//------------------------------// // Chapter 16 - Short End of the Stick // Story: The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds // by Kamahido //------------------------------// As the dust slowly clears, the Dragon Lord looks down. Picking up Rose’s yellow bandana, which is now dirty and torn, he levitates it over to Arc gauntlet. “REST IN PEACE, SMALL ONE!” As Arc wordlessly takes it the Dragon Lord turns to return to his throne. “FORGIVE ME, ARC! I TOOK NO PLEASURE IN THAT ACT! AS AGREED, I WILL FORGIVE EQUESTRIA FOR THEIR TRANSGRESSION AGAINST MY LANDS!” Arc and company hear the Dragon Lord’s words but are unable to respond. Suddenly the sound of a high-pitched growling can be heard. Sereb looks around as do the others. “What…? Is that…” Arc looks up and wipes the tears from his eyes. “B-Brightwing?” The whelpling is on all fours taking up a battle-ready position toward the Dragon Lord. She is growling menacing. Ember frowns. “I don’t… what is Brightwing doing?!” Auriel looks confused. “I’m not sure, but I think she’s growling at the Dragon Lord!” Torch looks over at the little dragon and sighs. “STOP THAT, BITE SIZE! THIS WAS HARD ENOUGH WITHOUT YOU…!” The Dragon Lord stops talking as he sees a familiar form behind Brightwing. “YOU?!?!?!?!” Twilight looks over astonished! “R-Rose?” Everyone looks over at Brightwing. Rose is sitting on the ground behind her. She appears unharmed albeit clearly shaken. “BITE SIZE?! HOW DARE YOU DEFY ME!” The tiny dragon jumps up and flies over to face the Dragon Lord. “Big meanie can’t hurt pretty lady! She not guilty of anything!” “WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?! SHE IS LIVING DRAGON FRUIT!” “Is that crime?! To exists!” “IT IS!” Brightwing flutters over to hover directly in from of Torch’s eye. “Pretty lady being born is bad?! You just a big meanie!” “DO NOT ARGUE WITH ME!” Brightwing turns around and flutters away, angrily. “Fine! Bring about her death and break pact yourself!” “WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!” She stops, but does not turn back. “Brightwing knows that you made desperate pact with Equestria’s princess!” “WHAT?! HOW DID YOU…?!” “Brightwing also know you live with much sadness. Much anger. Much regret. Much… hate!” “BE SILENT BRIGHTWING! I COMMAND YOU!” “But if you destroy pretty lady, you break pact too!” “HOW SO?!” She turns back to face the Dragon Lord. “Does pact not say that Dragon Lord will not lead aggression against the lands of Equestria OR its citizens?” “IT DOES! BUT WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH IT?!” “Pretty lady born in Equestria! No can kill her!” “A MACHINE IS NOT BORN! IT IS BUILT!” “While Brightwing does not understand why big dragon say that, she is still very nice! But if you will not see her as born, then you see her as property!” “AND WHAT IF I DO?!” “Then she would be property of Equestria! To destroy her would be act of war! Pact broken!” The Dragon Lord growls at the impasse. Arc stands and looks to Torch. “Dragon Lord! Is there nothing else we could do to make this right?!” Ember nods. “Please father! She’s very important to all of us! I know you don’t want to do this!” The Dragon Lord considers the problem for several minutes. “VERY WELL! THERE IS ONE OTHER ALTERNATIVE!” Arc smiles. “Name it!” “THE PRINCESSES OF EQUESTRIA HAVE LONG HELD AN ITEM IN THEIR CARE THAT I REQUIRE!” Twilight looks confused. “What is it?” “A MAGICAL ITEM KNOWN ONLY AS THE ‘DRAGON’S TEAR’!” Arc nods. “Where is it?” “THAT WILL BE YOUR JOB TO FIGURE OUT! RETURN TO ME WITH THE DRAGON’S TEAR AND I WILL CONSIDER THIS MATTER SETTLED!” “Very well. What of Rose though?!” “AS A SHOW OF GOOD FAITH TO THE NEW WARCHIEF, I WILL ALLOW HER TO ACCOMPANY YOU BACK TO EQUESTRIA!” Sereb nods. “Thank you, Dragon Lord, for putting your faith in us.” “DO NOT DISAPPOINT ME! NOW GO, AND DO NOT RETURN WITHOUT THE DRAGON’S TEAR!” They turn to leave as Arc Blinks over to Rose’s side and helps her up. “You okay, Rose?” “Y-yes! Thanks to Brightwing here!” Brightwing smiles happily. “Blessings upon friends!” Arc nods. “Yes, well… let’s get out of here before the Dragon Lord changes his mind!” They leave the Throne of the Dragon Lord and return to Ember’s small house. As they enter, Twilight collapses on the floor in front of the fireplace. “That was mentally exhausting!” Arc nods as he looks down at Rose, who is clutching his arm tightly as she smiles. “Tell me about it!” He leads Rose over to the couch. “Have a seat, Rose. You’ve been through quite a bit today.” Sereb chuckles. “We all have.” Rose sits down shakily. “Thank you.” Ember frowns as she closes the front door. “I’m a bit confused as to what exactly happened back there! How did my dad miss?” “Brightwing save pretty lady!” Sereb nods. “How?” Brightwing flutters over to Sereb and lands on his back. A moment later the pair are across the room in a small burst of light. Sereb looks around. “That was… unsettling.” Auriel’s eyes grow wide. “Brightwing knows how to BLINK?!” Brightwing looks to her confused. “Doesn’t everyone?!” Arc shrugs. “I can. “ Ember nods. “We all know it’s possible. But to Blink another, much larger being with you takes a LOT of energy!” Auriel turns to him. “Like that time back in Tartarus, Arc?” “Not my proudest moment, but yes.” Sereb frowns. “What happened?” “The Demon King had created a weapon that was capable of bringing down the barrier and allowing the demons to invade Equestria.” Auriel sighs. “Actually, if you remember, I was the one who created the Malice Cannon.” Twilight’s eyes grow wide. “What?! WHY?!” Auriel sighs. “My father has always had an obsession with escape.” Arc puts a hand on Auriel’s shoulder. “It’s in the past, Auriel. Let’s just leave it there, shall we?” “Thank you.” He turns back to Rose and sits down next to her. “How you holding up over here?” Rose touches Arc’s arm. “That… was something I’d like to never do again! Thank you, Brightwing!” “Friend welcome!” Arc nods. “You did very well, Rose. I’m proud of you.” Twilight smiles at her. “We all are!” Rose looks over at Twilight. “Thank you, mother! That means a lot coming from you!” Sereb turns to Arc. “What is our next move?” “We should probably get to Canterlot Castle and ask the princesses about this ‘Dragon’s Tear’?” Arc opens a portal back to Canterlot Castle. Everyone steps through and proceeds down the corridor. Arc turns to Ember. “Any idea what this artifact is, Ember?” Ember shrugs. “Not a clue. My father never mentioned it before today.” Twilight looks over. “I’ve never heard of it either.” “Brightwing not know!” Sereb sighs. “Hopefully the princesses will be able to enlighten us.” Rose shudders at the prospect of the alternative. “I sure hope they can!” Arc takes a turn down another corridor. Confused, Twilight points with a hoof. “Arc? The Audience Chambers are this way.” “We’re not going there.” Sereb frowns. “Why not?” Arc looks at his pocket watch. “They’re not there right now.” Rose looks at Arc. “How do you know?!” “Call it a hunch.” Before long they arrive at their destination. “Here we are.” Ember facepalms. “I should have known.” Twilight frowns. “Why would they be here?” Arc turns to her as the guards part. “Because it’s lunch time.” Both princesses are sitting across from each other picking at their food, clearly worried. Luna and Cadance look up as they enter. “Arc!” “How did it go?!” Arc recalls his armor. “Um… okay, I guess. The good news is were not at war.” Luna breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s good!” “The down side is the Dragon Lord either wants Rose destroyed and in pieces, or we can give him some artifact none of us have ever heard of.” Cadance shakes her head. “Which one would that be? Forgive me, but we have so many around here.” Ember steps forward. “My father wants something called the ‘Dragon’s Tear’. Heard of it?” “I have not. Luna?” Luna nods. “Indeed I have.” Arc looks at her sheepishly. “Uh… can we… have it please?” Luna shakes her head. “That is not as simple as you would think.” Sereb frowns. “It is not here?” “Exactly.” Twilight looks to Luna. “Do you know where then?” Luna turns to a nearby guard. “Bring me a map of our land.” The guard salutes and hurries to carry out his orders. Cadance sighs. “Does this mean it’s far away?” Luna nods. “Yes, Cadance. My sister did not feel it was safe here in Canterlot Castle’s vault.” Arc frowns. “Not safe in the vault? Is it really that dangerous?” “Yes and no.” The guard returns with the map. Luna accepts it. “Thank you. You and the other guards are dismissed.” The Royal Guards bow and leave the room together as Luna unrolls the map and points to a spot far to the south. “My sister hid it here. There is an ancient temple at this location that she believed would serve as the perfect hiding place for the Dragon’s Tear.” Twilight looks up. “I don’t understand. Why would it need to be hidden away?” Sereb nods. “And in such a remote and unguarded place.” Luna sighs. “It may be remote, but it is FAR from unguarded.” Auriel looks nervous. “Monsters?! Demons?!” “Close. The temple is guarded by a magically created creature known as Ahuizotl.” Arc looks confused. “What do you mean ‘magically created’?” Cadance sighs. “While forbidden, magic does exist to create sentient life.” Everyone looks over at Twilight. “Squee!” Ember turns to Luna. “So is this creature a robot like Rose?” “No. He is flesh and blood like the rest of us. My sister created him to guard the Dragon’s Tear. Amongst other things, that is.” Sereb frowns. “I am almost afraid to ask, but how long has he been there?” “Almost as long as we’ve been princesses.” Arc nods. “Anything you can tell us about this Ahuizotl fellow? I’m assuming it’s male.” “You would be correct. He is as cunning as he is strong. Do not take him lightly! Or his minions.” Auriel steps back nervously. “Minions?!” “My sister also created an army to aid him in his task. They are comprised of warrior-like creatures known as ‘sphinx’.” Twilight nods. “I’ve read about those in some of the oldest reference guides to magic. Cadance appears surprised. “Really? What are they exactly? “The only thing the book said was they were deadly! Nopony alive has ever seen one, and any records of what they might have looked like have been lost.” Ember shudders. “Scary thought! Maybe I could just fly in there, grab the tear and race back out before anyone is the wiser!” Luna shakes her head. “That would not work. Ahuizotl also commands a large contingent of Rocs.” Brightwing licks her lips. “Except feathers, is good eats!” Arc frowns. “Feathers?” Cadance nods. “They’re a very fast bird with sharp talons and a nasty temper.” Ember grins wickedly. “Great! I’m looking forward to some aerial combat!” Twilight turns to Cadance. “I’ve read rocs can read your mind! Is that true?” “To a degree. They use that ability to counter your attack before you make it. Fortunately they can’t actually tell exactly what’s going through you mind.” Luna nods. “Their claws can also pierce armor.” Arc furrows his brow. “Liking this less all the time.” Rose sighs. “It’s okay, Arc. I don’t want to see you risk your life on my account. You can just take me back to the Dragon Lands now.” Arc puts his hands on Rose’s shoulder. “Oh no. I’m getting that Dragon’s Tear, giving it to the Dragon Lord and bringing you home.” Sereb growls. “You mean ‘we’ right?” Ember nods. “Count me in!” Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “I’d like to see this historic temple for myself.” Auriel walks over to Arc. “I’m coming as well. This whole mess is partially my fault.” “Brightwing go with you!” Arc smiles. “Thanks everyone.” Cadance sighs. “Well then, it appears you have no shortage of volunteers, Arc.” Auriel thinks for a moment. “Now I suppose the only problem is, how do we get there.” Luna points a hoof in the direction of the hanger. “Take the Lunar Destiny. With luck, you should get there by tomorrow morning.” She points a hoof at the map. “You’ll have to head due south from Canterlot until you get to Appleloosa. From there you can follow the old train tracks further south for several more hours before heading east over the Forbidden Jungle.” Rose looks to her, confused. “Can we not just fly straight?” Cadance shakes her head. “That would take you over the Badlands. Queen Chrysalis rules that part of the continent.” Arc frowns. “The way you said that leads me to believe she’s not a benevolent ruler. Luna sighs. “She is not. While not openly at war, we have had quite a few skirmishes with her changeling army in the past.” Ember looks to him. “When you were Lord Regent, you sent her a letter of peace, right Arc?” Sereb frowns. “Did anything ever come of it?” Arc shrugs. “I never received any word back. To be honest with you, I was kinda glad. What Kibitz told me about her was not encouraging.” Twilight thinks for a moment. “Although it does make me wonder why she never attacked. It certainly was a good time with no princesses on the throne.” Brightwing shudders. “Mean bug with wings that one!” Auriel looks surprised. “You’ve met her?” “Yes! Scary voice! Brightwing no like! Things like her should not talk!” Arc frowns. “We’ll be sure to avoid her lands then. Wouldn’t want to start something after all.” Cadance breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! We don’t really want a war now. Not even with her.” “I have one last question before we leave. What does this artifact do exactly?” Luna turns to him. “It was another of Star Swirl the Bearded’s experiments, Arc.” Twilight raises an eyebrow. “A failure?” Rose sighs. “Like… like me?” Luna shakes her head. “No. It supposedly worked. The purpose of the Dragon’s Tear was to make any creature who possessed it, immortal.” Sereb narrows his eyes. “Define immortal.” “Whomever used its power would stop aging and be able to regenerate until they removed it. This item was originally created for Celestia and I. Until Star Swirl discovered how to turn us into alicorns, that is.” Auriel nods. “Why is it called the Dragon’s Tear?” “Because of its shape and origin. You see, the tears of a dragon can be made to crystalize. Ember looks surprised. “They can?” Luna nods. “Yes. However, the method by which this is done has been lost to the sands of time. Only one was ever successfully created. It was set into a gold pendant’s center and hidden away after it was clear his Alicorn Transformation Theory was more than just speculation.” Arc sighs. “Are you two okay with giving this gem to the Dragon Lord?” Cadance nods. “I’m fine with it.” “Yes. If it will appease his anger, then I am for it as well.” Luna looks over at Rose. “That and I do not like the idea of turning over this young lady to the Dragon Lord.” Arc frowns. “Neither am I. Although I do wonder what he wants with it.” Ember shrugs. “Probably just another bauble to add to his horde. All dragons are like that.” Sereb raises an eyebrow. “All?” Ember sighs. “Yes, even me…” Twilight turns back to Luna. “Anything you can tell us about this temple?” Luna shakes her head. “Sadly, no. It was a preexisting structure even back then. Only my sister knew anything about it.” Sereb frowns. “Equestrians did not build it?” “No. Who did and what happened to them is still a mystery to this day.” Auriel look hopeful. “Maybe we can find some clues while we’re there.” Rose shudders. “Hopefully not! I don’t want Arc or anyone else to be in danger even a moment longer than necessary!” Arc nods. “Well, we should let you two get back to lunch. Thank you for the help.” Luna smiles after him. “You are welcome, Arc. “ She pushes the map toward him. “Take this with you. That temple isn’t on any of them. And watch yourselves out there!” Arc takes the map, folds it up and puts it neatly in his pocket. Cadance looks to him nervously. “Do be careful! I want everypony to come back safely after this!” Brightwing flutters around excitedly. “Brightwing look after them!” Arc smiles. “We won’t let you down.” The group leaves the Dining Room together as the princesses go back to their meal. “Luna, why DO you suppose the Dragon Lord wants the Dragon’s Tear?” Luna shrugs. “Your guess is as good as mine. Although it is comforting to know that our Hero of Light has such loyal friends.”