Arc! Are you okay?” Arc nods weakly as he stands up from over top of Sassy Saddles unconscious form. ”Somehow.” “Can you make it?!” “Yeah. Thanks for coming after me though! What happened?!” Ember: shrugs as she helps Arc up! “I... don't know! Dinky just... it's hard to explain other than it reminded me of what she did that one time at the New Beginnings Orphanage!” Arc reaches down and picks up Sassy Saddles! He carefully carries her back to the front of the shop and exits through the front door to a cheering crowd! Spotting the town doctor trotting toward him, he sets Sassy Saddles down in the street for the doctor to examine! “What do you think doctor? Will she make it?” “Yes. She just needs treatment for smoke inhalation and a good night's rest. Just like you! Arc sighs in relief! “Glad to hear it!” Dinky walking as quickly as she can up to Arc! “Dad! Are you okay?!” “Yes, and I hear I have you to thank for that!” There is a sudden disturbance from the crowd as Filthy Rich and his daughters push their way through to the front! He storms over to them, angrily! “Where’s the sheriff?!” “Right here sir. Something I can help you with?” Filthy Rich points a hoof angrily toward what’s left of the building! “Not anymore you can't! Why did you let my building burn to the ground?!” “We all tried to put it out sir! It was just out of control!” “Well, do you have anypony in custody yet?” The sheriff looks at Filthy Rich, quickly becoming irate! “Do you really think I've had time to start an investigation yet?! These things take time! Why don't you at least thank the Hero of Light for rescuing your shopkeeper?!” Filthy Rich points a hoof at Sassy Saddles, angrily! “Her! She burned down my property! Sheriff, I want you to take her into custody immediately!” Ember rolls her eyes. “Oh sure! Ponies are always setting fires in buildings WHILE THEY ARE STILL INSIDE!” Arc stands up angrily and storms over to Filthy Rich! “Sassy Saddles is going to be fine by the way! Thanks for asking, you prick!” Cherry joins Arc! “Mr. Rich! Don't you have ANY shame whatsoever?! This young lady might have DIED!” Silver Spoon looks over with genuine concern in her eyes! “Please daddy! Can't you see Miss Saddles is hurt! Why would she do such a thing anyways?!” Diamond Tiara looks at the injured mare, huffily! “Because she wasn't hired to design clothes for the Rich family, that's why!” Filthy Rich nods! “I think my daughter here has hit the proverbial nail on the head! She didn't get her way, so naturally she wanted some kind of payback!” He turns back to the sheriff. “Sheriff, I must insist that this mare at least be held for questioning until a proper investigation can be completed! Now, are you going to do your duty, or do I have to take this matter over your head to Canterlot?!” The sheriff sighs. “Very well. I’ll escort her to the hospital and take her into custody as soon as the doctor releases her.” As the sheriff walks over to discuss the patient's condition, Arc looks over at Sassy Saddles. He notices tears beginning to silently fall from her closed eyes. “Sheriff, that won't be necessary. I’M taking Sassy Saddles into custody!” Filthy Rich glares at him! “What?! On who's authority?!” “My own! If you don't like it, you can take it up with my superiors!” Filthy Rich is livid! “But... you don't HAVE any superiors!” “EXACTLY! How does it feel Filthy Rich?! To have all that money, power and influence, but then realize it is USELESS when dealing with ME?!” A couple medics arrive and pick Sassy Saddles up. They lay her on a stretcher and carry her to the hospital! Arc turns to leave with them! “If you will excuse me, I'm going to follow the paramedics to the hospital and get an update on Sassy Saddle's condition.” Filthy Rich calls out after Arc and his friends! “The princesses will hear of this!” Arc doesn’t look back. “I hope they do!” The doctor and paramedics head back to the hospital followed by Arc, Dinky, Ruby, Cherry, and Ember! The paramedics transfer Sassy Saddles to a bed as the doctor continues examining her! After a few minutes he turns to Arc. “She's going to be just fine by tomorrow morning, sir.” Arc lets out a sigh of relief! “Glad to hear it!” Dinky approaches the bed and looks at the injured mare. “Are you sure doctor? She doesn't look too good to me! Cherry nods. “It's probably just because she's still covered in soot from the fire, dear. I'm sure the doctor knows what he's doing.” Ruby puts a hoof to her chin. “So... do we just leave her here for the night? Somehow that just feels wrong!” Ember turns to Arc. “You're not REALLY going to take her into custody, are you?” “No. But if I don't do SOMETHING Filthy Rich will have her in the town lockup!” “She can stay at Cherry Hill Ranch! It may not be as fancy as the local inn, but it certainly beats waking up in a cell!” “Thanks Cherry! I really appreciate this!” The doctor nods. “Normally I would say, under the circumstances, she should spend the night here. But I agree with you sir! A private residence would certainly be much safer for her right now than a public hospital! Now she has been sedated, but please see to it she has peace and quiet tonight.” Arc nods. “Thank you doctor. I'll take it from here. If anyone comes looking for her, just tell them the Hero of Light took her into custody.” The doctor nods. “Yes sir!” Arc opens a portal to Cherry Hill Ranch. The others walk through it as Arc picks up Sassy Saddles and carries her through. The party walks up the basement stairs. Cherry sighs. “Whew! What a day this has been!” “It's not over yet sister! The festival doesn't end for several more hours. You and I should be getting back to the booth.” “Ember... Dinky... do you think the two of you together could bathe Sassy Saddles? She really is a mess after her ordeal.” Dinky nods! “Sure dad! But she's not the only one!” Ember shakes her head as she looks at Arc. “Dinky's right! You're a mess too!” Arc looks down at his armor. It is covered in dirt, grime and soot! “I guess you're right. That and I don't feel any cleaner underneath my armor either!” Arc carries Sassy Saddles to the bathroom and lays her in the shower before stepping back! “I'll let you two take it from here.” Ember turns to Arc as she undresses the unkempt mare. “Don't worry about a thing. We'll take good care of her.” Dinky helps Ember. “Yeah dad! Leave it to us!” Arc nods and heads back to the Living Room where Cherry and Ruby are waiting. “I'll get cleaned up and head back over to the booth as soon as I can!” Cherry looks down and softly speaks. “No.” “What was that Cherry? I didn't quite catch that.” She looks up at him, angrily! “I said no, Arc!” Ruby steps back, confused! “Sister? What's gotten into you?!” “You NEED to rest now, Arc! This entire trip was supposed to be a vacation for you! But all you've done is WORK the whole time! That and I... I... Cherry starts to tear up. “I almost lost you AGAIN!!!” Cherry collapses to the floor sobbing! As Arc kneels down to her level, she immediately lunges towards him and throws both hooves around his neck, knocking Arc on his back and launching herself into fresh hysterics! “Please Cherry! I'm filthy! You don't want your coat getting soot in it, do you?” “I don't care! All your stories of the adventures you've been on! The danger! The thought of losing your scares me more than you can understand!” “But Cherry, I'm fine!” Cherry raises her head to look Arc in the eye! Tears still stream down her face! “Yes! You're all right! Every time you find some way to make it through and emerge victorious! This time though... I... watched... I WATCHED AS YOU ALMOST DIED!!! Don't you understand how scared I was?!” She again lays her face on Arc's chest and continues crying as he holds her close and strokes her mane. “It's just... I love you Arc! I love you SO MUCH!!! If anything were to happen to you... I just don't think I could go on living! There's nopony else in this whole wide world that I've ever felt this way about! No other stallion has EVER made my heart soar like you do just be being near me!” Ruby closes her eyes and smiles. “That was beautiful sister! Arc, I hope you understand just how lucky you are.” Arc nods. “I do. And I too feel very... strongly about you too, Cherry.” Cherry breaks the embrace and sits back on her haunches before getting down on her knees, all four of them, smiling! “Arc... would you... would you please make me the happiest mare in all Equestria and take me... as your wife? I know this is rather sudden, but I have never been more certain of ANYTHING in my entire life! We can run the ranch together! Bring joy to ponies everywhere! Please...” Arc is taken aback by her request! “This is... really quite sudden! I do care about you very much Cherry! And I must secretly confess, I have on several occasions dreamed of taking a wife and settling down to a more... peaceful life.” Cherry looks to Arc with hearts in her eyes! “Can I take that as a yes?!?!?!” Arc shakes his head sadly. “I'm sorry Cherry but... I just can't! There are so many things I still have yet to do to keep this land safe... to keep YOU safe! Please forgive me! I mean... I'm flattered that you want me as a spouse, but... I'm really sorry...” Cherry rises from her knees with a sad smile on her face and nods. Tears still in the corners of her eyes “Somehow I knew you would say something like that. However, that just makes me love you even more! But you see, I didn't want to not ask and spend the rest of my life wondering what could have been!” Cherry walks over to Arc and kisses him lovingly on the cheek over and over again as the two embrace for what seems like forever! She whispers over his shoulder. “If you should every change your mind, you know where to find me... my dear sweet Arc.” Arc whisper back. “I'll keep that in mind. And... I really am sorry.” She closes her eyes and smiles. “So am I…” Ruby quietly goes upstairs to check on Dinky and Ember's progress. “How's it going in here you two?” Ember turns to Ruby as she rinses Sassy Saddles mane out gently. “Perfect timing! Can you tell Arc we're almost done here?” Dinky nods as she readies a towel. “We need his help getting Miss Saddles out of the tub. Can you get him for us please?” “Sure. One second...” Ruby walks down the hall toward the stairs and returns to the Living Room. Arc and Cherry have broken their embrace and are talking quietly. About what Ruby cannot hear. “I'm sorry to break up this moment, but Arc is needed upstairs to help put a certain very lucky mare to bed.” Arc nods as he stands. “Thanks Ruby. I'll take care of it.” As Arc walks up the stairs Cherry calls out after him. “Don't forget Arc! You should get to get to bed yourself soon! Ruby and I need to get back to the booth now! Auriel must be going crazy wondering what happened to us!” Arc looks back and smiles at Cherry. “Don't worry. I'll get some sleep very soon. Just be sure and let her know everything is fine now.” “We will!” Cherry and Ruby leave the house and walk down the road towards town. “I'm sorry it didn't work out for you, sister.” Cherry smiles wistfully. “Maybe someday, Ruby...” Meanwhile Arc carries a sleeping Sassy Saddles to the guest room he shares with Dinky. He lies her on the bed and covers her with the blankets before turning to Dinky. “Sweetheart, would you mind sharing a bed with Miss Saddles tonight? I want her to wake up tomorrow next to a familiar face.” “Sure dad. But where will you sleep?” “On the couch in front of the fireplace. It wouldn't be my first time spending the night there.” Dinky yawns. “Okay. Good night dad!” “Good night Dinky.” Arc leaves the Guest Room and quietly closes the door behind him. Ember is waiting for him in the hall. “I think I'm going to head to bed myself. It's been quite the day!” “Agreed. The couch is calling my name. Goodnight Ember.” Ember walks toward him and gently kisses Arc on the cheek. “Goodnight... Arc.” Arc takes a quick shower before walking slowly downstairs and lying down on the couch. In minutes he is fast asleep. Several hours later he is awoken by Cherry, Ruby, and Auriel returning home with more bits than they can count! “...and that's how it happened!” Cherry giggles! “Thanks for filling us in on that Auriel! Although it really doesn't put my mind at ease like I had hoped it would.” Auriel sighs. “Sorry about that. But you deserved to know the truth of the matter.” Arc pokes his head up over the couch. “And what truth would that be?” Cherry look over, surprised! “Arc! I'm so sorry we woke you! What are you doing on the couch?!” “Sassy Saddles is sleeping in my bed.” Ruby nods. “Oh... well, that makes sense! Very gentlemanly of you Arc!” Arc turns to Auriel. “Sorry for leaving you behind like that. I hope you weren't overwhelmed!” “Not at all. With the excitement of the moment, ponies seemed more interested in seeing the action than buying food!” Ruby giggles! “That's not what it looked like to me when we got back!” Cherry nods! “Yes dear! You were swamped! All that excitement must have made everypony hungry!” “Yes. I suppose it was fortunate that you arrived when you did. But if you don't mind, I think I'm ready for bed now. Today was really fun, but exhausting!” Cherry waves. “Goodnight Auriel! Thanks for all your help today! Pleasant dreams! Auriel returns to the room she is sharing with Ember. Cherry looks to Arc a bit embarrassed. “Auriel was just telling us the story about how the two of you met.” Arc chuckles nervously. “Uh... how far did she get into that story?” Ruby giggles. “She just told us the part where she dragged you to the hospital after you passed out.” Arc facepalms. “Not my finest moment.” Cherry nods. “I'm happy it worked out for you... and for her! She's such an innocent little thing! Now how about the two of us let you get back to sleep now, Arc. We know just how hard you've been working lately.” Arc looks at the sisters, a bit uncomfortable. “Uh... actually, if you two aren't too tired, do you think we could talk?” Cherry nods. “Well, okay.” “Sure!” The three sit down on the couch together. “I wanted to talk to you two about... Filthy Rich.” Cherry nods angrily! “What about him?!” “Please sister! Try to stay calm this time!” Arc nods. “When the name was brought up at the booth earlier today, you really seemed genuinely upset, Cherry! It actually worries me! I can only assume you've had your own dealings with him in the past.” Cherry hangs her head sadly. “Yes... it's true. Now I don't mind talking to YOU about this Arc, but please keep it to yourself.” “Of course! Believe me, that's a common request whenever I ask someone about their dealings with that particular stallion.” Ruby nods. “This actually goes all the way back to when our grandparents were still running the ranch!” “There is a chance it may go back further, but let's not get carried away.” Ruby continues. “You see, Arc, our parents never actually told us the story themselves. We had to piece it together from what we had heard second-hoof and what they had written in their journals.” Cherry sighs. “Supposedly it all started when our ancestors were trying to get Cherry Hill Ranch off the ground. They borrowed quite a large sum of money from Filthy Rich's grandfather, Stinking Rich.” Arc blinks a few times. “I'm sorry, but can you repeat that name please?” “Who? Stinking Rich?” “Well, that explains a lot. Please continue.” Cherry looks confused, but continues. “Well, that ‘original debt’ if you will, was never actually repaid! Cherries aren't exactly the highlight of everypony’s diet. Through the generations our family has tried very hard to pay it off!” Ruby nods. “But the best anypony has been able to manage is to just pay it down. Every so many years something will happen that causes us to get behind on our payments.” “Like what?” “A bad harvest here... a drought there. I mean, it's all part of farming but... up until recently we thought that OUR grandfoals would still be stuck with this debt!” “What do you mean ‘up until recently’?” Ruby sighs. “Well according to our math, if nothing changes, in less than three years our debt will be more than the ranch is worth! At that point Filthy Rich will more than likely foreclose on us and we’ll lose everything our parents and grandparents worked so hard to build!” Arc frowns! “Either that or he'll start wanting cherries at just above cost to cover the payments.” The sisters are silent for a moment, just looking at each other>. “Let me guess... he already has?” Ruby nods. “You guessed it.” Arc shakes his head. “This arrangement is almost cut and pasted from... some close friends of mine back in Ponyville! That kniving little...” Cherry interrupts. “Each generation of the Rich family has always been shrewder than the previous. Filthy Rich himself is the culmination of his ancestor’s business practices! They pass it down from generation to generation!” “The problem now is that Filthy Rich is still trying to get out from under his father's shadow if you will. So he's trying to outdo him in every way!” Cherry nods. “Which sadly means that those whom are indebted to him are pretty much viewed as property themselves!” Arc clenches a fist angrily! “Argh! I wish I could take Filthy Rich down!” “So do we! But he's REALLY good about always following the law! As much as we hate it, there's nothing we can do to stop him!” “We've been paying our interest payments with free cherries for years now! In fact, it's part of the reason we can't seem to get ahead!” Ruby sighs. “Most customers would rather buy from him, as he can offer better prices! They don't know he's getting the inventory practically for FREE!” “What a scam! But I would imagine it's completely legal?” “As legal as legal can be! Nopony has yet been able to find a loophole in our old contract, as there really is no fine print. It's just the original amount along with a modest interest rate.” Ruby looks down at her hooves. “It's generally accepted that Stinking Rich was actually a very generous stallion who only wanted to help others! The interest rate was really pretty low for the time! However the principal has grown so much that just the interest alone is enough to choke us!” “Well, that's the story. If you have a solution to this Mr. Problem Solver, I would love to hear it.” “If I think of something I'll let you know. That Filthy Rich character is a slippery one. If I ever dig up any dirt on him, I may just use it to make him go easy on you two.” Ruby shakes her head vehemently! “Please don't! We wouldn't be able to sleep at night if you did!” Cherry nods at Ruby. “As much as we hate him and his practices, we refuse to stoop to his level and resort to trickery and blackmail! It's rather touching to know you care enough about us to do things like that Arc, but... please don’t.” “Don't get the wrong idea. Normally I wouldn't even think about such methods. But where Filthy Rich is concerned, I'll make an exception.” Ruby looks to Arc. “In any case... that's our story.” “Sorry it didn't have a happier ending.” Arc looks to the pair. “Don't lose hope. Someday, it just might!” He looks Cherry in the eye and puts his hands on her shoulders. “But know this... no matter what happens, I won't let either of you be homeless! If the day comes when the bank takes Cherry Hill Ranch, you two come to me and I'll take care of you for as long as necessary.” Cherry looks at Arc, amazed! “What?! But Arc... you've already done SO much!” “You want to repay me for what I have done for you? Then do this! If that day comes, let me have the honor of providing a home for my friends. Okay?” Cherry leans into his embrace. “Thank you Arc... I will. But only on one condition.” “What's that?” She looks Arc in the eye and smiles! “That you get some rest now! Tomorrow is another day!” “Deal!” The two shake hands/hooves and enjoy a good laugh together!