//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 - Mission of Justice // Story: The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds // by Kamahido //------------------------------// Rarity giggles as they continue the conversation. “This is nice.” “What is?” “Just… talking. Arc chuckles. “Yeah. It’s a good chance for us to get to know more about one another. But I did want to say something.” “Oh?” “I was kinda surprised that you and the others didn’t object to going back to Ponyville.” Rarity sounds surprised. “Why would we?” “With Decimus more or less taking over things I figured you’d want to stay.” “We did talk about that before the others left, yes. However, every one of us has a job to do here as well as friends and family that needs us. That and Decimus hasn’t actually hurt anypony other than the Hammers.” Arc sighs. “Not really sure if that’s reassuring or not.” “I did talk to the mayor about what’s been going on lately. She told me that Decimus hasn’t even been here for some time.” “What? Does she know where he went?” “He flew back to Canterlot shortly after we left. Probably to help defend the castle, and Princess Celestia, from you.” Arc frowns. “That will make this a bit more difficult then.” “Arc?” “I was kinda hoping he wouldn’t be with Celestia when I faced her.” “You didn’t want to fight them both, right?” “That’s not it. I just figured it would be harder to convince her that I’m not a bad human if I have to kill Decimus right in front of her.” “Oh… I suppose that does make sense.” “But it looks like that isn’t going to be an option anymore. Not sure what’s going to happen when I do this now.” Rarity sighs. “Me either. But if things degrade over here I’ll gather the others and make a trip to Redemption Village.” “Good idea. Why don’t you and the other head there now though?” “What for?” Arc groans. “Because you five need to be kept safe. I never should have sent you back to Ponyville with Decimus on the loose.” “While I do appreciate the thought I don’t believe we’re in any real…” “Rarity, please. Call the others and tell them to pack a few things before heading to the village.” “Well… all right then. We’ll leave tonight as soon as it gets dark.” “Thanks. I’ll come get you when this is over.” Rarity giggles. “Hopefully soon.” Arc’s earring chirps. “Hold on a second, Rarity.” Putting the receiver down, he touches his earring. “Go ahead.” Lemon Hearts’ voice fills his ear. “Sir, we’ve just received confirmation that the ship is fully loaded and ready for takeoff.” “Very good. Have Thunderlane get us in the air as soon as possible.” “Our destination, sir?” “Canterlot.” “Yes sir. We’ll get underway in a few minutes.” “Thank you. Arc out.” Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection as he picks up the telephone receiver with the other. “Looks like we’re about to get in the air.” Rarity sighs. “Guess we have to cut this short.” “Until next time.” “Hopefully soon, my love.” “Yeah. Take care, Rarity. Love you.” Rarity makes kissy sounds into the receiver before hanging up. Squealing happily, she trots in place. Meanwhile, Arc leans back in his chair as a knock on the office door rings out. “Come in.” The door opens and Eidolon’s Ward enters. “Is this a good time?” “Always! But where have you been, Cherry?” “I found a few books that looked interesting last night and sat down to read them. However the castle’s ambiance wasn’t to my liking.” “Oh? But that library is massive!” “A bit TOO big for my tastes. So I took the books to The Equinox’s smaller library and read them there. But when I finished the last one, I felt vibrations below.” “That must’ve been the last of the cargo being loaded. We’re about to take off.” “Oh? Where to?” “Canterlot.” The ship takes off with a start. Arc stands and heads for the door. “And that’s my cue.” “To do what?” “Address the crew. They need to know exactly what we’re trying to do. And why.” “Can I come along for the ride?” “Sure. But you kinda have to now that we’re in the air.” They make their way to the Bridge. Entering, Tight Ship stands and looks to him. “Hero of Light on the Bridge.” Arc gestures out the main window. “I see we’re on our way.” Soarin nods. “Yes sir. All systems are running normally.” Wrangler grins. “Including the weapons and O.R.B. systems!” Moon Dancer looks to him. “Sir?” “Yes, Moon Dancer?” “We haven’t yet been briefed on the scope of our mission yet.” Thunderlane frowns. “It’d be nice to know what to expect, sir.” “Agreed. In fact, I came here to do just that. Lemon Hearts, I need to address the entire ship.” Nodding, the mare gives him a microphone. Pushing a few buttons, she nods. Arc clears this throat and begins to speak. “Attention all crew and troops. We’re now in the air and on our way to our destination. I’m sure you’re all wondering where we’re going and why. The truth of the matter is… right now I need your help. At this very moment we’re flying to Canterlot Castle to bring down a traitor whom I believe has corrupted, enslaved, or in some other way is controlling Princess Celestia. This traitor is… supposed Hero of Light Decimus.” The crew gasps as Arc continues. “While this may be a distasteful endeavor, we need to put the collective needs of the nation first. As for Princess Celestia herself, I will do everything in my power to take her into custody peacefully. However, if she will not come quietly, I am fully prepared to do my sacred duty as the true Hero of Light. Rest assured that if such a thing comes to pass Princess Twilight will rule the nation until the return of Princess Luna to Canterlot. I want to be perfectly clear on this… we are not going there to overthrow the government. Rather, we are going there to restore it. While I am expecting heavy resistance, I also have every confidence that everyone here is ready and able to do what is asked of them. Unlike the Royal Guards in the castle, all of you have been trained and drilled daily since coming under my command. And now it’s time to put that training to the test.” Arc frowns before speaking again. “My squad and other friends will lead the charge along with all of you while I take on Decimus and Princess Celestia. As you all know, only I have the legal right, means, and abilities to take down a ruling monarch of Equestria and another Hero of Light. It is for that reason I have decided to undertake that part of the mission alone. Everyone will be expected to do their duty so as to bring this matter to an end. That is all.” He motions for Lemon Hearts. With a shaky hoof she presses the button to shut off the intercom. Tight Ship stands angrily. “Sir! Do you actually plan to KILL Princess Celestia?!” “No. If nothing else I need to take her in alive.” “But you just told everypony…!” Arc interrupts him. “That is a last resort, captain. It’s what she would want us to do. That is… if she could see what she’s done.” Tight Ship stomps a hoof angrily. “I do not agree with…!” “Think what you want. But we all have a duty to the citizens of this land. And I WILL carry out that duty to the best of my ability.” He looks at the stallion evenly for a moment before continuing. “You have my word that I will do everything in my power to reason with and take Princess Celestia into custody for medical and psychiatric treatment. But if that isn’t possible… I’ll do what I have to.” Tight Ship nods soberly, his eyes narrowed. “Very well… sir. You do what you have to, and I’ll do what I have to.” “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Turning on his heel, Arc leaves the Bridge. Tight Ship heads for his office as he calls out to Soarin. “You have the Bridge, commander.” “Yes sir.” Slamming his door, the crew looks to one another. Lemon Hearts is the first to speak. “What was that all about?” Soarin bows his head. “The captain is a close and personal friend of Princess Celestia.” Thunderlane sighs. “That makes this kinda complicated, doesn’t it?” Wrangler nods. “Maybe he doesn’t want to command the Bridge on a mission like this.” Moon Dancer looks around. “But we all have our jobs to do.” Lemon Hearts shrugs as she looks over her console. “And if Princess Celestia really is a danger to the country, she does need to be removed from power. I mean… we all know what Decimus did in the past.” Soarin grits his teeth. “Yeah. And now he’s Hero of Light.” Wrangler grimaces. “It just don’t seem right!” Thunderlane turns to Moon Dancer. “Do you suppose Hero of Light Arc was serious?” “About which part?” “Taking down a princess.” Soarin sighs. “Yes. But given his actions in the past, I do believe him when he says that really will be a last resort.” Meanwhile, Arc looks out the window and sighs. “This isn’t going to be easy. But it has to be done.” Cherry calls out to him. “You’re worried, aren’t you?” “Of course. While this isn’t the first dangerous thing I’ve done, it will be the first time I’ve openly defied a princess.” “And one whom has already nearly killed you.” Arc clenches a fist. “She won’t have the chance to do that again!” “Don’t underestimate Princess Celestia, Arc! She’s more powerful than anypony knows!” “How so?” “There’s innumerable legendary acts written about her in the history books.” Arc rolls his eyes. “Which she probably helped write.” “Maybe some of them have been exaggerated, yes. But you have to admit that her magical abilities are certainly powerful enough to take you down. Even with your armor on.” Arc nods soberly. “It was heavily damaged, of course. However I believe that had it not been, that fight may have gone differently.” Cherry sighs. “I suppose she did have the element of surprise on her side as well.” “That too.” “Just don’t get overconfident. I don’t know if your body could survive being blasted out another window!” “Me either. So I’ll have to be more careful if we do indeed fight again.” “She wouldn’t be alone either.” “Yes, I’m sure Decimus will be there along with a contingent of soldiers as well.” “No, Arc. Somepony else would be there.” “Twilight?” “Twilight.” Arc shakes his head. “Well, I’m not fighting her!” “You may not have a choice, Arc!” “I’m told she’s very loyal to Celestia.” “Normally that would be an admirable trait.” Arc sighs. “Agreed. But in this case she’s standing with a crazed mare.” “Can you at least try to convince her to not interfere?” “I have to. The only other option would be to fight her first.” “And I can’t imagine Princess Celestia taking that lying down.” “Agreed. But I should probably do something before we arrive at Canterlot.” “Oh? What’s that?” Arc shrugs. I dunno. “How about you rest? As Sereb once said ‘a tired warrior is soon a dead one’.” “Please don’t word it like that, Cherry.” “He’s right, you know. If you don’t properly prepare for a battle, your strength may fail when you need it most.” “Yes, well… I suppose a bit of a nap wouldn’t hurt. And it’s going to take a while to get to Canterlot.” “You should make use of this time then.” “All right. Then I will.” “Might I come along for the ride?” “Sure. I’d like the company, after all.” Eidolon’s Ward open to allow him inside. Entering Arc’s head, Cherry giggles. “It’s good to be back in here.” Arc chuckles as he recalls his armor. “Welcome home then.” Walking down the corridor Arc soon reaches his room. Lying down on the massive bed he closes his eyes. Sometime later his earring chirps, waking him up. Sitting up he shakes his head to clear it before touching the earring and calling out. “Yes?” “Lemon Hearts here, sir. We have the capital in visual range and will be reaching the castle in about half an hour.” “Alright. Bring the ship up to red alert and tell everyone to get ready for battle.” “Aye, sir.” “I’ll join you on the Bridge shortly. Arc out.” Touching his earring, Arc severs the connection and stands up. Walking to the door he turns and heads down the corridor. Hearing the alarm klaxon going off he nods soberly. “We’re really doing this. I wish it didn’t have to be this way, but…” As he passes his office the door opens and a hand pulls him inside. “What the…? Hammer, now isn’t the time to…!” The lights turn on to reveal Wiseman standing before him. Arc groans. “Great. Look, I really don’t have time for whatever games you’re playing right now.” “No games, I assure you.” Cherry calls out. “Is something…?” Wiseman turns to Arc. “You need to call Rarity!” “But I just talked to her a little while ago. If I call her now I’ll just look like an obsessed boyfriend, or something.” “It cannot wait until later!” “What?! Did something…?!” "Do it!" Arc frowns as he touches his earring. “Arc to Bridge.” “Lemon Hearts here. Go ahead, sir.” “I need a line opened up to Carousel Boutique in Ponyville again.” “Yes sir. Shall I patch the call through to your office?” “I’m there now, yes.” “One moment, sir.” “Thanks. Arc out.” Heading for his desk, Arc sits down to wait. Glaring at Wiseman, he groans loudly. “While I do enjoy speaking to her, there are other things I should be doing right now to prepare for our assault.” Wiseman glowers at him. “This is more important, I assure you.” A few moments later the phone rings. Picking it up Arc waits for them to be properly connected. As they are a shrill voice calls out. “Whomever this is, send help!” “What?! Rarity, it’s Arc!” “Oh, thank Celestia! We need you back here now!” “Calm down, Rarity! What’s going on!” “I was just sitting in my bedroom when I heard Rainbow Dash yelling at somepony! Looking outside I saw her being tackled and dragged away by Royal Guards! She saw me and screamed for me to call for help! They’re pounding at my front door as we speak!” “The guards are?!” Rarity nods frantically. “Yes! We didn’t DO anything though!” “Jump out the window and make a run for it then!” “They’re outside the window too! We’re trapped!” The sound of Sweetie Belle screaming something rings out as Rarity gasps. “Arc, there’s smoke coming from town! I think the guards are…!” There is a colossal crash as the sound of breaking wood and glass fills Arc’s ear. The sound of screaming fills the air for a split second before the line goes dead. Gritting his teeth he slams the receiver down and looks to Wiseman. “Why didn’t you warm me of this sooner?!” “I just did!” Arc pushes past Wiseman and runs down the corridor. Entering the Bridge, Soarin announces him. “Hero of Light on the…” Arc hurries over to the helm. “Thunderlane, change course!” “Sir?” “Get the ship to Ponyville as fast as you can!” Moon Dancer appears surprised. “What about stopping Princess Celestia, sir?” “We’ll come back to that! Right now Ponyville is under attack!” Wrangler gasps. “Say what?!” “I just got off the phone with the owner of one of the businesses there! She says there’s fire and that the guards are forcing their way into her home!” Thunderlane nods. “Course changed, sir.” “Good! How long will it take to…?!” Arc suddenly falls to the floor, unconscious. Lemon Hearts runs over to him with Soarin, Wrangler, and Moon Dancer. Wrangler reaches him first and turns to Lemon Hearts. “What the heck happened?!” “I’ll call for Redheart!” Moon Dancer looks him over. “Perhaps he snapped from the stress, sir.” Soarin shrugs. “I suppose that is possible.” A figure steps onto the Bridge in a navy blue cloak. Wrangler gasps and lunges at him. Sidestepping, Wiseman allows her to pass before grabbing one of her rear hooves in midair and holding her out. “No need for alarm. Arc is merely unconscious due to a spell I cast on him.” “Put me down!” “Gladly.” Letting go, the mare falls to the floor and lands on her head. Getting up, she takes a battle ready position as Wiseman points to Arc. “I think you have more pressing matters to attend to right now.” Moon Dancer frowns. “Such as…?!” “Carrying out your orders. Arc was indeed correct. Ponyville is currently under siege and in need of aid.” Soarin turns to the helm. “Thunderlane, full power to the engines! Get us there, and I mean NOW!” “Aye, sir!” Wiseman steps aside as Redheart runs onto the Bridge. She looks Arc over and turns to Soarin. “What happened?!” “He just collapsed.” Wrangler points a hoof. “Yeah! This varmint says he used a Sleeping Spell on him!” Redheart looks around. “Who?” As the crew raises their heads they see that Wiseman has vanished. Thunderlane frowns. “Where did he…?!” Tight Ship emerges from his office and looks around. “Commander, what is going on out here?” “A strange being came and apparently put the Hero of Light to sleep.” “What?!” Redheart looks up. “It’s true, sir. He’s simply unconscious.” Lemon Heart nods. “Right before the incident he ordered the ship to fly to Ponyville though.” Moon Dancer appears nervous. “He claimed it was under attack.” Tight Ship shrugs. “That seems rather unlikely. But if it means he stays away from Princess Celestia then we’ll investigate his claims.” Redheart sighs. “I’ll bed him down in the Infirmary.” “Good idea. Wrangler and I will transport him there.” With some difficulty, Arc is lifted on Soarin and Wrangler’s backs. They leave the Bridge and head down the corridor together followed by Redheart. Tight Ship takes his place in the captain’s chair and looks to Thunderlane. “Full speed ahead to Ponyville.” “Yes sir. Commander Soarin already gave the order.” Moon Dancer nods. “Right. We’re on our way.” Tight Ship turns to the comms. “Lemon Hearts. Are you picking up any distress calls?” Lemon Hearts shakes her head. “No sir. I’ve already scanned all frequencies and heard nothing.” Thunderlane raises an eyebrow. “Nothing? As in nothing suspicious?” “No chatter whatsoever. This in and of itself is quite strange, sir.” Tight Ship frowns. “What about the standard military channels?” “Dead.” Moon Dancer puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “While it is possible that there is literally nothing going on, there does exist the possibility that somepony is intentionally jamming all radio signals.” Thunderlane gasps. “Is that… possible?” Moon Dancer nods. “Over a small area, yes. Anything bigger than a town would require a concentrated effort though.” Lemon Hearts shrugs. “I’ve certainly never heard of such a thing being attempted before, as there’s really no reason to do such a thing.” Moon Dancer sighs. “That’s not completely true, Lemon Hearts.” “Oh? What reason would there be for…?” “To prevent somepony from calling for help.”