Chapter 15 - Empowerment!
The party quickly exits the cave and returns to the Vile Tribe with the three sick mares! Arc turns to the sentries! “Take me to your hospital!”
One leads the way while the other runs for Mythic Honor! Arc's squad carries the ponies to the hospital! The others follow! As they burst through the door, Arc calls for help!
“Nurse! Medical emergency! Three ponies critically ill!”
She points to a nearby treatment room. “This way!”
The run inside and lie the mares on three beds. Another nurse runs into the room followed by a doctor.
“Please head to the waiting room. We will take it from here. Thank goodness the doctor from Canterlot arrived just this morning!”
Arc and his party walk back to the waiting room, a few minutes later Mythic Honor rushes in!
“What happened?!”
“King Malevolence must have captured a few of your people as they fled Tartarus! Those three looked like they had been through hell! The doctor and nurses are with them now. We should know more soon.”
About 20 minutes later the doctor emerges from the treatment room to address Mythic Honor.
“How are they?!”
The doctor shakes his head. “All three of them are suffering from complications of pneumonia. I'm sorry, but they’re just too far gone. There is fluid in their lungs and the infection has already spread to their hearts. The best we can do is make them as comfortable as possible before they pass.”
Arc sighs. “How long do they have?!”
“They won't live to see their next meal. I'm sorry... I wish I could have done something for them.”
As the doctor turns to leave there is movement from Twilight's saddlebag!
Mythic Honor looks at Twilight. “Miss, did your saddlebag just move?”
A voice can be heard from the bag. “Arc! I would speak with you a moment!”
Mythic Honor jumps to hide behind a desk! He peeks out slowly. “AHHHHH!!! A talking saddlebag! What does it want?! ...and where can I get one...?”
Arc walks over to Twilight’s bag and opening it. “That's the Marquis, not the bag! Yes Marquis, what is it?”
“I wish to help these poor ponies! Please take me outside and return me to my normal size!”
“Thank you Marquis.”
Arc carries the Marquis to the middle of the Town Square and sets him down. “Do it, Twilight!”
Twilight's horn glows as the Marquis slowly returns to his normal size, the inhabitants of the town can only stare in awe! The Marquis lowers three tendrils. “ARC, QUICKLY! YOU KNOW WHAT YOU MUST DO!”
Arc quickly cuts the three tendrils off and hands them to Mythic Honor! “Get these to the doctor Mythic Honor! Hurry!”
The elderly unicorn grabs the tendrils and runs back toward the clinic. “I’m all over it!”
Arc turns back to his friend. “That was a very noble thing you just did, Marquis.”
“I OWE YOU A DEBT THAT CAN NEVER TRULY BE REPAID, ARC! CONSIDER THIS A SMALL TOKEN OF OUR FRIENDSHIP!”
“Thank you very much just the same, Marquis. However, we should really be going now!”
Twilight looks over to Arc, confused. “What's the rush, Arc? We have quite a long journey ahead of us!”
“Not quite THAT long. I think I can access the sigil at Horseshoe Bay and teleport us there. From there Ember can activate the sigil and teleport us to the Dragon Lands. That would cut our journey down to about a four hour walk. What do you think, Ember?”
“Sounds good! The only question now is... who will come? It probably should be just you and I, Arc, as dragons are not too fond of ponies.”
“Well, normally I would agree with you, but we need Twilight to cast the counter-spell on the Marquis.”
Ember shrugs. “You do have a point there... I guess it can't be helped.”
Templar Derpy turns to Arc and looks up at him pleadingly. “And me?”
“I won't just abandon you here Derpy. Come with us! You and Twilight stay close to me though! Hopefully the respect the Dragon Lord showed for me will extend to the two of you.”
Derpy nods. Arc turns to his squad.
“Good work in there! Keep it up and we'll go places and do great things together! For now, though fly back to Ponyville and oversee the construction of the Command Center.”
The four salute and fly away to carry out Arc’s orders as he turns back to his friends.
“I suppose we had best be off as well.”
Mythic Honor returns. “The doctor says they are already recovering wonderfully! At this rate they will be walking and talking by tomorrow morning! Thank you, noble hydra, for saving my ponies!”
“YOU ARE WELCOME! IT WAS NOTHING!”
“We must be off now, Mythic Honor. We shall return tomorrow. Hopefully for a longer visit!”
“I understand and look forward to it! Oh! One last thing... where you able to liberate any of my old tomes from the Town Hall in Tartarus?”
She levitates her saddlebags over to Mythic Honor who peers inside at all his miniaturized books. Twilight looks embarrassed. “Sorry! I almost forgot!”
“What an extraordinary idea! Thank you very much Twilight!”
Arc looks back toward the cave. “We took the liberty of blowing up the old Town Hall. At least the demons didn't get anything.”
“Thank you Arc!”
Twilight looks over to Mythic Honor, who is trying to read a miniature tome. “I’ll help you bring them back to normal size when I return tomorrow.”
“He does not look up from the book. “I look forward to it!”
“There is one last thing before we depart. Could we trouble you for some food? Where we are going, food is quite scarce.”
Mythic Honor beckons them to follow him. “Of course!”
They walk to the supply house so Arc can fill his satchel. “Thank you, Mythic Honor!”
“Think nothing of it! Considering what you have done for us, it is the least we can do!”
Arc returns to the Town Square. The Marquis is nowhere in sight. Seeing his face, Twilight looks over to him. “I just finished shrinking the Marquis back down to size.”
“Great!” Arc looks around. “Uh… where is he?”
A small voice can be heard from Templar Derpy’s saddlebags. “Over here! I'm ready whenever you all are!”
Together they walk to the edge of town. Arc looks around the clearing.
“This looks like a good enough spot.”
He lowers his gauntlet to the ground. A moment later a sigil appears.
“Everyone on!”
The party does as Arc says. In a flash of light Arc and the others vanish! A split second later they reappear on the sigil in front of the dragon statue!
Arc looks around before turning to Twilight. “Wow! What a rush! Is that what it feels like when you teleport?”
“For the most part, yes.”
Arc points to the dragon statue. “Ember, the rest is up to you.”
Ember removes a scale and places it in the bowl in front of the dragon statues and breathes fire on it. A moment later the sigil comes to life.
“One more time!”
Everyone steps on the sigil one by one and is transported to the Dragon Lands! Derpy is the first to speak.
“That was a bit less comfortable!”
“Look on the bright side. At least my stomach stayed intact this time! How are you holding up over there Marquis?”
There is movement from Templar Derpy’s saddlebag as the Marquis pokes his head out and looks around. “That was certainly... unpleasant! But if it brings me where I wish to go it is worth the trouble!”
Twilight takes in their surrounding with unease. “Is this... really the Dragon Lands?”
Ember moves to the front of the group. “Yes. Stay on guard though!”
Templar Derpy follows Ember closely! “Why? Are there dangerous creatures here?”
Ember rolls her eyes as she walks away. “Yes! They're called dragons!”
The party walks for hours before reaching the town of Pyreston, night has fallen and the streets are deserted.
“It feels like I was just here, Ember.”
“You were!”
“Oh… right…”
Ember turns to Templar Derpy and Twilight. “Make sure you are not seen! Dragons sometimes eat ponies!”
Twilight gulps nervously. Templar Derpy holds up her spear bravely!
“They try it, and I'll give them indigestion!”
Ember stops. “Wait here!”
She runs to the end of the street. Seeing the coast is clear, Ember motions for the others to follow. They make a dash for her door, run through it and close it quietly.
Ember casts a Light spell. “I’ll get a fire going so we can see. Just wait a moment everyone!”
In just a minute or so there is a roaring fire in the fireplace. Twilight and Derpy, who have put away their armor for the moment. Ember, Arc and even the Marquis sit around it talking! Twilight takes the liberty of enlarging the Marquis to roughly the size of a pony.
As she finishes casting the spell. “There! Now you can more easily join in the conversation, Marquis!”
“Thank you! I believe I shall enjoy the companionship!”
Arc stares into the fireplace happily. “Ah... there’s just something magical about a fire!”
Derpy giggles! “You said it! I've never had friends I could share such an experience with before. But I like it! Is it always like this on your adventures, Arc?”
“It's not usually so peaceful. Most of the time we're busy getting in trouble, getting out of trouble, or averting a catastrophe. This change of pace suits me fine.”
Twilight smiles. “I'm looking forward to learning more about dragons tomorrow! We still know so little about them!”
The Marquis turns to look at Twilight. “The dragons are an ancient and proud race, albeit brash and solitary. You may not find them as receptive to being studied”
Twilight pulls a notebook and pencil from a nearby table and looks to Ember. “That doesn't mean I'm just going to pass up this opportunity! Ember, is your house a good example of a traditional dragon dwelling?”
“I suppose so. For a dragon of my age this is pretty standard. As we grow older and our horde size grow, so does our dwelling. The oldest dragons typically live in large caves, as houses can only hold so much loot.”
“That makes sense! Now what do dragons usually eat? Other than gems, I suppose!”
Ember thinks for a moment before answering. “Well, we like gems obviously, fish, pigs, sheep, ponies, goats, cows...”
Twilight looks up and interrupts Ember. “Woah, wait a second! Dragons actually EAT ponies?!”
“If they are hungry enough and given the opportunity, yes. Although I thought I mentioned this earlier.”
Twilight suddenly looks a bit squeamish. “Yes, you did. But I just thought you were joking?! Have… have you ever…”
Ember looks down at her claws. “Yes. It was long ago during a hunt. We chased and cut down a pony who had trespassed in the Dragon Lands against my father’s orders. I... I'm not proud of it, but... pony meat is indeed delicious. Not to mention quite nutritious for developing dragons.”
Twilight looks at Ember, suddenly angry! “That's... just so horrible! How could you do such a thing?!”
“I'm sorry, but dragons have been doing such things for thousands of years! Every dragon whelpling is taught that dragons are the supreme beings in all the world.”
“Without interaction with other cultures, such a belief is quite possible. I was told as a youngling that the hydra also believed themselves to be superior at one time, as they were the only source of hydra humor.”
“Twilight, I understand your feelings. I too would probably think twice about befriending a race that ate humans. But, other than gems and ponies, I too have eaten everything Ember just listed on Earth.”
Twilight looks over to Arc, her eyes wide. “Arc... I... I never knew! I just assumed humans ate only plants, just like ponies do!
Derpy responds in a serious tone. “I knew”.
“What? But, how?!”
“Lyra told me. She said humans need a certain amount of meat in their diets in order to stay healthy. When I learned this, I asked Ember to catch me some fish. Although it wasn't easy for me, I cooked them and made Arc some Fish Soup. I couldn't stand the thought of him not eating properly! Especially after all he’s done for me!”
“I think I am beginning to understand. Thank you everypony! And I'm sorry about jumping on your case earlier, Ember. But... do you think you could...”
“Yes Twilight. I will never again eat another pony! After meeting you and your friends and seeing all that ponies are capable of, the thought of doing such a thing sickens me!”
Arc turns to Twilight and smiles. “That gives me an idea! Purely for the sake of research mind you, how about the next time we are in Tartarus, you try some beetle meat with me, Twilight! It is quite tasty!”
“Thanks, but I’ll pass.”
All assembled laugh!
“Ah, it feels good to be among friends. It has been so long since I lived with my hydra brethren, I had forgotten this warm feeling! Speaking of brethren, do you ever feel... lonely Arc?”
Arc thinks for a moment. “Not really. In truth I have not really had time to be lonely with all that has happened since coming to Equestria. But... I guess now that you mention it, yes I do miss the company of other humans. Not that I don't enjoy the time spent here, but...”
He looks around the diverse group of friends he has made.
“...it would be nice to see another human face.”
The Marquis puts a tendril around Arc’s shoulder. “I understand how you feel, young Arc. It has been years innumerable since I last laid eyes on another hydra. What kept me going all these years was the knowledge that somewhere out there the hydra lived on. Hopefully I will see them again tomorrow. But, even if I do not, the knowledge that I now am able to count all of you as my friends will sustain me!”
Derpy looks over at Arc and smiles. “I’ve never had real friends before I met you, Arc! If I could change into a human to keep you company, please know that would do so in an instant!”
“I have many friends. At least now I do. But, you are still... special to me Arc. If there is something I can do to help, please do not hesitate to ask!”
“Well, as long as we are going around the room. No, dragons don't typically have friends. We have rivals! I guess the closest thing to friendship we have is respect for those we view either as equals, or as our betters.”
Derpy appears confused. “So, which one is Arc?”
Ember scoots closer to Arc. “My better... definitely my better! He proved it yet again during our first visit to the Dragon Lands!”
Twilight looks to Ember expectantly! “I don't believe I’ve heard that story. What did happen last time?”
The Marquis laughs! “Please, do tell Lady Ember! Inquiring minds want to know!”
Ember looks to Arc, somewhat embarrassed. Arc nods his head in approval.
“Well, we came here to seek my father's judgment on if I could take Arc as my mate. He refused, saying that the Dragon Lord must be a dragon!”
Twilight thinks about this for a moment. “I guess that makes sense.”
“It does. However, since I was here anyway, my father instructed that I should choose a different mate. He put forth the call for the best of the best to come forward. Three of the mightiest dragons I have ever seen came forward, and I was instructed to choose one.”
“Seeing Ember didn't really care for any of them I quickly came up with a plan to goad the Dragon Lord to pit them against each other. Sadly, I grossly miscalculated and pushed the Dragon Lord too far. Before I had a chance to react, he ordered the three to "tear me apart". While fighting them was what I was after, fighting them all at once was not!”
“However, Arc was able to defeat them easily. This did not please my father, as he prepared to attack Arc himself! Arc stood against my father's rapid advance fearlessly, and said something to the effect of ‘Bring it on! You're not that much bigger than the Marquis’!”
Arc laughs! “An outright lie!”
The Marquis nearly falls over laughing! “Ha, ha! I love it!”
“Anyways... my father was stopped dead in his tracks by those words. The hydra have something of a past with my father. Old allies, or something like that.”
“Yes, you could say that. Although it is my people who owe Dragon Lord Torch everything! But I am sorry for interrupting. Please continue!”
“The knowledge of a common ally seemed to bring my father back to his senses, but sadly, back to the business of my betrothal. Arc quickly pointed out that the three whom he had bested were not worthy to be my mate, as they had been defeated by a "lesser creature". I admit, I did indeed love Arc before then, but... after what he did for me... well, let's say my feelings for him have only grown since then.”
“That is quite the tale, Lady Ember. Ah... to be young and adventurous again...”
Ember hesitantly turns to face Arc. “Arc, while I am almost certain of the answer to this question, I have to know! Do... do you love me?”
The room is completely silent for a time as Arc weighs the question. “Yes Ember, I do.”
“REALLY?!”
Arc holds up a hand for silence. “But there are others whom I love as well.”
Ember appears giddy with happiness! “I’ll share!”
“Can I finish please? Ahem! As I was saying, there are indeed others whom I can say that I love. For example, I also love... Twilight.”
Twilight blushes heavily! “W… what?!”
“Twilight, you have been quite the good friend to me in the time I have been in this land...”
She looks at him sheepishly. “...even when I sent you to Tartarus?”
Arc shrugs. “Well, we all have our faults. In any case, quite a lot of good came from your mistake! Had you not banished me, I never would have met the Marquis, or Ember for that matter.”
The Marquis nods. “That and the Vile Tribe would still be living in Tartarus!”
“Indeed. Twilight, I do care for you. Not as a lover though, but as a true friend!”
Twilight smiles at him. “Thank you Arc! I... I feel the same way!”
“And there is also Derpy, whom I love very much!”
Derpy says nothing, but smiles widely!
“We’ve had our share of adventures, and will more than likely have many more together. I get the feeling our lives will be intertwined until the end comes for us. But I wouldn't have it any other way!”
Ember sighs. “I think I understand what you are trying to say, Arc. But... I just want you to know something. This doesn't change how I feel about you in the least!”
Arc looks down at the floor and sighs. “Thank you Ember. But you deserve better than I. My hope is to see you one day betrothed to a dragon who can be there for you through the millennia, as I cannot.”
“After traveling with and watching you, I really don't think such a dragon exists.”
Arc looks up and smiles. “Well then, I suppose we shall have to keep traveling together!”
Ember’s face brightens! “I guess so!”
Arc makes a face! “Hey, I know! How about Garble?!”
“Ha! I’d rather marry Derpy!”
All assembled laugh heartily!
“As much as I have enjoyed tonight's conversations, my old bones are tired. Twilight, if you would be so kind as to shrink me back down I will bed down in a saddlebag.”
Twilight does so, and helps the Marquis get comfortable in a bag.
Ember stand up and stretches. “I think the Marquis has the right idea. We should all get some rest now. Derpy, would you like to share my bed? There is plenty of room.”
Derpy stands up and follows Ember. “Certainly, but why me?”
“It just seemed the polite thing to do. Seeing as how you so readily shared your home with me.”
“Good night you two!”
Arc and Twilight are left alone in the living room. Twilight just sits there staring into the fire.
“Twilight? Something is bothering you, isn't it?”
“...yes. Tonight's conversation among friends has been the best I've had in a long time! But... well, I know you’ve forgiven me for dragging you into this land... and you say you’re are very happy here. Still, I feel as if I have... robbed you of something...”
“Robbed me? Robbed me of what?”
“All this talk of love and marriage... it just reminded me that you are Equestria's only human! While this is far from new information, it got me thinking about... well... being the only human I can't help but feel that I have robbed you of the chance of finding a mate, and having a family of your own.”
Arc chuckles. “I admit, I never thought about it like that before. It is true that I will most likely never find a “mate" in Equestria. Even if by some miracle I did, a family with children is definitely out of the question! However, some day I will pass, and Equestria will go back to being the way it was before. Human-less. I would venture a guess it won't take too long for humans to return to being just mythical creatures.”
Twilight looks over to Arc, wide-eyed! “But, that's just so sad! Are you saying that after all you have done, you're okay with just fading away?! Being... forgotten?!”
He nods. “As long as the ones I care about are safe and happy, nothing else really matters to me.”
“Arc... there is no doubt in my mind. You most certainly must personify the absolute best humanity has to offer!”
“I must disagree, but am flattered that you think so highly of me, Twilight.”
“I know I have said it before, but, if you need anything...”
Arc interrupts her. “Actually, there is something you can do for me. All this talk has made me a bit... lonely.”
Twilight walks over to Arc and puts a hoof on his knee. “What can I do to help?”
“I could use some company from my first pony friend. You don't have to say a thing. Just sit there and I'll stroke your mane. Sitting in front of a roaring fire in a quiet room while petting a small furry creature is probably the most therapeutic thing a human can do.”
Twilight lies down on the floor next to Arc and lets him stroke her mane. Soon she is fast asleep.
Arc looks down at Twilight as she lays there asleep. He continues stroking her mane. “I stand corrected. This is even more relaxing.”
The next morning Arc and company discuss their next move in Ember’s living room.
Arc turns to Ember. “So... how should we go about doing this?”
“I think just you and I should go see the Dragon Lord. It's not exactly... safe... for the others to be walking around town.”
“Is it safe for you to be here Ember? You are still banished.”
Twilight appears a bit scared. “While I am nervous, don't you need me to cast the spell to return the Marquis to his normal size?”
Derpy walks over to Arc bravely! “I'm not afraid! I want to come too, Arc!”
The Marquis rubs what is presumably his chin. “This is indeed quite the quandary.”
Ember sighs. “I don't really think there IS a good way to go about doing this!”
Derpy pipes up! “Why don't we let Arc decide what to do? Being Equestria's Hero of Light, he really should be the one to lead us.”
Twilight nods. “Makes sense. Arc, what should we do?”
Arc takes a few moments to think. “There really is no true safe way to do this. That much is clear. So, I propose that we ALL go to meet the Dragon Lord, together. This is probably the safest way, as I doubt any dragons will mess with our group after what I did to their friends the last time.”
Derpy picks up her spear. “Should I wear my armor, or would that be asking for a fight?”
Ember puts on her own armor and grabs the Spear of Courage. “Wear it! Definitely wear it!
Ember looks back over toward Arc nervously.
“This isn't really your best plan Arc. I sure hope you know what you're doing.”
Arc opens the front door as Twilight and Derpy finish putting on their armor. “…so do I.”
“The party walks down the street toward the Throne of the Dragon Lord. Several times along the way they are approached by various dragons! But a stern look from Arc is enough to dissuade them! Shortly thereafter the party arrives at their destination!
The Dragon Lord sees Arc and Ember as they enter. “ARC! I SEE YOU HAVE RETURNED FOR ANOTHER VISIT! WORD HAS REACHED US IN THE DRAGON LANDS OF YOUR BEING MADE EQUESTRIA'S NEW HERO OF LIGHT!”
He then turns to his daughter.
“EMBER! YOU HAD BEST HAVE A GOOD REASON FOR BEING HERE!”
It is then that the Dragon Lord sees Twilight. “WELL EMBER, AT LEAST YOU DIDN'T RETURN HOME EMPTY HANDED! I COULD USE A SNACK!”
Arc speaks up quickly! “They are with me, Dragon Lord!”
He looks disappointed. “...I SEE! ARC, WHY HAVE YOU BROUGHT PONIES INTO MY PRESENCE?! SUCH FRAIL LOOKING CREATURES SHOULD NOT BE IN THE DRAGON LANDS!”
“Oh, I don't know about that. I too looked rather frail, but did I not surprise you?”
“YOU MAY HAVE A POINT THERE, ARC! VERY WELL! THEY MAY STAY! NOW, INTRODUCE ME TO YOUR FRIENDS!”
“I would be glad to. This is Twilight. She is the personal student of Princess Celestia and the one responsible for bringing me into this world. And this is Derpy. She too fought the demon army with Ember and I at the Battle of Tartarus.”
The Dragon Lord looks at Derpy. “THIS ONE HAS GREAT POWER WITHIN HER! SHE IS INDEED WORTHY TO BE IN YOUR COMPANY, ARC!”
He then looks over at Twilight and frowns. “THIS ONE... NOT SO MUCH! WITH THE AMOUNT OF KNEE-KNOCKING I SEE, SHE MAY JUST WET HERSELF!”
As her father's gaze returns to Arc, Ember quietly walks up behind Twilight and kicks a small pile of dirt to cover the puddle between her rear hooves.
“Twilight may not be as physically strong as the rest of us. However, she has something just as good... intelligence and determination! It was she who lead the rescue effort that allowed Ember and I to escape Tartarus.”
“IT IS GOOD TO KNOW THIS GENERATION OF PONIES IS NOT COMPLETELY WITHOUT WARRIORS... AND SUCH... BUT I ASSUME YOU DID NOT COME HERE TODAY TO SIMPLY VERBALLY SPAR WITH ME! WHAT BRINGS YOU TO THE DRAGON LANDS TODAY, HERO OF LIGHT?!”
“I am here to fulfill a promise I made to our mutual friend, the Marquis. With the help of Twilight and Ember, we were able to remove him from Tartarus.”
“VERY GOOD! AND WHERE IS MY OLD FRIEND NOW?!”
Arc reaches into Derpy’s saddle bag and pulls out the Marquis. “He’s right here!”
Arc sets the Marquis down in front of him.
“TARTARUS MUST INDEED BE A TERRIBLE PLACE, IF IT CAN DO SUCH THINGS TO A CREATURE AS POWERFUL AS A HYDRA!”
“We had to temporarily shrink him so he could fit through the gate. The plan would not have succeeded without our friend Twilight here! Would you please return the Marquis to his normal size, Twilight?”
“A…alright.”
She does so albeit a bit shakily. In a few moments the Marquis is his normal size.
“ALTHOUGH IT IS GOOD TO BE BACK TO MY OLD SIZE AGAIN, I ADMIT I RATHER ENJOYED THE CHANGE OF PACE!”
The Dragon Lord smiles at the sight of the Marquis! “THERE! THAT IS THE MARQUIS I REMEMBER! IT IS GOOD TO SEE YOU AS WELL, OLD FRIEND! I TRUST YOU ARE WELL?”
“BETTER NOW THAN I HAVE BEEN IN CENTURIES! AND I OWE IT ALL TO ARC AND HIS FRIENDS!”
Arc nods. “We were happy to help, Marquis! I hope the Dragon Lord can reunite you with others of your kind!
“INDEED I SHALL! BUT FIRST, I BELIEVE A REWARD IS IN ORDER FOR EQUESTRIA'S NEW HERO OF LIGHT! WHAT WOULD BE A PROPER REWARD...?”
“All I want is your friendship, Dragon Lord.”
“VERY WELL! YOU SHALL HAVE IT! YOU MAY COME AND GO AS YOU PLEASE WITHIN MY REALM, AS MAY ANY WHOM ACCOMPANY YOU! I DO NOT PERMIT SUCH THINGS LIGHTLY, ARC! YOU WILL MAKE A FINE PROTECTOR OF EQUESTRIA!”
“Thank you, sir. I will do my best!”
The Dragon Lord holds out a claw to Arc. “ARC, STEP FORWARD AND RECEIVE THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE DRAGON LORD!”
Twilight whispers to Ember. “PST… what’s going on?!”
“I'm not sure! This is beyond my understanding.”
Arc steps onto the Dragon Lord's claws and is lifted up to look him in the eye. “YOU ARE THE FIRST NON-DRAGON TO EARN THIS RIGHT IN AS LONG AS ANY CAN REMEMBER!”
Dragon Lord Torch breathes a strange smoke out of his mouth at Arc, it surrounds him and eventually absorbs into him. Eventually, Arc is returned to the ground via magic.
“ARC, A GIFT FROM ME TO YOU AS A SIGN OF OUR FRIENDSHIP... ‘DRAGON MAGIC’! MAY IT SERVE YOU WELL IN THE COMPLETION OF YOUR DUTIES!”
All the dragons assembled gasp at this news!
“Thank you Dragon Lord! This is quite an honor!”
“YES, IT IS, BUT YOU ARE INDEED WORTHY OF IT! NOW I MUST SHOW THE MARQUIS TO HIS NEW HOME! THIS WAY, OLD FRIEND!”
“THANK YOU, DRAGON LORD! HOWEVER, I TOO HAVE A GIFT FOR MY SMALL FRIEND HERE!”
The Marquis removes a small scale from behind him and gives it to Arc.
“IF YOU IMBUE THIS SCALE WITH THE SIGIL ENCHANTMENT ON YOUR GAUNTLET YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SUMMON ME TO YOUR SIDE SHOULD THE NEED EVER ARISE!”
“Thank you, Marquis. I will only use it in greatest need, as I am sure you have many other things to do.”
“DON'T FEEL OBLIGATED TO WAIT FOR SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES TO PRESENT THEMSELVES, MY FRIEND! I WILL ALWAYS BE THERE IF YOU NEED ME. IF ONLY JUST FOR A TALK...”
“I may just take you up on that. Farewell for now my friend! Best not to keep the Dragon Lord waiting any longer.”
“DO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES! ALL OF YOU!”
The party leaves the Throne of the Dragon Lord and returns silently to Ember's small home.
Ember turns to Arc as she closes the door behind everyone. “Arc! You... have... DRAGON MAGIC! That practically makes you an honorary dragon!”
Derpy looks puzzled. “Is it really such a big event?”
Ember nods feverishly! “Yes! Such power is not entrusted to just anyone! Dragon Magic can be quite dangerous in the wrong hands!”
“What do you mean?”
“Dragon magic is similar to your unicorn magic, Twilight. The main difference is what dragons use magic for. Unicorns often use their magic for edifying purposes. While dragon magic is mostly used for more... offensive spells.”
Arc puts a hand to his chin. “You mean like fire breathing?”
“That would be a good example, yes.”
“Oh, this I have GOT to try!”
Arc walks toward the fireplace and concentrates. A small stream of magical fire bursts forth from his hand!
Ember claps. ”Very impressive for a first attempt!
Derpy beams at Arc! “He can do anything!”
Twilight looks at the burning wood in the fireplace. “Astonishing!”
“I’ll have to read some books on magic when I have the time. But right now, I think we should be getting back to Ponyville. Derpy needs to get back to Dinky, Twilight has an appointment to help Mythic Honor organize all those books and I want to check in on Cherry. Ember, would you mind if I placed a sigil here?”
“Go right ahead.”
Arc places a sigil in the middle of the room. “Thanks! Everyone on!”
The party steps on the sigil and Arc teleports everyone back to the Vile Tribe's village.
Meanwhile… from a nearby hill overlooking Pyreston a strange creature in a large black cloak looked down at the small house. “I admit, even I didn't see that one coming! First, acquiring magic from a dragon. Then being given the ability to summon an extinct creature on command! Is there nothing you cannot do, Arc?”
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My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Fanfiction
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Reminds me of the warlock 'contract' from D&D, where a patron invests a bit of that power in a new warlock, so that the warlock might grow that bite of power as he levels. The power, of course, returning to the patron once the warlock dies.
Not to worry. The Dragon Lord doesn't have any control over Arc from the infusion.
Considering what Arc did, and the fact the Dragon Lord cannot be indebted to others, Torch knew he owed Arc big time! Now no one can say Arc wasn't adequately rewarded.
Yes: Make a decent item from idle whittling
If the dragon magic make him an honorary Dragon then can he officially take Ember as a mate then?
Plot hole! Arc couldn't have teleported to the dragon statue because there was no sigil. He didn't have the ability to do this until after he returned from the dragon lands. Even after getting the upgrades he still didn't returning so this trip was impossible to do this way
11274837
Guess I messed up. 
It looks like you're right. While I could have sworn he made a sigil there, when I checked my master file it appears he never did.
On that note, there are two other similar plot holes that I know of in the story. I just never patched them in hopes someone would notice. Perhaps you will as you read.
This story is so fucking Cliché 😂
11420116
I'll take that as a compliment.
Hey, just wanted to point out that after remastering your beginning chapters, this is a bit of an inconsistency as per the chapter where Twilight and Lyra examine him and the fact that spike was made aware of his nature as a meat eater.
Good chapter otherwise!
11426605
I should keep a list.
Glad you're enjoying the story thus far though.
11714884
Nope, that one was intentional.