*VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 19 - For the Greater Good

Early the next morning the squad arrives at Derpy’s house. Arc answers their knocks.

“Good morning, boys.”

Max salutes with the other three. “Reporting for duty, as ordered, sir!”

Arc facepalms. “Oh boy… at ease! Do you guys always have to be so... so military?”

Viktor looks at him, confused. “Uh sir... we ARE the military.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. And as such, we’re taught to address a superior officer in such a way.”

Hugh looks to Arc. “Do you have a different way that you’d like to be addressed, sir?”

Arc sighs as he steps outside to join them in the cool morning air. “No, I suppose not. But feel free to speak freely for the moment. In any case, the others will be out in a few minutes.”

Hugh looks in the direction of the new building. “We're all very excited to see the new Command Center, sir.”

“As am I. Hopefully we can just use it as a base of operations though. I don't really want to have to command a war from it.”

Viktor nods. “Hope for the best, and prepare for the worst, I suppose.”

The others emerge from Derpy's house and soon the party is on its way. Sweetie Belle looks over at Arc’s squad.

“You guys aren’t quite as scary in the daylight.”

Xenos chuckles. “Thank you miss.”

Hugh turns to her. “Please remember, we are here to protect and serve the Hero of Light after all.”

Ember smirks. “Just don’t get in my way though.”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m sure there’s a place for everyone in what is to come.”

Apple Bloom approaches the four. “So, what's the most dangerous mission you’ve been on?”

Max thinks for a moment. “That would have to be our most recent one, where the Hero of Light led us into Tartarus.”

Upon hearing this, Apple Bloom turns her attention back to Arc. “Wait a minute! Arc, you actually went BACK to Tartarus?!”

“Yup.”

“Why?!”

“Originally I went in there to save a certain… individual of importance. However, I left that day with three more than I planned on.”

He turns to his squad before continuing.

“Not to worry though. I'm sure we will have many more missions together of much greater difficultly.”

Hugh laughs. “We've already been to Hell and back with you sir. How much worse could it get?”

Arc stops walking and turns his head to look at his squad. “Listen to me, all of you. While I haven't been doing this very long, I've already encountered my fair share of demons and monsters.”

Looking each of them in the eye, Arc continues.

“I've fought things the four of you have only ever seen in your darkest nightmares. Believe me when I tell you that it can and will get much... MUCH worse! Please understand that I’m not trying to scare you here. In truth, I’m just being Honest. But in any case, perhaps we’ll have time to discuss this matter further at a later date.”

The party continues onward. Sweetie Belle turns to Arc.

“Back then, when you were in Tartarus I mean, were you scared, Mister Arc?”

“Yes, I was.”

Apple Bloom walks up to join the conversation. “What gave you the courage to do something like that?”

“I went in there and fought so others wouldn't have to.”

Derpy smiles. “That's what heroes do, Apple Bloom. Protect and serve where they’re needed.”

Dinky giggles from her place on Derpy’s hip. Arc boops her nose affectionately as he looks to her.

“All I want to do is keep trouble as far away as I can from little ones like you, Dinky.”

A short time later the party arrives at the newly built Command Center. Hard Hat is waiting out front for them along with Twilight and the rest of the Mane Six. Arc walks over to them, confused.

“Twilight? What are you and the others doing here?”

Twilight gestures to the building with a hoof. “It's not every day that we have such a grand building raised up in such a short amount of time.”

Applejack nods soberly. “That and we were hoping to talk more about the strange energy from yesterday.”

Rarity walks over to Sweetie Belle. “My friends are I are very concerned that there may be other foals out there with the same energies.”

Arc nods. “I understand. We’ll all get together and talk about it in the Meeting Room as soon as I finish inspecting the base. This shouldn't take too long.”

Pinkie grins. “Good! Because we need to break this place in with a ‘Welcome to Ponyville Party’!

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Pinkie, I don’t think the building needs to be welcomed.”

Fluttershy giggles. “It probably more for Arc than the building itself though.”

Derpy looks to the stallion at the doors. “Maybe we should let Arc talk to the builder then.”

Twilight steps aside as she turns to Arc. “Makes sense.”

Arc walks past her and approaches Hard Hat. The stallion holds out a rugged hoof and greets him warmly.

“Ah, welcome Hero of Light! It was a great honor to build your Command Center.”

Arc nods as he and the stallion shake hands/hooves. “Thank you for all your hard work. I’m looking forward to seeing how everything turned out.”

Hard Hat gestures to the front doors with a hoof. “Shall we begin the inspection tour now then, sir?”

“Lead the way.”

Arc and the rest of his party enters the Main Hall. It is a very large round room with a solid oak receptionist's desk off to the left surrounded by many filing cabinets. Sweetie Belle looks around the room and gasps.

“Woah! This room alone is bigger than the whole Town Hall!”

Hard Hat turns to Arc. “I hope you like the mural. I designed it myself.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Mural?”

At Hard Hat’s beckoning, Arc and company look up at the ceiling. Portrayed overhead is the Battle of Tartarus showing Twilight and her friends along with the former Heroes of Light standing against the hordes of demons with Arc fighting some distance in front of them. Next to it is a mural of Arc fighting several dragons in front of the Dragon Lord himself, followed by a depiction of Arc receiving Dragon Magic from the Dragon Lord. Derpy gasps, clearly amazed.

“Breathtaking.”

Hard Hat gestures to the empty parts of the ceiling. “As you can see, there is plenty of room left for your future adventures, sir”

Ember laughs. “I guess so. But at the rate he’s going, this ceiling should fill up in no time.”

Hard Hat motions to the desk. “I’m told that Canterlot should be sending a receptionist in a day or so along with a chef and a number of guards to defend your base.”

Arc shrugs. “No rush there. I’m not looking to go off on anything too dangerous anytime soon.”

Applejack and the others make their way deeper into the base. “The six of us will see you in the Meeting Room when you’re done, Arc. Don't be too long though. We've got to get this whole thing figured out.”

Arc nods to her before turning to Hard Hat. “Alright, I’ll see you there.”

Turning to the stallion, he continues.

“Just give me a few moments before we continue on.”

He walks to one side of the room and calls forth Eidolon's Ward. Wasting no time, Arc places a sigil on the floor before returning the armor to his ring. Returning his attention back to Hard Hat, Arc again speaks.

“Now then, lead on. It appears that I have pressing matters ahead of me already.”

Hard Hat leads Arc and his squad deeper into the Command Center. Pushing a door open he shows them the Training Hall for Arc and his squad.

“As you requested, we have done our best to recreate Canterlot Castle’s Training Center here, sir.”

Arc nods. “I think it will do.”

He turns to his squad before continuing.

“What do you think guys?”

Max looks around the room. “We’ll only need to make a few minor changes to the layout, sir.”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. But for the most part it’s a flawless recreation.”

Hugh chuckles. “It’ll be at the top of our priority list.”

Viktor raises an eyebrow. “There’s a list?”

Hard Hat writes down a few notes. “Let me know what needs to be done and I’ll see to it that it’s fixed.”

Max shakes his head. “It’s just the layout of a few of the things in here. We just need to do a bit of rearranging to fix them. Nothing major.”

Hard Hat looks to Arc, whom nods. Gesturing to the door, the stallion continues.

Next up we have the Armory. Please follow me and I’m sure that all of you will be pleased.”

Hard Hat leads them back out into the corridor and down the hall. He opens another door to expose a large room filled with weapons of every kind imaginable and different types of armors. Arc looks around amazed as he speaks.

“This place could outfit a small army!”

Max nods soberly. “Someday you may have to, sir.”

Hard Hat points a hoof toward a corner of the room. “We‘ve also included a decently equipped blacksmith's forge for repairs and maintenance of these weapons.”

Xenos nods. “That will come in handy after a hard day’s training.”

Viktor shrugs. “It’ll be quicker than sending them out for repairs.”

Hugh grins. “As hard as Xenos is on weapons, yes.”

Returning to the corridor, Hard Hat points a hoof at a very thick looking metal door across the way.

“Over against the wall is where we have installed the vault you asked for sir. Its security is second only to the vault in Canterlot Castle. It is, of course, empty now. But should the need arise, whatever you put inside will be kept safe.”

Arc nods approvingly. “I’m sure that will come in handy for any number of things.”

Max looks to Arc. “Like storing magical artifacts and confiscated contraband, sir.”

Hugh smirks. “And our pay when it arrives.”

Xenos chuckles. “Can’t be too careful with money, after all.”

Next they are led to the Cafeteria and the adjoining Kitchen. Hard Hat points to the range as they enter the swinging doors.

“State of the art food preparation facilities. This kitchen was designed by the top minds in culinary circles.”

Hugh looks around. “You could feed an army with this kitchen!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “The way I eat, we may have to. I just hope the chef Canterlot is sending over doesn't have an aversion to cooking meat for Ember and I.”

Hard Hat shakes his head. “Certainly not, sir. That was one of the main reasons your new chef was chosen. You see, you're actually getting one of Canterlot Castle’s best sous chefs.”

Max frowns. “A sous chef to feed the occupants of a base this size?”

Hugh grimaces. “Are you sure that they’re up to the task?”

Xenos nods. “Yeah. And that’s without the whole meat cooking requirement.”

Hard Hat puts a hoof on one of the food prep counters. “You’ll be pleased to know that she does have experience cooking for a number of different cultures. Several of which are carnivorous, sir.”

Arc smiles happily. “Good. Can’t wait to meet her.”

Ember salivates. “Me too!”

Hard Hat leads the party to a large room with many rows of bunk beds. “Here we have the Barracks. For the enlisted soldiers, of course.”

Arc looks at the number of beds lined up. “There aren't actually going to be this many soldiers stationed here, are there?”

“No sir. This is merely a precautionary measure in case such facilities are needed. Like if a war were to break out or some kind of other disaster. As I stated earlier, a small contingent of soldiers will of course be stationed here permanently. However, their purpose will be mostly for keeping this building secure when you and your own troops are off on missions.”

Arc motions to his squad. “What about them?”

“Right this way.”

The party is led down a nearby corridor to a smaller room containing four beds, a table, bathroom facilities, and a couple of couches. Hard Hat turns to Arc as he speaks.

“As you ordered, your troops will have their own living areas separate from the rest of the soldiers.”

Arc nods. “Good. It should help them to work as a unit. Contrary to their original training, that is.”

Hugh smiles. “It's definitely a step up from what we’re used to.”

Xenos nods. “Company barracks are now a thing of the past.”

Arc turns to his troops. “If you boys want to change anything in here feel free to do so.”

Viktor nods. “Thank you, sir.”

Max looks to the others. “We’ll talk it over later.”

Arc turns back to Hard Hat. “Now then, tell me about the Guest Quarters.”

“Right down the hall from your quarters, sir.”

A short walk finds the group looking into much more luxurious accommodations. Hard Hat gestures to the fancy furniture.

“Guest Quarters for VIPs and visiting dignitaries.”

Hugh gasps. “These accommodations are like something one would expect to see in Canterlot Castle!”

Xenos grins. “Yeah! It’s crazy snazzy!”

Max looks around the spacious room. “As nice as these rooms are, I can't wait to see yours, sir!”

Viktor nods. “If this is any indication, it must be quite the sight to see.”

Hard Hat points a hoof. “That particular suite is just a few doors down the way.”

They walk a number of paces down the hall before stopping before a rather normal looking door. Hard hat gestures to it as he speaks.

“Here we are. The Hero of Light's living quarters!”

Arc nods to the door. “Did you build my room EXACTLY as I drew it?”

Hard Hat smiles. “Yes indeed, sir! Although I must admit, it wasn't what I expected a hero of your caliber would want. Would you care to inspect it?”

“Yes. Let’s have a look.”

Sweetie Bell turns to Apple Bloom. “I bet it has gold walls!”

Ember smirks. “With jewel encrusted furniture.”

Apple Bloom shakes her head. “Nah. Arc isn't that kind of individual! But I bet it's still going to be really nice.”

They all enter the door and are stunned by what they see. Derpy looks around, wide-eyed as she turns to Arc.

“Why… this is…!”

Her voice trails off as she and the others can only stare. The quarters are an exact replica of Derpy’s small house. Even Dinky is convinced, as she looks around fervently for her crib. Eventually Ember looks to Arc, confused.

“But… why?”

Arc nods approvingly. “Derpy's house has been my home for the majority of the time I’ve been here in Equestria. And as such, these quarters will be a constant reminder of what it is I am fighting for.”

He turns to the stallion before continuing.

“Excellent work on this Hard Hat.”

“Thank you, sir. There are a few more things left to see on our tour though. Next stop, the War Room.”

At the end of the hallway is a large double door. Hard Hat pushes them open and allows everyone inside as he speaks.

“Welcome to the heart of your Command Center, sir! On one end here you have rows of desks for both officers and clerical staff. Your office is through those doors over yonder if you need to work in private. Other than that, you have a large desk at the head of this room as well which could be delegated to a second in command should you decide to declare one. Over here you have your maps of Equestria and a small meeting table as well as holographic communications uplinks for up to six-way teleconferencing. I don't mind telling you this sir, but you really could run a war from this one room if you had to.”

Arc sighs. “Again, I hope it doesn't come to that.”

Ember turns to him. “But it's good to know we have options.”

Arc points to another door. “What's in there?”

“That’s your official Meeting Room, sir. Shall we?”

Hard Hat gestures toward it as Arc and company enter the Meeting Room. It is a spacious room with a long table and many comfortable chairs lining it on either side. On the far end of the room is a small stage with a podium at one end of it. The Mane Six have already sat down and are discussing recent events amongst themselves. Turning to Arc, Hard Hat continues his spiel.

“In addition to being a private place to discuss sensitive matters, this room can easily be converted into a Press Room for making official statements via the podium in the head of it.”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, well… I can't imagine whom would care to listen to me ramble.”

Hard Hat pushes a button at the head of the table and mithril shutters slide over the floor to ceiling windows as the doors close and lock. As they finish closing a magical barrier covers them.

“One last feature, sir. For times where absolute secrecy is required. Sound proof walls along with reinforced windows and magically sealed doors. The princesses themselves could hold secret meetings here if needed with absolute security. But in any case, I suppose that concludes the grand tour, sir. How did we do?”

Arc nods. “Very well, I think. This should more than suffice as a base of operations. In fact, Sweetie Belle here has come up with a better name for it than ‘Command Center’.”

Sweetie Belle grins widely. “We’re going to call it Light’s Hope!”

Hard Hat turns back to Arc. “Very well, sir. I shall inform Canterlot of you decision upon my return to the capital. Now if you will excuse me, there’s more work to be done in Canterlot. Busy, busy, busy…”

Hard Hat presses the button again to disengage the security measures. He then leaves the room as the party holds back in the Conference Room to chat amongst themselves. Arc walks to the head of the table as his squad leaves with Hard Hat. They dutifully close the doors behind the exiting stallion.

“Alright, it would appear that we already have a mystery to solve here. About this strange energy within Dinky and Apple Bloom. Twilight, have you heard back from Canterlot yet?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, I have. The princesses say that they can think of no explanation for this, but have forwarded the matter on to their scholars and historians for further review. Have you learned anything on your end, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Very little, I’m afraid. We took Apple Bloom and Dinky to Ponyville Hospital yesterday to see if we could learn anything about any physical or biological changes that may have occurred. Dinky checked out all normal, however... Apple Bloom's lab results showed traces of magiplasts in her blood sample.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow, confused. “I'm no expert, but aren't those only found in Unicorns?”

Arc nods. “That’s roughly what Dr. Horse said.”

Rainbow Dash tilts her head to one side, confused. “But Apple Bloom is an Earth Pony. How the heck does she have them then?!”

Arc shrugs. “He’s inquired of some of his colleagues elsewhere. Hopefully they can put their heads together in order to shed some light on this matter.”

Applejack begins to tear up. “Arc... please... you've just GOT to help my little sister! If there is ANYTHING I can do to help, just tell me! I don't care how crazy or dangerous it is!”

Apple Bloom pats her sister’s side. “I’m just fine though, Applejack. Really, I am.”

Arc turns to her. “Applejack listen to me. We are GOING to help Apple Bloom. There's an answer out there somewhere. We just have to find it.”

Derpy nods fervently. “Right! And if anypony can figure this out, it's Arc!”

Ember looks to Applejack. “Your sister is in good hands.”

Fluttershy smiles at her friend. “Apple Bloom is going to be alright. I just know it.”

Arc stands and walks over to the window. He looks out at the forest that borders the base as he speaks.

“Another piece of the puzzle has been uncovered in that regard.”

He turns to Twilight before continuing.

“After we left you the other day, Derpy and I spent some time at the park. Dinky and Apple Bloom were playing together with a group of other foals. Rarity joined us in our talk about the morning's events when Apple Bloom came to tell us she had found another filly whom seemed to be putting out the same energy.”

Twilight gasps. “What?! Who was it?!”

Arc turns to looks at Rarity’s little sister. “It was Sweetie Belle here.”

“She can also feel the energy from Dinky and Apple Bloom and explained the sensation about the same way as Apple Bloom did earlier.”

Rainbow Dash shakes her head as if to try and make sense of the whole situation. “Just how many foals are out there like this?!”

Rarity sighs. “There's no real way of knowing, as it seems only Arc, Derpy, and Ember can feel their power.

Ember shrugs. “Other than the fillies in question, of course.”

Pinkie jumps up. “It's an epidemic, I tell you!”

Fluttershy looks at the foals, sadly. “So, what do we do about this whole thing?”

Arc sighs. “I haven't a clue at the moment. If this continues though, I’ll have to report a potential epidemic to Canterlot.”

Applejack appears worried again. “Do you suppose they’re somehow contagious?!”

Twilight puts a hoof to her chin and thinks. “That seems rather doubtful, Applejack. These three haven’t had any contact with each other before yesterday.”

Arc sits down heavily in his chair at the head of the table. “So... are we back to square one then?”

Ember shrugs. “Unless the doctor or the princesses can come up with something on their ends, I think we are.”

Arc looks around the table. “Does anyone have any ideas? I don't care how crazy they are. Let's hear them.”

The assembly is silent. Derpy puts a hoof to her head.

“Ugh…”

Arc looks over to her. “Derpy? What is it?

She runs over to the window and peers outside. “I... I think... it's happening again!”

“What is?!”

Twilight runs to join Derpy. “I feel it too. It's the same as last time! Look at the trees!”

Pointing a hoof outside, everyone notices that the tree branches seem to be moving in slow motion and the light outside is dimming slowly. Arc calls forth his armor and runs to the door. Throwing them open he motions for his squad to reenter the room. As they do so he holds his spear at the ready.

“Stand ready to protect everyone here troops! Twilight, talk to me! What’s happening?!”

Twilight grimaces. “This happened once while you were imprisoned in Tartarus! We were in Derpy's house when time seemed to slow to a stop and the light dimmed away into nothingness! Then a strange looking... bright creature appeared and gave us the crystal we used to lower the barrier and enter Tartarus!”

Fluttershy chimes in. “It helped us the last time it was here.”

Rainbow Dash takes up a battle ready stance. ““Yeah, but who know what it wants now!”

Ember calls forth her armor and spear. “Maybe to collect on that debt!”

Just like last time, the light from outside fades away until even the inside lights cannot illuminate the space around them. A bright figure appears in the center of the room and turns to the gray mare.

“Hello again, Derpy.”

Derpy gasps. “It's you! You helped us in the past, but... who or what are you?!”

The being pulsates with an inner glow as it speaks. “What I am is... a friend. As to who I am... I have been called many things throughout the ages. Names mean little to me after all this time. But if you must call me something, you may refer to me as ‘Kronos’.”

Twilight steps toward the creature. “Well then, Kronos. I wish to formally thank you for your help in liberating our friend Arc here from Tartarus recently. But it seems we have need of your help again.”

“Yes. That is why I have appeared before all of you today.”

Kronos returns its gaze to Derpy before continuing.

“Derpy, you have no doubt felt the power coming from your daughter, and also from these two other fillies.”

Derpy nods. “Yes, I have. But only Arc, Ember and I can sense this power. Why is that?”

“You three are able to feel their power as you are all 'Bearers of the Spears of Balance'. Their power is quite similar to your own. But at the same time different enough from the Elements of Harmony that the Element Bearers themselves cannot feel it.”

Applejack looks at the creature suspiciously. “This power inside these fillies. Will it hurt them?”

“It will not, no.”

Pinkie appears skeptical. “Are you sure?!”

“I am, yes. Someday when their destinies are clear to them they will be able to realize, harness, and control the power that for the moment lies dormant within them. When united, they will be a nearly unstoppable force.”

Ember moves to stand next to Arc. “Are there other fillies we should be on the lookout for?”

“Yes. There is one more whom possesses this power.”

Rarity turns to Twilight. “We should tell the princesses of this right away. Perhaps a search should be started in all major cities.”

“You may do as you wish, of course. But I would advise you not to search for the fourth filly.”

Rainbow Dash frowns. “Why not?”

“Your paths will cross soon enough. However, only when the time is right.”

Applejack regards the creature angrily. “Is there some special reason these fillies were chosen?!”

“The only reason I can give you is that they were chosen by destiny.”

Fluttershy appears confused. “Destiny?”

“Nothing more or less. The world will soon have need of them and their power. Dinky however... is an abnormality.”

Arc rolls his eyes at Kronos as he scoffs. “An abnormality?! Says the talking ball of light!”

Kronos continues. “Traditionally, the four are born fairly close together, both in proximity and chronologically. In truth, Dinky really should have been born many years earlier. It seems fate has been... whimsical, of late. This puts the balance of all things greatly at risk.”

Derpy looks at Kronos quizzically. “What must be done to make things right then?”

“Bring Dinky to me and I will use my magic to bring about the required balance and greatly speed up her internal clock.”

Ember bares her teeth. “I don’t like the sound of that!”

Applejack nods matter of factly. “Right! She’s just a baby!”

“You have my word that she will not be harmed in any way. However, she needs to be age appropriate for what is to come.”

Rarity waves a hoof dismissively. “But we have no assurances that such a thing needs to be done.”

Rainbow Dash nod soberly. “Or even needs to be done either!”

Kronos sighs. “I know that this must be quite a difficult decision to make. However, for the safety of all, please... make the right choice.”

Derpy slowly walks over to Dinky and picks her up before turning back to Kronos. “Is there no other way?!”

“I am sorry Derpy. There is not.”

Uncertain of what to do Derpy looks to Arc for help. He steps toward her and puts a hand on her shoulder.

“Derpy. As Dinky's mother this choice must be yours and yours alone to make. But I just want you to know that whichever path you choose, I will stand with you all the way.”

Derpy looks into Dinky’s sweet face for a long time. Eventually she speaks to her softly.

“I love you so much, Dinky. I always have, and no matter what happens here today, I always will.”

She looks to Kronos and as she walks towards it, begins to cry.

“Please... take Dinky. Do what you must to balance this out so that our world may be saved.”

Arc winces. Several members of the Mane Six open their mouths to protest, but Arc holds up a hand for silence. Kronos uses its magic to carry Dinky towards itself. It looks at Dinky for several moments silently before speaking.

“Derpy, I am greatly impressed at your selfless desire to save this land. I will remember this day, always.”

Derpy collapses to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. Arc kneels down next to her and takes the young mare in his arms as he looks back to the creature of light before them.

“Kronos, remember this as well! Take a long look at Derpy and remember! Remember the face of a mother who let her only child go for the greater good!”

“Your words have touched me deeply, Arc. I will never forget the moment this choice was made.”

A light from Kronos surrounds a giggling Dinky. The little filly happily waves a tiny hoof at her parents.

“Bye-bye mamma… daddy!”

The light intensifies until the party can no longer look at it. Derpy collapses crying hysterically. Arc falls to his knees with her, tears of intense sadness stream down his own face. Ember and the Mane Six draw near to the pair and put their hooves and claws on them as a sign of silent support. After what feels like an eternity, the light slowly subsides to tolerable levels. At last only an orb of light floats in front of Kronos as they speak.

“Balance has been restored.”

Arc looks up at the creature angrily. “WHO CARES?!”

“Arc, step forward now. Claim what was lost.”

Arc slowly gets to his feet as the rest of the Mane Six try unsuccessfully to console Derpy. As Arc nears the orb of light he reaches inside and pulls out a sleeping Dinky whom is now roughly the size of Apple Bloom. He looks to Kronos, tears still in his eyes as he holds Dinky close.

“But… how…?”

Kronos again speaks. “As I said... balance has been restored. Take care of these little ones, Arc. The fate of Equestria hangs in the balance. Farewell for now. But we will meet again one day.”

As before the darkness lifts and things are again as they should be. Derpy looks up through tear filled eyes to see Arc walking slowly toward her, carrying her daughter.

“DINKY!!!”

Arc reaches Derpy and she rises to her hooves. The Mane Six, Ember and Arc's squad stand aside to let them pass. The two of them slowly walk out of the room together. Ember turns to the others as they do so.

“We should probably leave them alone for a while.”

Applejack nods. “Yeah. Apple Bloom, it's time for us to go home now.”

Apple Bloom, bordering on tears herself, looks to her big sister.

“Is Dinky going to be okay?”

Twilight looks after Arc and Derpy walking slowly down the hallway. “I'm sure she'll be fine.”

Fluttershy smiles sadly. “Yes. That and she has the finest parents I've ever seen.”

Rarity walks slowly toward the door. “Come along, Sweetie Belle. Let's give Arc and Derpy some privacy.”

Xenos turns to face the other three. “So… what should we do now?”

Max heads for the door. “At this point I’m going to assume that we’re dismissed.”

They leave the room with the others as Arc, slowly but deliberately, helps Dinky back to his quarters.