The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds

by Kamahido

Chapter 7 - Making the Worst of a Bad Situation

Derpy leads Ember and the ground forces to a narrow side street! Two Crystal Defenders are carefully trying to move the contents of an overturned cart! She points a hoof at the pile!

“She's under there!”

Sereb and the rest of the Crystal Defenders round the corner at top speed! Ember points a claw at the mess!

“There's a pony under there! Everyone start digging, but do so carefully! Let's not make a bad situation worse!”

The group painstakingly moves the contents of the cart! Soon the tip of a red mane can be seen!

Derpy gasps! “There she is!”

Ember turns to the Crystal Defenders! “Hurry! Get here out of there!”

In a few moments Cherry Jubilee is extracted from the pile!

“MEDICS! GO!”

Two Crystal Defender medics rush forward and quickly get to work! Sereb rushes to join them!

“Is she alive?!”

One of the medics nods! “Yes, but she needs medical attention immediately!”

A portable stretcher is quickly brought forward! Cherry Jubilee is transferred to it as two pegasi medics quickly fly her to the hospital!

Ember turns to Derpy! “What happened?!”

Derpy replies shakily! “We… we were doing one last sweep of the area before heading back to the castle!

She points to the two Crystal Defenders that were first on the scene.

“These two were escorting an elderly looking pegasus. As they passed us, the pegasus... he... he…”

Derpy begins to cry!

Sereb walks over to Derpy. “It's okay. Take your time.”

Derpy looks up at them with tear-filled eyes! ...he suddenly pushed us as hard as he could into this cart! The... the cargo was stacked a bit too high! As it fell over on us, I remember feeling a set of hooves push me to safety!

The first responders nod.

“It's true ma'am! That earth pony saved this pegasus' life!”

“We're sorry we couldn't stop General Wind Rider ma'am. He's the fastest pegasus in our ranks!”

Derpy sniffles as she gestures to the Crystal Defenders again!

“These two did their best to dig her out and shouted at me to fly to the Western Gate and get help!”

“It was closer than the castle ma'am!”

“We knew our forces were there already. It seemed the most logical place to get help!”

Ember nods to the pair. “You did fine! Head back to your superior officer and make a full report of this incident. I… I will inform the Lord Regent of this!

The Crystal Defenders salute and head back to the castle. Ember turns back to the rest of her forces.

“Get back to the gate and hold your position until you see the civilians returning to their homes. At that time, you may return to the castle.”

The rest of the guards salute and head back to their post as Ember looks to Sereb and Derpy.

“Let's get back to Arc! He'll... want to know what happened here.”

Derpy looks down, sadly. “E-Ember?”

“Yes Derpy?”

She looks up to Ember with tears in her eyes!

“How... how do I tell Arc?! This is all my fault!”

Sereb shakes his head. “You did what you could. If not for your quick response in getting help, she may not have survived long enough to be rescued.”

Ember nods. “Sereb's right! Don't worry. Arc will understand!”

“I... I kinda hope... he doesn't! I DESERVE to be punished for this!”

Ember gets up into the saddle. “Derpy, please don't say things like that. Now come here and we'll go see Arc together.”

She extends a claw to Derpy. The forlorn pegasus slowly walks over and takes it. Ember pulls her up in front, holding on to the saddle with one claw and wrapping the other around Derpy's midsection.

“Let's go Sereb!”

He nods. “Off we go.”

Ember reaches for the radio. “Wait a second! Let me call Arc first.”

Derpy covers her eyes with her hooves! “Oh no...”

“Ember to Arc. Come in please!”

Arc walks quickly to the table and picks up the radio. “Arc here! Go ahead, Ember!

“You can give the all clear and allow the citizens to return home now.”

“Good! They're getting restless here!”

Arc nods to a nearby Crystal Defender who quickly moves to carry out the order.

“Any sign of our friends?!”

Ember bites her lip. “Arc... I need you to do something for me. Get Dinky, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom and meet us in front of the castle.”

Arc nods, confused. “Okay... but...”

Ember interrupts him! “We'll be there soon. Ember out!”

“Ember? EMBER?! Answer me!”

Arc slams the radio down on the table as the fillies walk in!

“Dad? Is everything okay?!”

He walks over to the fillies. “I... sure hope so. Come with me. Ember is going to meet us in front of the castle.”

As she and the others follow Arc out the door and down the hall, Apple Bloom speaks up!

“Did she find Miss Derpy and Miss Cherry?”

Sweetie Belle looks concerned! “Yeah! We didn't see them with the rest of the townsponies!”

Dinky looks to her father, nervously. “Dad?! Where is mom?!”

“I... I don't know sweetheart.”

Dinky stops walking and begins to cry! “I... I'm scared dad! What if...”

Arc stops, turns around and picks up Dinky. He holds her in his arms and strokes her mane to comfort her.

“Don't worry Dinky! I'm sure your mother is fine! She and Cherry Jubilee can take care of themselves!”

The group again walks down the hallway together.

“In fact, since Ember just called to ask me to meet her in front of the castle, she's probably already found them!

Dinky looks up nervously! “Really?! Then why didn't she say so?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I don't know sweetheart. I just... don't... know.”

The group makes their way to the castle's main entrance. They wait just outside. In a few minutes Ember and Sereb ride up with Derpy! Dinky jumps out of her father’s arms and bounds over to her!

“MOM!”

Derpy jumps out of the saddle! “DINKY!”

The pair run to each other and share a hug! Dinky buries her face in her mother’s chest!

“Oh mom! I thought something terrible had happened to you!”

Derpy, with tears in her eyes, forces a smile. “I... I'm fine dear! I'm just... fine.”

Arc looks around. “Ember. Where's Cherry?”

Ember bites her lower lip. “Um... you see...”

Derpy rushes over to Arc, sobbing! “Arc! It was all my fault!”

Arc kneels down to give her a hug! “Derpy? W-what happened?”

She pushes him away with a hoof! “NO! I... I don't deserve to be comforted! Not after... this...”

Arc begins to lose his composure! “Okay, will someone please tell me where Cherry is?! I'm really worried about her!”

Sereb sighs. “She's... at the hospital.”

“WHAT?!?!?!?!”

Ember nods. “Well, you see...”

Arc runs toward Sereb!

“EMBER, MOVE!”

Ember quickly jumps out of the saddle as Arc jumps into it!

“I'll see you all there! Sereb, go!”

“On our way.”

Ember calls out after Arc! “I'll see to it the others get there safely!”

“Thanks Ember!”

Ember, Derpy, Dinky, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom quickly run toward the hospital!

Derpy sobs! “This is all my...”

Ember turns back to her. “Derpy, will you please stop saying that! The doctors will patch up Cherry Jubilee good as new. You'll see!”

Apple Bloom nods. “I hope you're right Miss Ember!”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “Yeah! She seemed like a really nice marefriend for Mr. Arc!”

“Let's hurry then! My dad needs us right now!”

Arc and Sereb burst through the hospital doors and rush up to the Nurse's Station to stand before a visibly shaken nurse!

“C-can I help you s-sire?!”

“A young mare was just brought here! She has a dark red mane, pale yellow coat, and a cherry cutie mark! How is she?!”

The nurse shakes her head. “I'm sorry sire, but the doctors are still examining her.”

“How did she look to you?!”

“To tell you the truth sire, she looked pretty bad! We should know more soon. If you would like to take a seat, I'll let you know when you can see her.”

“Thank you.”

Arc dismounts Sereb. The pair turn and walk to some nearby chairs.

“What a day.”

Sereb nods. “The day is not yet over.”

Arc gives Sereb a withering look. “Thanks...”

“What I mean is, I'm hoping things improve from here.”

Arc slouches in the chair. “At this point, things couldn't really get any worse for me!”

“Or her, I suppose.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “You're talkative today! Any more pearls of wisdom to impart?!”

“No.”

The two sit in silence for a time.

“I'm sorry.”

“Hm?”

Arc sighs. “Sorry for being short with you. Since we met, you've been nothing but brave and loyal to me... and I've done very little to earn that.”

Sereb shakes his head. “You defeated me in combat. That is enough.”

“No Sereb! One act shouldn't make you a slave to someone for your entire life!”

“Such are my village's customs.”

Arc nods. “Well, if you ever feel like going off on your own, go ahead.”

Sereb turns to look at Arc. “I do not understand.”

“I'm saying I don't want you to feel that you HAVE to stay with me if you don't want to!”

“Arc... does this have anything to do with what happened to Cherry Jubilee?”

Arc refused to make eye contact. “What do you mean?”

“Are you worried that I may end up like her some day?”

“...yeah...”

Sereb nods. “You asked earlier if I had any wisdom to impart. Do not drive your friends away from you, especially in times of greatest need. I am bound to your service by honor AND by choice. However, the others... they follow you willingly.”

Arc frowns! “Okay! But to what end?! What if...”

Sereb interrupts. “What if you lead us to our demise?”

“Exactly!”

Sereb nods. “Then they will die fighting alongside a true warrior... and a true... friend. Everyone dies Arc. But not everyone truly lives.”

“I don't understand.”

“Arc. Do you remember this morning in the castle infirmary? When your friends learned of your species... physical frailty? How they were concerned that you were taking such risks even though you are so easily broken.”

Arc nods! “Yes! But I WILLINGLY do so! I'll continue to fight to protect those I care for! To protect my... friends.”

The meaning of Sereb's words begins to sink in.

“I understand what you're saying, but that doesn't really make this any easier for me!”

Sereb sighs. “Nor for us to hear you say such things in the infirmary this morning. Please understand this matter is a two-way street.”

“I guess I have a lot to think about. Thanks for the talk, Sereb.”

“I am here for you should you need me.”

The others quickly enter the waiting room! They spot Arc and Sereb and make their way over to them! Derpy reaches them first!

“How is she?!”

Arc looks down sadly. “We don't know yet. The doctor is still looking her over.”

Derpy nods. “Arc, I...”

Ember walks over and puts a claw on Derpy’s shoulder. “We should probably talk about this privately.”

Arc stands up. “Agreed. Wait here.”

He walks up to the Nurse's Station.

“Nurse. We need a room where my group and I can discuss the day's activities.”

“Yes sire. Please follow me.”

Arc motions for the others to follow. The nurse leads them to a small room with several couches and chairs along the perimeter. As the others enter the room ahead of him, he turns to the nurse.

“Thank you. Please contact me the moment the doctors know something!”

She bows. “Yes sire!”

Arc closes the door as the nurse returns to her desk. The group takes their seats as Arc picks up a chair and sits down across from Derpy.

“Derpy?”

She looks down at her hooves. Arc puts his hands on her shoulders.

“I need you to tell me what happened to Cherry Jubilee.”

Derpy starts to cry again! “It... it was all my fault!”

He puts a hand on Derpy's cheek. “Derpy. I know you! While I have no idea what transpired earlier, I'm certain that you would never consciously hurt anyone! So please... talk to me!”

She puts her hooves in Arc's hands as Ember sits down next to her. Dinky moves to her mother's other side.

“I'll try.”

Ember puts a claw on Derpy's shoulder. “We're here for you Derpy.”

Dinky nuzzles her mother's side. “I'm here too mom. Don't worry! We'll figure this out together.”

She continues to whimper. “Th-thank you everypony. I'll try.”

Derpy retells the story of how Wind Rider had used them to create a distraction! How he had caused the contents of a nearby cart to fall on them, and how Cherry Jubilee had pushed Derpy out of the way just in time!

“The two Crystal Guards who were escorting him yelled to me to fly to the Western Gate and get help while they tried to dig her out!”

Ember nods! “It was a mess Arc!”

“What of General Wind Rider?”

Derpy does not looks up. “He... got away.”

Arc quickly stands and walks over to a nearby phone. Sereb looks over to him, confused.

“Arc. What are you doing?”

“Calling for reinforcements.”

He picks up the receiver. A moment later the operator come on the line.

“Your call please.”

“This is Lord Regent Arc. I need to speak with Captain Shining Armor at Canterlot Castle immediately!”

“R-right away sire!”

A moment later they are connected.

“ARC! Are you okay?!”

Arc nods. “I am now, thanks to some magical ingenuity of some rather talented fillies.”

Shining Armor sounds confused. “Sir?”

“I'll tell you all about it later. Right now, I need General Virtuous Lance to load up some troop carriers and head over to the Crystal Empire immediately! We have a situation over here!”

“I'll notify him at once! What kind of equipment should they bring?”

“Full battle gear. This might get complicated! Have him contact me personally when he nears the Crystal Empire.”

“Yes sir.”

“Thank you. Keep things running smoothly until I get back. Goodbye.”

Arc hangs up the receiver as Ember looks at him quizzically.

“What was that all about Arc?!”

“We might need help hunting down General Wind Rider. For all we know, the Crystal Guards may take HIS side! If we have a full-blown mutiny on our hands, I want to be ready to put it down quickly!

Derpy looks down at her hooves again. “This is my fault.”

“What's your fault mom?”

Derpy begins crying again as she covers her face with her hooves! “ALL OF IT!!! Arc, I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry!”

Arc returns to his chair in front of Derpy. “Derpy... look at me.”

She doesn't look up. Arc gently taking the mare's face in his hands and turning it to look up at him.

“Open your eyes.”

Derpy slowly does so. The tears continue to fall! They run down Arc's hands on their way to the floor!

“Listen to me. NONE of this was your fault! General Wind Rider is solely responsible for the state Cherry Jubilee is in right now! We'll find him, oh yes we will! He will pay DEARLY for his lies and betrayal!

There is a knock at the door. Apple Bloom stands up!

“I'll get it!”

The little filly opens the door to see a young pegasus commander standing there.

“Miss, I need to see the Lord Regent at once!”

“Sure! Come on in!”

The stallion walks in and removes his helmet respectfully. He kneels before Arc.

“Sir! We've heard the news of what General Wind Rider did! The thought of such a cowardly act against an innocent mare has shocked the troops!”

Arc nods. “Yes indeed, commander...”

“Thunder Wing, sir.”

“While I'm glad the troops feel that way, somehow I get the feeling you didn't come here just to tell me that.”

“Yes sir! The truth of the matter is... I just received a communication from General Wind Rider.”

Ember stands up, spear in claw! “WHAT?! What did he want?! Another chance to betray the Crystal Empire?!”

“He... he wanted me to put together a group of Crystal Defenders loyal to him.”

Sweetie Belle looks confused. “Why would he want you to do that?! He's a bad stallion!”

Thunder Wing looks up at Arc. “To overthrow you sir.”

Arc sighs. “Great. More division...”

Ember nods angrily! “Is he TRYING to send stallions to their deaths?!”

“Forgive me sir, but I don't know if even you could take on a couple dozen of our finest warriors!”

Sereb bares his teeth! “He would not be alone.”

Ember nods and stands with Sereb! “I've seen Arc take on an ARMY of demons... ALONE!”

“True. But everyone softened them up for me.”

“That may be! But after the dust settled you were the only one still standing!”

Sereb turns to Arc. “And you took on three of my tribe's strongest warriors.”

“Look, just because I CAN take on a platoon of Crystal Defenders doesn't mean I WANT to!

Dinky nods soberly. “Yeah! I don't think many, if any, would survive!”

Arc looks back to Thunder Wing. “Commander... why are you telling me this? Wind Rider would certainly take this as a sign of you betraying him.”

Thunder Wing stands and looks Arc in the eye! “I joined the military to protect the innocent, sir! Not help my superiors seize power! That and if the stories about you are true, anypony he was to send against you would almost certainly be killed!”

Ember nods! “You got that right!”

Arc nods. “Commander Thunder Wing. Thank you for informing me of this plot against me. Tell me... are you sworn to protect and serve?”

“Yes sir!”

“Then I would like you to serve the kingdom by protecting it from this traitor!”

Thunder Wing nods! “What would you have me do sir?”

“Find General Wind Rider and bring him in! Inform our forces that if he will not come peacefully, lethal force is authorized!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Isn't that a bit extreme, Arc?”

Arc turns around to look out the window.

“He hurt my fiancé... badly! He's lucky I am so busy at the moment. If I was not... I WOULD HUNT HIM DOWN LIKE THE DOG HE IS MYSELF!”

Thunder Wing nervously backs toward the door. “Y-yes sir! I'll get right on it!”

“Good. I look forward to a favorable report soon.”

Thunder Wing quickly leaves the room. Shaking his head, he mutters to himself.

“General... what have you gotten yourself into this time!”

Meanwhile, Dinky walks over to her father.

“Dad? You wouldn't really hurt that pony, would you?”

Arc kneels down in front of Dinky. “Listen sweetheart, there are some ponies who don't care who they hurt as long as they get what THEY want! The general needs to be put away for betraying the trust of those he was supposed to protect!”

Ember nods. “Dinky... I heard the general tell the yaks that he was willing show them where the city's weak points were, and turn your dad over to them to save his own life.”

Apple Bloom’s eyes grow wide! “WHAT?! That's terrible!”

Sweetie Belle nods! “But why?!”

Sereb growls! “Because he is a coward! Nothing more!”

And nods and turns to Ember. “While we're on the subject, Ember, how DID you convince the yaks to leave?”

Ember looks away. “I… defeated their leader in battle.”

“Impressive! I guess yaks aren't as tough as we were led to believe.”

Sereb coughs. “She outsmarted him.”

Arc nods. “A win is a win! So how did you outsmart them then?!”

“It's not important!”

Sereb chuckles! “She made the Yak Commander dance out of the ring.”

Ember turns to the giant wolf, blushing! “S-Sereb!”

The crusaders look to her, amazed! “WHAT?!”

“Ember has been learning from your example Arc.”

“I see. Well, when this is over and we get back to Canterlot Castle, I'll want a full written report of this matter, Ember.

Ember narrows her eyes. “You can't be serious.”

“I am! I get the feeling it will be of great entertainment value to me in the days to come!”

Arc looks out the window to the sun beginning to set, then over to his daughter standing with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.

“It's getting late. Thank you for your help today, Sweetie Bell! You too Apple Bloom! And Dinky... you've made me very proud today! You saw what needed to be done, you dug in your heels and got it done!

Dinky smiles up at him! “Thanks dad!”

Arc turns to Ember. “Would you please call Light's Hope and notify them that I'll be sending the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Derpy there in a few minutes?”

Ember walks over to the phone. “Sure.”

“Dad? Do... do I have to go?!”

Arc nods. “You really should Dinky. I don't want you and your mother to get hurt.”

Ember smiles at the filly. “Your dad's right Dinky! Leave this to us!”

Sereb looks out the window toward the mountains. “I have a feeling this will get... complicated soon.”

A few minutes later, Ember sets down the receiver and returns to the group. “Raven is expecting them Arc. Anytime you're ready.”

Arc raises his gauntlet and opens a portal. “In you go!”

Apple Bloom steps back! “What the...?”

Sweetie Belle hides behind Dinky! “Eek!”

Arc smiles at the pair. “Step through the portal you two. It will teleport you back to Light's Hope. Miss Raven will have a couple guards take you home.”

“Well... okay. If you say so!”

“Does it... hurt?”

Dinky shakes her head. “Don't worry you two. My dad's better with portals than Sweetie Belle is!”

Sweetie Belle blushes! “Squee!”

The pair enter the portal together and are gone. Arc turns to Derpy.

“Go ahead. I'll see you at home later.”

Derpy shakes her head. “No Arc. I'm not going anywhere!”

“What?! But...”

“You need us now more than ever! You've... you’ve been through a lot today, and I want to be here for you in your time of need!”

Dinky nods! “Yeah dad! Families stick together!”

Arc shakes his head. “Please Derpy, take Dinky back to Ponyville now!”

Derpy stomps her hoof in defiance! “No Arc! I'm not leaving!”

“As Lord Regent I could order you to go Derpy!”

She narrows her eyes. “Are you?!”

Arc turns his back to Derpy and looks at the portal. Sighing he raises a hand and closes it.

“Arc?”

He does not turn around. “I... I'm sorry you two. It's just... I don't want to see anything happen to you!”

Sereb nods. “Like Cherry Jubilee?”

“...yes.”

Derpy walks slowly toward Arc. “I know your worried about Cherry Jubilee, Arc. But Dinky and I are worried for YOU right now!”

Dinky joins her mother. “We want to keep you safe dad! Just like you do for everypony in Equestria!”

Arc kneels down to hug his little family. “Thanks you two. I... I know I need you both right now. But I don't want you to get hurt!”

Derpy hugs Arc tighter! “I guess you'll just have to do an extra good job protecting us then!”

Dinky nuzzles her father’s side! “Yeah dad!”

There is a knock at the door. Ember moves to answer it. She finds Doctor Horse standing on the other side. He looks over to Arc.

“Sire, I've finished examining Miss Cherry Jubilee.”

Arc walks quickly over to the doctor! “Good! How is she?! Will she be alright?!”

Doctor Horse sighs. “We need to talk.”

Comments

[Kamahido]

9778759
Glad you're enjoying it! :-) Arc has quite a few more friends (and enemies) to make before it's over!

[Hye]

Uh oh...