The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds

by Kamahido

Chapter 4 - The Constable

Ember awakens early the next morning, looking next to her, groggily.

“Arc?”

She shakes her head to clear the sleep from her eyes.

“Oh… right.”

Quickly showering, she puts on yesterday’s clothes and heads toward Arc’s room. Knocking lightly, Ember opens the door.

“Arc?”

Seeing his bed empty she turns around and closes the door before walking downstairs. Arc is sitting on the couch reading a book.

“Arc?”

He looks up from the couch. “Good morning Ember. Sleep well?”

“I sleep better next to you, but otherwise yes.”

She spots the book in his hand.

“What do you have there?”

Arc holds up his book. “It’s a textbook. Before I was transported to Equestria I had been taking college courses to become a detective.”

Ember sits down next to him. “A what?”

Arc sets the book down on the couch. “It’s someone who looks into problems and tries to advise others on what exactly happened.”

“Like an investigator?”

“Yup. You see, I didn’t want to join the military like my dad did. But I still wanted to make the world a safer place. This just seemed like the best way to do that.”

“So, you wanted to work with the Town Guard?”

Arc shakes his head. “Here on Earth they’re called the police. While I am friends with our local Marshal, I didn’t really want to go that way. My dream back then was to be a Private Investigator. Help those who had no one else to turn to. That sort of thing.”

Ember frowns. “That doesn’t sound much different from what you do in Equestria.”

“It really isn’t. So as far as I’m concerned, I’ve achieved my dream!”

She looks at the book. “Then why keep studying?”

“No one ever truly stops learning. I don’t just want to be an investigator. I want to be the BEST!”

“That’s so you, Arc!”

The sound of Arc’s squad and Sereb coming up the basement steps can be heard. Arc stands up as they enter the living room.

“Good morning boys! Sleep well?”

Max nods. “We did. Thank you for the accommodations, sir.”

Xenos chuckles. “Yeah! It feels a lot homier here then back at the base!”

Hugh rolls his eyes. “I would hope so, Xenos. We ARE in a house.”

Viktor looks to Arc. “What’s on the agenda for today, sir?”

“Well, all of you remember what I taught you yesterday, right?”

Everyone nods.

“I believe it’s time for all of you to meet a couple more humans. We’re going to head over to a little restaurant near here for breakfast.”

Sereb frowns. “Isn’t it a bit soon for that, Arc?”

“You all can’t stay cooped up in here forever. This is why I brought you here. To learn and adapt. Don’t worry. The girls who run the place are old friends of mine.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Girls?!”

Arc heads for the back door. “Everyone follow me!”

They leave the house and follow Arc to the garage. Max looks confused.

“Sir? Where are you going?”

Arc looks over his shoulder as he unlocks the side door. “Just a moment.”

He enters the garage and closes the door behind him. A few moments later the overhead door opens. Viktor looks at Arc’s Jeep, wide-eyed!

“Sir! What is THAT?!”

Xenos looks the vehicle over carefully. “Some kind of chariot?”

Hugh suddenly looks nervous. “Are we supposed to pull this thing?!”

Max shrugs. “It looks much heavier than the chariots back home!”

Arc opens the passenger side back door. “Not to worry boys! Please get in and have a seat.”

Max, Viktor and Hugh do so as Sereb jumps in after them. Arc closes the door behind them and turns to Xenos.

“Xenos, you’re the biggest so you can sit in the passenger seat.”

“Uh… okay.”

He walks toward the driver’s side. “Ember, you sit between Xenos and I. Sorry if it’s a bit crowded everyone”

Ember grins as she climbs in. “Next to you?! No complaints there!”

Arc climbs in next to Ember and closes the door. Viktor looks over to him.

“Sir? Who’s going to pull the chariot?”

“It’s called a Jeep, Viktor. This is one way humans get around here on Earth. Other than walking, that is.”

Arc puts the key in the ignition and starts the Jeep.

“What’s that sound?”

Just the engine starting, Ember

Viktor’s eyes grow wide! “Engine?! This thing can FLY?!”

Arc shakes his head as he puts the vehicle in drive and takes his foot off the brake. “Nope. Here we go!”

To everyone else’s amazement, the Jeep makes its way down the driveway and toward the street. Ember grabs Arc’s right arm!

“How it this possible?!”

Max looks to Arc. “It is some kind of magic?!”

“Nope. Just an internal combustion engine. Pretty common here!”

Hugh grins! “Awesome! How fast does it go?!”

“Faster than you guys can pull a chariot!”

Xenos laughs! “I’ll take that bet!”

Ember smiles and leans against Arc. “Betting against the Hero of Light?”

“I have faith in my strength!”

Ember smiles! “And I have faith in Arc!”

A short time later they arrive at Shelly’s Kitchen. Arc parks and turns off the engine.

“Everyone remember! Don’t call me commander! All right?”

Everyone nods. Sereb puts his front paws on the center console and looks up at Arc.

“I will endeavor not to raise suspicion as well.”

They all step out and make their way toward the diner. As before there are no other customers. Shelly and Lily sit behind the counter looking bored. Arc looks over to them as they enter.

“Good morning you two!”

Lily straightens up as they enter. “Hey, good to see you back, Arc!”

Shelly nods and smiles. “Who’re your friends?!”

“This is Max, Xenos, Viktor, Hugh, and Ember. Everyone, this is Shelly and Lily. They run this place.”

Max nods. “Good morning, ma’am.”

Hugh waves. “Hi there!”

Xenos grins! “Ladies!”

Viktor smiles warmly at the proprietors. “Top of the morning to you!”

Ember nods! “Sup!”

Arc leans down and picks up Sereb.

“My new little friend here is Sereb. I hope it’s okay for me to bring him in here.”

Shelly pats his head. “He’s adorable! Of course, he can stay!”

Lily smiles as she pets Sereb. “What breed is he, Arc?”

“I’m… not sure of his breed. But he’s strong and loyal!”

Ember laughs! “Just like you, Arc!”

He rolls his eyes. “Thanks. In any case, we’re here for a hearty breakfast.”

Lily picks up a stack of menus. “Right this way everyone!”

She leads them to one of their larger booths. They sit as Lily passes out menus.

“Will this be separate?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. One check please.”

Lily nods as she raises her order pad. “Can I start you all off with some coffee?”

Everyone nods shyly.

“I’ll have my regular, thanks.”

Lily smiles. “Alright. Be back with five coffees and one Coke.”

She heads back to the kitchen. Shelly follows in her wheelchair. Ember looks over to Arc and lowers her voice.

“Do you think they suspect anything?”

“Why would they? You all look just as human as I do right now.”

Max turns to Arc as everyone looks over their menus. Sir? Is Lily your typical human female?

Arc looks confused. “What do you mean?”

“Are they all so… polite?”

“Most of them, yes. Just like back in Equestria though you can always find someone mean spirited. Just talk to them like you would anyone else and no one will be the wiser!”

Ember sighs. “Easier said than done! They’re… just so different than what we’re used to!”

Lily returns with their drinks. “Do you need a few more minutes?”

Max shakes his head. “I know what I want.”

Everyone else nods in agreement and places their orders. Lily nods as she finishes writing everything down. “I’ll get this right in for you. Shouldn’t take too long!”

Ember hands the menus to Lily. “Thanks! Looking forward to our first real meal here!”

Seeing the confused look on Lily’s face, Arc intervenes. “We just got into town last night and haven’t had anything to eat but pizza.”

Lily laughs as she walks back to the kitchen. “Well, I think you’re in for a treat then!”

Ember looks to Arc apologetically. “Sorry about that.”

Hugh chuckles. “Nice save, sir.”

“No problem. You weren’t wrong though, Ember. Shelly’s cooking will stick to your ribs better than pizza will!”

Viktor smiles. “It must truly be something to have caught your attention, sir.”

Arc takes a sip of his Coke. “Trust me. It’s unforgettable!”

A short time later Lily and Shelly emerge from the kitchen each with a large tray.

Lily puts everyone’s food in front of them. “I hope you like it!”

Shelly puts a cheeseburger and fries in front of Arc. “There you go Arc. Your regular.”

“Thanks!”

She looks down at their furry friends and sets a plate of sausage and bacon on the floor. “And this is for you, Sereb!”

He barks happily!

Ember grins! “This smells delicious!”

Viktor picks up his silverware. “If it tastes half as good as it looks, we’re in for a treat!”

The bell over the door jingles. Lily looks up.

“Welcome to… oh, good morning Marshal!”

A behemoth of a man enters the diner. He has black hair, brown eyes a salt and pepper beard, and appears ready for anything.

“Howdy ladies! Can I get an order to go? The usual please.”

Shelly nods “Right away, Marshal Raynor!”

Lily walks over to him. “Arc’s back! And he brought some friends!”

Arc stands and walks over to the Marshal.

“It’s been awhile, sir!”

Raynor laughs as he and Arc shake hands. “Good to see ya, kid! How you been?!”

“Great!”

“Heard you’ve been traveling.”

Arc nods. “That I have. Met quite a few new friends. Even brought some of them with me.”

The pair walk back to the table. Arc introduces everyone as the Marshal nods.”

“Name’s Jim Raynor! I’m the law around here! Normally I’d give you a speech about keeping your nose clean in my town. But since you’re with Arc I’m sure you’re all right. He’s easy-going, friendly on the surface, but tough as nails underneath.”

Max nods. “Thank you sir! We’ve noticed!”

“You all planning on sticking around a while?”

Ember smiles. “As long as Arc will have us!”

Xenos laughs! “We look forward to seeing everything there is to see around here!”

“Not much in that regard. But the people are nice and friendly. Most of them anyways.”

He looks back at Arc.

“Well, it was good seeing you again, kid. Take care of yourself, you hear!”

“You too, Marshal.”

He returns to the front counter to wait for his order as Arc and company go back to their meal. Ember looks to Arc.

“Friendly guy!”

Arc nods as he goes back to eating. “That he is! I’ve known him since I was a boy!”

Xenos chuckles. “With him around I doubt anyp… anyone would try to cause trouble!”

The bell over the door jingles again as Lily comes out of the kitchen.

“Welcome to… oh dear…”

Four rather tough looking fellows waltz into the diner. Two of them stay near the door while the other two approach the counter. One is short and thin, while the other is tall and beefy. They walk over to Raynor.

“Hey there, Marshal!”

Raynor narrows his eyes as he looks at the thin gang member. “Hello… Snake.”

“Don’t bother to get up! We’ll just have an order to go!”

“I don’t think the proprietor serves your kind here!”

The larger thug nods happily! “Oh, I think they do! Lady chef pretty!”

Raynor stands up angrily! “You stay away from Shelly now, you overweight glob of grease! She’s had a hard enough life without scum like you harassing her, Jackal!”

“Aw… I could show her a good time! Bring her flowers and all!”

Snake shakes his head. “Why don’t you lay off, Raynor! We’re just having a good time in OUR town!”

“Nothing lasts forever! Eventually the feds are going to come down here and take you all to the big house!”

Jackal smiles and shakes his head with a dopey grin on his face. “Nah! They too busy with investigation to do nothin’!”

Snake nods. “Yeah! Besides, what are YOU gonna do about it?! File another report?”

Jackal flexes! “Ya! That and there four of us and only one of yous!”

Arc stands up and walks toward the counter to stand behind the Marshal. “He’s not alone!”

The rest of Arc’s table stands and joins him. Raynor looks to Lily. “Go wait in the kitchen, darlin’! You too Arc!”

Lily slowly backs into the kitchen and closes the door behind her. Arc looks to Raynor.

“We got your back, Marshal.”

Ember nods. “And we have yours, Arc.

Max frowns at the troublemakers. “That we do!”

Hugh nods. “You guys need a lesson in manners?”

Viktor takes up a battle-ready position. “Some turkeys need to be slapped around before they listen!”

Xenos cracks his knuckles. “Oh, this’ll be fun!”

Sereb positions himself in front of Arc and growls fiercely! Jackal smiles at him!

“A puppy! Snake! Can I have one too?!”

Snake laughs! “Sure! Just take his!”

“Okays!”

Jackal reaches down to pick up Sereb but Ember moves like lightning and grabs his wrist!

“Paws off!”

Jackal looks at Ember. “You pretty! Almost as pretty as cooking lady!”

Ember glares at him! Squeezing his wrist and forcing him to his knees. “What did you call me?!”

Snake growls as the two thugs from the door approach. “Call off your dogs, Raynor! Both of them!”

Raynor eyes the thugs as they join their friends. “You first, Snake!”

Snake ponders his option for a moment before turning toward the door and motioning for his companions to follow. “Let’s go boys! I wasn’t hungry anyways!”

They leave the diner. Hearing the bell over the door, Lily and Shelly peek out of the kitchen.

“Is it safe to come out?!”

Raynor nods. “That it is, darlin’!”

Lily and Shelly shakily come out of the kitchen. Raynor tuns to them.

“This happen often?”

Shelly nods as she does her best to compose herself. “About once a month or so.”

Raynor sighs. “Great. Yet another business under siege and the best I can do is file a report that no one will act on!”

Arc nods. “I’ve heard about the trouble in town with the Shards. Anything I can do to help?”

“You already have, kid! Like your old man and I told you in the past. Stand up to bullies and they’ll turn tail and run. Most of the time anyways…”

Ember nods. “We were happy to help. But why couldn’t you just arrest them?”

“The feds have all but taken over the police force’s job here in Angel Grove. Anything even remotely having to do with the Shards has to be forwarded to them. Not that they seem to be doing anything about it!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Maybe I can investigate them! Learn what it is they’re up to anyways.”

“They’re a big group, and you’re just one guy! Thanks for the thought, but…”

Xenos interrupts. “We’ll go with em! “

Raynor looks to Arc. “What? You finally starting up the Detective Agency you’ve been dreaming about, Arc? Didn’t know you finished the schooling for that.”

“I… didn’t.”

Ember looks nervous. “You’re not going to arrest Arc for this, are you?!”

Raynor shakes his head. “You have a client of some kind?”

“No. I just want to help Shelly and Lily, along with the rest of my hometown out.”

“Well in that case, you’re not acting as a Private Investigator. Just a concerned citizen that I can’t stop from being ‘nosy’, as it ain’t a crime. Just watch yourself out there, partner! If you find anything let me know.”

“I will.”

“Don’t do something crazy now! Like try and take them on yourselves. Even with your new friend’s help, I don’t think you’d stand a chance.”

Shelly wheels forward with a take-out bag. “Here’s your order, Marshal. And thanks for the help.”

Raynor nods and gives Shelly some money. “Thank you darlin’. Well, I have to get down to the station. To do what, I don’t know! Take care everyone!”

Ember nods. “It was nice meeting you! Don’t worry! We’ll keep Arc out of trouble for you!”

Viktor laughs. “We all will!”

“Thanks! See ya around!”

The Marshal leaves the restaurant and walks back to his squad car. Starting it, he slowly pulls out of the parking lot as he mutters to himself.

“I sure hope you’re better at choosing your friends these days, Arc.”

Meanwhile, the group goes back to their table to finish their meal. Ember looks to Arc.

“He seems nice!”

“Marshal Raynor and my dad grew up together. Other than you guys, he’s the closest thing to family I have here!”

Max nods. “We’re going to help him stop these guys, aren’t we?”

Xenos stabs his pancakes forcefully with a fork! “You bet we are!”

“Yes. But first, we need to learn what we can about them and their gang. They’re not new here in town. But they’ve never been this brazen before!”

Hugh takes a sip of coffee. “Where do we start?”

“By finishing breakfast.”

Ember facepalms. “Saw that one coming!

Everyone finishes their food as Arc goes up to the counter to pay for their meal.

“It was delicious as usual you two.”

Lily smiles at him as she puts the money in the cash register. “Thank you Arc.”

Shelly lowers her voice. “You’re not really going after the Shards, are you?!”

Arc nods. “Someone has to.”

“Why not someone else?!”

“Like who?”

They are silent for a time. Shelly sighs.

“Just be careful, Arc! Lily and I would hate to see you get hurt!”

“I will. You two just keep this place going and my friends and I will get this mess sorted out.”

“How?”

Arc turns to walk back to his table. “Still working on that.”

Lily looks to Shelly as Arc sits back down, whispering. “How about it? CAN we keep this place open?!”

Shelly sighs. “Not for much longer I’m afraid. If business doesn’t pick up soon…”

Lily nods soberly. “So, Arc’s our last hope then?”

“It would seem so, yes. Just like back then…”

Meanwhile, the thugs Snake and Jackal return to their gang’s base of operation. Snake fumes!

“That kid back there! If I ever see him alone on the street…!”

Jackal rubs his growling stomach. “I’m hungry, Snake! We didn’t get no food at the diner!”

“Will you shut up?! I’m hungry too!”

“But…”

A voice rings out behind them.

“Diner?”

The pair straighten up as a blonde-haired young man in his mid-twenties approaches them slowly, flanked by a couple bodyguards. He has blue eyes and appears physically fit, other than walking with a limp, as well as being very well-dressed. Even his cane appears custom tailored for him!

Jackal nods! “Yeah boss! There two pretty ladies what work there!”

Snake hisses at him! “Shut up!”

The Shard boss paces in front of the pair with his arms folded behind his back. “That wouldn’t be ‘Shelly’s Diner’, would it?”

Jackal nods. “It is! You should go there sometime, boss! Food’s good!”

“Really? What did you order?”

Snake looks nervous! “N-nothing! We… uh… just went in there to use the restroom!”

“Did you now?”

Jackal sighs. “We tried get food, but Marshal Raynor was there with some really tough looking guys!”

The Shard Boss stops and turns to them. “Was he now? You didn’t give him any trouble, did you?”

Snake shakes his head. “No sir!”

Jackal nods. “We thought about it. But marshal’s friends backed him up! “

“Interesting…”

“Can we go back there for something to eat now, boss? I’m hungry!”

Snake tries to lead his comrade further into the base. “Come on, big fella! We’ll get you something to eat here!”

Jackal looks to the Shard Boss, pleadingly. “Please?! Food there so good! We might even pay this time!”

Snake facepalms. “Oh… shi…”

A moment later Snake finds himself on the ground after the boss’ fist connects with the back of his head! The young man kneels down over him, angrily!

“You two stay away from that place! You hear me?! I don’t care what you take, or from whom! But not there!!!”

The boss stands and straightens his suit.

“Their burgers are to die for, after all!”

Snake gets up slowly. “Should… should we go back and pay, sir?!”

He turns to walk away slowly. “No. I’ll take care of that myself. Shelly and Lily require a… delicate touch.”

Jackal looks back to him. “You sure boss?! We can do it when we go there tomorrow to collect this month’s protection money!”

The boss stops and turns back around slowly.

“You’re going there… for WHAT?!”

“N-nothing boss! Jackal’s just confused with hunger! He doesn’t know what he’s saying!”

The boss lunges at Jackal, surprisingly agile! He quickly kicks the huge gang member in the jaw before tackling him!

“I know I told you two NEVER to take money from them!”

Snake cowers nearby. “S-sorry boss! We’ll return it! We SWEAR!”

Jackal nods! “Right away!”

“NO! You two idiots go get the money and bring it to me! ALL OF IT!!! I’ll bring it back to them myself!”

Snake nods as the pair run down the corridor. “Yes sir!”

He shouts after the pair! “And don’t expect any pay this month!”

Composing himself as his bodyguards again flank him, he continues down the corridor toward his office.

“Those morons! I won’t have my plans ruined by amateurs with their own agendas!”

A hooded woman approaches the Shard boss. She has blonde hair and striking blue eyes.

“Something you need handled?”

“Yes. Let’s talk about it in my office though, Stingray.”

They enter the office to speak privately as the guards move to stand just outside the door. The boss sits down behind his deep somewhat stiffly.

“Some of my boys seem to be putting their own wants and desires above mine! I need that to stop!”

Stingray nods. “I can handle this for you.”

“I’ll leave it to you then.”

“Very well. Who needs to be taught a lesson?”

The doors burst open! Snake and Jackal rush into the office with a bag of money! Snake sets it down carefully on the desk!

“Here you go, boss! Every penny is there!”

“We sorry!”

He takes the bag and opens it before looking back up at the pair. “See? You two can follow directions if you try!”

The boss gestures to Stingray.

“I want you both to meet my new lieutenant, Stingray.”

Snake looks over at her, confused. “Um… hi.”

Jackal waves happily! “Hello!”

She silently nods as the boss stands up with the bag and walks around the desk.

“Now I have a new problem you two can help me with.”

Snake nods! “Whatever needs doing, boss!”

“It has come to my attention that there are some of those in our little family who would put their own needs above the collective good!”

Jackal looks confused. “That bad?”

Snake grins. “You need us to rough someone up?”

“No. Stingray will take care of that. She’s… very good at what she does.”

Jackal scratches his head. “What we do then?”

The Shard boss shakes his head as he walks out of the office. “Be an example.”

“What?”

“You’ll find out.”

As he walks down the corridor with his bodyguards the sounds of blows and screams can be heard from his office. He turns to a passing gang member.

“Tell everyone to gather in the courtyard. I have an announcement to make.”

He nods and quickly rushes to comply! A short time later the whole gang assembles and waits for their leader to speak.

“Alright, everyone listen up! It has come to my attention that some of you may be doing your own side hustles! I don’t really care what you do on your off time! But when you’re specifically told to do something, DO IT!!!”

All assembled appear nervous.

“Disobeying orders will not be tolerated! We’ve come too far to fail now! I have learned that two of our members did EXACTLY what I specifically told them NOT to! Bring them out!!!”

Snake and Jackal are dragged up to the makeshift stage. They are battered and bruised. The boss grabs the pair’s hair, making them look up at the rest of the gang.

“This is what happens to ANYONE who can’t follow directions and stay away from Shelly’s Diner!”

He scans the audience and narrows his eyes.

“Do I make myself absolutely clear?!”

Everyone assembled nods.

“Good! Now everyone get back to work!”

The gang scatters as the boss lets go of his victim’s scalp and allows them to fall to the floor. Kneeling down over Snake, he points a finger at him.

“I don’t want to have this talk again!”

The pair nod weakly as the boss stands up and walks away.

“Good. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go clean up YOUR mess!”

As he walks back toward his office, he mutters to himself.

“I do wonder what poor fool Raynor has dug up to watch his back! Whoever they are, I’ll have to teach them a lesson in minding their own business!”

Comments

[6mike161]

I see you have played Red Alert 3 and Starcraft because I recognized those names immediately