Chronicles of Arche
by Spellbounder
First published
The story of a stallion and his never ending struggle to protect Equestria
Admiral Arche has fought for Equestria against the threat of Changelings for quite some time. He despised nothing more than those vermin, and swore to their extinction. It isn't until one incident that drives him further to complete his goal more than anything else!
Prologue-The Summoning
The train back to Canterlot was a quiet one. A stallion in his position never could be too careful. His guards were placed in the front and back doors of the train cart he was riding in, nothing but his thoughts and the sounds the wheels moving along the tracks. He looks out the window, seeing the presence of Canterlot in all its glory. All he does is sigh, closing the book he was reading with his magic, and levitating it into his saddle bag. A stallion dressed in blue-gray armor trots in, stopping in place upon seeing he made eye contact with the sitting pony.
“Apologizes, Admiral, I hope I wasn’t disturbing you.”
He was a tall thin stallion, fur shared the same color as the guard’s armor. HIs dark blue suit held tightly to his chest, a silver sash rested over it, with a metallic military emblem on the center. His mane was quite bizarre. A shade of sky blue, as well as a light green along the ends of it. But the most noticeable thing was the red shard of crystal covering his right eye. His purpled left gazing over at the guard, his awkward frown indicating his inferiority to a superior official. The stallion never cared for ranks. His soldiers never fought for such a thing, neither did he.
“Calm yourself, there’s no need to feel frightened.”
He stands from his seat, his white horn glowing in a light blue aura, levitating a glass of water to the guard.
“The heat is quite an issue, today. There’s no reason to deprive yourself just for my sake.”
The guard extends his hoof, grabbing the glass, a small smile forming.
“Most kind of you, Admiral. Thank you.”
“It’s no problem, really. Now then, I suppose you came in here to alert me of something?”
After taking a long drink, the relieved guard nods in agreement.
“Yes sir, we’ll be approaching the station shortly. I believe we have about ten minutes. With your permission, I could have a carriage waiting for you by the time we arrive.”
“That won’t be necessary, soldier. My arrival to the capital doesn’t require such attention. We are here solely on official business, not to cause any commotion with the locals.”
The admiral remembers the last time he arrived in Canterlot. Ever since his promotion, the higher class wanted to pick his brain. Mares wouldn’t stop following him, stallions offered him invites to parties. None of that mattered to him, all he ever wanted was to keep the ponies safe, no matter how annoying he found them to be. If not by the orders of Celestia herself, the admiral wouldn’t even be on this train. There was still so much needed to be done back on the East Coast. The train had slowly drawn to a stop, as the stallion trots for the door, opened by the two guards on the other side of it.
“Was your time on the train well, Admiral Arche?”
He forms a small smile.
“It was, now then, on to the castle I suppose.”
Not two seconds after stepping off the train is Arche met by another guard. But this one was different, armor shaded in gold. He was from the castle.
“Admiral Arche, welcome back to Canterlot. I am to escort you to her majesty as soon as you’re ready.”
He sighs, looking around at the ponies staring at him. Arche then noticed the carriage not far from the main gate of the station.
“I require no special care, soldier, yet I thank you anyway.”
“Apologizes, Admiral, the princess alerted me of how you don’t require service, but she exclaimed that this was a matter of great importance.”
“I see…..well we shouldn’t keep her waiting then.”
As the carriage slowly made its way up to the castle, Arche took the time to glimpse at a few more pages of his book he was reading on the train. The guard sitting across from him gazed over at the cover of the book, “Mythical beings and hunters of Equestria.”
“You like to hunt, Admiral?”
“Hmm? Oh the book, well….you could say that. My men and I have been dealing with a rather disturbing issue in the Eastern region of Equestria. Mainly in Baltimare, disgusting vermin…prefer to cloak themselves, then strike when poor ponies lower their guard.”
“Vermin?”
Arche remained silent, before closing the book and lowering it back into his bag.
“It doesn’t matter, whatever plagued their homes no longer is an issue. My soldiers easily eradicated the problem.”
“Oh…well, I understand. Sir, looks like we’ve arrived.”
Arche made his way inside alone, Celestia’s guards whispering among themselves as he trotted past them. He soon made his way to the large throne room. There sat the ruler of Equestria, Princess Celestia.
“Admiral Arche, it is good to see you again. How was your trip?”
“Smooth, your majesty, and I’m more than ready to head back once matters are handled here.”
She smirks, standing from her chair and walking over to the stallion.
“Why such the hurry? According to the reports you’ve sent me, the changeling threat in the East is no longer a danger to any pony.”
“That may be true, Princess, but its only a matter of time before the changelings regroup and began spawning all over once again. Even at my level of skill, there could always be a changeling that slips its way past me.”
She raises her hoof, stroking Arche’s mane.
“Tell me, when was the last time you got any sleep, Arche? Or visited your niece in Ponyville?”
“Princess, sleep is not something I can allow. Every second is vital to me. As for my niece, she is of no major concern to me at the moment. Last I heard she was doing well with her performance gig. Forgive me, your majesty, but there must’ve been something more vital to discuss than my personal matters?”
She smiles, levitating a small strip of paper over to Arche.
“What is this?”
“Just read it.”
He glanced over at the writing, then at a picture of a young stallion with a white coat and blue mane. Next to him was a pink Alicorn, who had her wings wrapped around him.
“This is a wedding invite…..for your niece, Princess Cadence…and Shining Armor? Wait….not THAT Shining Armor?”
Celestia smirks, trotting closer to the surprised Arche.
“As in the Shining Armor you taught at the Academy? Your…what was it you called him? Ah, yes, your ‘ace’ student?”
Arche frowns, annoyed as Celestia chuckles.
“This is beyond you, princess, to trick me like this.”
“Oh Arche, stop being such a grump. There was no way you’d come this far if I simply sent a letter about him.”
Arche sighs, making his way for the exit.
“It was nice catching up with you, Princess, but I have important work to be done back at my base.”
With the nod of her head, the doors close, the sound of a lock making Arche’s mane stand.
“Arche, I sent you to the East to fight the changelings. You and your men more than kept your word. Consider this the start of your retirement.”
“Princess….I don’t really feel comfortable about this.”
She smirks, trotting over to him and wraps one of her wings around him.
“Arche…..for as long as I’ve known you, you’ve fought hard to keep Equestria safe. You don’t need to be as magical and powerful as I am to sense when some pony is suffering. Let go of the past, and look to the future. A future where you don’t have to fight anymore.”
There is a silence, as Arche looks over down at his uniform. The metallic emblem shining in the light.
“It’s….It’s all I’ve ever known. The things I’ve done…seen….no pony can just stop.”
He looks up at Celestia, symbol of Equestria, he a servant to her royalty, but for as long as the Alicorn has known him, she thought of him as something more. Though he, himself, never could say it, Celestia saw Arche as a true friend, and she knew he felt the same. Arche sighs, looking back at Shining’s invitation.
“He never sent me one. No doubt he still has issues towards me since our last encounter.”
“There’s always a chance to start a new. Consider this your final order, Admiral.”
He forms a small smile, bowing to her.
“If its as you command, your majesty."
Author's Notes:
Hope you enjoy this tale I've begun! For more info on my OC, Admiral Arche, click on the link below to my Deviantart account!
Link: https://flareemerald77.deviantart.com/art/Admiral-Arche-715419929
Ch.1-Destiny
“It’s happening again.”
He slowly walked out of the castle, unlike the other stallions and mares, who trotted out screaming in fear. Another stallion bumps into him, but felt nothing. Like the world was coming to an end, and it just might after the realization the admiral had been given. There Arche stood, paralyzed in shock and fear at the sights before him. Canterlot had been invaded by the changelings. It was there, right under their eyes, and no pony realized it. This was supposed to be a day of love, happiness, the joining to two individuals. Yet what Arche witnessed in front of him was the continuation of the endless struggle against these monsters. A royal wedding had become the spot of war.
“This can’t be……how could I miss this? I….I think I’m gonna puke.”
Arche’s body couldn’t stop shaking, his back hoof collapsing to the ground. His twitching gaze on the stone sidewalk, trying desperately to grasp the situation going on. He found himself short of breath, losing the back tie of the formal suit he was wearing for the occasion. Sweat was dripping down his face, his hooves shaking ferociously.
“No signs of alteration…..p..p..perfectly blended in the crowd…like…like they were invisible. I’ve should’ve seen them coming!”
Swarming through the sky, a changeling noticed the frightened admiral, licking its lips in hunger as it dive-bombs towards him. Its monstrous hissing sent shivers down Arche’s spine. He couldn’t bare see it, but sensed it was coming for him, closing his eyes in agonizing anticipation.
“I don’t deserve to be spared! Just do it already!”
Suddenly, the changeling was knocked out of the air, smashed into a wall. A light orange coated mare stood next to Arche. It seemed she attacked the beast by hitting it with her back hooves.
“You ok, sugercube Hey, you ain’t hurt, are ya?”
Arche didn't respond, having blocked out all contact with the world. He was still expecting the changeling’s attack.
“I could’ve prevented this…..I’m such a fool.”
The mare didn’t have time for his chatter, trotting away at full speed to help others in need. Arche slowly opened his eyes, noticing that he remained unharmed. He looked up to notice the changelings in the sky had began soaring to the east. It seemed something more important had caught their attention, allowing the admiral to make his escape.
“I…I must get word to my troops in the East. If what that disgusting queen of theirs said is true, then it won’t be long before all of Canterlot falls to them.”
He quickly trotted for safety in the alleys, but stops in place to the sound of a light groan. Arche looks over to see a dazed changeling, who still haven’t recovered from that mare’s attack. Arche’s expression of fear slowly turned to anger, teeth grinding as he trots over to the grotesque beast and grabs hold of its next using his levitation magic.
“You…vile....disgusting…..worthless…BUG!”
With a swift nudge of his head, Arche slams the changeling into the wall, knocking it out completely. All it sees is darkness, until the creature slowly regains consciousness. Before him was Arche, who sat in a chair a few feet from where it laid. He was dressed in his attire as a royal admiral. His mane was combed back. No doubt he cleaned himself up for the matter in front of him. The changeling tries to get up, but fails to do so. It looks down in confusion, noticing that all four of its decayed hoofs were chained to the ground.
“Wha…agh..AGHHH!!!”
A surge of pain suddenly revolves through the changeling’s body. It looks down, noticing a small pool of its own blood had begun to form. Disgusting, like swamp water mixed with oil. To the creature’s surprise, the blood was dripping off its own back and head. Arche simply sighs, levitating a mirror to the beast.
“Understand that I can’t allow any attempts of your escape. Necessary requirements had to be taken.”
“W…Where am I? Who are you?”
“Who am I? Funny, the horrible things your kind does, and you don’t even know who your victims are? Then again, whats to be expected from a bug?”
Arche stands, gazing down at the injured changeling. It lets out an agitated hissing, possibly to fear the admiral. Yet he didn’t even flinch, but did respond by slamming a large board of wood on the creature’s head.
“AGH! Canterlot scum! You’ll make a more rewarding snack for the queen!”
“Ahhh yes, your queen. She’s more revolting than the stories say.”
He slowly trots around the changeling, who continues violently attempting to escape its chains. Arche pours himself a glass of water, rolling his eyes as the changeling began roaring in anger.
“Please stop doing that, its very annoying. Get it through that head of yours. There’s no hope for your escape here. Not today, not ever, for this is the place where you will die.”
The changeling lets out a maniacal chuckle, licking its lips in delight.
“You’re funny, you think slicing my wings and horn makes you better than me? We are changelings, devourers of love! There is no end to our hunger, and no end to Equestria’s despair! Soon all of you will bow before Chrysalis!”
This time, Arche laughs, looking over at the bug with a smug smile, shaking his head in disagreement.
“You truly are just an animal. Lacking the intelligence to cope and understand how to live on one’s own. You see, you’ve spent your entire existence devoted to that witch that you’d trust her with your life. What do you think is going to happen? Is Chrysalis going to smash through the ceiling and save you? You’re nothing more than a grunt, there’s thousands like you. You mean so little to her, like a common roach. Ironic, don’t you think?
“Heeheheheeee…..go ahead and say what you want, but soon Canterlot will fall. Its happening while we speak! The barrier will fall, and you’ll be in these shackles soon.”
“Is that so? You have no idea how long time has passed since you awoke, haven’t you?”
Arche makes his way to a small table, levitating his saddle bag. The changeling notices a rather large printed piece of paper slipping out of the bag. Its hurled right in front of the bug, looking at it in confusion.
“What’s this suppose to-“
It gasps, eyes twitching, mouth open. Arche takes a sip of his water, sitting back down in his chair.
“Now tell me, when exactly can we expect Chrysalis to arrive?”
“Im…Impossible…”
It was the front page of the Canterlot newspaper. On the cover was a picture of Princess Cadence, dancing with her newly wedded husband, Shining Armor. The caption above the picture read “Beginning of a new, Changeling Crisis diverted.”
“You see? Your queen doesn’t care for you, nor any of your kind. Simply born to aide in her pointless cause, and soon to end the same way.”
“YOU’RE A LIAR!!!!”
The changeling hisses in anger, ripping the newspaper to shreds with its teeth. Arche just stood there, watching as the bug tires itself out from its outrageous burst of rage. It pants heavily, looking up at Arche in confusion.
“How….did it happen? She swore to us that it was full-proof!”
“What your queen failed to realize was the magical capabilities of the real Princess Cadence and her love for the young Shining Armor. I’ll admit, I was just as surprised as you, seeing your kind flee through the sky, heeheheee, like a giant fly swatter was coming for them.”
It lowers its head, sighing. Arche responds by splashing his water in the changeling’s face, then pushing its head against the wall with its hoof.
“Do you believe in destiny, changeling? Well? ANSWER ME!”
“AGH! Get….off of me!”
Arche pushes the bug to the ground, looking up at the admiral as he levitates the large chunk of wood again.
“You see, changeling, I once believed destiny to be a joke. That the things that happen around us are all mere coincidence. But today, seeing you on the floor, in pain, confusion, like what all your kind deserve, it made me realize something.”
“Wha-“
In seconds, the changeling was knocked to the ground once more. It coughs up some of its blood, slowly attempting to rise before being knocked down again but the wood. But it didn’t stop there. Arche kept on beating the changeling for nearly a whole minute, stopping just to catch his own breath. He looks back down on the bug, who was twitching in pain, its ears down, small chunks of its own teeth in front of his bleeding mouth resting on the ground. Its eyes were now swollen, and its entire body was covered in bruises. It tries to speak, to which Arche replies by smacking it with his hoof.
“No, don’t even attempt to plea mercy. You lost any remorse of mercy the day you and the rest of you vermin attempted to overthrow the queen! Not to mention ruining her niece’s wedding. Believe me, if you had given me proper time to prepare, I would’ve gotten…”
He looks at the chunk of wood levitating in his magic. It appeared close to breaking in half.
“More…reliable tools.”
The changeling finally manages to speak, blood spitting up with each word.
“Destiny….what…of it?”
“Ah yes, glad you were listening. You see, I believe it was destiny for us to meet today. With my days in retirement slowly approaching, spending nearly a decade making sure you bugs don’t harm any pony ever again in the East, and just when I think the war against you all is finally beside me….here we are.”
“You……can’t do this….you’re not…”
“Not what? Capable of it? Allowed? You see, little changeling, your kind has mastered the ways of mimicking. Not only in your appearance, but your emotions as well. You mimic the ways of courage, fearlessness, power. But in actuality, where you lay now, is your true self. Worthless, revolting, bitter. It is my duty as a soldier to her majesty to cleanse Equestria of your filth. The actions that arose today mark a new age against ponies and the changelings. You will be the first of many to understand the truth.”
“We….only…want…to.....survive….”
“Yes….and look where that got you.”
An hour had soon passed, as Arche continued cleaning the saw of the black oily debris from his late capture. He looks over at a small jar, a black horn resting in a light green liquid. The admiral sighs, levitating the jar into a cabinet in front of him, as the door knocks.
“Enter.”
A guard walks in, respectfully nodding his head for the admiral.
“Pardon me, sir, but you have a message from Canterlot.”
“If its the princess, alert her of my presence. Tell her there’s no reason to worry of me.”
“Umm, no sir, its from your niece in Ponyville.”
He turns to the guard, who is at first startled by the sudden gaze by his leader.
“What could it possibly be that she had to interrupt my work?”
“Something about visiting her next show?”
Arche sighs, simply walking past the guard.
“War has been brought to Canterlot, soldier. There is no time for pointless endeavors.”
Author's Notes:
Be sure to check out the Prologue if you haven't already! /story/404608/1/chronicles-of-arche/prologue-the-summoning
If you have any questions or comments about the story so far, feel free to ask! I hope to expand this series all the way to the current season.
Ch.2-His War
Several days had gone by since what could only be described as “the Royal Wedding Massacre.” Although casualties were small, nothing fatal, some ponies required a magical cleanser to rejuvenate themselves after nearly having all love sucked from their bodies by the changeling menace. Property damage was a major issue. It seemed like all of Canterlot just went through a tornado. Except instead of rain water pouring through the skies, it was a descending plague of bugs on four hooves. Admiral Arche decided to examine the damage, taking a stroll through the city streets alongside two of his guards. He tended to do a similar routine while in the East, scanning the aftermath of battlefields to find a possible clue to work to their own strategic advantage when the next battle were to come. Suddenly halting to a stop, Arche feels something underneath his front hoof. It was a newspaper, with Celestia on the cover of it. Levitating it with his magic, he gazed upon the front page text labeled “Can’t keep her down.” It appears the main story was of the Royal Alicorn’s recent physical since the Wedding. The thought alone made Arche’s teeth grind in anger. He was within the pews of guests when Chrysalis revealed herself. How she easily overpowered Celestia when their magics collide. He couldn’t remove that monstrous queen’s decayed smirk as she prepared her invasion. Arche hoped to one day deal with her in a similar fashion to that of the changeling prisoner he had killed. His eye widens, remembering exactly what he did to that bug. After beating the life out of it, he claimed to his guards that it was all in self defense, and that there was no need to alert the princess. That was the first time in his military career he lied to his comrades. But what choice did he have? What other decision was necessary to deal with these vermin. They were savage creatures, nothing more. Death was the only solution. Of course, there was no way he could explain this to Celestia without winding up in mental care, or worse, a sentence within the dungeons. No, he shouldn’t think of such things, shaking his head in disbelief and crumbling up the newspaper. Arche had no regrets, it was the right thing to do. If he had to, he’d do it again, even if no pony understood.
After examining fang marks from hospitalized ponies in hospitals, Arche was glad to report in his findings that even the deepest of bites from these changelings weren’t fatal, no matter if it was from the back or vital as the neck. But that slight glimpse of good news was quickly met with disappointment. Changelings tend to become more viscous and wild as they aged. This could mean that the beasts of the royal wedding massacre were no short of child’s play to how true monsters act. The changelings Arche had dealt with in the Eastern Regions mostly stayed in their hives, which kept them alive for so long. Arche remembered an encounter a few months back, how he had to flush the beasts out into the opening by striking their hive from above with spears. If not for Arche’s small squad of pegasus, pony casualties would be beyond comprehension. As he made his way out of the hospital, gazing upon his notes on patient bite marks, Arche thought back of Celestia’s word to him before the wedding. Retire? How absurd, especially after something like this. Thinking back of what he believed in destiny, Arche saw the incident at the wedding as a sign that his war with these beasts was just the beginning. No doubt Chrysalis is planning her revenge, breeding an army the size to which no pony could imagine. No, retirement was out of the question, and he planned to make that for certain once meeting with Celestia again.
“Arche? Good heavens, I wondered where you’ve been all this time. Last I heard was your report about the fleeing changelings, then you just disappear. You didn’t even show up to the reception, didn’t you?”
Arche lets out a quiet sigh, rubbing his eyes with his hoof. He already knew this wasn’t going to end well.
“Princess, Canterlot was attacked, I had to take action. A party wasn’t the proper solution for me.”
“Arche, it wasn’t the party that concerns me, it was Shining. Before he left for his honeymoon, he mentioned your name. When I told him you were at the ceremony, he nearly had a heart attack.”
“For goodness sake, the child had been through enough. There was no need for him to-“
“He thought you were dead.”
There was a slight silence in the room. Arche and the princess simply locked gazes, unsure what to say next before the stallion finally managed to break the ice.
“Well….again, he was stressed beyond belief. You didn’t have to mention I was there.”
“He didn’t expect you to come, but once I told him, he simply couldn’t control himself. The poor thing was ready to call in a search party when I told him about your report.”
“I never even wanted to go. I saw no point in going until the changelings revealed their ugly heads in your castle. I was doing my job, nothing more. I’ve gathered intel from the streets of the changeling attacks and have verified possible hive locations around the outskirts of Canterlot. With your permission I will send my troops to-“
“What are you doing?”
“PLEASE STOP INTERRUPTING ME!”
Another silence, this time caused by Arche. He took a few breaths and bowed to Celestia in apology. The old stallion never imagined he’d speak out of tone to her majesty.
“Forgive me, Princess Celestia, a thousand pardons. I…I don’t know what came over me. I…I had no right to…to…”
He feels her hoof on his shoulder, looking up with his one good eye at her glowing stature. Her colorful mane flowing with ease. Arche never could tell how it did that. The princess smiles, stroking Arche’s mane.
“Its alright, just calm down. I was out of place as well. I didn’t mean to interrupt you, but I couldn’t help but notice how you’re even more tense than when we last spoke all those days ago. I thought you were now retired, Admiral.”
Arche looks down, head still in a spin before looking back up at the princess.
“I can’t….there’s no way. Especially now, with what we endured on that day. You are but few ponies who know of my past. What I endured….by those….those filthy creatures.”
“Breathe……just breathe…..I remember…..it was the day we officially were acquainted…..and I personally rewarded you with your medal of honor for your service that day. I understand your pain, blaming yourself for what happened to those close to you, but all you’re doing is hurting yourself, Arche. You have been ever since that day.”
“I….I think about them constantly……every night…..when I close my eye to sleep, its as if I can still feel my right eye…just before…before its cut by their fangs…”
“You always fought proudly under my command. But the past has consumed you, and the wedding….the wedding didn’t make things any easier. I never wanted you or any pony to go through that fear. I promise you that things will be better, but you have to let others continue your battles, Admiral. I can’t force you to retire, but I’m truly hoping you’ll consider. You deserve a better life than this.”
He sighs and begins to make his leave. Arche looks back at a concerned Celestia, their gazes connected once more as he nears the large castle doors once again.
“We were at war, I had no choice then. It continues to this day, and I won’t stop until the job is done. I can’t stop……its just not in my nature.”
Arche had finally left Canterlot that day, as he continued to look over his notes as the train made its way for the small town of Ponyville.
Author's Notes:
Finally got time to make the second chapter! Be sure to like and follow! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave one below!
Prologue- /story/404608/1/chronicles-of-arche/prologue-the-summoning
Ch.3-Birds and Books
Ponyville, one of the rather small towns in most of Equestria, yet somehow manages to find trouble once or twice every month. Arche hoped to make his stay here short, then quickly return to Canterlot for updates on possible changelings still lurking within the alleys of the royal capital. To avoid any unnecessary attention among the resident, Arche switches his usual military attire for a common dark blue jacket. He also combed his mane over the red gem casing of his right eye. Ridiculous as it may be, Arche simply wanted to avoid the slightest chance of any pony noticing his presence. Canterlot was bad enough for him as it is. How Princess Celestia could handle such attention, he could never quite understand.
“Sir, if I may say, we’re more than willing to obtain the book for you. There’s no need for a disguise.”
Arche valued his soldiers above his own life. He smiled knowing their loyalty was forever in to his cause.
“I appreciate your concern, but the book I need for a more in-depth understanding to the anatomy of changelings is one of a kind, and the royal library in Canterlot claims it was sent here quite some time ago. Shouldn’t take more than ten minutes to obtain.”
Arriving at the station, Arche slowly trots out, looking around at the large amount of ponies within the town. The last time he entered Ponyville was over two decades ago, and the place was always quiet. It may seem the constant events occurring around here have made Ponyville quite the popular tourist attraction. But Arche wasn’t in town on vacation, he needed that book.
“I won’t be long, just keep an eye around the place. This town is always busy.”
He had heard of a pony sent by Celestia herself to protect this town, but it seems to be happening rather the opposite of what he intended. Another issue for another day, Arche had to remain focused on getting that anatomy book. He made his way to what appeared as a huge tree. There was a sign saying welcome by the door, as he entered. The inside of the tree was surprisingly very clean, row after row of books. Strangely, this place seemed much more organized than the entire Canterlot Royal Library.
“Impressive……this is really….most impressive. I wonder..”
The hoot of an owl is heard, flapping its wings down on a small perch in front of Arche.
“Oh….hello there little one. You’re a kind sight for this pony’s good eye. Don’t suppose you know where I can find my book?”
The owl responds with another hoot.
“He can try, but I think you’d be here awhile.”
In front of him was a young purple mare, with a kind smile, and a book levitating beside her. Like Arche, she was also a unicorn.
“I take it this is your library? I must say, I’ve never seen a place so organized and clean.”
The mare happily smiles at his comment, seemed a little too happy.
“Oh this? It’s nothing, I just tidy a little here and there is all. I haven’t seen you around before. Are you new to Ponyville?”
“You could say that, it’s been a long time since I last came here.”
“Well…let me be the first to welcome you to Ponyville, sir. My name is Twilight, and you’ve already met Owlowiscious.”
Arche forms a small smile, petting the owl.
“I always loved birds as a filly. My father was worried one would swoop me up one day.”
For the first time in months, Arche lets out a small chuckle. Twilight joins in, setting her book down to pet Owlowiscious as well.
“Well unless you’re a mouse, you have nothing to worry about mister…”
Oh no, he was so busy with the disguise, Arche never thought of a name for it.
“Oh….I…I’m….I’m Jack…Jack Pot.”
Hopefully his older brother wouldn’t mind using his own name.
“Nice to meet you, Jack Pot. Is there anything I can help you find?”
“Yes, I’m looking for…well I may be just wasting your time, but you wouldn’t happen to have the book ‘Equestria’s anatomy of magical creatures’ by Colombo Shine, would you?”
“Oh wow, that’s such a fascinating book! I read that book all the time at the Canterlot Library!”
“Yes! I tried there but they claimed it was moved here in Ponyville.”
The mare forms an embarrassed smile, walking over to one of the many book shelves and grabs the book using her magic.
“I’m sorry, I requested a few books to be transferred from the Canterlot Royal Library for my studies. They do have the best books in all of Equestria after all!”
Arche could tell something was off about this pony when it came to books, but that was for some pony else to deal with. He just nodded in agreement as she handed the book over to him.
“Just promise you’ll take good care of it, also bring it back the minute your done. I wouldn’t want to have this book……”
There’s a slight pause, then a huge gulp.
“Overdue.”
Again, he nods in agreement, preferring not to ask why.
“You have my word, Ms. Twilight. I’ll have this book back before you even miss it.”
“Thank you, Jack Pot, and I hope you enjoy yourself in Ponyville.”
He pets the owl once last time, then makes his leave.
“It’s a lot better than I hoped.”
As he left the library, he immediately opens the book, flipping its pages to the section on changelings. Their appearance on paper was still all it took to make him shiver. As he left the town square, he began to read all he could about the creatures. Nearing the train station however, he heard a loud shout.
“Uncle!?! Is that you? Uncle Arche!!!!”
That voice, he had recognized it. Out in the distance on a small green hill was a huge yellow cart, and beside it was a young blue mare, waving to Arche with delight. Yet seeing her made Arche sigh. She gallops over to him and embraces the unicorn with a hug, as Arche formed a small smile despite his current mood.
“I just knew you’d be here! You don’t know how happy I am to see you!”
“Hello…….Trixie.”
Author's Notes:
After a rather long Hiatus, the next chapter is finally here!
Ch.4- Tea with Trixie
Trixie Lunamoon, Arche’s egotistical and rambunctious niece. Like her father, Trixie decided to become a magician. Arche never was too fond of ponies using magic for entertainment and not for combat, especially in the condition Equestria had become in the last few months. He really had no time for this, the next train to Canterlot would be leaving any minute. Yet Trixie wouldn’t let go of him, and she knew he wasn’t much of a hugger.
“How long are you in town? Did you get my letters? Honestly I didn’t think you’d actually be here!”
“Yes....well....it’s good to see you too, Trixie, but I really must be on my way.”
She lets out a small chuckle, using her magic to drag Arche by his tail to her wagon.
“Honestly Uncle Arche, you really need to take a vacation. Just have some tea with me for a minute.”
Trixie never was one to give up so easily. Whenever he visited her as a filly, she would whine until he agreed to play. He didn’t mind it back then, but kinda hoped she’d grow out of it.
“I guess I don’t have much of a choice, do I?”
“Oh stop being such a downer.”
Her wagon was a tad small, but somehow she managed to cook a pot of tea without spilling. Arche kept looking at the clock, train would be departing soon. Of course his men would stall, but he’d prefer not to abuse his power like that.
“Trixie, as much as I appreciate this, I really don’t have time for-“
“Oh here it comes again, all work and no play makes Archie a dull pony!”
She laughs, as Arche groans in annoyance. Always hating being called Archie.
“Must you quote your idiotic father?”
“Well he’s right, you know? Every time we try to get in touch with you, it’s ‘I’m doing recon here’ or ‘I’m commanding these ponies there.’ Wouldn’t kill you to have some fun. Did you even get the letter I sent you about my next show?”
“Trixie, you couldn’t comprehend the importance of my work. Neither could your father, and speaking of work, some of us have to finish it.”
He gets up, but so does Trixie. From the look in her eyes, seems he angered her.
“What’s that suppose to mean?”
“Trixie, just let it go and let me-“
“No! What are you saying? You think I don’t work?”
Arche sighs, deciding to finish his tea before speaking again. He knew this wasn’t going to be pleasant but it was the only way she’d let him leave.
“Trixie, Equestria is in chaos. The royal family was attacked by changelings, I just read that Sombra was sighted in the Crystal Empire, and we’re running low on soldiers. I’m trying to save lives here, and you’re prancing around in your cart playing wizard.”
That really did it for her now. She gets up and slams her hoofs on the table, making her tea spill.
“I’m a professional magician!”
“Oh please, you’re wasting your life! If you only listened to me all those years ago about joining my class you’d be top guard by now! Instead you’re prancing around as a street clown like your worthless father!”
There was a silence for a few moments. Trixie continued to stare at Arche, as if she was about to cry or scream. She then turns around and opens her chest.
“That a fact? You really think I’m wasting time here? Well wait till you see what I have in store for Ponyville when I-“
She hears the door slam. Turning around to notice he was gone. Her eyes started to water, looking at the red and black amulet she held with her magic. A few tears hit the Alicorn emblem, as she straps it on around her neck. She then slips on a black cloak and looks at herself in the mirror.
“Just you see, I’ll make them all see!”
A strange red aura began glowing out of her horn and eyes. She runs out the door of her wagon and slams it shut, making a picture hung on the wall drop and crack. Showed a small blue filly with a huge purple hat sitting in the lap of a young pony in a uniform.
Author's Notes:
We all know what Trixie plans to do next.
Ch.5- Many Years Ago
“And like that....it’s gone! TADAH!”
Arche watched from the other side of the fence as his older brother, Jack Pot, performed his magic routine for all the little fillies. Funny, seeing his act for free when a typical ticket would cost five hundred bits. Seemed like everypony was having a great time, he started to wonder if this was the best option. But then it was too late, Jack Pot looked over to him in shock and stopped performing, walking off his stage to much of the fillies sorrow.
“It’s alright, a few more minutes and the show will resume, I promise!”
His back to the kids, the smile on his face turned to an annoyed frown, staring into the one good eye of the military pony.
“I’ll admit, this is a surprise even the greatest of magicians would never have expected.”
“Hello to you too, brother.”
“Arche, just what do you think you’re doing here?”
Using his magic, Arche levitates a nicely wrapped present above the fence. There’s colorful ribbons on the top of it, and the paper itself has pictures of stars on it.
“What does it look like? I’m here for my niece’s birthday.”
Jack Pot looks over behind him, seeing the fillies run around, playing.
“I don’t wanna do this, not in front of the children.”
“There won’t be anything to worry about if you just let me see her.”
There’s a strong tone in his voice. His good eye glaring at the blue unicorn. Jack Pot releases a sigh, using his own magic to open the gate to let Arche in.
“You’ll get five minutes, then you have to leave.”
Arche didn’t even dignify with a response. He just slowly makes his way inside the house. To his right he sees an orange coated mare, finishing up a rather large birthday cake. She takes one look at Arche and immediately turns to her husband in disgust. Before she can even say a word, Jack Pot already has a response.
“He’ll leave as soon as he sees her. I promise.”
There’s an awkward silence, but she goes back to the cake. Arche walks into the living room, the sounds of giggling and cheering can be heard. A small blue coated filly is performing magic tricks to her friends. Arche’s eye widens, seeing she has a wand marked on her flank. She turns her head and smiles, running over to Arche and hugging his leg.
“Uncle Archie! You’re here! You came to my party!”
Arche releases an embarrassed chuckle, never cared for that nickname, but wraps his arm around the small blue filly for a hug.
“Of course I did, I wouldn’t dare miss this fun party!”
“Oh my gosh! I got so many toys! And there’s a piñata, and fireworks, and daddy let me set up my own show and-“
“Slow down Trixie, you can’t be this hyped on sugar so soon, can you?”
“Oh! And look! I got my cutie mark! I’m gonna be a magician just like daddy!”
“I saw, it’s.....really amazing. Speaking of....I got you a present.”
“Present? For me!?! YAY! Gimme! Gimmie! Gimmie! Gimmie!”
“Heehee....alright alright....settle down, there you go.”
He sets the present down, and the young filly goes crazy with joy ripping it open. Using her magic, she pulls out a strange looking artifact out of the box.
“Wow....what is it?”
Jack Pot looks over at it, then back at Arche.
“Exactly, WHAT is it, Uncle Archie?”
Arche didn’t appreciate the sarcasm and annoyance in his brother’s tone. He looks back at Trixie and smiles.
“This is a medal I earned during my time doing recon in the swamplands. I had to do a lot of hard work to get that, and now I’m giving it to you.”
Trixie looks up at him with a look of confusion.
“But....this is yours. Why would I take it from you?”
“No no no, sweetheart, you aren’t taking it from me, this is your gift. I want you to have this so whenever you feel scared or worried, you can look at this medal and known your uncle is out there protecting you and all the other fillies from bad ponies and monsters.”
She forms a smile, as Jack Pot looks over at the clock.
“Really!?! That’s so cool!”
“Yep! And when you’re a grown mare, you can-“
“Ok! I think Uncle Archie needs to head on back to his base! Its a very....very...long ride back!"
"Awwww! Does he have to, daddy?"
"I'm afraid so, baby."
The look of anger now on his brother's face was nothing new to Arche. He rolls his eyes and pats Trixie on the head.
"Take good care of that for me, ok dear?"
"I will Uncle Archie! I promise!"
"Good, have a Happy Birthday, Trixie."
He began to walk away when he felt something tug at his leg. Looking down to see Trixie hugging it again.
"When I become a famous magician like daddy, you'll come to my shows, right?"
"Hehehee....of course I will. You'll be a sold out show!"
"Promise?"
"I promise."
She lets him go and runs back to her friends, Jack Pot practically dragging Arche out the front of the house, closing the door to make sure Trixie won't here.
"Don't keep promises you can't remotely keep!"
"Was that really necessary, Jack?"
"You really are something else, you know that? What the living hay were you thinking giving that thing to her!?!"
"She's important to me, and so is that medal. Where I'm going, I won't have much use for it. It's safer in her hooves."
"Stop lying, this was all just a setup to drive her away from her passion like before!"
"Her cutie mark....when did she get it?"
"Arche, just leave my daughter alone!"
"WHEN did she get her cutie mark?"
The silence between the two seemed like an eternity. But Jack Pot soon realized his brother wouldn't dare leave that spot on the front lawn until he is given an answer.
"Few months back.....she's a real natural....."
He forms a small smile.
"Just like her old man."
"I'll have my first class soon. She needs to be there."
"Arche, I don't know how many times I have to repeat myself about this! Trixie is not a fighter! She's not some war horse you can just send into your insane little crusade against the changelings."
"Dammit Jack Pot her magic is blazing! I can sense it in my very being! It must be tapped towards the cause!"
"There is no cause! There never was a cause! This isn't about Trixie, this isn't about the military, this is about you and your personal hatred for the changelings after what they did to you!"
"You have no right to tell me what this is about. And you don't know the first thing about what I'm trying to accomplish here. You were just as skilled as she was at her age, maybe even more! You could've served Equestria well and helped us in the fight against the dark and wicked, I even begged you to come with me when I signed up, but no. You wanted to play magician, and while you're here pulling rabbits out of a freaking hat, I'm on the other side of the land slaughtering the monsters that hunger for every bit of love that little filly in there has for me! For you!"
"Arche.....there's so much more to magic...than simply using it to kill one another."
There's yet another awkward silence. Arche turns away and slowly trots off. Jack Pot wants to say something, but at this point, what else is there? He just returns to the party, as Arche leaves in his personal carriage.
"Sir? Admiral? Can you hear me, sir? Sir!"
Arche's mind wandered, repeating the same sentence over and over again in his book of creature anatomy. "A changeling mimics to adapt, to survive, to hunger."
"Admiral Arche? Are you well, sir?"
"Hmmm? Oh yes...yes...I'm terribly sorry, soldier. This book is quite...fascinating, to say the least. What is it that you need?"
"I just wanted to let you know we'll be arriving in Baltimare soon. Won't be much longer now."
"Yes.....of course...thank you, soldier. Carry on."
He returns to his book, studying how the cells of changelings could even mimic that of real pony blood is focused properly. Such thing could never really happen, could it? It would require further testing.
Author's Notes:
The long overdue fifth chapter is here. Hope it was worth the wait.
Ch.6- Progress Report
He remained silent, his eye closed. The sounds of hissing filled his ears, the tearing of flesh. Everything was clear as he could remember, especially the screams.
“Sir? Admiral Arche!”
He opens his eye, around him are several stallions and mares. The huge conference room was filled with some of Equestria’s finest, from fellow military leaders, to squadrons of soldiers from the other branches. Representing the Eastern Branch, Arche was to speak his report. Seems his mind had wandered.
“Are you still tired from your long trip from Canterlot, Admiral?”
There were faint sounds of chuckles and whispers. Arche knows better than to lose focus on such a delicate matter. Sitting in his chair, his guards beside him for protection, though it wasn’t necessary under such humble conditions.
“Apologizes….in my recent findings, my forces and I have successful decimated over five changeling hives around the Hayseed swamplands. Sadly they knew nothing of the sorts regarding the location of their queen. Seems these changelings focused mainly on establishing a steady breeding ground and raise their young. My team didn’t hesitate to fix the problem.”
“Fix the problem, you say? You killed them? Even the infants?”
There was a short silence before Arche spoke up.
“These creatures were responsible for one of Canterlot’s most darkest hours, I shouldn’t have to remind you all. Mercy is the last course of measure retaining to these….things. The search for Chrysalis is still the main priority for the Eastern Branch. Eventually a hive will confess the whereabouts and she’ll be brought to justice for her crimes.”
“Admiral, you said so yourself that this is just a breeding ground. And that the changelings knew nothing of the sorts where Chrysalis is. Why bother even continuing investigating the swamp?”
“The threat of changelings is a far greater issue than the princess has claimed. Though I managed to force most of them into hiding, my success proved otherwise pointless since the disaster at the Royal Wedding. But I assure you, by the end of the year, changelings will be nothing more but an inferior fallen race, and it will be Chrysalis who shall take the blame.”
“Admiral Arche, you talk of a greater issue, but what of King Sombra’s recent return? It has brought nothing but panic all across the lands.”
Arche sighs, looking over his notes. What use was it to speak of a fallen foe when there was still one free among the lands?
“Sombra is no more, the Crystal Empire has returned to its former peaceful ways. Though my prayers go out to the Princess, the matter has been dealt with. Chrysalis is still out there doing who knows what. We need to focus on the here and now, mind you.”
“Oh please, you’re so full of it, Arche.”
He looks up to see an older stallion at the end of the conference table. His uniform similar in design to Arche’s, a faded orange coat, bags under his eyes.
“Do you have something you wish to say, Admiral Blitz?”
“You’re only interested in the changelings because of personal reasons. The fact Celestia hasn’t court-martialled you for your obsession is mind blowing.”
“I assure you, Admiral, that all I do is for the safety of all of Equestria. Your failed attempt to insult me is just wasting everypony's time here, and far more embarrassing for you."
“You’re reckless, Arche, I’ve seen how your branch…how you say…’handles'….the changelings. A bloody massacre is what it is. And I’m not insulting you, just stating the facts. By the way, weren’t you suppose to retire? Quite a surprise you changed your mind after the wedding.”
“I could say the same for you, Blitz. I’m quite surprised you even had the strength in those fat legs to even show up today.”
“Now listen here you degenerate psychotic-“
“GENTLECOLTS…..if you would please….”
“Agreed, this bickering between you two is pointless. Now then, regarding the status of Equestria after its current disaster, it would be best to increase forces on-“
The two simply couldn’t pull away each other’s menacing glares. It was like this for the rest of the meeting. As it came time to depart for Canterlot, Arche was stopped by none other than Admiral Blitz. Arche was prepared for whatever the blowhard had to say, and dismissed his guard to wait for him on the train. Best to get this all out of the way now.
“You had no right to make a mess of yourself, Blitz.”
“Oh please….don’t act like you’re better than me simply because you became admiral at such a young age. I know all about what happened that day, Arche. This isn’t some typical bickering between two ponies. No, this is to decide how Equestria will survive in the coming years. I’m only telling you this because as much as I hate to admit it, you worry me. A soldier surviving what you had to endure can’t just be erased or forgotten, and the wedding only made things worse. I’m asking you just this once Arche……let….it…go. This obsession of yours will only eat you alive. If not by the fangs of a changeling…than by your own mistakes, and I don’t want you bringing down all of Equestria along with it. Do we have an understanding…..admiral?”
Arche looked Blitz square in the eyes, and formed a small smile.
“Always good to see you, Blitz.”
He slowly trots away from him, a confused expression formed on his face. He then leaves himself, his own guards following.
“Send a letter to the princess. Inform of her that moron’s intentions before he gets us all killed.”
The train back to Canterlot was a peaceful one. As he did on the ride to the meeting, he studied everything to know of changelings in the book he obtained from Ponyville. Which reminded him to stop by there in the coming days to return it. He had just learned all there was to know in the book about the changeling threat. Wouldn’t be surprised if he could identify the creature before any other pony could. One of his guards informs of that they’ll be entering Ponyville within the next few hours. He simply nods, returning to his book.
“Sir, if I may ask, why return to Ponyville just for a book? I’ve heard that nothing but disaster happens there, and surely your presence is better needed in Canterlot."
Arche remembers his time at the library, meeting that nice young mare and her owl. It pleased him that there was still good ponies to speak with, to calm one’s thoughts of the ways of violence and war. Something he desperately needed after that ridiculous encounter with Blitz.
“I made a promise, young one, and I always keep my word. It shouldn’t take more than thirty minutes. Fret not, the latest intel our scouts have acquired for the princess will still be given on time.”
However, part of Arche had wondered if Celestia would even bother to hear him. It was nothing short of a rumored pathway unbeknownst for trade routes among farmers. Any indication that it could be a secret changeling hunting route is no short of a miracle. It could seem Arche was getting desperate for any more leads at this point, but he didn’t care. Chrysalis had to be found for her crimes, no matter what it took.
“Sir, we have a situation!”
Another one of Arche’s guards quickly trotted to him, out of breath. Before he could even utter a word of the manner, the train comes to a horrific stop. Strangely, vines began wrapping around the train, as seen from the outside the windows. Arche quickly gets up from his eat before the vines shatter the window, wrapping around the train cart. Two of Arche’s soldiers were grabbed by the vines and lifted off their hooves. Another pushed Arche out of the way before the vines capture him as well.
“ADMIRAL! RUN!”
The cart began to shake, forcing Arche off his balance as he tumbles out of the train through a shattered window. He began tumbling down the hill the train was currently halted on, crashing into some rather painful thorn bushes. Arche growls in pain, pulling himself free from the push, ignoring the small thorn cuts on his face and body. He looks around the train in confusion, noticing that the vines were constantly extending from the forest several feet from where the train tracks aligned.
“The Everfree Forest…..what in Equestria is happening in there?"
Author's Notes:
I'm doing my best to connect the story to the main events of the series. Wonder if you can tell what season is going on during THIS chapter? :rarity wink:
Ch.7- Nightmare in the Everfree
Large black vines constricted around the train. It looked like something out of a monster movie. Arche was unsure how to react, staring in disbelief at the strange black vines that he ignores the screams from one of his fellow soldiers.
“ADMIRAL!!!!”
Phasing back to reality, Arche lunges out of the way of another large black vine, this one forming a strange mouth that roars in a savage rage at the stallion. He takes a few steps back, as the same soldier approaches him out of breath.
“Admiral…it isn’t safe…for you here. You have to move now!”
“The others…..the train…”
“They’ll be fine sir, you safety is our mission. You have to go now!”
Before Arche could interject, the vines grab hold of the soldier, dragging him into the Everfree Forest. His scream consumed Arche’s though process, a scream he’d heard too many times in his past.
“NO!”
Arche charges after the vines, refusing to let the soldier die, despite his orders. He had seen far too many soldiers risk their lives for him, and he wouldn’t dream of seeing another one suffer because of him. He followed the sound of screams from the poor pony, but it soon reverted from a scream to a faint echo, then quickly to sheer silence. Arche stopped in his tracks, panting heavily, look of anger on his face. He questioned how fast those vines could react and hide. Just disappear into the darkness of this menacing forest. It sent shivers down his spine, reminding him of the changeling swamplands. To his surprise however, Arche noticed how dark it became within the forest. The Everfree was known for its enchanting and mysterious forest trails. But this didn’t make any sense. There’s no way he ran deep enough into the forest that it would become so dark. Seemed like there was no other option now but to return to the train, and come back with reinforcements. No sense getting lost, and as much as he hated endangering more soldiers to rescue one, Arche couldn’t stop himself from thinking of the inevitable. Another solider dead, all his fault. All because he wasn’t one step ahead of them. One step ahead of the changelings.
“Stop…no……don’t think like that now.”
Yet thats all he could think of, as a green smoke-like substance surrounded him, slipping into his nostrils, causing Arche to cough.
“What….What is this!?!”
The glimmer of light showing the exit to the forest suddenly vanishes, the black vines sinking out of the trees around the stallion. Strange voices whisper into his ears, near silent at first, then beginning to grow louder.
“Bravo….Admiral…”
Arche looks around him, the sounds of laughter echo through the black void between the trees.
“Who’s there? Show yourself!”
The laughter grows louder, as the vines curl around a large tree in front of Arche.
“Quit pestering me…..WHERE ARE YOU HIDING!?!”
“Here I am, Admiral.”
His good eye opens wide, jaw slightly opened. In front of Arche is the soldier those menacing black vines dragged into the forest. They were now wrapped around the poor pony’s legs and neck, even under his helmet and chest plate. Looking closer, Arche noticed blood dripping down the soldier’s armor, as well as markings on his neck and face. Strange markings, markings he knew far too common.
“No….”
“Yes Admiral…..bravo….yet ANOTHER pathetic fool dead because of you.”
“You’re alive…..I can still-“
“YOU CAN’T DO ANYTHING!”
Arche gasps in horror, the vines strangling the soldier, gagging for breath. His body began decaying right before Arche, his dark blue coat starting to fade, then began shriveling off like dead leaves on a tree.
“This…..This isn’t real…..you’re not really-“
“But I am, Admiral….you took an oath…..an oath to protect your fellow pony….keep them safe from the plagues that haunt our dear Equestria…..how were we so foolish to follow you? Now look at us, Arche.”
“Us?”
“Yes….look…at…..US!!!”
Suddenly, several decaying ponies in old rusted armor appear around the trees, surrounding Arche. The vines sinking underneath their decayed skulls, as they laughed maniacally at the Admiral.
“You killed us all!”
“We trusted you!”
“We’re nothing but food to them!”
“You might as well have thrown us on dinner plates!”
“What of my family?”
“I had two fillies waiting for me at home!”
“Now we’re all dead….”
“ITS ALL YOUR FAULT!!!!”
Arche shivers in horror, the trees suddenly moving closer to him, trapping him from all angles. Tears start to drip down Arche’s eye, dropping to his knees as the decayed ponies approach him.
“WE WERE ALIVE….”
“NOW WE’RE DEAD!!!”
“ALL YOUR FAULT!”
“CHANGELING FOOD!!!”
“ALL DEAD NOW”
“BECAUSE OF YOU!!!”
“ARCHE STONE”
“ALL YOUR FAULT!!!”
“No….”
“ALL YOUR FAULT!!!”
“Stop it….”
“ALL….”
“Make it stop…”
“YOUR…”
“Make it stop…..”
“FAULT!!!!”
“MAKEITSTOOOOOOOOOP!!!!!!!!”
The decayed ponies rip off the vines that imprisoned them on the trees, now taking the form of blood thirsty changelings. They altogether leap onto Arche to feast on him, his echoing screams consumed by the Everfree Forest.
“AGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!”
“ADMIRAL! WAKE UP!”
Screaming his head off, Arche wakes up to see his soldiers around him, trying to calm the poor stallion.
“Admiral! Its ok! You’re fine! Everything’s fine now!”
Shivering, Arche looks around, the trees were no longer covered in vines, or with the decaying remains of Canterlot soldiers. In front of him was his concerned squad of ponies from the train. They had small scraps and bruises, but were clearly alive and well. He also notices another pony laying against a tree, a mare wearing a white hospital cap was attending to his wounds.
“That….That stallion…is he…”
“He’s gonna be alright, sir. The minute those vines began to recede, we rushed in the forest looking for you two. Seems you got caught in some of that hallucinating mist those bushes were spewing out.”
“Wha…What? Hallucinating…mist?”
“Yes sir, strangest thing, few of the guys got a small whiff of the stuff and kept thinking they were being chased by bears or something…..but you, sir? You just couldn’t stop screaming. Guess you got a larger dose than the rest of us.”
“Mist…..yes…….of course…..the vines…..what about the vines!?!”
“Calm yourself sir, just got word from Princess Celestia. Seems she found the source of this mess, along with her sister, and her student, and was able to put a stop to it. Vines began to break down and disappear. We’re safe sir, we all are.”
Arche gets up slowly, slowly trotting out of the forest.
“That’s where you’re wrong, soldier……not all of us were safe.”
“S-Sir? Wait, you need medical attention, sir. You’re covered in cuts from the vines.”
Arche turns around, and forms a small smile.
“Nonsense….didn’t you hear me earlier? I have a book to return…..I promised to return it.”
His team left confused, Arche leaves the Everfree Forest, basking in the warmth of the sunlight. Though the smile never left his face, his ears were still consumed with the echoes of the dead.
Author's Notes:
A more darker tone to the last few chapters, a reminder to the trauma Arche carries from his past.
Ch.8- War Horse
The past grows further from us as we change in both spirit and mind, but it still feels like yesterday.
“So......how is your day treating you?”
He simply sat there, his head down, staring at the carpeted floor with his good eye. His right, covered in bandages. There was no point for these visits, he knew that clear, but orders were orders after all, and Arche followed them down to the letter.
“How is the medication doing? You’re still taking it daily like we discussed, correct?”
The doctor wasn’t the problem, he was just doing his job. But what use was his services for Arche? Just talking about the incident is troublesome enough for the young admiral. As for the meds, he stopped taking them weeks ago. Nothing good could ever come from them, Arche knew that more than anything else. Yet the doc still required an answer.
“Yes.....it’s....doing well, doctor.”
His face brightened with a smile, proud of his patient. Arche hated to lie, but the last he needed was lectures from his own psychiatrist. No need to add more problems that could easily be avoided by keeping your mouth shut.
“Arche....do you think our time together has done well for you?”
Question after question, it was irritating. He could’ve easily lied like before, but Arche had an answer clear as day that he’s wanted to speak for quite some time. He looks over at his doctor, who eagerly awaited an answer, and muttered softly....”
“No.”
“Really? And why do you say that?”
Yet another question, is this all they do? Yet Arche should’ve expected this from the start.
“Every week.....I come here.....four o’clock.....on time....and I tell you the same things I have for the past several weeks. No, I’m not sleeping well. No, I don’t have a marefriend, and no, I don’t consider returning to the guard. Every time....the same answers.....nothing changes....and frankly....I don’t see it changing.”
“Your grief is still as strong as before.....seems you haven’t been honest about your medication.”
“Fine, you got me, I’m not taking the medicine. Doctor, I don’t see any use for it. My mind.....my thoughts....flow freely like an open stream. Ever focus.....if you twist my arm enough, and I decide to give in with those drugs, there’s no telling how it would change me.
“Change you? You’ll have to be more specific.”
“I’m a war horse, doctor.......responsible for things you’d never understand outside this office......drugs don’t help a war horse.....it only suppresses the urges. And the more it’s suppressed, the more dangerous it becomes.”
There’s a short silence, before the doctor speaks up again.
“What are your urges, Arche?”
He looks straight forward at the doctor, his good eye examining him thoroughly. Like before, this was something he could never lie about.....no matter what the reaction or results it would endure....this was how he truly feels.
“Revenge.”
The present arrives, that one word circling through Admiral Arche’s mind as he sat in his private estate in Canterlot. The memory of that day in the Everfree forest burned into his mind. Then strangely enough, he found himself remembering those words from his long forgotten psychiatrist.
“Your grief is still as strong as before....”
Of course he knew that his experience with the changelings that day could never be forgotten, but Arche had come to realize his grief and anger had now tripled since the wedding. No matter how much he tried not to mix his personal trauma with his duty as an admiral, a protector selected by Celestia herself to keep the light of Equestria brighter than ever, his sorrow consumed him.
The wedding was simply a reminder that he needed to protect his home. It had nothing to do with that day, or so he kept telling himself. A soldier just never mix personal experiences with the line of duty. There simply was nothing else to get. The wedding was a sign that Celestia still needed him. That retirement would only come when peace had truly returned to the lands. Yes, no doubt about that. Whatever his past, Arche was more focused to continue his service for his fellow pony, nothing more.
Arche decided to prove himself by going over his notes on the coming strategy against a hoard of nearby timerwolves. Making his way down to his private study in his basement, his ears perked up to a strange noise in the middle of the room. It sounded like a gruesome gurgling groan. Using his magic, he levitated a small match to a few candles on his work desk. What he saw as the light consumed the room would forever burn into his memory.
“NOOOOOAAAAAGHHH!!!!!”
He drops down, his stomach pressed against the floor. What stood before him left Arche speechless. His study now held a large glass vat, connected with strange wires and tubes hooked next to large machines with flashing lights. Within the vat, left Arche twitching. It was the corpse of the changeling he tortured mere hours after the Royal Wedding Massacre. His black scaled body covered in bruises, burns, and cuts. Large wires connected to its arms, legs, and face. There was even on the changeling’s eye. It was absolutely gruesome to see.
“No....no....no...no!”
That’s all Arche could mutter. This must’ve been a dream. Perhaps a long lasting side effect from the Everfree. He distinctively remembered disposing the changeling corpse outside of Canterlot, burning it like the savage creature it was. Yet there it stood, floating in a glowing green vat of its own blood. How long has it been here? Where did Arche acquire these machines? WHY on Celestia’s name did he still have it!?! Then in an instant, it all came clear. His mind wandered back to his doctor. What he told him before canceling their sessions from that day forth.
“You don’t want to forget what happened, Arche, you just can’t accept that it did happen. You think revenge will bring your comrades back. That kind of thinking isn’t healthy....for you....or for anypony. If you don’t let this go, and continue your life, there’s no telling what you’ll do.”
“My mind is open to the truth about this world, doctor. I will not be tampered with....and my war will never end.”
What stood before Arche was more than a corpse in a jar. It was a symbol of his anger, his revenge, the call to war, and it wanted out more than ever.