The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds

by Kamahido

*Chapter 14 - Through the Gates of Hell

Early the next morning Arc, Ember, Derpy and Twilight, whom is clad in her Mithril Armor from the attack on Tartarus, all inspect the new command center still under construction. Twilight looks at the building’s skeleton in awe as she speaks.

“This is really impressive!”

Ember nods to her. “Agreed, Twilight. The princesses certainly didn't spare any expense on this place!”

Arc chuckles as he folds his arms over his chest. “To tell you the truth, I really am looking forward to seeing it completed. I took a peek at the blueprints yesterday and they really did think of everything.”

Derpy smiles widely. “Dinky and I can't wait to see it, Arc.”

Twilight points a hoof in the opposite direction. “In any case, I really do hate to be ‘that pony’ but shouldn't we get going?”

Arc turns away from the site. “Yes, you’re right Twilight. Let's move out, everyone.”

They make their way down the road toward their destination. Derpy walks next to Arc and looks around, confused.

“What about your squad? Aren’t they coming with us?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. I told them to meet us at the Gates.”

Ember grins. “What’s the matter, Arc? Didn’t want them spoiling the trip?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Spoiling?”

Taking Arc’s arm, Ember smirks wickedly.

“Admit it. You just wanted some alone time with me.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Yes you caught me, Ember. After all, we’re totally alone out here. No one else for miles.”

Twilight slows her gait and motions off to the side. “We could give you two some space if you’d like.”

Derpy nods. “Of course. Whatever would help.”

Arc shakes his head. “No thanks. After all, Ember was just joking.”

Ember groans as she turns to looks ahead. “Right. Just trying to lighten the mood.”

The party makes the trip to the Vile Tribe's new village. Upon entering it they are greeted by Mythic Honor whom calls out loudly.

“Ember! Arc! Good to see you two again! What brings you here today?!”

Arc approaches Mythic Honor and shakes his hoof. “Well, to tell you the truth, I was hoping you could give me some advice.”

“Sure I can! How about this?! Never ever wear stripes with plaid?!”

“Um... not quite the advice I was looking for. You see, my party and I are heading back into Tartarus to rescue a friend of mine. Any advice you can give us on the state of affairs in there?”

Mythic Honor points a hoof in the direction of the cave mouth. “We've kept a close eye on the Gates of Tartarus ever since settling here! The strange thing is, at least from what we can gather, is that the demons seem to have all but given up breaking out of Tartarus!”

Ember looks toward the cave. “What? But why? I mean, not that I’m complaining, but that’s really out of character for them.”

Mythic Honor shrugs. “I dunno! The only thing we can come up with is that they figure what's the point of breaking out of Tartarus?”

Derpy raises an eyebrow. “Wouldn’t that give them freedom though?”

“That it would, miss. But what’s the point of getting out if they will just be hunted down by strong heroes like you, Ember, and Arc?!”

Twilight appears hopeful. “I guess that the demons have more sense than I originally gave them credit for. This might actually go as planned.”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Unlikely. But I suppose stranger things have happened.”

Mythic Honor turns back to Arc. “Do you need the Vile Tribe to guard the Gates while you enter, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t see how that would help.”

Ember shrugs. “Yeah. After all, if something were to go wrong it’s not like you could rush in and help us.”

“Oh, okay! I’ll see you off for luck though!”

Mythic Honor follows the group into the cave and up to the Gates of Tartarus. As they approach he again looks to Arc.

“Say, as long as you're heading back inside anyways, would you do me a favor?”

“If there’s time, maybe. What is it?”

“You see, when we left the old hideout I had to leave behind many of our tribe’s secret tomes! They’ve been passed down from leader to leader since the first settlers, I believe. And I would hate to see the demons sink their claws into all the precious knowledge!”

Twilight gasps. “So you need us to save as many as we can?!”

Mythic Honor nods. “Right! If you could, would you four bring back as many as you can carry?!”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Uh, I’ve seen your place before. How do you expect us to be able to carry hundreds of tomes around?”

Derpy appears confused. “That sounds like it would be really heavy.”

Mythic Honor sighs as he bows his head. “In truth, I don’t.”

Arc frowns. “You mean…?”

“Take what looks to be the most important… and make a barbeque of the rest.”

Twilight’s eyes widen at this. “WHAT?! But we can’t DO that!”

Ember shrugs. “Why not, Twilight? I mean, they’re just books.”

“They may contain ancient knowledge of Tartarus! If we burn them, that information would be lost forever!”

Derpy puts a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “We’ll do our best to preserve what we can though.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “Then it will be up to you to figure out which ones are the most important.”

Twilight grimaces as her ears droop. “I… will do my best.”

“Good.”

Arc turns back to Mythic Honor before continuing.

“No promises, of course. But if there is time I will do as you ask, yes.”

Mythic Honor grins. “Thank you Arc! Oh, and congratulations on becoming the Hero of Light! I know you won't let Equestria down! Well, I need to get back to my projects!”

Arc turns to Ember as they approach the cave. “How much do you want to bet that the Town Hall here looks about as disorganized as the one he left behind?”

“I guarantee it!”

The sentries guarding the cave to the Gate of Tartarus move aside at Arc's advance and salute him.

“Sir! Several warriors recently passed this way. They claimed to be under your orders.”

Arc nods. “Yes, they’re under my orders. Are the still here?”

“Yes. They are inside.”

“Thank you. I’ll take it from here.”

The group enters the cave together. Derpy looks to Arc, clearly impressed.

“All the ponies here seem to really respect you, Arc! You're becoming really famous!”

Arc sighs. “Fame comes at a cost though, Derpy. I just pray it's not too high.”

As the party approaches the barrier, Arc’s squad silently walks toward them and salutes him. Ember jerks a thumb toward it is as looks to Arc.

“Well now, I do hope you have given some thought to how WE are supposed to enter Tartarus, Arc.”

Arc nods. “I have indeed. Twilight, would you and Derpy please stand on either side of me?”

The pair do so. Derpy looks up at him, clearly confused.

“Okay Arc. Now what?”

“Stay close to me.”

Twilight appears confused. “Come again?”

“Just trust me on this.”

Twilight shrugs. “Well, all right.”

Derpy and Twilight walk near to Arc as he crouches down and covers them with his cape. Nodding to the Gates of Tartarus, he speaks.

“Both of you start walking forward.”

The three do so. As they do so they pass effortlessly though the barrier. Arc doubles back a few times for his squad and Ember and does the same for them. As Arc enters Tartarus again with Ember he speaks.

“Alright, now we just have to... um Ember... you can let go of me now.”

Ember continues to hug Arc. “Just a few moments longer.”

Arc rolls his eyes as he looks to Derpy. “Better get your armor on. We need to be ready for anything in here.”

“Right!”

She holds the Spear of Hope up and in a moment is clad in her signature gold armor. Twilight looks around nervously.

“I do hope no demons saw that!”

Max looks to Arc. “Demons, sir?”

“Yeah, you see…”

Meanwhile, from the capital city of Vengeance, a sentry keeps watch. He calls for his commanding officer at the sight before him.

“Sir! That human is back again! And it looks like he's not alone!”

The commander runs toward the stairs as he calls out to his subordinate.

“I shall report this to the king personally! Don’t take your eyes off of them for even a moment!”

The sentry nods and salutes silently. Running down a number of flights of stairs and many different corridors the commander enter the Audience Chambers, approaches the throne, and bows respectfully.

“My liege! The human from before has returned!”

King Malevolence sneers. “What?! Is he alone?!”

“No, your majesty! He appears to be accompanied by his dragon companion Ember, the Templar pegasus, as well as that purple pony from last time! What reason could they have for coming back here though?!”

“He must be trying to release Equestria's last hydra!”

The commander salutes “What are your orders, sire?! Shall we send the army after them?!”

The king shakes his head vehemently. “No, you fool! Don’t you remember how well that went for us the last time?! We must use a... different approach entirely! And I think I have just the bait to do it!”

Meanwhile, Arc and his party make their way toward the Vile Tribe's former headquarters. As they arrive, Ember flaps her wings to ascend up to the ramparts. Opening the gates, she allows the group entrance. Derpy looks around the abandoned compound.

“What an awful looking place!”

Arc turns to Derpy. “It's really not so bad when you get used to it.”

Ember rejoins them and folds her arms over her chest. “Seriously?”

“Aw who am I kidding! This place sucked!”

Twilight looks around the yard. “What did you eat though? I didn’t see vegetation of any kind on our way here?”

Ember points to a nearby herd of beetles just outside the gates. “You see those large insects over there?”

Twilight nods. “Yes. What about them?”

Ember looks at Twilight for a long moment. Eventually Twilight puts two and two together and puts a hoof to her stomach.

“That’s just plain gross!”

Arc laughs. “It was either that or starve. They actually taste kinda like chicken.”

Derpy makes a face. “Ew!”

Arc closes the gate before walking over to his squad. “We should have a little privacy in here now.”

Xenos frowns. “Sir! Where... are we exactly?!”

Arc points to the outer wall. “I want all four of you to look out over the walls and tell me what you see.”

The four of them flap their wings and quickly do so as Arc and the others follow via the stairs. Looking in all directions, Max is the first to speak.

“I see... nothing sir.”

Hugh nods. “Yes, just barren ground as far as the eye can see.”

Xenos scoffs. “Yeah. It’s kinda depressing.”

Viktor turns to Arc. “Is there something we’re supposed to see, sir?”

“Yes indeed. Lads… welcome to Hell.”

Viktor appears confused. “Where, sir?”

“Tartarus.”

All four Lunar Protectors’ jaws drop in astonishment as Arc continues.

“This is where I lived for a few months with the Vile Tribe.”

Hugh looks over in disbelief. “Sir? You actually LIVED here?! In Tartarus?!”

Arc shrugs. “It wasn't the greatest time I've ever had, but yes.”

Max straightens up along with the others. “What would you have us do, sir?”

Xenos nods. “Yes, we weren’t actually briefed on what exactly the mission was supposed to entail, sir.”

Arc nods soberly. “I suppose I should rectify that then.”

Clearing his throat, Arc continues.

“We’re here on a secret mission to rescue a friend of mine who aided in our escape from this land recently. You four will stay here and guard this base.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Why though, Arc? I mean, it’s not like there’s an imminent threat of somepony conquering it.”

Derpy looks around at the dilapidated buildings around them. “And even if they did, I don’t see what it would gain anypony.”

Ember sighs. “We may need it as a fallback point if things get... messy out there with the demons.”

Arc nods. “Right. Xenos and Hugh will keep watch from the walls, stealthily I might add. Max and Viktor will go to the Town Hall and prepare to evacuate any and all tomes from the building.”

Max raises an eyebrow. “All of the books, sir?”

“Yes, all.”

Derpy gasps. “But I thought there were too many for us to carry in there, Arc!”

“Stack and bundle them together. I have a plan to get them all out of here.”

Twilight appears relieved. “Thank goodness!”

Arc gestures to the town. “Ember, Derpy, and Twilight, pick a house and get some rest. We need to be at the top of our game for the next phase of my plan.”

Ember waves a claw to the mares. “Come on. We can rest in my old place.”

Twilight grimaces. “Um… okay.”

Derpy yawns. “I could use a nap after all that walking.”

All assembled split up and carry out Arc's orders. A few hours later they reassemble in the center of town. Arc looks the group over as he speaks.

“Ember, Derpy, Twilight... are you ready?”

The three nod soberly. Arc turns toward the gate.

“Then let's go save a friend.”

Arc motions for Xenos to open the gates. He does so and the four step outside. He and Hugh salute as they watch the group start walking. Hugh looks to Xenos.

“Think they’ll be okay out there?”

Xenos sighs. “I guess our commander knows what he’s doing. After all, he is the Hero of Light.”

Hugh frowns. “But even he can’t take on an entire army alone!”

“Maybe not. However, I’m guessing that his plan is to avoid trouble here. That’s why we’re trying to keep a low profile right now.”

“Yes, well… who do you suppose this ‘friend’ of his is? I mean… they must be very important for him to risk his neck to save them.”

Xenos looks out over the terrain and sighs. “Who knows. But I do hope the risk is worth the reward.”

Meanwhile, Arc and the others continue on their way. Thankfully the trek to the Hydra Marshes is largely uneventful. Twilight looks around at the marsh and grimaces.

“This place is trashed!”

Derpy nods as she looks to Arc. “Do you suppose the demons are responsible?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Worse, much worse. I did this in my battle against the Marquis.”

Ember gasps. “Wait, what?!”

“It was the only way to get him to help me. Fortunately, we parted on good terms.”

Coming to a certain point, Arc stops walking and turns to the others.

“Alright everyone, spears in the ground!”

Arc and Ember plunge their spears into the dirt and hold them tightly. Derpy follows suit as she and Twilight hold the Spear of Hope together. Taking a deep breath, Arc shouts out as loudly as he is able.

“MARQUIS! IT’S ME, ARC! I’VE COME BACK TO GET YOU!”

The ground shakes violently for a few moments before the hydra emerges from his subterranean home. Turning to the visitors he calls out in his booming voice.

“AH, ARC! IT IS GOOD TO SEE THAT YOU ARE WELL!”

Looking to the mares and Ember, he continues.

“AND I SEE YOU HAVE BROUGHT A FEW MORE FRIENDS WITH YOU THIS TIME!”

Arc nods. “It’s good to see you as well, Marquis. Have you recovered from the previous battle?”

“YES! IT WAS NOT FOR ME AS BAD AS YOU THINK! I HAVE ENDURED MUCH WORSE IN THE PAST! BUT ENOUGH SMALL TALK! YOU HAVE NOT YET INTRODUCED ME TO YOUR FRIENDS!”

“I’m sorry. Where are my manners? Ember here you know!”

Ember waves. “Sup!”

“The purple unicorn is Twilight Sparkle. She’s the one whom originally brought me to Equestria. And the one who mistakenly sent me to Tartarus.”

She waves a hoof in his direction. “Please just call me Twilight.”

Arc gestures with a hand. “And the golden clad pegasus is Derpy. She is the one whose foal I told you about previously.”

“IT IS AN HONOR TO FINALLY MEET YOU ALL! ANY FRIEND OF ARC IS A FRIEND OF MINE! TO WHAT DO I OWE THIS VISIT?!”

“I have come up with a plan on how we shall free you from Tartarus, my friend. Today you shall see the outside world once more.”

“I KNEW YOU WOULD NOT LET ME DOWN, ARC! WHAT MUST I DO?!”

“The plan is actually quite simple. Twilight here knows a Matter Compacting spell. We’re going to shrink you down to size and carry you out of Tartarus in her saddlebags.”

The Marquis turns to Twilight. “A BOLD PLAN, TO BE SURE! I AM READY WHEN YOU ARE, LITTLE UNICORN!”

Twilight’s horn begins to glow. “Okay. Here goes nothing…”

She concentrates as a strange light envelopes the Marquis. He slowly shrinks in size until he is only about a foot tall. Arc steps forward and kneels down to him.

“How do you feel, Marquis?”

“I admit, it is a rather… odd sensation. You all look gigantic now! Perhaps this is how I appear to all others?”

Arc chuckles. “Pretty much. But let us not dawdle here. We need to get back to the Vile Tribe's old hideout and grab the books.

Ember nods emphatically. “Yeah, and get out of this hell hole!”

Derpy looks around nervously, her spear at the ready. “I agree. This place is not somewhere I want to be any longer than I have to.”

Arc carefully picks up the Marquis, turns, and places him in Twilight's saddlebag. After securing him the party turns and begins the walk back to the Vile Tribe’s hideout. As Xenos opens the gate for them Arc immediately makes his way over to the two Lunar Protectors on the wall.

“Anything to report you two?”

Xenos looks over to Arc. “Yes sir, I’m afraid so!”

Hugh points a hoof. “A large demon now stands in front of the Gates of Tartarus along with three heavily armed and armored demons! The three seem to be guarding something, but I can make out what!”

Ember clutches her spear tightly as she looks to Arc. “We can take them!”

Arc frowns. “Has there been any other movement from the capital city? I don't want any surprises.”

Hugh speaks as he continues to look through his spyglass. “No sir! Unless they can burrow underground, there do not seem to be any demonic reinforcement anywhere near those brutes!”

Twilight appears nervous. “Arc! This has got to be a trap!”

The Marquis pokes his head out of the saddlebag. “Indeed! The king of demons most certainly does not want to let us leave!”

Ember picks up a spyglass and takes a look herself. “It's strange though.”

Derpy joins Ember in looking out toward the Gates of Tartarus. “What is?”

“Considering the thrashing we gave him the last time, you would think that King Malevolence would be glad get rid of us.”

Arc paces for a moment as he considers this. “The king is no fool. He's planning something.”

Twilight groans. “But what?”

The Marquis sighs. “Sadly, I think there is but one way to find out.”

Arc looks to Twilight. “Agreed. But in any case, Twilight, I need you to get over to the Town Hall, shrink down those books, and load them into your other saddlebag.”

Twilight grins. “That I can do!”

As she hurries off, Ember turns to Arc.

“That just leaves the Town Hall itself.”

Arc nods. “Right. But it’s still full of Mythic Honor’s equipment and materials.”

Looking to Viktor, Arc continues.

“Think you could cobble together some kind of explosive device with them?”

Viktor nods. “I think so, sir. What’s my target?”

“As soon as Twilight, Max, and Viktor leave with those books I want you to rig the Town Hall to explode.”

Xenos raises an eyebrow. “But I thought we were supposed to be protecting this place, sir.”

Ember shrugs. “Not anymore. We’re going full ‘scorched earth’ here.”

Arc nods. “Right. I don't want anything left of it.”

Hugh salutes. “Yes sir. I’ll take care of it.”

Derpy grimaces. “Do we have to though? I mean, it must’ve taken quite a bit to put that place together.”

Ember nods soberly. “Like Mythic Honor said before we came in here. It’s better to destroy the Town Hall than let the demons have what we left behind.”

Thirty minutes later the books are loaded into Twilight’s other saddlebag and Viktor is planting the makeshift bomb. They make their way back to Arc on the ramparts. Twilight pats her saddlebag and grins.

“That’s all of them, Arc!”

Viktor salutes. “The charges are placed, sir. How long of a delay would you like me to program?”

“Set the timer for twenty minutes, but don’t activate it until we’re about to leave.”

Arc motions for everyone to gather around.

“Alright, here's the plan. Hugh, Max, and Viktor will take up positions behind the three demon soldiers and attack them at the same time when the signal is given. Can you three handle that?”

Max salutes. “Yes sir.”

Hugh grins. “They’ll never see us coming.”

Viktor looks out over to the Gates of Tartarus. “I can see a perfect vantage point to ambush them from here.”

Ember frowns. “What about whatever it is that the demons are guarding though, Arc?”

“As soon as those soldiers are down Xenos will grab whatever it is they are guarding and get it beyond the portal as fast as possible. Once the packages are clear you three will see to it that Twilight is escorted safely through the portal. Derpy, Ember and I will handle the Demon King when the signal is given. Everyone remember that this is a flight over fight plan here though. I want out of this place just as much as you do.”

Ember nods. “Sounds good, but what is the signal?”

“Viktor's bombs going off will start the plan. It will help us catch them by surprise. Viktor will start the timers now and get into position near the demons with his companions. We’ll give you three a five minute head start before we leave here and head for the Gates ourselves.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Sounds like it should work. I estimate that we will take about ten minutes to get there, leaving five minutes or so for you to talk to the king and see what he wants, Arc.”

Arc nods. “Right. Now then, get going away team.”

They salute and hurry to carry out Arc’s instructions. Taking flight, the squad leaves the base together as Arc looks out over the wall.

“Okay. We move out in five minutes.”

Ember runs up to Arc and kisses him on the cheek. “Arc... I... um… just in case we don't make it... I don't want to die with regrets!”

Arc nods and looks to his friends. “Ember, thanks. Derpy... Twilight... thanks for being such good friends.”

The four embrace for what feels like but a moment before Arc announces it’s time to move.

“Time to go. The three of you stay behind me.”

Doing as they are told, Arc leads them outside. Making their way to the Gates of Tartarus where King Malevolence and his three guards are waiting they continue walking until addressed by the king himself.

“THAT IS FAR ENOUGH, HUMAN!”

Arc smirks at the sight of the king. “Ah, King Malevolence! You're looking terrible as usual!”

The king laughs. “FLATTERY WILL GET YOU NOWHERE, RUNT!”

Arc pulls his spear. “How about a good thrashing them?”

King Malevolence looks at him and shakes his head. “BELIEVE IT OR NOT, I ACTUALLY DIDN'T COME HERE TO FIGHT!”

Arc looks over at the king’s guards. “Then what did you come here for? That's quite a small group you have there to try and stop us.”

The king gestures to his soldiers. “BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY THAT THEY WILL SUFFICE! I COME HERE IN PEACE HUMAN IN ORDER TO OFFER YOU A TRADE!”

Arc frowns. “A trade?”

“IF YOU WILL GIVE ME AND THE REST OF MY DEMON BRETHREN SAFE PASSAGE THROUGH THE GATES OF TARTARUS INTO EQUESTRIA, I WILL GIVE YOU THIS!”

Motioning to the cargo behind them, the king grunts.

“SHOW THEM!

The demon soldiers pull back the cloths laid on the ground to reveal a truly horrifying sight. Arc and his companions look over, sickened. Lying on the ground in front of the soldiers are three mares whom look as if they are on the verge of death. Only the slight heaving of their chests indicates any life left in them. Gritting his teeth, Arc takes a step forward angrily.

“You… YOU MONSTER!!!”

King Malevolence laughs heartily. “GUILTY AS CHARGED!”

Ember spreads her wings. “YOU!!!”

The soldiers aim their spears at the mare’s necks as the king shakes his head.

“TUT, TUT, TUT, EMBER! YOU WOULDN’T WANT ANY HARM TO BEFALL THESE THREE, NOW WOULD YOU?!”

Derpy looks over to the king angrily. “Where did you get them?!”

Ember sneers. “I thought demons didn't take prisoners!”

King Malevolence smiles smugly. “USUALLY, NO! HOWEVER, I DECIDED TO MAKE AN EXCEPTION DURING YOUR RECENT FLIGHT FROM TARTARUS! A FUTURE BARGAINING CHIP, IF YOU WILL!”

Looking to Arc, the king continues.

“ALL THAT I ASK IN RETURN FOR THEIR SAFE RETURN IS FOR YOU TO RELEASE US FROM THIS PLACE, HUMAN! AFTER MY SUBJECTS AND I ARE FREE, MY SOLDIERS WILL ALLOW YOU TO TAKE THESE THREE TO SAFETY!”

Ember clenches her spear tightly as she looks to Arc. “We can’t trust him though.”

The king scoffs. “I DON’T SEE WHAT REASON I WOULD HAVE FOR NOT KEEPING MY WORD HERE! AFTER ALL, ONCE I HAVE WHAT I WANT, YOU CAN HAVE WHAT YOU WANT! EVERYONE CAN WIN!”

Arc sighs. “It appears that I have no choice.”

Templar Derpy looks over to Arc, wide-eyed. “What?! No!”

Arc steps forward. “I helped my friends enter Tartarus by shielding them with my cape.”

King Malevolence looks at the cape. “BUT I AM FAR TOO LARGE TO FIT UNDER SUCH A SMALL RAG!”

“Very true. However, my unicorn friend here knows a shrinking spell which would allow you to fit.”

The king narrows his eyes. “Do it. But I must warn you, human. No tricks! When I am returned to normal size on the other side of the barrier, you may claim your prize!”

“Agreed. Twilight, do it.”

“Okay.”

Twilight focuses her spell on King Malevolence. Slowly but surely he begins to shrink down to manageable size. As she finishes Arc holds his cape up.

“That’s enough. Come, King Malevolence.”

Arc picks up the king and carries him through the barrier. The demon looks back and sees he is indeed out of Tartarus. Jumping down from Arc’s grasp, the demon king begins dancing around happily.

“I'm free! Hahahahahaha!!! After all these years, I’m finally free! Ah! The air here is so much sweeter than...!”

Arc mutters to himself. “Keep celebrating. Any moment now...”

A massive explosion comes from the Vile Tribe’s headquarters. Confused, the soldiers are momentarily stunned. In that instant they are pulled backwards and pummeled by the three Lunar Protectors. Xenos flies past them and grabs the injured mares quickly taking them to safety on the other side of the barrier. As he does so Arc grabs the miniature King Malevolence and dives through the barrier back into Tartarus.

“Back you go, slime!”

The king, seeing himself back on the other side of the Gates of Tartarus, screams out in a rage as Arc, Ember, Twilight and Templar Derpy all surround him.

“NO! I WAS SO CLOSE! YOU BETRAYED ME, HUMAN!!!”

Ember cracks her knuckles menacingly. “What should we do with this trash, Arc?”

Arc looks down at the king as he gets to his feet. “The worst possible thing I can think of!”

A wicked smile creeps across Ember’s face. “How about we torture him? Like he did to those poor ponies?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, worse. Much, MUCH worse!”

Templar Derpy looks over to Arc. “What could possibly be worse than torture though?”

“We’re going to… turn around and walk away.”

The king looks up, clearly confused. “WHAT?!”

Arc nods to his companions. “Let’s go, everyone.”

King Malevolence waddles after them. “WAIT! YOU DIDN'T REVERSE THIS ACCURSED SPELL!”

Arc looks over his shoulder as he walks away. “Goodbye, King Malevolence.”

The king screams out after him. “ARGH!!!”

Meanwhile, a mysterious being in a black cloak watches with a creature of glowing light.

“Mmmmm... not once, but twice has he beaten the Demon King. Arc truly is one of a kind.”

“He has become Equestria's new Hero of Light. What have you to say about that?!”

“Only that his powers of manipulation are legendary! You just watch! Eventually, when the time is right, Arc will take control of Equestria! Not by might, but silently from the shadows! He will have the support of the public and nothing and no one will stop him!”

“So certain of this, are you?”

“You can't deny that his authority has grown to match his power! His word now carries the same weight as that of the princesses!”

As its light fades away. “You are right, I cannot. However, I still have faith in Arc's character.”

“Heh, heh, heh... we will see about that.”

Comments

[Rdog03]

I love it when a plan comes together. #hadtobesaid

[Kamahido]

9661164
"I pity the fool!" :-D

[Wilddog88]

It’s discord who is on arc’s side isn’t it? And Celestia is against him.

[TundraicMagnus]

9661164
More along the lines of a plan falling apart.

[Kamahido]

10301848
On whose part? Arc's or King Malevolence?

[Solar_Wolf]

“YES! IT WAS NOT AS BAD AS YOU THINK! I HAVE ENDURED MUCH WORSE! BUT ENOUGH SMALL TALK! YOU HAVE NOT INTRODUCED YOU TO YOUR FRIENDS!”

*ME

[Kamahido]

11714865
I've read this chapter over numerous times and never noticed that before.