//------------------------------// // VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 16 - Fallen From Grace // Story: The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds // by Kamahido //------------------------------// Arc and Cadance make their way out of the Dining Room. “Sorry for making you wait, sweetheart.” “It’s okay, dad. I know you’re really busy.” Cadance giggles. “Well then, let’s not keep Lady Ashe and Shining Armor waiting any longer.” Dinky grins. “Yes, your highness.” They make their way to the hanger. Ashe is awaiting them in the extra-large chariot looking impatient as usual. Arc’s squad along with half a dozen Royal Guards stand at attention as Arc helps Cadance into the chariot before turning to them. “We’re going on a full trip around Canterlot. Max, Xenos, Hugh, and Viktor… you will take defensive positions around the chariot and watch for trouble. I’m not expecting anything of note to happen, but keep your eyes open nonetheless.” Shining Armor turns to the Royal Guards. “Hitch up!” Everyone takes their positions as Shining Armor looks to Arc and salutes. “Take care, sire.” “We’ll see you in a couple hours, captain.” Arc nods to the stallions pulling the chariot. They face forward and begin to trot. Shining Armor waves after them as Trixie walks up and salutes. “Sir, Kibitz reports there’s quite a lot of paperwork today. He wants to know if you’ll be doing it, or shall he wait for the Lord Regent to return?” Shining Armor sighs. “No, I’ll do it.” “Shall Trixie help you?” “Thanks. I’d appreciate that.” The pair head back inside the castle together. Trixie looks around a few moments before turning to Shining Armor. “So how are things going with you and… you know who?” Shining Armor frowns. “Very slowly.” “Trixie does not understand.” “It’s not easy to see somepony as high up the social ladder as Cadance is. Less so now that she’s busy caring for Princess Celestia.” Trixie nudges him. “But when the princess recovers, Trixie thinks you and her should take a night off and go out.” “On a date?!” “Yes!” “I’d love to! But it’d be a TON of work.” “More so than what we do now?” Shining Armor nods. “Yes. I’d have to vet the restaurant, plan the route, organize the guards…” “Why not do what Arc and Princess Luna did not that long ago?” “You mean… disguise her?” Trixie nods. “It would be easier for everypony. That and I’m sure she’d like to be looked at like a mare, not a monarch for a night.” “That might work. But any number of things could happen to her out there.” “Any number of things could happen to her in here.” “Surrounded by guards?” “Look, all Trixie is saying is that you two need this. It isn’t healthy to work so hard, after all. Less so for a ruler.” “Well…” “Trixie would take care of guarding you two and make all the arrangements.” Shining Armor smiles. “Really?” “Sure! You’ve already shown Trixie how to do that.” “Alright. But not until Princess Celestia is better though.” “Okay.” As they pass, Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage steps out of a nearby room. He turns and watches Shining Armor and Trixie walking away. Sighing he looks out a nearby window. “It won’t be long now. I just hope everypony is in the right place when it happens. If all goes well, the land will continue to be peaceful even after…” Meanwhile, the chariot rolls slowly through the town. Ashe looks around, clearly in awe. “These buildings are exquisite in their construction! More works of art than dwellings or businesses!” Cadance smiles. “Yes, the aristocracy of Canterlot insist on surrounding themselves with beauty.” Dinky grins. “Everything’s just so big though!” “I suppose it is, Dinky. But if you’ll recall things are even bigger on my homeworld.” Ashe raises an eyebrow. “Homeworld?” Cadance nods. “Yes. Arc was accidently brought here by my aunt’s pupil.” “Indeed. But I’ve since made Equestria my home.” “But your daughter’s seen that place? Your homeland?” “Yeah! Mom and I have been there a few times now!”’ Ashe grins. “I wouldn’t mind seeing that too!” Cadance shakes her head. “That isn’t possible. Lord Arc ordered Sunburst to dismantle the machine that allows travel there.” “Right. So like it or not, I’m a full time Equestrian now.” Ashe sighs. “A shame, really. I would have loved to broaden my horizons.” “You mean make history, right?” “History?” Dinky rolls her eyes. “First griffon to travel to another dimension?” Ashe smirks at the filly. “You just wish you could be…” Dinky raises a small hoof soberly. “First unicorn to visit Earth.” Arc nods. “And you were the first Equestrian native to travel to another dimension too, sweetheart.” Cadance puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “You were also the first pony to successfully cure someone of Crystal Poisoning if I recall correctly.” Arc tousles Dinky’s mane. “A lot of firsts already, sweetheart.” Ashe frowns at this and attempts to change the subject. “So tell me, who built all these buildings?” Cadance turns to her. “Many different ponies over the years.” Ashe raises an eyebrow. “You mean they’re not all government buildings?” Arc shakes his head. “No. Most of them are privately owned businesses and large homes.” “We do have a few publicly owned buildings such as Canterlot Castle, the Post Office, Train Station, Guardhouses, and the like.” Ashe frowns. “Why do it that way?” Arc looks to Ashe. “You mean all the buildings in Griffonstone are owned by the government?” “Of course. We have to keep control of things in the capital at all times.” Dinky gasps. “That doesn’t sound very fair.” “Well, not everything is publicly owned. High ranking aristocrats are gifted parcels of land to build estates. It’s a status symbol there.” Cadance sighs. “I respect your nation and its customs, Lady Ashe. But that’s not how we do things here.” Dinky nods soberly. “Right! And everypony’s happy!” Ashe turns to Arc. “Everyone?” Arc shrugs. “Most everyone, yes.” Cadance appears confused. “Who isn’t happy?” “Oh, I don’t know. How about anyone seeking an audience these days?” Ashe gasps. “You mentioned that a while back too, Lord Arc. You were serious?!” “Very.” Dinky appears confused. “What’s so strange about audiences? My dad’s had several with your Council of Lords, right?” “Yes. But not just anyone gets to see them.” “Why not?” “They’re busy running the country. Not sure how you have time for such things here.” Arc frowns. “When someone needs help, you MAKE time.” “I wouldn’t mind observing your audiences, Lord Arc.” “Fine then. Tomorrow morning you may observe.” “Thank you.” “Don’t worry, dad. I’ll make sure she doesn’t cause any trouble.” “Thank you, Dinky.” Ashe mutters indignantly as they continue on their way. Meanwhile, Twilight and Luna sit in Celestia’s room together. The Victrola plays softly in the background as Twilight closes a book of poetry she had been reading to her teacher and friend. “Do you remember anything, Princess Celestia?” “Twilight?” Luna looks over. “If I recall, that was your favorite book, sister.” Celestia sighs. “Twilight…” “I think she’s getting tired. We should let her rest now.” Luna nods. “Agreed.” Reaching out with her magic Luna turns off the music as Twilight sets the book on a nearby nightstand. “You just rest now, Princess Celestia.” Celestia appears content. “…Twilight.” A few minutes later the sound of Celestia’s slow and shallow breathing fills the room. Luna motions for Twilight to follow her to a corner of the room. They speak in hushed tones. “I think she’ll be out for a while this time.” “How can you tell?” “This was the most lucid I’ve seen my sister since Arc rescued her.” Twilight smiles happily. “So you think she’s improving?!” “It’s certainly a good start.” “What about Emerald Dream though? She said the road to recovery would be long and hard for her.” Luna shrugs. “Not much is known about alicorn psychology.” Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “That’s true. But why not?” Luna sighs. “Because we don’t want somepony experimenting on us.” “Fair enough.” “Yes, well… in any case, why don’t you take a shower, Twilight?” “No thank you Princess Luna. I don’t want to be away from my teacher any longer than necessary.” “While that is certainly very… noble, I think she too would like it if you were to care for your personal hygiene.” “But I’m not THAT…!” Luna wrinkles her nose. “Believe me when I say that we’re both quite ripe at the moment.” Twilight raises a hoof and sniffs under her pit. Making a face she looks back to Luna, sheepishly. “I think you’re right. But I really don’t want to leave her out of my sight for even a moment!” “Yes, I’ve noticed you’ve been leaving the bathroom door open this past week when you go to relieve yourself.” “Sorry.” “Do not apologize, Twilight. But I must insist you take a proper shower now.” “But, I…!” “Please. After all, there are a few things I want to say to my sister privately.” “Very well, Princess Luna. I’ll do as you say.” Twilight heads for the bathroom as Luna walks over to the bed and sits down on her haunches. Staring down at Celestia, she begins to speak. “Hello, sister. It’s me again. Cadance is off to meet a diplomat and Twilight is taking a shower, so it’s just the two of us now.” Luna pauses momentarily as if considering whether or not she will continue. “You’ve been gone for over a year. A year… a span of time that before now was merely the blink of an eye to me. I suppose everypony takes time for granted to some extent. But until you disappeared I thought you and I were the exception to the rule.” She smiles weakly. “Eternal life and youth tend to do that to a mare.” Looking out the window at the clear blue sky Luna chuckles. “Things have been hard since you left. It’s been difficult to field requests from the populace on your whereabouts. Especially when I myself didn’t know where you were. It took Sunburst quite some time, but he located you on Earth a while back. Earth… of all places.” Luna frowns. “How, sister? How did you get there? What were you planning on doing? I know you view humans as nothing more than a stench in your nostrils, so I can’t imagine you went there willingly. But I can’t see how anypony would have been able to take you there against forcefully. After all, you’ve always been the strong one between us. Mentally… physically… and emotionally.” Luna carefully pushes a loose strand of hair from her sister’s face. “It’s hard to believe how different you used to be. Always the hothead. Always ready to fight. Always… always trying to make the world a better place.” She shakes her head and sighs. “Cadance and I appointed a new Hero of Light, sister. Although you may not remember it, you’ve already met him. He was the one whom volunteered to lead the mission to bring you home. His name is Arc, and he’s proven himself to be resourceful, cunning, calculating, and powerful beyond belief. Since the appointment, well… you might find this hard to believe, but he’s done more in the past year than every other Hero of Light that came before him combined. Luna puts a hoof to her chin and thinks. “He took down Matron Tempest in close combat. Liberated a few dozen foals from her abusive tutelage. Oversaw the construction of a new orphanage just outside Ponyville. Made Prince Rutherford of Yakyakistan see reason… somehow. Defeated a mare whom held the Alicorn Amulet, but without killing her. Became the first one in history to recover from Crystal Poisoning. Temporarily became our nation’s first Lord Regent when Cadance and I were ill. Discovered a cure to save her and I from certain death. Defeated Captain Decimus after uncovering irrefutable proof that he was the one whom had poisoned us. Overpowered King Malevolence of Tartarus on several occasions. Helped free an innocent demon and mare from that hellish place after reforming them. Made contact several times with Kronos, the Keeper of Time, whom I’m told you already know. Became the first one to successfully traverse the transdimensional barrier and return safely. But his greatest achievement was brokering peace between Equestria, Yakyakistan, Abyssinia, The Forsaken, The Hydra, a forgotten Troll Nation living under Vanhoover, and even the Griffon Kingdom. And all that’s just off the top of my head, sister.” Luna bows her head and sighs before speaking again. “I know this will be hard for you to accept, sister, but the one I appointed Hero of Light, he… he isn’t a pony. He’s… a human. While I know you’ll be upset with Cadance and I over this decision, all things considered I’m more than certain I made the right choice. Equestria needed him many times over, and he was always there to lend a ho… lend a hand when things were at their worst. When you’re feeling stronger you and I should go over the official reports together.” She smiles down at the sleeping mare. “This isn’t easy for you to hear, I’m sure, but… I don’t believe Equestria would have done very well had he not been here. Your protégé, Twilight, accidently brought him here when I sent her a letter in your name along with the Crystal Mirror. She was just supposed to use it to study plants from Earth. Not bring anything more than that though. While I don’t really understand what she was trying to accomplish, it’s a very good thing she did… whatever it was she did. All that I ask is that you give him a fair chance. You don’t like humans, I know. Probably less so now that you’ve survived capture and imprisonment by them. But he deserves the opportunity to show you that not all humans are like that. Celestia… I want you to remember that you were willing to give me another chance after I tried to conquer Equestria. Please extend the same mercy to him as well.” Luna pets her sister’s mane affectionately. “We’ve all made our share of mistakes. But you and I both know that nopony is ever truly beyond redemption.” Sometime later Twilight emerges from the bathroom. Her mane is wrapped up in a towel as she hurries over to Luna. “Any changes?!” Luna shakes her head. “She hasn’t stirred since you left.” Twilight sighs. “I’m beginning to think she’ll never truly come back to us.” “It’s only been a short time, Twilight.” “I know, but… I’ve never seen her in such a state before.” “We can’t give up on her. After all, what do you think Celestia would do for you or I?” “Everything she could.” Luna nods. “Right. Now then, I think I need to follow your lead and bathe. Would you stay with my sister please?” “Or course, Princess Luna. Please take your time and relax.” Luna heads for the bathroom as Twilight looks to her mentor and smiles. “Don’t worry, Princess Celestia. I’ll stay with you.” Twilight sniffs the air and makes a face. “I guess we both really did need to shower. It’s kinda gross in here.” Walking over to the balcony door Twilight opens it, allowing a warm summer breeze to fill the room with the smell of nature. Trotting back to the bed, she climbs up and lies down next to Celestia. As she does so, the alicorn snuggles up to her pupil. Smiling, Twilight closes her eyes and sighs. “Rest well, my friend.” As Twilight drifts off to sleep to the sound of the shower, a pony clad in a strange robe materializes on the balcony. They enter the room and look to the bed silently. Walking over to the pair they pull a bottle from the folds of their robe along with a rag. Pouring some of the contents into the cloth they lean over Twilight and quickly presses it to her nose and mouth. She has only a moment to open her eyes and raise her head slightly before losing consciousness. Pulling the mare to the floor, the pony turns his attention to Celestia. As they make their way around the bed they pull a syringe from the cloak. Tapping it a few times they plunge it into Celestia’s side and depress the plunger. Looking again at Twilight, they quickly remove the cloak and put it on her before hitting the purple mare in the face hard and dropping the now empty syringe next to her fetlock. Stomping their hoof they break the vial before jumping up on the bed and shaking Celestia. “Your highness! Can you hear me?!” Celestia moans and puts a hoof to her face groggily. “What… happened…?” “Princess Celestia, we don’t have time to waste! You’re in grave danger!” Celestia looks over and does her best to focus on the stallion before her. “Decimus?” “Yes, it’s me! Can you stand?!” Celestia slowly rises shakily and grunts. “Everything’s so… stiff. And I can hardly see!” Decimus hops off the bed and turns back to her. “You’ll be okay, your highness! Please, come!” Celestia awkwardly steps off the bed. Every movement of her hooves appears deliberate and stiff. She looks all around and attempts to focus. “Decimus? Where… are we?” “Your room in Canterlot Castle! Please! We must hurry!” “I can’t see!” “Take my fetlock!” She nods and does so. Decimus raises a hoof as a dark portal opens and quickly leads Celestia through it. The pair appear in a distant corridor elsewhere in the castle as Decimus turns to the princess. “Listen to me, your highness! The humans whom originally captured you have somehow found their way to Equestria!” “What?! How?!” “Unknown, princess! However I believe there are human sympathizers amongst us! No one can be trusted right now!” “Where are Luna and Cadance?!” “Safely evacuated! But right now we need to deal with the matter at hoof!” “I’m listening!” A short time later Arc, Dinky, Ashe, and Cadance return to the hanger. The chariot stops as Arc turns to Ashe. “There. Now you’ve seen Canterlot.” Cadance smiles. “What did you think, Lady Ashe?” “Very impressive, Princess Cadance! I hope one day such things can be implemented back in the Griffon Kingdom.” Arc frowns. “That’s not likely.” “Dad?” “The griffons there have no voice, rights, or future. For things to improve would require a fundamental change in the polices over there.” Ashe nods. “Agreed. But something like that won’t come easily Cadance sighs. “It might actually be simpler to start from scratch if what the reports say are true.” Ashe puts a talon to her beak thoughtfully. “Start from scratch, eh?” Arc frowns. “Don’t get any funny ideas.” Ashe looks to him innocently. “Why, I don’t know what you’re talking about, Lord Arc.” Arc rolls his eyes. “Right.” Cadance clears her throat. “In any case, why don’t you join us for lunch, Lady Ashe? I’d like to hear more about you country, and…” Cadance is cut off as Trixie comes running toward them. “Your highness! It’s… it’s a catastrophe!” Cadance turns to her. “What is it, lieutenant?” “Princess Celestia is missing!” Arc explodes. “WHAT?!” “Sunburst went to bring the lunch cart to the room and found her bed empty!” Cadance gasps. “Good heavens! Call out the guards!” “Shining Armor has already given the order, your highness! We’ve started a systematic search of the castle!” Arc grimaces. “What of Twilight and Luna?!” “The princess was in the shower at the time. And Twilight, she’s… well, it’s complicated, but…” Dinky gasps. “Is she alright?!” “Oh yes. The doctor already looked her over. However…” Arc grits his teeth. “Spit it out, Trixie!” Trixie sighs. “… she was found unconscious under the bed next to an empty syringe wearing what Lord Arc described in a previous report as a rebel’s cloak.” Arc turns to Ashe and points an accusatory finger. “YOU!!!” “Me?!” “Yes, you Ashe! You were the one who insisted on seeing one of the princesses! A trick to get me and Cadance away from Princess Celestia!” “What?! Why would I…?!” “Everything about your visit reeks of subterfuge and treachery!” Arc turns to his squad and the Royal Guards. “ARREST HER!” Ashe moves to take flight but Max lunges forward and tackles her as Hugh and Xenos hold her wings down. “How DARE you! I fully intend to…!” Arc turns to Max. “Detain Lady Ashe in the dungeon and keep her under heavy guard at all times! No one is to see or speak to her without me personally being present!” “Yes sire!” Ashe’s talons are quickly tied as are her wings. She turns to Cadance. “Princess Cadance! Please say something!” Cadance sighs and bows her head. “I’m sorry, Lady Ashe. But Lord Arc is the ruling authority at the moment. His word is law.” Arc nods as he turns to the Royal Guards. “Assist my squad in taking Ashe to the dungeon then guard her. Lieutenant Trixie, gather more soldiers to bolster their ranks. You will personally oversee the dungeon until I come for you.” “Yes sire.” Trixie leaves with the guards and Arc’s squad. Ashe seethes as she is led away. Arc turns to Cadance and Dinky as he calls forth a gauntlet and opens a portal. “Let’s go!” “Where to, dad?” “My room! I need to see Princess Celestia’s room down the hall for myself!” They hurry through. As they hurry a couple doors down and enter the room they look around. Celestia’s bed is conspicuously empty. Twilight lies on the floor woozily as Doctor Whooves looks her over. Arc and company hurry over to her. Cadance is the first to reach the addled mare. “Twilight! Are you alright?!” “Yes! But Princess Celestia is missing!” “We already heard! Did you see who took her?!” Twilight shakes her head. “No. My mind is a mess right now though.” Dinky points to the robe lying next to Twilight. “Where did that come from?” Doctor Whooves looks over. “Miss Twilight was wearing it when she was found.” Cadance gasps. “It really is a rebel’s cloak!” Arc points. “And the syringe like Trixie said.” Dinky grimaces. “What was in it?!” The doctor shrugs. “No way to tell, as it wasn’t labeled.” Arc turns to him. “Was Twilight injected with something?” “Unknown. I’ve sent a blood sample to the lab to be sure though.” Arc picks up the robe and looks it over as Twilight shrinks back nervously. “So you were wearing this, Twilight?” “I… guess so.” Cadance’s eyes grow wide. “You don’t think Twilight did this, do you Arc?!” Arc shakes his head. “No. I believe Ashe’s rebel friends did the deed and left this ‘evidence’ behind to throw us off the track. Sloppy, really.” “Sloppy, dad?” “They must not have counted on me knowing their patsy personally.” Twilight looks relieved. “Thank you, Arc. But we still need to find Princess Celestia!” “We will. They couldn’t have taken her far. By the way… where’s Luna?” “She went to look for her sister.” Whooves nods as he points a hoof at the balcony. “We tried to get her to stay here, but she wouldn’t listen.” “Could Princess Celestia have flown away, dad?” “I don’t think so. Doctor?” “Not in her condition, no. Frankly I’d be impressed if she could get up under her own power at this point.” “Then she couldn’t have gone far. Dinky, you stay here with Twilight and Cadance. I’m going to join the search.” “Alright, dad.” “Be careful, Arc.” “I will.” Twilight calls out after him. “Be gentle with her! Remember, Princess Celestia is still weak!” “Don’t worry. She can’t have left the castle.” Arc leaves the room and hurries down the corridor. Cherry calls out to him. “I don’t like this, Arc.” “Neither do I. Ashe has a lot to answer for after this stunt!” “No, no. I mean something doesn’t feel right. Attempting a kidnapping from inside the castle is suicide at best.” “Maybe they’re desperate.” “Or maybe the rebels didn’t have anything to do with this.” Shining Armor runs up and salutes. “Sire, we’ve searched the most obvious places but found nothing. I’ve ordered the search expanded to the lower levels.” “Why there?” “Because they’re numerous tunnels down there. If the kidnappers know about them, they’ll likely attempt to use one to escape.” “Any idea how they got this far with Princess Celestia?” “None. The guards outside the door reported no one entered or left at any point. It just doesn’t make any sense.” “Let me know the moment you find anything.” “Yes sire.” The pair part ways as a platoon follows the captain. Arc frowns and looks out a window over the city. “I just don’t get how this happened.” Cherry groans. “We can figure it out after we find the princess, Arc.” “Yeah, you’re right.” “Where to?” “Well, if Shining Armor is going that way, I suppose I’ll go the opposite. We can cover more ground that way.” “You should put on your armor, Arc.” Arc chuckles as he walks. “You mean what’s left of it, right?” “Your helmet was largely intact. If you put it on you can spot the rebels if they’re able to cloak.” “Worth a shot.” Arc calls forth his armor and looks around. “You see anything?” Cherry sighs. “Nothing, but I’ll keep my eyes open.” Arc walks for half an hour. Innumerable guards pass him on the way. He stops one for a status report. “So you haven’t heard of anyone finding anything?!” “No sir. Not a trace of the princess anywhere.” Arc sighs. “Great. On your way then.” The guard scurries away as Arc returns to walking. As he continues on, the sound of hooves becomes quieter and less frequent. Eventually the air is silent other than Arc’s own footfalls echoing down the corridor. He looks around. “Huh… I haven’t been here in a while.” “The hallway?” Arc shakes his head. “No, no. The windows here are all of big events. Kinda like a visual history book of sorts.” Cherry sighs. “They are quite lovely. Are there any of you?” “A couple, yes. But I can’t remember where.” “Just a couple?” “I asked the princesses to stop making them of me.” “Oh? Why’s that?” “It just feels kinda…” A voice rings out behind him. “Unnecessary?” Spinning around Arc spots a figure in a rebel cloak. “YOU?!” “Yes, me.” Cherry gasps. “That voice!” Arc clenches a fist. “Admiral Gaston, I presume?” Chuckling, the griffon removes his hood. “Tis I, yes.” Arc calls forth his spear and points it at the admiral. “You picked a bad time to show yourself, scum! Now where’s Princess Celestia?!” “Oh, she’s still around. Someone just needs to find her. But I’m surprised you didn’t recognize me before.” “What are you talking about?!” Grinning, Gaston’s face changes to that of the Rebel Commander. “What the…?! How did you DO that?!” “Just a little trick I picked up from hanging around the Dark One.” “So you’re with the Council of Shadows, huh?” “Yes, indeed.” Cherry calls out telepathically. “Arc, this is bad! You couldn’t even see through his illusion with your True-Sight Enchantment!” Arc reaches out a hand to cast a Telekinesis Spell at the griffon. But as he does so Gaston tosses something toward him. “Catch.” Cherry gasps. “Magic grenade!” Arc dives behind a pillar, but the grenade explodes before he can fully escape. Grunting, Arc looks down at his chest to see several jagged shards of metal lodged in the remains of Eidolon’s Ward. “That looked painful. But at least now you won’t be using any magic for a while.” Arc steps out from the pillar, spear in hand. “I’m still more than enough to take you on!” “Sure. If you can catch me, that is!” Turning, Gaston runs away. Arc gives chase as best he is able. “Arc, be careful! You’re wounded!” Arc seethes. “That griffon knows where the princess is! He’s not getting away!” “This has got to be a trap!” “I don’t care!” Rounding several corners, Arc catches up to his opponent. However as he reaches for the griffon’s robe Arc is suddenly hit hard from the side. Falling to the floor he slides across it on his stomach as Gaston stops and turns. As Arc attempts to rise, a stallion jumps on his back knocking him down again before joining the admiral. Gaston grins. “Glad you could make it, Captain Decimus.” “Believe me, I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.” Grunting, Arc gets to his feet with the aid of his spear. “You two just made the biggest mistakes of your lives!” Gaston feigns mock confusion. “How so? There are two of us, and only one of you.” Decimus narrows his eyes. “Do not take him lightly. This usurper is cunning beyond words.” “Says you! I’ve taken you down before, Decimus! There’s no way I can’t do it again!” “Perhaps. But before we fight yet again I just want to ask you one thing?” “Oh?! And what’s that?!” “Why did you take the Equestrian throne? The other two princesses were certainly capable of holding it while Celestia recovered.” “Because someone had to do it! They were in no position to effectively govern in their mental state!” “So you pulled off a bloodless coup?” Arc rolls his eyes and turns to Gaston. “Where’s Princess Celestia?! Tell me, and I may yet be merciful!” Decimus chuckles. “And what about me?” Arc points his spear menacingly at Decimus. “Oh, believe me, I’m not planning on even TRYING to take YOU alive!” “Is that your final answer?” “Yes!” Decimus grins. “That’s all we needed to hear. Now then…” He clears his throat before continuing. “Human, it was you who smashed my alabaster plate.” Arc frowns. “What are you talking…?” He is cut off as an excruciating pain suddenly rips through his gut. Gasping, Arc looks down to see a long, white unicorn’s horn poking through his armor. Before he can act Arc finds himself picked up and thrown roughly down the corridor. Landing, his helmet and spear clatter noisily past him as Cherry screams out. “ARC!!!” Arc puts a hand to his stomach as blood oozes through his fingers. Coughing, he reaches out for his helmet. “Ch-Cherry…” Gaston runs over and kicks the helmet down the corridor as Decimus walks over to Arc, flanked by an expressionless Celestia. He looks Arc in the eye coolly. “You were the best one to lead Equestria in its time of need, I’ll admit that. But with the return of Celestia, and her substantial magical powers, I’m afraid you’ve outlived your usefulness.” Grinning wickedly, Decimus chuckles and points a hoof at Arc. “Goodbye… Lord Regent.” Celestia charges up her magic as Arc weakly gets to his feet. She unleashes a powerful blast that shatters every window in the corridor. It hits Arc squarely in the chest, completely destroying what’s left of his armor, and launching him through a window to the east. Decimus and Gaston smile and look toward the ruined window. “No one could have survived that kind of attack.” “Indeed not.” Looking at a nearby column, Gaston spots Arc’s helmet and spear. Cherry screams at them. “YOU MONSTERS! PRINCESS, PLEASE STOP THIS! ARC ISN’T THE ENEMY HERE! DECIMUS IS!” Gaston turns to Decimus. “Talkative armor?” Decimus sighs. “It’s complicated.” Walking over, the captain picks up the helmet and looks it over. “PUT ME DOWN YOU TRAITOR!” “Aw… do you miss you master, spirit? Don’t you worry now. I have a special place for you.” Decimus opens a dark portal and turns toward it. “GET YOUR FILTHY HOOVES OFF ME RIGHT NOW!” “Gladly.” Tossing the helmet through, Decimus turns back to Celestia whom is standing there motionless. “Sleep with the sun high overhead.” Celestia collapses to the floor. Gaston gasps. “How did you…?!” “Just a bit of a programed hypnosis. I have a certain human back on Earth to thank for implanting those fail-safes. She won’t remember a thing she’s heard or done.” Gaston grins. “Perfect. What now though?” “You’ll see. Just let me handle this.” Walking over to Celestia, Decimus puts a hoof on her shoulder and gently shakes it. “Princess?! Princess Celestia! Please, wake up!” The alicorn groans and slowly opens her eyes. “Decimus? What… happened?” “You defeated the traitor, your highness!” “I… I did? But I can barely see straight.” “Yes! And it was incredible!” He motions for Gaston to approach. “Princess Celestia, I’d like you to meet Admiral Gaston of the Griffon Kingdom. He was instrumental in helping me safeguard you during our escape.” Celestia appears confused. “A griffon officer here in Canterlot?” “Yes, your highness. Strange as it may sound, Equestria now has a treaty with the griffons.” “How did Luna and Cadance…?!” Decimus interrupts her. “Forgive me, your highness, but they were not responsible for it. The traitorous human, whom had somehow wormed his way into your sister’s good graces, was able to convince her to make him Equestria’s new Hero of Light. With his near limitless power he was able to manipulate the king and your sister into signing the document.” Gaston nods. “Yes, your highness. I came here to assist our Equestrian allies in freeing the land from its corrupt and out of control Hero of Light.” Celestia smiles. “Thank you, admiral. And good work, Captain Decimus. Again it seems I owe you a great debt.” Decimus bows. “I am but a humble servant of Equestria, princess.” Celestia puts a hoof to her forehead. “But what was the human hoping to accomplish?” Decimus points a hoof. “Look behind you, your highness.” Turning, Celestia spots the torn cloak lying on the floor. She picks it up and looks it over. “It’s certainly the handiwork of the royal tailor. But why does it have the Hero of Light’s crest on it?” “Some time ago, the human manipulated your sister into turning over complete control of the country to him.” Gaston nods. “We heard his public address all the way in Griffonstone.” Celestia seethes. “This is monstrous! We need to act at once to root out any other traitors in our midst!” Decimus grins as he walks over and picks up the Spear of Righteousness. “Yes, your highness. And I know just how to go about doing that.”