The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds

by Kamahido

Preface - Volume 7 - The Lord Regent - Part 1

In the previous volume, Arc, Dinky, Ember and Auriel conclude their vacation at Cherry Hill Ranch. Upon returning to Ponyville, Arc does his best to help Auriel integrate into the town's population. He hires Sassy Saddles to make her some new clothes while Rarity is out of town with Sweetie Belle. Upon returning to Light's Hope, he receives an emergency call from the princesses. They announce that Captain Decimus is, somehow, alive and well. Upon announcing this to his squad however, they think he's lost his mind!

Arc and Ember return to the Dragon Lands to visit the Marquis in his new home. They see Ember's father first to learn the location. He sends a small baby dragon with them named Brightwing to show the way.

Upon entering the cloaked village, Arc and Ember are beset upon by two hydra guards! Arc summons the Marquis who vouches for the pair. Meeting the town's leader, Hydra Prime Ikis, they share a meal and learn about the hydra's culture before returning to Ember's home.

The next day the pair walk down the beach in search of Kane's village. Entering, they find it deserted. Kane approaches and informs them that Arc must prove himself by facing three of their warriors. He begrudgingly agrees and immediately and soundly defeats the trio. After speaking with their leader, Matriarch Iris, she agrees to meet with the leadership of Equestria if Arc will take one of their tribe as a mount. Choosing a large white wolf named Sereb, the pair square off to do battle. Arc soundly defeats him and the pact is formed.

Returning to Ponyville, Arc hires the Hammers to craft a saddle for Sereb. They deliver, and show Arc how to properly fit it on Sereb's back. Taking their first ride together, it ends with Arc's head in the bushes fertilizing the soil.

The pair make their way to the outskirts of Baltimare via portal. Arc and Sereb enter the city and make their way to Tempest's sister's house. Upon reaching it, Arc knocks, but is rebuffed as she runs away in fear! Blinking inside he finds her hiding in a closet. Cerulean Skies tells him of how she lost her job for speaking up against the unlawful practices going on at the courthouse. Furious, Arc charges over there with Cerulean Skies, Blinks them inside, charges toward the Archives and knocks out two elite guards who attempt to stop him. Blocking the door, Cerulean Skies shows Arc the proof of the High Justice's misdeeds. Angrily, he heads back to the Main Hall to face the guards! After soundly defeating their commanding officer, Arc heads for the High Justice's office. Forcing him to tell the truth, they take him back to Canterlot and lock him up until the princesses can be made aware of his case.

Arc returns to Ponyville with Cerulean Skies. Raven informs him that Mayor Mare needs him at Town Hall right away! Jumping on Sereb, he obliges! They find the mayor on the steps waiting for them. Leading them inside and turning on the lights reveals a surprise party for Arc's one-year anniversary in Equestria! Arm takes the opportunity to introduce Ember and Sereb to the town in an effort to put them at ease. As the festivities continue, Cerulean Skies overhears talk of her sister. Greatly saddened by what she has heard, she runs out of the Town Hall! Arc follows her and explains his own past with her sister.

Suddenly, Tempest appears before them! Claiming to be there to finish their business. The pair go back and forth, trading blow for blow! Hearing the sounds of battle, the party goers step out to see what is happening. The Dark One appears and casts a barrier spell over Arc, Tempest and Cerulean Skies to prevent anyone from interfering! Eventually Cerulean Skies can take it no more! She positions herself between Arc and Tempest as the crazed mare charges forward! Arc grabs her and pulls her aside as Tempest narrowly misses cutter her sister's gut open! Bleeding, Cerulean Skies speaks to her sister for a moment before Tempest asks Arc to take her to the hospital. The Dark One refuses to let them out until Tempest finishes! Enraged, Ember flies up at him! The Dark One effortlessly swats her away like a fly with his dark power!

As Derpy and Coco Pommel step forward to face the Dark One themselves, Auriel picks up Arc's spear. Channeling its power, she defeats the Dark One and frees Arc from the barrier. Tempest picks up The Dark One and drags him through a portal as Arc takes Cerulean Skies to the hospital.

The next morning Arc is summoned to Canterlot Castle by Sunburst. He is told that the princesses are in a deep sleep from which they are unable to awaken. Sunburst informs Arc that he is next in line to take the throne of Equestria! Initially refusing, Arc accepts when he heads the Captain Decimus is next in line after him! A hasty coronation takes place as Sunburst crowns Arc Lord Regent of Equestria!

How did Decimus come back from the grave? If Arc cares for Cherry, why doesn't her act on his feelings? How will Cerulean Skies handle knowing the terrible truth about her sister? What of Tempest's goal to best Arc in combat? What is wrong with the princesses? How will Arc do as the Lord Regent?

Time will tell. Sooner or later... time will tell.