//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 - Difficult Discussions // Story: The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds // by Kamahido //------------------------------// That evening Arc and Scootaloo get ready in their room. Arc looks over to see Scootaloo putting on a fresh cloak. “Are you sure you want to wear that? After all, this is an auspicious occasion.” Scootaloo nods. “I have to maintain my secret identity. And I’m still here as the Scarlet Filly after all.” “Yes, well… if that’s what you want I won’t try to stop you.” “So what are we doing again?” “Getting ready for dinner.” “Yes. Why though?” “Rainbow Dash’s parents invited over an old childhood friend of hers. He’s… kinda into her.” Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “I’m sorry, what?” “What I mean is… Zephyr likes her a lot.” “But I thought YOU liked her, Big Brother.” “That I do. But I don’t actually have any sort of, how do I put this… claim on her.” “What does that mean?” “It means that we’re not officially dating, or anything. That and I told all of them when this all started that if they met someone else… not to wait for me. After all, they shouldn’t let potential husbands pass them by while I’m busy doing my job.” “That was very conscientious of you. But you deserve to be happy too, Big Brother.” “And I am. But I’m not too worried about Zephyr taking Rainbow Dash away from me.” “Oh?” “She’s not actually attracted to him.” “Is he ugly, or something?” Arc shrugs. “I’m not really the best one to ask about what makes a stallion attractive. But I think it’s mostly his attitude. You see, he just graduated from college and has a bunch of job offers waiting for him to respond to. From the limited time I spend with him the other night I found that he kinda has that ‘I’m better than everyone else because I’m really smart’ mentality to him.” “Is that a bad thing?” “Being smart, no. Letting everyone know it, yes.” “Why’s that?” “Because then you just come across as a jerk.” “This sounds complicated.” “It kinda is. But it’s also one of those things you kinda have to see for yourself to understand.” “Then I’ll try to pay attention at dinner.” “You do that.” Leaving their room, the pair head down to the Main Hall. Rainbow Dash along with her parents are waiting there patiently. Each of them are wearing their finest clothes. Rainbow Dash grunts as she shifts uneasily. “I still don’t see why I have to wear this thing!” Windy smiles as she looks over her daughter’s outfit. “Now, now… you want to look your best for Zephyr, don’t you?” “Kinda… I guess.” Bo nods approvingly. “You look wonderful, my dear. As pretty as a picture on a postcard.” Scootaloo walks over. “He’s right, Rainbow Dash. You do look very nice.” Rainbow Dash squeals. “The Scarlet Filly thinks I look NICE!!!” Arc chuckles. “Very fetching, yes.” Before Rainbow Dash can respond there is a knock at the door. Bo walks over to answer it. Opening the door he finds Zephyr waiting there patiently in a black as night tuxedo. His mane is slicked back and a red handkerchief sticks neatly from his pocket. Stepping aside to let him enter, the young stallion makes a beeline for Rainbow Dash and takes her hoof. “You looks stunning, my dear.” Rainbow Dash blushes slightly. “Th-thanks. You look… nice too.” Bo walks over. “The Hero of Light will be joining us again for dinner, Zephyr. As will the Scarlet Filly.” Scootaloo raises a hoof. “Hey.” Zephyr looks down, confused. “You’re a bit… smaller than I was led to believe.” “I’m about right for my age.” Rainbow Dash grins. “She makes up for her size by being so awesome!” Arc nods. “That she does.” Zephyr steps over to Arc. “Hello again, sir. It’s good to see you again.” The pair shake hands/hooves as Bo and Windy step forward to look Zephyr over. “You sure do fill out that tux, fella.” “Very well indeed. I bet the mares don’t leave you alone.” Zephyr chuckles. “It’s hard, yes. But I do my utmost to let them down gently.” He turns to Rainbow Dash and smiles. “After all, I already have a special somepony.” She frowns and turns away. “You’re too kind, Zephyr.” Bo clears his throat. “Why don’t we sit down at the table? The food should be just about ready by now.” Arc looks to Windy. “Can I give you a hand in the kitchen, ma’am?” Windy nods. “Yes, of course.” Scootaloo follows the pair. “I’ll join you.” Rainbow Dash turns to join them. “Me too!” Bo puts a hoof on his daughter’s shoulder. “Now, now, dear. You should stay with Zephyr and I. I’m sure he has quite a few questions for you, what with being gone for so long.” Zephyr nods. “That I do. But it’s only natural, considering our past.” They head for the Dining Room together. Bo, Rainbow Dash, and Zephyr sit down as Arc and Scootaloo head for the Kitchen with Windy Whistles. She hurries over to the refrigerator and pulls out two dishes hidden by silver covers as Arc walks over to the oven. Pulling a pan out, he quickly sets it on top of the stove and turns to their hostess. “Smells done.” Windy appears relieved as she gives one of the dishes to Scootaloo. “Good! I’ll take it out just as soon as I finish with the salad.” Arc picks up the hot dish with two potholders. “I’ll do it.” Scootaloo points to the door. “Let’s get these two out on the table then.” Windy grins. “Lets!” In short order the food is set out and Arc walks over to the table with a silver carafe filled with sparkling ice water. Scootaloo follows with crystal glasses as Windy brings up the rear carrying a tray of rolls. Bo sniffs the air hungrily. “That smells lovely, dear.” “Thank you. I worked very hard on this meal.” Rainbow Dash salivates slightly. "It sure looks like it, mom!" Zephyr nods approvingly. “Very impressive, yes.” They sit down at their places. Bo, Windy, and Arc on one side with Rainbow Dash and Zephyr on the other. Rainbow Dash looks to Scootaloo nervously. “Would you like to sit on the others side of me?” Scootaloo looks at the seat next to Arc. “Oh, I wouldn’t want to…” Arc clears his throat as he looks at the filly. “…let our host’s daughter down.” She walks around the table as Rainbow Dash pulls out a chair for her. Sitting, Bo reaches for the first dish and looks to Zephyr. “Would you like some casserole, son?” “Oh, yes please! That does smell familiar though.” Windy giggles. “It should. I made it often when you came over for supper as a colt.” “Ah, now I remember it!” Serving him, Bo stretches out his hoof as his daughter does the same with her plate. Arc looks at them struggling to reach each other. “Let me give you a hand there, sir.” Casting a Telekinesis Spell Arc takes the casserole dish and its serving utensil. Carefully putting some on Rainbow Dash’s plate he moves to serve the others via magical means. Zephyr nods approvingly. “Very interesting.” Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “What is?” “Using magic without a focus. Tell me, sir, how do you do that?” Arc shrugs. “It’s just something I can do.” Zephyr raises an eyebrow. “You mean you don’t know?” “The best explanation is that it’s because I don’t actually have Unicorn Magic.” “I don’t understand. What other kind of magic could you have?” “Dragon Magic.” Zephyr chuckles as he rolls his eyes. “Ah… the power of the lizards.” Scootaloo frowns. “I’m sure it takes a lot of practice to master just like Unicorn Magic.” “Come now, how hard could it be to burn things?” Arc laughs. “Not hard at all, really.” Rainbow Dash grins. “I’ve seen him cast Fire Spells in the past. It’s really cool.” Zephyr scoffs at this. “Feats of magical strength are typically not as impressive as those of intellectual prowess.” Bo shrugs. “Both are needed to make the world go round though.” Windy points a hoof toward the window. “Yes. That and I don’t think our neighbors across the sea would agree with that analysis of magic.” Arc chuckles. “Actually I think they would.” Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “Big Brother?” “Dragons are very adept with their own powers. Some even more than the unicorns here in Equestria.” Zephyr frowns as he takes a roll. “I see. And you’ve had dealings with these… creatures in the past?” Arc nods as he serves everyone some of the salad. “Numerous times, yes.” “Then tell me this. How can such beings, whom I assume lack standardized schools or ANY form of higher learning, be better with magic than a unicorn?” “The same way one learns any skill. Practice.” Rainbow Dash tilts her head to one side, confused. “How do they do that?” “Hunting, foraging, and even playing.” Scootaloo grins. “Is that all?” Arc shrugs. “Well, they do like to fight.” Zephyr scoffs. “Obviously.” Bo turns to Arc. “Would that be their real world experience?” “Exactly.” Windy gasps. “But don’t they get hurt?” “Sometimes, I would assume. But from what I’ve read, it’s those injuries that make them stronger over time.” Scootaloo tilts her head to one side, confused. “Experience in getting hurt?” “That too. But it literally strengthens them. The scars they earn make the scales on that part of their body stronger and more resistant to future damage.” Zephyr chuckles. “I do believe the unicorn’s methods of learning may be a bit more refined though.” Arc smirks. “Not exactly.” Scootaloo looks to him. “Different?” “I was going to say very similar actually.” Windy appears confused. “How so?” “Unicorns learn magic through practicing and successfully casting their spells, yes. But also through their failures.” Rainbow Dash chuckles. “How do you learn by messing up?” “By figuring out what doesn’t work. After all, who in their right mind would keep using a failed method?” Zephyr smiles smugly at Arc. “I do wish I had brought my thesis on Unicorn Magic. You could have learned a thing or two from it, sir.” “Maybe.” Windy giggles nervously. “You’ve always had a fascination with magic, Zephyr.” Bo nods. “I remember that. We used to say that you were more Unicorn than Pegasus sometimes.” Zephyr sighs as he picks up a forkful of food. “There is such a thing as being artificially imbued with magic.” Arc takes a drink of water. “Ah, that idea from the Great War?” Rainbow Dash appears confused. “I don’t think I’m familiar with that one.” Zephyr gasps. “How?! I always talked about it when we were foals!” “Remind me then.” “Well… it has to do with the theory that magical powers can be transferred from a magical being to a non-magical one via a sort of magical transfusion. Think of it like… like an injured pony getting blood from somepony else.” Bo chuckles. “Interesting. How does a non-unicorn get a transfusion like that?” Windy appears genuinely interested. “Yes! Tell us!” Zephyr sighs. “Sadly all experiments in this matter always ended in failure. That’s why it’s only a theory.” Rainbow Dash grins. “Well… not exactly.” Scootaloo raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean?” “There was one case where it worked.” Zephyr turns to her. “Oh? I’ve never heard of such a thing. And I think I would have, seeing as that would certainly make national news.” Arc raises a hand. “It was me.” Zephyr gasps. “You?!” “Yup. Humans don’t possess magic naturally.” “So you mean to tell me that ANYPONY could be infused?!” “I suppose so.” “Even a pegasus like me?!” “Theoretically, yes.” Zephyr puts his front hooves on the table as he stands excitedly. “You have to tell me how you did it! Was it an infusion like what I’ve read?!” “It was, yes. A very powerful being bestowed a small amount of magical power on me about a year ago.” “WHO?! Princess Luna?!” Arc shakes his head. “No. Dragon Lord Torch.” Zephyr groans. “Oh no!” Rainbow Dash turns to him. “Is that bad?” “He’d never be willing to grant me magic! I wouldn’t even make it across the ocean!” Scootaloo motions to Arc. “Well, Big Brother did it. So it certainly can’t be completely impossible.” Zephyr appears hopeful. “Right, right!” He turns to Arc before continuing. “How’d you do it?!” “I reunited him with a long lost friend of his.” Rainbow Dash looks to Arc. “Wasn’t that the one from Tartarus? The one called ‘The Marquis’?” “That’s him.” Zephyr grimaces. “So you had to find a way in to Tartarus, survive the demons there, find this creature, get him OUT of Tartarus, which in and of itself is impossible, cross the ocean, and get to the Dragon Lord without getting eaten by his subjects?!” “That’s a really negative way of looking at it, but yeah.” Zephyr groans as he slumps back in his seat and puts his face in his hooves. “But that’s… IMPOSSIBLE!” Rainbow Dash chuckles. “Nah. After all, Arc did it.” Bo nods. “She’s got a point there.” Windy smiles at Arc. “That must’ve been quite the adventure.” “Oh, it was. What I told you was the greatly abridged version. The full story would literally take all night.” Scootaloo grins. “I’d like to hear it someday, Big Brother.” “And I’d like to tell it to you. Just not today.” Bo nods approvingly. “Heck, that’d be a good one to me!” Windy giggles. “Me too!” Rainbow Dash turns to her ‘date’. “What do you think, Zephyr? It might give you some ideas on how to…” Zephyr interrupts her. “Oh, what’s the use?! I’d never be able to do the same! Nopony else could! Years of study and research on the subject and I’m still no closer to a solution!” Arc sighs. “I know how you feel.” “How?!” “There’s a friend of mine who is very ill. The doctors say that she won’t live another year.” Scootaloo bows her head. “Miss Shelly?” “Yes. I’d love to save her, but can’t. Not even with Earth and Equestria’s medical knowledge combined.” He turns to Zephyr before continuing. “But I can’t let that eat me up inside. After all, some things in life just aren’t meant to be, I suppose.” They are silent for a few moments as Arc picks at his food. Eventually he continues. “I’d do anything to save Shelly. Much like you’d do anything to attain magic, I would assume.” Rainbow Dash nods. “That much I understand.” Zephyr looks to her, surprised. “Rainbow?” “I’d do anything to keep my friends safe.” Bo smiles as he takes his mother’s hoof. “And your mother and I would do the same for you, dear.” “That we would.” Arc smile sadly. “Wanting something we can’t have. I suppose we all have that to a degree.” Scootaloo nods matter-of-factly. “But we all do our best with what we have.” Zephyr shrugs. “I suppose so. But there’s nothing wrong with wanting more.” Arc frowns. “Yes, well… it’s more about just how far you take it. I’ve read about how the Earth Ponies in the past tried to acquire magic.” Zephyr grits his teeth. “Barbarians, the lot of them!” “From what I’ve been told, the process of draining magic from captured unicorns was simply excruciating.” Rainbow Dash shudders. “Was it?” Zephyr nods soberly. “Yes, Rainbow. Accounts from those whom escaped likened it to having their horn ripped off.” Arc looks the Pegasus in the eye. “You want magic really bad, right Zephyr?” “More than anything in the world!” “What if you could get if by draining a unicorn’s magic using a perfected Earth Pony method?” “By ‘perfected’ you mean a method that actually works?” “Right.” “In a heartbeat!” Arc raises an eyebrow. “So you would subject a unicorn to literal torture?” Zephyr looks away. “Well, I’d certainly have to find one whom was willing to undergo the process, of course.” “And if you couldn’t?” “Then I wouldn’t give up until I found somepony!” “What if there was no one in all the land?” Zephyr frowns. “Sir, what exactly are you getting at?” “Would you consider forcing someone to become your subject?” Bo raises an eyebrow. “Like who?” Windy puts a hoof to her chin. “Do you mean somepony without any family? A transient or some convicted criminal perhaps?” “Perhaps. I’d have to think long and hard about something like that though. After all, their contribution to magical science would live on for generations to come.” Rainbow Dash seethes. “WHAT?!” Windy gasps. “Dear?” “Don’t you get it, mom?! He’s talking about KILLING SOMPONY FOR THEIR MAGIC!” Zephyr puts a hoof on Rainbow Dash’s shoulder. “This is purely an academic conversation, Rainbow Dash. There’s no need to get so upset.” Scootaloo frowns. “I have to admit, this is a bit heavy dinner table conversation though.” Arc sighs. “Yes. Perhaps we should change the subject.” Zephyr sighs. “Agreed.” He turns to Rainbow Dash. “I apologize for upsetting you.” Rainbow Dash frowns. “Let’s just talk about something more pleasant.” Bo nods. “Agreed.” Windy smiles. “Why don’t we talk about you then, Rainbow Dash?” “Me?” Zephyr chuckles. “Of course. I do have some questions, after all.” “Oh… okay.” “For starters… how do you feel about having foals?” Rainbow Dash nearly swallows her fork. “W-what?!” Bo chuckles. “It’s hard to think of your mother and I as grandparents. But that’s what we’d be.” Windy giggles. “I think it’d be very nice to hold our daughter’s foals.” Rainbow Dash looks around nervously. “I… I don’t…” Zephyr appears confused. “You don’t want foals, Rainbow?” “What?! NO! I mean, I do, but…!” Arc clears his throat. “Can I assume you’re just like everyone else in that regard, Rainbow Dash?” “Huh?” “You do want foals, but are more concerned with whom you’re having them with.” “Exactly!” Zephyr grins as he puffs out his chest. “Well I come highly recommended, Rainbow. After all, as you know I’m extremely learned as well as have excellent genes.” He swings his head around, allowing his blonde hair to readjust itself. “And I’m good looking as well.” Bo chuckles. “And you already know his parents, so there wouldn’t be any trouble with the in-laws.” Windy nods. “They already approve of this.” “And I’ll have a proper job soon that will allow me to care for both you and our future offspring.” Scootaloo frowns. “What about the wedding? I think everypony’s putting the cart first on this one.” Zephyr looks to Rainbow Dash. “I’m not too keen on something small. After all, Rainbow deserves something amazing… like she herself is.” He winks at her before continuing. “That and I’d certainly like to take her to the most exclusive hotel for our… honeymoon.” Bo and Windy nod approvingly as Rainbow Dash turns and blushes. “I… I don’t… I just…” Zephyr grins hugely. “I’d be sure to make your first time… memorable, my dear.” Arc clears his throat loudly. “Like Scootaloo said, this is all moving a bit fast. I mean, you haven’t even proposed to her yet, have you?” Zephyr chuckles. “A mere technicality. After all, Rainbow and I have been a… a couple for as long as anypony can remember. I’m sure she wants everything we’ve discussed… and more.” Scootaloo looks to Rainbow Dash. “Is that true?” “Well… um…” Zephyr caresses her cheek with a hoof. “It’s alright, Rainbow. I know my words leave you… speechless.” Windy puts her hooves on either side of her cheeks. “Aw… how sweet!” Bo smiles as he looks at his daughter. “Rainbow Dash? Is there anything you want to say to Zephyr?” “I… uh… um…” Zephyr interrupts her. “Take your time organizing your words, Rainbow. I looks forward to hearing you say…” The young stallion suddenly gasps and clears his throat. Windy appears concerned. Windy gasps. “Are you alright?” “Sorry about that. Something must’ve gotten caught in my THROAT!” His voice cracks as another round of coughing ensues. Bo appears concerned. “That sounds painful, Zephyr. Are you sure you’re all right?” Zephyr puts a hoof on his neck. “Maybe… maybe I picked a little something up in the hospital earlier. My throat suddenly feels a bit… scratchy.” Rainbow Dash suddenly stands up. “I think you need some rest, Zephyr. Why don’t you get some sleep?” Windy motions to the door. “We could lend you one of our guest rooms for the night.” Bo nods. “Yes, of course.” Zephyr puts a hoof to his forehead. “Thank you, I… I think I’ll take you up on that. Suddenly… very tired.” They stand and head for the Main Hall. Bo leads Zephyr upstairs to a guest room as Windy sighs and turns to Arc and Rainbow Dash. “What an ending to an otherwise perfect dinner.” Rainbow Dash sighs. “I really liked tonight, mom.” Arc nods. “As did I. It was nice to have a good meal with some… stimulating conversation.” “I’m sorry if Zephyr went too far a time or two, sir. After all, he’s known for speaking his mind.” “Oh, it’s fine.” Scootaloo motions to the door. “Why don’t we get some rest now, Big Brother? Tomorrow’s another day, after all.” “Agreed. But I’d like to help get the dishes done first.” Windy shakes her head. “Don’t worry about that. I’ll clear the table and leave them to soak overnight.” Rainbow Dash appears relieved. “We can do them with the breakfast dishes.” “Right. I’ll see you three in the morning.” Nodding, they head for the stairs. Bo passes them and heads for the kitchen with his wife as Arc, Scootaloo, and Rainbow Dash head for their rooms. Upon reaching his, Arc motions for Rainbow Dash to follow him. Entering, Scootaloo closes the door behind them as Rainbow Dash grins. “That was quite a supper!” “I’ll say.” “Thanks for what you did at the end though, Arc.” Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?” “Messing with Zephyr so he’d have to excuse himself.” “I didn’t do anything. After all, what kind of hero would I be if I went after pompous blowhards like him?” Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “You mean you didn’t do that?” Arc shakes his head. “Nope.” Scootaloo giggles. “However you may have ordered a certain thrall to take certain… actions against him.” Rainbow Dash gasps. “That was YOU?!” “Yup!” “Thanks a lot! But why did you wait until then to make your move?” “I was just waiting for Big Brother to give me the word. And the moon to come up too.” Arc nods. “No one noticed it rose about ten minutes early either.” Rainbow Dash smiles at them. “Then thanks to both of you.” “The only reason I did so was because it looked like you were caught between a rock and a hard place conversation wise.” “Yeah. I honestly didn’t know what to say.” Scootaloo frowns. “The truth might’ve been a good place to start.” “But I can’t! It’ll kill my parents inside!” Arc frowns. “Didn’t we talk about this last night?” “Yeah! But…!” She sighs and looks away. “…sorry.” Scootaloo steps forward. “Rainbow Dash?” "Yes?" “I know I’m just a filly and don’t really understand the ins and outs of love and relationships. But that stallion doesn’t strike me as the type whom could make you happy.” Arc nods soberly. “You know more than you think, Scootaloo. Tell Rainbow Dash about your parent’s relationship.” “My dad just used my mom as a sexual pincushion and potential foal maker. I really don’t think he actually loved her in the least. At least not from what I saw.” “And I agree with that analysis.” Arc kneels down and looks Rainbow Dash in the eye before continuing. “Listen… you know that I care about you and the others very much. I don’t see any kind of future with Zephyr Breeze where you’re truly happy. Your parents and his might be ecstatic with the prospect… along with the potential for grandchildren. But at the end of the day this isn’t really about them. It’s about YOU. Now then, if you honestly want to make your parents happy, try doing what makes YOU happy first. I believe that your joy would certainly pass on to them.” Rainbow Dash bows her head and nods. “I know… that I don’t want to marry Zephyr. But how do I tell my parents that?” Scootaloo sighs. “You might do well to first tell them about you and Big Brother.” Arc nods. “That’s not a bad idea. Lay it all out for them.” “Fine. But promise me one thing, Arc.” “What is it?” “That you’ll let me break the news to them.” Arc sighs. “Fine. I won’t say a word about it to either of them. But by the same token I also won’t bail you out of potentially difficult conversations with either Zephyr or your parents.” Rainbow Dash groans. “Fair enough. That and there’s a few things I need to tell you as well.” “Oh?” “Sorry. Not until this is behind us. I owe you and myself that much.” Scootaloo steps forward. “Just a bit of advice, Rainbow Dash. Don’t take too long to be honest with them. You never know when something might just reach the tipping point and spiral out of control.” Rainbow Dash sighs. “I still need to wait for the right time.” “There might not be one.” Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Right. You might just have to come out and say something.” Scootaloo bows her head. “Had I done that maybe my parents would still be alive.” Arc frowns. “That wasn’t your fault.” Scootaloo sighs as she looks out the window at the city. “No, it wasn’t. But that doesn’t change what happened.” She turns and looks back at Rainbow Dash before speaking. “Whatever you do… don’t become like me.” “You mean as brave and awesome?” Scootaloo shakes her head. “No. As filled with regrets of the past. I know that what happened wasn’t my fault. I really do. But at the same time I’m going to spend the rest of my life contemplating if I could have done something different. If maybe something could have been done to prevent the events that led to both my parents dying and me having to leave everything behind.” Arc sighs. “Me too.” “Big Brother?” “I feel the same way. Could I have done something to prevent Shadow from killing your mother?” Rainbow Dash nods. “No way! You would have done it!” Arc bows his head. “I would have, yes. However that doesn’t stop me from feeling regret over this matter. So as Scootaloo said… don’t become like us.” “I… I’ll try not do.” Scootaloo shakes her head as she pulls off her cloak, tosses it aside, and stretches her leathery wings. “Don’t just try, Rainbow Dash. Do it.”