The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds

by Kamahido

Chapter 18 - A Turn for the Worst

Arc returns to The Equinox via portal and turns his gaze to look out the window. Gazing over the city that stretches out before him, he sighs while muttering to himself.

“While I Honestly do hate this country with a passion, at this point in time I also can’t deny the fact that I now have a place in it. With my marriage to Natalya and now being in a position over an inheritance I’m probably seen as one of them now.”

Chuckling, he continues his monologue.

“Well, at the very least, Natalya isn’t like the other nobles I met from here in the past. Stuck up, snobbish, and with a serious daddy complex. Well, admittedly that last thing was probably more or less just Ashe. And speaking of which, I should probably go see her and get the next ball rolling.”

Leaving his room, Arc heads down the corridor to Ashe’s suite. Knocking lightly, he waits patiently. A few moments later Ashe opens the door. Arc smiles at her as he speaks.

“Good morning, Ashe. I’m sorry to bother you with this after the festivities late last night, but I wanted to know if you’d had a chance yet to deal with the paperwork concerning the whole Equestrian embassy idea.”

Ashe nods. “Yes, I have indeed. In fact, we’re working on it right now.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean by ‘we’?”

Ashe grins. “See for yourself.”

Opening the door wide, she steps aside to allow him entrance. Arc spies Celestia, Twilight, and Natalya sitting at Ashe’s table as they go over a number of papers. Entering, he looks to the group as he speaks.

“I’m back. Sorry for running out on all of you earlier this morning. And without telling anyone either.”

Twilight waves a hoof dismissively. “It’s fine, Arc. We heard all about it from Natalya.”

Natalya nods. “Don’t worry. I made sure to tell them right away about your early morning summons, Arc.”

Celestia appears concerned. “Is everything alright back in Equestria?”

Arc sighs as he sits down. “That’s… kinda complicated. But I think you and I should have a talk about it at some point later.”

“Oh?”

“Not right now though. The timing isn’t right.”

Arc looks to the paperwork before turning to Ashe and continuing.

“So… where do we stand on the whole embassy idea?”

Ashe holds up a small stack of papers. “Before we can move forward with the trade, we need the manor in question to be properly appraised.”

She gestures to another pile of papers before continuing.

“These are to authorize the transfer of Lord Goldstone’s estate to you, sir.”

Arc looks over the papers. “There are a lot less than I thought there would be admittedly.”

Twilight giggles. “That’s because most of the paperwork was done before the wedding, Arc.”

Celestia taps the stack with a hoof. “Indeed. Think of these as merely the finishing touches.”

Ashe nods. “Right. By this very afternoon, you’ll be able to legally withdraw from the account that has been set up for disbursements.”

Arc raises an eyebrow, confused. “Disbursements?”

Natalya turns to him. “As you and I were told before, Arc, we can’t remove all our money from the country without risking both nation’s economies.”

Twilight picks up a paper with her magic. “That’s why Natalya had us draw up plans for a disbursement account with orders to allow for the maximum transfer at regular intervals.”

Celestia looks out the window. “From that you will be allowed to move money from there to Equestria. Or anywhere else you desire, I suppose.”

Ashe grins. “And still stay within the law, of course.”

Arc appears impressed. “All done automatically?”

Natalya nods. “It all works out on paper.”

Twilight turns to the ambassador. “Ashe says she’ll have to run this by the bank, of course. But it should pass through without any major incidents.”

Celestia smiles at Natalya. “Yes. And I for one would like to thank you for your embassy idea as well.”

Natalya bows her head respectfully. “It’s no problem, your highness. Arc and I really have no need for a piece of property here in the Griffon Kingdom, after all.”

Arc shrugs. “Agreed. That and it just seemed like a colossal waste to do nothing and let it sit there unused.”

There is knock at the door. Natalya stands and moves to answer it. Opening the door, she finds Heathcliff standing there with a silver tea service. Bowing at the waist, he speaks.

“Your morning tea, Mistress Natalya.”

Natalya appears confused. “But I didn’t ask for it.”

“Very true, miss. However, I brought it anyways. Just like I used to.”

Natalya giggles as she steps aside. “Back when I was a youngling, yes.”

Heathcliff nods as he rolls the cart into the room. “It was part of your daily routine for quite some time.”

“That it was.”

Setting the tray on the table, Heathcliff pours each of them a cup. Twilight’s eyes light up as she takes a sip.

“This is amazing!”

Arc nods approvingly. “Yes, it is. Very sweet too.”

Ashe sets her teacup down. “I don’t think I’ve ever tasted this kind before.”

Heathcliff looks to her as he hands a cup to Natalya. “It was the late Lord Goldstone’s favorite blend, Lady Ashe. Not many knew this about him, but he was quite fond of sweets.”

Natalya sighs. “Just like Gabby, I suppose.”

Heathcliff nods. “Yes, Mistress Natalya. However, as you know, she’s not much for tea.”

Arc looks to the elderly griffon. “So… are you really okay with all of this?”

“With what, Master Arc?”

“Leaving the Griffon Kingdom.”

Natalya chimes in. “And the manor as well.’”

Heathcliff sighs. “I must admit that I am feeling a bit… apprehensive about the upcoming change, yes. However, if even a small portion of what I’ve heard about Equestria is true, then I welcome the forthcoming transition.”

Ashe nods fervently. “It’s all true. That and so much more.”

Celestia sets down her tea. “I agree with the ambassador. However, admittedly I may be just a teensy bit biased on the matter.”

Two hours later they finish filling out the paperwork. Ashe gathers it up and puts it into her satchel before turning to Arc and Natalya.

“I’ll fly these papers over to the Aviary for their approval along with the other withdrawal request for…”

Twilight interrupts her. “Ambassador!”

Arc appears confused. “Wha was that, Ashe?”

Natalya sighs. “It was supposed to be a surprise for you.”

Arc chuckles. “I can still try to be surprised if that would help.”

Celestia smiles at Natalya. “In any case, you may as well tell him at this point.”

Natalya looks to Arc. “I was planning to withdraw the maximum amount from our account.”

Arc appears confused. “But what’s wrong with that? As I said before, the money is yours to do with as you see fit, Natalya.”

“Yes, I do remember you telling me that. But… I had wanted to create something very special for us in secret when we returned to Equestria.”

“And what was that?”

“A house for you and all your future herdmates.”

Twilight giggles. “We were talking about building something especially for you and the others.”

Celestia taps the table with a hoof. “I suggested an open floor plan in the center with private rooms around the perimeter.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “That’s actually kinda what I was thinking. Just haven’t had time to put pencil to paper on anything yet.”

Natalya appears hopeful. “So… do you like the idea?”

Arc nods. “Very much so, yes. But I do have one request first, Natalya.”

“What is it?”

“That before you do anything more, for me or anyone else, you should first either purchase or have a house built for you and your siblings.”

He looks to the elderly griffon next to him before continuing.

“Heathcliff too, of course.”

Heathcliff bows at the waist respectfully. “I would enjoy serving you again, Mistress Natalya. And your new husband as well.”

Natalya smiles and nods. “If that’s what you would like me to do, then yes.”

Arc chuckles. “Good. And… thank you for the thought.”

Natalya looks to Twilight and smiles. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll join all of you in that house one day.”

Twilight smiles back. “And we’d love to have you, Natalya.”

Ashe heads for the door. “Well, I should probably get moving. Lots to do today in terms of paperwork.”

Celestia calls out after her. “Let us know if you need a hoof with it.”

“I’m sure I will, your highness.”

As Ashe closes the door, Arc turns to Celestia.

“Hey, um…”

“Is there something you wanted to say to me?”

“Kinda, yeah. You see… I have a bit of a problem that requires your help to verify something.”

Celestia appears confused. “Oh?”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “What’s this about, Arc?”

“It’s in regards to that issue back in Equestria. We’ve… discovered something in the Badlands that I though was gone. However, it’s… complicated.”

Celestia stands. “Then I will help as I am able. However, you must remember that I am not currently authorized to exercise any sort of royal powers.”

Arc nods. “That’s understood. In truth, I really just need you to verify something’s authenticity.”

Natalya giggles. “Then you and Princess Celestia should probably get to it, Arc.”

Arc chuckles as he too stands. “Yes, dear.”

Turning to Celestia, he continues.

“I’m ready to go when you are.”

“Then let us be off.”

Nodding, Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. Motioning for Celestia to go first, he turns to Twilight.

“I’ll see about actually being here for some of the upcoming paperwork.”

Twilight waves a hoof dismissively. “Don’t worry about it, Arc.”

Natalya nods. “Yes, we can handle it just fine.”

“Thanks, but I’ll do my best to be back to help nonetheless.”

Turning, he heads through his portal. As it closes, Natalya turns to Twilight and smiles.

“I see why you like Arc so much.”

“Because he’s helpful?”

Natalya rests her head on her talons happily. “True. But I was going to say something more along the lines of ‘considerate’.”

Twilight sighs. “He is very busy though.”

Natalya smiles as she pulls a blank piece of paper to herself. “Nevertheless, he still wants to help with the preparations.”

Twilight looks to where the portal was. “What do you suppose that was all about though?”

Natalya sighs. “Like Arc said earlier, it’s… complicated.”

Twilight picks up a quill with her magic. “Even so, I should probably ask him more about it when he gets back.”

“Agreed.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Celestia reappear in the waiting room of Ponyville Hospital. She looks around for a few moments clearly confused before turning to Arc and speaking.

“What are we doing here?”

Arc motions for her to follow him. “I’ll tell you on the way.”

They begin walking together. Those whom see Celestia instinctively stop and bow as the pair pass by. Arc speaks as they continue on.

“After the battle in the Badlands and Chrysalis’ escape, Thorax and the remaining changelings decided that they needed to make a fresh start.”

“Did they now?”

Arc nods. “Yes. And as such, they came up with the idea to demolish their former hive in order to get away from their past.”

“Moving on might be a better way of putting it.”

“In any case, during the deconstruction it was found that Chrysalis had a secret room within her suite. That and she had imprisoned a number of ponies within it for personal reasons.

Celestia frowns. “Judging from the sound of your voice, I imagine that they were not well.”

Arc sighs. “Right. When found by the changelings they were nothing more than skeletons in the cages.”

Celestia grits her teeth angrily. “We shall have to double our efforts to root out the fugitive queen then. And bring our fallen citizens home as well.”

“The second part of that has already been done. Doctor Whooves back at the castle is doing his best to process their remains before identifying them in order to notify their families.”

“Good. They deserve at least that much. But one thing still mystifies me.”

Arc turns to her. “Huh?”

“If their remains are in the castle then why are we here?”

“Because there was one survivor. He was heavily emaciated and very weak when we found him. However, according to Doctor Horse, he’s on the mend.”

“While that is certainly a relief to hear, I still don’t understand what you need of me then?”

“I need your help identifying them. We need to verify their true identity before their story can be believed, after all.”

Celestia nods soberly. “That does makes sense. One can’t simply take their story at face value without a name to go with it.”

“Then does that mean you’ll help?”

“Of course. It’s the least I can do considering all they’ve probably been through over there.”

Stopping at the familiar door, Arc turns to Celestia before speaking.

“I think I should warn you that this victim suffered greatly at the hands, er… hooves of Chrysalis.”

Celestia sighs. “Yes, well… it won’t be my first time seeing those whom have suffered terribly, you know. There have been numerous occasions over the centuries where ponies have been the victim of tyrants.”

Arc grimaces. “I’ll take your word for it.”

Pushing the door open, Arc holds it ajar for Celestia. Entering the room, she looks toward the bed and gasps as its occupant’s face comes into view. Arc walks over to him and gently shakes the stallion awake. Slowly opening his eyes, Decimus smiles sleepily as he speaks.

“Celestia… is that you?”

Celestia smiles as she approaches the bed. “It is, old friend.”

Decimus sits up as best as he is able. “I… um… I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused you and the other princesses in the past.”

“Think nothing of it. After all, I’m guessing that you didn’t have anything to do with what happened.”

Arc points to the stallion. “So… is this really him?”

Celestia nods. “Yes, of course.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But how can you be so sure?”

Celestia scoffs at this. “I think I would know one of my dearest friends.”

Decimus looks to her. “Celestia, the Hero of Light is indeed correct. I was taken from Canterlot and replaced by a changeling for such a long time that even I still question if I’m really me.”

Arc turns to Celestia. “Isn’t there some way to know for sure though?”

Decimus sighs. “I doubt it. The changelings took every thought and memory that I had.”

Celestia puts a hoof to her chin. “Perhaps they did, yes. However, what if I were to tell you something about yourself that even you didn’t know.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… how would something like that even work?”

Decimus appears equally confused. “Yes, Celestia. I wouldn’t be able to verify if it were true.”

Celestia smiles at her friend. “You’ll see. But first I have to ask how much you trust me.”

“Completely!”

“Very well. Then I want you to do exactly as I say.”

Clearing her throat, she continues.

“Roll over onto your belly.”

Decimus slowly does so with Arc’s help as Celestia continues.

“Now then, raise your flank.”

Carefully using his hind legs to raise his backside, Celestia pulls away the covers with her magic and pushes his hospital gown to one side.

“And lastly… I need you to lift your tail.”

Arc frowns. “Um… what?”

Celestia nods. “Go ahead, Decimus.”

Nervously, Decimus raises his tail to reveal his… uh… let’s just say ‘backside’. Celestia steps forward to examine it. Nodding, she points a hoof as something as she turns to Arc.

“There!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh… what am I supposed to be looking at?”

“Look at the base of his tail.”

“I don’t see anything.”

“It’s under the hair.”

Parting the hair at the base of Decimus’ tail with her magic, Celestia reveals the skin under it. Arc turns to her as he shrugs.

“I still don’t get it.”

“A number of years ago, when he was still very young, Decimus was attending a parade with his father whom was the Captain of the Royal Guard at that time. He was on a balcony and leaned over just a bit too far when I was passing by on my chariot. His father noticed just in time to grab him before he went over the edge though.”

Decimus looks over his shoulder. “What does that have to do with my tail though, Celestia?”

“Your father, being an Earth Pony, did the only thing he could at the time. Grab your tail in his teeth. His quick thinking saved you, of course, but then had to rush you to the hospital due to the damage he accidently did to that particular area.”

Arc nods soberly. “Definitely not something that would be talked about at length, I suppose.”

Celestia points with a hoof at the affected area. “As you can see, the hair grew back in just fine. However, it did leave a long, thin scar underneath on two sides where his father’s teeth were dragged along the skin as he fell.”

Decimus gasps. “I never knew that!”

Arc turns to Celestia. “Can he put his flank down now?”

“Oh, yes! Of course!”

Arc looks to the empty bed next to Decimus. “Uh… while I probably should have asked this when we came in here, but… where’s Tempest?”

Decimus points a hoof to the door. “A few minutes ago, she announced that she wanted to get out of that bed and stretch her legs a bit. Not to worry though, as Cerulean Skies went with her to make sure she didn’t do anything too reckless.”

Arc groans. “Well… more reckless than moving around with such a wound still trying to heal, that is.”

Celestia smiles. “I’m sure Tempest knows her own body.”

Decimus sighs. “That she does.”

Looking to Celestia, he continues.

“Um… and on that note, I’m not exactly sure just how long I’ll be in this bed myself.”

Celestia pats his fetlock. “Not to worry. You take as long as you need to recover. After all, Equestria has a number of heroes ready and willing to defend it.”

Arc turns to Celestia. “We should probably let him get back to resting now though.”

“I suppose so.”

A meal cart enters the room pushed by a nurse. Celestia turns to her friend as she and Arc step back to allow it to pass.

“And be sure to eat heartily. You’re looking a bit thin since the last time I saw you.”

“I will, Celestia.”

Arc chimes in. “And a nap too.”

He nods as the pair leave the room. Walking down the corridor together, Celestia turns to Arc.

“He appears to be doing alright.”

Arc sighs. “Considering what he looked like when we found him, that’s incredible.”

Celestia grits her teeth. “Chrysalis was never known for her mercy.”

Arc clenches a fist. “I figured that out when I saw the skeletons.”

“She’ll turn up sooner or later though. Even a changeling can’t hide forever when the entire country is looking for them.”

Sometime later, Arc and Celestia step through a portal back in his quarters aboard The Equinox. Twilight and Natalya look over as they stand. Natalya is the first to speak.

“Everything okay back in Equestria?”

Celestia nods. “Yes, it is.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “I just needed your friend here to verify something for us.”

Celestia looks to the papers on the table in an effort to change the subject. “So… what have you been working on since we left, Twilight?”

“Well, you see…”

There is a knock at the door. Arc opens it with a Telekinesis Spell to see Ashe standing there. She enters and looks to Natalya.

“All of the papers are being processed as we speak.”

“Thank you, ambassador. Um… what’s the next step though?”

“An appraiser will be sent over to the estate later today to look things over, take notes and measurements to take back to his office. That will allow them to calculate the value of the manor and come up with a number. And your first disbursement of bits is being sent over as we speak.”

She motions out the window with a wave of her talon as she continues.

“In fact, there it is.”

They look outside to see a convoy approaching the ship under heavy guard. An armored transport is sandwiched between innumerable griffon guards on the ground as well as the air. Natalya turns to Arc.

“We should probably head out there to meet them.”

Arc nods as he heads for the door. “Agreed.”

Walking down the corridor, Arc leads the group toward the main hatch. Exiting the ship, he and Natalya walk down the gangplank together to meet the convoy. It stops at the base and an officer approaches them. Saluting, he addresses Arc.

“We present to you the requested disbursement, sir.”

“Thank you.”

“Shall we bring it aboard for you?”

Arc shakes his head. “That will not be necessary. Simply set the bags here on the ground.”

The officer appears confused. “Right out here in the open, sir?”

“Yes. I will take things from there.

Doing as he is told, the officer motions to those under his command. Opening the transport, they begin unloading bag after bag of coins. Placing them on the ground in a line front of Arc, the officer watches and counts as he checks boxes off on a clipboard in his talons. As the last bag is removed, he turns to Arc and holds out the clipboard as he speaks.

“As you can see, the count it complete and accurate, sir. Would you please sign for the delivery?”

“Very well.”

Accepting the clipboard, Arc signs his name before handing it back. Looking it over, the officer nods.

“That will be all, sir. Please enjoy the rest of your day.”

The transport along with its guards turn and begin to leave as Natalya looks to Arc.

“Maybe we should have had them leave this stuff in the cargo hold.”

Twilight grimaces. “Not sure that would have been a good idea.”

Celestia nods soberly. “This would appear to be far over the ship’s weight capacity.”

Ashe turns to Natalya. “I can call someone to take the excess coins back to the bank if you’d like.”

“That’s up to Arc.”

Arc cracks his knuckles as he looks over the bags. “Hold on a second. I got this.”

Picking up a bag, he puts it into his ring. Repeating the process over and over again, Arc stashes the money safely within the pocket dimension. As Ashe watches the final bag vanish, she looks his ring over before speaking.

“Do you feel any heavier, Lord Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not in the least.”

Celestia nods. “That is normal though for such a magical item, ambassador.”

Natalya raises an eyebrow. “How though?”

Celestia points at Arc’s hand with a hoof. “The ring merely acts as a doorway to connect our realm with wherever the items are stored. Contrary to what you may think, those bags of coins are not actually inside the ring itself.”

Ashe puts a talon to her cheek. “So, it’s kinda like a doorway of sorts?”

Twilight giggles. “Exactly.”

Arc chuckles as they turn to head inside together. “I really should start keeping inventory.”

Natalya looks to him. “What kind of things do you keep in there though, Arc?”

Arc counts on his fingers. “My armor, spear, knife, bits, cupcakes…”

Twilight interrupts happily. “So just the essentials, huh?”

“Right.”

Entering the ship, the group returns to Arc’s quarters together. Closing the door behind them, Ashe looks to her rather full looking satchel lying next to the table.

“I brought back the forms to set up the automatic transfers of funds between accounts as you asked me to, Lady Natalya.”

“Thank you.”

Twilight turns to Natalya. “That will make transporting them back to Equestria a regular event then?”

Natalya shakes her head. “No, it won’t. The money will, for the most part, stay here in the Griffon Kingdom. These papers are merely authorization to move assets to the disbursement account as the law allows. That way we won’t accidently withdraw too much and cause trouble for both countries.

Arc nods. “Right. But at the same time, if Natalya wants something it’s always an option.”

Celestia smiles approvingly. “Sounds like everything is more or less figured out on that end.”

Ashe taps a paper. “I suppose so, Princess Celestia. Right now we’re more or less in the ‘implementing’ stage of things.”

Arc’s earring chirps. Touching it, he speaks.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. We’ve just received a message from Canterlot Castle regarding an investigation of yours.”

“Whom is it from?”

“Auriel, sir.”

Arc frowns. “Tell that I’m on my way. Was there anything else?”

“Just that she was very… intense in her desire to speak to you right away about the findings.”

“Alright. I’ll head over to Canterlot Castle in a few moments. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, he severs the connection. Turning to Twilight, he continues.

“Duty calls… again.”

Twilight gestures to the table. “You go and do what you have to then. I’ll stay here and help with the paperwork until Luna and I switch places in Canterlot again.”

Natalya giggles. “Hurry back. Arc!”

Arc chuckles. “I will.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc powers up his crystals and opens a portal. Stepping through, he finds himself back in his room in Canterlot Castle. Heading for the door he mutters to himself.

“Sure hope Auriel and her mother have some good news for me.”

A short time later he arrives in front of Auriel’s door. Knocking lightly, he waits patiently. A few moments later Maria answers it. Stepping aside, she allows him to enter the room.

“Good morning, Arc. I trust you’re doing well.”

Arc nods. “Very much so actually.”

Maria smiles as she closes the door behind him. “My daughter made a breakthrough a short time ago.”

“Oh?”

Auriel calls out from a desk in the corner. “I’m just checking my calculations one more time. You know, just to be sure.”

Maria pulls out a chair at a table in the center of the room. “Have a seat, Arc. We’ll be right with you.”

As Arc sits down, Maria begins gathering up the various books and papers strewn about. Sighing, she looks to Arc.

“Sorry about the mess. It’s been a crazy couple of days over here.”

“That’s fine. Twilight’s the same way when she’s working on something new.”

Auriel walks over with a stack of papers. “I’m sure she would have loved to be in on this."

Arc shrugs. “We all have our roles to play though.”

Maria nods understandingly. “Princess Twilight’s role is just one of administration at the moment.”

Auriel looks around. “Where is that device, mother?”

Maria points to a nearby workbench. “I believe you left it over there behind the third stack of papers.”

Auriel walks over to the indicated spot. After rummaging around for a few moments, she finds the prototype. Carrying it over to the table, she sets it in the center before sitting down. Looking to Arc, she sighs.

“We now have a preliminary understanding of this device.”

“Good. What does it do?”

“Explode.”

Maria nods soberly. “Exponentially, I might add.”

Arc eyes the device suspiciously. “Um… is it safe to have it sitting here then?”

Auriel giggles. “Yes. As you recall, when you brought it to me originally, I was forced to deactivate it.”

Maria points a finger. “We took additional precautions and removed the payload as well.”

Auriel shrugs. “Right. So at the moment, it’s really nothing more than an oversized paperweight.”

Maria smiles at her daughter. “Which you have used it for a few times admittedly.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “That’s reassuring. But are you absolutely sure that it’s a bomb?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. If you recall, I’ve said in the past that I made similar devices at my father’s orders.”

Maria frowns. “Not recently though, I would assume.”

“Back when we were still trying to escape Tartarus, I mean.”

Arc picks the device up. “It’s really not much bigger than a football though. Tell me, what kind of destruction would something like this cause?”

Maria frowns. “That’s difficult to ascertain at this point since we haven’t been able to analyze the effects of the payload yet.”

Auriel chimes in. “However, the inner mechanisms show that the outer shell was designed for external durability.”

Arc sighs. “I’m not really sure if that’s supposed to be a good thing or not though.”

Auriel shakes her head. “It really isn’t in this case. You see, Arc… most bombs of this size, being more or less portable in nature, generally rely on the outer shell exploding outward to form shrapnel in order to do the maximum amount of damage.”

Maria picks up where Auriel stopped. “The fact that this device is made with an extremely high level of durability leads us to believe that its main purpose is to protect the inner workings above all else.”

Arc eyes the device suspiciously. “So are you saying that this is a… um…?”

Maria puts a hand on the device. “Yes, Arc. Back on Earth something like this would be known as a WMD, or Weapon of Mass Destruction.”

Auriel frowns. “Mass destruction.”

Arc turns to her. “Auriel?”

“Everything I made in the past was always designed to be very localized. We had wanted the resulting explosion to be as small as possible to be kept to the Gates of Tartarus that we were attempting to destroy. But this…”

She turns to the device before continuing.

“…this monstrosity was designed to do the exact opposite. Its sole purpose was to do as much damage over a large area as possible.”

Arc looks to Maria. “So is this thing kinda like an atomic bomb?”

Maria shakes her head. “Not really, no. I’ve done a preliminary examination of its payload and found it to be nonradioactive.”

Auriel frowns. “I don’t really understand how that’s important though.”

“Weapons like these back on Earth were used for such purposes due to their ability to cause astronomical destruction while still being rather small.”

She pats the device before continuing.

“Not nearly this small in size though, mind you. But still relatively so in relation to their destructive power.”

Arc appears hopeful. “Any way to figure out what it’s capable of?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not really, no.”

Maria bows her head. “Other than to set it off, of course.”

Arc groans. “And that would certainly alert the Griffon Kingdom to the fact that we really did have their missing prototype.”

Auriel turns to him. “My mother and I can keep trying to figure this thing out if you’d like, Arc.”

Arc leans back in his chair as he stares at the mechanism before him. “Part of me would like to know the truth about it, yes.”

Maria raises an eyebrow. “And the other part?”

“The more rational side of my brain says that we should properly dispose of the payload and melt down the frame.”

Auriel nods soberly. “I agree, Arc. This thing is nothing but trouble.”

Maria frowns. “Only if it is allowed to fall into the wrong hands, Auriel.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“If you allow us to continue to study it, we may find a new energy source in there. One with numerous safe, and peaceful, purposes.”

“Tell me, Auriel, what exactly is the payload made of?”

Auriel shrugs. “That’s what has us stumped.”

Maria sighs. “It’s made up of a number of different substances. Several of which are unknown both on Earth and here in Equestria.”

Arc groans. “So it’s beyond both nation’s understanding.”

Auriel grimaces. “And ours as well, I’m afraid.”

Arc stands and frowns as he picks up the device. “Then I think we need to keep digging.”

Maria appears confused. “Arc?”

“In the name of safety, I want to know everything there is to find out about this thing.”

Auriel gasps. “But why?!”

Arc sighs. “Because I have to know for sure just how far King Guto was planning to go with it.”

Maria sighs. “You mean if he could have conquered the world with this?”

Arc nods. “From what Luna told me, he said something very similar to that which I’ve heard back on Earth regarding using it as a defensive strategy.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow, clearly confused. “But how could an offensive weapon such as this possibly be used for defense, Arc?”

Arc hands the device to Auriel. “Simple. He could have detonated one of these for all the world’s leaders to see. If it’s as powerful as I think it could be, then the Griffon Kingdom merely possessing such a thing would have been enough to deter anyone from ever even considering attacking them again.”

Maria nods soberly as she takes the prototype from Auriel. “That much is certainly true. However, one might also look at it from another angle, Arc.”

“How so?”

“Should one nation be able to perfect such a device, then it is likely that the others will simply be driven to make one of their own.”

Auriel gasps. “Either that or some kind of counter for it!”

Arc sighs. “Mutually assured destruction.”

Maria nods as she sets the device down on the table. “And such a thing would all start with this.”

“A sobering thought.”

Auriel groans. “Even so, are you certain that you still want us to keep studying it then, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I suppose not. I don’t think the world is ready for it.”

Maria frowns. “It may never be.”

“Right you are, doctor.”

He turns to Auriel before continuing.

“How long will it take you to dismantle this thing completely?”

“Just a few minutes actually.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That fast?”

Maria nods as she hands the device to her daughter. “Remember Arc, we’ve already taken it apart once before. To do so again would be a trivial matter at this point.”

Auriel turns to walk toward a workbench. “I’ll get started on that right away.”

Maria turns back to Arc. “What should be done in regards to the payload?”

“I’d like you and Auriel to see to it that the mixture be properly, and safely, disposed of.”

“Sadly, we can’t really do that without knowing exactly what it is and how it works.”

Auriel looks over from her workbench. “And as things stand, that might not be possible.”

Maria chimes in. “We’ll keep studying the chemical makeup of it though.”

Arc sighs. “Good. I for one will feel a lot better when this thing is gone.”

Auriel nods soberly as she works. “As will I.”

A short time later Auriel walks over to Arc with the remains of the device in a small cardboard box. Handing it to him, she speaks.

“Here you are. On dismantled superweapon.”

Arc looks down at the contents. “And this is everything?”

Auriel taps the box. “Yes, Arc. Every plate, rod, nut, bolt, screw, and washer.”

Maria gestures to a secure cabinet. “With the exception of the inner housing which is currently still holding the mixture we talked about earlier.”

Auriel grimaces. “Yes, my mother and I felt it best to continues to store it in a container that was, hopefully, designed to hold it safely.”

Arc puts the box into his ring as he moves to stand. “Then I should leave you two to continue with your work.”

Maria also gets to her feet. “There is one more thing you should have though, Arc.”

Arc frowns. “Oh? I thought you said that I already had all the parts of the prototype.”

Auriel appears confused. “Yes, what else is there, mother?”

“This.”

Walking over to a workbench, Doctor Knowles picks up a large rolled up piece of paper. Returning to Arc, she holds it out to him.

“Here you are.”

Arc unrolls the paper. “What is it?”

“The technical schematics of that device.”

Auriel gasps. “Mother?! Why would you…?!”

Maria turns to her daughter. “Because I was asked to find out everything I could about that device, Auriel.”

She taps the paper before continuing.

“And that means recording everything that we found out.”

Auriel frowns. “Those schematics should be destroyed along with the device though!”

Arc sighs. “I’m afraid that I have to agree with your mother on this one, Auriel.”

“But why?!”

“Because it stands to reason that the Griffon Kingdom still has their set of plans. With them, they could theoretically create another one of these things.”

Maria nods soberly. “And should relations between this nation and the Griffon Kingdom deteriorate at some point in the future, these schematics could be useful in maintaining a stalemate.”

Arc puts the plans into his ring as he turns to Maria. “You have my word that it will be kept safely in my ring under the utmost secrecy.”

“I know they will, Arc. You do with them as you see fit.”

Auriel sighs. “Yes, I know you won’t use them for evil, Arc.”

Maria looks to a very secure looking cabinet nearby. “And in the meantime, Auriel and I will try our best to get to the bottom of this substance, of course. Just be aware that it most likely won’t be quick or easy.”

“You two are free to take as long as you need. Just be sure to do it safely.”

“We will, Arc.”

Arc smiles as he pats Auriel’s cheek. “I’ll come check in on you two again when we’re finished with everything that needs to be done in the Griffon Kingdom.”

Auriel smiles happily. “Looking forward to that. After all, it’s been far too long since you and I were together for something other than work, Arc.”

Maria looks to the door. “Should I give you two some time alone?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, no. After all, all three of us have work to do.”

She smiles sheepishly before continuing.

“That and I haven’t showered in a few days.”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “Please take care of yourself, Auriel. I don’t want to see you be consumed by your research again.”

“I’ll do my best not to.”

“Good.”

He turns to Maria before continuing.

“And thanks for helping out with this.”

“It’s my pleasure.”

Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal and steps through. As it closes behind him, Maria turns and looks to her daughter before speaking again.

“Auriel?”

“Huh?”

“Are you alright?”

Auriel sighs and bows her head. “Kinda.”

“Tell me how you feel.”

“Really warm and happy.”

“Your love for Arc?”

Auriel nods. “Yes, I do care for him dearly.”

Turning, she looks into a nearby mirror. Putting a hand on her face, she continues.

“But I don’t really see how he can feel the same. After all, compared to him I’m nothing more than a monster.”

Maria frowns. “Don’t say such things about yourself, Auriel!”

“But it’s true. I’m not a demon or a human.”

Maria puts her hands on her daughter’s shoulders. “That is correct. You are neither, but also something else entirely.”

Auriel looks over her shoulder at her mother. “What though?”

“Loved.”

“Huh?”

“Think about it this way, my dear. I love you. Your father loves you. Arc loves you, as does the rest of the herd.”

She smiles and hugs her daughter from behind as she continues.

“You’re more loved than anyone I know.”

Auriel smiles as she puts her claws on her mother’s arm. “And I love you and them all so much too, mother.”

“You have to understand that it’s not about being what everyone else around you is. But being someone whom they can care for and whom cares for them.”

Meanwhile, Arc reappears back in his quarters aboard The Equinox. Sighing, he tosses the schematic onto the table as he touches his earring.

“Arc to Lemon Hearts.”

“This is Lemon Hearts, sir.”

“Please page Ambassador Ashe and tell her that I need to talk to her privately in my quarters at once.”

“Yes sir, I’ll see to it immediately. Will there be anything else?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, that will be all. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection. Sighing, he walks over to the window and looks out as he muses to himself.

“Guto. What exactly were you thinking when you ordered the construction of this thing? Was the device really going to be just for defense? And regardless of what you were planning to do with it, no one could really say what your descendants would have used it for.”

A short time later there is a knock at the door. Arc turns and calls out loudly.

“Come!”

The door opens and Ashe walks in. Approaching him, she speaks.

“You wanted to see me, Lord Arc?”

Arc nods as he locks the door with a Telekinesis Spell. “That I do.”

Gesturing to the table, the pair sit down across from one another. Arc removes the box from his ring and sets it on the table between them as he speaks.

“These are the remains of the device that was delivered to you.”

Ashe eyes the contents suspiciously. “So… it’s inert now?”

“Yes, the fuel source however is still back in Canterlot Castle being researched by Auriel and her mother. I’ve ordered them to continue their efforts to learn exactly what it is.”

“For what purpose though?”

“So we can figure out how to safely dispose of it.”

Ashe looks to the box. “So what exactly was this?”

“A weapon of mass destruction.”

Ashe gasps. “Are you sure?!”

Arc nods soberly. “Auriel and her mother were, yes.”

Ashe frowns. “It doesn’t make sense though. What would the king be doing with such a thing?”

Arc shrugs. “Probably just trying to get to the front of the proverbial international arms race.”

“How did the weapon work though?”

“They weren’t fully sure. But they did assure me that it would have caused great destruction had it actually gone off.”

“So what are we going to do with this thing?”

“I’ll be holding it in my ring for the time being. Along with this.”

Pushing the rolled-up paper across the table toward her, Arc gestures for her to take a look. Unrolling them, she looks the paper over for a moment before turning to Arc, clearly confused.

“What is all this?”

“A schematic detailing the construction of the device.”

“Um… but what would we need this for?”

“Just a bit of an insurance policy in case King Guto, or his future descendants, decide to make more and threaten to use them against Equestria.”

Ashe sighs as she rolls the paper back up again. “Such a thing may very well come to pass someday.”

Arc puts the box and schematic in his ring. “While I hope not, we also can’t ignore the fact that things change over time. Inhabitants… places… and even rulers.”

“So what should I do about this?”

“Just keep the knowledge of its existence to yourself for now. When our work here in the Griffon Kingdom is over, and we get back to Equestria, I’ll call a meeting of the princesses and bring them up to speed on this matter.”

“And then what?”

“My guess is that they’ll want to put the schematic safely away and forget about it for the time being. The parts though I’ll recommend be destroyed. But that decision will be up to the princesses, I suppose.”

Ashe groans. “I do understand your reasoning behind this. But it’s not something I thought I’d ever have to face.”

Arc nods soberly as he stands. “And if we all play our parts correctly, no one ever will.”

Heading for the door, Arc and Ashe leave his quarters together. As they walk, she turns to him.

“So… how’s married life?”

Arc shrugs. “In truth, I have no idea. I haven’t really had much time to spend with Natalya since our wedding night.”

Ashe lowers her voice. “I’m sure she appreciated you going easy on her.”

Arc turns to Ashe, confused. “Easy?”

“Most females don’t do much for a few days after they get married, as they’re trying to heal from the rough treatment they receive on their wedding night.”

“Natalya and I didn’t actually do anything though.”

Ashe appears confused. “Oh? Was there some kind of human tradition that prevented you from consummating your marriage?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Ashe. Remember, it was just a marriage of convenience to help both our nations. And as such, Natalya and I are not going to be doing anything that normal married couples do.”

Ashe shrugs. “That’s your choice, of course. Still, were it me in her position, I think I would have wanted to at least… you know.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Think what you will of the matter, Ashe.”

Coming to her quarters, Ashe opens the door for him. They spot Natalya, Gallus, Gabby, and Luna sitting around the table together talking. Luna turns to the pair and speaks.

“Welcome back, you two.”

Arc closes the door behind them. “Twilight went back to Canterlot?”

Luna nods. “A short time ago, yes.”

Natalya puts a talon on a stack of papers. “Princess Luna helped us finish everything, Ambassador Ashe.”

Gallus chuckles. “She’s really good at paperwork.”

Gabby nods fervently. “It was like a whirlwind watching her work!”

Luna sighs. “I have had much practice doing such things in the past.”

Arc sighs. “Thank you, Luna. And I’m sorry that Ashe and I couldn’t have been here to help though.”

Ashe smiles nervously. “Yes. Duty called.”

Natalya looks to Ashe. “With that done, what’s next?”

“Well…”

Gabby raises a talon as she cuts her off. “How about an early lunch then?!”

Gallus groans. “Gabby!”

“What?! I’m a growing youngling!”

Luna stands. “Then let us adjourn to the…”

She is cut off as Arc’s earring chirps. Touching it, he speaks.

“Arc here.”

“Sir, this is Lemon Hearts. I’ve just received a message from Lord Gestal.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Is something wrong?”

“I’m not really sure, sir. He merely wanted me to inform you that the king is about to address the nation.”

Ashe appears confused. “That’s strange.”

Luna turns to the ambassador. “Is it?”

Natalya nods. “It’s very rare for him to do such a thing these days.

Gallus shrugs. “And even more so with such short notice.”

Arc grimaces. “Broadcast the speech through the ship’s intercom system, Lemon Hearts. I want everyone aboard to hear what it is that he has to say.”

“Yes sir. In fact, it sounds like it’s starting now.”

“Alright. We’ll let you get to it then. Arc out.”

Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection. Turning to the others he speaks.

“I guess we can listen to it on the way to the cafeteria.”

Arc leads the group out of Ashe’s quarters and down the corridor as an announcer begins to speak.

“Good day, citizens of the great Griffon Kingdom! Today is certainly a day of glory for us all! Our ruler, the great and powerful King Guto, comes to us today in order to bring some wonderful news to you the public!”

Gallus rolls his eyes as the announcer continues lauding praises on the king and the nation as a whole. As the group reaches the cafeteria though he comes to the end of his speech.

“And now, without further ado, I present to everyone the ruler of the Griffon Kingdom… King Guto!”

Applause rings out as Arc and company sit down at a table together. Hammer walks in and joins them. Turning to Arc, she frowns.

“What’s all this nonsense about?!”

Arc shrugs. “Some big announcement.”

Ashe nods. “Lord Arc ordered it played on the speakers so we could all hear it.”

Gallus scoffs. “Hooray for us.”

Gabby frowns. “What a waste of time!”

Natalya puts a talon on her little sister’s shoulder. “Now, now Gabby. It must be something very important for King Guto to go through all the trouble to take time out of his busy day to do such a thing.”

Luna smiles nervously. “Perhaps that item taken from the warehouse… turned up.”

Arc puts a hand over his ring. “I doubt it.”

Hammer shrugs as she sits down with them. “Guess we’ll know the answer soon enough though.”

A few moments later the din of applause slows and the king’s voice rings out.

“Good morning to all of you, my lovely citizens! It is indeed a great time to be alive and greater still to be a part of the most wonderful kingdom to ever exist in the history of the world!”

Gallus scoffs. “If you’re rich, yeah.”

Natalya waves a talon. “Gallus! Shush!”

Guto continues. “Today is a day of great celebration! For our allies across the sea have seen fit to accept my proposal of marriage to Princess Luna of Equestria!”

Luna gasps. “COME AGAIN?!”

Cheers ring out from the speakers as Arc turns to Luna.

“What is he talking about?!”

“I have no idea!”

Ashe looks to Luna. “Could he possibly have misunderstood something in your conversation with him?”

Luna shakes her head vehemently. “During our telephone call earlier this morning I only said that I was interested in a role as an advisor!”

Natalya frowns. “Anything else, your highness?”

Luna puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well… at the end of the call I did say that I was looking forward to getting to know him better.”

Gallus groans as he leans back in his chair. “That did it.”

Gabby appears confused. “I don’t get it!”

Arc turns to Hammer. “He somehow misconstrued such an innocent conversation to mean marriage?”

“How exactly?! I mean… it’s still really a stretch!”

Ashe nods. “It kinda makes sense now.”

She turns to Luna before continuing.

“You see Princess Luna, here in the Griffon Kingdom historically speaking, the queen is often referred to as the king’s ‘closest advisor’.”

Natalya gasps. “So when you said you wanted to be his advisor, he took it as a marriage proposal.”

Luna facehoofs. “Great.”

Arc looks to Ashe. “Is such a thing actually legally binding though?”

“Normally it probably would be, yes. However, as things stand King Guto doesn’t really have any way to enforce such a thing on a foreign ruler. Well, other than declaring war, that is.”

Natalya frowns. “He might if he wanted such a thing that badly.”

Gabby shakes her head vehemently. “No, he wouldn’t!”

Hammer grunts. “Yeah, he would. “

Gallus rolls his eyes. “Our king really is just a spoiled brat most of the time.”

Luna sighs as the cheers of the citizenry and applause begin to lessen. “This couldn’t possibly get any worse.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “I don’t know about that. Sounds like he has more to say.”

The king clears his throat and again speaks.

“I’m aware of how much all of you adore the Equestrian princesses and am looking forward to Princess Luna’s importation to our land permanently! But rest assured that I will not keep her strictly for myself, but will parade her around the city daily so that all can see her radiant beauty and grace!”

Cheers ring out from the speakers as Luna blushes heavily and covers her face with her hooves. Arc puts a hand on her shoulder as he speaks.

“Don’t worry. We’ll find a way to get you out of this.”

Hammer grits her teeth angrily. “Right! That pompous blowhard has a lot of nerve!”

Natalya clenches a talon. “No one should be forced into a marriage that they don’t want be in, after all.”

Gabby appears confused. “But isn’t that what happened to you, Natalya?!”

“No, Gabby. I willingly married Lord Arc.”

Gallus nods. “Right. Natalya could have backed out of it at any time.”

Gabby giggles. “Then you could have married Lord Arc yourself, Gallus! You and him could have…!”

Arc interrupts the youngling. “Shush! Let’s listen.”

King Guto again speaks across the airwaves.

“I am certain that we shall enjoy a long and happy marriage together! The Griffon Kingdom will coexist with Equestria and over the years the two nations, and their respective subjects, will become as one!”

Cheers again ring out as Gallus turns to Arc.

“Does he mean some kind of empirical alliance?”

“Sounds like it.”

Hammer grimaces. “Maybe that and intermingling the species.”

Gabby sticks out her tongue. “Griffons having younglings with PONIES?!”

Luna sighs. “While I’m not sure if such a thing is possible due to differences in… biology, it may lead to some very interesting pairings.”

Hammer shrugs. “I really don’t see what the big deal would be. The way I see it, if two folks are in love then they’re in love, right?”

Arc nods. “As long as all parties involved are consenting, I don’t see a problem either.”

Ashe puts a talon to her beak thoughtfully. “Our history books do speak of griffons and ponies having offspring long ago in the past. But even then only if a stallion were to impregnate a female griffon.”

Natalya appears confused. “What about a mare being impregnated by a male griffon?”

“There are no records of any live births, no. However, such things happened so long ago that such knowledge may have simply been lost to the sands of time”.

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “So what about the eggs that did make it?”

Gabby grins. “Yeah! Were they griffons or ponies?!”

Ashe shakes her head. “Neither actually. Such creatures were a combination of both races. And as such referred to as ‘hippogriffs’ as they had the characteristics of both a griffon and a pony.”

Arc gestures to the speakers. “Sounds like Guto’s about to start up again.”

“Our nation’s paths will be tied together and as one we shall move forward toward a bright and glorious future for both griffon and pony alike!”

King Guto pauses for a moment before continuing.

“However, for such a future to be made possible for all, we must first root out and eliminate those whom would stand in the way of our nation’s progress! Those whom would stand against the joining of our two countries! I am, of course, speaking of the rebellion against our very way of life! Those whom have terrorized the land with their antics and somewhat recently committed a vile and heinous terrorist act against the very commoners that they claim to want to liberate! The very ones whom blew up a noble’s carriage and killed innumerable innocent griffons nearby! A great number of which were still younglings!”

The crowd boos as Ashe turns to Arc and cries out.

“My carriage!”

Arc nods soberly. “He’s politicizing that event in order to demonize the rebels.”

Gallus clenches a talon. “Those punks deserve to take the blame for it though!”

Gabby scoffs. “Right! They’re the baddies here!”

Natalya sighs. “The king is right about what he said just now. We all know that a lot of innocent commoners were needlessly killed that day.”

Luna turns to Arc. “I heard about that in Canterlot. It was apparently blamed on the rebels, yes?”

Arc nods. “Yes, their group did claim responsibility.”

Ashe furrows her brow. “And it was the wrong thing for them to do! Blowing up the carriage, I mean. Not that they shouldn’t have taken responsibility for it.”

Hammer jerks a thumb toward the speakers. “Maybe the king has some kind of plan for stopping them once and for all.”

Luna appears sober at this. “Yes, I do hope that is the case.”

Guto continues. “After that particular incident, I came to the realization that these rebels were no longer a small threat to the Griffon Kingdom! No minor hindrance to our progress that could be left to their own devices! But instead, were bona-fide terrorists seeking to use whatever means necessary to carry out their selfish goals of taking over the kingdom!”

The crowd again boos as Ashe frowns.

“But that’s only part of their reasoning!”

Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “That may very well be, Ashe. But what King Guto said was true.”

Natalya nods soberly. “Right. Remember, they did hurt a lot of innocent griffons that day.”

Gallus clenches a talon angrily. “And younglings too.”

Hammer folds her arms over her chest. “There really is no way to justify doing something like that.”

Luna taps the tabletop with a hoof. “Yes. That and it is a leader’s job to safeguard their population as best they are able. King Guto knows that he must act.”

As the din dies down, Guto again speaks.

“The number of dead and injured griffons from that day speak for themselves! And as such, justice must be served to the guilty parties! I have just received word from General Blackbeak that he has successfully raided a rebel meeting and captured an extremely large number of their membership in the process!”

Cheers cry out as Ashe grimaces. Arc puts a hand on her shoulder as they continue to listen.

“They are being processed as we speak in our dungeon and will be publicly tried just as soon as I conclude this speech! As there is no real defense for such atrocities, I don’t believe such a process will take very long! However, as per our nation’s laws, they must still be given a fair trial! And as such, anyone whom suffered injury or loss from their actions in the past are invited to come forward and address the court in this matter!”

He pauses momentarily before continuing.

“But rest assured that justice will be done this day! This rebel cancer will be cut out and the nation will move past these terrorists and their actions! Of this I promise you all! Thank you for listening and please stay tuned as this broadcast will begin airing the trial itself very soon!”

Sighing, Arc turns to Ashe.

“It would appear that this is the end of the rebels.”

Ashe bows her head. “So it would seem.”

Natalya appears confused. “But isn’t that sort of a good thing? I mean… I understand their complaints and why they feel the need to rise up. But at the same time, resorting to straight up murder isn’t helping their cause.”

Gallus scoffs. “Yeah. I thought their ideals would help the commoners. However, it turned out that they weren’t any better than the government.”

Gabby looks out the window. “The treaty with Equestria helped them more than anything the rebels ever did!”

Luna sighs. “Indeed. Up until this point, I thought there was a chance for them to come to terms with Equestria’s slow and steady progress with the Griffon Kingdom.”

Ashe quickly stands. “I have to go.”

Natalya turns to her. “More paperwork to do, ambassador?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No. I need to attend the trial.”

Gallus raises an eyebrow. “Uh… why?”

“Because the king is going to execute the rebels!”

Hammer frowns. “But that’s a good thing, right?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Not necessarily. But I’m sure that the king only plans to allow those whom would respond accordingly to be allowed to attend that trail and speak.”

Natalya shrugs. “Agreed. Even after that explosion, a large percentage of the commoners still support the rebels and their ideals.”

Arc stands and turns to Ashe. “We should go over there and see the trial for ourselves.”

“And say a few words too.”

Luna bows her head. “It isn’t likely that there is anything that any of us could say that would change the outcome of this situation though.”

Hammer looks to Arc. “Should I escort you and the ambassador over there?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Gather some guards and ready the chariot for transport.”

“Yes sir.”

Hurrying away, Hammer moves to carry out her orders as Luna slowly stands.

“I suppose I should come with you as well.”

Natalya gasps. “But that would be extremely dangerous for you, Princess Luna!”

Gallus motions with a talon toward the window facing the city. “Yeah, there’s probably going to be a lot of griffons there to testify as well as others wanting to watch the proceedings.”

Gabby points to the overhead speakers. “You should just listen to it on the radio with us here in the ship!”

Luna shakes her head. “No, I’m going with Arc and the ambassador.”

Arc sighs. “But Luna…”

Luna interrupts him as she walks out the door. “End of discussion!”

Ashe looks to Arc whom shrugs. Turning, they also move to follow Luna toward the Cargo Hold. Arriving, they find Luna already sitting aboard the open air chariot. Approaching her, Arc is the first to speak.

“Luna, I’d really like to talk you out of this.”

Luna continues to stare straight ahead. “My mind is made up, Arc. I’m going.”

Ashe sighs and boards the chariot. “Very well, Princess Luna. But so are Arc and I then.”

“You don’t really have to though. After all, it’s not likely that we’ll be able to change anything here.”

Arc joins them in the chariot. “Maybe not, Luna. But I’d still like to come.”

Ashe smiles. “Me too, your highness.”

Luna shrugs. “Very well. I can’t exactly force either of you not to come, after all.”

A short time later, Hammer enters the Cargo Hold with a number of Royal Guards at her heels. Motioning for a number of them to hitch up to the carriage, she turns to Luna and salutes before speaking.

“Hitched up and ready to go, Princess Luna.”

Luna nods. “Very well, lieutenant. Then let us be off.”

Turning, Hammer motions to the stallion nearest the exit. He salutes and presses the button to open the door. As it does so, Hammer takes her place at the front of the procession. Turning, she looks to the stallions hitched to the chariot and calls out loudly.

“MOVE OUT!”

Stepping forward, the chariot begins moving down the ramp. As they make their way down to ground level, Arc turns to Ashe and lowers his voice.

“This doesn’t look good for your former companions.”

Ashe nods nervously. “Not at all. I just hope they haven’t captured my former commander.”

“Still have feelings for him?”

Ashe shakes her head. “Not really, no. After the whole carriage bomb fiasco, I really saw him in a new light.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Then why…?”

Ashe interrupts him. “Because without him to lead them, the rebels are finished.”

“That’s kind of a good thing at this point though.”

“Maybe, yes. But at the same time, they really only wanted basic necessities.”

Arc frowns. “So much so that they were willing to kill for it though.”

Ashe sighs. “That was probably just a small cell though. Or perhaps even just my former commander working alone.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Either way, they were connected to it back then and still chose to stay even after the fact.”

“Everyone knew the risks and what they might be called to do one day.”

“Give their life for the cause.”

Ashe nods. “Myself included.”

“You’re not planning on turning yourself in at the trial, are you?”

“No, I wasn’t. After all, what would that even accomplish? And it’s not likely that I’d be believed anyways.”

“That and it would reflect negatively on Equestria. Remember, we’re already on thin ice as it is after what Hammer did.”

“Trust me, that much I do understand, Lord Arc. I’m just going there to show my silent solidarity for my fellow companions.”

As the chariot leaves the Skyport they see innumerable griffons all making their way down the street. While many crowd the skies, still more both young and old make their way via the street. Hammer calls out loudly and frowns.

“MAKE WAY FOR PRINCESS LUNA AND LORD ARC!”

They attempt to do so, but with limited results. Arc calls out to her.

“I don’t think they can move enough to allow the chariot to advance any further, Hammer!”

Hammer groans. “Talk about a grade A-1 traffic jam!”

Luna looks up at the skies. “It would appear that only chance of making it there before the trial begins would be to fly to the Aviary.”

Ashe sighs. “Agreed, Princess Luna. But Lord Arc and Lieutenant Hammer don’t have wings, your highness.”

Arc stands. “Just go. I’ll find a way there somehow.”

Nodding, Luna and Ashe spread their wings and quickly take flight. They fall into line with the others flying toward the Aviary as Arc hops off the chariot and makes a beeline for Hammer. Looking all around, he turns to her.

“Take the chariot and guards back to the ship.”

“What about you though?”

Arc looks to the Aviary. “I have to be there.”

Hammer shrugs. “Ain’t no way you can make it through this mess though. Unless you’ve got wings that I don’t know about.”

Arc chuckles. “I’ll be okay. Just get back to the ship and listen to the trial on the radio with the others.”

Hammer nods soberly. “Yes sir. But might I speak freely?”

“Go ahead.”

Hammer grabs Arc by the front of his raiments and pulls him in for a passionate kiss. They share an embrace for a few moments as they continue making out. Eventually Arc breaks it and smiles at Hammer.

“Be safe on the way back, lieutenant.”

Hammer grins. “You too, handsome.”

Nodding, Arc watches as Hammer turns to the stallions and calls out.

“Alright, back it up! We’re returning to the ship now!”

She aids the stallions in carefully turning the chariot around before leading them back the way they came. Arc looks around for inspiration as he walks slowly with the others down the street. Eventually he connects the dots and grins.

“Now I have a plan.”

Blinking up onto a nearby rooftop, Arc looks around before Blinking onto another roof some distance away. Repeating the process innumerable times, he eventually makes his way to the Aviary gates. Arriving, he sees that a horde of griffon citizens stand at the main entrance pushing and shoving as the guards bar their way. General Blackbeak calls out in a loud voice in an effort to address them.

“THAT’S ENOUGH! THE ROYAL AUDIENCE CHAMBERS ARE NOW FILLED TO CAPACITY! EVERYONE ELSE WILL HAVE TO LISTEN TO THE TRIAL ON THE RADIO!”

Although everyone hears him, no one makes any kind of attempt to leave. Instead, they appear to push forward even harder. Blackbeak looks to his guards and groans.

“They aren’t listening.”

“What should we do, sir?”

General Blackbeak shrugs. “Nothing we can do really. They outnumber us ten thousand to one.”

A citizen sees Arc hop down from a nearby rooftop and calls out.

“Hey! There’s Lord Arc!”

“He’ll make them let us in!”

“Make way for Lord Arc!”

The griffons move as best they are able to allow Arc to advance. Reaching General Blackbeak, Arc breathes a sigh of relief and addresses him.

“Good day, general. It looks like I’m a bit late.”

Blackbeak salutes him. “Yes sir. However, I’m sorry to say that the Audience Chamber is already full to bursting.”

“Did Princess Luna and Ambassador Ashe make it here safely?”

Blackbeak nods. “Yes sir. In fact, they were the last ones let into the Aviary before the order came to seal the main entrance.”

Hearing this, the citizens begin crying out.

“We want to hear too though!”

“Yeah! The king said that we could all be at the trial!”

Blackbeak groans. “I’m sorry, but everyone will just have to tune in on the radio!”

“And who has one of those?!”

“Not me!”

“They’re too rich for my blood!”

“None of us can afford those things!”

“And every shop that does have one is full too!”

Arc looks to the general. “Is there somewhere around here that I can buy one? A radio, I mean.”

The general points a talon. “There’s a store over there that sells such things. However, he’s barred the front door to keep out looters and thieves until the trial is over.”

Arc gazes out past the crowd to the shop in question. He sees that the bars have been lowered over the front entrance and an elderly griffon sits behind them scowling. Making his way over to the shop as best he can, he reaches it and calls out to the proprietor.

“Hey! You have any radios to sell?!”

The shopkeeper nods. “I do! But I’m not selling anything until this thing is over!”

“I need one though!”

“Sorry, we’re closed!”

Arc reaches for his ring and pulls out a bag of money. “I can pay for it though!”

“I can see that! But the moment I open these gates I’ll be swarmed with looters!”

“Then just pass me one through the bars!”

“Already tried doing that for someone else whom had the money! It didn’t fit!”

Groaning, Arc Blinks through the bars to reappear before the shopkeeper. Surprised, the griffon falls backward off his chair. Arc extends a hand in an effort to help him up.

“How about now?”

“I suppose I can sell you one then.”

Arc gestures to the other griffons outside behind the gate. “And them?”

“Ain’t nobody out there has any money though.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. Give me every radio you have.”

The shopkeeper raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

Arc removes a number of bags of coins from his magic ring. “I said that I want every radio that you have.”

Shrugging, the griffon walks Arc into the shop. The young man puts the radios into his magic ring on at a time after paying the shopkeeper for them. Pointing to an electrical outlet, Arc continues.

“Mind if I put one out here so others can listen in?”

The shopkeeper shrugs. “Whatever.”

Arc leans down and plugs one of the radios in. After tuning it, he turns the device toward the gate and calls out to those gathered.

“Alright, some of you should be able to listen in from here!”

Blinking back outside, he pulls a radio from his ring before continuing.

“The rest of you can have one from me if you’re willing to plug it in somewhere to allow everyone around to hear it!”

Nodding, griffons approach Arc one by one and are handed a radio. They take flight and disperse in all directions. Eventually, Arc gives out the final one and calls out.

“That’s all of them! Everyone find a place to listen!”

Much of the crowd disperses to do as Arc says as the general makes his way over to Arc.

“That was a very Generous thing of you to do, Lord Arc.”

Arc shrugs. “As King Guto said in his speech, everyone deserves the chance to hear the trial, sir.”

“Very true. However, instead of complaining like everyone else did, you found a way to make it happen.”

“Just doing what I could.”

“And as it turns out, there is room in the Audience Chambers for one more.”

Arc smirks. “Is there now?”

Blackbeak nods. “Yes sir. A space was saved for me. However, as things stand, I don’t think I can leave the gates unattended. You can have my spot.”

“Thank you, general.”

Leading him back toward the Aviary’s main gates, General Blackbeak motions for the guards to allow Arc to pass. Entering the Aviary courtyard, Arc is quickly escorted inside and to the balcony where Luna and Ashe are standing together. They appear confused as he approaches. Ashe is the first to speak.

“How did you get in here, Lord Arc?”

Luna nods. “Yes, we were told there would be no more admittance after us.”

Arc chuckles. “Just lucky I guess.”

Ashe nods approvingly. “That’s pretty impressive considering how long it must have taken you to get here via the street.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, I kinda did fly.”

Luna appears impressed. “How so?”

“Blinked from rooftop to rooftop. Did I miss anything though?”

Ashe shakes her head. “No, but I think it’s about to start.”

Gesturing to a side door opening, the trio watches as a large number of griffons are led into the Audience Chamber in chains. Arc leans in close to Ashe as he whispers.

“How many is that?”

“Pretty much everyone from what I can tell.”

Arc sighs. “It all ends here then.”

As the griffons are led and forced to kneel before the seat of power, King Guto emerges from the opposite direction and takes his place on the throne. Looking to those gathered before him for a long moment, the king speaks to those whom have come to witness the trial.

“These are the rebels whom have plagued our nation for years. They stand here now accused of high treason, terrorism, murder, attempted murder, assault, battery, and larceny.”

The king pauses as he looks down the line of defendants.

“How do each of you plead?”

None of the accused speak. After a long moment Guto continues.

“If none of you will cooperate with these proceedings and defend yourselves, I will have no choice but to move on.

Again, silence reigns. Leaning back on the throne, Guto narrows his eyes.

“I assume that all of you already know of the punishment for such things. So we shall move on.”

Looking to those gathered, the king calls out loudly.

“Anyone whom was a victim, or was in any other way affected by this group whom stands before us may approach the stand to give their testimony.”

A line forms behind the stand. Innumerable griffons give their testimony against the group for several hours. Eventually they reach the end of the line. Guto looks around as he speaks.

“Is there anyone else to testify before I render my verdict?”

Everyone looks around silently at one another. But no one steps toward the stand or calls out. However, as the king opens his mouth to speak, a voice rings out.

“I would speak!”

Everyone looks up to see Luna looking to the king. He raises an eyebrow, clearly confused.

“Princess Luna. I wasn’t aware that you had cause to bring testimony before this group.”

Luna puts her front hooves up on the guardrail. “I do, yes. Some time ago, while I was attending a formal dinner here in your kingdom, I was attacked by a rebel assassin wielding a crossbow.”

Guto nods. “Very well. Your cause is accepted and you are free to approach the stand.”

He gestures to the witness stand as Luna flaps her wings and takes flight. Making the short flight down to the stand, she sits down at it and looks to the king as she waits for permission to speak.

“You are free to give your testimony now, Princess Luna.”

“Thank you, King Guto.”

Clearing her throat, Luna points a hoof at the group of the accused before speaking.

“Some time ago, I was personally attacked by one of these rebels. I believe that they sought to do me great physical harm in order to bring shame unto the Griffon Kingdom and its government. However, I was spared the pain and embarrassment of such an attack by none other than Lord Arc himself, as it was he whom took the bolt meant for me through his hand.”

Guto looks to the defendants. “Do you see your assailant here today, Princess Luna?”

Luna shakes her head. “I do not. However, I must point out that such would be very difficult to do, as they were wearing a mask at the time of the attack.”

“So you would like to press general charges against the group then?”

“No, King Guto.”

Guto appears confused. “I don’t understand your reasoning, Princess Luna. For what other purpose could you have come forward?”

“Merely to tell the public of my own altercation with this rebel group. And to say one thing to them and to you, your highness.”

“Go ahead.”

Luna looks to the rebels. “I just wanted to say that I don’t hold any of you accountable for the events of that night.”

Those gathered gasp and murmur amongst themselves as Guto frowns.

“But I thought you said that they attempted to cause you great bodily harm, Princess Luna!”

Luna nods. “That is correct, King Guto.”

“Then how can you say that you don’t hold them accountable for their actions?!”

“Because they believed that such an act was the right thing to do at the time. That they were imperiled by my presence within their country. And for that reason, I would like to officially say that I, and by extension Equestria, do not hold the rebels at fault for what they did on that night. Thank you.”

Standing, Luna flies back up to her place next to Arc and Ashe as those around them appear confused at her testimony. Looking around, King Guto calls out.

“Is there anyone else whom would like to give testimony in this matter?”

“I would, your highness!”

Looking up again, the king sees Arc raising his hand in the balcony. Frowning, Guto calls out to him.

“You too have been affected by the accused, Lord Arc”?

Arc nods. “Yes, your highness. As just stated, the crossbow bolt meant for Luna pierced my hand and caused me to be poisoned by a substance on the tip.”

“Very well then, Lord Arc. You have shown that you have legal standing in this case and may approach the stand.”

Jumping from the balcony, those below gasp momentarily before Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell to slow his fall. More or less magically gliding nimbly down, he lands skillfully to stand between the king and the accused. Looking to King Guto, Arc speaks.

“Your majesty, as one whom has personally been attacked by the rebels in the past… I would like to take this opportunity to speak on their behalf.”

Those assembled murmur in confusion as the king looks to Arc skeptically.

“Are you here to make some sort of plea for leniency, Lord Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really, King Guto. I already understand that as the legitimate ruler of the Griffon Kingdom, you are certainly free to uphold your laws and do with your citizens as you see fit. However, I merely wanted to come down here and point out a few things that the court should take into account before rendering its verdict.”

Guto groans as he leans back on the throne. “Very well, Lord Arc. Make your point so that we may proceed.”

“Thank you, King Guto.”

Turning, Arc points a finger at the rebels as he looks to the king and speaks.

“Your majesty… when you spoke previously about these individuals that stand here accused of many serious crimes, you referred to them collectively as ‘rebels’. And I don’t think anyone here could deny that their actions in the past were certainly in line with such a definition. We all know what the punishment is for such things in pretty much any country. After all, death has been known to stop rebellions in the past on my home planet.”

Arc steps toward the king, making certain not to take his eyes off the monarch as he continues pointing at the rebels.

“But I don’t believe that it’s a rebellion that you’re truly trying to stop here.”

He turns to look at the rebels.

“It’s progress.”

The onlookers look to one another, clearly puzzled at this as Arc again speaks.

“These griffons, whom stand here now accused of the numerous charges your brought forth today, most certainly did not initiate the dissent which now runs rampant through your entire country, King Guto. Their eagerness to take a stand against the Griffon Kingdom’s current regime merely reinforces the social differences between the commoners and the aristocracy. Something that was already very well established before they decided to act. I imagine that those whom stood up first became a symbol to which others could look to as being the moniker of change.”

Returning his gaze to the king, Arc continues.

“You, King Guto, have the authority and means to punish these whom stand before you. And in doing so you may be able to silence those symbols here today. But that does not mean the death of the meanings behind that which these symbols represent. No ruler in this or any other land be they mayor, governor, princess, king, or even of an emperor… can hope to stop the force of progress once it has taken root.”

Walking to stand in the center between both the king and the rebels, Arc again points to the accused as he looks to the king and speaks soberly.

“Be warned, King Guto. The execution of the rebel leadership as well as those whom follow them… may elevate these simple commoners to the status of martyrs. And martyrs… martyrs cannot be silenced.”

There is an eerie hush over the room as Arc and the king cooly stare each other down for several moments. Eventually King Guto breaks the silence and speaks.

“Thank you for your testimony and advice, Lord Arc.”

Nodding, Arc turns and walks in the direction of the balcony. Blinking back up to his place with Luna and Ashe he looks to them.

“That’s all I can do.”

Ashe smiles nervously at him. “Thank you for that, Lord Arc.”

Luna nods soberly. “Yes. The rest is up to the king now.”

Turning, they look down at the proceedings as King Guto looks around and calls out again.

“Is there anyone else whom wishes to speak now before judgment is rendered?”

No one steps forward or says anything. The king nods silently as his gaze returns to the accused. Looking at them evenly, he speaks.

“I… King Guto of the Griffon Kingdom, hereby find every defendant guilty of the crimes levied against you. And as such, you are all sentenced to death by beheading. A fitting tribute to the death of your pitiful revolution.”

He motions with a talon to the guards. They step forward and lead the prisoners from the Audience Chambers. Looking all around at those assembled, the king speaks in a clear voice.

“This court… is adjourned.”

Standing, he quickly leaves the chambers through the door in which he entered. Luna’s ears droop as she looks to Ashe.

“I’m sorry, ambassador.”

Arc nods soberly. “We did what we could.”

Ashe sighs. “It’s alright. After all, the king clearly had his mind made up even before he entered the room.”

Luna turns and looks down to where the rebels had been standing. “So… how long do they have to live?”

Ashe looks away. “Executions here in the Griffon Kingdom are traditionally done at sunset. It’s supposed to be a last bit of mercy to allow the guilty party to see one final sight of beauty before they’re killed.”

Arc frowns. “Mercy. I don’t think this country even knows the meaning of the word.”

Luna bows her head. “It is not our place to judge how other lands conduct their business, Arc.”

“I know, Luna. But… this is one matter that’s going to keep me up at night for quite some time.”

Luna looks out a nearby window. “It’s nearly sunset now though, Ashe.”

“If the king follows traditional procedure, the rebels will be led straight from here to the inner courtyard. For something as controversial as this, he probably won’t allow the executions to be public though.”

Arc grits his teeth. “So they’ll die alone.”

Ashe shakes her head. “Not exactly, Lord Arc. They’ll still have each other.”

Luna nods soberly. “The bonds of warriors transcend mere friendship and can lead to even stronger feelings of attachment.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet sadly. “Say what you will about this matter, the end result will still be the same.”

Luna chimes in. “Perhaps we should get back to work on…”

Arc interrupts her as he creates a portal. “No, Luna.”

Ashe appears confused. “Lord Arc?”

“We’re going back to the ship and flying it back to Equestria tonight.”

Luna gasps. “But what about…?”

Arc cuts her off again as he steps toward his portal. “I don’t know about you two, but I for one have had just about enough of this country to last me a lifetime.”

Comments

[Booster Spice]

So who sold out all the members all at once through all the distributed seperated isolated groups? They obviouslt couldnt be expert taught or trained as only the patsys wouldve been discovered to ddistract from the montrous brutal hardcore.

Like Arc should remember from Earth history given his interactions also. Unless something is making him deny such a capability could ever exist in happy happy joy joy horse land.

[Comet_Chaser]

With how deeply seated corruption and abuse of power runs through there, there's honestly no hope for that country. It's just too deeply ingrained into their society to remove. Shame really, the griffs deserve better.

[Hye]

11815545
Yeah. It looks like the best way would be to rip out the roots of the royalty and nobility completely while reeducating the rest.

[Kamahido]

11815289
A strong military task force could have taken them down at any time. Eyes and ears everywhere in their totalitarian regime, and all that. However, the king always viewed the rebels as not being worth the time and effort to take out. So when he finally got tired of their antics, it only took a single order to have them rounded up.

[Kamahido]

11815545
Arc never truly gave up hope that change could come to the Griffon Kingdom. Slowly and through generations, that is.

The Griffon Kingdom is like any other nation where the governing body controls everything. The commoners are decent enough folks whom just want to live their lives peacefully. However, they don't have any kind of avenues to bring such a thing about, as those at the top think they know what's best for everyone.

[Rotkiv Steelmug]

“My carriage!”

I sense an "Avatar: The Last Airbender" reference here... ended up reading that line like someone destroyed a cabbage cart

[Kamahido]

11816572
While that wasn't my intention, now I can't unsee it.

I thought I made that reference elsewhere in the story. But when I checked my master file for that quote, nothing.