//------------------------------// // Chapter 14 - Arguements // Story: The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds // by Kamahido //------------------------------// Arc leaves his quarters and heads for the Dining Room. Twilight and her friends stand before the group of dignitaries. Rutherford glares at Twilight. “What going on?! Yak no see princesses or Hero of Light!” Ashe nods. “Indeed. Where is he anyways?” “He’s working on figuring this mess out.” Fluttershy hides behind Rainbow Dash. “Yes. Please be patient.” “Yak not know what that mean!” Rainbow Dash clops her hooves together. “Yeah?! Well, it’s never too late to learn!” Applejack grabs Rainbow Dash’s tail as she moves to confront Rutherford. “Easy there. Remember, this is supposed to be a peace summit.” Rarity nods. “Yes. Fighting is certainly counterintuitive to such things.” Fluttershy smiles shyly. “If everypony will please calm down I’m certain we can figure this out together.” Ember turns to Sereb. “Where is Arc anyways?” “I have not seen him nearly all day.” Sereb sniffs the air. “But he approaches.” The Marquis chuckles. “Good! Perhaps he has discovered something.” Ikis nods as he hides his cut tendril behind the others. “Yes, my friend. I am confident this will be resolved soon enough.” Ashe mutters under her breath. “Not likely.” Arc enters the room and walks over to the group. Applejack looks over to him. “Good thing you’re here, sugarcube. Things were getting a might bit heated.” “I’ll take over, thanks.” He turns to the group and clears his throat. “As you all know, the princesses have taken ill and are currently bedridden.” Iris nods. “Will they be alright?” “I’m sure that in time we’ll find a way to help them.” Goldstone calls out. “What about us?!” The Marquis frowns. “While I am not trying to downplay the princesses’ condition, it is quite troubling. After all, who is to say all of us are not in danger of being poisoned?” Ember sighs. “I hate to suggest this, but perhaps we should call off the summit for the sake of everyone’s safety.” Ghaleon chuckles. “What’s wrong, Dragon Lord? Afraid?” “Yeah! For all of you!” Tugem sighs. “Perhaps the Dragon Lord has a point. We could always reconvene at a later date.” Kane snorts as he turns to Ember. “Ha! How do we know it was not you who committed this heinous deed?!” Ember frowns. “Hey now! It could’ve just been a bad case of food poisoning!” Felix nods. “Yes. Let’s not jump to conclusions.” Arc clears his throat loudly. “Let me address that. The good news is, according to everyone’s blood tests, none of you have any kind of poison in your systems.” Those assembled appear relieved. “The bad news is the princesses’ blood contains a very… potent substance that is keeping them bedridden.” Iris looks around angrily. “So you are saying this WAS done intentionally?” Arc nods. “Yes. This could not have been an accident.” Sereb sniffs the air. “Has there been a breech in security?” “No. According to Rose there has been no unauthorized entry into the facility, nor has anyone left her sensor range.” Tugem puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “That would mean the culprit is still inside.” Goldstone gasps. “Wait! Inside?! With us now?!” He turns to Rutherford and points an accusatory talon. “Why did you do this you overweight ball of fur?!” “WHAT?! Puny griffons think yaks did this?! Was probably dragons! They sneaky lot!” Ember glares at Rutherford. “US?! If anyone’s to blame for this it’s probably Goldstone!” Fiona nods angrily. “Yes indeed!” Felix glares at Goldstone. “He’s a monster!” Tugem shakes his head. “Let’s not jump to conclusions now everyone.” Goldstone frowns. “Says the cave dweller!” Tugem clenches a fist. “What did you say, bird?!” “ENOUGH!” Everyone fall silent as Arc continues. “I’m sure everyone wants out of here. However the fact of the matter is that the guilty party is still at-large here.” Goldstone frowns. “Well I for one am not sticking around to get poisoned!” He heads for the door. Arc calls out after him. “You are certainly free to leave anytime, Lord Goldstone. Just bear in mind the ramifications of walking away right now.” Goldstone looks back. “What? You mean staying alive, right?!” “No. I mean if the one who did this is not caught.” Gestal looks at his companion evenly. “The Griffon Kingdom would certainly be looked at with suspicion.” Ghaleon glares at Goldstone. “Yeah! So get back here you coward! That is, unless you did it!” “What?! You mean I have to STAY here?!” Rainbow Dash nods angrily. “Yeah! Unless you want everypony to suspect you!” Goldstone sighs and walks back to Gestal and Ghaleon. “I suppose I have no choice.” Kane looks around. “It would appear none of us do. The difference is my tribe has nothing to fear from the hammer of justice.” Goldstone at Kane. “Why, you…!” Arc clears his throat loudly. “I certainly have my suspicions who did this. However, I need proof before I make any accusations.” Ember brandishes her claws. “Yeah! And whoever tries to leave first will be the guilty party!” “There’s always the waiting game. But I’m hoping to have this wrapped up soon without having to resort to a test of wills.” Iris nods. “I am certain you will be thorough in your investigation, Lord Arc. The Forsaken will cooperate fully.” Ikis and the Marquis move to stand with Iris . “The hydra agree.” Felix speaks up. “As king of Abyssinia, I will comply as well.” Ember brings a fist to her chest plate. “The Dragon Lands have nothing to hide. We’ll submit to this test.” Brightwing flutters around happily. “Brightwing will stay as well!” Gestal looks around. “The Griffon Kingdom is blameless in this matter. We hope our names will be cleared quickly. However, I request one favor, Lord Arc?” “What is it?” “Might my daughter be confined to her quarters aboard ship?” “Father, I’d rather stay here instead!” “Do not argue with me, Ashe. I’d like you to stay safe in case things go badly.” Arc sighs. “Very well, Lord Gestal. I’ll even assigns triple guards outside the door to keep her safe at all times.” “Thank you.” Arc extends a hand. “Would you please come with me, Lady Ashe?” Ashe takes his hand cordially. “Very well, Lord Arc.” He turns to the others. “I’ll continue my investigation shortly. In the meantime I’d like everyone to return to their rooms for safety.” Those gathered nod and head for the corridor. Arc turns to Twilight and her friends “Please head to my quarters here in the base. I’ll be back in a little bit to talk to all of you. Anyone gives you any trouble feel free to blast them with the Elements of Harmony.” Twilight nods soberly. “We will.” Rainbow Dash stands on her hind legs with her hooves out. “Yeah! They want a fight, we’ll give ‘em one!” Rarity sighs. “Please, Rainbow Dash! Do try not to upset the dignitaries.” Applejack sighs. “That might not be an option.” Fluttershy smiles. “We could ask them nicely to behave.” Applejack rolls her eyes. “Yeah. But I don’t think that’s going to work too well if this drags on, Arc.” “I’ll try to be quick.” He calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. “Shall we be off, Lady Ashe?” Ashe nods. “Thank you.” The pair enter the portal and are gone. Applejack frowns as they head toward Arc’s quarters. “I’m glad SHE’S gone!” Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Really? She seemed alright to me.” “That one’s hiding something.” Rarity looks worried. “How could you tell?” “I can spot a liar a mile away. Element of Honesty, remember?” Twilight sighs. “We should tell Arc about this.” Pinkie giggles. “I’m guessing he already knows!” Fluttershy frowns. “But what if he doesn’t?” Pinkie grins. “Come on! Triple guards aboard a secure ship way up in the air?! He’s fencing her in!” Meanwhile, Arc and Ashe appear on the sigil in Luna’s room aboard the Lunar Destiny. She quickly pulls her talon from his hand and wipes it on her dress. “Take me back to my room at once! I feel the need for a bath after that!” Arc walks over to the door. “Very well. Let me just call for those guards I promised your father.” They step out into the corridor as Arc touches his earring. “Arc to Rose.” “Rose here.” “Notify the Lunar Destiny that Lady Ashe’s room requires a dozen guards stationed in the corridor around the clock until further notice.” “I’ll see to it.” “Thanks. Arc out.” Arc opens the door for Ashe and allows her to pass. She turns as he enters behind her and waves a talon dismissively. “You may go now.” “Oh, don’t you worry about that. But I’m not going anywhere until you and I’ve had a little chat.” Ashe rolls her eyes. “Please tell me you have enough information to figure this little mystery out.” “I think I do.” “Good. Then why are you wasting time with me?” He folds his arms over his chest. “Because the poison used on the princesses was nearly identical to the one your rebels used on me.” Ashe shakes her head as she steps behind a privacy screen. “For the last time, we don’t use poison!” “Right. So someone else dressed like a rebel attacked us twice with extremely expensive bolts and an equally complex poison back then?” Ashe calls out to him as she removes her dress. “Yes.” “Forgive me if I don’t believe you.” “That’s in the past. What makes you think I had anything to do with this mess?” “Oh, I don’t know. Two previous attacks and you were in close proximity to our leaders. Plenty of time for you to do something.” “Such as…?” “I have no idea.” “You’re not exactly filling me with confidence right now.” “Neither is your insistence that you didn’t do this.” Ashe steps out from behind the screen. “Let me ask you this? What possible reason would I have to take such a risk? Attacking your princesses in the middle of Equestria, while inside a veritable fortress, surrounded by guards, and with no way home without the aid of your airship would certainly be a suicide mission.” Arc shrugs. “You might have felt the risk was worth it. I’m sure you feel very strongly about your rebel point of view.” “Strongly, yes. But I’m not so stupid as to throw my life away for it. After all, what good is accomplishing a goal if you’re not alive to see the results?” “True. However this was done VERY covertly. Whoever did this must’ve had amazing stealth skills to do so without being seen.” “And you suspect me because I possess such skills?” “Yes. Perhaps you wanted revenge for us thwarting your previous plans.” “I’ve learned a few things in my tenure as leader of the Griffon Liberation Army. One is not to take the past too seriously. Vendettas, bad blood, and revenge only lead to a waste of valuable resources and risking one’s life needlessly.” Arc frowns. “And you attacking me aboard the Lunar Destiny?” “Truth be told, that’s what taught me that lesson. Back then I had everything to lose and really nothing to gain by killing you.” “How about peace of mind?” Ashe walks over to Arc and grabs him by the front of his shirt as she gets right in his face. “Let me spell it out for you. I… DIDN’T… DO… THIS!” Arc nods soberly. “Very well. However, the guards in the corridor will be instructed to not allow you to leave your quarters until I clear you.” Ashe turns away angrily. “Fine! Chase after meaningless leads! It’s your princesses who will suffer from your ineptitude!” Arc turns to leave. “Meals will be brought to your room. Don’t try to go anywhere.” “I won’t!” He leaves the room, closing the door behind him. Ashe shakes her head as she mutters to herself. “Idiot.” She stares out the window for a time. “But I can’t help wonder who really did do this. And if they’re looking for work.” Meanwhile, Arc steps out into the corridor. He turns to the guards who have gathered. “Lady Ashe is not to leave this room under any circumstances. It’s for her own protection.” “Yes sir.” They salute as Arc leaves. He walks down the corridor and muses to himself. “She was really insistent that it wasn’t her. Then again, she has to know that confessing to something like this would certainly be a death sentence in her country.” Continuing on, Arc eventually finds his way to the Observation Deck. Peering out he sees his base below. “Things always look so peaceful from up here. You wouldn’t imagine someone with heinous intentions was somewhere inside when things as so calm up here.” Arc sighs and begins pacing the floor. “What am I missing? None of what I know makes any sense on its own.” Cherry calls out to him. “You’re doing your best, Arc.” “Yes, well… my best might not be enough this time.” “I know you’ll figure this out.” “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Cherry. But we’re running out of time. The rulers need to get home at some point. If I try to keep them here too long, they’ll only get more and more restless.” “That may be. But try to focus on the here and now. Twilight and her friends are waiting for you.” Arc sighs. “I know. Let’s get back.” Raising his gauntlet Arc opens a portal back to his quarters. Stepping through he reappears on the sigil. Twilight hurries over to him. “Did you have a chance to check up on Cadance?!” “No, Twilight. But that’s something I need to talk to you about.” He looks to the others as they sit around the fireplace. “Now I need all of you to listen to me. This information can’t leave the room.” Rarity turns to him as the blood drains from her face. “Are the princesses… um…?!” “Dead? No. In fact, they’re almost completely recovered.” Twilight straightens up immediately. “Really?! Does this mean I can see Cadance?!” Arc shakes his head. “Sadly no, Twilight.” Rainbow Dash looks confused. “Why not?” “Because I need everyone else to believe they’re still sick.” Fluttershy frowns. “Even though they’re not?” “Right.” Applejack narrows her eyes. “That’s not very honest, Arc.” “I know. But it’s important to my plan.” Pinkie tilts her head to one side. “Plan?!” “To catch whomever did this. If they knew their plan had failed they might try something desperate.” Twilight looks to Arc soberly. “Or go after the princesses again, right?!” “Exactly. I didn’t want to keep this information from all of you though.” Applejack smiles. “Thanks for letting us know, sugarcube.” Rainbow Dash nods. “Yeah! We were all pretty worried there for a while.” Fluttershy appears nervous. “But what should we do now?” “Stay here at Light’s Hope. I’m hoping your presence will intimidate the delegates into behaving. In the meantime I’m going to see if I can’t figure this whole thing out.” Pinkie soberly salutes. “You can count on us Arc!” Twilight turns to her friends. “Right. Come on, girls. Let’s patrol the halls together.” They head for the door together. Rarity looks nervous. “I’ll catch up with all of you in a few minutes.” Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong?” “N-no. I just need to talk to Arc about something. Don’t wait up.” Twilight nods. “Okay. But don’t take too long.” The others leave the room as Rarity turns back to Arc. “Rarity?” “I know this might sound a bit strange, but… do you happen to know where Prince Tugem bought his raiments?” “The ogres live under Vanhoover in the old Aqueducts, so I’m assuming they made them from the prey of their kills. Now I know you’re interested in clothes and all, but this really isn’t the time.” “I don’t believe that’s true, Arc.” “What do you mean?” “I too believed his clothes were handmade by the ogres at first glance. However, after looking him over a bit longer I very clearly saw certain elements of another Equestrian seamstress.” “Who?” “Inky Rose. She’s a very… unique individual who is well known for making garments out of… unusual materials.” “Like animal skins and whatnot?” Rarity nods. “Right. She’s very skilled, mind you. If somepony needs something outside the box, she’s your pony though.” “Does she have a shop somewhere?” “Yes. It’s in the low-rent district of Canterlot.” “Thanks for the info, Rarity. But tell me, how do you know she’s the one who made those clothes?” “Every seamstress has certain quirks to their craft. Habits that develop over the course of their training and stick with them throughout their careers. Once you know what to look for, spotting an authentic garment really is a simple task. But I had better catch up to the others now.” Arc nods as Rarity heads for the door. Stepping out into the corridor she turns to look back at the closed door behind her and sighs. “Do be careful, Arc. You’re a very special friend to all of us. Especially to me.” Meanwhile, Arc frowns and touches his earring. “Arc to Rose.” “Rose here.” “Send word to Canterlot. I need someone to go to the shop of a pony there named Inky Rose. She’s a seamstress who might have made a special garment recently for an ogre. I need to know as soon as possible.” “I’ll see to it, Arc.” “Thanks for all your hard work. I really appreciate this.” “You are welcome.” “I’ll come see you later to go over some of what I’ve discovered. Arc out.” He touches his earring and sighs. Cherry calls out to him. “Arc, would you sit down please?” “But I have to go see Rose about what I’ve learned. Maybe she can find some kind of connection I’ve missed.” “Seriously?! Sit down before you fall down!” “What are you…?” Suddenly feeling dizzy, Arc falls to one knee. “Huh?” Cherry sighs. “I felt that coming.” “One advantage to you being in my head. What happened?” “When was the last time you ate?” Arc thinks for a moment. “Um… no idea. Is that bad?” “I don’t know. Is falling over bad?” “Point taken.” He pulls himself up onto a chair. “I don’t get it. Not eating for a bit shouldn’t do this to me.” “Perhaps not. But when was the last time you drank anything?” “Um…” “Call Saffron to bring you something to eat, Arc.” “I suppose I should. But first I need to…” “Arc! What’s the point of figuring out who the guilty party is if you’re too weak to take them down?!” Arc sighs. “You’re right.” Touching his earring Arc calls for some food. A short time later there is a knock at the door. “Come!” The door opens and Trixie walks in levitating a covered tray. She sets it down on the table before him. Arc looks up to her as he begins to eat. “Thank you.” “Trixie is glad to be of service.” She shifts on her hooves nervously. “Um… Arc? Trixie needs to tell you something.” Arc nods as he takes a drink. “Sure. Have a seat.” Trixie does so. “Go ahead.” “Trixie… wanted to say that she feels something… strange is going on in your base.” “Define ‘strange’.” “Since Trixie entered the base, she’s been feeling abnormal magical emanations.” “What does that mean?” “Trixie is not sure. However if feels similar to the Illusion Magic Trixie used against you when we first met.” Arc frowns. “Are you saying someone is masking themselves?!” “Unlikely. The magic is very different from my own. There was just no other way to describe it other than malevolent.” Arc puts a hand to his chin. “But who could be doing this?” “Several guests do have magical abilities, sir. The Forsaken, the hydra, and the dragons.” “And you believe one of them is doing this?” “Trixie believes it is the only logical conclusion. Unless there is somepony else here that we are unable to pick up.” “Rose’s sensors would have detected anyone who wasn’t supposed to be here. But I wonder why Twilight didn’t say anything. She’s usually very perceptive on such things.” “Forgive Trixie, but the Illusion Magic I’ve used in the past is not exactly well-known or understood. It is unlikely Twilight has mastered it.” “I’ll have to give it some more thought. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.” Arc moves to stand but leans heavily on the table as Trixie hurries over to him. “What’s wrong?!” “I… think I just need to lie down for a bit.” “Trixie will get help!” “No! Just… help me over to the couch.” Trixie frowns but does as she is told. Leaning heavily on her helmet, they walk toward the couch. Arc sits down wearily. “Are you sure you’re alright?!” Arc nods weakly. “I think it might have to do with me not eating or drinking anything for… an extended period of time.” “Are you certain you don’t need help?” “Yes. I just need a bit of a rest.” “Sir? I…” “We’re alone. You don’t have to call me that.” Trixie nods. “Yes, well… might Trixie stay with you then, Arc?” “If you really want to. I just need to close my eyes for a bit.” “Trixie will not let you sleep too long.” “Thanks. I really do have a lot of work to do.” She puts a pillow under his head. “Please rest. Things will look clearer with some sleep.” Arc nods and closes his eyes as Trixie sits down on the floor in front of him. Soon the sound of light snoring fills the room as Trixie muses to herself. “It wasn’t that long ago you and Shining Armor did this for me. Trixie is happy to be able to return the favor.”