//------------------------------// // Chapter 20 - Unhappy Reunions // Story: The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds // by Kamahido //------------------------------// Arc, Ember, Sereb, and Rose run out of the Dining Room and past the diplomats. Arc pauses only long enough to call out to his friend. “Twilight, you and the others watch the leaders! Keep them safe!” “Alright! Be careful out there!” “Rose, get to my office and activate the base defenses after we leave! Tell Captain Tight Ship to get The Equinox off the ground!” “Right away!” She runs toward the office as everyone else hurries toward the Main Hall. Arc turns to Twilight as they head for the door. “Keep everyone calm!” “We’ll do our best.” Applejack nods. “Right!” Rainbow Dash plants her hooves soberly. “Nopony’s getting past US!” Rarity looks to Arc, concerned. “You three be careful out there!” Fluttershy hides behind her tail. “Yes. Captain Decimus is a very dangerous stallion.” Pinkie grins. “Arc can handle him! He’s already killed him once before, right!” The Mane 6 look to one another as Rose’s voice comes over the loudspeaker. “Red alert! All guards report to the Main Hall! This is not a drill!” The sound of hoofbeats running toward Main Hall can be heard as everyone hurries over to the windows to watch. Arc and his friends walk toward Decimus and Hawthorne as he touches his earring to contact Rose. “Activate defenses.” “Yes, Arc.” A barrier forms over Light’s Hope as Arc, Ember, and Sereb take up battle-ready stances. Arc points his spear toward the pair. “Now then… are you ready to die yet again, Decimus?!” Decimus laughs. “I think you’ll find me more than a match for you, Hero!” Ember calls forth her spear and glares at Decimus. “Are you so sure about that? Your track record isn’t the best there.” Sereb growls. “Indeed. Arc has felled you before. He can do so again.” “Right! And this time I have help!” Decimus chuckles. “So do I.” Ember rolls her eyes as she turns to Hawthorne. “I’d hardly call that coward help.” “I agree. Observe.” Turning, Decimus raises a hoof and opens a portal. “COME FORTH!” Several dark creatures rush out of the portal before it closes and together open portals of their own. Smaller minions pour out of them and line up as Decimus turns to Arc. “Now then… whenever you’re ready to begin.” Arc frowns as he touches his earring. “Arc to Lemon Hearts.” “Go ahead, sir.” “I need every single one of my soldiers on deck right away! Tell them to get ready to fight!” “Yes sir. Will you command them personally?” “No. Send Lieutenant Flash Sentry to relieve Captain Shining Armor. I need him to lead my forces. I’ll meet them on deck in a few minutes.” “Right away, sir.” “See to it. Arc out.” He closes the channel and turns back to Decimus. “Now then, just what are you hoping to accomplish here?” “You haven’t figured it out yet?!” Ember rolls her eyes. “Enlighten us.” Decimus shakes his head. “I’m not part of Hawthorne’s plan.” Sereb brandishes his claws. “Really?” “Yes. I’m just here to clean up the mess.” Hawthorne grins. “With Captain Decimus here, we should have no trouble breaking through you fools and killing everyone inside.” Arc gasps. “What?! WHY?!” “To put an end to your foolish idea of world peace!” Ember frowns. “By mindless slaughter?!” “Think about it. If all the leaders fall here, do you really think their successors will want peace with Equestria?” Arc sighs. “Probably not.” “Agreed. They’ll probably mobilize their militaries and march over to avenge their fallen lords and ladies.” Sereb growls at him. “Fool! Your own country would fall to such a force!” “Not true. The Council of Shadows will step in and push the invaders back in a similar fashion as we’ll use to destroy all of you here today.” Arc glares at Hawthorne. “To what end?!” “With their armies decimated, it will be a simple task to march on their capitals and take control of their lands.” Ember scoffs. “HA! So much for not uniting the world!” Decimus chuckles. “We’re not going to unite the countries so much as enslave them.” Arc gasps. “Why?!” Hawthorne points his knife at them. “With the world’s combined resources we may just have the power to stop the coming evil! I admit, this wasn’t part of my original plan. But it’s certainly looking to be quite the success.” A voice rings out as another figure steps out of a portal. “Indeed.” They toss away their cloak to look Arc in the eye. “Tempest?!” Tempest looks at him evenly. “Listen to me, Arc. This plan doesn’t have to end with your death. Just let us do what we came here to and just walk away.” “You know I can’t do that.” “You idiot! This plan would keep me from having to kill you! Isn’t that ultimately what you want?!” Arc points to Light’s Hope. “So you’re asking me to give you their lives to save mine?! Not happening!” Tempest shakes her head as she takes up Light’s Bane and points it at Arc. “Very well. Call down your troops and we shall end this!” “Very well.” Arc Blinks himself up onto the deck of The Equinox. Shining Armor stands ready with Arc’s soldiers. He looks them over a moment before speaking. “Everyone surround me! Quickly!” The troops do so. Arc activates the crystal in his forehead and channels his energy. A moment later he and his entire platoon Blink in front of Light’s Hope to stand before the opposing forces. Hawthorne turns to Decimus. “Why did we wait?!” Decimus grins. “I wanted at least SOME semblance of a challenge.” “Can we advance now?!” “No, Hawthorne. I want the Hero of Light to make the first move.” Tempest nods. “Yes. I too would like to see just how capable he is. Before we trample his force and base, that is.” Arc turns to his troops. “All of you were stationed here to guard Light’s Hope. While I’m sure this isn’t exactly what you had in mind, it’s time to make good on your promise to defend the realm. All of us can either stand together, or fall alone. I choose to stand and fight! What say you?!” All of the soldiers nod and prepare to charge. Arc turns back to their opponents. “My troops are loyal and strong! Let us see just how true that is of your own forces.” Ember chuckles. “They look pretty mindless to me.” Sereb snarls. “Let us see just how much so they are.” Shining Armor nods. “Sir, your orders?” Arc’s earring chirps. “Go ahead.” “Sir, Lemon Hearts here. Princess Luna had me call for reinforcements. You only need to hold out until they arrive.” “Very well. Arc out.” He looks to Shining Armor. “Defensive positions. Make them come to us.” Shining Armor calls out the order. “FORM DEFENSIVE RANKS! EARTH PONIES UP FRONT, UNICORNS BEHIND, PEGASI IN BACK!” Arc’s forces do so. The Earth Ponies ready their weapons. Arc points his Spear of Righteousness at Decimus. “Anytime you’re ready!” Decimus turns to his forces. “Send them a volley!” His middle line appears to glow. Ember frowns. “What are they doing?” Shining Armor calls out. “STAND READY, EVERYPONY!” A moment later magical projectiles hurl up into the night sky and descend upon Arc’s forces. “SECOND LINE, MAGIC BARRIER!” The unicorns aim their horns skyward as a barrier quickly forms. The projectiles are quickly absorbed. Decimus frowns. “Another!” Charging up, a second volley is fired. Again the barrier stops it from doing any harm. “Fire at will!” Tempest nods. “Tire out their unicorns! They can’t hold out forever!” Projectiles fly through the air as the barrier holds. Ember turns to Arc as she lends her magical aid in strengthening the barrier. “Arc, we can’t do this forever!” Sereb nods. His horn aglow. “Agreed.” “Patience. We only need to stall them. Reinforcements are on their way.” Shining Armor turns to Arc, his own horn aglow. “What kind?” “No idea. We’ll just have to trust Princess Luna on this one.” Hawthorne looks behind him. “Decimus, it looks like our own forces will run out of mana before the enemy will.” Tempest frowns. “Agreed, my love. Arc himself is a powerful caster, but hasn’t yet lent his aid to their defenses. We should keep some mana for the battle ahead.” “Agreed. CEASE FIRE!” The onslaught stops. Shining Armor calls out. “CEASE BARRIER SPELL!” The unicorns do as they are told. Arc turns to his forces. “Stay alert.” Ember frowns. “Shouldn’t we do something?!” Arc shakes his head. “No. Like I said before, them come to us.” Shining Armor nods soberly. “Agreed. We don’t want to tire our forces out too soon.” Sereb does not take his eyes off the opposing army. “That and we are outnumbered 10:1.” “There’s that as well.” Ember frowns. “I hope Princess Luna called for a LOT of reinforcements. This isn’t going to be easy.” Arc nods. “Agreed.” Tempest turns to Decimus. “It might be time to press the attack, my love.” Hawthorne frowns. “We won’t make any headway like this.” “Very well.” Decimus draws his blade and points it at the pony defenders. “ADVANCE!” The shadow creatures slowly lumber forward. Shining Armor turn to Arc. “Sir?” “You’re in command. Give the orders.” “But what do I…?!” “What’s the best thing to do from a tactical standpoint?” Shining Armor looks down. “I… might not make the right call.” “We don’t have time to dilly-dally! You trained with Captain Decimus and know what he’d do! Make a choice and go with it!” Meanwhile, the diplomats inside watch the proceedings intently. Goldstone turns to Twilight. “What are they DOING?!” Ashe frowns. “Are they just going to stand there and wait for them to come get us?!” Twilight shakes her head. “Don’t worry. I’m sure Arc has plan.” Applejack nods. “That and your brother’s out there with Ember and Sereb.” Pinkie smiles. “And all his troops aboard The Equinox have joined them as well!” Fluttershy peeks over the windowsill. “There’s… just so many out there!” Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “We should help!” Rutherford nods. “Yak agree! No run from a fight!” Felix sighs. “Lord Arc wanted us to stay here. We’d just be in the way.” Brightwing flutters around. “Friends in danger!” She attempts to Blink outside but is knocked back by the magical barrier. Rose calls out over the intercom. “Save your energy, Brightwing. The barrier prevents magical discharges.” “We need to go away from here, very fast!” Iris looks at the little dragon. “Have more faith in your Dragon Lord, little one.” The Marquis nods. “And Arc himself. He won’t let his base fall without a fight!” Tugem nods. “Agreed.” Meanwhile, Shining Armor shifts on his hooves uneasily for a moment before taking a deep breath and giving the command. “FIRST LINE, ADVANCE!” The Earth Ponies step forward together with Arc, Ember and Sereb. Shining Armor holds his sword high with his magic. “SECOND LINE, PICK A TARGET!” The unicorn’s horns light up as they prepare to attack. Shining Armor brings his sword down and shouts. “FIRE!” A barrage of magic missiles flies over the vanguard’s heads and hits the front line of the enemy’s forces. They turn to dust as Decimus chuckles. “SUMMONERS, REPLACE LOST FORCES AT WILL!” As they fall the shadow creatures are replenished by reinforcements from the portals. Ember grimaces. “This is going to be an uphill battle.” Sereb nods. “Indeed.” Arc turns to them. “Just buy time. We don’t have to win so much as run down the clock.” The pony forces make their way to the middle of the battlefield as Shining Armor calls out. “HOLD!” The front line stops. “DEFENSIVE STANCE! HOLD THEM THERE!” The soldiers ready their spears and dig in as the shadow creatures near them. “SECOND LINE, REDIRECT FIRE TO THE ENEMY’S FLANK! TAKE OUT THOSE PORTALS!” The unicorn forces aim higher to avoid their allies. They aim for the summoners and fire. Tempest calls out. “DEFEND THE SUMMONERS!” The back row watches the blasts as they hurl toward them. However before the energy reaches their targets the creatures jump in front of them taking the hits intended for the summoners. Sereb frowns. “Clever.” Ember nods. “They know we can’t win as long as the portals stay open.” Arc’s fingers tighten around his spear. “Right. We just have to hold them here.” Shining Armor turns to Arc. “They’ll be upon us any minute now though.” “Nothing we can do about that.” Arc touches his earring. “Arc to Lemon Hearts.” “Go ahead sir.” “How much longer until reinforcements arrive?” “Princess Luna says they should arrive in ten minutes.” Ember raises an eyebrow. “Sounds like they’re making good time from Canterlot.” “Great! Uh… could she raise the sun and banish the enemy?” “Lieutenant Flash Sentry already suggested that. However, she was barely able to lower it, let alone raise the moon. Exerting herself again so soon is out of the question right now.” Arc sighs as he looks up at the empty sky. “Great. No moon should make Fluttershy happy at least. In that case I need air support.” “Target, sir?” “The portals. We need them hit by The Equinox’s cannons. Our ground forces can’t get a bead on them.” “Aye, sir. Wrangler, did you hear that?” Wrangler grins as she looks over her instruments. “Loud and clear! I’ll hit them with a surgical strike!” Tight Ship nods. “Take your time. Accuracy above all.” Wrangler nods. “Aye, sir.” “Arc out.” He touches his earring and readies his spear as the enemy approaches. “GET READY EVERYONE!” As one Arc’s forces slash at the incoming first wave. They turn to dust as they prepare for the next strike. Tempest nods approvingly. “Very efficient. Arc has trained his forces well.” Decimus nods wickedly. “Yes. However they’ll tire after a few more waves.” Hawthorne turns to Tempest. “Remember, our forces are limitless. Theirs are not.” “Be careful not to underestimate Arc’s cunning. I’ve heard of him getting out of much worse than this.” Decimus frowns. “Agreed. But then again so have we, my dear.” Arc cuts down a minion as it approaches. “STAY STRONG! DON’T LET UP!” Shining Armor surveys the battlefield. “They’re going to keep coming as long as those portals are open!” Arc nods. “Give Wrangler time! She’ll take them down!” Meanwhile, Wrangler adjusts her instruments and turns to Tight Ship. “Locked on, sir!” “Fire!” A blast from The Equinox’s cannons careens down at the furthest portal. Several minions jump in front of the blast but are vaporized. The shot hits its mark and decimates the summoners. As expected the portal become unstable and collapses. Arc’s forces cheer as he grins. “That’s the way!” Hawthorne turns to his ally. “What now, Decimus?!” Decimus nods calmly. “More summoners, more portals.” A large number of replacement summoners pour forth from the remaining portals and open numerous portals of their own. Wrangler frowns. “Great. What now?” Soarin turns to her. “Keep firing. We may not be able to stop them, but we can slow the influx of the enemy’s reinforcements.” The number of minions increases. Arc’s forces are slowly pushed back step by step. Shining Armor calls out to their forces. “KEEP UP THE PRESSURE!” Tempest turns to Decimus. “We need to wear them down faster.” “What did you have in mind, my dear?” “Force their other lines to engage us. CORSAIRS, GO!” Hawthorne smiles. “Good idea. They’re small and fast.” Tempest nods wickedly. “Their unicorns will have a hard time hitting them. That and they’ll waste precious mana trying.” Shining Armor spots the small minions jumping over the front line. “THIRD LINE, ENGAGE NEW CONTACTS! KEEP THEM AWAY FROM THE UNICORNS!” The pegasi take flight. Matching the corsairs speed for speed them make quick work of them. Decimus chuckles. “That was unexpected. I thought for sure he would keep their fliers at the ready to defend the base itself.” Tempest nods. “It would appear your former lieutenant is full of surprises.” “Yes. However, I’m growing rather impatient with our current forces’ progress.” Hawthorne’s eyes grow wide. “You mean…?” Decimus nods. “Yes. I’m calling in…” The sound of magical energy crackling can be heard. Tempest frowns as something attempts to materialize in front of the unicorns. “That’s strange. Is this your doing, my love?” Decimus shakes his head. “No, I haven’t given the order yet. This really is unexpected.” Shining Armor turns around. “NEW CONTACTS! SECOND LINE PREPARE TO ENGAGE!” Arc Blinks behind the first line as a strange looking portal opens. He quickly calls out. “BELAY THAT ORDER! THOSE ARE FRIENDLIES!” A moment later several figures in black robes run through. The leader hurries over to Arc and removes his cowl. He frowns. “Reporting as ordered by the Night Mother… sir. Where is she?” Arc points a gauntlet skyward. “Aboard my ship overhead, Moonlit Dusk. Order your forces to start at once and prepare to fight.” Moonlit Dusk raises an eyebrow. “Prepare?” “Wait for my order to strike.” “Yes sir.” Sighing, he turns to his companions. “Ready portals! Start summoning as soon as possible, acolytes!” The others nod and begin their rituals. Hawthorne squints. “What are our forces doing over THERE?!” Tempest frowns. “They’re not ours.” Decimus grits his teeth. “Right. That’s the Nightborn.” “What are they doing here though?!” “Luna must’ve contacted them. She must be very desperate indeed to ask for THEIR help.” Hawthorne frowns. “What do we do?!” Tempest grins wickedly. “Bide our time. Our own reinforcements will be ready soon.” Meanwhile, inside Light’s Hope the diplomats watch and wait with the Twilight and her friends. Rutherford frowns. “Pony warriors being flanked!” Sandstorm Mirage shakes his head. “No, that’s the Nightborn.” Applejack turns to Twilight. “Aren’t they the ones who attacked Light’s Hope while Arc was away some time back?” “Yes.” Rainbow Dash frowns. “What are they doing showing up NOW?!” Rarity watches the action outside. “Maybe Princess Luna contacted them. They are well-known for their… extreme adoration of her.” Goldstone shrinks back. “Are they… dangerous?!” Applejack turns and nods. “When they want to be, yes.” Goldstone runs behind Ghaleon. “Hide me!” “They’re out there you’re in here, ya moron! What are you scared of?!” Twilight sighs. “Right. You don’t see any of us hiding.” Rainbow Dash looks around. “Hey, where’s Fluttershy?” A small voice calls out from behind Raven’s desk. “Let me know when they’re gone!” Applejack rolls her eyes. “Fine.” Meanwhile, the forces behind Arc grow as more shadow creatures are summoned by the Nightborn. “Shining Armor! You ready for some reinforcements?” “Anytime they’re ready, sir! Our front liners are getting tired!” Arc turns to Moonlit Dusk. “Think you can take some of the pressure off our forces?” Moonlit Dusk rolls his eyes. “And here I thought you actually had something difficult for us to do.” He points a hoof to his forces silently before pointing the other hoof to the enemy forces. A few moments pass between them silently. Suddenly the shadow creatures turn to the enemy and narrow their eyes before charging forward. They leap over the vanguard and begin tearing apart their opponents. Decimus chuckles. “Very interesting.” Hawthorne frowns at him. “Interesting?! Our forces are being overwhelmed!” Tempest glares at him. “Stand your ground, Hawthorne! The battle WILL be ours!” Decimus nods. “Our force’s might is undeniable. Victory is eventual at the very worst.” Hawthorne grits his teeth. “But if Princess Luna raises the sun…!” A familiar voice rings out behind them from a portal. “But she won’t.” They turn to see the Storm King emerge from a portal. He steps toward them with a device under his arm. Arc clenches his fist angrily. “He’s… still… alive?!” Ember frowns. “So Hawthorne WASN’T lying!” Sereb growls. “Unfortunate… for him!” Hawthorne looks confused. “What do you mean she won’t?! You can’t know for sure!” The Storm King chuckles. “I know she’s still too weak to do that. After all, didn’t you wonder why I was so insistent on the timing of the poisoning?” Decimus nods and smiles. “It was to leave her enough energy to lower the sun for our assault.” Hawthorne gasps. “What?! But my mission…!” Tempest turns to him. “Largely a front. The Dark One knew Arc would figure it out eventually.” Decimus looks back toward the battle. “Indeed. But not soon enough. Luna will, of course, regain her strength. But not until tomorrow morning. By then this will all be over.” “But… but I thought we were trying to kill her and Princess Cadance!” Tempest frowns. “Kill?! Who would control the heavens you fool?!” Decimus points at the device. “In any case, is that it?” The Storm King smiles wickedly. “That it is.”