//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 - Intercontinental Intervention (Part 2) // Story: The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds // by Kamahido //------------------------------// Early the next morning Arc opens his eyes and looks down at the fillies in his arms. Sweetie Belle and Dinky lie against his chest peacefully. Turning his head Arc sees Rarity and Rainbow Dash in their own beds next to his. Slowly rising, the fillies wake up and look around. Sweetie Belle is the first to speak, albeit half asleep. “Mom…?” Arc motions with a nod of his head. “She’s right over there, Sweetie Belle.” The filly looks up to him groggily as Dinky pats her back. Sweetie Belle appears confused. “What’s going on?” “You two fell asleep in my arms yesterday. So when night fell I just kinda crashed here.” Dinky gasps. “We missed supper?” Arc nods. “Yup. Neither of you stirred. Not even when Redheart woke Rarity up every two hours.” Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “She… did? Why?” “To make sure she was still okay.” “Is she?” Arc looks to Rarity as she groans and opens her eyes. “See for yourself.” Hopping down, Sweetie Belle hurries over to Rarity’s bedside and looks into her mother’s face. “Mom!” Rarity forces a small smile. “Good morning, dear.” “How do you feel?!” Rarity puts a hoof to her forehead. “Like I’ve been hit by a cart.” Arc and Dinky stand and walk over. “Glad to see you awake and talking better today.” “Yeah, Miss Rarity. You didn’t look too good yesterday.” Rainbow Dash grins. “Gotta agree with them on that one.” Arc turns to her. “And how are you feeling today, Rainbow Dash?” “Really sore, actually. Not sure if it’s because I’ve been in bed so long or because of what they did to me the other day though.” Sweetie Belle looks to Rarity. “Do you remember what happened, mom?” Rarity nods. “Yes, Sweetie Belle. But I knew Arc would come and save us.” Arc looks to her soberly. “Always.” “But tell me, was anypony besides Rainbow Dash hurt?” Sweetie Belle sighs. “The whole town is safe. But… um…” “What is it?” Arc grits his teeth. “Celestia made a speech yesterday. She said that I burned down Ponyville.” “WHAT?!” Rainbow Dash seethes. “But if anything you tried to SAVE the town!” “How did THAT happen?! After all, when we left I remember hearing rain!” Dinky bows her head. “Decimus must’ve come back with more troops and set the buildings on fire.” Sweetie Belle appears hopeful. “He might’ve been lying about it though. After all, nothing else that was said in that speech was true.” Arc looks out the window sadly. “I hope that’s the case. But we need to assume that everything is gone. Carousel Boutique… Sweet Apple Acres… Sugar Cube Corner… maybe even the Little Hooves Orphanage.” Rarity leans back on the pillow and sighs. Sweetie Belle looks to her mother, clearly concerned. “It’s gonna be okay, mom. We’ll build another shop for you.” Rarity shakes her head. “It’s not that, dear. I’m just happy everypony made it to safety. After all buildings can be replaced, dressed can be resewn, and livelihoods can be rebuilt. But nothing can ever replace the ones I care about.” Rainbow Dash nods fervently. “Yeah! Um… do you suppose my house was destroyed too?” Arc shrugs. “Maybe.” “Great.” “We’re all homeless right now, Miss Rainbow Dash. But if we stick together I’m sure everything will work out.” Arc clenches a fist angrily. “Right. Especially after I take care of the root of this… problem.” Redheart’s office door suddenly opens. She emerges with two charts and walks over to her patients. “How are we feeling today, you two?” Rarity groans. “My head feels really heavy.” Rainbow Dash pats her wing. “And I’m feeling really sore.” “I’ll examine both of you now, of course. But I do believe that you’re on the road to recovery.” Soarin steps into the room and clears his throat. The others turn to him as he approaches. “Sir, we’re approaching the shores of the Dragon Lands.” “Is there trouble?” “A horde of dragons have gathered on the beach. Intentions unknown.” Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “They here for a fight?!” Soarin shrugs. “As I said, we don’t really know.” “Let’s not be the ones to throw the first blow. Right dad?” “Exactly. I’ll address them when we land.” Rarity grimaces as Redheart looks over the bumps on her head. “Be careful, Arc!” “No worries there. As soon as they see who I am it’s likely they’ll back down.” Heading for the doorway, he turns back to Rarity. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Rarity smiles as Redheart writes on her chart. “Please do. I miss you when you’re gone.” Arc nods as he heads out the door with Soarin. “Me too, Rarity.” A short time later the ship lands on the beach. The group of dragons fly onto its deck and stand in front of the main hatch. As it opens, they step back at the armored figure before them. Arc groans as he looks to the dragon in front of the pack. “I’m not here to buy scout cookies, Garble.” “Huh?” Arc sighs. “I guess you wouldn’t get that one. So let me just ask what it is you’re doing here so we can get this thing moving.” Garble frowns. “Dragon Lord Ember was really angry the last time you Equestrians came around! We’re here to send you packing before you get to Pyreston!” Arc shakes his head and removes his helmet. “You… and what army?” Garble and his friends step back as Arc’s face comes into view. “Y-you again?!” “Yes, me again. So if we’re going to fight, let’s get that going so I can beat you up and head inland.” “No way! We’re not interested in tangling with the Dragon Lord’s… um… you know…” Arc narrows his eyes. “What?” “Her… bedmate.” “I’m sorry, what?” “We heard you and her going at it from the street one time you were here! There was crashing and banging aplenty!” Arc facepalms. “Look, can we just move this along? I’m kinda on a schedule here.” “Fine, whatever.” Arc turns to the others as he and Garble turn to walk away. “And don’t mess with my ship! You do and I’ll start breaking bones!” They gulp and snap to attention. Arc opens a portal and motions for Garble to follow. He looks at it nervously. “What the heck is…?!” Losing patience, Arc plants a boot on Garble’s backside, knocking him though. Following, he finds himself in Ember’s small house. Garble stands and dusts himself off, clearly indignant. “What’s the big idea?! And where are we?!” “Ember’s house in Pyreston.” “Wha…?” “Think she’s here?” Garble shakes his head nervously. “Not a chance! She’s been staying with her dad!” “Take me there.” Garble hurries to the door and scurries out while Arc follows. As they walk down the street the dragon turns to him. “So… you must be tougher than we though.” “I would hope so. But what makes you say that?” “Well, uh… you banged Ember for starters.” “This again?” “The whole street heard it! What was it like?! Was she as good as we all think she is?!” “Okay, I am NOT having this conversation with YOU of all dragons!” Garble frowns. “Fine. But we just want details.” “So ask Ember then.” “I’d kinda like to keep living.” “Then remain in ignorance.” Reaching the Throne of the Dragon Lord’s outer chambers Garble approaches the two burly guards standing in front of the doors. He jerks a claw in Arc’s direction. “This guy wants to see the Dragon Lord.” The guards look him over before speaking. “Is he expected?” Garble turns to him. “Are you?” Arc shakes his head. “Not a chance.” “Then you may not.” Garble puffs his chest out arrogantly. “I don’t think you know who this is.” “Should we?” “Yeah! He’s the one who bedded Dragon Lord Ember!” “Is he now?!” “Trust me, she’d want to see HIM!” “Very well. Whom should I say is requesting an audience?” Arc sighs. “Just tell her the Hero of Light is here to see her again.” Nodding, the guard turns and enter the doors. Returning a few minutes later, he motions for the other guards to approach with their weapons drawn. Garble looks around nervously. “Wha-what’s going on?!” “The Dragon Lord will see you, sir. But first she wanted us to show you some… dragon hospitality.” Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?” “We’re going to beat the crap out of you!” Meanwhile, Ember sits on the throne with her father. He frowns as he looks to her. “DARE I ASK WHY YOU GAVE SUCH AN ORDER, EMBER?!” Ember seethes. “Because I TOLD Decimus that’s what would happen if he EVER came back here!” She grits her teeth angrily as she continues. “That and his outlandish assertion that I BED him some time ago needs to be answered!” “AGREED! IF HE DESIRES TO MAKE SUCH BOLD CLAIMS, LET HIM BACK THEM UP!” The sounds of a scuffle ring out beyond the doors. Ember grins wickedly as she listens intently. “Have fun, you prick!” Suddenly the doors fly open as several burly guards and launched through them. They attempt to rise but are unable to do so. Ember narrows her eyes and calls forth her armor and spear as she stands. “Must I do everything myself around…!” She stops talking as Arc walks out. He approaches her and removes his helmet. “Hi, Ember. It’s been a while.” “I… I…” Arc points a finger at the guards. “Sorry about the mess.” Ember blushes heavily and smiles as she turns away. “It’s… um… fine. How… how are you…?” “Not the greatest. I was actually hoping to ask you and your dad something.” “GREETING, ARC! YOU NEED NOT BE SO COY THOUGH! MY DAUGHTER DOES INDEED DESIRE TO MATE WITH YOU!” “Dad!” “IT IS THE TRUTH, IS IT NOT?!” “Well, yeah. But I…!” Arc groans. “I think there’s been some kind of a misunderstanding here. Right now I need to ask about airships coming from the Griffon Kingdom.” “AH! THAT WOULD BE UP TO EMBER TO SAY!” Ember nods nervously as she speaks. “Yeah. Some dragons saw an armada flying toward the Equestrian coast the other day.” “Did you make any attempt to stop them?” “No. We figured it was due to the new treaty.” Arc appears confused. “New treaty?” “Celestia sends me weekly correspondences. Lately she’s been working with the Griffon Kingdom through the new ambassador.” Arc groans. “Please tell me it’s not Admiral Gaston!” “It’s not.” “Good!” “It’s Lady Ashe.” Arc facepalms. “That’s just as bad!” Ember nods soberly. “Yeah, I know. But we didn’t go after the airships due to them being called for by Celestia herself.” “So the new treaty is an alliance?” “Think of it more like an extension of the original treaty you and Princess Luna signed a while back. Just with military aid written in.” Arc groans. “Great. That makes this a LOT harder!” “You trying to get to Celestia?” “Yeah. Decimus attacked Ponyville and burned it down.” Ember’s eye twitches. “WHAT?!” “Then he blamed it on me.” “I’LL KILL HIM MYSELF!” “Glad to see we’re on the same page there.” “Why aren’t you in Canterlot right now then?!” “We tried. But the a fore mentioned warships stopped us.” Ember clenches a fist. “We’ll take every dragon whom can fly and SMASH that blockade!” Torch growls. “NO, YOU WILL NOT!” “Why not, dad?!” “THE DRAGONS WILL NOT ENTER INTO UNPROVOKED OR SHOW ANY KIND OF AGGRESSION TOWARD EQUESTRIA NOW OR IN THE FUTURE!” “Again, why not?!” “BECAUSE, THANKS TO YOU EMBER, WE HAVE A WRITTEN TREATY WITH THEM!” “I’ll burn it then!” “EVEN IF YOU DID, THE AGREEMENT WOULD STILL BE BINDING!” “But that was a mistake!” Torch nods. “YES! ONE THAT YOU AND OUR NATION MUST NOW LIVE WITH! UNLESS EQUESTRIA DIRECTLY MOVES TO ATTACK OUR SHORES, WE CANNOT RAISE A CLAW AGAINST THEM!” He turns and looks to Arc. “SURELY YOU UNDERSTAND THIS!” “I do, actually. You have to do what’s best for the Dragon Lands. After all, if an agreement has already been made…” Ember interrupts him. “How is that for the best?! I signed that document to keep Equestria SAFE! But now you’re saying it might do the opposite!” “At the moment, yes. But can I ask why you did that, Ember?” Ember sighs. “It was after your presumed death. I… wanted to make sure Equestria and your loved ones would always be safe from dragons and the rest of the world.” “AGAINST MY ADVICE, I MIGHT ADD!” Arc looks to Torch. “Sir?” “A TREATY IS NOT REQUIRED TO KEEP DRAGONKIND FROM HARMING PONIES, NOR IS IT NEEDED TO RENDER AID TO THE LAND OF THE EQUINES! HOWEVER, EMBER INSISTED ON MAKING IT OFFICIAL AND PUTTING SUCH THINGS IN WRITING!” “Yeah. To be honest with you, Decimus has been after me for a while now to send warriors to help defend the land as per our treaty.” “But you haven’t done that, right?” “I told him the last time he was here that since there is no foreign aggression of any kind that we would not help him. That’s also why I ordered you attacked earlier.” Arc raises an eyebrow. “You thought I was Decimus?” Ember nods. “He was told what would happen the next time he came here in regards to this matter.” “Well, thanks for not helping him. “ “Oh, I can do more than that!” “Huh?” “I’m going with you as a representative of the Dragon Lands.” “Wouldn’t that cause in international incident though?” Ember shakes her head. “On the contrary. The way I see it, Celestia broke the law when she attacked you, Arc. And by me coming with you I’m merely aiding you in the pursuance of your sworn duty.” “EMBER MAKES A GOOD POINT, ARC!” “But this could cause friction between Equestria and the Dragon Lands.” Ember clenches a fist. “We’re following the law here! They’re not! So if they want a fight, we’ll give it to them!” “Alright, Ember. You can come along. As long as it’s just you, that is.” “Fine. It’ll be just like old times.” “BE MINDFUL OF THE DRAGON LAND’S REPUTATION WHILE ABROAD, EMBER!” “I will, dad.” “REMEMBER, YOUR EVERY ACTION WILL A REFLECTION OF OUR LAND AS A WHOLE!” Arc nods. “As will mine.” “INDEED!” Ember motions to Arc with a claw. “Well then, shall we go?” “Sure.” Arc looks to Torch. “I’ll be sure to return Ember to you safe and sound.” “WHILE I AM CONFIDENT THAT IS NOT REQUIRED, I THANK YOU JUST THE SAME! GO IN PEACE, SON OF EQUESTRIA!” Ember takes Arc’s arm and turns to leave with him. Passing through the doors Garble grumbles and flies away. “Lucky bum…” As they leave, Ember turns to Arc. “Can we head back to my place for a bit? I need to pick something up.” “Alright.” Opening a portal, Arc and Ember return to her house. She turns to him mischievously as he looks around. “What is it you need, Ember?” “You, silly!” Arc rolls his eyes. “Not this again.” Ember grins. “I can’t help it! That new armor is just drop dead sexy on you! The Hammer’s and Mythic Honor really outdid themselves this time!” “I actually found it.” “Where?” “That chest in my basement.” Ember raises an eyebrow. “The one I used to set the laundry basket on?” Arc nods. “Until I moved it, yes.” “Why weren’t you using that then?!” “I didn’t know it was there!” “Maybe you’d have been properly protected from harm!” Arc shrugs. “Probably. But not to worry, as I won’t be wearing Eidolon’s Ward anymore.” Cherry calls out. “It’s nice to know Arc’s safer these days too.” Ember grins. “How’re you doing in there, Cherry?” “Better now that I’m back with Arc and his friends. But can I ask you something, Ember?” “What is it?” “Earlier your father referred to Arc as a ‘son of Equestria’. What did he mean by that?” “I’m curious about that as well. After all, I wasn’t born in Equestria.” Cherry sounds confused. “Perhaps he thought you were for some reason?” “It’s a dragon thing. He was just saying that Arc personifies the Equestrian nation in the way he carries himself. Believe me when I say that it was a major compliment.” Arc chuckles. “That’s good. But we should probably get moving.” Ember appears hopeful “Can we cuddle first?” “Ember…” “Fine, fine. Mister all business here.” “Sorry, but I’ve got some sizeable problems to deal with.” “I know. Decimus and Celestia out to get you and all that.” “And the entire town of Ponyville aboard my ship on the beach.” Ember does a double take. “I’m sorry, what?” “Take it literally.” “Wow. You really do have the weight of the world on your shoulders.” “Yeah. Ready to get back there now?” “Let’s go.” Opening a portal, Arc teleports them to his quarters aboard ship. Arc’s friends are waiting for them. Pinkie, naturally, is the first to speak. “You got Ember!” Ember waves sheepishly. “Hi, everyone. Um… sorry to hear about Ponyville.” Applejack sighs. “No more than we are.” Hammer grins. “How’s it going, Dragon?!” “Um… okay, I guess. Wait! What are you doing here?” Arc sighs. “Trouble back on Earth. She bailed me out of it but wrecked her relationship with Stingray and Mio in the process.” “Yeah! Then they kidnapped me after Christmas dinner!” “Wiseman and I had to go rescue her.” Ember rolls her eyes. “I’m sure that went well.” Arc chuckles. “It actually did.” Sereb grins toothily. “Arc has been working on his teamwork skills recently. Our efficiency has been much higher since then.” Ember raises an eyebrow. “Oh? How so?” Hammer smacks her fists together. “We took out that Bloodletter fella, for starters!” Arc nods. “And in record time too.” “That’s a good sign. No injuries?” Sereb shakes his head. “None.” Ember grins. “This should be easy then.” Rose smiles. “With the proper planning and resources, yes.” Auriel giggles. “Right. No need to put the cart before the horse.” Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?” “I’m sorry. That was just an expression I heard back on Earth.” Fluttershy looks to Ember in an attempt to diffuse the situation. “So how have you been? We haven’t seen you since the funeral.” “I’ve been ruling next to my dad. He’s trying to teach me how to be a real Dragon Lord. But now I’m here to help all of you with this problem.” Auriel grins. “That’s a relief!” Rose looks out the large window over the ocean. “Yes. We require all the help we can get.” Ember looks around. “Where’s Rainbow Dash and Rarity? They with Twilight in Canterlot?” Arc frowns. “In the Infirmary.” “Decimus?” “Yeah.” “They okay?” Arc nods. “Given time, yes.” Ember clenches a fist. “Then we’ll have to think of a way to get Decimus back for all of this!” Sereb growls. “And find more allies to aid us in this endeavor.” Cherry turns to Arc. “I’m sure you have a plan.” “That I do. But it involves a really long round trip flight.” Pinkie jumps up and down happily. “Let’s do it! I’m not busy!” Applejack chuckles. “Me either.” Fluttershy smiles sheepishly. “Yay!” Hammer grins. “Yeah! I mean… how bad could it be?!” Ember sighs. “Famous last words.”