*Chapter 18 - Mysterious and Magical Fillies

Early the next morning Arc, Derpy, Dinky and Applejack prepare to return to Ponyville. Arc shakes Cherry’s hoof as he smiles at her.

“Thank you very much for having us, Cherry.”

“Believe me, the pleasure was all mine. Just you all remember that you're welcome here anytime.”

Arc nods. “I appreciate that. But on that note, would you mind if I left a sigil here? I can use it to teleport here at a moment’s notice should the need arise.”

Cherry gestures with a hoof. “Right this way.”

Arc and Cherry walk down the stairs to her basement. He calls forth Eidolon’s Ward and places a sigil in the corner. Cherry tilts her head slightly to one side and smiles.

“I do believe that you're more handsome without your armor.”

Upon completing the sigil Arc returns his armor to his ring. Turning to Cherry, he chuckles.

“Is this better?”

Cherry slowly walks toward Arc and nods. “Much!”

Arc kneels down to her level. Cherry puts her hooves around his neck as she brings her head in close and whispers in his ear.

“Don't be a stranger now, Arc.”

She kisses Arc's cheek lightly as they continue hugging for a time. Eventually the pair break off their embrace and walk back up the steps to the main level. Arc look over to Applejack and Derpy.

“Are you two about ready to go?”

Applejack turns and calls out. “Be right there.”

Derpy finishes putting a fresh diaper on Dinky. “We are now.”

They walk to the basement and stand on the freshly made sigil. Arc nods to the Jubilee sisters.

“So long, Cherry. Take good care of your sister, Ruby.”

Applejack waves. “I hope we can get together at my place next time.”

Derpy and Dinky wave happily. “Thanks for everything!”

Cherry looks down sadly. “Goodbye… Arc.”

Ruby smiles warmly. “It was a pleasure.”

The sigil glows and in a flash the four are transported back home. Ruby puts a hoof on her sister’s shoulder as she speaks.

“I'm sorry, Cherry. But I guess some things just aren't meant to be.”

Cherry nods wordlessly and continues to look at the no empty sigil. Meanwhile in Ponyville, Applejack, Derpy, Dinky and Arc reappear in a corner of Derpy's living room. Arc looks around and chuckles.

“Glad I remembered to place this sigil before we left.”

Ember walks out of the bedroom, sleepy-eyed. “Decided to spend the night over there, eh Arc?”

“Yup. I hope you weren't too worried about us.”

Ember stretches. “Nah. Truth be told I kinda figured you would do that. Don't worry about things here though. I made sure Twilight made it home safely yesterday. Although admittedly it was quite a pain carrying all those books that she borrowed from Mythic Honor.”

Derpy looks to Arc. “Speaking of Twilight, we should head over there and have her take another look at Dinky.”

Ember appears concerned. “Why? Is something wrong?”

Arc sighs. “We're not sure. Ever since I delivered Dinky, I’ve felt some sort of strange power coming from her. Derpy can feel it too.”

Derpy pats Dinky’s head. “I already asked Twilight about it, but she didn’t sense anything out of the ordinary.”

Ember steps forward and looks to the filly. “I don't feel anything either.”

Applejack looks out a nearby window. “This has me worried about Apple Bloom now too.”

Derpy turns to Ember. “Arc and I felt the same energy coming from her as well.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I wonder if... Derpy, would you please hand Dinky to Applejack.”

“Sure thing.”

Derpy does so and steps back. Arc looks Applejack and Dinky over as he speaks.

“Applejack, do you feel anything at all?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Not a thing, no.”

“Alright. Ember, would you try holding Dinky now?”

“Very well.”

Ember takes Dinky from Applejack's hooves as Arc turns his attention to them.

“Do you sense anything?”

Ember frowns as she looks down at the filly. “Actually, yes. It's not like any kind of magic I’ve ever encountered though, and certainly not Dragon Magic. But there is definitely SOMETHING there.”

Derpy takes Dinky from Ember and looks back to Arc. “But why can we feel it and Applejack and Twilight can't?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Puzzling... most puzzling. I think we should consult Twilight on this again. Applejack, would you head over to Sweet Apple Acres and bring Apple Bloom to the Golden Oaks Library?”

Applejack heads for the door. “Sure thing. See yall in a bit.”

Derpy puts Dinky on her back. “We better get going too.”

Ember follows them. “I’ll come as well.”

The three of them leave Derpy’s small house and head to the Golden Oaks Library to consult with Twilight. Arc knocks on the front door and steps back to wait. A few moments later Twilight herself answers. Smiling at them, she speaks.

“Hell, Arc. This is a nice surprise.”

She looks past him to Derpy and Dinky standing there before continuing.

“And you brought company too. What's the occasion?”

“A bit of a magical issue, Twilight. Might we talk about it more inside though?”

Twilight nods and steps aside. “Sure. Please come inside.”

As they enter, Arc addresses Twilight’s earlier question. “The thing is, we need some magical advice, Twilight. Applejack is on her way over here now with Apple Bloom as well.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Oh? What seems to be the problem?”

Derpy sets Dinky down on the floor. “Arc, Ember, and I can all feel some kind of strange magic inside my little Dinky. However, when Applejack held her, she said that she felt nothing.”

Putting a hoof to her chin, Twilight looks over Dinky as she crawls around on the floor. Thinking for a few moments she turns to the pair before speaking again.

“While it certainly isn't out of the ordinary for an infant Unicorn to have unbalanced magical powers, the fact I can't sense anything wrong is indeed troubling.”

Ember makes a face. “You know what else is troubling? Dinky's diaper.”

Derpy picks up her daughter. “Would you all excuse me for a few minutes please?”

She heads to the bathroom with Dinky. Applejack walks in the front door a few moments later with Apple Bloom.

“Hey y'all! We came as fast as we could!”

Apple Bloom runs up to Arc. He kneels down to embrace her.

“Arc! How was your trip?!”

“Loads of fun. In fact, we enjoyed it so much that Cherry invited us all to spend the night. I hope you don't mind that we borrowed your sister longer though.”

Apple Bloom shakes her head. “Nah! We figured Applejack deserved a little time off anyways! By the way, your new Command Center must be almost ready! They're moving furniture inside now!”

Arc sets the filly down and stands up. “I knew my squad wouldn't let me down. I might head over there later, but right now we have bigger things to worry about.”

Apple Bloom looks confused. “Like what?”

“Well, did you sister tell you about what I wrote in my letter to her a while back?”

“She mentioned something about you feeling some kinda power in me. I didn't really understand what she was talking about though.”

Applejack sighs. “To tell you the truth, I didn't understand what I was talking about, sugarcube.”

Twilight walks over to the young filly. “Apple Bloom, can you feel anything of magical origin inside you?”

Apple Bloom shakes her head. “Nope. But I don't even know what magic is supposed to feel like.”

Ember takes a couple steps closer to Apple Bloom. “That makes sense, but... I can definitely say I feel it more strongly the closer I get to Apple Bloom.”

Arc nods. “I agree. The feeling is most certainly coming from within her.”

Derpy emerges from the bathroom with a freshly changed Dinky. “Hello again, Applejack!”

“Hi Derpy!”

Derpy looks to the filly next to Applejack. “And a good morning to you as well, Apple Bloom!”

Arc snaps his fingers. “I have an idea. Apple Bloom, would you do me a favor and hold Dinky for a few minutes?”

Apple Bloom looks over excitedly. “Really?! Oh boy! I've never held a foal before!”

Derpy points to a nearby chair. “Have a seat and I'll bring Dinky over to you then.”

Apple Bloom hurriedly does so and Derpy lays Dinky in her small hooves. The filly looks down at the infant and grins.

“Aww… she’s so light!”

Arc crouches down next to Apple Bloom and Dinky. “Well, this is most unexpected. I was wondering if them being in close proximity would double the feeling.”

Ember thinks about this for a moment. “You mean like how one plus one equals two?”

Arc nods. “Yes Ember, and very well put I might add. However, right now I’m feeling more like One plus one equals three. But let’s change things up now. Ember would you and Derpy please sit down on either side of Apple Bloom and Dinky please?”

The pair move to do so. Derpy’s eyes grow wide as she sits down.

“You're right Arc! The power didn't just combine, but instead feels like it grew!”

Ember nods. “I agree. Twilight, why don't you try now?”

Twilight takes Ember's place next to Apple Bloom. After sitting there for a few moments she shakes her head.

“Nope. Sorry, but I still don't feel a thing.”

Ember groans loudly. “This is maddening! Why can the three of us feel it, but a talented Unicorn like Twilight can’t?!”

Apple Bloom grimaces. “Um... big sis! I'm feeling something too!”

Applejack rushes over to her sister’s side. “You do?! When did it start?!”

Apple Bloom appears nervous. “About the time Miss Derpy handed Dinky to me. I’m sorry for not saying anything earlier, but I didn't want to interrupt you all though.”

Arc walks over to her. “It's okay Apple Bloom. Can you describe the feeling for us?”

Apple Bloom thinks for a few moments. “Well... I guess the best way to describe it would be kinda like a warm feeling. Like love, but with power behind it. This feeling... it actually feels kinda good to me. Like seeing somepony again after they've been gone for a really long time.”

Ember gives her a thumbs up. “Good description. That's what it feels like to me as well.”

Derpy and Arc both nod in agreement. Apple Bloom looks over to Applejack with tears in the corners of her eyes.

“Applejack... what's happening to me?! I'm scared!”

Derpy picks Dinky back up from Apple Bloom as Applejack walks forward to console her little sister. “There, there sugarcube. You're going to be just fine. We'll figure this thing out together. Any ideas, Twilight?”

“Well, from what Apple Bloom just described, it sounds an awful lot like the power from the Elements of Harmony.”

Applejack gasps. “But, that's impossible Twilight! The Elements are already attuned to us!”

“I know that, Applejack. But we should see if there is any connection. Give me a few moments.”

Twilight pulls six books off of various shelves in the library that appear to have nothing to do with each other. She then turns a vase on an end table a quarter turn to the left then quickly gives it a half turn to the right. The end table slowly rises out of the floor to reveal a display case containing six strange looking jewels. Twilight gestures to the case proudly as she speaks.

“Arc, Ember, Derpy... these are the Elements of Harmony. Equestria's last and most powerful weapon against threats both internal and external.”

Applejack runs over to the case. “What the… I thought the Elements of Harmony were safely locked away in the Royal Palace somewhere! Couldn't anypony break in here and nab em?!”

Twilight rolls her eyes. “Applejack... who would break into a library? Especially one open to the public?”

“Well... aw horse apples! I guess you got me there!”

Twilight continues. “Princess Celestia decided that they would be safer with me here in Ponyville. Such a thing would also be more easily accessible to us rather than the six of us having to go all the way to Canterlot to get them if the need ever arose.”

Twilight turns to Arc as she continues.

“Now then, what do you think, Arc? Is this the same power you feel coming from Apple Bloom and Dinky?”

Arc nods soberly. “There’s no doubt in my mind. The power emanating from these gems is of course much more powerful, but yes.”

Ember steps toward the case with Derpy. “Agreed! It's definitely the same feeling!”

Derpy hugs Dinky tightly. “Twilight! Are... are Dinky and Apple Bloom going to be all right?!”

“The Elements of Harmony and their energies are non-lethal, so I would say that they should be fine. Although I also have to admit that I don't really have a point of reference to base that opinion on.”

Applejack looks nervously to her friend. “So, what should we do Twilight?”

“I don't think there is anything we CAN do other than contact Canterlot and ask the Princesses if they have any knowledge of artifacts similar to the Elements of Harmony. Other than that, I really have no idea.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Applejack, would you mind if I borrowed Apple Bloom for a day or two?”

“Uh… I guess so. But why?”

“I want her to hang around the three of us and see if these energies, or whatever they are, fluctuate at all during the day.”

Applejack shrugs. “Well, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt. Apple Bloom, are you okay with this?”

“Really, Arc?! This’ll be SO COOL!”

“Guess that settles it. Take good care of my little sister, Arc. And let me know if you find out anything. I'm counting on you.”

Arc nods soberly. “Don’t worry, Applejack. We’ll figure this thing out.”

Applejack gives Apple Bloom a hug before leaving to get back to her chores at Sweet Apple Acres. Ember sighs as she turns to Arc.

“What should we do now?”

“Well, just for the sake of covering all the bases, why don't we take Dinky and Apple Bloom to Ponyville Hospital and have Dr. Horse give them a checkup.”

Twilight nods her head in agreement. “That’s probably for the best. And while you’re doing that, I'll get started writing a letter asking for the princesses’ advice on this matter.”

Arc calls out as he walks toward the door with the others. “Thanks, Twilight. Keep us posted.”

Arc, Derpy, Dinky, Ember and Apple Bloom leave the library and head toward the hospital. Apple Bloom kicks a rock in frustration.

“Awww... I hate going to the doctor!”

Arc sighs. “So do I.”

Apple Bloom looks up at him. “Really Arc?! Why’s that?”

“Every time I go there it's either because something put holes in my chest or a friend of mine is in trouble.”

Derpy looks down sadly. “I too don't much care for hospitals. The last time I was there was after Dinky was born and they told me you were gone, Arc.”

Ember does her best to reassure her. “Not to worry, Derpy. Remember, he was with me pretty much the whole time.”

Arc nods in agreement. “And now we’re all safe and back together again. Let's try and keep it that way, shall we? Want a piggy back ride, Apple Bloom?”

“What’s that?”

“I’ll show you.”

Arc picks up Apple Bloom and puts her on his shoulders. He holds onto her rear hooves as the continue on down the path. Apple Bloom throws her hooves up happily

“This is awesome! Look how high up I am! Wee!”

A short time later the party arrives at Ponyville Hospital. Arc approaches the front desk and speaks.

“Pardon me, nurse. I need to speak to Doctor Horse about a strange magical based ailment.”

“Very well. I’ll see what I can do.”

A few minutes later the nurse returns and approaches Arc.

“The doctor will see you shortly. You can wait in his office.”

The nurse leads them to Doctor Horse's office before returning to the front desk. Derpy sets Dinky down on the floor.

“Apple Bloom, would you like to play with Dinky?”

“Sure!”

Apple Bloom and Dinky play patty cake on the floor until Doctor Horse arrives. Arc gestures to the fillies playing together as he speaks.

“My small friends here are emanating some kind of strange energy, doctor. It seems to grow in power when the two of them are together. Ember, Derpy, and I can all sense it. But so far nopony else has been able to do so. Would you kindly give them a full medical examination please?”

The doctor looks over to the fillies playing on the floor. “I certainly could. But I'm not exactly sure what to look for.”

Arc sighs. “That makes two of us, doctor. I guess I’m hoping you can find anything we can use as a clue.”

The doctor removes two empty syringes from a nearby drawer and walks over to the fillies. After readying them, he looks to Derpy.

“Well, let’s start with a simple blood test. Would you hold little Dinky still for me a moment, Miss Hooves?”

“Yes doctor.”

Dinky cooperates and the sample is quickly taken. Doctor Horse walks over to Apple Bloom with the other syringe. She promptly runs and hides under the desk.

“EKKK!!!”

Ember rolls her eyes. “Come on, Apple Bloom! We need to get to the bottom of this!”

She peeks out from under the desk. “But I’m scared!”

Arc smiles at her. “There's nothing to be scared of Apple Bloom. If you’d like, I'll hold you while the doctor takes the sample.”

“Well... okay.”

Apple Bloom walks slowly over to Arc and jumps onto his lap. She wraps her front hooves around his neck and squeezes her eyes shut fearfully. Arc wraps his arms around her midsection and holds on tight. He nods to the doctor who pricks Apple Bloom's skin and takes the sample. She winces but remains fairly calm as blood fills the vessel. A few moments later the doctor pulls out the filled syringe.

“There we go. All done.”

Apple Bloom smiles sheepishly. “Well, that wasn't so bad.”

Ember nods approvingly. “You were very brave, Apple Bloom.”

The doctor calls for a nurse whom momentarily enters the office. He points a hoof at the filled syringes on the table as he speaks.

“Take those to the lab. I need the results as soon as possible.”

“Yes doctor.”

The nurse leaves to carry out her assignment while the doctor continues with the examination. An hour later he finishes.

“Everything seems to be in order physically in both patients. All that's left are the results from the lab.”

There is a small knock at the door as a nurse enters with a report.

“Perfect timing nurse, thank you.”

The nurse gives the doctor the report and returns to her duties. Doctor Horse walks over to his desk and sits down before opening the file.

“Let's see here... Dinky's blood work shows normal all across the board.”

Derpy hugs her daughter tightly. “Oh, thank goodness!”

As the doctor looks over Apple Bloom’s report a strange look crosses his face. “Well, this is quite… unexpected.”

Ember looks over. “Did you find something, doctor?”

“I... don't know. For some reason Apple Bloom's blood sample is very similar to... a Unicorn.”

Arc looks confused. “I'm not quite sure I understand your meaning, doctor.”

“Well, Unicorns have a substance in their blood we know as ‘Magiplasts’. When a Unicorn casts a spell, these magiplasts carry magical energy to their horn. For this reason, magiplasts are only found in unicorns, so this is truly remarkable!”

Derpy looks down at Dinky. “So, no magiplasts, no magic?”

“It is believed so, yes. Although I have never heard of any actual studies being performed on this subject regarding species outside of Unicorns.”

Arc stands up. “Um… doctor?”

“Yes?”

Arc uses his magic to levitate Dinky with one hand while performing a simple light spell in the other. Apple Bloom looks on, wide eyed.”

“Arc! You can use magic now?!”

Doctor Horse watches the spectacle before him in amazement. “Extraordinary! The ability to cast multiple spells of different schools simultaneously! But I was assured by Miss Heartstrings that humans can’t use magic!”

“That is correct, doctor. No human has ever been able to do such a thing. I couldn't myself, until very recently.”

“If I may ask, how is such a feat possible?!”

“During my previous visit with the Dragon Lord, he gifted me with Dragon Magic. And while it differs from unicorn magic, it’s still quite handy.”

Now it is Doctor Horse’s turn to be confused. “Different? How so?”

Ember stands up. “I think I can answer that one. You see, unicorn magic is based more on utilitarian artes such as telekinesis, light spells, transmogrification and the like. A Unicorn can cast such spells with ease with almost no drain to their energy. While Dragon Magic is more offensive oriented. Fire Blast, Feats of Strength, and Elemental Manipulation just to name a few. While a Unicorn could certainly cast these spells if they knew them, it would be quite taxing on them.”

Apple Bloom grins. “Does this mean I can use magic too?!”

“That would be extremely unlikely miss. But, considering what I have just seen and heard... I suppose anything is possible. I will put out a call to some colleagues to see if such an event has ever been reported previously.”

Derpy looks again to the doctor, this time with evident concern in her voice. “Thank you, doctor. But... what about Dinky?”

“I'm afraid I can't be of any help there Miss Hooves. Whatever this power is that you three are sensing doesn't appear to be causing her any pain or affecting her physically. While I too would like to know the source of the power, it doesn't seem to be hindering her in any way. Sadly, this is all I can tell you right now. I wish I could do more.”

Arc stands up. “Thank you for your time doctor. We’ll let you get back to work now.”

Doctor Horse nods as he walks them out the door. “If I come up with anything from my inquiries, I will let you know.”

A short time later the group leaves Ponyville Hospital together. Ember appears annoyed.

“Well, that was a waste of time!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really, Ember. We may not have learned anything new, but at least we eliminated a few possibilities.”

Derpy looks over to Arc for guidance. “So, where do we go from here?”

Arc looks straight ahead. “I can think of only one place…”

The party walks down the street as Arc leads them into Sugar Cube Corner. Ember facepalms as he does so.

“Really? This again?!”

Arc smiles as they walk in the door. “What? I can't be expected to think on an empty stomach.”

Apple Bloom runs inside excitedly. “Yeah! Me either!”

Dinky laughs and claps her tiny hooves together. “Yummy!”

Derpy giggles. “I guess at least Dinky agrees with you Arc.”

Arc approaches Mrs. Cake at the counter. Smiling, she addresses him.

“Good morning Hero of... I mean, Arc! What can we do for you today?”

“I’d like to buy a mixed platter of cupcakes please. Oh! And a half dozen muffins.”

Derpy salivates. “Muffins…”

Mrs. Cake arranges the order on a tray. Arc pays for the sweets and returns to the large table the group is now sitting around. He sets the platter down in the middle of them.

“Dig in everyone.”

They do so. Apple Bloom eats happily next to Dinky.

“Yum! These are the best cupcakes I ever had!”

Ember holds up a cupcake. “Gotta admit, this place has good eats!”

Derpy and Dinky say nothing but nod in agreement as they happily munch on their muffins. Ember finishes her cupcake and goes for another.

“Thanks for the treats, Arc. But seriously, what do we do now?”

“Hmmm... well, how about we head over to the park? Dinky and Apple Bloom could play for a while.”

Apple Bloom nods happily. “That sounds like fun!”

Derpy swallows the last of her muffin and giggles. “I guess that settles it!”

The party finishes their snack and heads over to the park. Dinky chases Apple Bloom around trying her best to catch her while Arc and the others sit around a picnic table. A few other foals join them. A familiar mare and another filly arrive sometime later. Arc throws up a hand to them.

“Hi Rarity!”

“Good day to you all. What brings you three here today?”

Derpy looks over to the pair as they play together. “Dinky and Apple Bloom are playing together. Right now we're trying to figure out what is causing some strange magic-like energies that seem to be coming from both of them.”

With genuine concern in her voice. “Oh my! Are they in any danger?!”

Ember shakes her head. “It doesn't look like it. At least the doctor didn't find anything of concern. Twilight is equally stumped. Looks like all we can do now is observe them.”

“My goodness! If there is anything I can do to help by all means please let me know!”

Arc gestures for Rarity to sit down with them. “Thanks, Rarity. The only lead we have right now are the Elements of Harmony.”

Rarity appears confused. “The Elements? How could they have anything to do with those two though?”

Arc lowers his voice and leans in closer to Rarity. “Well, while we were at the library earlier today, Twilight showed us the Elements of Harmony. The power coming from them was the same as the energy from Apple Bloom and Dinky.”

“But how is that possible?!”

Arc shrugs. “We haven’t a clue.”

Apple Bloom walks up to the group with Dinky on her back. “Hi there, Rarity! Um... Arc, can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Sure, Apple Bloom. What's on your mind?”

Apple Bloom looks at the group of adults nervously. “Well… do you remember how in the library I told you how I felt something coming from Dinky?”

Arc nods. “Yes. What about it?”

“It's just that... I'm getting the same feeling here too! At first I thought it was just coming from Dinky again, but... it's not!”

Derpy appears concerned. “Any idea from where though?”

Apple Bloom points a hoof at a white Unicorn with the purple and pink mane. “I'm pretty sure it's coming from that filly over there.”

Rarity looks where Apple Bloom is pointing before turning back to her. “Apple Bloom dear, are you sure of this?!”

“I'm pretty sure. It's hard to tell with so many others around though.”

Rarity looks over at the filly apprehensively. “Well, there's only one way to find out.”

Rarity waves and the white Unicorn approaches the picnic table cautiously. “Everypony, I'd like you to meet my little sister, Sweetie Belle.”

The young filly looks over to Arc then at Ember. “Um… hello.”

“Sweetie Belle, these are a few of my friends. Derpy and her daughter Dinky.”

Derpy and Dinky smile at Sweetie Belle as Rarity continues.

“And this is Apple Bloom. She's Applejack's little sister. You remember her, don't you”

“Uh huh.”

“And this is Arc. He's Equestria's Hero of Light.”

Arc smiles at her. “Pleased to meet you, Sweetie Belle.”

Rarity gestures to their dragon companion. “And finally, this is Ember. She’s the Dragon Lord's daughter.”

Sweetie Belle raises an eyebrow. “So... she's like... a princess then?”

Rarity thinks for a moment. “I... guess you could say that, yes.”

Sweetie Belle looks over at Ember excitedly. “Wow! I never met a princess before!”

Rarity continues. “Yes well, in any case... Sweetie Belle, the Hero of Light would like to have a word with you.”

Sweetie Belle worriedly shrinks back. “Am I in trouble?”

Arc smiles at the filly. “No, it's nothing like that. You and I just need to have a little chat, that's all. Now I'm going to ask you a few questions and you just answer the best you can, alright?”

“Okay. I’ll try.”

“Alright. Tell me... how do you feel right now?”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “I guess about the same as any other day.”

“Do you know my friends Apple Bloom and Dinky? Have you met them before?”

“Just Apple Bloom. I’ve seen her in town with Applejack before.”

Arc gestures to the park. “When you were playing together just now did you feel anything... out of the ordinary?”

Sweetie Belle shrugs. “Not really. But we were so busy playing that I didn’t really think about it.”

Arc points at Dinky and Apple Bloom. “Sweetie Belle, I want you to do something for me. Go stand next to Dinky and Apple Bloom.”

“Okay.”

Sweetie Belle does so as Arc continues talking.

“Can you feel anything now?”

The filly makes a strange face. “Now that you mention it, yeah! Kinda like a strange warm feeling!”

Arc turns to Derpy and Ember. “What do you think?”

The pair nod their heads in agreement. Arc turns to Rarity as he continues.

“Just for the sake of clarity, do you feel anything coming from these three, Rarity?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Not a thing, no.”

Arc turns back to the filly. “Thank you for answering my questions, Sweetie Belle. You can all go play now.”

The three fillies run off together smiling and laughing as Rarity looks over to Arc, very concerned.

“Arc, what is going on here?!”

“Believe me Rarity, if I knew I’d tell you. When the three of them were standing there together though, the power within became MUCH stronger.”

Ember nods in agreement. “I felt that too.”

Derpy looks around the park. “How many others do you suppose are out there?”

Arc sighs. “Sadly, there's no way of knowing. Don't worry. We WILL figure this out.”

He turns back to Rarity before continuing.

“Would it be all right if Sweetie Belle stayed with us for a while though?”

Rarity nods. “Well, if you think it will help, then yes.”

Arc sighs. “I admit, I'm not sure of anything right now. All I can think of to do is watch... and wait.”

Rarity smiles nervously. “I trust you, Arc. Do what you think is best, of course. But please... take care of my little sister.”

She waves a hoof at Sweetie Belle who comes running back. As she stops in front of her older sister, Rarity speaks.

“Arc here would like the three of you to stay together for a while longer. I'm going to head back home, as he will be looking after you for now. Be a good girl for him and Miss Derpy.”

Sweetie Belle nods. “I will. Bye Rarity.”

Rarity stands and leaves the park. Sweetie Belle turns to Apple Bloom and grins.

“This is going to be so cool!”

Apple Bloom hops up and down. “I know, right!”

Dinky joins in the fun by clopping her hooves together. “YAY!”

Sweetie Belle looks back at Arc. “Mister Arc, can we play some more?!”

Arc nods. “Go right ahead. Derpy and I will be here if you need us.”

The trio returns to playing together while the adults try, and fail, to make sense of the situation. They stay at the park until late afternoon. Eventually Ember stands and looks off into the distance.

“Well, we aren't making any headway on this mystery. I'm going to fly to Sweet Apple Acres and tell Applejack what we learned so far.”

Arc sighs. “Good idea. We'll head back to Derpy's house in a few minutes. See you back there for supper.”

Ember nods and flies away toward Sweet Apple Acres. Arc stands up and looks over at the three fillies as he calls out to them.

“Alright girls, time to go home for supper!”

Apple Bloom groans. “Awww... can't we stay a little longer though?”

Sweetie Belle appears hopeful. “Yeah! We were having fun!”

Arc shakes his head. “All good things must eventually come to an end. And besides, aren't you two hungry after all that exercise?”

Sweetie Belle puts a hoof on her stomach. “Well, I guess I am.”

Derpy motions for the fillies to follow her. “This way, girls.”

They make the short walk to Derpy's small house. Derpy begins preparing a simple supper for them. The fillies run over to her as Sweetie Bell looks to the stove.

“Miss Derpy, can we help?!”

Apple Bloom jumps up and down. “Can we?! Can we?!”

“I suppose so. Sweetie Belle can set the table and Apple Bloom can help me make the salad.”

The fillies quickly move to fulfill their assignments. As Sweetie Belle passes the stove, she catches a strange aroma coming from it. Pointing a hoof, she calls out.

“Miss Derpy, what's in that pot on the stove? It smells a bit... odd.”

Derpy look over to Sweetie Belle and wrings her hooves together nervously. “Oh! Um... well... it's supper for Arc and Ember.”

Apple Bloom walks over. “Aren’t they eating salad with the rest of us?”

“Arc will, yes. Ember... not likely.”

Sweetie Belle looks confused. “Why not?”

Arc walks into the kitchen to join them. “Quite the detectives you two are. Wanting to know something that you don’t understand.”

Apple Bloom raises an eyebrow. “Is that… bad?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all. Now then, why don't you two let Derpy finish making supper and go sit on the couch? I'll answer your questions there.”

The pair trot over to the couch and sit down next to each other. Arc follows and sits down as well. Sweetie Belle looks up at him sheepishly.

“Mister Arc, are we in trouble?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not at all. Being inquisitive is just part of growing up. It's just that... well... what's in the pot on the stove makes Derpy a bit... squeamish.”

Apple Bloom looks back at the stove. “Why? What’s in there?”

“Fish Soup.”

Sweetie Belle joins Apple Bloom in staring at the pot. “Fish Soup? Are you saying there are fish swimming around in that pot?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, the fish have already been cooked.”

Apple Bloom makes a face. “Are you and Ember going to eat FISH?!”

“We are. While I can certainly eat fruits and vegetables, Ember simply cannot.”

Sweetie Belle appears confused. “Why not?”

“Her stomach can't digest plants very well. Just like your tummies can't digest meat. The truth of the matter is that dragons mostly eat meat and gems. More meat than gems though.”

Sweeting Belle looks back at Arc. “And you Mister Arc? What do you eat?”

“I can eat both plants and meat. However, in order to stay healthy I do require at least some meat in my diet. And before you ask, no humans do not eat ponies.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle look relieved as Arc continues.

“Any other questions?”

Apple Bloom looks nervous, but asks anyway. “Mister Arc, can I try some of your soup?”

“No, Apple Bloom. As I said, your stomach can't digest meat. It would most likely make you sick.”

Ember walks in the front door. Derpy calls over to her from the kitchen.

“Welcome home, Ember! Supper will be ready in a few minutes!”

Arc looks over his shoulder. “How did it go with Applejack?”

Ember sighs as she closes the door behind her. “I'm not sure if she was relieved or not to hear we found another pony who has this strange energy inside of them. All I can say for sure is that we had best figure this one out before Applejack has a nervous breakdown.”

Apple Bloom grunts. “Applejack. She's always so overprotective!”

Derpy looks over toward the couch. “That just means she loves you, Apple Bloom. You'll understand one day when you have little ones of your own. But in any case, supper is ready.”

They all gather around the table to eat. As they do so, Ember turns to Arc.

“I saw the Command Center on the flight back here. Looks like it's about ready.”

Arc nods happily. “Good. We'll be needing it soon enough. Although it needs a name too. Just calling it the ‘Command Center’ doesn't quite do it for me.”

Apple Bloom looks up. “How about ’The Hero of Light’s Base’ then?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. It still sounds too military. I need something that gives the population something to look up to. Something to give them hope.”

Sweetie Belle pricks up her ears. “I know! What about ‘Light’s Hope’?”

Arc is silent for a time as he thinks it over. “I think that's what we will call it. Light's Hope it is. Good job Sweetie Belle.”

There is a knock at the door. Both fillies run to the door and cry out happily in tandem.

“WE’LL GET IT!”

Ember laughs. “They're enthusiastic, I'll give them that!”

The sound of the front door opening can be heard. However, very suddenly the door slams shut. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle run back to the kitchen screaming.

“There are monsters at the front door!”

“Save us!”

Arc sighs and stands. “I think I know who they are.”

He walks to the front door and opens it to see his squad standing on the front steps looking a bit confused. Upon seeing Arc, they snap to attention and salute. Arc stands aside.

“At ease. All of you come inside.”

They do so. Xenos looks over at Arc as he closes the door behind them.

“We sure are sorry about scaring your friends, commander.”

Max sighs. “Though I suppose we probably do look a fright in the moonlight.”

Arc looks to the two fillies hiding behind Derpy. “It’s alright girls. They’re with me.”

Apple Bloom pokes their head out from behind Derpy. “Are… are you sure, Mr. Arc?”

“Positive. They're going to be helping me save Equestria from evil... or whatnot.”

Sweetie Belle comes out of hiding. “Okay… if you say so Arc.”

“Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. I want you to meet Xenos, Max, Hugh, and Viktor.”

The stallions wave as their names are called. Sweetie Belle looks over to the four Lunar Protectors.

“I guess they're not so scary in the light.”

Arc nods. “Now that we have that out of the way, have a seat on the sofa, boys. I'll bring you up to date on what's been going on since you left.”

The squad sits on the couch and waits for Arc to speak. Arc brings them up to date on the current situation regarding the three fillies and the strange power that seems to be coming from them.

“So that's where we stand. If any of you have any ideas, I'm all ears.”

They shake their heads. Max looks out the window to the north as he speaks.

“Perhaps Canterlot can help us out on this one sir.”

“Twilight has already sent word to the princesses. No word as of yet. But in any case, I suppose we can't really do anything else about it tonight.”

Hugh looks to the fillies. “Don’t worry. Everything will be alright.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. Canterlot is full of scholars that can solve any problem.”

Viktor turns to Arc. “Shall we head back to our campsite now, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “Why don't you guys head to the town’s inn for the night? I've already made reservations for you four. Be back here first thing in the morning though so we can head over to the new Command Center together. Oh! That and Sweetie Belle here has come up with a name for it. We're going with ‘Light's Hope’. But for now, dismissed.”

The squad salutes Arc and hurries out the door. Arc and the rest of the household finish their supper. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle look to be quite tired from the day's events. Derpy looks over at the yawning fillies and smiles.

“I think it’s time for all fillies to be in bed now.”

Sweetie Belle yawns. “But we’re not even… tired!”

Arc stands and herds them toward the bedroom. “You two can sleep in my bed. Sweet dreams.”

The fillies slowly walk to the bedroom as Derpy puts Dinky in her crib for the evening. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom look back from the doorway and call out together.

“Good night!”

They close the door behind them. Ember, Derpy, and Arc sit around the fire together. Arc finally breaks the silence.

“Anyone else feel like a cupcake?”

Ember facepalms and heads for the bedroom. “Not this again! You do what you want, but I'm going to bed.”

She quietly enters the bedroom for a good night’s sleep as Derpy looks over at Arc.

“Arc... what's going to happen to our little one?”

“I don't know Derpy. Hopefully the princesses can advise us on this matter tomorrow. Until then, all we can do it wait.”

She nuzzles his side, happily. “Thanks for being you Arc. You're always there for me.”

Arc puts an arm around her and smiles. “You’re welcome, Derpy. After all, that’s what friends are for.”