//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 - Dining with the Devil // Story: The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds // by Kamahido //------------------------------// Tempest lowers her hood. “How did you know it was me?” “Lucky guess. Get behind me you two!” Derpy and Dinky do so at once as Tempest calls forth Light’s Bane! “So… how did you track me down?” “I didn’t. We’re on vacation, same as you I’d guess.” Tempest looks at him incredulously! “A vacation?! Pure evil looms just over the horizon and you have the nerve to go on VACATION?!” Arc moves to a defensive position in front of Derpy and Dinky. “Why not?! Defending a country while simultaneously trying to run it is hard work!” “Yeah! My dad deserves some time to himself!” Derpy nods uneasily. “That he does! But instead of taking some alone time, he chose to make this into a family outing!” Arc does not take his eyes off Tempest. “Derpy, take Dinky back to Ponyville. I’ll meet up with you later.” “But what about you?!” Arc he raises a hand to his ring in order to call forth Eidolon’s Ward. “I’ll be fine. Now go!” He attempts to call forth his armor, but nothing happens. Arc looks down at his ring and frowns! “What the heck? Fine time for this thing to go on the fritz!” Tempest shakes her head. “Sorry, but magic doesn’t work very well out here.” Arc once again attempts to call forth Eidolon’s Ward and the Spear of Righteousness from his ring! Again, nothing happens! “What?! My ring doesn’t work at all!” Derpy soberly walks to stand next to her friend! “I’m with you to the end, Arc!” Dinky moves to stand on Arc’s other side. She plants her small hooves defiantly! “Yeah dad! Me too!” Tempest looks at Dinky, her eyes narrowed. “Tell me little one. Why do you keep calling Arc that silly name?” Dinky looks at Tempest angrily! “What are you talking about?!” “Your mission to the New Beginnings Orphanage has long since been over! Why in Celestia’s name do you keep calling him ‘dad’?!” “Because he IS!” Tempest lowers her spear, surprised. “Wait… he…what?! How can a beast like him and a mare possibly make a…?” Derpy blushes! “He adopted her!” In a suspicious tone as she narrows her eyes. “Really? Why? For her power?!” Arc puts up his fists. “I wanted her to know the love of a father! That and she was just too darn CUTE back then! So, whether you like it or not… ‘matron’ … she IS my daughter and I WILL raise her by Derpy’s side!” Neither one moves. Arc looks at Tempest, unwaveringly! “So, if we’re going to do this, I just want you to know I’m not going to hold anything back! Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, is going to keep me from missing even one moment of her growing up! Not even YOU! Now… are you ready?!” Tempest stares at Arc for a long moment before she plants her spear point down in the ground. “Fine.” Arc looks at her confused. “Wait, what?!” She walks past Arc toward the house. “I’m giving you a pass… for now. You and your… friends, are welcome to come inside.” Tempest pauses to look at the sky momentarily. “It looks like a storm is brewing. You can take refuge here for now.” She gestures for them to follow her as she walks inside. Derpy and Dinky look to Arc. “I should probably take you two home now. My magic worked fine back there at the Winsome Falls. We could hurry back there ahead of the storm!” Derpy looks up at the sky. “It took us hours to get here, and it looks like the rain will start any second!” Arc sighs. “I guess we have no choice. Now listen to me you two. This is most likely a trap. If anything happens, I want the two of you to run and not look back!” Derpy looks to Arc with determination! “If we go in there, we’re staying with you Arc!” “Yeah dad! Families stick together no matter what!” “Very well. But at the first sign of trouble, I’m punching Tempest in the face and getting you two out of there!” The pair nod as Arc leads the way into the house. It is a cozy little cottage albeit a bit run down. Derpy looks around nervously. “Um… nice place you have here.” Tempest removes her armor and puts it on a nearby armor rack. “No, it’s not. A warrior and a special agent I may be. However, a builder I am not.” She turns back toward the fireplace. After getting a small fire going, she turns her attention back to the group. “You must be hungry after coming so far. How about you stay for supper? It may not be much, but it’s edible.” Derpy looks up nervously. “It’s up to you Arc.” Tempest nods. “If you don’t want to, I completely understand. We haven’t exactly been on the best terms in the past. For what it’s worth, I haven’t forgotten the promise I made to you back then, Arc. True to my word I have not taken anypony else’s life since then.” Arc ponders his next move before sighing. “Very well, Tempest. Against my better judgment, we accept.” Tempest gestures to the inviting hearth. “Why don’t you three sit in front of the fire and warm yourselves? I’ll get started on supper.” She heads toward the small kitchen. “Derpy, you and Dinky stay here by the fire. I want to have a word with our hostess.” Derpy whispers to him! “Be careful Arc!” Dinky nods! “Yeah dad! I don’t trust that witch!” “Neither do I!” Arc nods and heads for the kitchen. Tempest is busy making what appears to be vegetable soup. A steady rain begins to fall outside. “Need a hand?" Tempest does not look up as she puts a large pot on the stove. “Not really.” “Are you sure?” She walks over to the counter and begins slicing vegetables. “Very.” Arc sits down at the kitchen table. “Fine. How about a chat then?” “Trying to figure me out, huh?” “Something like that. For starters, what’s the name of this place?” Tempest sighs. “Well, a very long time ago it was called Stableton. Although even the oldest of maps don’t testify to its previous existence.” “Why’s that?” “I’m not sure. Even when I was a filly it was unheard of! In all my travels I’ve never met anypony who heard of this place or even knew there was a town out here!” Tempest shakes her head. “It’s almost as if my town, along with its fate, never officially happened!” “Why would anyone do that though?” Tempest turns around to face Arc. “I’ve been trying to figure that one out for years! Look I know you’re curious and all, but can we talk about something else now?!” “Sure.” Tempest walks over to a cupboard and pulls out some seasonings. “I suppose you’re wondering why I invited you and the others to supper.” “The thought had crossed my mind, yes.” Tempest rolls her eyes. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m not all starry-eyed for you like my sister is!” Arc looks at her, confused. “I’m sorry, what?” “I know Cerulean Skies better than anypony! That night the Baltimare Courthouse burned down I watched as you took her home and helped her change her bandages.” “You were there?!” “Of course, I was!” Arc frowns suspiciously. “Why?” “I was worried about my baby sister. That and I wanted to look in on her to make sure she was healing properly.” Tempest turns around and looks Arc in the eye. “Contrary to what you probably think, I’m not all blood and glory!” “I understand that. But think about it from everyone else’s point of view…” Tempest turns back to the counter. “I have! That is the only reason you’re still alive!” The pair are silent for a time as Tempest continues her work. “Just… stay away from my sister! I don’t want to see her heartbroken after I… do what needs to be done!” “If it’s any consolation, I’m not interested in your sister any more than a friend would be.” “Good.” Silence again reigns. “Look, if you really want to help you can set the table.” Arc stands up. “That I can do.” A short time later Tempest finishes cooking. Arc picks up the pot and sets it on the table. All assembled gather around. Tempest serves them each a bowl. “Please have some before it gets cold.” Arc takes a bowl suspiciously. “It smells good.” “It’s not much, but’s it is the best I could come up with on such short notice. Don’t worry. I didn’t poison it or anything.” Derpy looks at her suspiciously. “Are you… sure?” Arc picks up the bowl and eyes it a moment. “Let me try it first, you two.” Dinky puts down an empty bowl and smiles! “Wow! This is pretty good!” “Dinky!” Arc looks over at his daughter! “Oh no! Dinky, how do you feel?!” Dinky holds up her empty bowl and smiles! “Like another bowl! Don’t worry! It’s not poisoned!” Arc looks at her, confused. “I don’t understand. How did you know it was safe to eat?” Dinky looks to her father as Tempest serves her another bowl. “I didn’t sense any malice in Matron Tempest’s intentions.” Derpy looks to her daughter, wide-eyed! “You can do that?!” Arc frowns. “Let me guess… the same one who taught you and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders?” “Uh huh!” Tempest stares at Dinky intently. “Fascinating! I wonder what else she’s capable of!” Arc looks over at Tempest, angrily! “She’s also very good at being a normal happy little filly, so don’t get any funny ideas, Tempest! That is, unless you WANT your throat ripped out!” Tempest continues to look at Dinky. “Don’t worry, little one. I promised your ‘friend’ here I wouldn’t kill anypony else.” Dinky narrows her eyes. “Yeah? You don’t scare me!” “Really now! Nopony has said that to me in years. Might I inquire as to why not?” Before Dinky can answer, Derpy stands up! “Because my daughter is more powerful now than you’ll ever be!” Tempest nods. “Yes. I can sense that. Although how such a fact is true remains a mystery to me. If I could just find a way to harness power like she does, protecting this land would be a cakewalk!” Arc goes back to eating his food. “Believe me, Tempest. Such matters are WELL beyond your ability to comprehend!” “Mayhap. One day though…” Dinky mutters under her breath. “I doubt it.” The group finishes the rest of their meal in silence. Tempest picks up the empty dishes and puts them in the sink, looking out the window as she does so. “The rain appears to be getting worse. You three are welcome to spend the night here.” Arc shakes his head. “I don’t know if…” A sudden crack of thunder reverberates through the air! Derpy sighs. “Arc, I hate to say it but I don’t think we have much of a choice right now.” “I suppose we don’t. Thank you Tempest. What a kind, noble, heartfelt gesture… what do you want?!” Tempest nods. “Your power will be instrumental in saving this world, Arc. I can’t have you dying, now can I?!” Dinky picks up the rest of the dishes and walks them over to the sink. “That’s typical of you, matron. Only concerned with what you can take for yourself.” “Think what you will of me, little one. But I have my reasons.” Dinky walks out of the kitchen toward the living room. “Yes, you do. All of them self-serving.” Derpy looks to Tempest. “I’m sorry for what my daughter said. Please forgive her.” “It’s alright. She’s… not completely wrong, you know.” Derpy looks over to the sink. “Why don’t I take care of the dishes while the three of you rest?” Arc nods and looks at Tempest. “That’s not a bad idea. I’m always up for a good chat over a throwdown any day.” “Fine.” Arc and Tempest make their way to the living room. Dinky is lying on the floor in front of the fireplace. Arc sits down next to her. “Enjoying the fire?” “Yeah dad. But it’s much nicer when you’re here to share it with me.” Arc strokes Dinky’s mane. “An experience shared is an experience worth having, sweetheart.” Dinky leans against her father and nuzzles his side. “Thanks dad. I love times like this.” Tempest sits down a short distance from Arc and joins them in gazing at the fire. “Little one, I…” Dinky interrupts her! “My name is Dinky! Remember?” “Very well, Dinky. I must know! Why do you feel your power is beyond me?” “Because there are certain things that only certain individuals are capable of.” Tempest chuckles. “There is nothing I cannot do!” “Oh really?! How about leading Equestria like my dad did not so long ago?” “Part of a Special Agent’s training is learning how to lead. I could have done it!” Arc shakes his head. “Maybe so. But could you have diffused the international situations that arose during my reign?” “Easily!” “WITHOUT going to war?!” Tempest turns away. “I… I would have found a way to…” “And without bloodshed?” Tempest frowns. “Given enough time, yes!” Arc nods. “Well then, let me put this in a way you can understand Tempest. You’re very familiar with fighting and the battlefield, are you not?” “The battlefield is like a second home to me!” “Wouldn’t you agree that sometimes you have to make life and death choices in but a moment’s time?” Dinky nods! “Yeah! There’s not always a way to call a time-out while you think things over!” Tempest grunts! “I am most capable of making hard choices! What are you getting at?!” Dinky shakes her head. “I think we both know that at the first sign of trouble you would have mobilized our nation’s military and marched off to the front lines!” “I would have, yes! Victory for Equestria or death! But that’s what you did as well, Arc!” “I did. However, peace was always at the forefront of my mind. Victory at any cost… any sacrifice, is NOT how I operate.” “Fool! This world needs ponies like me! I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done!” “I too fight for this land, Tempest! But I won’t throw away the lives of our forces at the drop of a hat!” Dinky nods soberly. “See matron? With you in control, many ponies would die and this land would fall into darkness! Your power lies in the ability to fight the chaos of war with the power of force, darkness and death. My power consists of bringing order to the chaos!” “I… I would prevent it…” Arc interrupts her! “You would CAUSE IT!” The trio is silent for a time. “You may be right. So why don’t you just keep doing what you do, and I’ll do what I do?” Arc nods. “Fine.” A short time later Derpy emerges from the kitchen and nervously sits down between Arc and Tempest. “Thank you for doing the dishes.” “Y-you’re welcome.” Arc puts his arm around Derpy’s neck. “Don’t worry. Nothing bad is going to happen to either you or Dinky tonight.” Derpy laying her head in Arc’s lap. “Thank you Arc. I know you’ll keep us safe!” Tempest looks away. “If you’re tired you can retire for the evening in the room my sister and I shared all those years ago. It’s just through that door.” She points a hoof at a nearby door. Derpy and Dinky look to Arc. He nods. “Well, okay. Come along Dinky.” “What about you, dad?” “I’ll keep our hostess company. Good night you two.” Derpy and Dinky walk forward and give Arc a goodnight hug, as they whisper to him. “Don’t trust her.” “I don’t.” “Good night dad. I love you! “ Arc hugs them back. “I love you both.” Derpy and Dinky head for the bedroom leaving Arc and Tempest alone in front of the fire. “Keeping an eye on me, huh?” Arc nods. “In a matter of speaking. I know you wouldn’t hurt them.” “Oh? And what makes you so sure?” “You may be a power-hungry tyrant wannabe, but you’re still bound by a desire to do the right thing! Albeit in a roundabout way, that is.” Tempest nods soberly. “You’re right. But I don’t understand. If you were so sure of my motivations and intentions why did you not join your ‘family’? I’m sure that would make them very ‘happy’? As if they knew what the word meant.” “And you do?” Tempest closes her eyes and smiles. “I do! Years ago, I met a stallion who reminded me what it meant to be truly happy!” “Captain Decimus?” Tempest nods her head. “Yes.” Arc sighs. “I’m sorry for your loss.” “Loss?” Arc nods. “He attacked Canterlot Castle a while back and I was forced to kill him. Don’t worry. I made it quick.” Tempest chuckles. “I know. Don’t worry about it. He’s fine.” “Fine?! I freaking VAPORIZED him!” Tempest looks at Arc with a wicked grin on her face. “Don’t worry. He didn’t take it personally. Just like my group and I didn’t take you killing another one of our own to heart.” “Who?!” “General Wind Rider.” Arc clenches his fists. “General Wind Rider… works with YOU?!” Tempest nods. “He did in the past. However, I don’t look kindly on his… extreme methods. “ Arc looks at Tempest, his face white with fury! “If I had my blades right now…” “You would do what?! Kill me?! First of all, you can’t and you know it!” Arc angrily stands up and storms over to the window. He looks out at the pouring rain silently. “Second, he was slime and deserved what he got!” Tempest looks down at her hooves with what appears to be genuine remorse. “I… I know you don’t have any reason to believe me, but I truly am sorry for what happened to your fiancé! I was… out of earshot when he laid out his plan to the others, or else I would have stopped him! Believe me, I know what it feels like to have your loved ones near one day, and the next have them taken from you.” Arc nods, still looking out the window. “I know. Your sister told me what happened.” Tempest narrows her eyes. “How much did she tell you?” “The whole story.” “Who else knows about this?!” “No one.” Tempest breathes a sigh of relief! “Really?! With your love of talking, I would have thought half of Canterlot would have known about it by now!” Arc turns back to look at their hostess. “I did it to protect your sister from any further pain. Ponies, like humans, enjoy gossip. I’m not going to add to it.” “Thank you. Everypony is too afraid to talk about me behind my back. However, Cerulean Skies… let’s just say she’s suffered enough for one lifetime.” “Both of you have.” Tempest turns away from Arc to look back at the fire. “Save your compassion for somepony who needs it!” Arc walks back to sit next to Tempest. “I don’t suppose you ever found your parents.” Tempest shakes her head, not looking over. “No. For all my skills of stealth, tracking and investigation I was never able to pick up any kind of trail.” She looks around the room. “This house and everything in it are all I have left of my parents. And this crumbling town is all that is left of my one lead!” “Is there anything you can tell me about what happened?! Anything at all?” “Why do you care?!” Arc frowns! “A bunch of innocent ponies were stolen from their homes! Yeah, I care about things like that!” “Sorry, but no.“ “What about a guess?“ Tempest shakes her head. “They vanished into thin air.” “If they did, someone caused it! “Don’t you think I know that, you idiot?!” Tempest takes a few moments to compose herself. “S-sorry. I know you’re only trying to help. Going from the memories of a frightened and hungry little filly, there were no signs of any kind of struggle, no marks of a battle and no residual magical essences.” “Magical essences?” Tempest rolls her eyes. “If they had been taken by magical means there would have been signs. Even non-magic users can feel the after effects of spells THAT powerful! Heck, half of Equestria would have felt an entire town being spirited away!” “If I ever hear anything of this in my travels, I’ll let you know.” “That… would actually be helpful. Futile, but helpful.” “How should I contact you when I find something?” Tempest sighs. “You mean “if” you find something, right?” “I’m being optimistic.” “And I’m being REALISITIC! In the extremely unlikely event you DO find something, you can leave a message on my kitchen table. I come here often and never lock the door. I mean, who would I be keeping out anyways?!” Arc nods. “No promises, but I’ll keep my eyes open.” “Hmph! As small as they are, I’m surprised you can see anything at all!” “I do alright.” The pair sit in silence for a time. “So why doesn’t magic work around these parts?” Tempest sighs. “Supposedly it has something to do with some ‘treasure’ hidden somewhere in town. At least that’s what my parents told me when I was little.” “And you don’t believe it, do you?” “Not a bit! Something that powerful would have to be HUGE! Not something easily squirreled away like food for winter.” “So, what did the unicorns who lived in this town back then do?” “We just adapted to use our hooves instead of magic.” She puts a hoof to her broken horn and sighs. “I was never very good at using this thing anyways.” “So, did you break your horn in battle?” Tempest chuckles! “Hardly! One day when I was a young filly my ‘friends’ and I were playing in a part of the forest we weren’t supposed to. Our ball flew into a cave and I chased after it. Next thing I know, I’m standing face to face with an Ursa Minor! One swipe later and my horn and face were like this.” “You must have been one tough filly! I took a pawfull of claws from the same creature when I first came to this land myself. It was almost the end of me!” “So, it appears we do have something in common then. Tell me, how did you survive such an ordeal?” Arc smiles as her remembers. “Some of the kind ponies I was trying to protect at the time rushed me to the hospital. If not for their quick thinking I wouldn’t have made it.” “Your friends?” “Not at the time, no. Like I said, I had just arrived in Equestria and didn’t know anyone yet. They’re very good friends now, but back then I was a stranger to them.” “Why did they help a monster like you then?” “Some creatures are willing to help even if they have no reason to do so, Tempest. Ponies… humans… felines even! It helps make the world just a little bit brighter!” Tempest shakes her head. “Idealistic nonsense!” “Tell me something Tempest! If you’re so disillusioned with the world, then why are you trying so hard to save it?!” “While I prefer the term ‘practical’, I’m mostly doing this for Cerulean Skies. My parents too… if they’re still alive. To tell you the truth, I really do care about this land, even if I’m not very good at showing it.” Arc nods. “It takes all kinds to make a world.” “If the world saw things from my point of view it would be more grounded in reality.” “Maybe. Or would everyone be sour and pessimistic like you? What would Cerulean Skies say? What would your parents think? Captain Decimus even…” “He’s… like me. The warrior spirit and all! Decimus is the first pony to ever… understand me, I guess. His being immortal like me and all!” Arc frowns. “How exactly does he do that anyways?! I’ve seen him dead twice now!” “I asked him that once. He just patted my cheek and said ‘The methods of my longevity aren’t important. Just the end result’. “What does that mean?” Tempest shrugs. “I dunno. While he may be a bit… off these days, I still love him! “ She appears lost in thought as a smile spreads across her face. “Now I’m going to ask YOU for a favor, Arc.” “What is it?” “Promise me that as long as we live, you won’t kill my love again.” “What?! But… he would just come back again, wouldn’t he?” Tempest looks at the fire, sadly. “I… I can’t take that chance! Promise me and I’ll stay true to my own oath not to take other’s lives!” Arc nods. “Very well! On the condition that he never again crosses my path. If he comes after me though, I will defend myself with as much force as is needed.” Tempest extends a hoof to Arc. “Fair enough.” Arc and Tempest shake hooves/hands. “Maybe I’m just talking in circles, but I still don’t understand the source of your daughter’s power. Tell me… how did you create a living weapon like her?” “Dinky was born the same way every other pony is. I’m sure your parents had that talk with you long ago.” Tempest blushes slightly as she turns to look at the fire. “I know where foals come from, you buffoon! How about her original father then? Is he a powerful sorcerer or something?” Arc grits his teeth! “No. He’s a coward! The lowest of worms! I’d hunt him down, but he’s not worth my time!” Tempest turns to look at him again! “Then where?! Power like that has to have a SOURCE of some kind!” “Well, where does your power come from?” “Darkness.” Arc rolls his eyes. “Okay. How about BEFORE you received Light’s Bane then?” “I never really thought about it. Probably a desire to protect the world for my sister and lover.“ “You draw strength from your emotions… your passion.” Tempest nods. “You could say that.” “Just like me.” “Come again?” “I too want to protect the ones I care for. My love for my friends gives me the strength to carry on.” Tempest rolls her eyes and scoffs! “How naïve you truly are ‘hero’! Are you saying the source of your might is something as pathetic as the Power of Friendship?!” “I am. But it doesn’t stop there.” “Explain.” “Friendship is a powerful font from which all of us can draw strength. But there is an even greater power that fuels me!” Tempest smirks. “Do enlighten me.” “The power of love.” She blinks several times in disbelief before bursting into laughter! “Is this some kind of joke?! Are you trying to tell me you’ve accomplished everything thus far with nothing but ‘the power of love’?! “I am. It was love that gave me the Courage to stand up to you at the orphanage. It was love that gave me the Wisdom to lead our nation through the recent trials and tribulations. And it is love that will give me the Power to one day soon save Princess Celestia and return her to Equestria!” Tempest shakes her head. “Love, huh? Well then Arc, tell me how it is you can still be so full of love’ after losing your fiancé forever?! “ “Cherry may be dead and buried, but my love for her lives on inside me! Tell me Tempest. If someday Captain Decimus were to be killed and not come back, would you stop loving him?” “I… I don’t know! Why waste time thinking about a question I’ll never have to truly answer?!” “What? Are you two planning to live forever?!” “No! But… when our times come, we’ll face it and fall… together. Every story has an ending, you know!” Arc sighs. “I suppose it does. Look Tempest, I know you and I haven’t really been the best of friends since we met, but are you sure you wouldn’t rather join with me in defending the land?” Tempest shakes her head. “No. I’m very happy with my own little band and my love.” “Can I assume the Dark One is with you two as well?” “He is. There are a few others, but let’s just say everypony has a place in the organization.” “I somehow get the feeling I wouldn’t fit in with that particular group.” “No, you would not.” Arc nods. “Does this group have a name?” “The Council of Shadows.” “Did the Dark One come up with that?” Tempest nods. “He did. But you should be grateful to him! Due to his efforts, he’s been able to slow the advance of the coming evil. That means you get to keep living that much longer!” Arc rolls his eyes. “Hooray for me.” “Maybe someday everypony will see that all of this was necessary. But even if they don’t, I’ll keep moving forward.” “As will I. But I doubt we’re moving in the same direction.” “I understand your reasoning for not joining us Arc. But do me a favor. Don’t get in our way!” “No promises there.” Tempest looks at an ancient looking clock over the mantle. "It’s getting late. Perhaps we too should be getting to bed.” “Agreed.” She stands up and walks a few steps before turning back. “Do you trust me enough to let me out of your sight, or do you want to sleep with me too?” Arc frowns. “I suppose I can trust you that much. Besides, I’m not much for getting in bed with someone else’s girl!” Tempest heads toward another door next to the room Derpy and Dinky are sleeping in. She stops in the doorway and calls back to him. “This doesn’t mean we’re friends or anything!” “No, it doesn’t.” “Well, good night.” Tempest enters her parent’s former room and closes the door behind herself. She lies down on the bed and snuggles up to the old covers. Patting the pillows as she pulls up the old but familiar blanket, she sighs. “Goodnight mother… goodnight father. I… I miss you both so much!”