VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 14 - Reassurances
Returning to the top of the stairs, Arc turns to Rose and Sereb.
“I need to head back to the ship. You two okay to stay here for a bit longer?”
Rose nods. “Sure. But what happened down there?”
Sereb looks past him at the steps. “Assumedly the same that transpired up here.”
Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh? What happened?”
Rose motions to the now open freezer door. “A number of stallions entered the kitchen a few minutes ago.”
Sereb growls. “They appeared to be in a hurry.”
Scootaloo grins. “Didn’t want to talk, eh?”
Rose shakes her head. “Nope.”
“But we took care of them. ”
“Sadly none of them were willing to surrender though.”
Arc sighs. “Good work. After my troops finish securing the building they’ll head down here with some real guards to investigate. Don’t let anyone down there whom isn’t with my forces.”
Rose appears nervous. “Very well. But you two are okay, right?”
“Just fine.”
Scootaloo motions with a hoof. “Better than those things down there anyways.”
Arc nods and opens a portal. Scootaloo runs through it as he turns to the others.
“Thanks for having my back.”
Sereb grins toothily. “It was a good time.”
Chuckling, Arc turns and walks through the portal. As it closes behind them Rose and Sereb continue their vigil. Meanwhile, Arc and Scootaloo reappear on the sigil in his room aboard ship. She looks around, confused.
“Where is everypony we rescued?”
“I put a sigil in the Infirmary before we left.”
“You did?”
Arc nods as they head for the door. “Yeah. Just in case there was trouble. Not sure why I didn’t do that a long time ago though.”
Heading for the Infirmary, they are passed by Wrangler whom is leading a number of medical Pegasi from town.
“Make way!”
Arc and Scootaloo stand to either side to allow them to pass. Following them, they find the prisoners have filled the cots while several of them lie on the floor in the fetal position. Arc frowns.
“What happened down there?!”
Redheart looks up from examining a patient. “I’m a bit too busy to figure that out right now, sir!”
Wrangler turns to the medics. “Everypony, let’s get to work!”
Arc and Scootaloo step back out into the corridor as the ponies get to work. Scootaloo looks over the room before speaking.
“They look terrible!”
Arc sighs. “Hopefully whatever was done to them wasn’t permanent.”
“What should we do now? Help Ember?”
“I think she’s got things covered down there. We’d just be in the way.”
Arc motions for Scootaloo to follow him. Stepping onto the Bridge they are greeted by Soarin.
“Sir, reports just in say that the Cloudsdale Guard is revolting!”
“How many?!”
Moon Dancer grimaces. “All of them!”
Arc grits his teeth. “Lemon Hearts, send word to Ember and Hammer in the field! Let them know the situation and to not trust any guards not under my command!”
“Aye, sir.”
Arc looks out the window at the city and frowns.
“Every guard…”
Thunderlane calls out from his station. “I can’t speak for everypony, but I’d really feel betrayed right about now if I was down there!”
Moon Dancer frowns. “Betrayed?”
“Think about it. The citizens put their faith in Princess Celestia and Decimus. Look what it got them.”
Arc clenches a fist. “We have to bring the guards to heel! If they’re not willing to uphold their sworn duty to protect the citizens, I’ll strip them of their power myself!”
He looks to Lemon Hearts.
“I’m heading out to help deal with the Town Guard. Coordinate patrols with Ember and Hammer. We need to weed out the traitors.”
“Yes sir. But what about the citizens?”
“Issue a ‘shelter in place’ order citywide in my name. Detain anyone whom is found to be in violation.”
Arc and Scootaloo hurry down the corridor and down the gangplank. The sound of emergency sirens rings out as they do so. Scootaloo turns to him.
“Things really got bad fast!”
“You can say that again! Now then, let’s see what we can do to change that!”
Working through the night, Arc and his forces hunt down and subdue the remnants of the Cloudsdale Town Guard. As dawn breaks everyone reconvenes in the Town Hall. Arc looks around the table at the exhausted group.
“How’d we do last night?”
Rose sighs. “Nearly every guard that wasn’t a pony has either refused to be taken alive or fled the city at high speed.”
Ember grins. “Mostly the first thing though.”
Hammer shrugs. “No one’s perfect.”
Sereb growls. “It would appear that around half percent of the guards in this city were changelings.”
Arc frowns. “How about the guards we spoke to at Rainbow Factory’s gates yesterday?”
“Real guards, all of them. They’ve been cleared for duty and added to your command, Big Brother.”
“Good. How about the city leadership?”
Rose purses her lips. “All changelings.”
Ember sighs. “Sadly they fled their residences before we arrived.”
Hammer clenches a fist. “From the mayor to the town council, all of them were fakes!”
Arc turns to Rose. “Which direction did they fly off to?”
“The southeast. In the general direction of the Badlands.”
Sereb puts a paw on the table. “Back to their queen it would seem!”
“We need to go after them, Big Brother!”
Arc shakes his head. “I wish we could. But this isn’t the time.”
Ember gasps. “How could it not be…?!”
“You’re forgetting that attacking the Badlands would require an army, Ember.”
“So?! Call Canterlot and have them send over troops!”
Sereb groans. “Much of the standing military forces stationed around Equestria still follow Princess Celestia. Deploying our own forces to engage the changelings would result in our own territory being made vulnerable to attack.”
Max hurries into the room, runs over to Arc, and whispers in his ear. Nodding, Arc sighs before responding.
“Send them in.”
Nodding, Max again hurries away. Ember frowns.
“More bad news?”
“Not really. Just a very concerned family.”
A few moments later the doors open and Rainbow Dash flies inside. Her parents follow behind on hoof.
“Are we being invaded?!”
Hammer sighs. “Kinda are, blue.”
Windy Whistles gasps. “Oh my!”
Bo looks to Arc. “Sir, what happened last night?!”
Rainbow Dash grits his teeth. “Nopony will tell us anything!”
“Just a moment.”
Calling forth his helmet Arc looks over Rainbow Dash and her parents. Satisfied, he returns the helmet to his ring before continuing.
“Sorry for that. But right now we can’t really be too careful.”
He turns to Bo before speaking atain.
“The good news is that we recovered your missing workers.”
“Good! Are they alright?!”
Rose nods. “Our Chief Medical Officer has confirmed that nopony is in critical condition. However all of them are suffering from malnutrition and general fatigue.”
Arc gestures out the window. “All of them have since been transferred to Cloudsdale Hospital for further treatment.
Windy steps forward. “I’d like to visit them! Many in the secretarial pool are my friends! Would that be possible, sir?!”
“The doctors looking after them would be the ones to make that decision.”
“Might we be allowed to go ask then, sir?”
Bo grimaces. “Right. We were stopped on the way here several times.”
Scootaloo shrugs. “Well, the city is still under lockdown.”
Arc nods. “But that will end after our meeting. Assuming no one has anything to report that deems it necessary to keep it up.”
Rose shakes her head. “No, Arc. It would appear that the danger has passed.”
Ember brandishes her claws. “A shame.”
Sereb turns to Arc. “How can we be sure they will not return?”
“We can’t. But forcing everyone to stay indoors without a good reason won’t help anything.”
He touches his earring.
“Arc to The Equinox.”
“Lemon Hearts here, sir.”
“Notify all of my forces along with the Cloudsdale Town Guard that the lockdown is being lifted effective immediately. With the exception of the Rainbow Factory all businesses are permitted to open as usual and citizens are to be notified of the ‘all clear’.”
“Yes sir. I’ve just received word that the reinforcements from Canterlot will be here within the hour.”
“Good. As soon as they arrive have the squad leaders begin relieving our patrols. Everyone’s exhausted from last night’s activities.”
“I’ll see to it, sir. Will there be anything else?”
“Not at the moment. We really need to play this one by ear. Arc out.”
He touches his earring, severing the connection. Hammer looks out the window at the dawn’s early light.
“Convenient.”
Arc looks to her. “Hammer?””
“Think about it. So many of the town’s guards and every leader was a changeling.”
Sereb raises an eyebrow. “What does that prove?”
Ember clenches a fist. “That Chrysalis was trying to take over the town!”
Rainbow Dash gasps. “WHAT?!”
Bo groans. “She pretty much did.”
Windy appears rattled. “Who’s to say she won’t try again?!”
Rose turns to Arc. “It would be unwise to leave this town as it is.”
“Agreed. I’ve already suggested to Princess Twilight that Cloudsdale should be temporarily moved closer to Canterlot.”
Sereb nods. “It would be easier to defend them.”
Ember appears skeptical. “But will the population agree?”
Hammer frowns. “Can’t you just order them to move, Arc?!”
“I suppose so. But that would make us no better than Celestia and Decimus.”
Bo raises a hoof. “Sir?”
“Yes?”
“I’d be willing to vouch for your character when I announce what happened last night to my workers.”
“Thank you. But the factory’s reopening will have to wait.”
Scootaloo frowns. “It does?”
Rose nods. “Yes. A thorough investigation is needed first.”
Rainbow Dash slams her hooves down on the conference table. “But ponies need to get back to work!”
Sereb looks to her. “That may be. However it is important that the matter be properly investigated as well.”
“I don’t see how…!”
Bo puts a hoof on his daughter’s shoulder. “Rainbow, he’s right.”
Windy steps forward. “Yes. Everypony needs to know that this matter is completely settled before we can all move on.”
Rose nods. “I suggest that you address the public along with mother as soon as possible, Arc.”
Hammer grins as she offers him a thumbs up. “Right. They need to know you’ll look after them.”
Scootaloo groans. “The only problem with that is how to set it up.”
Ember shrugs. “All the town’s leaders are in the hospital, after all.”
Bo nods soberly. “I’ll call the meeting. After all, they’ll listen to me.”
Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah, you pretty much know everypony in town, dad.”
Windy smiles sadly. “But first we need to find out how the victims are doing.”
Arc nods. “Agreed. It won’t do any good to call a meeting if we don’t have anything concrete to report.”
“My wife and I will head over there now, sir.”
“Thank you.”
The pair turn to leave as Rainbow Dash looks to them and Arc several times as if unsure of what to do. Eventually Sereb speaks.
“Perhaps your parents could use an escort.”
Ember shrugs. “Probably could.”
“Yeah! Wait up!”
Running after her parents, Rainbow Dash leaves the room as Rose looks to Arc.
“Do you really think this will work?”
“Which part?”
“Rainbow Dash’s parents being able to convince the public to accept Canterlot’s help.”
Sereb grunts. “At this point we don’t really have a choice.”
Hammer clenches a fist. “Other than strongarm tactics.”
Ember grins. “I’m up for that.”
Arc frowns. “Well, I’m not. Rainbow Dash believes in her parents, and I believe in her.”
Scootaloo nods fervently. “As does Princess Twilight, I would assume.”
Rose smiles. “That too.”
Arc’s earring chirps.
“Arc here.”
“S-s-sir?!”
“What is it, Lemon Hearts?”
“The first transport carrying our reinforcements just arrived and landed next to The Equinox.”
Ember raises an eyebrow, confused. “Uh… isn’t that a good thing?”
“Princess Twilight was aboard it!”
Arc gasps. “WHAT?!”
“She’s escorted by an entire contingent as well as the Captain of the Royal Guard!”
“I’ll meet her at once! Where is she?!”
“Heading for The Equinox as we speak!”
Arc jumps up and runs out the door. A moment later he sticks his head back inside and looks to the others.
“Meeting adjourned!”
As the others follow his lead and hurry down the corridor Ember turns to him.
“Is this really the best idea, Arc?!”
“We have to get over there and make sure she’s not captured by the changelings, or something!”
Hammer grunts. “I think Ember means us running there.”
“How else would we…?!”
Scootaloo looks up at him. “A portal maybe?”
Arc groans as he skids to a stop. Calling forth his sigil gauntlet he opens a portal. As they hurry through Arc and company find themselves on The Equinox’s deck. The sound of hoofsteps on the steel gangplank ring out as Twilight and Flash Sentry come into view along with a multitude of troops. Stopping, she turns to the colonel.
“Dispatch our forces to assist in guarding the city, colonel. See to it personally.”
“Yes, your highness.”
Motioning for the guards to follow, they turn and hurry back down the gangplank and toward the city. Twilight approaches Arc and company as Rose rushes to meet her.
“Mother!”
Twilight smiles. “Hello, Rose. How are things going here?”
“I think I should let Arc tell you.”
Arc nods soberly. “Fine. But you should have told me you were coming, Twilight.”
“Sorry about that. It really was a last minute decision on my part.”
“Well, I suppose I can’t really tell you not to come at this point.”
“Because she’s a princess, Big Brother?”
Arc shrugs. “That and the fact she’s already here.”
Hammer sighs. “Makes sense.”
Arc returns his gaze to Twilight. “In any case, there’s something I want to do before we proceed.”
He calls forth his helmet and looks Twilight up and down. Nodding, he returns the helmet to his ring and smiles.
“Perfect.”
Twilight blushes happily. “Why thank you, Arc.”
“I mean that you’re not a changeling.”
“Oh… um… well, this is embarrassing.”
Hammer grins. “That was funny!”
Sereb snickers. “Indeed.”
Arc motions to the ship’s main hatch. “Let’s get you inside, Twilight.”
“I’d actually like to see the city right now.”
Ember frowns. “Now’s not the best time for that.”
Scootaloo nods. “Right. The citizens are a bit on edge as it is.”
“But we need to reassure them that Canterlot is here for them now.”
Arc puts a hand on Twilight’s shoulder. “Rainbow Dash’s parents are going to take care of that. They just need a bit of time at the hospital.”
“Oh no! Were they hurt?!”
Rose shakes her head. “No, mother. They just wanted to check on those whom were kidnapped.”
Ember nods. “They’re resting comfortably in the hospital as we speak.”
Twilight appears relieved as she turns to Arc. “Good. Um… then I suppose I’ll take you up on that offer to enter the ship.”
Arc motions for Twilight to enter with the others as he and Ember take up the rear. Arriving at his quarters, Arc motions for everyone to sit down.
“Now we can talk securely. Let me start with that, while I am happy to see you Twilight, why are you here?”
“We need to handle this properly. A personal appearance is exactly what Princess Celestia would have done if she were here.”
Hammer frowns. “You sure about that?”
Twilight nods. “Positive. She was adamant that such things helped relieve the public when she arrived. And while I certainly don’t have her level of trust, I still feel as though this is what I need to do.”
Arc nods soberly. “Very well, Twilight. I’ll inform Rainbow Dash’s parents when she and they return.”
“I do have one request though, Arc.”
“What is it?”
“Might you make the statement with me?”
“Sure. We can do it together.”
Later that day, Twilight and Arc sit in the mayor’s office together on an oversized couch. She turns to him nervously.
“Is it almost time?”
Arc turns to look out the window. “Yes. And it appears pretty much the entire town’s come out to hear you.”
“You mean ‘us’.”
“Mostly you.”
Twilight sighs. “Then I guess it’s a good thing Rainbow Dash’s father went on the radio earlier today.”
“I do believe that helped, yes.”
There is a light knock at the door. A few moments later Flash Sentry enters the room, approaches the pair, and salutes.
“We shall be ready in ten minutes, your highness.”
“Thank you, colonel. Tell me, what is the… pulse of the crowd?”
“From what I’ve gathered they don’t really know what to think right now. But are open to… something, I suppose.”
Arc frowns. “Being all but abandoned by the previous administration, I can see why.”
Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Abandoned?”
“Bo Hothoof told me that they tried to get help from Canterlot before you took the throne, but couldn’t see Celestia.”
Flash Sentry nods soberly. “Right, your highness. Distrust of the capital is at an all-time high right now throughout the land.”
“Then I will work to change that! We can’t let everypony down! Not anymore!”
Arc nods approvingly. “Well said, Twilight. This will be the first step to reunifying the land.”
Twilight sighs. “I just wish Princess Celestia was here.”
Flash Sentry frowns. “Please, your highness. That would only serve to undermine our efforts.”
“What I meant was my old friend, teacher, and mentor. Not the princess she’s apparently become. She would know what to do.”
Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “As do you.”
“Huh?”
“Think about it, Twilight. Every decision you make is in line with what she taught you, isn’t it?”
“As best I can, yes.”
“Don’t you see? She was preparing you for this.”
Flash Sentry nods. “So it would seem. Princess Celestia has always been able to look far ahead and prepare for whatever befalls the land.”
Twilight’s ears droop as does her head. “But she couldn’t see what was coming for her.”
Arc shrugs. “No one is perfect.”
Flash Sentry motions to the large doors. “We should probably head over to the balcony soon, your highness.”
“Very well. But might I have a word with Arc privately first?”
“Of course, Princess Twilight.”
Saluting, he turns and leaves the room. Arc looks to Twilight.
“What’s on your mind?”
“I need to tell you something.”
“What is it?”
“I’m… not a very good princess.”
“You just took the job. No one is a master overnight.”
Twilight shakes her head. “That’s not what I mean.”
Arc raises an eyebrow, confused. “Then what…?”
“I don’t have the respect, authority, or same air as Princess Celestia did. The best I can be is a poor imitation.”
“That’s the problem.”
Twilight appears confused. “What?”
“You’re trying to be someone else.”
“But that’s what Equestria needs right now!”
“No, Twilight. It NEEDS a princess. Not a Celestia clone.”
“Clone?”
“Try as hard as you want. But you’ll never be Celestia.”
“Then what should I do?!”
“Become your own version of a leader. It’s fine to try and follow in your mentor’s footsteps. But at the end of the day you need to be YOU!”
“How do I do that?”
“By being yourself.”
“I don’t…”
“Just focus on being someone that the citizens can look up to. They need you to give them hope right now.”
Twilight groans. “Hope won’t keep them safe.”
“Right. That’s where everyone else comes in.”
“Huh?”
“Flash Sentry, our friends, Ember, Sereb, Scootaloo, the support staff, Kibitz, Raven, and myself. It’s not your job to fix things as much as its to delegate what others do and represent our nation on the international stage.”
“That last one really makes me nervous.”
“It’s not easy. But I’ll help as much as I can, as will the others.”
“Thanks. I don’t think I’d be able to do this alone.”
Arc puts an arm around Twilight and smiles at her.
“You won’t have to.”
Sighing contentedly, she leans against him.
“I’ll be happy when all of this is but a distant memory.”
“As will I, Twilight.”
“Then we can focus on… more important matters.”
“The herd?”
Twilight nods. “I know it sounds selfish, but I am looking forward to spending more time with you.”
“Me too, Twilight. Lately we’ve just been together in a business-like atmosphere.”
“While I have enjoyed that, it’s so… impersonal.”
“You want intimacy, don’t you?”
Twilight blushes. “We all do. Rarity, Ember, Fluttershy, and Hammer have all spent some very… special time with you.”
“We did too in Celestia’s bathroom if you recall.”
“Yes, and I loved that. So much so that I want more.”
“So do I. But we both know now is not the time.”
Twilight sighs. “That I am acutely aware of, yes.”
“We should get a move on. The others should be waiting for us on the balcony already.”
“Agreed. Just one last thing though.”
Turning her head, Twilight gives Arc a kiss on the side of his lips and whispers in his ear.
“I may be a princess, Arc. But I still want to be cared for.”
Nodding, Arc turns and gives her a hug as he returns the whisper.
“One day, Twilight. One day.”
Standing, they head for the door. Flash Sentry escorts them down the corridor accompanied by Arc’s squad. Coming to a large set of double doors Twilight takes a deep breath and nods to the colonel as Arc motions to his squad. Stepping ahead, Flash Sentry walks forward as the squad pushes the doors open for him. Facing the crowd, the stallion clears his throat and speaks with all the authority of his station.
“PRESENTING HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE AND HERO OF LIGHT ARC!”
The nervous clopping of hooves follows as Twilight steps forward with Arc at her side. The pair move to join the rest of the Mane Six whom stand there stoically and look out at the crowd. Waiting for the citizens to finish, Twilight begins.
“My fellow Equestrians… I come to you today as a Princess of Equestria. While I know you have every reason not to listen to me, I ask that you hear me out.”
She looks around before continuing.
“When ponies started disappearing from the Rainbow Factory the plant foreman went to Canterlot to ask for help. As you may know, he was unable to see Princess Celestia, nor secure any sort of aid for Cloudsdale.”
The citizens nod and murmur amongst each other as Twilight continues.
“I do not make any excuses for that, nor will I stand before you and try to justify the lack of action in the past. When I sent Hero of Light Arc here to Cloudsdale, I was not aware of the reason why the town had turned from Canterlot’s rule. And by the time I was informed, he had already remedied the problem as well as rescued those whom were missing. You were told that this act was planned and carried out by the changelings and their operatives. How they captured and replaced workers and leaders in the local government. And their desire to see you turn away from Equestria as a whole. While I could simply order my forces to put Cloudsdale under martial law, that isn’t what I came here to do. In truth, quite the opposite.”
Frowning, the ponies below are silent as she pauses for a moment.
“I believe that everypony… nah every living being, should be allowed to live free from tyranny and oppression. It is you whom need our help right now. However, I will not force that upon the city.”
A look of confusion crosses the masses’ faces as the speech continues.
“With your city’s leaders weakened and lying in the hospital, I want to extend an invitation to the city itself. By my decree, you will be allowed to temporarily mover it closer to Canterlot. Such proximity will allow us to watch out for each other, as ponykind has done for centuries. Should you choose to do so know that I will do my very best to help the city in this trying time. However I also want to say that if you decide to keep the city here I will still do my best to help and serve you from the capital. The choice, as it always has been, rests with all of you. Thank you for your time.”
<he steps back as the Pegasi applaud respectfully. Twilight turns to Arc and her friends.
“How did I do?”
Applejack smiles. “Just fine, sugarcube.”
Pinkie grins. “Yeah! But I think Arc should say a few words too.”
Fluttershy nods. “Oh yes. It will most certainly help to ease tensions here.”
“Alright. Here goes nothing.”
Stepping forward, Arc looks out over the crowd.
“Everyone… since I came to Equestria I’ve seen cooperation and unity the likes of which I didn’t realize were possible. Three very different, very unique races forming such a deeply connected and united country wasn’t something I thought to be possible. However at the present time there is a threat to that unity. While I don’t know the reasons why, there are those whom would like to see all Equestrians scattered and divided. Now, more than ever, we need to stick together. For if the changelings are indeed conspiring against the nation, we are all in great danger. Should the unthinkable happen and they invade, we must be united in our cause and ready to defend this land. But we can only do that if our nation and its inhabitants remain steadfast and resolute. Equestria must stand together… or we will all fall separately. Thank you.”
Stepping back, Arc motions for everyone to follow him inside the Town Hall as Flash Sentry gives the closing remarks. As the doors are shut behind them Arc lets out a sigh.
“That’s the best we can do.”
Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “I still wish we could do something else.”
Rarity raises an eyebrow. “Such as…?”
Applejack shrugs. “I dunno. But I’m with Rainbow Dash on this one.”
A voice rings out nearby.
“Right.”
They turn to see Bo Hothoof and Windy Whistles walking toward them. Rainbow Dash grins and walks toward them.
“Thanks for backing us up on this one, you two.”
Bo grins. “We couldn’t leave our favorite daughter hanging.”
Windy nods. “Right. I believe that speech gave everypony something to think about.”
Bo looks over to the group with a strange look on his face.
“Is that you, Fluttershy?”
Fluttershy nods shyly. “Y-yes sir.”
Windy tilts her head to one side. “It’s been a long time. But what are you doing here?”
“I’m just doing my part to support the town and my friends.”
Bo shakes his head. “No, no. She means what are you doing HERE?”
“But, I don’t…”
Windy interrupts her. “We thought you’d be at the hospital.”
Applejack frowns. “Why? She’s perfectly healthy.”
Bo sighs. “Because her parents are there.”
Fluttershy gasps. “WHAT?!”
Rainbow Dash turns to her father. “WHY?!”
“Remember how I told you my secretary was missing?”
“You mean…?!”
Bo nods sadly. “Yup. Mrs. Shy.”
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great chapter sad to hear about mrs shy
Thats a lot of replacements. Wonder which of Decimuss plans were already in place, and how long before the takeover involved a test fire of the Weather Factory over the Badlands, where total Hive Transfer might have taken place?
Good ending chapter, poor shy...
11281652'This one seems more along the lines of starting with swiss legs plans and after Decimus found out started to 'help out' and use what had happened and slyly retooling things to suit his own ends