//------------------------------// // Chapter 8 - Doing Their Best (Part 6) // Story: The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds // by Kamahido //------------------------------// Turning off the water, they step out and towel off. Taking Ember’s hand, Arc leads her out of the bathroom and into the master bedroom. A truly massive bed stretches out before them as the blaze from the fireplace has raised the temperature of the room to the point that clothing is unnecessary. Walking over to the bed, Arc and Ember lie down on top of the covers. Leaning against Arc, Ember sighs contentedly. “This is nice.” Arc nods. “That it is. But I do have one question.” “What is it?” “Are you warm enough?” “For once, yes.” “Good.” “Hey, um...” “Something wrong, Ember?” “I’ve... been doing some thinking.” “About what?” “Our future.” “Oh?” “Well... it’s more like the future of me and the Dragon Lands.” “Is this about our conversation about your role as the Dragon Lord?” Ember nods. “Yeah. I’ve had it on my mind for some time now.” “Have you come up with something?” “Maybe. Hear me out on this one, will you?” “Sure, go ahead.” “Remember how I had the idea to be impregnated by a random sampling of dragon sperm?” “Yes. What about it?” “Well... I’ve been thinking that you’re right about it being a bad idea. My offspring will want to know whom their father is. That and I think it’ll be really hard raising them alone.” “What brought this on?” “Remember how I told you about the time I first hunted something?” “How you didn’t know the amount of force needed to kill them?” “Right. If I just get pregnant and have eggs without a mate, I’ll be raising them alone while trying to complete my duties as the Dragon Lord. Just like my dad did when I was young.” “And that didn’t go so well, huh?” “Nope. So I have to agree with you on the idea that I need an actual mate to raise them with.” “I’m sure they’ll appreciate that too, Ember.” Ember looks away. “They deserve more than a single parent whom just put every male dragon’s sperm into her tailhole because she had to.” “If you’d like I’ll do my best to help you find a proper dragon male.” “Thanks. In fact, I wanted your opinion on that very topic.” “Oh?” “Now hear me out on this before coming to a conclusion.” “Okay.” “I need a mate whom I can care about, or at the very least tolerate.” Arc frowns. “How about ‘love’?” “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here, Arc. I’m starting with qualities that are vital to my plan.” “Very well. Continue.” “He needs to be someone whom isn’t just going to use our whelplings be gain prestige or do the same with our mating rituals.” “Bragging about having sex with the Dragon Lord?” Ember nods. “Right. I was thinking about...” She takes a deep breath before speaking again. “...Spike.” Arc raises an eyebrow. “Twilight’s... um... friend?” “He’s really nice. And I don’t see myself having to worry about him doing anything to me that I don’t want. That and he wouldn’t have to do anything other than breed me to get things started.” “Can I assume you haven’t said anything to him about this?” Ember shakes her head. “Nah. I’ve considered it for a while now. But like I said before, females are supposed to be bred by an older male.” “But Spike is younger than you.” “Quite a deviation from the dragon norm.” “Would that be a problem?” “Normally, yes. However, since I’m the Dragon Lord, I can pretty much do anything I want in that regard.” “Then what’s the problem?” Ember smiles nervously. “I just... wanted to know how you felt about Spike... breeding me?” Just for the record, you do mean in a couple hundred years, right? Ember nods. “Right. It won’t be in your lifetime.” “Then I can’t really tell you ‘no’.” “But I still want your blessing, Arc!” “Oh?” “I need to know that what I’m doing is okay with you!” Arc smiles at her. “It is. Assuming Spike is onboard, of course.” “Don’t worry. I’ll have a talk about it with him.” “When?” “Probably when I get back to the castle tomorrow. Why?” “Um... isn’t he supposed to be a baby dragon?” “Not really. He’s just small because he only eats pony food.” “So... you’re saying he’s technically still a baby then?” “Physically, yes. Mentally, no.” “How about sexually?” “What are you getting at, Arc?” “It just seems kinda... inappropriate for you to be talking to him about mating.” Ember rolls her eyes. “It would just be talk, Arc. Obviously I’m not going to do the stuff you and I do together yet.” Arc facepalms. “Look, just... talk to Twilight about it first. I believe she’s his legal guardian still.” “Fine. If it’ll make you feel better then I will.” “And please listen to what she has to say. With an open mind, I mean.” “Sure. I’ll do whatever she recommends. After all, she knows Spike best.” “Thank you, Ember. That’s all I can ask.” “Um... so just to be clear about this... you ARE okay with Spike potentially making eggs with me one day?” “After I’m dead and gone, yes.” Ember sighs. “Believe me, Arc. If there was any way at all, ANY way to do this with you I’d be all over it.” She grins slyly before continuing. “Just like I want you all over me.” Arc rolls his eyes. “Should’ve seen that coming.” Yawning, Ember looks to him sleepily. “But we should probably get some sleep now. After all, I’m sure you have things to do tomorrow.” “We both do, I suppose.” Ember smiles and takes his hand. “Well... I think we can call this date a rousing success.” Arc grins. “It isn’t over yet though.” “I suppose not.” Moving her arm, Ember exposes her bare chest before speaking again. “That is... if you’d like to go all the way with me, Arc.” Arc chuckles. “I’d prefer something else right now.” Ember puts a hand on her hip seductively. “Do whatever you want then.” “Alright.” Laying back, Arc fluffs his pillow and closes his eyes. “Good night, Ember.” Raising her eyebrows, Ember frowns. “Um... what?” “You’ll see. Now get some sleep.” Huffily, Ember lays back and closes her eyes. A short time later they fall asleep together to the sound of the fireplace crackling. The feeling of a warm breeze washes over her face. Opening her eyes Ember hears the sound of running water. She stands and sees that she’s wearing her dress again. A voice behind her rings out. “Good evening, sleepyhead.” Turning around, she spots Arc a dozen paces behind her. Walking over to her, he smiles and extends a hand. “Where...?” Arc chuckles. “Inside my Sanctuary.” “But it looks so different from before.” Arc makes a sweeping motion with his hand. “True. But you have to remember that I can alter it at will. And at the moment this is what I wanted it to be.” “A bridge?” Arc nods. “And you in that dress again.” Ember blushes and looks away. “Come on now.” “No, I mean it. You look great.” “While I disagree, I thank you for saying so.” Arc raises an eyebrow. “You don’t think you look good?” Ember sighs. “Not like the others.” “Such as...?” “Literally everyone in the herd.” “You’re just different, Ember. Nothing wrong with that though.” “Oh really?” “Really.” “Fine then. Turn me back into a dragon and I’ll show you exactly what I mean.” Arc snaps his fingers. Ember returns to her dragon form as the dress changes to accommodate her body. She touches her face before continuing. “They have soft fur on their faces. I have hard scales.” Holding up a claw, Ember frowns. “They have shiny hooves. I have sharp digits.” Grabbing her dress, Ember rips it off her body. Turning around she bends over and lifts her tail. “And they have soft, fleshy genitals. I have... THIS!” Arc sighs. “Ember...” Ember stands up, walks over to the guardrail, and leans against it heavily. “I just don’t get why you’re into me, Arc.” “Because I care about you.” “That’s what I don’t understand though. What’s there to like? I mean... I’m NOTHING like the others in this form.” Walking behind her, Arc puts his hands on her shoulders and smiles. “It’s not what’s on the outside that matters, Ember.” “But what’s on the inside?” Arc nods. “Took the words right out of my mouth.” Ember scoffs. “Yeah, well... my insides don’t really change THAT much when I’m in human form. So I should probably just get used to being that.” “This conversation’s starting to sound really familiar.” “I know I can’t really stay a human, what with being the Dragon Lord. But I’d really like to be able to lift my tail...” Ember thinks for a moment before continuing. “... um... I mean raise my... flank?” Arc rolls his eyes. “I know what you meant, Ember.” “Okay, what AM I supposed to call that?! Humans have to have some kind of saying for putting themselves out there sexually!” “It’s called ‘spreading your legs’.” “Fine then. I’d really like to be able to spread my legs for you properly.” She points a claw under her tail before continuing. “As it stands, I’d be kinda scared you’d hurt yourself sticking it in me. I mean... scales can be kinda sharp if you’re going against them.” “Well... there’s always another option.” “What’s that?” “This.” Snapping his fingers, Arc transforms into a dragon. Ember gasps as he does so. “Arc! You...!” Arc grins. “How’s this?” “Sexy!” “This would be safe, right?” “That it would be!” She grabs onto the railing and lifts her tail as she looks over her shoulder. “Just be gentle. Remember, it’s my first time.” Arc shakes his head. “Not right now, Ember.” Ember chuckles as she turns around to lean against the guardrail again. “I know. Can’t blame me for trying though.” “Guess not.” “You do look really nice like that though.” Arc shrugs. “Just what I looked like that one time back on Earth.” “I remember that. You were sick so Sereb turned you into a dragon so you’d get better.” “It was certainly an... interesting experience.” “Did you like it?” Arc sighs. “To be completely Honest... not really.” “Oh?” “It’s nothing against dragons though. I just prefer my own body.” Ember grins. “Well, I for one really like being a human.” “More than your dragon form?” “Honestly, it’s really a tossup which I like more. Both have advantages and disadvantages, naturally. But one thing I’d like to know is what you think, Arc.” “But I just told you that I prefer my human form.” Ember shakes her head. “Not you. Me.” “You?” “Which of my two forms do you like best?” “Dragon.” “Really?” Arc nods. “Really.” “Why?” “Because it’s who you really are.” “On the outside, yes. But like you said earlier, it’s what’s on the inside that counts.” “That’s true, yes. However you asked the question and that’s my answer.” “I’m really just trying to do what makes you happy here, Arc.” “And I appreciate that. It’s the whole reason for our date.” Ember raises an eyebrow. “It is?” “Well, kinda. Remember, we’re supposed to be learning about one another here.” “Through talking.” “Yup.” “I know that, Arc. But... it just doesn’t seem to be working.” Arc sighs. “I know what you mean.” “The others whom went out with you say that their dates were totally eye-opening experiences.” “For both of us, yes.” Ember bows her head. “I’m just not feeling that with you. However I think it might actually be my fault.” “Yours?” “I’m not exactly... feminine, you know.” “That’s never bothered me before.” “Well, it kinda bugs me.” “Does it now?” Ember groans. “Yeah. I want to be someone you can be proud of, Arc. Someone you can point to and say ‘she’s special to me’, or something.” “I already can.” “But I’m not like the others in terms of knowing what to do or what to say socially! Like Rarity, Twilight, or even Auriel!” “You’re not the only one whom has trouble communicating, Ember.” “Oh really?” Really. Think about it. You, Hammer, and Rainbow Dash are very similar to one another. All of you are very sweet and kind, naturally. However at the same time all three of you have trouble expressing your feelings.” “What can I do about that though?” “I don’t really know, Ember. But know that I’ll always be ready and willing to hear you out when you have something to say.” “On what though?” “Your opinions on whatever topic comes up mostly. I do want you to be honest with me as you always have been. And when you think I’m making a mistake to be able to call me on it.” “But that’s just the right thing to do, Arc.” “Exactly.” “You mean...?” “Just be yourself and I’ll be happy.” Ember sighs. “This conversation has been all over the place.” Arc chuckles as he turns back into his human form. “I suppose so.” “But we’re supposed to be bonding, or something.” “I think we kinda did.” “How so?” “Well... you told me some things that’ve been on your mind. That’s a step in the right direction.” “But it’s not bonding!” ‘Yes, it is.” “Huh?!” “Part of being in a relationship is being able to tell the other person everything and anything, Ember. You were able to tell me about your insecurities as the future Dragon Lord, after all.” “I needed to tell SOMEONE!” Arc smiles at her. “Right. And you chose me.” “Along with Auriel and Twilight, you mean.” “Exactly. They’re looking to be part of the herd too if you recall.” “But I’m not marrying them!” “Kinda are.” “I don’t get it.” “Being part of the herd will connect all of us. Tell me, Ember... how do you feel about Twilight and Auriel?” “Um... they’re my friends.” “Anything else?” Ember raises an eyebrow. “I’m not in love with them if that’s what you mean.” “But you do care about them.” Ember nods. “Yeah. Why?” “So you could say that you care, but not romantically.” “What are you getting at, Arc.” “That we can all love one another.” “I just told you that I’m not...!” Arc interrupts her. “You can care about someone without being in love with them, Ember.” “I... suppose that’s true, yes.” “And that’s why you felt safe confiding your future egg problems with Twilight and Auriel.” “Because I care about them?” “Exactly.” “It’s a... rather strange feeling. Having those in my life whom I trust enough to talk to about something so personal.” Ember turns to Arc before continuing. “Before I met you, I... I never dreamed I’d be so close to anyone. Much less several individuals.” “We’ve all grown since then, Ember.” Ember grins. “It makes me both frightened and excited to see where this path leads.” “You mean with the herd?” “I was referring to my life and relationships in general. But I don’t really know what to do about the herd.” Arc raises an eyebrow. “Don’t know?” “Can I really join? Is it fair for me to call myself your wife if I can’t dedicate my life to you and the others?” “You’re talking about the duties of a Dragon Lord again, aren’t you?” “It’s going to be a full time job eventually, Arc. I could be called back home at any time and for any length of time.” “After your father dies, right?” “Sooner most likely. I need to be properly trained so I can lead the nation. That’s going to take quite a bit of time.” “And you can’t do both?” Ember shakes her head. “I don’t see how. Even if I teleported from the Dragon Lands to Equestria when I could, I would still be splitting my energy between two full time jobs.” Arc grimaces. “Believe me, I know what that feels like.” “As the Lord Regent of Equestria?” “Yeah.” “If I recall, you didn’t even want to consider relationships back then for just such a reason.” Arc nods. “And I stand by that decision. Like you said, it’s not fair to split time between too many individuals.” “I know that. However at the moment I’m torn between my love for you and my duty to my country.” Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “And the day will come when you’ll have to choose.” “But I don’t know what to DO?!” “Something like this is a really personal choice, Ember. But I want you to know that I’ll support you in whichever choice you decide to make.” “Thanks, Arc. That means a lot to me. But does that mean you’d be okay with me leaving Equestria?” “If that’s what you choose, then yes.” “What about our relationship though?” “I’ll still care about you no matter what happens, Ember. Even if you choose not to join the herd.” “But what would that make us then?! Just acquaintances?!” “Friends at the very least.” “You know how I feel about you though, Arc.” “And I feel very strongly about you too, Ember.” “Then tell me this! How can you just let me go like that?!” “Because it’s more than just you or I. We’re talking about the future of an entire country.” He puts a hand on her cheek and smiles. “And no matter what happens I’ll always cherish the time you and I spent together.” Ember smiles. “So will I, Arc.” “That and you’ll always have a place here in Equestria.” “I don’t want a place here, Arc!” “Huh?” “I want to be by your side!” Arc sighs. “And I want that too. But we’re just talking in circles now.” “With no solutions in sight.” “Have you talked to your father about this?” Ember shakes her head. “Not yet. He’s... not exactly the most easy individual to talk to. Especially regarding delicate matters of the heart.” “That may be. But he’s been around a very long time, Ember. And he does care about you deeply.” “I’ll... think about what to say to him then.” “Good. That just leaves one thing left to say.” “What’s that, Arc?” “First things first.” Snapping his fingers, the tatters of the dress reappear on Ember’s body. In a flash they are repaired to like new condition. Stepping toward her, Arc puts a hand on her shoulders and smiles as he speaks. “That no matter what happens... I’ll always love you, Ember.” Grinning widely, Ember throws her arms around him and gives Arc a hug. Returning it, Arc smiles wordlessly as the pair enjoy their moment.