Chapter 17 - Family Outing
The next morning Arc, Derpy and Dinky walk to Ponyville Hospital.
Arc knocks on the hospital room door. “Might we come in?”
Cherry looks over from her bed. “Sure thing!”
The trio enters. Ruby walks over to them. “Derpy! Good to see you again! Cherry, this is Derpy and her daughter Dinky!”
“Nice to meet you! Ruby has told me so much about you!”
“Thank you! I hope you’re feeling better.”
Cherry nods! “Very much so, yes! The doctor should be in any time now to release me. I can't wait to get back home, as I'm sure everypony back in Dodge Junction is worried about us!”
The doctor enters the room along with Applejack.
“Sorry I'm a bit late y'all! Had a few things to take care of on the farm!”
Cherry nods. “I can understand that. Don't worry about it!”
Ruby looks to Doctor Horse. “What's the news, doctor?”
“Miss Cherry, you may return home any time. However, under no circumstances are you to physically or mentally exert yourself! Take it easy for the next week. And see your doctor at home so he can continue to monitor your progress.”
Cherry nods as the doctor leaves the room. “Thank you doctor... for everything.”
Ruby looks to her sister. “Well, shall we be off?”
“Yes! If for no other reason than to stretch my legs and get some new scenery!”
Arc smiles and nods. “I can understand that, as I spent quite a bit of time in this very room a while back.”
Cherry looks amazed! “Really? What happened?!”
“An Ursa Minor and I had a disagreement.”
Applejack shakes her head. “That's putting it mildly! I wasn't aware anypony could lose THAT much blood and live to tell about it!”
“Was it really that bad?”
“Yup!
Arc shudders at the thought. “I’ll take your word for it.”
With Ruby’s help, Cherry slowly lowers herself off the bed and walks toward the door.
The party walks slowly to the Ponyville Train station and boards the train to Dodge Junction. After a short time, the train gets underway.
Watching the scenery roll by. “It seems like a lifetime ago we were rushing to get here!”
“Well, thanks for not giving up on me!”
Applejack chuckles. “If I know Arc, he doesn't give up! Oh, that reminds me! Twilight wanted me to give this to you!”
Applejack removes a book from her saddlebags and gives it to Arc.
Arc looks at the front cover before flipping through the pages. “Well, that was nice of her! It's a beginner's guide to magic. I suppose it would be good to learn a thing or two. Let's see here...a simple light spell... seems pretty straight forward.”
Just then the train passes through a tunnel.
“Here goes nothing...”
Arc focuses his thoughts and a small sphere of light appears in his hand.
Applejack looks over at the display, astonished, as does Ruby! “Woah! How’d you DO that, sugarcube! I thought humans couldn't use magic!”
“I knew you were talented, but even I thought magic was beyond all creatures other than unicorns!”
“You forget, dragons and a few other creatures have the gift. I was given Dragon Magic by the Dragon Lord as a reward for saving the Marquis from Tartarus.”
Cherry looks over at the small light in Arc’s palm. “My, my Arc! You're just full of surprises, aren't you?”
“I guess so!”
He goes back to reading.
“Hey, telekinesis!
Applejack raises and eyebrow. “Tele-what now?”
Dinky magically floats towards Arc's embrace.
Cherry laughs. “I guess that explains it!”
On the trip, Arc is able to learn all the spells contained within the book. The train arrives at Dodge Junction Station and the party disembarks.
Derpy sticks her tongue out at Arc playfully! “Congratulations Arc! You now have the magical aptitude of a foal!”
Arc smiles back at her. “Thanks, I'll take that as a compliment.”
The party slowly follows Cherry down the main street toward her ranch. Many of the townsponies stop to hug her and wish her a speedy recovery.
“You’re quite popular around here, Cherry.”, Arc observes as yet another pony gives her their well wishes.
“Dodge Junction is quite a tight knit community. Everypony pretty much knows everypony!”
“It reminds me of Ponyville! Everypony is so nice here!”
Ruby has not left her sister’s side. “How are you holding up, sister?”
“I think I’ll be all right, but let's hurry on to the ranch! Who knows how long I can keep going!”
With Cherry Hill Ranch in sight, Cherry has slowed considerably since they arrived.
Arc looks down at Cherry. “Are you all right?”
Cherry is out of breath as she sits down on her haunches. “I'm sorry all, but I don't think I can make it...”
Arc moves to pick Cherry up. “Don't worry about it. You made it quite a bit further than I originally expected!”
Cherry rests her head against Arc’s chest as he carries her toward the ranch. “Thank you... Arc. For everything...”
Arc carries Cherry the final mile to Cherry Hill Ranch. As they approach Cherry looks fondly at her home. “Would you be a dear and set me down on the porch swing, Arc?”
“If you’d like. But shouldn't you be in bed?”
“It feels like I’ve been in bed this past week more than I’ve been my whole life! Besides, it feels good to smell the wind from the cherry trees.”
“As you wish then.”
Arc sets Cherry down on the porch swing.
“There you are Cherry. Home again, safe and sound!”
“I hope you three don't have to rush back to Ponyville just yet!”
“Well... not really. We just don't want you to tire yourself out on our account. That and last time I stuck around things quickly got... messy.”
Cherry waves a hoof dismissively. “Nonsense! If it hadn't been for you, I would have been forced to marry Buffalo Bull! I owe you my life, Arc. Please remember that!”
Ruby walks toward the screen door. “Would the three of you like to stay for lunch? It’s not fancy, but the two of us would like to show our thanks for all you have done.”
“Thanks, but I think lunch is on its way!”
Derpy points a hoof toward Cherry Hill Ranch's front gate. What may possibly be the entire town's population is walking toward the farmhouse carrying food!
Cherry laughs! “It's a tradition here in Dodge Junction that when someone is ailing, they shouldn't have to cook!”
The visitors each approach the porch one or two at a time and deliver their offering of food and a hug to Cherry. Many of them thank Arc for saving their friend and then present him with a bag.
As he takes one of the bags. “What’s this?”
The elderly mare that gave it to him looks confused. “Payment for you completing our writ!”
Her elderly husband looks over. “With Buffalo Bull in the hospital, his gang is no longer terrorizing us!”
“Oh. Um... glad to be of service.”
Eventually the crowds return home, leaving the Cherry Hill Ranch as it was. Cherry sits on the swing completely surrounded by food!
“Oh my! That was certainly generous of everypony! I don't know how we’ll ever eat all of this!”
Arc smiles. “Need a hand with that?”
Cherry laughs! “Thanks for the offer, Mr. Problem Solver! Dig in!”
All assembled eat until they can eat no more.
Derpy sits down on the porch steps next to Arc. “The ponies in this town sure can cook!”
“I'll say! I'm not sure I can still move!”
Arc tries to stand, but fails.
“Nope!”
Ruby points a hoof at a sleeping Dinky in Arc’s lap. “It looks like Dinky enjoyed the food as well!”
“On Earth, we would call this a ‘food coma’.”
Cherry looks over. “While we sit here and digest, would you mind telling us more about your home, Arc?”
“Ah, where to begin. We have rolling mountains and vast oceans. Cold tundra and broiling deserts. To tell the truth, I don't really know what to say. Can you be a bit more specific?”
Ruby sits down on the swing next to her sister. “Well, we just finished eating. How about you tell us about the food?”
Arc laughs! “I could talk about that all day! The food in each region is as diverse as the people living on Earth! It mostly revolves around what grows best in that region. For example, in some parts of my world, rice is a staple food in the diets of many. There are many ways to prepare it, and everyone does it a bit differently.”
Derpy looks over to him. “So, what is your favorite food, Arc?”
“That would have to be pizza! Ah... some nights I lie awake thinking about its cheesy goodness!”
He suddenly appears lost in thought.
Cherry smiles at Arc. “I've heard of pizza. But I admit I haven't yet had the pleasure of trying it!”
Arc suddenly snaps back to his senses. “WOAH, WOAH, WOAH! Are you telling me pizza exists here in Equestria?!”
Ruby laughs! “Sure. It's not exactly mainstream, as it's rather hard to eat with hooves.”
Derpy looks confused. “I've never heard of it! Can you describe it?”
“Well, first you start with the crust. Think of it like bread dough, but it doesn't rise near as much. You roll it flat and put it in a round pan. Then you spread tomato sauce all over it and cover it with cheese. Some like it with different kinds of meats, vegetables, fruits such as pineapple or even mushrooms. Everyone likes something a bit different on their pizza. I'll have to make you and Dinky one when we get home!”
Derpy appears nervous. “Thank you Arc! I'm sure it's delicious! But... um... would you...”
“Don't worry. I won't put any meat on yours!”
“Thanks!”
Ruby moves to continue the earlier conversation. “You said that every region has its own unique foods. How many different countries are there?”
“Almost two hundred.”
Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Now just hold on there a minute, sugarcube! Are you telling me Earth has two hundred different countries! How do you all manage that?!”
“Pretty much! As how we manage it... wars... lots and lots of wars. I learned in history class that wars were pretty much a constant in the world up until the modern age. Now we have something called the United Nations, where representatives from each country can come together to talk problems out. Usually before things get out of hand! If it's one thing humans are good at, it's killing each other.”
Derpy shudders at the thought. “Sounds terrible! Have you ever been in any wars, Arc?”
“I have not, fortunately. My grandfather was a part of what we call World War 2, in which over fifty million humans were killed. The world I left behind was, for the most part, fairly peaceful. At least compared to the one from the history books. I suppose there will always be fighting and bloodshed, but at least whole races aren't being wiped out anymore! It's sad, but perhaps the Equestrian view on humans isn't too far off.”
Applejack shakes her head. “I think the humans who wage the kind of war you described could learn a thing or two from you, Arc! By pony standards, you're a pretty... uh... violent individual. While you probably have more combat experience than any Equestrian soldier has, you don't seem to be driven by a lust for power, conquest or wealth, but for the innocent.”
He nods. “Some humans get a sort of thrill from ending the lives of other. Weather that be an animal, or another human. I have no problem taking the life of another, if necessary. But for me it is a last resort, not a first impulse.”
Cherry smiles. “That's what I like about you Arc! Always so straightforward. I think we all know you wouldn't ever hurt anypony who didn't truly deserve it!”
“Darn tootin’! Thanks for being so Honest about this Arc! I know it couldn't have been easy to admit the shortcomings of humans. But just so you know, I judge you for what YOU have done! Not what other humans do.”
“Thanks for that Applejack. Considering what ponies think of humans, I'm glad I wasn't immediately thrown in a cage, or worse, upon my arrival!”
“If Captain Decimus had been the first one to spot you, that's what would have more than likely happened!”
“If given half the chance, I’m sure he would do so right now! Although I hope he has learned his lesson, I somehow doubt he has. I'm not sure what his interest is in Ember though. As the Captain of the Royal Guard, there's no way he wouldn't have known of Princess Cadence's order to release Ember to me pending her appeal. Something tells me there is more to this than meets the eye.”
Cherry looks worried. “What are you going to do about this Arc?”
“I think I’ll have to start an investigation of my own... on the Captain himself.”
Ruby cautions Arc. “Be careful Arc! Even you can't just accuse the Captain of the Royal Guard of wrongdoing! Decimus has guarded the princesses and the citizens of Equestria for many years. He has the respect and admiration of the princesses and the citizenry, as did his father and his grandfather before him!”
Derpy appears worried as well. “I'm not disagreeing with you Arc, but what do you expect to find?”
“Hopefully nothing. All I know right now is why he wanted to close Ember's case quickly and silence her permanently by sentencing her to Tartarus. Then, upon learning she was free he quickly moved to, again, wrongly imprison her. Even going so far as to challenge the Hero of Light to do so! No sane individual goes to such lengths without having quite the reason!”
Applejack sighs. “Looks like you're going to be using your new Command Center as soon as it's ready, huh?”
“So it would seem.”
They sit in silence for a time just enjoying the peace of the moment.
Cherry looks out over the ranch. “I guess it goes without saying, but please be careful Arc! If Captain Decimus truly is as desperate to hide something as you think he is, there is no telling what he might do to keep a lid on things!”
“I’ll try Cherry, but... well... it seems nothing I do lately would be classified as "safe". That and if I’m right, and the Captain of the Royal Guard truly is "dirty", I don't believe any of us are safe!”
Ruby looks over to Cherry. “Sister, can I ask you something?”
“Of course! What’s on your mind?”
“Well, it's just the events of the past week or so. They got me thinking about how close I really came to losing you! Although Arc and Ember did most of the work, if I hadn't been here to ask for their help, well... I guess what I am trying to say is I can't bear the thought of losing you again! Would you mind... if I moved back to Dodge Junction, permanently?”
Cherry leans over to embrace Ruby. “Oh Ruby! Nothing would make me happier than to have you come live with me again!”
Ruby returns her sister’s hug! “Thank you, Cherry. We can take care of the ranch... together!”
Arc looks over at the pair, smiling. “I guess everything worked out in the end.”
Derpy nods. “You said it!”
Cherry looks over to Arc. “Thank you Arc for all you have done for me and my family. Please know that you and your friends are welcome here anytime! In fact, Arc, why don't you all spend the night! I wish I could do more to repay all the Kindness you have shown me and my sister. Maybe someday I can pay you back for all the bits you spent to save me...”
“You already have, Cherry.”
She looks confused. “Huh?”
“Ruby said roughly the same thing when she found out. I told her if I could see the two of you smiling together again, I would consider the debt repaid.”
“Wait! You were SERIOUS?!”
“Yes, I was! You see, while it is true that humans are notoriously greedy, we like to use what we have to make ourselves happy and/or comfortable. Filthy Rich and I really aren't that different. While he uses his wealth to accumulate even MORE wealth, what makes me happy is... bringing joy to others. It may have cost me 10,000 bits, but the joy I have witnessed since doing so... you have repaid me a hundred time over!”
Cherry looks down at her hooves, a tear a joy in her eyes. “I... I don't really know what to say Arc! Your Kindness and Generosity are legendary! I've never seen anything like it! You truly are the Hero of Light. Now, I must insist that you all stay the night! I still wish to repay you for all you have done, at the very least in some small way!”
“Thank you for the hospitality, Cherry. I accept.”
“Me too, sugarcube! It's been far too long between visits!”
Derpy nods. “I go where Arc goes!”
Dinky wakes up and holds her hooves out toward Arc. “Daddy!”
He picks up Dinky and tickles her belly. “Aw... come here little one!”
“Excuse me sugarcube, but did I just hear Dinky call you... daddy?”
“That you did! I signed her birth certificate and have officially taken Dinky on as my daughter!”
Applejack smiles. “Well then... I guess you really are her daddy! You sure do have a big heart Arc!”
“I'll say! I never thought I would meet someone as nice as Arc when I moved to Ponyville!”
“Thank you Derpy. I will do my best not to disappoint.”
Arc stands up and grabs several of the bags containing his reward money.
“I think I’ll take a stroll around town. There's somepony I need to see while we're here anyways. Care to join me Derpy?”
“Sure!”
“Cherry and Applejack can talk about old times. Don't worry. We won't be too long.”
Cherry waves from the swing. “Don't worry about Dinky. We'll keep an eye on her for you. Just take care to be back in time for supper!”
Arc sets Dinky down in the grass. “Alright you be a good girl now!”
Arc and Derpy walk towards town as Dinky watches them walk away and waves her little hoof. Applejack turns to looks at Cherry with a sly smile on her face. “So... how are things between you and Arc?”
Cherry’s face turns red. “What?! How did you know?!”
Applejack smiles at her. “A blind pony could see that you're sweet on him! But I suppose after what's happened, it's only natural.”
“That may be true. But I'm not the only mare who has their eye on him...”
Cherry looks over to her sister who immediately averts her gaze to look at the floor and blushes. Meanwhile Arc and Derpy head for the chapel. Entering the building through the smashed doors, they see the destroyed stained-glass window, damaged walls and numerous destroyed pieces of furniture.
Derpy takes it all in as they slowly walk inside. “Woah! This place is trashed! Who could have done this?!”
Arc sheepishly admits. “Well... um... to tell you the truth... I did.”
“What?! How?!”
“This is where I fought Buffalo Bull to save Cherry. I wanted to come back here and apologize to the priest.”
Arc walks up to the altar where the priest is tending to some candles. “Pardon me, Father”.
The priest turns around. “Ah, so the hero returns! What can I do for you today, my son?”
“Actually, I came here to see if I could help you. Are you all right? I hear you took quite a blow in the battle the other day!”
“Don't worry about me. I am fine. Considering the injuries Ms. Jubilee sustained, I believe I got off lightly! Right now I am straightening up the chapel to get ready for a fundraiser to help pay for the repairs.”
“That’s another thing I wanted to talk to you about.”
Arc hands the priest the bags of bits.
“I hope this will at least be enough to fix the stained-glass window and buy new doors.”
The priest accepts the money and nod. “This should cover all the repairs, and then some!”
“If there is anything left over, just put it in the offering plate.”
The priest smiles. “Thank you my son! That is very Generous of you! It is good to know the fate of Equestria is in the hands of such a conscientious young fellow such as yourself! Is there anything a lowly priest can do to help?”
“Just keep Equestria and I in your prayers and we'll call it even, Father. Oh yes! And a speedy recovery for Cherry.”
“Yes, Hero of Light! I shall do as you ask of me.”
Arc turns to leave. “Thank you, Father. We’ll let you get back to work now.”
“You are always welcome here, my son!”
Arc and Derpy leave the chapel together and walk back towards Cherry Hill Ranch.
“How do you do it, Arc?”
“Do what?”
“Carry the weight of protecting Equestria and still find time to be such a darn nice person.”
“I suppose I have you to thank for that.”
Derpy appears surprised! “What?”
“Do you remember when I saw your past in the Dream World? No matter what happened to you, or how badly you were treated, you never once retaliated against any of those who were cruel or took advantage of you. In truth, you’re an inspiration to me!”
Derpy ponders Arc’s words for a time. “Really?! Arc, I never knew that! What should I do?”
“Just keep being yourself. Dinky will need good role models to look up to.”
Derpy looks down, a bit sad. “I was actually hoping she would look up to you. You're my hero, Arc! And... I'm just... me.”
“You are so much more than that, Derpy! Remember, you were the one who was most determined to rescue me from Tartarus. Even going so far as to fight on the front lines to get me out!”
Arc stops walking and kneels down in front of Derpy. He takes her face in his hands and looks her square in the eye. “Remember this Derpy... YOU are MY hero! So don't sell yourself short.”
She leans forward to hug him! “Thank you Arc! That makes me so very happy!”
The pair continue walking back to Cherry Hill Ranch. The sun has begun to set as they walk through the gates. Cherry, Applejack, and Ruby are still sitting on the front porch. Dinky is asleep on a blanket in the grass next to Applejack.
Applejack looks up as they approach. “Hey there, y'all! Did you have a nice walk?
Derpy walks over to Applejack. “Yes, we did! It was very... enlightening. I hope Dinky wasn't too much trouble!”
Cherry looks at the sleeping filly on the blanket. “Shucks, no! She's the sweetest little thing I ever laid my eyes on!”
Applejack chuckles. “She reminds me of Apple Bloom back in the day! I could watch her play all day!”
Ruby turns toward the house. “How about I heat up some leftovers for a late supper?”
Arc nods. “Sounds good to me. Not too much though! I don't think any of us are too hungry after such a large lunch!”
The others nod in agreement. Ruby laughs! “You got it!”
She returns a short while later with a tray containing some of the leftovers from earlier, all assembled eat and watch the sun slip beneath the horizon.
“This reminds me of when I was a boy visiting my grandparents. The adults would just sit around all afternoon and talk. I didn't understand then how they could sit there and do nothing for so long. Now I see that they were just enjoying being in each other's company.”
Dinky lies on her blanket on the front lawn staring up at fireflies, sometimes batting at them with her tiny hooves as Derpy lies next to her and smiles!”
“Now that is just too cute!”
Arc looks at Dinky and nods. “You said it! It's just so... peaceful out here. Maybe someday I can retire to such a place... that is, assuming something hasn't eaten me by then.”
Cherry begins to doze off. Ruby nudges her as she herself yawns. “How about I help you to bed now sister. I wouldn't want you to overexert yourself. That and I may just turn in for the night myself.”
Cherry slowly gets up, aided by Ruby. “Thank you. I think you're right. Good night everypony!”
The two sisters enter the house together leaving Arc, Dinky, Derpy and Applejack on the porch to continue enjoying the peace of the moment.
Arc looks over at Applejack. “Well, I guess this is as good a time as any. Applejack, can I talk to you about something?”
“Sure thing sugarcube! What's on your mind?”
Derpy stands up. “I should probably put Dinky to bed now.”
“Would you stay, Derpy? This concerns you as well.”
Derpy appears confused. “Um… okay.”
Arc continues as Derpy lies back down. “Applejack, do you remember the letter I left in my room on the dresser? Derpy says she read it with all of you. I believe I addressed it to ‘The Mysterious Robed Pony’.”
”Yup. What about it?”
“Well, it’s about Apple Bloom. I was just wondering if you have noticed anything... different about her lately. I can still feel that strange power within her. Have you noticed it as well?”
Applejack shakes her head. “Can't say that I have! I asked Twilight to take a look at her after we read your letter. She doesn't feel anything. Could you have been mistaken?”
“I don't think so, as I sense it whenever she’s nearby. In any case, the reason I am bringing this up now is, well, now I don't want to worry you Derpy but... I felt the same thing from Dinky when I delivered her. The feeling was so small, just like her, but it was there. And I feel it’s slowly growing with her.”
Derpy looks down at Dinky as she continues to look up at the night sky. “I know... I can feel it too. At first I thought it was just the extreme love I have for my little Dinky, but... well... I felt it coming from Apple Bloom one day when I was visiting Sweet Apple Acres. It was much stronger than Dinky's power! I was just so surprised and couldn't bring myself to bring it up then.”
Applejack lowers her voice. “I admit, I didn't think much of it when you mentioned it in your letter, sugarcube, but... maybe there is something to it! Should... should I be worried?”
“I'm no expert of magic by any stretch, but I don't think so. Maybe it's linked to her special talent and will be revealed along with her cutie mark. If Twilight isn't able to sense it, measure it, or study it then... well... I'm not sure what we could hope to do about it. My own opinion, for what it's worth, is that Apple Bloom's destiny will help shape the future of Equestria. For better... or for worse.”
Applejack seems very concerned! “What... what should I do?! I don't want anything bad happening to my little sister!”
“All I can suggest is that you just keep surrounding her with the love she deserves. Like you always have.”
Derpy picks Dinky up and holds her close. “No matter what happens, I will always be there for you, my little Dinky.”
Arc puts a hand on Dinky’s back. “As will I, little one.
Arc looks up at Applejack and then at Derpy. “I'm not trying to scare either of you. I just felt you both should be... aware of what is happening. No matter what comes of this, we will get through it together!”
“Thanks for letting me know, sugarcube. I'm sure it wasn't easy to come forward and be Honest about this.”
Derpy looks to the yawning filly in her hooves. “I think I will take a cue from Dinky and head for bed now. Good night, both of you.”
Derpy heads inside. Applejack looks over to Arc. “Maybe we ought to get some shuteye as well. Tomorrow is another day, after all!”
“Yes, you're right... why don't you take the other guest room Applejack. I’ll stay down here.”
“That's mighty Kind of you Arc! Are you sure?”
“Yes. I believe I need some time alone now. There are many things I want to think over. Mostly about... where we are now... and the future.”
“We're here if you need somepony to talk to about anything. You don't have to go through this by yourself!
“Thanks Applejack. Well, good night.”
Applejack heads up to bed, Arc follows her inside and heads over to the Living Room couch, he puts some wood in the fireplace and casts a flame spell which leaps from his hand to the dry wood.
“That should help me think...”
Arc sits in front of the fireplace for several hours just staring into the fire, thinking. The light sound of hooves coming down the stairs are the only sound other than the wood burning. Cherry descends the stairs and walks over to the couch.
“Arc? Are you all right?”
“Yes. I... just needed some time to think. And how about you. What are you doing up at this hour?”
“I woke up and couldn't seem to fall back asleep. Too much on my mind, I guess.”
“Same here.”
Arc pats the couch.
“Care to join me?”
“Sure!”
Cherry sits down next to Arc on the couch and look over to him.
“So, what’s on your mind?”
“So many things really. Captain Decimus, the Vile Tribe, the safety of Ponyville, this strange power I feel coming from Dinky and Apple Bloom, and several other problems facing Equestria that I can't really talk about. State secrets and all…”
Cherry looks down at her hooves and sighs. “The weight of the world on your shoulders, huh?”
“Nah, it's not really that. It's more about the fact I have no idea how to solve any of those problems, other than investigating Captain Decimus, which is not really going to be that hard. Just time consuming.”
“Why not just start with that? Focus on one task at a time and take it as you can! No one expects you to solve all these problems by yourself. Or overnight for that matter!”
“I suppose you’re right. Thanks Cherry.”
“You're welcome! I... also came down here to... apologize. You did so much to help me, and the best I could offer was a meal on my front porch! Sorry I'm not much for entertaining out here.”
Don't think that! I had a great time today! It felt good to just sit back and relax with those I care about, as I feel this is the last time I will have a chance to do so for quite some time.”
Cherry suddenly blushes. “There was another reason I came down Arc. Something I wanted to talk to you about... alone.”
“I’m listening.”
“I know I have thanked you, several times even, for all you have done for me and my sister. Sorry if it seems like I am pestering you with this, but... it's just... well... I... I really like you, Arc.”
“And I like you too, Cherry.”
She shakes her head. “No, no... that's not it. I mean, I really... like you.”
Cherry leans closer, places her hooves on Arc's shoulder and gives him a small kiss on his cheek.
“Really? I… um… if I may, why me Cherry? It's certainly not for my looks!”
Cherry looks Arc in the eye and blushes slightly. “Well, nopony has ever stuck their neck out as far as you have for my sake! You're strong... brave... smart too! You rescued me, three times I might add. Kept my sister safe during one such rescue. Then you made a great financial sacrifice to see to it I would live to see another day. And I don't mind admitting, I do think you are quite handsome, even if you aren't a stallion! I admit, I wasn't sure what Ember saw in you when we first met, but... now it all makes perfect sense.”
Cherry suddenly draws back from Arc!
“I'm sorry Arc! If you and Ember are already an item, I completely understand!”
“That's... complicated. I defeated Ember in one on one combat, which made me worthy of becoming her mate, and the next Dragon Lord. When I spoke to her father, Dragon Lord Torch, he refused to allow such a thing to pass. As he put it, the Dragon Lord must be a dragon. He was right, of course. I do like Ember, but am not interested in becoming her mate, Dragon Lord title or not. When you were in Ponyville Hospital, Ruby was staying with Derpy and I. Ember awoke to find Derpy lying on top of me. Even though nothing happened, Derpy was a bit worried that Ember would be jealous, but as it turns out the Dragon Lord often has several "concubines", so she was okay with it. Alright, end of complicated and awkward explanation!”
“That's a relief! I do like you Arc, but I don't want to cut in, especially when a dragon is involved! And Derpy? Do you love her?”
Arc nods. “Yes, I do. I love her as an older brother loves his little sister. She is quite special to me, her and Dinky.”
“Please Arc, I have to know. Could you ever think of me as your special somepony?”
“I like you very much as well Cherry. Your smart, caring, brave, and quite lovely to look at as well. But, I already have so much to do even without a special somepony back home. When I leave the house, Derpy and Dinky just look so sad. It wouldn't be fair to you, to Derpy, Dinky, or Ember to split my attention any further than I do already.”
Arc takes Cherry's face in his hands and holds it close to his own. He kisses her forehead lightly before drawing back.
“I'm... sorry. I know this isn't what you wanted to hear, but I hope you understand.”
Cherry looks a bit sad. “I kinda thought you would say something like that, but... I had to be sure. Thank you for being Honest with me. It couldn't have been easy. But please know that this doesn't change how I feel about you in the least!”
Arc smiles at her. “Thank you for understanding Cherry. I hope you find a stallion who can make you happy one day.”
“Since meeting you Arc, I doubt very much that anypony else could even come close! But I wish you the very same thing. I hope you also find a mate someday, be it a pony, human, or even a dragon.”
He turns to look at the fire. “Who can say for sure what the future holds for any of us?”
The pair sit in silence for some time just staring at the fire before Cherry breaks the silence.
“Well, I should probably let you get some sleep now, Arc. Thanks for listening. It really meant a lot to me.”
As Cherry moves to get up from the couch, Arc puts a hand on her shoulder.
“Cherry. As I travel this land to protect it, I am sure I will meet many other ponies. Weather my journey lasts only a matter of months, or decades, I want you to know this. I will never forget you or this time we spent together.”
She leans into Arc’s embrace with a smile. In a few minutes her breathing slows and she falls asleep. Arc gently strokes her mane as he looks into the fire.
“Rest well, Cherry.”
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It's kinda weird that you keep heaping praise on your OC nearly every time he does something kind. It makes it seem like he's one of those people who make donations to look good or for their egos, rather than altruism. Also, the way you had him describe his soldier-ey duties makes him sound kinda psycho, ngl.
10346904
But the past has a nasty habit of catching up to people. 
There's a couple parts coming up that see him taking rather drastic steps to resolve situations. Portraying him as a paragon of virtue makes it all the more jarring when he does something out of character.
It does make him sound overly good, doesn't it? But he has his reasons for such an attitude. As the story goes on you'll learn more bits and pieces about his past. A few of the things he did prior to coming to Equestria certainly wouldn't be seen as very Lawful Good (as he is portrayed at this point in the story). However, even then, he did what he did for a reason.
Think about it this way. At the beginning he's doing his best to do the right thing. But as the story goes on he acquires more power and authority. Doing so gives him the ability to rise above others in terms of political station and martial prowess. It has been said that those with power use their power. And not always for the betterment of others.
What I'm currently writing (in Volume 22) has his alignment down to Chaotic Good. Time will tell just how far he can slide before he passes the point of no return.
And if he does... will there be a chance for redemption. 
Arc just needs a bigger house for all the females that wanna piledrive him into the nearest mattress
11126125
That list isn't going to get shorter anytime soon either.
10347183
There's a quote that sums up what you just said. 'You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.'
It's a funny change of pace seeing Arc friendzone all his potential lovers instead of forming a harem like a lot of the other hero stories do, and yet it makes a lot of sense in this context too. No rest for the righteous or the wicked, hah
11287686
He just isn't romantically interested in anyone present. Rather than leading them on, Arc just lays out the facts as he sees them.
Fortunately for all concerned they're very receptive to his Honesty.
11288736
Then you have Ember doesn't care she was turned down still acts very close
11449449
It's not so much that she's blase about the matter, but rather respects Arc's feelings on it. He doesn't want their friendship to change and is happy with it just the way it is. Rather than lead her on, Arc is frank with those whom confess their love to him that he doesn't feel the same way. It may seem a bit cold at times, but they do value his Honesty on the matter.
11126125
That's a hilarious thought.
10346904
Don't forget that humans were seen as Sombra if he was a whole species, so it would make sense for the praise to be heaped on him.