//------------------------------// // VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 15 - Shattered // Story: The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds // by Kamahido //------------------------------// Dinky nods to her father. She approaches and sits down on her haunches in front of the stone table next to Arc. They are silent for a long moment until... “Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday dear............. grandma... Happy birthday... to... you...” Dinky starts to cry. Arc turns to her and holds her close. “Your grandmother would have loved you Dinky.” Dinky nods as she wipes the tears from her eyes and steps back to give her father some space. Arc turns to look at the stone marker, sadly. "Happy birthday mother. If only... if only I could have helped you…” He leans forward to touch the stone marker. The ponies see the names of Arc's parents engraved onto it along with a date of birth and death for his mother and a date of birth for his father. Arc runs his fingers along his mother's name, sadly. “We'll see each other again mother... someday... As he begins to quietly cry, Dinky walks forward and sits down next to her father. She puts a small hoof on his knee and motions for the others to approach. They do so and each put a hoof on Arc's back in support of their grieving friend. After a time, Arc sadly wipes the tears from his eyes and continues. “Mother... this is Dinky. Your granddaughter. I… I know she must not be what you envisioned as my future daughter. However, I love her very much! And I know that if you were here today... if… if I had been able to save you... you would have loved her just as much as I do.“ Dinky looks to the marker. “Your son is... really nice to me! He helped me be born, takes care of me and loves me! I... look forward to meeting you someday... grandma! “Behind me are some of the friends I've made in this land, mother. Together they keep it safe. One day, I'll introduce you to them... face to face.” He picks up one of the crystal glasses and stands up. The Mane 6 take a step back. Arc holds up the glass and slowly dumps the contents out onto the ground. “For you... mother.” Arc bends down and sets the glass down in its place. He picks up the cake and turns back to the Mane 6. Walking over to a patio table and setting the cake down next to serving utensils and a stack of plates, he smiles sadly at the others. “Thank you for coming to my mother's birthday party everyone!” Twilight looks confused. “Arc?” “Thank you for having us darling!” Pinkie puts on some party music! “Yeah! We're here for you Arc!” Rainbow Dash nods as she takes some cake. “Yeah! I'm sure your mom was as awesome as you are Arc!” Fluttershy nods. “I... um... still don't understand this ceremony.” Arc continues to serve the cake. “The first part was about grief and loss. A time to remember the death of my mother. The second part, this part, is a time to remember the happy moments! To enjoy some cake with family and friends!” He makes sure everyone has a piece of cake before sitting down with his own! Dinky eats hers hungrily and gets up quickly! “I have to go meet mom now, dad!” “Alright Dinky. Thanks for coming sweetheart.” Arc moves toward the patio door as Dinky runs around the side of the building. “I'm sorry, but would you all excuse me. I have to change for the gala now. My date should arrive soon as well. Be back in a bit.” Arc leaves as Twilight looks to the others. “Anypony know who Arc's date IS?!” The Mane 6 shake their heads. Rarity is the first to speak. “Not a clue, darling!” Applejack shrugs. “Haven't the foggiest idea, sugarcube.” Fluttershy smiles. “Whoever it is, I'm sure she's lovely!” “Yeah! And cool!” Pinkie bounces around! “We won't have long to wait!” A short time later Arc emerges from the base in a much more regal version of his royal raiments. His hair is slicked back and he's wearing dress shoes and white gloves for the occasion. Rarity gasps. “My word! You look positively radiant, darling!” Twilight blushes. “Y-yes. You look like a million bits!” Applejack nods. “Your date should think so to, when she gets here that is.” The sound of hoofsteps from around the side of the building can be heard approaching. Pinkie bounces around! “That must be her now!” Arc tugs at his tunic one last time and pulls some flowers and a corsage out of his ring! “Oh boy! How do I look?!” Rainbow Dash grins! “You look great Arc! Don't worry about it, buddy! You got this!” A few moments later Derpy comes around the corner of the building. “Hi Derpy!” Derpy marvels at his appearance! “Wow! You look like a king, Arc!” Twilight mutters to herself. “Derpy? It WAS her? But why isn’t she wearing a dress?! “Thanks!” She smiles happily at her friend. “Your date's here!” Dinky walks past her mother in an adorable yellow dress with matching slippers that compliment her freshly brushed mane. “How do I look dad?!” Arc walks over to his daughter and gives her the flowers. “Just as I imagined you would! Adorable!” Dinky accepts the flowers, laughing! “Thanks dad!” “Let me see your fetlock, sweetheart! This should fit.” She does so as Arc puts the corsage on her. “There!” Derpy nods approvingly! “It really completes the look!” “Dad... can I tell you something?” “What is it?” Dinky looks down at the corsage sadly. “I... I wish it was Miss Cherry here right now instead of me.” Arc nods. “It's okay dear. She'll remember me... someday. I just know it!” He looks at his pocket watch and sighs. “Well, we should get moving. Mustn't be late now!” Derpy laughs! “Don't keep her out too late now Arc!” “I won't ma'am!” Arc opens a portal to the Audience Chamber. “Onward to the festivities!” As the Mane 6 enter the portal, Arc looks over to Derpy. “We'll see you later.” Derpy smiles and waves! “Have fun you two!” Arc and Dinky make their way through the portal. It closes behind them Derpy sighs and mutters to herself. “I wish Cherry was here too. Arc deserves her!” Meanwhile, Arc and company arrive in the Audience Chamber. Rainbow Dash looks around. “So, where's the party?” Twilight points a hoof out the door. “It's in the Ballroom.” “Right! This way everyone!” Arc and company make their way to the Ballroom. There is a Royal Guard checking the names of those who enter along with their tickets! Arc allows the others to go first. Dinky approaches the guard with her ticket. The Royal Guard looks intently at his clipboard. “Name please.” “Dinky Hooves!” The Royal Guard looks down at her. “I'm sorry miss, but foals are not permitted at the gala. Who are you with?” Arc clears his throat. “She's my daughter.” “M-my apologies sire!” The Royal Guard quickly stands aside to allow the couple to enter. “Thank you, guard. Carry on!” The Ballroom has been decorated to the nines for the event! The princesses' thrones have been temporarily moved to the Ballroom for the ceremony! Twilight gasps! “It's so beautiful!” Rainbow Dash hovers nearby. “Yeah! Where's the food though!” Applejack frowns! “Rainbow Dash! Can't you think about something other than you stomach?!” Arc laughs! “It's over there Rainbow Dash! But do me a favor and save some for me!” She rushes over to the tables! “No promises!” Fluttershy looks around at the myriad of ponies. “I... um... think I'll go take a walk in the gardens.” Without another word, she quickly leaves the ballroom. Rarity looks after her friend confused. “I wonder what's gotten in to her.” Applejack narrows her eyes. “You have to ask?” Arc spots Shining Armor and Trixie. “Would you ladies please excuse me. I have to check on security.” Rarity nods. “Go ahead darling! We'll just mingle!” Arc and Dinky walk over to Shining Armor and Trixie. Upon seeing him the pair salute. “Sir!” “All's well!” Arc nods. “Good. It looks like you've covered all the bases here Shining Armor.” “I'm not expecting trouble sir, but one should always try to avoid it whenever possible!” Arc looks over at his daughter. “This is my dinner date for the night, Dinky. She's the best daughter I ever had! Sweetheart, this is Captain Shining Armor and Lieutenant Trixie. Dinky giggles! “Hello! And I'm your only daughter, dad!” “I'm still right then!” “Pleased to meet you Dinky!” “As is Trixie!” Arc looks around. “Are the princesses here yet?” Trixie nods. “They just stepped out to the Royal Gardens for a bit of fresh air. Don't worry though! We've plenty of guards out there!” Shining Armor points a hoof at the double doors. “That and we still have Sereb and Ember with them. They're as protected as can be while still allowing them freedom of movement.” “Good. Carry on then.” The pair salute as Dinky and Arc walk away. Arc smiles at her. “Would you care to dance, my dear?” Dinky laughs! “I think I'm a little short for that!” “Okay, you got me there! How about something to eat then?” “That I can do!” Arc and Dinky make their way over to the refreshments table. Dinky levitates a plate over to herself as Arc puts some cupcakes on it. “Thanks dad!” As father and daughter eat together a strange look suddenly comes over Dinky's face” “Is something wrong sweetheart?” She points a hoof toward the door. “Look who just came in, dad!” Arc turns around to see Ruby and Cherry enter the ballroom. They are both wearing elegant looking cherry-red dresses and smiling! “Dad? Dad?! Snap out of it!” Arc shakes his head as if to clear it. “Sorry. I... I just...” Dinky smiles at her father, sheepishly. “Want to say hi?” “Yes! Yes! A thousand times, yes!” Dinky smiles. “I'll go with you dad!” The pair make their way over to Cherry and Ruby. They bow as he approaches. “Hello again sire! My Dinky, don't you look cute tonight!” Dinky grins! “Thank you, Miss Cherry! You look pretty too!” Ruby nods to Arc, a bit perturbed. “...hi... Lord Arc.” “Sister! This is a party! Let it go for one night!” Cherry looks back to Arc with a smile on her face. “Please forgive Ruby. She's just very protective of me.” Arc nods. “I understand. How's your head?” Cherry puts a hoof to her forehead. “It's okay. Other than not being able to remember a few details… of a great many subjects! And you sire? How are you holding up?” Arc sighs. “I um… I miss you, Cherry. Someday when your memory comes back… I’d still like to… Ruby interrupts! “You mean ‘IF’!” Cherry nods. “Yes sire. I'd like that.” “In any case, I just wanted to say ‘hi’. Please enjoy the party you two." Arc and Dinky turn to walk away Dinky suddenly turns back to the sisters. “Excuse me, Miss Cherry?” “Yes dear. What is it?” Dinky looks to her father and then back at Cherry. “I um… I was wondering if you could help me with a little problem” Cherry smiles at her. “Of course, dear! What is it?” “You see, I’m still a little filly, but my dad asked me to dance with him earlier. Do you think you could… um…?” Arc walks back over. “D-Dinky?! Please don’t ask such things of Cherry! I’m sure she’d… Cherry walks toward Arc and looks up at him with her luminous green eyes. “S-sire? Would you care to dance?” Arc can only stare at her for a few moments, dumbfounded! Seeing her father needs a bit of a nudge, Dinky stomps on his foot with her little hoof. “Yes Cherry! I’d love to!” She holds out her hoof to Arc. He takes it and leads her to the dance floor. Ruby, her face crimson with fury, stomps after them to ‘rescue’ her sister! Dinky quickly steps in front of her. “Please, Miss Ruby! My dad really needs this! He…” Dinky looks at her father and Cherry walking away before turning back to Ruby. “…he REALLY does miss the old Miss Cherry! Can’t you see he loves her?! Ruby looks over at the pair as Arc and her sister step onto the dance floor. He bows respectfully to Cherry before taking her hoof again and putting his arm around her. “Please, Miss Ruby! I… I just want my dad to be happy! And I’m sure that’s what you want for your sister as well!” Ruby nods sullenly and watches the pair as they dance. “Fine… but I’m watching him!” Dinky nods happily! “Thank you!” Meanwhile, Arc and Cherry danced together happily. Partway through the dance, Cherry lays her head on Arc’s chest. “Cherry? Are you tired? We can stop if you want to!” She shakes her head, a smile on her face. “No sire! It’s just… I can’t explain it but… but this just feels so… so RIGHT! You holding me and I leaning on you!” Arc’s eyes grow wide! “Did you remember anything?!” Cherry sighs. “No sire. But… I get the feeling you and I were very happy before… before all this happened. Arc nods. “Yes. We were…” She looks up into his eyes, a small smile on her face as her cheeks begin to turn red! “I… I know you and I were supposed to marry one day. Please forgive me for breaking our engagement!” Arc smiles sadly at her. “It… it’s okay, Cherry. While I still want to marry you, it has to be OUR choice. Not just mine! “Thank you sire! Um… I understand your stepping down as Lord Regent tonight. Is that correct?” Arc nods. “Yes. The princesses are now strong enough to carry on their duties. It’s time for me to return to my life in Ponyville and again be just the Hero of Light.” Cherry smiles as she continues to stare at him. “So, you’ll have more time for friends and family?” “Yes. It will be a welcome change!” “I… um… in that case… would you possibly be interested in… having dinner with me next week?” Arc gives her a hopeful smile! “Cherry! Are you asking me out on a… a date?!” Cherry blushes. “I… yes! Yes, I am!” “But you don’t remember me!” She closes her eyes and sighs. “That’s right. But… I can tell from what Ruby told me and how you’ve treated me since… the accident, that we had… something truly magical! If it’s all right, I’d like to… get to know you better! I mean again! Arc nods! “I… I’d like that too, Cherry! But what about Ruby?” “Ruby just wants what’s best for me. What makes me happy! If I can show her that you and I have something together, I believe she’ll come around! She told me the three of us used to be friends! I’d like to go back to the way things were! To be… happy! “Don’t worry, Cherry! I’m sure we’ll find a way to restore your memory one day!” Cherry nods. “It’s okay. Even if I never remember the past, we can make new memories together! That is, if you’re okay with starting over! Arc smile widely at her. “Cherry… if it means you and I can be together, I’d be willing to start over a hundred times! “Okay! So… it’s a date then?” “Yes!” “Next week Friday at 7 o’clock?” Arc nods. “Sure! I’ll be back from my family vacation by then! It’s a date!” Cherry smiles at Arc happily! “I’m looking forward to getting to know you again, sire!” “Cherry. You don’t have to call me that. Remember, after tonight I won’t be the Lord Regent anyways!” “Um… well… what should I call you then, sire?” Arc puts a hand on her cheek and smiles! “Arc… just Arc, okay?” Cherry nods. “I’ll try to remember that on our date next week! Until then… it just doesn’t feel right!” “Well, you can call me whatever you want, Cherry. Whatever makes you comfortable.” He looks at her, and she at him. Slowly their faces move closer and closer until they are mere inches from each other! All at once, the song ends and everyone applauds! Cherry steps back, blushing heavily. “Well, I um… th-thank you for the dance, sire!” Cherry trots nervously back to her sister as Dinky returns to her father’s side. Ruby shakes her head angrily! “Good thing that dance ended! I thought Arc was going to eat you!” “You shouldn't talk that way about Lord Arc, Ruby!” Ruby rolls her eyes, sarcastically! “What's he going to do? Throw me in the dungeon?!” “He could! But he wouldn't!” “Oh?! Why's that sister?!” Cherry turns to look after the pair as they walk back to the food tables. “Because... he cares for me! If you went away it would make me sad! He can't stand that! But the three of us can discuss this when he comes to dinner next week!” “Cherry?! Is your memory coming back?!” “It is not.” Ruby looks confused. “Then why is he coming?! Did he weasel his way into an invitation?! Cherry shakes her head. “No Ruby. It was I who asked him on a date!” “A… a DATE?!” “Yes Ruby! A date! “But why?! You don’t remember anything about him!” Cherry nods sadly. “That is true. I do not. But… as kind and caring as he is, I want to get to know him all over again! Ruby frowns. “This will not end well, sister! How do you know this isn’t just a waste of time?!” “I don't. But that's what my heart told me to do, Ruby.” Meanwhile, Arc looks around and mutters to himself. “Huh. I wonder where Fluttershy went? Don’t see her anywhere…” Arc looks up and sees the full moon, “I guess Rainbow Dash was right about her being afraid of the moon.” Arc and Dinky walk toward the doors that lead to the Royal Gardens as the princesses enter the ballroom. They both wear gorgeous dresses and are flanked by Ember and Sereb. “Hi there Dinky! You're looking cute as ever in that dress.” “Thank you, Miss Ember!” Ember quickly looks to Arc. “Not that you don't look good too Arc!” Sereb chuckles. “Nice save, Ember.” Arc smiles. “Thanks Ember. Are you staying with the princesses tonight?” “Only if they want us to.” Luna, dressed in a dark purple evening gown, smiles at him. “Good evening Arc. You look quite dapper like that! I think we'll be fine without Ember and Sereb. Besides, you need them too!” “Likewise, Princess Luna. But more importantly you two appear to be the picture of health!” Cadance nods. She is wearing a light pink evening gown! “We're feeling almost back to normal these days!” She leans in close to Arc and whispers. “We did take a nap before the Gala got underway though.” Arc smiles at them. “I prefer that to you two passing out!” Sereb nods. “Indeed.” “Ember? Any trouble?” Ember shakes her head. “A squirrel dropped an acorn on Princess Luna's head.” Luna nods! “If that's the worst thing that happens tonight, I'll be happy!” “Me too.” He looks at his pocket watch before looking back up at the royals. “It's about time for the ceremony. Are you ready, princesses?” “We are.” Cadance smiles. “I guess the vacation is finally over, huh?” Arc chuckles. “Yours is! Mine is about to start!” He turns to Dinky. “Sweetheart. Would you please go stand with Cherry?” “Okay dad!” Arc looks over to Shining Armor and nods. He leaves the ballroom quickly and returns a few moments later with Kibitz who stands just outside the doorway. Shining Armor nods to Arc, whom turns to the princesses. “We're ready to start. Shall we?” Arc walks up to the front of the room flanked by Princess Luna on his right and Princess Cadance on his left. Together they ascend the stage and move to the center. The band stops playing and all chatter amongst those assembled stops. “Good evening everyone! Welcome to this year’s Grand Galloping Gala! I do hope everyone's having a good time!” All assembled nod and clop their hooves. “Today is indeed a day for celebration! Princess Luna and Princess Cadance have made nearly full recoveries and come now to take their rightful places on the Equestrian thrones!” Arc motions for Kibitz to come forward. He does so with a velvet pillow which holds the princesses crowns. Standing next to Arc, he waits patiently. "It has been far too long since this land has had the honor of a princess on the throne! Today that changes! Today the princesses... return!” The nobles applaud as both Luna and Cadance kneel before Arc. He turns to Kibitz and picks up Princess Cadance’s crown from the pillow. “Princess Cadance, do you again accept the mantle of princess of Equestria?” “I do. Arc places the crown upon her head. “May your reign be long and prosperous, Princess Cadance! Cadance nods as Arc moves to pick up Princess Luna's crown. “Princess Luna, do you again accept the mantle of Princess of Equestria?” “I do.” Arc places the crown upon her head. “May your reign be long prosperous, Princess Luna!” Luna nods as Arc removes his own crown and puts it on the pillow. “With that, my reign as Lord Regent has come to an end! From this day forward, I will again be known simply as Equestria's Hero of Light.” Arc reaches his hands out toward Luna and Cadance. “Rise now, Princesses of Equestria, and take your places on the thrones.” Both princesses take Arc’s hands and stand as he steps aside to allow them to pass. They make their way back to the thrones and sit down. As the do the crowd erupts into cheers! Arc joins them in their applause momentarily before leaving the stage and allowing the pair their time in the limelight. Meanwhile, Cherry puts a hoof to her forehead. Ruby, seeing her sister in pain, turns to her. “Cherry? Are you alright?!” “Y-yes. It's... just a bit of a headache. Probably from all the noise and excitement! I think I'll go for a bit of a walk.” “I'll come with you.” “No Ruby. I... think I need to be alone for a little while.” Ruby nods, confused. “If you say so sister. Don't be long though!” “I won't.” Dinky makes her way over to her father as the pair make their way out to the Royal Gardens. “Well, that's that.” “Dad?” “I'm back to my old job again!” “Are you coming home soon?” Arc nods. “Tonight, you and I will go back to Ponyville together.” Dinky happily jumps into her father’s arms! “Great! It's gonna be awesome having you back dad!” “I've dreamed of this day ever since I came to Canterlot!” Arc and Dinky head over to a bench and sit down together. “This is so liberating. Not having the fate of the country on my shoulders is... it's like a burden has suddenly been lifted!” Dinky looks up at the sky. “The stars are so pretty tonight!” Arc chuckles. “I guess Princess Luna made them especially for tonight!” Dinky sighs. “I wish Miss Cherry could be here to see them.” “Oh? Where is she?” “At the end, when everypony started cheering, she said she had a headache and left the room. She went for a little walk to get some quiet.” Arc nods. “I hope she feels better soon.” Dinky leans her small head against Arc's shoulder. “The two of you would make a nice couple.” “Thank you dear. Maybe one day...” The pair look at the stars for what feels like an eternity. After a while the commotion inside dies down and the band again begins to play. The sound of the orchestra again fills the cool night air. Hoofsteps can be heard approaching the pair. Arc and Dinky turn to the princesses walking toward them. Sereb and Ember keep a respectful distance. “I hope we're not interrupting anything.” Cadance nods. “We just wanted to get some air.” Arc gestures to the bench across from them. “Not at all! Please, join us!” The princesses sit down on the bench across from the pair. Luna smiles and looks to him. “So, what's next on your list, Arc?” “Go on vacation with Derpy and Dinky! We're going camping before the weather gets too cold.” Cadance smiles broadly! “Camping... it sounds like fun!” Dinky nods! “Have you ever done it, Princess Cadance?!” “No dear! Always something to do in Canterlot!” Luna sighs. “It's... a nice dream.” Arc looks to her concerned. “Princess Luna?” “A vacation. We... don't really get those.” “I'd invite you two to come with us, but who would lead the country?!” Cadance smiles! “We appreciate the thought Arc. Do have fun though! Then you two can come back and tell us all about it!” Dinky giggles! “We will!” “Indeed! When we get back, there are some things I want to talk over with you two...” Meanwhile... Cherry Jubilee makes her way around the castle in search of solace. She climbs the stairs, hoping to some distance between herself and the Gala. “Canterlot Castle is certainly a beautiful place even at night!” She sighs. Upon reaching the top of the stairs she stops and looks at a nearby wall “That will do.” Cherry walks over to it. She begins banging her head on the wall! “Why... can't... I… remember?!” She sighs again. “Well that didn't help me remember anything or help with my headache! I'm pathetic! Lord Arc really is better off without me around to pull him down!” She continues down the corridor. To her left are doors leading to several small balconies overlooking the ballroom. Cherry stops to look through one of them at the gathering below. “I guess everypony has calmed down somewhat. Maybe I can head back there now... if I can figure out how to do that.” Cherry continues down the hallway until she sees somepony lying on the floor ahead of her. “Looks like somepony had a little too much to drink!” She approaches the unconscious pony cautiously. “Excuse me, but are you okay?” As she nears the unconscious pony, she quickly sees he is wearing the armor of a Royal Guard! Recoiling in fear, she quickly steps back! “What the…?! Who could have...?” Her words are cut short as a strong hoof grabs her and covers her mouth! A knife is quickly put to her throat! “Scream and your dead!” Cherry, understandably terrified, can only nod her head weakly! “I need to know where the Lord Regent is.” “H-he's here... somewhere.” “Really? Because I've been looking around the ballroom for some time now, and I've yet to see him! “I-I don't know where he went after his speech! I went for a walk as he finished!” “Very well. Are you CERTAIN he's still here?!” “I don't know where he could have gone! P-please! Just go! Nopony can stand against him! Just leave while you can!” The assailant shakes their head. “I can't do that. But... I think I have an idea on how to make him come out and play.” In the blink of an eye the stallion leaps up and bucks Cherry through the doorway! Before she knows what is happening, Cherry finds herself falling! The stallion quickly returns to his place in the shadows on the balcony without being seen! Cherry screams and flails as she falls, but there is no time for anyone to do anything to help her! She smashes through a table sending dishes and silverware flying! Arc looks over to the door from the Royal Gardens! “What was that?!” Dinky looks nervous! “Something bad happening!” Arc jumps up and runs toward the doors turning only briefly to look at his bodyguards. “Ember! Sereb! Stay with Dinky and the princesses.” Ember nods as she takes up a defensive position with Sereb! “We'll keep them safe! Go!” Sereb nods as Arc runs inside to see everyone running as quickly as they can out of the room! The Mane 6 are doing their best to evacuate everyone! Shining Armor is already on the scene with Trixie who is trying to comfort the victim” Shining Armor looks to a nearby Royal Guard! Call for Doctor Whooves! NOW! Arc runs up! “What happened?!” “Somepony fell off the balcony is my guess!” Arc looks at the mare on the ground as the blood drains from his face. "CH-CHERRY?!" He stoops down to comfort her. “Cherry! What happened?!” She points up toward the balcony, shakily. "Assassin... balcony...” Arc quickly calls forth Eidolon's Ward just in time for it to deflect a crossbow bolt. The stallion above tosses his crossbow to the side and throws off his cloak to reveal his face. “I guess we're going to have to do this the old-fashioned way!” The stallion again draws his knife and flies at breakneck speed toward Arc. “THIS ENDS NOW, LORD ARC!!!” Arc stands up, his face white with fury. He does not turn around, but mutters under his breath. “I couldn't agree more... general.” Mere moments before Wind Rider reaches his target Arc spins around to punch the stallion in the stomach. His fist connects and the stallion stops in mid-air, dropping his knife. His eyes wide, Wind Rider looks down to see one of Arc’s Magic Blades in his gut. “What... how... did you...?” Arc brings the stallion up to his face, through clenched teeth. “Welcome back... general.” He tosses the stallion off his blade and to the floor! Wind Rider gasps as he lies on his back, coughing! Looking up at Arc as he slowly walks toward him. “Please... have... mercy, sir!” Pointing to Cherry lying on the ground, Arc seethes. “What mercy did you show her?!” Wind Rider gasps! “I... I...” Arc raises his arm. “You don't deserve to be my enemy... DIE HERE!” He thrusts his Magic Blade into Wind Rider's heart! With a final gasp the traitorous stallion is no more. Doctor Whooves runs up with a small medical team. He quickly examines Cherry Jubilee and sighs and motions to a nurse. “I'm sorry sir. She's bleeding internally almost everywhere! There's nothing I can do for her!" The nurse gives Doctor Whooves a syringe. He injects the mare and stands back up. “A strong painkiller is the best I can do. Please forgive me, miss.” Arc drops to his knees, taking Cherry in his arms. “Cherry…” She looks up at him, weakly. “A-Arc my love!” Arc’s eyes grow wide. “Cherry?! You... you remember me?!” “Yes... I remember... everything. Meeting you... baking with you... loving you... wanting to... be with you.” Arc squeezes Cherry Jubilee's hoof. There is desperation in his voice as the tears begin to flow. “Cherry! Don't die! You're back to normal! You... you can't...” Cherry shakes her head sadly. “Nothing... can stop that now... my... love. Please... don't ever forget me... as I... forgot... you. Please... Arc... find... happiness... with... another...” She coughs up a mouthful of blood. Arc shakes his head and squeezes his eyes shut! “Cherry... I love you SO much!” “Arc? Will... you... marry... me?” He holds her hoof to his face. “The answer is yes, my dear!” Cherry smiles and nods. “Take... care... of... Ruby... please.” “I will! I promise! If she needs a place to live, I'll take her in myself! She'll... always have a home and food to eat no matter what happens!” Arc picks Cherry up and sets her on his lap. He wraps his arms around her and holds her close. “This... this is what... was missing... from my... life. Your touch... Arc. One last... request...” “NAME IT!” Cherry looks up at Arc with her luminous green eyes. A small smile on her face. “A... good... night... kiss.” Arc wordlessly moves towards Cherry's face. The pair share a kiss for what feels like forever before Cherry pulls back and smiles up at him. “Good... bye... Arc... I... will... always... lo... ve... y...o... u.....................” Cherry's body goes limp. Tears stream down his face as he holds the love of his life to his chest. “Ch-Cherry... wake up. Cherry? CHERRY!!!”