//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 - Observations // Story: The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds // by Kamahido //------------------------------// As Arc and his friends wait on the roof for Minerva, their unaware subject makes her way down the road with Cherry by her side in the passenger seat. Cherry speaks up as they stop for a red light. “I hope you’re ready with what we went over last night.” Minerva sighs. “I’ve been having second thoughts about this all morning.” “Really?” “Yes. But it’s too late to come up with something new.” Cherry giggles. “I’m sure your interview will be a hit.” Minerva frowns. “I doubt it.” “What? Why?” “People want hard news. But all we seem to get around here is cutesy filler material.” “Isn’t that good? It means there’s not much trouble in town.” Minerva sighs. “Good for public safety, I suppose. Bad for aspiring journalists looking to make a name for themselves.” “Then why are you doing this story?” “I’m Channel 7’s best reporter. But even I still have to go where my editor tells me.” “Then why not ask him to send you to something more exciting?” “I did. This really is the best story I’ve been handed thus far. What I really want to do is report on action!” “Like my hero friend?” Minerva smiles. “Yes. Him coming to town was the best thing that’s happened to my career!” “I remember you speaking to him at the apartment fire.” “Yes. That was quite the interview. I even got the exclusive!” “The what?” “Meaning no other station had footage or an interview with the Hero.” “Is that important?” “It is to my reputation!” They pull into the Town Hall’s parking lot. Minerva parks her car and looks her hair over in the rear view mirror. “How do I look?” “Very nice. I just wish I could go with you. This whole reporting job sounds very interesting!” “I actually thought of that.” She reaches into her purse and pulls out a small dongle which she plugs into her car’s stereo. “Now you should be able to hear everything I do.” “Great!” Minerva pulls an earpiece out of her purse and puts it on. “It’s two-way as well. You can listen in and even give me your thoughts in real time.” “You want to hear what I think?” “Yes. After what I did last night it’s the least I can do.” “I’ll try not to distract you.” Minerva opens the car door and steps out. “Thanks. Wish me luck.” “You’ll do fine! I just know it! But where’s your cameraman?” “He’s already up there setting up in the Mayor’s Office.” Minerva waves and closes the car door. Heading inside the building she walks up the single flight of stairs to the second floor. Sighing, she stops in front of the Mayor’s Office. “Well… here goes. Let’s get this over with.” She knocks lightly. “Come in.” Minerva enters to see the mayor sitting behind his desk going over some paperwork. An elderly man in his nineties, he slowly stands and greets her with a warm smile. “Come in, Miss Moore. I’ve been expecting you.” Minerva walks over to the desk and extends her hand. “Good morning, Mayor Hill.” “And a fine morning it is, ma’am.” He looks over to the cameraman. “It looks like we’re almost ready to begin.” “Yes sir. Thank you for allowing this interview. I know you must be a busy man.” Hill chuckles. “Yes. However I’ve cleared my morning of anything that might interrupt.” Minerva looks to him, surprised. “You… you did?” “I tend to get rather long winded and didn’t want any other appointment to cut this short.” Minerva mutters to herself. “So that’s why my editor booked half a day on this story. Great…” “Did you say something, miss?” “Nothing, sir.” She turns to her cameraman. He nods. Minerva picks up a small microphone and puts it on her lapel. “I think my associate is ready for us, sir.” Hill gestures with his hand to a couple nearby chairs. “Shall we?” Minerva nods. “Do you need a hand?” “Thank you, but I’ll be fine.” With some difficulty he makes his way over to the chairs and sits down. Minerva follows as the cameraman makes a few last minute adjustments. “Now then sir, I’ll ask you questions one by one and you just answer as best you can. We’re not live, so let me know if you want to start over with an answer.” Hill smiles jovially. “I will do my best not to use up all your film.” “Don’t worry about that, sir. We have plenty of memory cards for the camera.” The cameraman counts down and points at Minerva as he begins recording. “Hello, Angel Grove. Minerva Moore reporting. I’m here today with our town’s very own Mayor Hill.” “Always happy to have a nice chat, Miss Moore.” “You’ve been Angel Groove’s mayor for as long as anyone can remember.” Hill chuckles. “I remember back when Main Street was a dirt road.” “Your father was the first mayor, isn’t that right?” “Yes ma’am. And the founder.” “But I thought it was your grandfather whom founded Angel Groove.” Hill shakes his head. “Don’t believe everything you read, Miss Moore. My father was instrumental in chartering the town that we view out our windows today.” There is a pause as Minerva considers this turn of events. Cherry calls out to her. “Keep going!” Minerva continues. “That couldn’t have been a simple task.” “He told me it was actually easier than you think.” “Oh?” “Yes. All it took back then was a vote of the local residents.” “And your father convinced everyone?” Hill chuckles. “It’s easy when you’re friends or family to pretty much everyone around the area. You see, my family owned a ranch right here back then.” “I remember reading about the Lone Wolf Ranch in history class. What part of town was it in?” “You misunderstand, Miss Moore. The entire town limits WAS the ranch!” “That’s quite a bit of land!” “My grandfather thought so too. He considered parceling some of the less desirable parts out and building houses on it for his workers. Charging them room and board in order to make more capital. However he passed away before his plan could be brought to fruition.” “I’m sorry to hear that, sir. “Oh, don’t be! He was known in these parts as a dishonest businessman, a cheat, and a swindler.” Minerva looks genuinely confused. “He… he was? But I remember learning in school that…” “Folks often remember only the good in you when you’re dead and gone. I’m certain the rent he would have charged the workers would have been MUCH more than the lodgings were worth.” “But if that’s the case, how was the town REALLY founded?” “My own father, who inherited everything, decided to put his old man’s plan into motion himself. But with a bit of a tweak.” “I… ah…” Cherry speaks up. “Ask him what kind of tweak.” “What changes did your father make?” “For starters, he didn’t build bunkhouses. Instead he raised small but well-built houses.” “How many?” “Enough that every worker had a place to call home. You see, my grandfather insisted that he learn the business from the ground up. So every summer my father would work at the ranch.” Cherry calls out. “Ask him what kind of chores he did.” “What were his duties? Office work?” Hill chuckles. “No, no. Grandpa was a big believer in hard work. He wanted my father to start with the lowest of tasks. In fact, his first job was cleaning out the stables with nothing but a shovel and a burlap sack.” “A… sack?” “My grandfather had a knack for teaching others using rather unique ideas. That much fresh manure was quite heavy. He was trying to show that the weight of the business was more than he knew.” “How long did he do this?” “All summer. At first he could only fill the sack up part way. But after a season of lifting and toting, he could carry a full sack over his shoulder easily. Grandpa told him that was to show him that as he did the job, the weight would become greater. But so would his ability to handle it.” Minerva smiles warmly. “Interesting. So did he move up after that?” “Yes, but very slowly. Each task was only slightly better than the previous. It wasn’t until my father entered high school that he started to learn about the technical and business side of the ranch.” “I assume he took his lessons to heart?” “Yes ma’am. My father always did his best, no matter what task was placed before him. It was that attitude that helped him to make some very important choices in the future.” “Choices?” “Grandfather passed away very suddenly leaving my father as the sole owner of the ranch. To say it was a lot of work would have been an understatement.” “I can imagine.” “Yes, well… as he told me years later, he didn’t feel ready for such a high position in the company.” Cherry gasps. “Ask if he had any helpers to fall back on.” “I suppose there must have been others involved in the leadership of the ranch.” Hill shakes his head. “Not really, no. Grandfather was VERY organized, as well as very controlling. He handled pretty much everything other than the most menial paperwork. Truth be told, my father wanted a much smaller business than he had inherited. But at the same time he knew a smaller company would need less workers.” “That would have required employee cuts.” “Indeed. So he decided to follow his father’s plan of parceling up some of the ranch for development.” “How long did it take to build all those houses?” “About ten years in all. Every employee was properly housed by the time it was complete.” “Did it lead to layoffs?” “No. As workers retired, they were simply not replaced. That and they had a place to spend their golden years with dignity.” Minerva nods. “The best of both worlds.” “That it was. Most retirees had worked this land for their entire lives and didn’t want to leave. Then there was the younger generations who were being brought up here.” “Was more done for them?” “Yes. My father donated the money to build the first Lone Wolf School and a local hospital. Two things that were desperately needed. The original buildings have long since been demolished and rebuilt. But fortunately with proper names.” Minerva thinks for a moment. “That’s another thing. What happened to the ‘Lone Wolf’ name?” “At that time we were still an ‘unincorporated community’. So every time something new was built they just defaulted to ‘Lone Wolf’ whatever it was. It wasn’t until my father’s death when his will was read that we all had to stop and consider what to do next.” “Oh?” “You see, back then my father was the mayor in name only. His main job was the continuation of the Lone Wolf Ranch. However with his death he deeded all the land to the town on the condition that they change the name to something else.” “He did? Why?” Hill sighed. “He knew his death would mark the end of an era. The long hours and stress really took its toll on him and his health. Some of his last words were to reassure me that I wouldn’t be burdened with such things. At the time I just thought he was delirious from the pain and medications.” “So where did Angel Grove come from?” “A simple community vote. My father’s generosity had been legendary in these parts. Many had thought of him as the community’s guardian angel. Originally they wanted to call it ‘Angel’s Grove’, but I knew he wouldn’t have liked that as it would have referred to him.” “So they shortened it to ‘Angel Grove’?” “At my request, yes. I filled out the paperwork and sent it to the state capital. It went through without a hitch. A grateful public urged me to officially run for mayor. As the history books state, I won by a landslide.” “And you’ve been the mayor ever since.” “That I have.” “We all believe you’ve done a wonderful job, sir. Angel Grove has been a prosperous and peaceful place for many years.” Hill sighs. “Yes. But it isn’t without its problems. Past or present.” “You mean the Shards, sir?” “I do. While I’ve done my best to safeguard the town, this task is apparently out of my league.” “What can be done?” Hill sighs. “It’s time the next generation took over responsibility for their future. I’d like to take this time to announce that I won’t be running for reelection next year.” Minerva’s pen falls to the floor as her jaw drops. There is a stunned silence. Eventually Cherry calls out to her. “Ask him what led up to this.” Minerva regains her composure. “This is… all very sudden, sir! Why now?!” Hill picks up a newspaper from the table before him and holds up the front page. There is a large picture of the Hero of Light and Dragon fighting The Riders. “Because I know that there are young people out there willing to fight for their homes. Willing to do what needs to be done for us all.” “The Hero of Light, sir? But he’s rather… vigilante in his actions. After all, Marshal Raynor has gone on record as being against many of his exploits.” Hill looks Minerva in the eye. “The Marshal isn’t wrong, Miss Moore. However, sometimes you have to do the wrong thing in order to do what’s right.” “Can you elaborate, sir?” “The Shard menace could not be contained by the police. They were hurting our local businesses and livelihoods.” He points a finger at the picture in the paper. “These two have the courage and strength to stand up to such injustice! Some may see them as vigilantes, but I see nothing but heroes!” “Yes sir. The community is rather split on what to make of them though.” “And what do you think?” “To be honest with you, a pair with such incredible power frightens me.” Hill nods. “It is not uncommon to fear change and that which we do not understand. But I do believe he is just what is needed.” “For the town?” “For the town, yes. But also for the state, for the nation, and perhaps even the world.” “I don’t believe our Hero has aspirations that high.” Hill chuckles. “One never knows. There’s trouble brewing here, there, and everywhere after all.” “Perhaps the governor should weigh in on him.” “Maybe. But I do believe even President Ackerman should be interested in meeting with our Hero. After all, he admires hard work and dedication. If only he could be reached as easily as you or I could.” Minerva nods. “If only.” Meanwhile, Arc and Sereb look out over the edge of the building at the parking lot. Arc frowns as yet another car enters the lot. “Is that her?” “No, Arc.” “How about that one?” “No.” Arc turns to Sereb angrily. “Can’t you say anything other than ‘no’?!” “You asked a question, and I answered it.” “Sorry.” “I understand your desire to find Minerva. However she will come when she comes. Neither you nor I can speed that along.” Arc sighs. “I guess not.” “Why don’t you go wait by the vent with Rose? It’s about time for Ember’s turn on watch.” “I will in a few minutes.” “You said that an hour ago.” “Did I?” “Being a dragon cannot make this easier.” Arc shivers. “I didn’t realize being cold-blooded would make me cold so easily!” Sereb waves a paw to Ember. “Please warm yourself. I am still not certain a dragon cannot become ill from the cold.” Ember walks over to the pair. “My turn?” “Yes.” Ember puts a claw on Arc’s shoulder. “We’ll let you know the moment we see something. It can’t be much longer now.” Arc nods soberly as he turns to walk back to the vent. “I sure hope not.” Ember takes her place next to Sereb as they survey the parking lot and its traffic. “He’s holding up well.” Sereb shakes his head. Not taking his eyes off the lot. “No, he is not.” “What?” “I worry that Arc’s mental state will not hold forever.” “As do I.” “He and Miss Cherry share a special bond very similar to our Life Pact.” Ember nods. “Well they were engaged, after all.” “Yes. There is that as well.” The pair are silent for a time. Ember turns to Sereb. “Do you think he’ll ever truly get past her death.” “There is no ‘getting past’ such an event.” “Then what…?” “I do not know, Ember.” Meanwhile, Arc walks front of the warm unit. Rose raises her arm to allow Arc to sit down next to her under the sleeping bag. “Thanks, Rose.” “I will do my best to keep you and Ember warm.” Arc sighs. “I…” “You are worried, aren’t you?” He forces a smile. “Your sensors?” Rose shakes her head. “Just my optical ones this time.” “I am.” “We will find her. Of that I am certain.” “Hopefully soon! With Cherry gone my head just feels so… empty! Like I’m half a dragon. Half a man? Half a dragon-man? I just hope she’s not too frightened by my appearance when we DO find her!” “I am sure she will understand that these steps needed to be taken. But in any case, are you warm enough?” Arc nods. “Yes. It’s really toasty in here!” “I was afraid that, as a dragon, you wouldn’t be able to generate enough heat to stay warm.” “Maybe that’s why Ember favors my bed.” “There is certainly more to her feelings for you than simply warmth. That much I can see. But I did increase my magical output to compensate for the lack of heat here.” “Is that safe?!” Rose nods. “Yes. However I am consuming more energy than my heart is capable of producing.” “Are you sure you’ll be okay?” “I will be. The solution will be a good night’s sleep for me when we find Miss Cherry.” They are silent for a time. The only sound being the hum of the unit behind them and warm air blowing past. Rose turns to him nervously. “Can I say something?” “Always.” “I, um… overheard your earlier conversation about androids.” “Oh… ah… Rose, I…” She shakes her head and forces a smile. “It’s okay. Truth be told, I agreed with your stance.” “You… you’re okay with me having to kill you?!” Rose takes his hand. “I’m not, no. For you see, I’ve learned to value my life since the removal of my directives.” “Good!” “Would you do one thing for me though?” “What is it?” Rose looks up into his eyes, sadly. “If the conversation you and Ember had ever came to pass, meaning if I were to lose control…” “You won’t.” “No one really knows if that’s true or not. But if it came to pass I want you to know that I would welcome my destruction.” “But what about…?!” “About me? Arc, if I were to betray Equestria and those whom I care about it is unlikely anyone could stop me.” “What do you mean?” “I’ve already run the numbers. On a level and balanced battlefield I would hold the advantage against any known force in Equestria.” Arc frowns. “And the princesses? “Their power has been taken into account. While I could not destroy them, I could theoretically injure them beyond repair.” “Why are you telling me this, Rose?” “Because I trust you, Arc. I trust that you are able to carry out the grim task of destroying my frame.” “But your simulations said…” “…that you may be the only one capable of stopping me.” “Me?!” “Yes, Arc.” “How do you figure that?!” “My scanners have shown that you possess great amounts of power, strength, magic, and experience in battle. I’ve read the files regarding your exploits prior to my activation. While I cannot explain this logically, I am certain that you yourself are not yet fully aware of your upper limits.” “You mean I can become more powerful?” “In theory, yes.” “Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Rose.” “I assume the thought of growing in power makes you happy.” Arc shakes his head. “Not really. I mean, it would be nice to know I can keep everyone safe and all. But… I might have to think about some sort of contingency plan.” “For me?” Arc shakes his head. “For me.” Rose looks confused. “Why would you…?” “The princesses created a weapon that is capable of destroying them.” “The Dagger of Eternal Slumber?” “You know about it?!” “Mother told me.” “I see. Rose, I need you to do something for me.” “What is it?” “Should I turn and become a threat to this land or to Equestria, I want you to rally my friends and… and see to it I’m either neutralized or destroyed.” Rose’s eyes grow wide. “WHAT?! But… but I can’t…!” “Yes you can. No directives, remember?” “But you’ve always been so kind to me! How could I ever do such a thing to you?!” “The same way I would destroy you should such a thing be necessary. But not before trying everything else first.” “And if that fails?” “Then you need to hit me hard and fast. Promise me this and I’ll do my best to safeguard the land from a rampaging android.” Rose nods soberly. “I’ll… do my best to make it quick.” Arc looks away. “Thank you. So will I.” “What should I do with the plan? Keep it to myself?” “Share it with Twilight. She’ll know what to do.” Rose sighs. “Very well.” Meanwhile, Sereb lowers his ears and sighs. Ember looks over to him. “Finally getting cold?” “No. I’m just… thinking about the future.” “Yours?” “Everyone’s, I suppose.” “That’s kinda hard to imagine.” Sereb puts his head down sadly. “One never knows what tasks lie ahead. For better or worse we will do what needs to be done.” “I’m with you there!” “Even if it’s distasteful?” “Yeah! We’ll all see it through together!” “I will hold you to that.” Sereb looks down at the parking lot below and frowns as he mutters to himself. “I am bound to Arc for life. For good or ill, I will do what he asks of me. I can only hope he won’t lose himself to madness.”