(This chapter is no longer part of this story. Due to respect of my old co-author i will not remove the work we made, some of this will make its way into the new version of the story but most wont. I am removing Firebolt from the fic and making it better :) but feel free to read the two year old chapters and see how i improved :D )
Chapter 4
Arcus was walking back from some of the cabins. He was checking up on the survivors. On his way back to his cabin he bumps into Applebloom. Arcus looked at Applebloom, A grin formed on his face, "Hey, what are you doing up this early kid?"
"The names Applebloom." she said with a smile.
"So what's on your mind."
Applebloom's smile turn into a frown, "Applejack wanted to talk to you. And I was going to say."
Arcus bends down to get to eye level with Applebloom and he puts on a smile.
"Hey, you don't have to say anything, you were in danger so I helped you. You don't need to thank me."
Applebloom started smiling and she jump Arcus and gave him a hug. Arcus returned the hug and then sat applebloom back down. Applebloom looked up at Arcus.
"What's your name?"
"Arcus."
Applebloom giggled as she fell to the floor in a fit of laughter, "That's a funny name."
"Thats not really nice."
Applebloom looked the human over, She was confused on why he wore all of those clothes. She then looked at his arm.
"What does your cutie mark mean?"
Arcus smiled and chuckled for a bit, he regained himself and looked back at Applebloom
"I've been hearing about theses cutie things, and all you ponies keep thinking that this is my markings. But I still have no clue on to what they are."
Applebloom’s jaw dropped. "How don't you know what a cutie mark is?" Questioned Applebloom.
"Hey cut me some slack, I'm new here, but would you care to enlighten me?"
Applebloom raised an eyebrow at Arcus comment, "What's does enlighten mean?"
Arcus laughed and smiled, "it means tell me."
"Oh, While why didn't you say so!"
"I think I just did."
"A cutie mark is what a pony gets when they find out what their special talent is."
Arcus looked over Applebloom, he saw nothing of this cutie mark on her, "Where is this cutie mark at?"
"On a pony's flank."
"Then where is yours?"
"I don't have one yet, that's why I'm a crusader."
"Your a crusader? You look a little young for that?"
Applebloom shook her head, "No, I'm a cutie mark crusader."
Arcus gets up and pets Applebloom. "So when this train stops, how about I buy you some ice cream. That is if you ponies have ice cream."
"We do, and thank you human, i mean Arcus."
"So where's your sister?"
"In her cabin."
Arcus pet Applebloom and walked into the cabin where the orange pony was sitting in.
"Hello Applejack, you wanted to see me?"
"Ah did, and i heard what you said to Applebloom, that was sweet of you. Do you have a brother or sister of your own?"
"No but I'm good with kids."
Applejack’s face changed into a frown, Arcus sees this and it gets his attention.
"What's wrong Applejack?"
"I don't know if my brother made it out alive.”
“Is he like you?"
"Yes."
"Then i'm sure he made it out. If he's like you then I'm positive he made it out."
"Thanks... But there is one more thing."
"What is it?"
"How did you do what you did?"
"What do you mean?"
"You went out of your way to help the little ones, you even jumped off the barn."
"When I was a child... No one was ever there for me. I just don't want to see or hear about a child suffering when I could have helped."
"Is there gonna be more deaths?"
"I'm not going to lie, yes."
Applejack starts staring at the floor, "What are we going to do?"
"While I can tell you what I'm going to do, I'm going to fight this, the question is, will you all help."
Applejack looked up at Arcus. "You should talk to Rarity. She never got to thank you for saving Sweetie Belle.”
"I didn't save Sweetie Belle, The orange one did. The only thing I did was to give her the courage to jump."
Arcus gets up and walks to the door.
"By the way, Applebloom reminds me of someone I used to know. That's why I did what I did."
After that he walked out the room and heads to Rarity's room. When Arcus reaches the door he knocks on it.
"Come in."
"Hello Rarity how's it" Before Arcus could finish his sentence Rarity jumped Arcus and hug him tight.
"Oh thank you thank you thank you thank you, If you haven't come to ponyville. Then Sweetie Belle and her friends, w-would be." Rarity had to stop, she was on the verge of crying. The thought of losing her sister gave her a dark feeling in her chest.
“Thank you."
"No problem, but the orange one did the work. She flew her down, I just got them out".
"I wish all stallions would be like you."
Arcus turned to the door and walked out.
Arcus had to check on one pony In particular, Fluttershy. The last time Arcus saw her she looked like she was faking being happy when we meet up with her friends. Also her mane was a mess.
Arcus reached the end of the cart he was in. The last cabin was Fluttershys, Arcus knocked on the door.
"Hey Fluttershy, can I come in?"
When Arcus didn't hear a Response, he walked into the room. But there was no Fluttershy anywhere, Arcus walked out the room. He was starting to get worried, Arcus walked down back to the other end of the cart. Arcus walked into the next cart, The first thing he sees is a restroom sign. There were two doors, one of them said Colts room, the other said Fillies room. Arcus walked to the door that said Fillies on it. Arcus knocked on it.
"Hey Fluttershy, you in there?"
"Go away! I look Horrible!"
"Are you talking about your mane? You do realize that we've all seen it already. its just a few knots, nothing to big."
"Yes but you haven't seen it now, Rarity had to do things to it."
"Fluttershy open up. I won't make fun of you."
"Do you promise?"
"I promise."
There was a click as Fluttershy unlocked the door. The door swing open. Fluttershy stepped out into full view. Her mane and tail were cut super short. Fluttershy was sobbing as Arcus looked at her.
“I look like a colt.”
"You look great!"
Fluttershy stopped crying and look at Arcus,"what?"
"You look great, and super cute with your mane like that."
"Thanks Arcus."
"I'm going to go check on Firebolt, and remember, You look fine."
Fluttershy started smiling at bit. And she gave Arcus a quick hug before he left."
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Arcus walked to his cabin and found Firebolt sleeping. Arcus walked to the chair and sat down on it.
Arcus looked out the window, it was pitch black. It appeared that they were in a tunnel. Arcus looked over to the bed. Firebolt was sleeping peacefully, Arcus notices a light come into the cabin from the window. He walks to the window and opens it.
Arcus sticks his head out the window and what he noticed amazed him.
Canterlot was in full view now. The sight was a bright large city skyline the buildings were huge and all many different shapes and sizes one building stood out it was a large white palace.
"So this is Canterlot." Arcus said in amazement.
Arcus moves his head back into the train. He heads over to Firebolt. Arcus puts his hand on Firebolts shoulder and gently shakes him.
Firebolt groans and pulls the covers over his head, "I'm sleeping, go away!"
"Where arriving at Canterlot in any moment so get up."
"Nah, I'm good."
Suddenly the trains horn goes off, this causes Firebolt to jump out of his bed and to land on the floor.
Arcus starts chuckling,"Thanks for listening.”
Arcus looks out the window again. The train is barely moving as it is coming to a complete stop.
Arcus help Firebolt up,"Lets go meet up with the girls and meet this Princess."
"Hey what's that noise?"
"Probably the brakes."
"No, we stopped, and it sounds like its on the train."
"Ponies are probably getting off."
"It's not that."
"Then what do you hear?"
"I hear medal clashing against each other."
Arcus raised an eyebrow at that, Arcus walked to the door and pressed his ear against the door. There was a sound of a bunch of hoof steps heading to towards them, they were getting louder by the second.
"What is it?"
Arcus turned his head to Firebolt, "I don't know yet."
Arcus presses his head against the door again. But something was different. The noise was gone.
Arcus feels sudden pain as the door is kicked down and it nails Arcus on the face. When Arcus recovers he notices about three spears pointed at his head.
"Human, Come with us. The princess wants to see you." Said the Guard.
"Ok. There is no need to get." Before Arcus could finish his sentence. He got hit in the head with the end of the spear. This makes Firebolt jump in front of the guard.
"Hey...There's no need for that!" yelled Firebolt.
"Shut up civilian, before I arrest you for intruding in royal business."
When one of the guards grabbed one of Arcus arms. He was nailed in the face by a fist. this knocks the guard over.
This makes all the guards and Firebolt jump back a bit.
"I think I can walk my self."
"Oh... And if you ever hit me with that spear again, I will shove that stick up your ass."
Arcus stands up and follows the three ponies. As Arcus walks out the cabin. The first thing he sees Twilight.
"Arcus what's going on?"
Arcus stops and faces Twilight and he smiles, "No idea but I'm going along for the ride."
"What are they taking you."
Before Arcus could speak the guard said "We are taking him to Canterlot on Princess Celestia's orders."
"But why?"
"I don't know Ms Sparkle, I'm just following orders."
The guard continued to walk off the train with Arcus.
Arcus keep looking all around him, He did look up at the buildings. Amazing feats of architecture. It blew his mind. The shape of the buildings, the ponies, Arcus could walk these streets for days and not know half of its wonders.
As Arcus walked down walked down the street. He noticed all ponies staring at him. That didn't bother Arcus much at all, he was used to it.
It turns out the train station was close to the castle, because Arcus started to see the castle in the distance. It's size was gigantic, he knew he had to make an good impression.
"So what's the Ruler like?"
"She is the Princess and she is a benevolent ruler, kind and understanding.”
"That's good?"
"Though she will not be kind to you. She doesn't know who's side you're on."
"There goes making a good impression."
Arcus remains silent as they walk into the castle.
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Arcus was standing alone in a big room. There was a fireplace to his right and a table in front of him. There were no guards in the room with him. This gave him the feeling that this Princess wants to talk in private with him.
All of the sudden, The doors open and a tall white horse walks in. Her mane was moving like it had a mind of its own. She then sat across from Arcus, Arcus had a big feeling that this was the Princess. So he stood up and bows to her. This raises an eyebrow of the Princess.
"Sit."
Arcus does so.
"I am Celestia, The princess of Equestria.”
"So... You're the one they call... Arcus, is that right."
"That's right."
"What really happened yesterday?"
"I was taken to a club that was a party from Pinkie pie. We were there for an hour, everything was fine, everyone was dancing and having a good time. The place was calm aside from the music blasting. Then I suddenly heard a loud ringing in my ear that sounded as if it was getting closer just then I realised it was that ship that destroyed my planet. As it drew closer I noticed it was on the other side of the club I saw Firebolt over there I darted to him and pushed him out of the way, suddenly a loud explosion rang out behind me. The ship was firing down at the club causing everyone to run out in a panic. I saw that all of Ponyville was being fired upon. I put Firebolt on Twilight Sparkles back and told her to get on a train and get the survivors on it. Then one of you guards approached me and he was apparently going to arrest me."
"Is there any reason why?"
"When Twilight sent me a letter about you. I didn't know if I should consider you a threat or not."
"So you were going to have me arrested?"
Celestia got up and glared at Arcus, " I'm trying to protect my people!"
"Well lets get to more pressing matters."
"agreed."
"Why are you here?"
"To help your world."
“While you failed at it, Ponyville was not the only city that was attacked."
This gets Arcus attention, "Where else was attacked?"
"That ship is currently at Manehattan, there are reports of ponies eating other ponies.”
"Look. I want to help you, I know how to, I have a plan."
"What is it."
"I will train the survivors of Ponyville, and some ponies from Canterlot into combat. Then we take back Manehattan."
"Our royal guard team can handle this."
"Are you kidding me, You will need more than spears to kill them."
"Kill? Who said we're going to kill them, we're going to try to save them."
Arcus hits the table and stands up, "YOUR FOOLISHNESS WILL COST THE LIVES OF YOUR MEN!"
Two guards from out side ran in the room. They ran up to Arcus. Spears pointed to his neck. Celestia gave them a look. As soon as they notice the look, they proceeded to walk out the room.
"What would you have me do?"
"I told you. Let me train them. I can win this."
"By killing them."
"Yes. we've tried to save them before. We tried, and failed, don't make the mistakes we did."
"We're going to try to save the Infected. Maybe a spell, or charm can fix them and return them to normal."
"You need to realise that your country cannot survive on the thought of peace. If theres a war you can't think peace will work, you need to grow up this kingdom needs a Queen not a Princess. Now i'm doing this with or without you."
"I will not help you slaughter ponies that could have been saved."
Arcus stands up and glares at the Princess "You're a foolish leader." Arcus walks out the room, the two guards pointed their spears at Arcus
"You will walk back into the room and stay there until you are dismissed by the Princess."
Arcus looks at the one who is closer to his. Arcus takes the spear from his mouth. Arcus grab the spear with both hands. Arcus lowers the spear to his groin area, Arcus knees the shaft of the spear, causing it to break. Arcus drops the stick and pushes the other guard out of his way. He Continued to walk down the hallway.
"Let him go."
The guards look back and saw Celestia. "He is no threat, for now."
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[Meanwhile]
The main six and Firebolt are sitting at a table in a Canterlot diner.
"Ok, I know we have been over this before. But after the events of yesterday. Can we trust Arcus” Twilight asked.
The group of ponies looked back at each other.
"I trust him." Applejack said.
"He choose to save my sister, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Anyone who puts the children first is a hero to me.”
"I trust him too." Rarity added.
"He saved Sweetie Belle. And like Applejack said. He's a hero for saving the children."
Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie look at each other and node and look back at the group.
"Our point still stands, we think he's good, but he's troubled." Fluttershy said.
"I don't know what to think." Twilight added.
"I think he's no good."
Everyone looks over to Rainbow Dash ,"They followed him to Ponyville, If he hadn't shown up everything would've just been fine, it's his fault!"
"How dare you trash him like this." Firebolt said.
Rainbow Dash flew up to Firebolt, she was furious, "Shut up Firebolt, Why are you still. No one here likes you. You just a loner who has a stupid pipedream of being a royal guard."
Firebolt glared at her. There was an anger in his eyes, "My dream is a pipedream, yours is stupider than mine. Joining the Wonderbolts, they will never let you in. You saved their lives and they still haven't let you in."
"At least I have friends and I'm not a failure like you."
"At least I'm not an egomaniac like you.I don't do stuff for ponies to cheer my name. I have more honor than you ever will."
"ENOUGH!"
Everypony turns around to see Arcus behind them.
"Equestria is in danger and your fight over the most stupid things, grow up you two. You all are going to need to be strong because theses next few days will be the hardest of your life."
"Your Princess is being foolish and not taking my warnings. We need to form our own team. We need to destroy the Infected before it spreads all over Equestria"
"Now who's with me?"
“We all are.” Twilight said.
"Good this will be the hardest time of your time."
Arcus walked out the building and heads out. Two ponies follow him out. Firebolt and Applejack.