The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds

by Kamahido

Chapter 12 - Dinner Meetings

Arc and company reappear on the sigil in his private room in Canterlot Castle. Dinky looks around.

“Supper at the castle?! Cool!”

Apple Bloom hops around happily with Sweetie Belle.

“This is going to be fun!”

“You said it!”

Derpy turns to him. “Arc, is it really okay for us to barge in here like this? I mean, what will the princesses say?”

“You’re right, Derpy. That’s why we’re going out.”

“Out?”

“Yes. Follow me everyone.”

Arc leads the group out the door and down the corridor. Dinky walks beside him on one side with her mother.

“What does ‘going out’ mean, dad?”

“Exactly what it sounds like, sweetheart. We’re going out to eat.”

Apple Bloom looks excited. “At a fancy restaurant?!”

Sweetie Belle sighs dejectedly. “Great…”

Dinky turns to her friend. “What’s wrong, Sweetie Belle?”

“That means we have to dress up.”

Apple Bloom looks worried. “It does?”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Rarity always makes me dress all fancy and do my mane when we eat in Canterlot. She says proper attire is part of the dress code in all the restaurants here.”

Dinky looks to her father. “But we didn’t bring any clothes with us!”

“Not to worry, Dinky. The place I’m taking you to doesn’t have a dress code.”

Sweetie Belle smiles nervously. “That’s a relief! Hopefully it tastes better too.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “Sweetie Belle!”

“It’s true! All the restaurants here taste terrible!”

Derpy smiles at the filly. “Now, now. I’m sure Arc wouldn’t take us somewhere that didn’t have good food. You know how he is.”

“Right. I have very high standards, you know.”

Arc leads them into Canterlot and toward Restaurant Row. Derpy looks around.

“All of these places look really expensive.”

Arc chuckles. “That they are.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Yeah. I saw the bill Rarity got once. It was all I could do to keep from screaming!”

Apple Bloom looks in a window briefly. “So which of these places are we going to?”

“None of them.”

Dinky giggles. “That’s a relief.”

Arc nods as he turns toward a side street. “We’re almost there.”

He stops in front of a small familiar restaurant as Derpy looks up at the sign.

“The… Tasty… Treat?”

Sweetie Belle looks confused. “I don’t remember Rarity ever mentioning this place before.”

Arc heads for the door. “That’s probably because it isn’t rated.”

She looks up at the blank rating sign over the door. “My sister would flip over something like this!”

Dinky giggles as she passes her friend. “So stay out here.”

Apple Bloom turns to her friend as she follows Dinky and Arc. “We’ll bring you some leftovers.”

Arc chuckles as he opens the door. “Yeah. If there’s anything left.”

Derpy smiles at the worried filly. “Give it a try. Arc is usually right in the food department.”

“Well… okay.”

Derpy and Sweetie Belle enter the building. Just like last time there are no customers. Sweetie Belle wrinkles her nose.

“This place smells kinda funny.”

Arc chuckles. “It’s the spices that go into the food.”

Coriander Cumin comes out of the Kitchen as the group sits down at a large table in a corner. He levitates a stack of menus over to them.

“Welcome to The Tasty Treat. Hello again, sir! Are you here to try the rest of the menu this time?”

Arc laughs. “Is that an option?!”

Coriander Cumin nods. “For my first customer, anything!”

Derpy picks up the menu and looks it over. “I don’t recognize anything on here.”

Dinky levitates her own menu. “Me either.”

Apple Bloom looks over Arc’s shoulder. “So what’s good?”

“I liked pretty much everything I ate last time.”

Sweetie Belle looks nervous. “What should we order then?”

Arc soberly looks over the group. “There’s only one thing to do.”

He turns to Coriander Cumin.

“One of everything, sir.”

“Are… are you serious?!”

“That I am.”

“Very well, sir. I will bring the food out just as fast as I can cook it.”

Derpy gathers the menus and gives them back to the owner. “Thank you very much. I’m sure it will be lovely.”

Coriander Cumin nods and heads back to the Kitchen. Everyone stares at Arc dumbfounded. He shrugs.

“What? It’s been a long time since lunch.”

Dinky giggles. “I guess so. But this is a bit much even for you dad!”

Apple Bloom smiles. “Yeah! I mean, I know you can EAT! But to order EVERYTHING off a menu seems a bit extreme!”

Sweetie Belle looks around nervously. “Even Rarity doesn’t do that! And she loves exotic food! Uh… please don’t tell her I said that.”

Arc chuckles. “Sure. But you really should try some of the food when it comes out, Sweetie Belle.”

She sighs. “Okay.”

Before long delectable smells begin wafting from the back room. Derpy sniffs the air.

“What is that smell?”

“I don’t know, mom. But it smells GOOD!”

Apple Bloom nods. “Yeah! But it’s not like any kind of food I’ve ever smelled before!”

“I don’t know about this. Rarity says…”

Arc interrupts her. “Now, Sweetie Belle. Doesn’t your sister give others the benefit of the doubt?”

“I guess so. But…”

Dinky smiles at her. “Give it a chance! You might like it!”

A few minutes later Coriander Cumin emerges from the kitchen with several dishes which he levitates over to the table with his magic.

“Here you are! Samosa, Khandvi and Paneer Tikkas to get you started! I’ll keep cooking the rest of the appetizers.”

Arc nods. “Thank you. This looks great!”

Coriander Cumin nods and returns to the kitchen. Sweetie Belle makes a face.

“What… what is it?”

Arc grins as he picks up a samosa. “A deep fried pastry filled with…”

He takes a bite before continuing.

“Seasoned potatoes.”

Dinky smiles as she eats one. “These are really good, dad!”

Derpy takes a small bite. Her eyes light up.

“Wow! They’re so flavorful! You should try one, Sweetie Belle!”

“I think I’ll pass.”

Arc chuckles. “Suit yourself.”

Dinky points a hoof at the next dish. “What’s this, dad?”

“Khandvi. It’s made of flour and yogurt, I think.”

Everyone except Sweetie Belle takes a small serving and nods approvingly. Arc pushes the third plate toward Dinky and Apple Bloom.

“This is Paneer Tikkas. They’re marinated cheese that’s grilled and put onto sticks so it’s less messy.”

Apple Bloom takes a stick and looks it over. “This is cheese?”

Dinky tries some herself. “It doesn’t taste anything like the stuff you make pizza with, dad.”

Arc laughs. “That’s a different kind of cheese, sweetheart!”

Sweetie Belle looks at the dish longingly.

“I… I like cheese.”

Derpy gives her friend a stick. “Try some! It’s wonderful!”

Sweetie Belle takes a small bite and smiles.

“This is… it’s like nothing I’ve ever had before!”

Arc chuckles. “So you like it?”

“Like it? I LOVE IT!”

Dinky smiles at her friend. “See? You have to learn to try new things, Sweetie Belle.”

Apple Bloom laughs. “Right! You can’t eat nothing but apples, ice cream and salad forever.”

Derpy frowns. “That doesn’t sound very healthy.”

Sweetie Belle looks confused. “It isn’t?”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Well, it certainly doesn’t sound very balanced.”

“That’s what Rarity eats, and she’s so perfect!”

Derpy looks to Sweetie Belle. “Well, how about you part with tradition for tonight and try a few new things then?”

“Okay.”

Arc sniffs the air. “From the smells coming out of the Kitchen, I’d say our taste buds are in for a treat!”

Over an hour later the group sits back in their seats and grins at one another. Dinky is the first to be able to speak.

“That was amazing, dad!”

Arc burps. “I’m glad you liked it, sweetheart.”

Derpy smiles at him. “Thank you for supper, Arc. This was a very nice family outing.”

Apple Bloom nods. “Yes, it was. Thanks for inviting us.”

“You’re welcome.”

Sweetie Belle rests her head on the table. “I can’t wait to tell Rarity that I ate a meal in Canterlot that was actually good for a change!”

Arc looks around the restaurant.

“This was some of the best food I’ve eaten in all of Equestria. But for some reason there still aren’t any customers.”

Derpy turns to Arc. “I wonder why that is.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “It’s because of this place’s rating. Zero hooves means it’s supposed to be really bad.”

Arc frowns. “I’m all for reviews and testimonials. But I know for a fact that Zesty… whatshername didn’t even gave this place a chance!”

Dinky looks confused. “Why not?”

“Coriander Cumin told me last time it was because she didn’t like the looks of this place. Apparently she didn’t even order.”

Apple Bloom frowns. “I wonder why she did that.”

Sweetie Belle sighs. “She’s really picky about EVERYTHING! If you don’t follow her checklist, you get downgraded.”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “Who told you that?”

“Rarity. She’s very into everything related to Canterlot, after all.”

Arc blushes slightly. “Yes. I discovered that during a conversation with her this afternoon.”

“What about, dad?”

“Oh, uh… just something that happened a while back. It came up when I was asking permission for this sleepover.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “What exactly…?”

Derpy puts a hoof on Apple Bloom’s shoulder and shakes her head.

“Never mind.”

Derpy clears her throat in an effort to change the subject. “Dinky, what was your favorite dish tonight?”

“I really liked the curry!”

Arc chuckles. “Which one?”

Sweetie Belle laughs. “Right. There were so many!”

“The one with those red beans.”

“Rajma?”

Dinky nods. “Yeah! I’m glad it poured it over that rice like you told me, dad!”

Apple Bloom smiles. “I kinda liked it just as it was!”

Arc turns to his friend. “How about you, Derpy? What was your favorite?”

“I really liked the Pholourie.”

Sweetie Belle giggles. “I didn’t know you liked peas so much, Miss Derpy.”

“Neither did I!”

Arc smiles at her. “I guess it’s more in the preparation and seasonings.”

Dinky covers her mouth as a small burp escapes. “Yup. I didn’t even recognize the peas in that bready outer coating.”

“I didn’t either I until Arc mentioned it.”

Apple Bloom looks to Arc. “I really liked the Stuffed Eggplant! But I only tried it because I thought it was supposed to taste like eggs.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “But it’s a vegetable.”

“Well, I just figured from the name…”

“Why IS that called an eggplant, dad?”

“I have no idea, sweetheart. But from how much Apple Bloom ate I assume she liked it.”

“Right! But what about you, Sweetie Belle? What was your favorite?”

Sweetie Belle laughs. “I don’t have one favorite dish! I liked them all!”

Derpy smiles at the filly. “Glad to hear you got over your fear of trying new things.”

Arc nods. “Yes. It’s always a good idea to try new foods from another culture when presented with the opportunity.”

Coriander Cumin emerges from the back room with a very long paper.

“How did everypony like the food?”

Dinky grins. “It was great!”

Apple Bloom giggles. “I loved it!”

Sweetie Belle nods. “Rarity has GOT to try this place!”

“Another wonderful meal, sir!”

Derpy looks at the leftover food in the dishes. “I think we’re going to need quite a few takeout boxes.”

Coriander Cumin nods. “I will carefully package up the food for you.”

He turns to Arc with the bill.

“Here you are, sir.”

Arc removes a large sack of bits from his ring and gives them to the proprietor. “A bargain, sir!”

Coriander Cumin nods as he accepts the payment. “Thank you very much sir! I do hope your family enjoyed the food as much as your friend did last time.”

Dinky looks confused. “Friend?”

Derpy nods. “Your father’s date, remember?”

Sweetie Belle smiles. “I do! Princess Luna looked so pretty in that black dress from Rarity’s shop!”

The sound of the bag falling to the floor is heard. Arc looks over to see that Coriander Cumin’s pupils have shrunken and he is visibly shaken.

“P-P-Princess Luna?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. I brought her here for a bit of a break.”

“I… I cooked for… ROYALTY?!”

“Yes.”

Coriander Cumin suddenly looks even more nervous. “Did… did she enjoy it, sir?”

“Very much so, yes.”

“She said they would have meetings here!”

Derpy looks to the owner. “Did they?”

“Yes! I brought the food to the kitchen door and gave it to the waiting Royal Guards. They didn’t allow me into the dining room.”

Apple Bloom looks confused. “What about the other guests?”

“The castle rented the entire place for several such meetings. I had just assumed they were aristocrats!”

“While I don’t know who the others were, one of the princesses must have certainly been with them to take such precautions. Please don’t take their actions personally, sir. Captain Shining Armor was just concerned for her safety.”

“Please sir! If you see the princess again, tell her I am humbled and honored to serve her and her entourage!”

“I will. But I think we should be on our way.”

Coriander Cumin hurries to the back, forgetting his payment. “I will box up your leftovers as quickly as I can!”

Arc chuckles as he reaches down to gather up the scattered bits.

“He took the news well.”

Derpy hops down from her seat to help Arc. “Yes. I’m not sure why everypony reacts that way though.”

Arc nods as he sets the filled bag on a table next to theirs. “Princess Luna has that effect on others sometimes.”

Apple Bloom shudders. “Well, she IS kinda scary!”

Sweetie Belle nods. “I guess that’s true.”

Dinky shrugs. “No clue what you two are talking about. She’s just a mare like my mom is, right?”

Arc turns to Dinky. “Kinda. Just a bit… bigger.”

Derpy shakes her head. “Please, Dinky! Don’t speak ill of the princess!”

“I’m not, mom. It’s the truth!”

Arc nods as Coriander Cumin hurries over. “Do as your mother says.”

Dinky lowers her head. “Okay, dad.”

In a few minutes the food is boxed up and safely tucked away in Arc’s ring.

“I sure hope this thing acts as a refrigerator.”

Derpy giggles. “I sure hope my refrigerator holds as much as your ring!”

Apple Bloom nods. “Yeah. That was way more than we could have eaten!”

Sweetie Belle turns to Arc. “Why’d you order so much?”

“Just hungry.”

The group heads for the door as Coriander Cumin hurries over to them with another box.

“Some dessert for you and your family, sir!”

“Thank you. How much do I owe you for this?”

Coriander Cumin shakes his head. “It is on the house, sir.”

Derpy smiles. “Really?!”

“Yes. You bought so much it is the least I can do to thank you.”

Arc nods. “I appreciate it, thanks.”

He puts the box in his ring and leads the others out the door. Coriander Cumin follows them to the threshold and waves after them.

“Please come again!”

Arc turns to wave. “We will!”

Sweetie Belle nods “Me too!”

Apple Bloom grins. “Yeah!”

Dinky waves a small hoof back. “Thanks for the yummy food, sir!”

Coriander Cumin watches until the group is out of sight. He then closes the door and turns off the lights in the Dining Room before heading upstairs.

“Imagine me, a lowly unicorn, cooking for the princesses! I cannot wait to tell Saffron! That is, whenever she decides to come home again.”

Meanwhile, Arc and his small group walk away from the shop. They return to the main boulevard of Restaurant Row. Arc turns to Derpy.

“Would you like to do some shopping? Canterlot really does have a very nice Shopping District.”

Derpy looks over her shoulder at the fillies. “I think we should get the little ones home, Arc. They’re practically falling asleep”

Arc turns around. Dinky and her friends are walking slowly and yawning.

“You’re right. Sorry for not noticing girls.”

Dinky yawns. “I think all that food did it to me.”

Apple Bloom nods. Her eyelids heavy. “Yeah.”

Sweetie Belle drags her hooves. “Worth it though.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal.

“Go ahead everyone.”

Derpy shuffles the fillies through the portal before turning back to Arc. She looks up at him with hope in her eyes.

“Are you coming home with us?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

Derpy smiles and walks through the portal as Arc follows her. In the blink of an eye they find themselves back in Derpy’s house. Arc heads for the bedroom.

“Come on you three. Time for bed.”

The fillies slowly walk toward into the room. Arc lifts Dinky into his bed as Derpy helps Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle into Ember’s. Dinky looks up at her father sleepily.

“Good night, dad.”

Arc smiles and pulls the covers up to her chin. “Good night, Dinky. Pleasant dreams.”

He turns to the other fillies.

“Get some rest now. You’ve had a busy day.”

They nod and roll over together as Arc heads for the door with Derpy.

“Dad?”

Arc turns back. “Yes, Dinky?”

Dinky reaches out a small hoof to him. “I’m… glad you’re back.”

Arc smiles and walks back to her. “So am I.”

He kneels down and gives Dinky a small kiss on the top of her head.

“Good night, sweetheart.”

Arc leaves the room. Apple Bloom turns to look at Dinky.

“Hey. Can I ask you something?”

Dinky looks over. “What is it?”

“I was just wondering what it’s like to have a mom and dad.”

“Huh?”

Apple Bloom sighs. “My parents are gone. I never even got to meet them. Applejack and Big Mac don’t really like to talk about them. So all I have to go by are some old family photos.”

“Well… my mom’s always there for me when I need her. Even more so since she works at the Orphanage. I guess she’s kinda like what Applejack is to you.”

“But she’s not my mom!”

“Right. However, when you have a problem who do you go to?”

“I go to… Applejack, I guess.”

Dinky nods. “Why is that?”

“Because we’re really close. She usually understands me. More than Granny Smith or Big Mac does anyways.”

“So you naturally gravitate to her when you need something?”

“I guess.”

“Your right that your sister isn’t your mom. But she IS filling that role. Kinda like my dad does.”

“That I do understand. I mean, everypony in town knows he’s not really your dad.”

“Yeah. But he does his best to teach me things and be there for me.”

“Really?! But he’s gone so much!”

Dinky nods sadly. “I know. But that can’t really be helped. There’s a lot of problems in the world, and I think he might be the only one who can fix them.”

“Hopefully he can stick around a while this time then.”

Dinky smiles as she closes her eyes. “I’d like that.”

“Just one more thing.”

“Huh?”

“What do you like about Arc? I mean, him versus your real dad.”

Dinky sighs. “When Moonlit Dusk told me I wasn’t his foal, it felt kinda like he had thrown ice water on me. For a moment I didn’t feel anything. Not even my mom’s hoof around me.”

“What?! How did you recover from that?!”

“By reminding the one who adopted mom and I that HE was my father. Moonlit Dusk didn’t want anything to do with me. To him I was just a living mistake. But my dad… he honestly wants me as his daughter. And I want him to be my dad.”

Apple Bloom smiles sleepily at her. “You’re a really lucky filly, Dinky. To have a mom and dad who love you so much.”

She turns to look at the filly next to her who is lightly snoring.

“You and Sweetie Bell both have such wonderful parents.”

“Thanks. But don’t hold it against your family, okay? I know you miss your parents, but… they’re gone.”

Apple Bloom sighs. “I’ll try. Well, good night Dinky.”

“Good night.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Derpy walk over to the refrigerator. Derpy carefully stacks the leftovers as Arc pulls them out of his ring and hands them to her.

“Thank you for supper, Arc. That was the most amazing meal I’ve ever had!”

“I’m glad you liked it.”

“It was certainly the highpoint of Dinky’s first sleepover. They had a whole list of things written out that they wanted to do though.”

“They did?”

Derpy nods. “Yes. Apparently the Golden Oaks Library has a book about sleepovers.”

“Really?”

“Dinky read the whole thing in one evening!”

“I feel kinda bad now.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. It was my fault for messing up supper and suggesting we go out. We spent all evening in Canterlot, after all.”

Derpy smiles as Arc gives her the last package. “I’m sure Dinky doesn’t see it that way. She seemed very happy to spend time with you, after all.”

“I sure hope so.”

Arc closes the refrigerator door as he and Derpy walk over to the couch and sit down.

“So how are things back on Earth?”

Arc sighs. “Where do I begin?”

Cherry giggles. “How about at the beginning, silly!”

“She right. It’s the logical place to start, Arc.”

“Okay. Here goes.”

Arc brings Derpy up to speed on the comings and goings back in his old hometown.

“You’ve certainly been busy! I’m glad you were able to be reunited with Cherry.”

Cherry calls out. “As am I!”

Arc frowns. “Yes. I’m still a bit miffed at what Minerva did though.”

“Do try to forgive her, Arc.”

“No promises there, Cherry.”

He reaches out an arm and levitates a fresh log onto the fire. Derpy yawns.

“We should probably take a cue from the little ones and get some rest.”

Arc looks at his pocket watch. “While it’s not that late, I think you’re right. Not sure why I’m so tired though.”

Cherry calls out to him. “You’ve been working very hard lately. It’s a wonder you aren’t flat on your back in bed from the stress!”

Derpy smiles at him. “Yes, you need to take some time off once in a while.”

Arc sighs. “I… I know. But there’s just so much to do!”

Cherry sighs. “You’re always saying that!”

“Well, it’s the truth.”

Derpy shakes her head. “That may be, but… are you really okay with this?”

“With what?”

“Always being at the beck and call of everypony’s needs.”

“I like helping others, Derpy.”

“And what about helping yourself?”

They are silent for a time.

“I just don’t want to see you burned out, Arc. Say, I have an idea!”

“What is it?”

“The other day I was reading a book about how to help others relieve stress. One of the suggestions it gave might be helpful right now.”

“Okay.”

Derpy stands and picks up one of the sofa’s pillows.

“Lie down on my mat on your stomach.”

Arc does so as Derpy slides the pillow under his head.

“Comfy?”

“Kinda. What’s the idea?”

“Just relax. I’ll do the rest.”

Derpy sits down on her haunches next to Arc and places her front hooves squarely in the middle of his back. She then begins to move them in circular motions while applying pressure.

“Let me know if I’m being too rough.”

Arc nods as Derpy continues.

“This feels nice.”

Derpy smiles. “I thought you’d like it. Truth be told, I had wanted to try doing this back on Earth.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. It would’ve probably been easier with hands, after all.”

Arc smiles and closes his eyes as Derpy continues massaging his back.

“You always work too hard and put everypony else’s needs above your own. That isn’t going to end well for you.”

Arc sighs and lets out a moan. Derpy suddenly stops.

“Oh my! Did… did I do something wrong?!”

“No, no! It feels really good.”

“Do you want me to keep going?”

Arc nods and Derpy continues.

“Sorry, but Dinky and I are just worried that you’re going to have a nervous breakdown.”

“I promise I’ll rest more when Princess Celestia returns. When things are back to normal here in Equestria I’ll take you and Dinky on a very special trip.”

“Oh? Where were you thinking?”

“How about a world tour?”

Derpy giggles. “That might be a bit expensive, Arc. Even for you.”

Arc does not open his eyes as he lies there, sleepily. “It won’t… cost anything.”

“How’s that?”

“I… have an… airship now.”

Derpy smiles and shakes her head. “The Lunar Destiny belongs to the princesses, Arc.”

“That it does. But… they just… gave… me…”

Arc’s voice trails off as he falls asleep. Derpy continues with the massage for a few more minutes before covering him with a blanket. She steps back and looks at him for a long moment before getting under the blanket and lying down next to her friend. Turning to Arc she whispers to him.

“Good night, Arc. I know you’ll make this weekend memorable for our daughter. Thank you for being there for her… and for me.”

Derpy leans toward Arc and kisses him gently on his cheek before closing her eyes and falling asleep.

Comments

[Booster Spice]

Hopefully Cumin wont have to care about anything Zesty claims to say from now. He has Princess Murder a Curry Luna as patron?

[Kamahido]

It's unlikely Princess Luna's visits to The Tasty Treat are widely known, as that would be a breach of security should someone want to do her harm. Quite an honor for him, but doesn't do much to help his notoriety.

[Comet_Chaser]

Honestly, of all the beings that have romantic feelings for him, I really hope he gets together with Derpy. For one, she rarely gets any love on this site. And two, for me personally I love their dynamics so much more, it's just feels more genuine than the others. Of course, this all depends on if he ever comes to terms with Cherry, and how she can never give him what he needs.

[Lunar Strike]

Little fact is that eggplants get their name from when they first start to grow. The plant appears small white and round (like an egg) until it gets the signature purple color