//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 - Overdue Rendezvous // Story: The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds // by Kamahido //------------------------------// Arc and Scootaloo walk on for some time as the sun rises overhead. At mid-morning they come to the edge of the foliage. Peeking through, they spot the town. Scootaloo shudders. “We’re actually going in there?!” “Yup.” “Won’t they attack us?!” “Not if they’re smart.” “So…” Arc shrugs. “Eh… fifty-fifty.” Scootaloo frowns. “I don’t much like those odds.” “Neither do I. Just stay close to me.” Scootaloo nods soberly. “Okay.” Stepping out of the foliage, Arc enters the town with Scootaloo by his side. Several dragons spot them and growl menacingly. Undeterred, Arc continues walking as Scootaloo calls out to him. “They don’t look happy to see us.” “We’ll be fine.” The biggest one charges as Scootaloo gasps. “You were saying?!” “Don’t show any fear. I’ll handle this.” As the dragon approaches Arc backhands the beast, sending it crashing into a nearby wall. His companions snarl and move to answer the hostility. Reaching out a hand, Arc picks them up with a Telekinesis Spell. Throwing them violently against their larger companion, he and Scootaloo continue along their way. Scootaloo looks back and breathes a sigh of relief.. “That was a close one. I thought we were dead!” “It’s not my first time here.” “Really?!” “Yup. In truth, I don’t generally have any problems.” “What changed?” “Usually I’m wearing my signature armor.” “Oh… so you look different.” Arc nods. “Pretty much. Sadly it was destroyed by the one whom injured me originally.” Arriving at the Throne of the Dragon Lord, they are stopped by the guards. The one whom appears to be in charge addresses Arc. “State your business!” “I’m here to see Ember.” The dragon guard raises an eyebrow. “You can’t be serious.” “Just tell her Equestria’s Hero of Light is here to speak to her. I’m sure she’ll…” The dragon laughs throatily, as do his companions. Arc frowns. “What’s so amusing?” “The blatancy of your lies! Equestria’s Hero of Light was here just the other day to speak with Dragon Lord Ember! And you bear little resemblance to HIM!” Arc clenches a fist angrily. “Decimus!” “Now I suggest you leave now before my patience for your little charade expires!” “Nevertheless… I still have to see the Dragon Lord. You can either stand aside and let me, or take a beating. Your choice.” Laughing again, the dragons fall to the ground as they hold their sides. Arc waits patiently for them to finish. “Can I assume that’s a ‘no’?” “You can ‘assume’ whatever you’d like! But you’re not getting past us!” “Is that your final answer on the matter?” “It is!” “Okay.” Lunging forward, Arc topples the large dragon before him. Punching him in the face over and over again as he sits on his chest. As the other dragons move to help their companion Scootaloo slams into them, knocking the smaller drakes away. “Big Brother! We need to…!” Throwing Arc off of himself, the large dragon stands and grins. “You have guts, little one! Both of you, actually! Tell you what. If you really want to see the Dragon Lord that badly I can announce you to her. But it’s a sure-fire death sentence for you.” Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?” “She’s been in a foul mood lately. Still want to risk it?” “I do.” “Fine. Whom shall I say is requesting the audience?” “The Hero of Light.” “We’ve already gone over this! He already…!” “Just tell her.” The dragon shrugs as he turns away. “Fine. Your funeral.” He leaves the pair with the other guards. Scootaloo calls out to Arc. “What’s a Dragon Lord?” “The leader of the dragons and ruler of the Dragon Lands.” “And you know them?!” “Yup.” “How?!” “It’s a really long story.” Scootaloo giggles. “I totally want to hear that one!” “Another time.” The sound of the dragon’s footfalls approaches. He frowns as he again stands before Arc. “She… wasn’t too happy to hear you’re back, sir.” “Understandable.” Scootaloo turns to him. “How so?” “She probably still thinks I’m Decimus.” “Yeah. And when she sees you’re not, well… I imagine we’ll be making the two of you into barbeque shortly thereafter.” “Can we get moving then?” The guard grins. “Sure. I’m hungry.” They are led into the large structure. As they approach the exit, and the Throne of the Dragon Lord, they hear a familiar voice calling out angrily. “Come on, Decimus! I haven’t got all day!” As they approach the dragon guard bows to Ember respectfully. “I have brought the one whom claims to be the Hero of Light to you, Dragon Lord. Shall we cook them now?” Arc scoffs. “Just try it.” Ember’s eyes grow wide as she drops the Bloodstone Scepter. It clatters loudly to the ground as everyone in attendance is silent. Charging forward she pushes roughly past the large dragon before her. “Outta my way!” As they step aside Ember marches up to Arc. She looks him over for a long moment before turning to those assembled. “Everyone leave!” “Dragon Lord?” “NOW!!!” Every dragon flaps their wings and takes flight. As the skies clear, they are left alone with her. Ember again looks him over quizzically. “You sure do look like him.” Arc chuckles. “Last I checked, yes.” “I have to be sure though.” Turning, she casts a Telekinesis Spell and pulls the Bloodstone Scepter to herself. Raising it high, the gem in it glows as a magical aura surrounds them. Appearing in her small house, they look around. Scootaloo gasps. “What the…?” Ember looks Arc in the eye evenly. “Now then… I want you to tell me something only I would know.” “Like what?” “Surprise me.” “Fine.” Arc thinks for a moment before responding. “You’ve always wanted to bear my eggs.” “Everyone knows that!” “Well, you cried for days in this very house after your mother passed away.” Ember rolls her eyes. “Half the Dragon Lands heard that! I need something NO ONE else could possibly know!” Arc sighs. “Fine. After we rescued Princess Celestia, you, myself, and Auriel soaked in the bathtub together. And you two couldn’t look me in the eye.” Ember gasps and nods, clearly flabbergasted. “It… it really IS you!” “What happened was…” He is cut off as a fist from Ember catches his jaw. Slamming into the wall Arc falls to the floor. Turning to Scootaloo he holds up a hand to stop her as he turns to look at Ember. “What was that for?!” Ember looks to him angrily. “LEAVING!” Stomping over to him, she kneels down and presses her scaly lips against his. Kissing him for a long moment, Ember smiles and moans contentedly before drawing back happily. “Still tastes the same.” “Um… thanks.” Ember stands and looks to Scootaloo. “Is that you under there, Dinky?” Arc shakes his head. “Nah. That’s Scootaloo.” “H-hi.” “That has GOT to be quite the story!” Arc nods. “Oh, it is. Scootaloo, this is Ember. She’s my friend in addition to being the Dragon Lord. But we don’t have time to sit around talking.” Ember bares her claws menacingly. “We heading to the capitol?!” “Not just yet, no. There’s much to do first.” “What could possibly be so important that…?!” “I need to see my daughter first.” Ember nods understandingly. “Okay. That does make sense.” Scootaloo gasps. “Daughter?!” “Yes, Scootaloo. I have a filly around your age that I adopted some time ago.” “Is she nice?” “Oh, yes. You’ll like her. But before I leave I need to get Sereb.” “Who’s that?” “My trusty steed. As soon as I get him, the three of us can…” Ember frowns. “You mean the four of us, right?” Arc gasps. “You’re coming too?” “Uh… yeah! Why wouldn’t I?!” “I just thought you had a responsibility as the Dragon Lord.” “Not yet I don’t. I’m in command, but only as my father sees fit.” “Oh? I didn’t see him on his throne, so I just assumed…” “Yeah, well… he’s been taking some time off to think, or something.” “About your mother?” Ember shrugs. “Probably a lot of things. I’ll let him know we’re leaving.” Closing her eyes, Ember concentrates. She stays like that for a few moments before responding again. “Okay, we can go now.” “What… exactly did you do?” “Dragon Telepathy. It’s kinda complicated.” Arc nods to Scootaloo. “She and I can do that too.” Ember rolls her eyes. “Of course you can. Another long story?” “Yup. Um… any way the Bloodstone Scepter could teleport us to Forsaken Village?” Ember grins. “Sure. It can take us anywhere in the Dragon Lands.” “You ready, Scootaloo?” “I guess.” Ember focuses and the scepter glows. “Here we go!” In a flash of light they vanish and reappear on the sands just outside Forsaken Village. Ember takes a deep breath before calling out. “SEREB!!!” The sound of footfalls running through the brush rings out. Sereb leaps out and hurries to Ember. “I thought my nose was in error!” “What?” Sereb motions to Arc. “I’ve sensed Arc scent on the wind since early this morning. It is good to see you again, my friend.” “You too, Sereb. Scootaloo, this is Sereb. He’s my mount and partner.” Ember frowns. “Hey!” “Well, one of my partners.” “Hello!” “If I may, what is the plan, Arc?” “We need to head back to Equestria and survey the situation there.” Ember brandishes her claws. “Before or after we take back the country?!” “Take back?” “Right! Decimus is in charge over there!” Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Isn’t Princess Celestia still on the throne though?” “In name only! The captain is taking care of everything these days though! Administrative, military, and even diplomatic!” Arc sighs. “Yes, your guard mentioned he had come to the Dragon Lands recently. What for?” Ember clenches a fist. “To bring forth a peace treaty between our nations!” Sereb sighs. “He did the same here, Ember.” “I hope Matriarch Iris didn’t sign it!” Iris joins them. “Neither myself or the Warchief affixed our pawprint to any documents, no.” Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s good.” “We couldn’t. As I said at the summit, the Forsaken cannot have such official alliances.” Sereb growls. “That may be. However, now that Arc has returned, I once again must honor our Life Pact.” “I understand, Sereb, and will take care of the tribe in your absence.” “Thank you, mother.” “Big Brother, we should head back to the beach. I’m sure the captain is anxious to get out of here.” “Agreed.” Ember frowns. “Captain?” “Celaeno. She flew us out here.” Sereb motions with a paw. “Shall we be off?” Ember turns to Arc. “Where to?” “The northwest beach. They’ll pick us up there.” “Alright. Here we go!” Channeling the power of the Bloodstone Scepter, she teleports Arc and company to the desired location. Arc looks out over the water as Scootaloo squints. “I don’t see the ship.” Ember frowns. “Nor do I. Sereb?” “They are moving this way. Assumedly to pick us up.” Arc grins. “Good.” Ember sticks the Bloodstone Scepter in the ground. Moments later it vanishes from sight. “My dad recalled it. Can’t be letting something like that go beyond our borders.” A short time later the airship lands on the beach and the gangplank lowers. The crew gasps as they see Ember board. The captain hurries forward to address them. “D-Dragon Lord! To what do we owe this pleasure?!” “I’m looking to join Arc here on his return trip to Equestria.” Arc nods. “I’ll pay for her and my other friend here.” Sereb shakes his head. “That will not be necessary, Arc. As Warchief of my tribe…” As they speak to the captain the rest of the crew whispered to one another. Mullet turns to Squabble. “So many important figures here!” “Yeah! The Hero of Light, Dragon Lord, Warchief, and the Scarlet Filly!” Lix grins. “At least we don’t have to worry about being attacked by dragons now.” Marco chuckles. “Or anyone for that matter.” Before long the ship takes off. The crew charts a course to the northwest, as the passengers sit on the deck and catch up. As the sun sets, Celaeno escorts Arc and his companions below deck. “Are you certain you won’t reconsider, sir?” Arc shakes his head. “We won’t take you or your crew’s quarters, captain.” Ember nods. “Yeah. It’s just one night, after all.” Entering the small room from before, they see a stack of extra blankets in one corner. “This room is a bit small for any more than one. But as per your instructions, we’ve removed the few obstructions in here.” Sereb nods. “It was the best you could do.” Scootaloo yawns. “Yeah. That and I’m pretty tired after such a day.” “I’ll let you get some rest then.” Leaving the room, she returns to the Bridge. Sereb looks around. “Now the big question is who gets the bed.” Arc chuckles. “Scootaloo can have it.” “I’d rather sleep with you by my side, Big Brother.” Ember grins mischievously. “Me too!” “The bed won’t hold all three of us though.” Sereb clears his throat loudly. “Arc?” “Yes?” “Remember our sleeping arrangements in the Southern Temple?” Arc nods. “That could work. Let’s lay the blankets out.” Arc and Scootaloo get to work making a large bed with the blankets. Sereb lies down at the head of it as Arc leans back against his side. Motioning to the others, they step forward. “Scootaloo on one side, Ember on the other.” Snuggling up to him, Ember smiles as she whispers. “I’ve missed this.” Arc rolls his eyes. “Good night, Ember.” Sereb switches off the lights with his magic and lays his head down. Scootaloo looks up into Arc’s face nervously. “Big Brother?” “Hm?” “Um… are you still planning to… you know… adopt me?” Ember grins. “Better run that by Dinky first.” Sereb nods. “Aye. Don’t want her getting jealous, after all.” Scootaloo puts a hoof to her chin. “Dinky… that’s your daughter’s name, right?” “Yup. You two should get along very well.” “What makes you say that?” “You’re both strong… and brave… and very sweet.” “So does that mean…?” Arc nods. “Yes, Scootaloo.” Early the next morning, even before the sun peeks over the horizon, the Solar Macaw II touches down on the landing pad in front of Light’s Hope. Arc and company turn to the captain. “Thanks for the ride.” Ember grins. “Yeah! We made great time!” Sereb chuckles. “Indeed.” Scootaloo yawns. “That was a trip and a half!” “So what now, sir?” “Continue on your way and don’t tell anyone you saw us.” Ember frowns. “Arc?” “I’m a fugitive at the moment, remember?” Sereb growls. “We would do well to keep a low profile.” Arc removes a bag of bits from his ring and hands them to the captain. “Take this as payment for our fare.” “Th-thank you, sir.” Arc turns and heads for the gangplank. “Let’s go everyone.” They step off the ship and walk toward the building as it takes off. Ember looks to him with a pained expression. “Arc?” “Yes?” “There’s… something you need to see.” “Oh?” Sereb nods. “It’s over here.” The large wolf leads them to the stone monument just as the sun peeks over the horizon. It’s light dances across the surface of the stone illuminating its words. Arc look it over silently for a time before speaking. “So everyone really does think I’m dead, huh?” Ember sighs. “Afraid so.” Sereb bows his head. “It was a lovely service.” “Sereb!” “But it was.” Arc frowns. “Who came?” Ember puts a hand on his shoulder. “Ponies from all over the country. That and the entire town of Ponyville.” Sereb nods. “To say nothing for two princesses.” “Right.” Arc looks to Sereb. “No Celestia though, huh?” “No.” “Good.” “Big Brother?” Arc clenches his fist angrily. “I don’t want the one whom tried to murder me anywhere near those I care about!” Sereb clears his throat loudly. “On a more positive note, it would appear several individuals regularly leave flowers.” Looking down, they see a number of somewhat fresh bouquets laid on the ground in front of the marker. Arc kneels down and picks one up. A fancy bit of silk lace hangs from it. “Rarity…” Ember bows her head. “She… took the news hard.” Sereb growls. “It was to be expected though. And it appears she has not let you go yet.” “Oh?” “Look at the flowers. They appear to be fresh.” Scootaloo nods. “What about the ones on top?” Pointing with a hoof, Scootaloo gestures to two single flowers in a small holder atop the stone. Sereb sniffs them. “The scent of Derpy and Dinky rests on them.” Ember smiles. “They always were devoted to you, Arc.” “Yeah. I… need to go see them.” Pricking up his ears, Sereb turns his head to look at Ember. “Follow me.” “What? Why?” “You too, Scootaloo.” “Um… okay.” Arc appears confused. “What’s going on, big guy?” “Stay here, Arc.” The wolf leads the pair around the building to the patio as Arc turns and waits. A few moments later he hears the familiar sound of clopping hooves. Stepping off the road, Derpy and Dinky approach the marker with their heads down. Each of them carries a single flower in their mouths. As they near, Derpy looks up. Gasping, she stops and drops the flower. “Mom? What’s…?” Silently, Derpy points a hoof toward the man standing in front of the memorial. Dinky turns and looks at him wordlessly for a long moment. Eventually, Arc kneels down and spreads his arms. Both of them run at top speed toward him into a loving embrace. “DAD!!!” “ARC!!!” “Where have you been?!” Arc smiles happily. “I’ve been traveling for a while now. Ever since I lost my memory.” Derpy gasps. “Are you all right though?!” Arc nods. “Yes, Derpy. I remember both of you now.” “Are you here to stay, dad?!” “For a day or so, yes.” Derpy appears confused. “Arc?” “I’ve heard what’s happened since Celestia tried to kill me. How Captain Decimus has taken control of nearly everything and how he’s searching for me.” Dink gasps. “But… but you didn’t DO anything!!!” “Right. However, right now I’m a wanted criminal.” Derpy shakes her head vehemently. “No, you’re not! You’re a hero!” “Well, either way I still have a job to do.” Dinky frowns. “But I thought you were done after Princess Celestia was back, dad.” “I was supposed to be, yes. However as it stands I’m the only one who can stand up to, and potentially kill Decimus.” He looks toward the sunrise with his little family before continuing. “And if necessary… take down Princess Celestia herself.”