The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds

by Kamahido

Preface - Volume 22 - Diplomacy and Divergence

In our previous volume, Arc recruits Rarity to aid him in the preparations at Light’s Hope for the upcoming peace summit. The pair head to his base to find it bustling with activity. Seeking a quiet place in which to talk they take the plans to Arc’s new ship, The Equinox. Giving Rarity a bit of time to rest, he heads to the Bridge to inquire about the ship’s security. Meeting with Lieutenant Trixie in the captain’s office he listens to her findings before taking her aside to speak privately. Trixie confesses here desire not to rise up the ranks, but to remain with her friend, Shining Armor.

Rarity and Arc call in Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash to help with the preparations. They announce that this even must succeed where the previous one failed. Princess Cadance arrives to inspect their progress. Asking for time to rest, she admits that there is a matter of great personal urgency that she must discuss with Arc privately.

Cadance confesses to Arc her inability to sleep with Shining Armor temporarily stationed at Light’s Hope. Over lunch Arc suggests Cadance remain at Light’s Hope in an effort to give her time with Shining Armor. She calls Luna for permission to stay and learn about his job securing the facility. That evening Arc allows Cadance and Twilight to use his quarters aboard The Equinox in an effort to provide a secure location for them. Leaving the ship Arc bumps into the rest of Twilight’s friends. They depart to return home as Rarity hangs back for a bit. She re-extends her invitation for dinner to Arc, which he accepts for the coming Friday.

The next day Arc and Shining Armor show Cadance the proper procedures for making the base ready for an royal event. She learns how rooms are inspected, how good are checked in, and how they are filed. As she and Shining Armor leave the room to join Twilight in the yak’s room Arc orders the Royal Guards to leave. He and Flash Sentry speak of Raven’s condition and her aversion to being present due to Goldstone’s assumed visit. Flash Sentry reveals a sapphire pendant he bought for Raven, and requests a future discharge after Princess Celestia returns. He announces his intention to ask for Raven’s hoof in marriage and plans to settle down together in Ponyville. Arc confides having similar plans to his lieutenant and approves his request.

Arc heads to Rarity’s shop for a late evening dinner. She greets him in a stunning dress (ironically the same one she wore to the Grand Galloping Gala, but I digress). They discuss the work done at Light’s Hope along with the upcoming summit. Asking Rarity to be on hand during the summit in case of an on the fly change, she accepts before heading to the kitchen to check on the meal. Sassy Saddles, having made all the culinary preparations earlier, encourages Rarity not to talk about work in an effort to help them both relax. After dinner Rarity returns with a pot of tea and a cake from Sugar Cube Corner. However, upon her return she slips causing the tea set and its contents to fly up into the air.

Rushing forward, or presumably Blinking forward, Arc shields Rarity with his body. He takes the scalding hot coffee squarely on his back. Rarity rushes him upstairs and into a cool shower. Disrobing, Arc wraps a towel around his midsection and carefully heads to Rarity’s bedroom. Lying down, his hostess medicates his back as she laments her failure to give him something so simple as a nice dinner. Arc forgives her, and even goes so far as to indulge the sad mare in a rather salacious request… that Arc spend the night with her.

Very early the next morning Arc returns to Derpy’s house. His armor sits on the couch waiting for him. Cherry chastises him for staying out so late, as it sets a bad example for Dinky. He confesses his actions the previous night and allows Cherry to see the memories for himself. Heading to Light’s Hope for a change of clothes, he returns and rests on the couch. Derpy and Dinky awaken and make breakfast together before the little family heads out to Sugar Cube Corner for park snacks. Arriving, they find Rarity there with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. When Arc goes to play with Dinky and her friends Rarity confesses to Derpy her actions regarding Arc. Derpy, understanding completely, gives her blessing to Rarity asking that she make Arc happy.

However, many questions still remain. How will Rarity juggle her career and new family life? Will the peace summit be a success? How will Twilight take the news that her brother and Cadance are an item? What other ideas does Sweetie Belle have for her mother? Will Arc be able to finally get justice for Raven? Do Arc and Rarity have a chance at a real future together?

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

Comments

[Booster Spice]

A Summit and a Proposal if not The Wedding?

Spikes going to need a lot more comics.

[Kamahido]

10546053
No worries there. No one's getting married. At least not today. Think of it kinda like the G20 summit. And remember, Spike is in Canterlot assisting Sunburst in his search for Princess Celestia.