The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds

by Kamahido

Chapter 3 - Hydra Village

Arc, Ember, and Brightwing make their way toward the Hydra Village with Brightwing in the lead.

“Are you sure you know where you're going, runt?”

Brightwing nods! “Brightwing will help you!”

Ember frowns. “That doesn't really answer my question, you little...”

Brightwing suddenly stops and sniff the air!

“This bad thing! I am ready for battling! Are you ready, friend?”

Arc looks around. “What is this ‘bad thing’ you speak of small one?

As if on cue, a large horde of what can only be described as pterodactyls descends on the group! Brightwing smiles!

“Do you think we should attack now? I do!”

Arc brings out his spear and stands with Ember! “Stay safe, Brightwing! We'll handle this!”

Brightwing flutters toward the monsters! “It is time to attack the bad monsters!”

Ember chuckles! “Finally, we agree on something!”

“Here they come!”

The creatures attack in what appears to be a squad formation. Brightwing smiles and advancing fearlessly!

“Let us make their insides... outsides...”

Arc turns to Brightwing! “Fine, whatever! Just be careful!”

Arc and Ember both spear their assailants and throw them at their comrades!

“They're not so tough!”

Arc looks around! “They're testing us! Looking for weaknesses!”

Brightwing looks at the pair and giggles happily!

“You sure are good at murder!”

“Brightwing! Look out!”

Brightwing Blinks away just in time to avoid being dive-bombed! Her assailant finds itself suddenly impaled by a sharp branch behind where the small dragon previously was! She looks to her attacker, happily!

“This will only hurt until you die!”

Ember breathes fire at several opponents! “They just keep coming!”

Brightwing smiles! “I agree! Yes, I do!”

Arc is knocked down by half a dozen of the creatures! “Little help here?!”

Brightwing flutters toward Arc, smiling. “Brightwing will help you! Yes, yes!”

She lands in front of Arc and spreads her wings wide! Suddenly magical winds blow outward in all directions throwing them off Arc!

Brightwing grabs Arc’s gauntlet in her toothless mouth in an effort to help him stand up! “We are the best! We will win without a doubt!”

The rest of the creatures turn tail and flee!

Arc looks after them as he stands. “I guess they had enough.”

Brightwing flies over to one of the dead creatures and smiles! “Doing bad things is bad! And now you are dead!”

The little dragon flies over to another dead creature.

“Did you suffer greatly?! I hope so!”

Arc turns to her and makes a face. “Uh Brightwing...? Can you not do that please? It's kinda freaking me out!”

Brightwing nods. “Okay friend!”

Arc walks over to Ember to help her up. She grimaces!

“Ow! Easy!”

“Ember! You're hurt!”

Ember holds her side as blood oozes from a wound. “Don't worry about me. It's just a scratch. I'll be fine.”

Brightwing flies over to Ember, happily! “Friends be healed!”

Ember pushes Brightwing away! “Get away from me, you little freak!”

Brightwing appear sad. “Oh, I do not want to do this!”

Arc looks to Ember. “Uh... is it just me, or did the bleeding just stop?”

Ember looks at her wound, surprised! “That's strange. Dragons are known for their regenerative nature, but this is extraordinary!”

Brightwing nods! “Friend was in trouble! Needed help!”

“Do you need me to carry you Ember? Now I know dragons don't like to be seen as weak, but...”

Ember shakes her head. “No. I'm actually feeling okay!”

“What? How?!”

Ember looks at Brightwing. “Did you... have anything to do with this?!”

Brightwing smiles! “Yes, I will!”

“But why?”

The baby dragon flutters around carefree! “Being alive is much better than dead! But that is what you deserve for being mean!”

Arc shakes his head at Brightwing’s grammar. “We should move on. But before we do...”

He opens a portal to Light's Hope and uses his magic to pick up the half dozen or so dead creatures and tosses them through.

“What are you doing?”

“It would be a shame to waste the meat!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Do you ever think of anything other than food?”

“Sure! I also think of eating!”

She throws her claws up in a futile gesture and rolls her eyes. “I got nothing!”

The group continues on their way with Brightwing again in the lead. Arc turns to Ember.

“How do you suppose she did that?”

Ember shrugs. “No idea. I've never heard of a dragon, much less a whelpling, being able to use healing magic before!”

“The Dragon Lands certainly have their share of mysteries.”

“I'll say.”

Arc looks at Ember’s side. “How's the wound?”

“It's completely healed now! I'm not trying to sound ungrateful but... I would really like to know how that’s possible.”

“Well let's not look a gift horse in the mouth, shall we?”

Ember looks confused. “What?”

“I mean, let's just be grateful and not worry about it.”

“Fine.”

Soon they arrive at the base of a large mountain. Brightwing flies around in a celebratory manner.

“Yay for us! That was done well!”

Arc looks around. “Are you saying we're here Brightwing?”

The little dragon nods happily!

Ember frowns! “But there's nothing here! Where's the village?”

“Brightwing did good thing!”

Ember turns to the fluttering dragon. “You got rocks in your head?! THERE'S... NOTHING... HERE!!!”

Brightwing spits at a small rock nearby. It rolls toward the mountain, but instead of stopping when it hits the rocky outcropping, it disappears!

“What the...?!”

“Brightwing has secret for friend! Does friend know secret?!”

Arc looks at Brightwing. “Is the secret that the mountain is an illusion?”

Brightwing happily nods her head. She turns to look in the direction from which them came before channeling some kind of strange magic.

“I must fly away now, very fast!”

In a flash of light Brightwing is gone.

“Would it be a safe bet that Brightwing just teleported back to the Dragon Lord?”

Ember nods. “I would say so yes, but... I wouldn't mind knowing how she did that!”

“What do you mean? Don't all dragons have magic?”

“Yes. While some are stronger than others, we all have at least some magical ability. However, to use Dragon Magic for a long-range teleport like that is VERY taxing on our mana!”

Arc thinks back to his recent trip to Tartarus. “Yeah... I figured that out the hard way.”

“I don't know if even my father has the magical prowess to do such a thing! To say nothing for a whelpling!

Arc thinks for a moment. “We should ask the Dragon Lord about this later. But for now, we should keep moving.”

Embers looks at the illusionary rock before them. “Well... shall we?”

“Scared?”

Ember shakes her head! “No!”

Arc looks at her, not saying anything.

“Okay... maybe a little...”

Arc holds out his gauntlet toward Ember.

“Together then.”

Taking Ember's claw in his gauntlet, the pair walk slowly toward the mountain. Meeting no resistance, they effortlessly pass through it! What they see before them takes their breath away!

Arc looks at the scene before them, wide-eyed! “WOAH! I did not see that coming!”

“It's... paradise!”

Before them spread rolling hills, lush green (and huge) trees, bubbling brooks and docile wildlife!

“Ember?”

“Yes?”

“Um… you can let go of my hand now.”

She looks to Arc with a devilish grin on her face. “Why?”

“Well, for starters, we ARE on a diplomatic mission here. I don't want the hydra getting the wrong idea about us.”

Ember lets go of Arc's gauntlet. “Aw... you're no fun! So, where do you think the hydra are?”

As if on cue, the earth beneath their feet begins to tremble! A moment later two large hydras burst through the ground directly below them! The pair are thrown high into the air! Ember quickly spreads her wings and grab Arc's hand!

“HANG ON, ARC!”

“DO I HAVE A CHOICE?!”

A moment later tendrils grab Arc and Ember! They are slammed to the ground roughly as their assailants come into view!

“HUNTERS!!!”

“AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, THEY STILL COME FOR US!”

“DON'T LET THEM ESCAPE! THEY'LL BRING OTHERS!”

Arc jumps up! “Wait! We're just here to see Hydra Prime Ikis!”

Ember stand! “That's right! I'm...”

“LIES!!!”

One of them points a tendril to Arc!

“THIS ONE WEARS THE SCALES OF OUR BRETHREN AND REEKS OF PONY STENCH!”

“WE WILL AVENGE OUR FALLEN COMRADES THIS DAY!”

Arc looks at his armor! “Now hold on just a minute! This isn't what it looks like!”

One of the hydras hurls a large boulder at Arc and Ember! “DIE!!!”

Ember dodges it! Turning back to the errant hydra, angrily! “That's it!”

Raising her spear, she and calls forth her power.

"All right! Let's do this!”

Holy Dragoon Ember lunges at the pair in anger as Arc calls out after her.

“EMBER! WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE HERE ON A PEACE MISSION, REMEMBER?!”

She looks back at Arc. “WELL, THINGS WILL BE A LOT MORE ‘PEACEFUL’ AFTER I KNOCK THESE TWO OUT!”

Arc facepalms. “This can't be happening...

Ember punches one of the hydras in the face. He staggers back to fall on his comrade.

Holy Dragoon Ember lands and taunts her opponents. “IF ARC CAN BEST ONE OF YOU, I SHOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM DOING THE SAME!”

“THE DRAGON ADMITS HER AND HER FRIEND HAVE KILLED OUR KIND!”

“THEY MUST BE STOPPED HERE!”

As the hydra collect their wits for another attack, Ember flies headlong at them!

“I’m gonna knock the two of you into next week!!!”

The hydra turn around! Together they pick up a large boulder and heave it at Ember! She smashes through the bolder, not slowing down!

“Oh no you don't!”

Moments before Ember collides with the hydra, Arc grabs her with his magic and forcefully pulls her back to him! Catching her, he sets her down next to him!

“Stop it now! We didn't come here to fight!”

Holy Dragoon Ember turns to Arc angrily! “Well, what else do you expect me to do?!”

“Let me handle this!”

She folds her arms over her chest. “Okay, but if they take another shot at me, it... is... ON!!!”

The hydra charges forward as Arc calmly walks toward them. He kneels down and places a strange sigil on the ground. Standing, he touches the scale on his shoulder! The ground begins to shake! A moment later the Marquis bursts through the ground under the sigil with Arc on his head and roars loudly!

“ARC?! YOU CAME!”

Arc looks down, still on his friend’s head. “I told you I would when I had time. However at the moment we appear to have a failure to communicate with the hydra welcoming committee here.”

Seeing the Marquis, the other hydra cease their attack! The Marquis turns to his brethren.

“DO NOT WORRY! THESE TWO ARE WITH ME!”

One of the hydra points a tendril at Arc. “BUT MARQUIS! THIS ONE WEARS OUR SCALES AS A TROPHY!!!”

“THAT AND HE AND HIS COMPANION HAVE THE SCENT OF PONIES ON THEM!”

The Marquis points a tendril at Arc. “THIS IS THE ONE I SPOKE OF UPON MY RETURN! IT WAS BY HIS HAND THAT I WAS FREED FROM TARTARUS! HE AND HIS COMPANION ARE TO BE REGARDED AS FRIENDS! HYDRA PRIME IKIS HIMSELF HAS EXPRESSED A DESIRE TO MEET WITH ONE AS SELFLESS AS HIM!”

“BUT...!”

The Marquis interrupts him. “THAT AND IF HE HAD WANTED TO, HE COULD HAVE VERY EASILY DEFEATED THE TWO OF YOU! CONSIDER YOURSELVES LUCKY HE IS SO PATIENT!”

“I SEE! FAR BE IT FROM US TO SPEAK AGAINST A FRIEND OF HYDRA PRIME IKIS AND THE MARQUIS!”

His companion turns to Arc. “PLEASE FORGIVE OUR EARLIER IMPERTINENCE!”

Holy Dragoon Ember turns to the pair, angrily! “Forgive?! You tried to KILL us!!!”

Arc puts a gauntlet on Ember's shoulder. “Let it go Ember! We're both fine, and that's really all that matters, right?”

Ember returns to normal as she recalls her power. “Fine...”

The Marquis looks to the other hydra. “YOU SEE?! A PARAGON OF VIRTUE!”

He turns to Arc and Ember.

“PLEASE FORGIVE MY BRETHREN! THEY ONLY WISHED TO PROTECT THE VILLAGE'S EXSISTANCE! COME! I WILL ESCORT YOU TO HYDRA PRIME IKIS, PERSONALLY!”

“Thanks!”

The Marquis, Arc, and Ember make their way down the path, leaving the two hydra behind.

Arc recalls his armor and turns to the Marquis. “So... what kind of hydra is your leader?”

“THE HYDRA PRIME IS VERY OLD AND WISE! HE IS ONE OF ONLY A FEW OF US WHO STILL REMEMBER THE OPPRESSION MY PEOPLE FACED AT THE HOOVES OF THE PONIES! I STILL REMEMBER A TIME WHEN HE WAS STILL YOUNG AND FULL OF ANGER TOWARD EQUESTRIA FOR WHAT THEY DID! HOWEVER, AGE AND TIME SEEMS TO HAVE SOFTENED HIS HEART ON SUCH MATTERS!"

Ember appears impressed! Wow! Exactly how old is he?”

“HE IS AS OLD AS THE MOUNTAINS, AND AS YOUNG AS A NEWBORN LAMB!”

“That doesn't really answer the question.”

The Marquis smiles! “INDEED IT DOES NOT! HOWEVER, IF YOU WERE TO ASK HIM YOURSELF THAT IS WHAT HE WOULD ANSWER!”

Arc nods. “Do you have any idea why he's interested in seeing me?”

“OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT HE SEEMED VERY IMPRESSED BY WHAT I TOLD HIM OF YOUR DEEDS? ON HIS LAST VISIT, DRAGON LORD TORCH WAS ALSO KIND ENOUGH TO VOUCH FOR YOUR CHARACTER, ARC! HE ALSO TOLD US A FEW MORE STORIES OF YOUR MORE RECENT EXPLOITS THAT HAD REACHED THE DRAGON LANDS!"

Ember laughs. “You hear that Arc?! You're famous!”

Arc sighs. “Hooray for me...”

“Is that a problem?”

“I'm not completely sure but... I would guess that fame comes with a heavy burden.”

Ember looks confused. “What do you mean?”

Arc thinks for a moment before responding. “Well, let's use the princesses as an example. They're probably the most famous mares in all the land after all! Everyone knows their names. Everyone knows their faces. Everyone absolutely LOVES them, right?”

Ember nods! “I guess. What are you getting at?”

“Let's say they suddenly feel like going to visit an old friend. If it was me, I could simply walk there or take the train. However, if they were to do the same, they wouldn't be able to take more than a dozen steps without being mobbed by their loyal subjects showering them with adoration!”

“That really doesn't sound as bad as you make it out to be Arc.”

“It seems like it would get old quick. Hopefully I never get THAT popular.”

The Marquis nods! “A WISE STATEMENT! SIMILARLY, WE HYDRA LIKE TO STAY UNDER WRAPS AS IT WERE!”

The trio continues on their way. Soon they reach their destination! As they enter the village, they see it is comprised of many subterranean dwellings! As the other hydra see Arc and Ember they quickly flee into their homes! The Marquis turns to the pair and looks at them apologetically.

“DO NOT TAKE IT AS AN OFFENSE YOU TWO! THEY ARE SIMPLY UNUSED TO SEEING NON-HYDRA WALKING THEIR STREETS!”

“It's okay, Marquis. I went through this in Ponyville when I first arrived.”

Ember nods. “Yeah, me too. Dragons aren't exactly a welcome sight in Equestria either.”

The Marquis leads the pair to what is the only above ground building in town. It appears to be the Town Hall. They enter the building together to see a very old hydra sitting in front of a large fireplace.

“IKIS, THE HUMAN I SPOKE TO YOU ABOUT HAS COME!”

He turns to face Arc and Ember slowly. “WELCOME, ARC OF EQUESTRIA! WE HAVE HEARD MANY GREAT THINGS ABOUT YOU! MY GOOD FRIEND THE MARQUIS HERE SPEAKS QUITE HIGHLY OF YOUR ACTIONS AND DEEDS!”

Hydra Prime Ikis looks at the insignia on Arc's shoulder.

“I SEE THAT THE STORIES OF YOU BECOMING EQUESTRIA'S HERO OF LIGHT ARE WELL FOUNDED! IF WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD IS TRUE, AND I HAVE NO REASON TO DOUBT IT, EQUESTRIA HAS NOTHING TO FEAR FROM IT'S ENEMIES!”

“Thank you for the vote of confidence. Oh! I'm sorry. My friend here is Ember. She's Dragon Lord Torch's daughter.”

Hydra Prime Ikis nods to her. “AH YES! IT HAS BEEN MANY YEARS SINCE I LAST SAW YOU, LADY EMBER! IT IS GOOD TO SEE YOU HAVE GROWN UP INTO A FINE YOUNG DRAGON!”

Ember looks confused. “Sorry, but I don't remember the meeting.”

“I WOULD BE SURPRISED IF YOU DID! YOU WERE BUT A WHELPLING! ONLY A FEW DAYS OUT OF THE EGG! I JOURNEYED TO PYRESTON TO CONGRATULATE THE DRAGON LORD ON BECOMING A FATHER! I'M SAD TO SAY I HAVE NOT KEPT IN TOUCH BETTER OVER THE YEARS! I HOPE HE IS WELL!”

“Yes. He is still in vibrant good health and good spirits!”

The hydra prime looks back to Arc. “I HEAR YOU EVEN SURVIVED THE DRAGON LORDS WRATH!”

Ember nods. “My father stopped before he reached Arc fortunately.”

Arc smiles. “Fortunately for him!”

“He would have crushed you, Arc!”

“I could have taken him!”

Ember narrows her eyes. “No, you couldn't have.”

Arc laughs! “Yeah, I know.”

All assembled enjoy a good laugh!

“AH, IT FEELS GOOD TO LAUGH! WHO KNOWS HOW MUCH LONGER I WILL HAVE THE CHANCE!”

The Marquis turns to his friend. “A GOOD MANY YEARS, I'M SURE!”

“ONE CAN BUT HOPE! IN ANY CASE... IT IS ALMOST SUPPERTIME! WILL THE THREE OF YOU JOIN ME AS MY GUESTS OF HONOR?!”

“BUT I JOIN YOU EVERY MEAL, OLD FRIEND!”

Hydra Prime Ikis nods! “YES, OLD FRIEND, I KNOW! BUT I DIDN'T WANT YOU TO FEEL LEFT OUT! HOW ABOUT YOU ARC? LADY EMBER?!”

Arc nods! “Thank you. I would be honored!”

“Sounds good to me! I'm starved!”

Hydra Prime Ikis shambles forward slowly. “VERY WELL THEN! FOLLOW ME!”

He leads them outside. A great many hydra have come together to partake in the communal meal. They seem a bit unnerved at the sight of outsiders

“CAN I HAVE EVERYONE'S ATTENTION PLEASE! TODAY WE HAVE THE GREAT HONOR OF HOSTING GUESTS FROM ABROAD!”

Hydra Prime Ikis gestures to Ember.

“THIS IS LADY EMBER, DAUGHTER OF DRAGON LORD TORCH!”

All the hydra bows at what Arc perceives to be their waists out of respect as Hydra Prime Ikis gestures to him.

“WE ALSO HAVE THE GREAT HONOR OF HAVING A GOOD FRIEND OF THE MARQUIS HERE WITH US TODAY! THIS IS ARC OF EQUESTRIA! HE WAS THE ONE WHO SAVED THE MARQUIS FROM TARTARUS, DEFEATED THE DEMON KING'S ARMY SINGLE-HANDEDLY, LIBERATED AN ENTIRE TOWN AND CURRENTLY SERVES AS EQUESTRIA'S HERO OF LIGHT!"

The other hydra are unsure of what to do or say, so they remain silent.

Ember mutters under her breath. “Awkward...”

“I HOPE EVERYONE WILL SHOW MY FRIEND THE SAME RESPECT THEY EXTENDED TO ME UPON MY ARRIVAL! WHILE HE MAY LOOK QUITE DIFFERENT FROM US, HE HAS PROVEN HIMSELF TO BE A TRUE FRIEND!”

Hydra Prime Ikis nods! “WELL SAID! NOW, WE MUST EAT!”

All the assembled hydra sit on the ground in small groups. A member of each group brings forth a large platter of various meats and sets it in the middle of their respective group. The hydra use their tendrils to pick up their food as they see fit! A younger hydra sets a large platter on the ground in front of Hydra Prime Ikis. He motions with a tendril to Arc and Ember.

“PLEASE! HELP YOURSELVES MY FRIENDS!”

Ember nods! Thanks! Don't mind if I do!”

“Thank you. I shall!”

Arc and Ember sit on the ground and partake of the meaty goodness! Although neither of them can figure out what any of the meats are, they are quite tasty nonetheless. They eat their fill. The Marquis turns to Arc and Ember.

“AFTER SUPPER IT IS TRADITIONAL TO PARTAKE IN THE ‘STAY AWHILE AND LISTEN’!”

Ember looks confused! “Listen to what?”

Hydra Prime Ikis looks over to them. “EACH OTHER! WE SIT AND TALK, SOMETIMES AT GREAT LENGTH, ABOUT WHATEVER WE FEEL LIKE! IT HELPS MAINTAIN THE PROPER LEVEL OF COMMUNITY AWARENESS!”

Arc nods. “What kind of things do you discuss?”

“WHATEVER COMES TO MIND! LIFE, LOVE, OUR FEELINGS, THE WEATHER, MOST ANYTHING!”

Ember looks around at the other hydra. “Very interesting! Although I must say, the name is a bit... strange. How did this tradition get started?”

Hydra Prime Ikis has a faraway look in his eyes. “IT WAS SOMETHING MY PREDECESSOR AND I DID TOGETHER FOR MANY YEARS BEFORE WE WERE FORCED TO FLEE OUR FORMER HOME! EVERY EVENING AFTER SUPPER HE WOULD SAY TO ME ‘STAY AWHILE AND LISTEN’!”

Hydra Prime Ikis appears lost in his own memories for a time.

“SADLY, HE DID NOT MAKE IT HERE! AFTER WE MADE THIS OUR NEW HOME, I EXPANDED THE RITUAL TO INCLUDE THE ENTIRE TRIBE!”

“It sounds very therapeutic.”

“INDEED! EVERYONE WAS ON EDGE IN THIS STRANGE NEW LAND. WE WERE FEARFUL FOR THE FUTURE BACK THEN! WE USED THIS AS A WAY TO HELP CREATE A SENSE OF NORMALCY AND TOGETHERNESS!”

Arc turns to Hydra Prime Ikis. “Might I ask you a question sir?”

Hydra Prime Ikis laughs! “GO AHEAD! BUT ONLY IF YOU PLAN TO STAY AWHILE AND LISTEN.”

Arc nods. “Our good friend the Marquis told me about the history between the hydra and the ponies of Equestria. I was wondering how you felt about ponykind after all this time?”

Hydra Prime Ikis makes a sound between a sigh and a growl! “I AM ONE OF ONLY A FEW HYDRA WHO STILL REMEMBER FLEEING FOR OUR LIVES FROM THE HUNTERS AND THEIR CAGES! I... I WISH I COULD SAY I HAD MOVED ON FROM THAT TERRIBLE EVENT, BUT... IT APPEARS TIME DOES NOT HEAL ALL WOUNDS!”

The Marquis puts a tendril on his old friend’s shoulder. “WE ALL LOST MANY GOOD FRIENDS IN THOSE DAYS! THEY WILL BE MISSED!”

“I'm sorry for bringing up such a painful memory sir. Please forgive me!”

Hydra Prime Ikis shakes his head. “NO, NO! YOUR QUESTION WAS NOT INTENDED TO CAUSE PAIN OR SUFFERING! IT WAS PUT FORTH IN AN ATTEMPT TO GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING! THAT RIGHT THERE IS ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS FOR THIS TIME OF ‘STAY AWHILE AND LISTEN’!”

"I am an outsider... a foreigner in a strange land not meant to house me! Admittedly, when I first found myself in Equestria I too was apprehensive and frightened of what the future might hold for me! While there wasn't exactly a mob with torches and pitchforks following me around, it was at that time a rather... lonely existence.”

Ember looks at him surprised! “Really? I never knew that Arc! As long as I've known you, you've always seemed quite happy in Ponyville!”

Arc nods. “To tell you the truth, it actually took quite a bit to get to that point. Twilight and her friends were instrumental in helping me bridge the gap between the ponies and what they thought of humans.”

Hydra Prime Ikis looks to Arc. “HOW DID THEY DO THAT?!”

“Mostly by giving me a place to stay and a job. It helped me get around town and helped them see that I was, at my core, just like them!”

“WHAT OF THE LAND YOU LEFT BEHIND?!”

“My land of my birth is known as Earth. It is much bigger than this world, and filled with billions of humans! Most of them are good, but... some of them could learn a thing or two about manners!”

The Marquis nods understandingly. “DO YOU MISS YOUR HOME?”

"A bit. Equestria is my home now. I had to leave many things and a few friends behind. However, the way I see it, I gained much more in coming here than I lost."

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!”

“I've made so many wonderful friends in the past year or so! That and I now have something I never dreamed I would! A daughter!”

The Marquis nods. “I DO NOT BELIEVE I HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING HER WHEN LAST WE MET FOR TEA!”

“She's Derpy's daughter. She takes after her biological father in terms of appearance, but fortunately not his personality! I'll have to introduce you to her my friend! The two of you would get along famously!”

Ember nods! “That and she's just the cutest and sweetest little thing you've ever seen!”

“THANK YOU! I WOULD LIKE THAT!”

Ember looks over Arc's shoulder. “Uh... Arc?”

“Yes Ember?”

Ember points a claw behind Arc. He turns to find nearly the entire tribe has gathered behind him to listen!

Hydra Prime Ikis chuckles! “IT APPEARS YOU HAVE MADE QUITE THE IMPRESSION ON THEM ARC! WOULD YOU CARE TO ADDRESS THE TRIBE DIRECTLY?!”

“I guess I kinda have to at this point, huh?”

Ember nods! “Have at it!”

“VERY WELL! THE FLOOR IS YOURS!”

Arc stands to face the tribe. “I... uh... I guess what I want to say is... I'm sorry. Sorry for the way the Equestrian's treated you so long ago. From what I’ve heard, there really is no way to justify what was done. So much hydra blood was spilled... and for whom, for WHAT?! To wipe out an entire race just to acquire your humor?! Something you already gave freely to whomever needed it!”

Arc pauses a moment.

“I understand there really isn't anything I could do or say right now that would make the atrocities of the past disappear.”

The Marquis nods. “WE UNDERSTAND ARC! YOU HAVE DONE NOTHING BUT WHAT IS RIGHT IN MY EYES FOR AS LONG AS I HAVE BORN WITNESS!”

Ember smiles at Arc. “The Marquis is right! You shouldn't be forced to bear the sins of the past yourself!”

“I understand that Ember. However I am a representative of Equestria right now, and as you know I take my duties very seriously!”

Ember turns and mutters to herself. “You're forgetting about cupcake time, Arc.”

Arc turns back to the other hydras. “I hope that both the hydra and ponykind can move forward and leave the past in the past.”

Hydra Prime Ikis sighs. “YOU HAVE ASKED MUCH OF US, ARC OF EQUESTRIA! SUCH FENCES ARE NOT EASILY MENDED! HOWEVER, I AM WILLING TO GIVE YOUR LEADERS A CHANCE! BUT THAT IS ALL I AM WILLING TO SAY ON THE MATTER AT THIS TIME!”

Arc nods soberly. “Thank you Hydra Prime Ikis! Considering the circumstances, I cannot ask for more than that! I will let the princesses know when I return to Canterlot.”

“TELL THE PRINCESSES THAT I WOULD LIKE TO MEET WITH THEM ALONG WITH MY FRIEND THE MARQUIS!”

“I will relay your message personally when I return to my base.”

The Marquis turns to his old friend! “IKIS! YOU SHOULD MEET WITH THE PRINCESSES AT ARC'S BASE! IT IS VERY INFORMAL, AND HIS CHEF MAKES THE MOST WONDERFUL TEA!”

Arc nods! “It's fine with me. I'll even have some of those cupcakes you like so much on hand, my friend!”

The Marquis drools slightly! “CUPCAKES...!”

“THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO COME TO OUR VILLAGE AND SPEAK WITH US, ARC! IT MEANS A LOT TO US!

“It was my pleasure! Thank you for seeing us sir. But the hour grows late, and we must be getting back to Pyreston.”

“STAY SAFE OUT THERE ARC! AND KNOW THAT NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS BETWEEN THE HYDRA AND THE PONIES, YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE A FRIEND HERE!”

“Thanks! I hope to return soon with a favorable message.”

Arc stands and opens a portal. Ember turns to the Marquis.

“It was nice to see you again Marquis. I'll be sure to tell my father hi for you next time I see him.”

“THANK YOU, LADY EMBER! TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! YOU TOO ARC!”

Arc smiles and nods. “Farewell...”

The pair walk through the portal. It closes behind them. Hydra Prime Ikis turns to the Marquis.

“IT IS GOOD TO KNOW EQUESTRIA STILL HAS HEROES THAT DO NOT JUDGE BY THE OUTER APPEARANCES OF OTHERS!”

The Marquis nods. “INDEED!”

"TELL ME OLD FRIEND! DO YOU BELIEVE ARC WILL MAKE GOOD ON HIS PROMISE?"

“I DO! IF NOTHING ELSE, HE IS A HUMAN OF HIS WORD!”

Comments

[GleamingKyler111]

All right! Let's do this!”

“THE HYDRA PRIME IS VERY OLD AND WISE! HE IS ONE OF ONLY A FEW OF US WHO STILL REMEMBER THE OPPRESSION MY PEOPLE FACED AT THE HOOVES OF THE PONIES! I STILL REMEMBER A TIME WHEN HE WAS STILL YOUNG AND FULL OF ANGER TOWARD EQUESTRIA FOR WHAT THEY DID! HOWEVER, AGE AND TIME SEEMS TO HAVE SOFTENED HIS HEART ON SUCH MATTERS!”

“OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT HE SEEMED VERY IMPRESSED BY WHAT I TOLD HIM OF YOUR DEEDS? ON HIS LAST VISIT, DRAGON LORD TORCH WAS ALSO KIND ENOUGH TO VOUCH FOR YOUR CHARACTER, ARC! HE ALSO TOLD US A FEW MORE STORIES OF YOUR MORE RECENT EXPLOITS THAT HAD REACHED THE DRAGON LANDS!”

“WE ALSO HAVE THE GREAT HONOR OF HAVING A GOOD FRIEND OF THE MARQUIS HERE WITH US TODAY! THIS IS ARC OF EQUESTRIA! HE WAS THE ONE WHO SAVED THE MARQUIS FROM TARTARUS, DEFEATED THE DEMON KING'S ARMY SINGLE-HANDEDLY, LIBERATED AN ENTIRE TOWN AND CURRENTLY SERVES AS EQUESTRIA'S HERO OF LIGHT!”

A bit. Equestria is my home now! I had to leave many things and a few friends behind! However, the way I see it, I gained much more in coming here than I lost!

TELL ME OLD FRIEND! DO YOU BELIEVE ARC WILL MAKE GOOD ON HIS PROMISE?