//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 - Royal Expeditions // Story: The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds // by Kamahido //------------------------------// They give Celestia a few minutes to think silently. Eventually Luna steps forward. “We need to be moving along now, sister.” “I know.” Turning to them again, Celestia looks to Twilight. “I’m sure Kibitz is wondering what’s taking so long in the Dining Room.” Cadance appears suddenly apprehensive. “Do you think he’s come looking yet?” Luna shakes her head. “No. But if we aren’t there when he comes by we won’t hear the end of it.” Arc sighs. “Right.” Raising his hand, Arc opens a portal. As Celestia, Luna, and Cadance enter he turns and looks back toward the building. Twilight approaches him and puts a hoof on his side. “You okay?” “This is all my fault.” “No it isn’t.” “Yes, it is. Had I been with her…” “Arc, don’t go into ‘what ifs’ now. What’s done is done.” Arc bows his head. “I know. But as it stands the town is in ruins and its inhabitants are in relative exile.” “You forgot one thing.” “Oh?” “They’re alive. And that IS thanks to you.” Gestures to the ruined town before them. “We still need to fix this mess and bring them home though.” “Agreed. Now then, we need to go.” Nodding, Arc follows Twilight into the portal. Arriving back in his room inside Canterlot Castle he turns to the three princesses. “Sorry for making you wait.” Luna smiles at him. “Think nothing of it.” Cadance puts a hoof on his shoulder. “Yes, you’ve been through a lot.” Twilight looks toward the door. “Shall we see Kibitz about today’s activities?” Luna nods. “Indeed. Lead the way, Twilight.” Heading for the door, she opens it and proceeds down the corridor with the others. Cadance, Twilight and Celestia talk amongst themselves as Luna and Arc hold back. Luna is the first to speak. “That could have gone better.” Arc sighs. “Yeah. She still doesn’t completely believe us.” “Admittedly it is a hard pill to swallow.” “But everything told to her was the truth!” “Moreso than you know.” “Oh?” “I told her many things when her and I were alone the other day. However she seemed to only half be listening.” “Somehow I don’t think it was from fatigue.” “Right. Celestia didn’t seem to believe most of what I told her either.” “But you’re her sister!” Luna frowns. “I’m also a traitor to Equestria.” “The Nightmare Moon incident?” “Yes.” “But that was a thousand years ago.” “That it was. But I did return with the intention to overthrow Celestia not so long ago.” “And the Element Bearers stopped you.” Luna appears impressed. “You’ve been studying our history.” “Twilight told me.” “Yes, well… I don’t exactly blame Celestia for her attitude toward my words. But she would do well to listen to Cadance.” Arc raises an eyebrow. “She doesn’t?” “Her age plays a role in that.” “And Twilight?” “She alone has my sister’s ear in all things. If anypony can convince her of anything right now it’s her.” “So we should keep them together?” Luna nods. “Right. That and it’ll be good for Celestia’s mental well-being.” “And Twilight’s.” Returning to the Dining Room, they find Kibitz approaching from the opposite direction. He appears confused. “Your highnesses! Did you sleep late?!” Luna shakes her head. “No, Kibitz. We… merely went for an early morning walk.” “Without your guards?!” Arc raises a hand. “I was there.” Kibitz groans. “And I’m thankful for that, sir. But you’re only one!” Twilight giggles. “As you can see we’re fine though.” Celestia nods. “Yes. However I’m sure we have a busy day ahead.” Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Correction. Luna and Cadance do.” Kibitz looks at a list he is levitating. “Indeed we do. First we have to…” Cadance interrupts him. “Visit Abyssinia.” “I beg your pardon, your highness?” Luna nods. “Cadance is right. We need to send a royal delegation there at once.” Kibitz raises an eyebrow. “And their mission?” Cadance turns to Twilight as she speaks. “To reassure our citizens that we will bring them home soon.” “That and we should properly say ‘thank you’ to the king and queen for housing them.” Luna puts a hoof to her chin. “But whom to send?” Arc frowns. “I believe that Princess Celestia should go.” Kibitz gasps. “Sir?” Twilight frowns. “But what about you removing her from…?” Cadance nods approvingly. “Yes, the monarchs would respond to a personal visit from her most favorably.” Luna smiles. “Agreed. But I also believe that Twilight should also accompany her.” “I’d love to!” Kibitz grimaces. “Perhaps the young princess should remain here though. After all, we have a very busy schedule along with…” Celestia interrupts him. “No, Kibitz. She’ll come too.” “Yes, your highness. I’ll summon a contingent of guards at once to accompany you two.” Arc steps forward. “How about me?” Twilight appears surprised. “Arc?” “I’d like to volunteer to come along and protect them.” Luna nods. “The king and queen would also see his presence as comforting.” Cadance giggles. “Then it’s settled.” Kibitz groans as he looks to Arc. “Not exactly. As competent as you are, sir, as I said before you are but one.” “I’ll bring my squad along with Sereb then. Would that be enough?” “Not exactly. A contingent of guards is still recommended, sir.” Celestia turns to walk in the direction of the Hanger. “That will not be necessary, Kibitz. We’ll be fine with the protection already volunteered.” “Yes, your majesty. Shall I notify Abyssinia of your trip?” “Only after you speak to the captain of the vessel ferrying us there for an ETA.” Twilight grins. “Arc could give us a portal there.” “I suppose I could.” Celestia stops walking and turns back. “To Abyssinia?” Arc nods. “Yes.” “Across the ocean?” Luna clears her throat loudly. “Arc’s very capable, sister.” Cadance nods. “That and he’s done it before.” Arc chuckles. “It does take a lot out of me, certainly. But one round trip would probably be fine. Call for my squad and Sereb, Kibitz.” “Yes sir.” The stallion hurries down the corridor as Luna turns to the others. “Now all that’s left to do is wait.” Arc motions to the double doors nearby. “We should do that inside the Dining Room though.” Celestia sighs. “Yes, a bit of added security wouldn’t hurt.” “In truth, I was thinking more along the lines of finishing breakfast.” Twilight facehoofs. “I should’ve seen that coming.” Cadance giggles as they turn toward the doors. “Come along, Twilight.” Sometime later the doors open and Arc’s squad enters along with Sereb and Kibitz. They bow respectfully as Kibitz hurries over to Celestia. “Here are your Honor Guards, Princess Celestia.” Twilight raises an eyebrow. “You mean Arc’s Honor Guards.” “At the moment they’re guarding all of you, your highness.” Celestia attempts to move the conversation forward. “Is Abyssinia aware of our visit?” Kibitz nods. “Yes, Princess Celestia. I’ve informed them that you will be traveling there shortly with Princess Twilight and the Hero of Light.” Twilight grimaces. “Did they seem upset at the short notice?” “Not really. Especially after I informed them that you would be accompanied by Lord Arc.” Celestia looks to him with a sneer. “Lord?” Arc shrugs. “A title I picked up in the Griffon Kingdom originally.” Luna nods approvingly. “I believe it suits him well.” Cadance smiles. “Yes, Arc’s certainly worthy of such a thing.” Twilight turns to Arc. “In any case, when do we leave?” “Whenever you and Princess Celestia are ready.” Kibitz looks to Celestia. “Your majesty, a moment of your time please.” “What is it, Kibitz?” “Another individual wished to request to join your… expedition.” “Oh?” Twilight appears genuinely confused. “Who?” “Dragon Lord Ember.” Celestia raises an eyebrow. “She is aware of the mission?” “Yes, your highness.” Luna frowns. “How did she hear about it?” Cadance looks around nervously. “Yes, we only just decided on this.” “I do believe her… ambassador informed her.” Arc chuckles. “Brightwing, huh?” Celestia appears confused. “Who?” Luna sighs. “A small dragon whom acts as the Dragon Lord’s ambassador to Equestria.” Cadance giggles. “She’s kinda cute. You’ll like her, Aunt Celestia.” Twilight appears hopeful as she looks to Celestia. “Can they come?” “I suppose so.” She turn to Kibitz before continuing. “Let them in.” “Yes, your highness.” Bowing, he motions to the squad. Max and Xenos hurry to open the doors. Ember walks in with Brightwing fluttering in behind her. Kibitz clears his throat. “Presenting Dragon Lord Ember and Ambassador Brightwing.” “Hello friends!” Ember waves. “Morning everyone.” Sereb frowns. “What’s this about, Ember?” “Brightwing told me Arc was heading to Abyssinia. I want in.” “Yes! We will do a good thing!” Arc rolls his eyes. “Really, Ember?” “Yeah. So let’s go.” “Fine.” He turns to Celestia and Twilight. “You two ready?” “I am.” “So am I.” “Alright. Let’s get moving then.” Taking a deep breath, Arc channels his power into the crystals and levitates a foot or so off the floor. Celestia watches intently as he slowly opens a portal. As it stabilizes he looks to his squad. “Take point.” They nod and rush through the portal. Taking her mentor’s hoof, Twilight trots forward through the swirling energies a few moments later followed by Ember, Sereb, and Brightwing. Arc looks to Luna and Cadance. “We’ll be back before you know it.” Blinking into his portal, it collapses behind him. Cadance turns to Luna. “Did we do the right thing?” “I’m not sure, Cadance. While I don’t think this trip will be too taxing on Celestia’s body, she does need to feel… what’s the term…?” “Useful?” “I believe ‘busy’ might be a better way to put it. That and she wouldn’t have wanted Twilight to go without her.” “That may be. But we could have…” Kibitz clears his throat loudly. “Your highnesses?” Luna turns to him. “Yes?” “It’s about time for audiences to begin.” Cadance smiles. “Then we should get moving.” Luna sighs. “Agreed.” Meanwhile, Arc emerges from the portal. Looking around he spies his squad forming a defensive perimeter around Twilight and Celestia. Ember turns to look at him as the portal closes. “Took long enough.” “Sorry. Had to say a few things to Luna and Cadance.” Sereb motions with a paw. “Shall we be off?” Arc shrugs. “I guess. Princesses?” “I’m ready. Princess Celestia?” “Lead on.” Arc nods and calls forth his armor as he mounts Sereb. The wolf marches ahead of the princesses as Arc turns to his squad. “Keep watch for anything or anyone suspicious. I’ll take point.” Ember clutches her spear. “And I’ll guard the rear with Brightwing here.” “Yes, yes!” Celestia turns to her. “Ember?” “What is it?” “That would not be proper.” “Huh?” “You’re the Dragon Lord now. Not a common guard to watch our flanks.” “And?” “And you should be up here with Twilight and I.” Sereb turns to look at his rider. “I can watch the rear if you don’t mind walking, Arc.” “That would work, yes.” Arc dismounts and watches Sereb walk behind the princesses as Ember approaches Celestia. She takes a position between Celestia and Max as Arc looks forward again. “Alright, take two. Let’s go.” Starting on their way, Arc leads them into the city. Even though it is early numerous felines are out and about. They part at Arc’s approach and bow respectfully. Celestia looks around suspiciously. “This is new.” Twilight turns to her. “What is?” “They were never this cordial to me before.” Ember rolls her eyes. “Oh brother.” Celestia appears confused. “Ember?” “You think they’re doing this for you?” “Twilight and I, yes.” Sereb shakes his head. “You are incorrect, your highness.” “I don’t understand.” Arc shoots Celestia a withering look. “They’re bowing to me.” Celestia scoffs. “And why would they do that?” Ember grits her teeth. “Because Arc saved every one of them from starvation.” Twilight nods soberly. “And a beast known as The Storm King.” Celestia appears surprised. “I’m not familiar with the name.” Arc frowns. “He’s working with Decimus now.” “Are you certain?” Ember nods. “Very.” Twilight grits her teeth. “We saw him helping with the attack on the peace summit some time ago.” Brightwing shudders. “Scary!” Arc clenches a fist. “I wish we could have taken him down back then. Given the citizens some degree of cloture.” Sereb growls. “We will have to correct that when next we meet him!” They walk on in silence for a time. Eventually Celestia turns to Ember. “So you live in Equestria now?” Ember shrugs and continues to stare straight ahead. “Off and on lately.” “Are you happy in our lands?” “Most of the time.” “Tell me, what do you like about Equestria?” “It’s a very… friendly place.” Twilight nods. “That it is.” Celestia sighs. “Perhaps. But it isn’t really set up for dragons.” “I make do.” “Might I ask how?” “By staying with Arc mostly.” “With him?” Ember shrugs. “I’m looking to join his herd when it forms.” Celestia groans. “Twilight’s convinced you too?” Twilight shakes her head. “No, Princess Celestia.” Ember grins slyly. “Right. I was the first.” Arc rolls his eyes. “First what?” “Female to want you inside them.” Sereb groans. “Tact, Ember.” “That was toning it down, believe me.” Celestia looks to Arc and narrows her eyes. “Very interesting.” Twilight turns to her. “Princess Celestia?” “You’ve made some very powerful lovers, human.” “They came to me with their idea. Not the other way around.” Celestia smirks. “Twilight, Rarity, and Ember. Anypony else I should know about?” Ember chuckles. “How about your sister?” Arc shakes his head. “We’re just friends.” Twilight giggles. “You DID take her out on a date though.” Celestia grits her teeth. “You did WHAT with Luna?!” Sereb growls. “That was purely platonic though.” “Right. I was just taking her out to dinner for a bit of a break.” Ember frowns. “That reminds me! When are WE going out on a date?!” Arc groans. “Now’s not the time for that, Ember.” Brightwing makes happy noised. “You make Dragon Lord VERY happy!” Twilight giggles. “That you do, Arc.” Sereb shakes his head. “Such is the life of a hero.” Sometime later they arrive at the palace. King Felix and Queen Fiona meet them at the foot of the stairs. They approach Arc and smile warmly. “Welcome again to our land, Lord Arc.” Fiona gestures to his entourage. “We see that you’ve brought some very special company with you today.” Arc nods. “Yes indeed. Dragon Lord Ember you know.” Ember grins and waves a claw. “Sup.” “This is Ambassador Brightwing.” “Hello friends!” “Princess Twilight. Newly crowned.” Twilight courtesies respectfully. “A pleasure your highnesses.” “And this is Princess Celestia. “ “Good morning.” Felix bows respectfully. “Hello, princess.” Fiona smiles warmly. “A pleasure, your highnesses.” Felix gestures with a wave of his paw. “Please come inside everyone.” Fiona: nods. “Yes, we’re glad you could come.” Arc steps forward. “Thank you.” He leads the group inside the palace as the monarchs walk on either side of him.