Early the next morning, Arc walks down the corridor toward the cafeteria. He finds it filled with ponies eating breakfast. Looking around for a few moments he frowns as he thinks to himself.

“I don’t see Tempest, Spitfire, or Cherry anywhere.”

Cherry calls out to him telepathically. “Maybe they just wanted to get an early start on work?”

Arc turns and leaves the room. “Yeah, that’s probably it. I’ll go check the office.”

Making his way toward the War Room, Arc is stopped by two heavily armed and armored stallions at the door. The block his access to the room with their spears as the call out a warning.

“Halt!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “What is it?”

“Only authorized personnel are allowed beyond this point!”

Arc facepalms. “Seriously?”

“Yes sir! Orders from Colonel Spitfire!”

Arc sighs. “Alright.”

Calling forth his armor, Arc points to his Crest of Light before continuing.

“How’s that?”

“Very well, sir. Come right in.”

They push the doors open to allow him entrance. Arc looks around as he recalls his armor to see a number of ponies at desks looking over papers, maps, and other documents. Pushing the office doors open he spies Tempest, Spitfire, and Cherry sitting around the desk looking over maps together. Arc walks over to them.

“You three are up early.”

Tempest nods but does not look up. “There’s a lot to do.”

Spitfire taps the map with a hoof. “And a lot of ponies whom need our help.”

Cherry grimaces. “Since the darkness fell over the land, we’ve had no contact with the neighboring towns and cities.”

Arc frowns. “You think they may be in trouble?”

Tempest nods. “It stands to reason, yes.”

Spitfire sighs. “But ultimately, we need to figure out a way to fix this whole lack of leadership from Canterlot problem. And quickly.”

Arc turns to Cherry. “Agreed. I just wanted to check in on you three before moving out to start my mission for a power supply.”

“Be sure to eat a good breakfast and take the proper supplies, sir.”

Spitfire looks over. “I’ve already instructed Platinum Valve to give you whatever it is you need. Within reason, of course. She has a small workshop set up over at the supply depot outside.”

Tempest chuckles. “That little filly might have some interesting items to help you out there. Always tinkering with whatever she can get her hooves on, that one.”

Arc gestures to the door. “I’ll do that. Um… so how did the others take to moving into the base last night?”

Cherry shrugs. “They were a bit… apprehensive, to say the least.”

Spitfire nods to their surroundings. “A building growing up and out of nothing tends to do that.”

Tempest smirks. “But they do seem happy thus far. Secure even.”

Arc again looks to Cherry. “Anything else needed?”

Cherry shakes her head. “Just power. That will make everypony feel totally at home here, I think.”

Spitfire taps a map on the desk. “Tempest and I were just going over possible locations to source some generators.”

Tempest gestures to a location with a hoof. “We’ll start with the more well-known locations and work down to secret bases.”

Arc turns and heads for the door. “Then I guess I’d best get to work finding that power supply.”

Cherry calls out after him. “Be careful out there, sir!”

As they leave the office, Cherry sighs as she speaks to Arc telepathically.

“This is rather awkward.”

“Which part?”

Cherry groans. “All of it really. But I was referring to seeing and hearing myself.”

“Ah! I imagine that must be weird for you.”

“Kinda, yes.”

“Anything I can do to help?”

Cherry sighs. “Not really, no. I’ll get used to it, I suppose.”

Leaving the building, Arc heads to one of the last tents still standing. Entering, he sees rows and rows of crates, boxes, barrels, and other miscellaneous items carefully stacked and organized. Looking around for a few moments, he eventually hears the sound of tools clinking nearby. Spying movement under a table, he walks over and kneels down.

“Um… is that you down there, Platinum Valve?”

“Yes, I’m here!”

“I’m heading out to see about finding a power supply for our electricity problem. You have anything that could help me out there?”

Platinum Valve pokes her head out. “Sure, I have lots of stuff here. What exactly did you need?”

Arc shrugs. “Not really sure, as I don’t know what’s in here.”

Platinum Valve steps out and tosses her tool kit onto a workbench nearby. “Let’s start with the basics then. How much food and water do you have, sir?”

“About two weeks’ worth.”

“Medical supplies?”

“Three full medkits.”

“Weapons?”

“My spear, custom armor, shield, and magic knife.”

Platinum Valve raises an eyebrow. “What was that last one?”

“This.”

Pulling his guardanium knife from his ring, Arc holds it out to Platinum Valve. She takes it and looks it over carefully.

“Amazing craftsmanship!”

Arc nods. “I thought so too.”

Platinum Valve turns it in her hooves a few times. “Not sure what the material is though.”

“Pure guardanium from what I’m told.”

Platinum Valve raises an eyebrow, confused. “Guardanium?”

“Sorry, it’s a metal that doesn’t exist in Equestria.”

“Where did you get it?”

“The Griffon Kingdom.”

Platinum Valve frowns as she hands it back. “I’m guessing that was before all this mess started?”

Arc nods as he accepts the blade. “Yes, it has been some time.”

“I’d like to be able to study it when there’s time.”

“If I have some down time in the future, sure. But can you think of anything else I would need out there?”

Platinum Valve puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “It sounds like you have a general equipment list packed. How about shelter and warmth though?”

“You mean a tent and sleeping bag?”

Platinum Valve nods. “Everypony needs to sleep eventually.”

“For that I can just teleport back here via my gauntlet.”

“Gauntlet?”

Nodding, Arc calls forth his gauntlet and holds it out to her.

“I have the ability to make sigils and teleport from there to wherever else I have one already.”

“Interesting! A while back I was learning about enchantments!”

“Someone mentioned that, I think.”

“Really? Who?”

Arc shrugs as he looks away nervously. “Uh… I forget. It was just a passing comment.”

Platinum Valve turns to a rack. “In any case, you should probably have a tent and sleeping bags just in case. After all, you never know when you’ll find yourself in a magical dead zone.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “A what?”

Platinum Valve sighs as she pulls out some camping gear from a nearby crate. “Since Canterlot went dark, their forces sometimes deploy magic dampeners when powerful magic users are detected in the area. It makes capturing them that much easier.”

Arc clenches a fist. “If they’re smart, they won’t try that stuff on me.”

“Best not to get into that position though. Especially alone, mind you. Suddenly finding that you have no magic would be hard enough.”

“I’ll try not to fall into any such traps. But if it happens, it happens.”

Platinum Valve hands over the tent and a sleeping bag. “Not sure if those dampeners would do anything to enchantments or sigils though. But you should be prepared nonetheless.”

“Thanks. Anything else you can tell me about the world below though?”

Platinum Valve sighs. “Just that it’s no longer the land I used to know.”

“Oh?”

“Everypony I’ve met down there since this all started is just so… so dark. And negative too.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Considering the situation, that’s kinda warranted though.”

“Well, it won’t help in the long run.”

“Agreed. So we’ll just have to change things for the better.”

Platinum Valve smirks. “Yeah. But I do have a few more things that might help you out there.”

Opening a box nearby, Platinum Valve pulls a small bag out and hands it to Arc.

“Here you go.”

Arc opens the bag. “They just look like black marbles.”

Platinum Valve nods. “That’s pretty much what they are. I melted down some empty bottles the other day to make them,”

“But how does that help me?”

“They’re just meant to be a small distraction. Say that there’s a guard standing next to a path you need to take. Throw a few of these in the opposite direction and they’ll turn to investigate the noise.”

Arc smirks. “Meanwhile, I just sneak past while they’re distracted and no one is the wiser.”

Platinum Valve taps the bag with a hoof. “I added some black colorant when they were still a molten liquid to make them harder to spot too. It’s supposed to add to the confusion if they can’t figure out what made the sound in the first place.”

“Perfect. Got anything else?”

“How about some grenades?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Grenades?”

Platinum Valve kicks a small crate behind her open with a hind hoof. “Grenades.”

“Um… is that safe?”

“Sure. Why wouldn’t it be?”

“Couldn’t they go off?”

Platinum Valve shakes her head as she picks one up. “Not unless you pull the pin out. They’re more or less just paperweights otherwise.”

“Are they powerful?”

“Moreso than usual. I’ve changed the internal mix to give them a bigger punch.”

Arc shrugs. “Guess it wouldn’t hurt to have one or two on hand.”

He takes the grenades from Platinum Valve and stows them in his ring before continuing.

“I might be dealing with some rather… unsavory individuals out there. Any defensive suggestions?”

“Lethal or non?”

“Preferably something safe.”

Platinum Valve puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well, that thins the field quite a bit.”

“How about a bribe?”

Platinum Valve shrugs. “I don’t really see how that would help. After all, I’m supposed to give you whatever you need anyways.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no… I mean do you have anything here that I could use to bribe someone else into seeing my point of view.”

“Ah! That kind of ‘defensive’ item!”

She taps her workbench a few times, thinking. Eventually, Platinum Valve grins and runs to a chest nearby. Opening it, she rummages around for a time before pulling out a small box and returning to Arc.

“We found a big crate of these early on. These are the last of them though.”

“What are they?”

“Chocolate bars.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I can’t really see me bribing my way out of something with candy though.”

“Normally you probably wouldn’t be able to, no. But you have to understand that things are different now, sir.”

“What do you mean?”

“Candies like this aren’t being produced anymore. So it’s an especially rare treat these days. Somepony could use it to try and forget their problems, even if just for a few moments.”

“It makes sense when you put it like that.”

He accepts the box and puts it in his ring as Platinum Valve continues.

“Anything else you need, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I think I’m good. Thanks.”

As he turns to leave, Platinum Valve calls out.

“Um…”

Arc looks back. “Yes?”

“Did… did you know my parents very well?”

“That’s kinda complicated.”

Platinum Valve appears confused. “Huh?”

“I knew them, yes. But most of our interactions were merely professional, not personal.”

Platinum Valve bows her head. “Oh. I see.”

“We can talk about them when I get back if you want.”

“I’d like that, thanks.”

Nodding, Arc leaves the tent. Cherry calls out to him telepathically as they do so.

“She’s really hurting inside.”

Arc sighs inwardly. “Yeah. Losing your parents that young is a hard thing to work through.”

Cherry groans. “I was an adult when mine passed away. But it still hurt a lot.”

“Luckily you had Ruby there with you.”

“And you had Shelly, Lily, and Frank at the orphanage.”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “Had I not, I don’t think that things would have gone so well for me.”

“Did you four… always get along?”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m asking if any of you ever fought.”

Arc thinks about it for a few moments. “A few times, yes. I mean… that’s just normal growing up though.”

“But I’m assuming that you always made up afterwards.”

“Of course.”

Cherry sighs. “I wish I had.”

“Huh?”

“Do you remember when we first met at Dodge Junction?”

Arc nods. “At the saloon. Some of Buffalo Bull’s guys were giving you and your friends a hard time if I recall correctly.”

“Right. And when I invited you back to the ranch as thanks it was just you, me, and Ember at supper.”

“Yes, what about it?”

“Ruby came later that night after you went to bed. She didn’t live at the ranch at that point.”

“Because you two had a fight?”

Cherry sighs. “Yes. After our parents died, both of us thought we should be in charge of running things.”

“And you butted heads?”

“Exactly. It came to the point where Ruby moved out and let me have my way. At first I was happy to finally get what I wanted.”

“But that didn’t last.”

Cherry groans. “Soon enough I began to feel lonely. The farmhouse was just so… so empty with just me in it.”

“Did you try to make up with Ruby though?”

“I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t. While I had always wanted to, I could never really find the words to say. That and Ruby had told me that she was happy in her new life elsewhere, so I didn’t really push the matter of her coming back too hard.”

Arc shrugs. “At least she was happy.”

“It wasn’t until after my accident when she moved back home that the real truth of the matter came out.”

“Real truth?”

“Ruby had been miserable the whole time she was gone. But she told me everything was going well because she thought I was happy running the ranch alone.”

“So you both were unhappy then?”

“Right. However, we both told the other that things were great so they wouldn’t worry.”

“I don’t understand. Why are you telling me this now, Cherry?”

“Because I know how little Platinum Valve is feeling at the moment. Her family taken from her in the blink of an eye. All at once she’s all alone.”

“Do you think we should say something to Coco Pommel? Maybe she needs some help.”

“I don’t think so, no. Platinum Valve staying busy is probably the best thing for her at the moment. But it wouldn’t hurt to talk to her when we get back.”

Arc nods. “Yes, getting the power on would help restore a sense of normalcy. To her and to everyone else, I mean.”

“That it would. Um… but where are we going?”

“To the cafeteria for something to eat before heading out. After all, who knows when we’ll have the chance to come back again.”

“With your gauntlet I would imagine it being anytime.”

“One never really knows though. Remember what Platinum Valve said about those magical dampeners.”

Sometime later Arc returns to the Main Hall. Walking over to the desk, he looks to the stallion sitting there.

“I need a way out.”

The stallion nods as he gestures to a map on the wall. “Yes sir. Where would you like to go?”

Arc points to a spot. “Somewhere around here.”

Looking at where he is pointing, the stallion turns back to Arc, clearly confused.

“Are you certain of your destination, sir. There isn’t really anything out there that I know of.”

Arc nods as he calls forth his armor. “Trust me, there is.”

“Very well, sir.”

The stallion turns to a control panel and starts pressing buttons as Arc heads for the platform. Finishing his task, the stallion turns to him one last time.

“Ready, sir?”

Arc smirks. “Energize.”

Appearing confused, the stallion looks to him quizzically. Chuckling, Arc continues.

“That means you can go ahead.”

The stallion presses one final button. Arc vanishes from sight and reappears in the middle of a dense forest. Cherry calls out to him.

“Where are we now?”

“Literally in the middle of nowhere.”

“And you think that a power source is out here?”

Arc nods. “I do, yes.”

“Um… where then?”

“Not fully sure yet. But first I need to get my bearings.”

Turning, Arc climbs the nearest tree. After looking around for a few moments he grins and points.

“There.”

“I don’t see anything. What’s out there?”

Arc smirks as he jumps down. “A nondescript rocky outcropping.”

“Some kind of mine, or something?”

“Not exactly. But you’ll see soon enough.”

Turning, Arc starts walking. A few minutes later he comes to a clearing with a small cave at one end of it. Entering, he sees a glowing wall at the far end. Gesturing to it, Arc speaks.

“Here we are. The Gates of Tartarus.”

Cherry gasps. “Tartarus?!”

Arc nods. “Yup.”

“But why are we HERE of all places, Arc?!”

“To get a power supply.”

“How though?!”

“A long time ago, when I came here to help Trixie get to the Gates of Tartarus safely along with Shining Armor, I found out that the demons had constructed some really big gun they called the ‘Malice Cannon’. At the time, they were planning to use it to try and blast their way back into Equestria.”

“But you stopped them, I would imagine?”

Arc nods. “That I did.”

“How?”

“I broke into the control room of the cannon and interrogated the inventor of the device. She told me that removing the power supply would destroy the cannon in seconds.”

“Then how did you get away safely?!”

“I Blinked both her and I out of there right after taking the power supply. That was before we all left Tartarus, with me unconscious I might add.”

“Too much magical energy used at once?”

Arc sighs. “Yes. Shining Armor and Trixie helped the demon get me to Redemption Village, which was built just outside of this cave.”

“The demon came with you?!”

“It was just Auriel.”

“Oh… well, she seemed like a very nice individual when I met her at the ranch. But I don’t see how the lack of a village here will help us.”

“Back home, I took the power source back to Canterlot and turned it over to the princesses to be safely stored away in the vault. However, since the Gates of Tartarus are still standing, it stands to reason that in this world Auriel never created the Malice Cannon. Either that, or it was a failure like all the other escape attempts.”

Cherry cries out excitedly. “So you think she might still have the power source you mentioned earlier!”

“Right. The Bloodstone might be just what we need to power the base.”

“But I can’t imagine the demons just letting something that powerful go so easily.”

“I’m kinda hoping I can convince the King Malevolence of this world to give it to me.”

“Do you really think that will work though?”

Arc shrugs. “Probably not on the first try, no. But there is a second reason for me coming here.”

“Oh?”

“The Vile Tribe.”

“Come again?”

“They’re the descendants of those whom were banished here in the past.”

“So they don’t really belong here then.”

“Right. I’m going to their town first to see if they’d be interested in leaving Tartarus with me and starting their village outside the Gates of Tartarus.”

“That should be a no-brainer for them.”

“Maybe not. After all, the world outside of here isn’t exactly bright and cheerful at the moment.”

“I suppose not.”

“So I’m going to tell them the situation and let them decide what it is that they want to do.”

“Then we should probably get moving.”

Arc nods. “Agreed. First things first though.”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out a magic cloak and quickly dons it. Pulling out the remains of his hydra scale cloak, Arc holds it over his head and steps through the barrier. Upon entering Tartarus, he quickly stows the rag back into his ring to again become invisible. Walking down the way, they see a number of good-sized demons lumbering about. Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically.

“What are they doing?”

“Brainstorming ideas on how to escape.”

“Do you think that will work for them?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not a chance, no.”

Cherry sounds relieved. “Good! But are you sure?!”

“Completely. This is kinda like their national pastime. But I just thought of something else.”

“What’s that, Arc?”

“Back in our world, I came to Tartarus when Twilight banished me here and met Ember. Since I wasn’t here to help the Vile Tribe escape, there’s a chance that she might still be Mythic Honor back at their hideout.”

Cherry giggles. “Maybe she can help our cause then!”

Arc sighs. “Sadly, I don’t think so.”

“Why not? She’s always been willing to help you with whatever needed doing back home.”

“True. But we didn’t exactly get off on the right foot back then though.”

“Was it really that bad?”

Arc shrugs. “Kinda. I mean… she was really brash for quite some time.”

“How did you get through to her then?”

“It was during a mission to the demon city of Vengeance. We pretended to be demons with Ember being on a leash.”

Cherry sounds confused. “A leash?”

“Such a thing was apparently a demon fetish of sorts. The leash magically allowed for the one holding it to control the one it was hitched to.”

“How much control exactly?”

“From what I could tell, total.”

“Sounds kinda dangerous to me.”

“In addition to being a fetish, I saw it as a trust building exercise. Just because I could have ordered Ember to do whatever I wanted didn’t mean that I should.”

“I’m sure she appreciated that.”

“Yeah. It showed her that I cared about her feelings and well-being. And as such made her a lot more friendly towards me from that point on.”

Sometime later the pair arrive at the Vile Tribe’s base. Arc decloaks and bangs on the door with a gauntlet. A sentry looks over the wall and down at him.

“Who… or what are you supposed to be?”

Arc lowers his hood as he looks up. “My name is Arc! I’m the Hero of Light from Equestria!”

The sentry appears confused. “The Hero of what now?!”

Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically. “They might not have passed on knowledge of your title through the generations.”

“Guess not.”

Arc sighs as he continues.

“I’d like to speak to Mythic Honor! Is he available?!”

The sentry frowns. “We’ll see!”

Turning to someone else, the stallion passes on the message. A short time later Mythic Honor pokes his head over the wall and looks down.

“Somepony down there need something?!”

“Yeah, uh… I’m the Hero of Light from Equestria, and I…”

Mythic Honor interrupts him. “You don’t look like any pony I’ve ever seen before!”

“That’s because I’m not.”

“So… you’re saying that you work for Equestria, but aren’t a pony?!”

Turning to the sentry next to him, Mythic Honor points a hoof at Arc and hisses out loudly.

“He’s suspicious!”

Arc groans. “Guess I kinda am. Look, is Ember around?”

Mythic Honor shakes his head. “Nope! Some relative of hers convinced the powers that be in Equestria to let her out a couple of years ago!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Relative?”

“That’s what the guards said that came here looking for her! Something about her being needed back in the Dragon Lands for something or other!”

Arc chuckles. “That was probably Dragon Lord Torch wanting his daughter back.”

“Sounds like a nice fellow to me!”

“Look, can I come in and talk to you then?”

Mythic Honor shakes his head. “Nope!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why not?”

“Because it’d be a security risk!”

“You can keep me under heavy guard the whole time if that would make you feel any better.”

“No, no! I mean that us opening the gate to let you in would expose us to those demons behind you!”

“Wait! What demons?!”

“The one’s over there setting you up for a hit!”

Arc whirls around “What the…?”

He turns just in time to see a huge bolder flying toward him. It knocks Arc against the gate harshly. Pushing it aside, he spies the group of demons approaching him hungrily. Sighing, he addresses them.

“Okay, very funny with the whole rock thing. You’ve all had your laugh now so beat it.”

They look to one another confused before shrugging and continuing forward. Grunting, Arc continues.

“Look, I really don’t have time for this foolishness and I doubt you all have the patience to heal properly after this. So do the smart thing and just back off.”

Mythic Honor calls out loudly. “You should probably try running! I know I would! And I’m too old and busy for such nonsense!”

The biggest of the demons winds up and throws a punch. Arc holds out a gauntlet and effortlessly catches it. Raising an eyebrow, the demon pulls back and looks at his fist, clearly mystified that his attack did not connect. Arc frowns.

“Are you done now?”

In response to his question, the demon throws another punch. Arc catches it again but follows up with a fist of his own. The demon flies across the landscape for a time before crashing down into a rocky outcropping. Seeing this, his allies charge forward to engage Arc. Mythic Honor and the sentries watch from overhead as Arc makes quick work of his attackers. Finishing his task, Arc turns back to the stallions atop the wall.

“Now then… where were we?

Mythic Honor shrugs. “I think I was warning you about the upcoming attack on your life! Either that or it was about wallpaper!

Arc nods to the unconscious demons lying all around him. “So much for that now.”

Turning his attention back to Mythic Honor, Arc continues.

“Now can we talk?”

Mythic Honor tilts his head to one side, confused. “I thought that’s what we were doing already?!”

Arc facepalms. “I meant face to face.”

Mythic Honor puts a hoof to his chin. “Well, I would. But those galoots down there could get in if they woke up!”

Arc Blinks up on top of the wall a short distance from Mythic Honor and his sentries. They immediately point their weapons at him. However, Mythic Honor nods approvingly.

“That works!”

Arc groans. “Look, I’m sorry for barging in here like this. But my reason for being here is rather important.”

Mythic Honor appears confused. “Mission?! From the princesses?!”

“Not exactly. You see, the Hero of Light works independently from all governing entities, including even the princesses themselves, in order to keep Equestria safe.”

“Well, what are you doing in here then?!”

Mythic Honor looks around and lowers his voice before continuing.

“Unless… somepony’s been naughty!”

“Not in the least. In fact, the Hero of Light is above the law.”

Mythic Honor laughs. “Oh really?! Who says?!”

“The Hero of Light Charter authored and signed by Princess Celestia herself.”

“Tell me another one! How about offering to give us all flying hoof trimmers or singing tea kettles!”

Arc shrugs. “I just came by to ask if you and the rest of the Vile Tribe wanted to leave Tartarus.

Mythic Honor scoffs. “Who’d want to leave all this though?!”

Every sentry around them simultaneously raises their hooves. Arc nods to Mythic Honor.

“It looks like they would, yes. Probably everyone else too.”

“So… what’s the catch?! A new jail cell underneath an ocean of marmalade guarded by silver goldfish?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I… don’t really even know where to even begin to figure out what you just said. But there is a bit of a catch, yes.”

Mythic Honor groans. “Knew it?!”

“Equestria is currently besieged and in turmoil from some sort of trouble in the capital city. There are no public services available, no aid from the government, or even the sun to light the way.”

Mythic Honor shudders. “Sound almost as terrible as waking up under a spell that turned your legs into flippers!”

“It’s certainly not good, admittedly. The survivors have banded together and have sought refuge on the moon via a contingency plan of Princess Luna’s.”

Mythic Honor nods. “Uh huh! That does sound like something she’d do! And you’re asking if we’d like to join them up there?!”

“Just giving you the option of leaving this place. Not that what you’ll find out there will be much better.”

Mythic Honor shrugs. “It’s not all bad here, you know! We’ve got a system all worked out on how to survive and even thrive sometimes! The only real problem is our troubles with the demons of Vengeance!”

Arc nods to the city in the distance. “I’m heading that way to speak to King Malevolence about something after I leave this place. Want me to try and get him to lay off your settlement here?”

“You’re certainly welcome to try! Of course it would probably be easier to try and teach a bowl of porridge to dance a jig wearing a pink tutu and galoshes!”

“All I can do is try though.”

“And you’re welcome to it! But I don’t think it’ll do you any good since he’ll probably just flatten you with a massive foot or cut you in half with his weapon in order to make steaks for the grill!”

“I’ll take my chances. Now then, just so I’m sure about your intentions, you’re saying that you’d rather stay here in Tartarus than leave and deal with the problems out in Equestria?”

Mythic Honor nods. “Yup! It sounds to me like you’re not going to have food or other resources to spare in the near future!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“No sun means no food can grow out there, I’m guessing! No food out there means that we’re better off in here!”

“Very well. But I would ask one thing of you though.”

“Oh?!”

“Would you please run this offer by your citizens and ask if any of them would like to leave with me when I return? I can guide them to the other survivors on the moon.”

Mythic Honor nods. “Sure! I’ll ask them!”

“Thank you. But I should probably get moving now.”

“Alrighty! Probably won’t see you again though! Well, unless the bones and other parts the demons don’t eat count!”

Arc chuckles as he hops up onto the edge of the wall. “Not to worry there. I’d just give them indigestion anyway.”

With a wave, Arc hops down to land on in the dirt below. Turning, he starts walking toward the capital city as Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“I can’t believe they’d rather stay in this hole than leave!”

Arc sighs. “While I hate to say it, that’s kinda for the best at this point though. After all, here the horrors they face in Tartarus are all known to them. Out there, everything would be all new.”

“Flawed as Equestria is right now though, I’d still rather be at my home than festering in this place!”

Arc chuckles. “You have to remember that for them this IS home though. After all, they were probably all born here and have never known anything else.”

“We can’t just leave them here though!”

“Don’t worry. I’ll convince the demon king to leave them alone before we go.”

“Can we come back for them when things get better?”

Arc nods. “Yes, of course. But even then, it still needs to be their choice to make.”

Sometime later they arrive at the large city. Raising his hood, Arc enters and walks the streets for a time. Eventually Cherry calls out to him.

“Aren’t you heading to the palace to see the king, Arc?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not yet. First I want to check in on someone.”

As he rounds a corner, Arc is approached by a number of young demons whom surround him. The leader steps forward and points a knife at Arc as he speaks.

“Your money or your life!”

Arc chuckles. “I didn’t know this would be multiple choice.”

The thug frowns. “You think this is funny?!”

“Kinda. Sorry, but I’m just remembering how silly this whole thing is to me at this point.”

“Silly?!”

Arc nods. “Yeah, the last time it was me and my friend you and your group tried to shake down. We wiped the floor with you though.”

The thug looks around. “Well, I don’t remember ever seeing you around here before. That and also don’t see anyone with you this time! And we’ve never been taken out by a mark before either, so you’re nuts!”

“I guess it will be a bit harder without Ember here with me. But that was a long time ago. And I’m a LOT more powerful now then I was before.”

“Look, either pay up or we’ll take it off your corpse!”

Arc smirks. “Very funny. But I really need to be going. So I’ll be sure to end this quickly.”

Concentrating, Arc pushes outward in all directions hard with a Telekinesis Spell. He slams the entire group against the walls of the surrounding buildings and holds them there as he looks to the leader again.

“Now then, what was that about wanting my money?”

“What the…?! How’s a little bug like you…?!”

Arc cuts his off. “So powerful?”

“Yeah! We should have been able to just trounce you!”

“Lots of practice. Now then, you’d do well to remember not to judge a book by its cover and assume that because someone is small that they’ll be east to beat.”

“We’re sorry! Just please, let us go!”

Arc looks away innocently. “Oh, I don’t know why I should do that. After all, you’ve certainly inconvenienced me.”

“We’ll make it up to you!”

“How so?”

“I’ve got a bunch of gold here that we’ve collected today! You let us go and it’s all yours!”

“Very well. Where is it?”

“Let me loose and I’ll show you!”

Arc releases him from the Telekinesis Spell. The leader heads for a couple of trash cans nearby and pushes them roughly aside to display a nice sized horde. As Arc approaches it however the punk turns around and begins running away. Blinking in front of the brute, Arc allows him to plow face first into his chestplate before grabbing him by the neck and stepping back toward the rest of the gang as he shakes his head and speaks.

“Not very loyal to your gang.”

The leader grimaces. “Look, just take the gold and let me go! Keep the rest of them if you want, but I’ve done what I promised!”

Arc frowns. “You have a lot to learn about leadership.”

Releasing the rest of the gang from his hold, Arc tosses the leader onto the ground as he continues.

“So I suppose I should let you and your… companions discuss this amongst yourselves.”

They charge forward at their leader as he scrambles to his feet and runs away screaming. Shaking his head, Arc picks up the bags of coins as Cherry calls out to him.

“What was that all about?!”

“Ember and I encountered those guys when we came here together a long time ago. Guess they’re still terrorizing this neighborhood.”

Cherry scoffs. “What are you planning to do with their ill-gotten gold?”

Arc huckles as he begins picking it up. “Go shopping for the others back on the moon.”

Gathering up the gold, Arc puts it in his magic ring before returning the trash cans to their proper place and continuing along his way. A short time later he comes to a small shop. Pushing the door open, he steps inside and walks up to a counter. A few moments later a young demon woman steps out of the back room to greet him.

“Good day, sir. What can I get for you?”

“I was wondering what you had in terms of treatments for light to moderate wounds, miss…”

“Esther. And we have a number different formulations that would be effective antiseptics for all shapes and sizes of demonkind.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Yes, well… about that. It’s not demons that I’m trying to treat though.”

Esther appears confused. “Oh? Perhaps you’re looking for something to treat livestock?”

“Actually…”

A tiny voice rings out from the back room as a small demon slowly walks out.

“Mommy! I’m thirsty!”

Esther kneels down to her and picks the little on up. Setting her one the counter, she speaks.

“Now, now… what did mommy tell you about interrupting her when she’s helping customers, Rebme?”

Rebme bows her head. “Not to do it.”

“Right. Now go back to our cot and lie down. I’ll get you something to drink after I’m finished here with this customer.”

“Yes, mommy.”

She slowly turns and looks to Arc for a moment before Esther sets her back down on the floor. The little one walks through the back-room curtain and vanishes from sight. Esther looks to Arc apologetically as she speaks.

“Sorry about that.”

“Your daughter?”

Esther nods. “Yes sir. She’s…”

Arc interrupts her. “Rebme, was it?”

Esther looks away nervously. “Right. It’s… an old family name.”

“Very unique.”

“Th-thank you, sir.”

“And I must point out that it’s also ‘Ember’ spelled backwards.”

“I… suppose it is, yes.”

Arc gestures toward the window. “I don’t suppose you’ve heard from her since the Equestrian’s came and took her away.”

Esther appears suddenly nervously. “Her?”

Arc nods. “Ember the dragon.”

There is a long pause as Esther tries to think of what to say next. However, Arc continues.

“It’s fine. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her in the past.”

Esther grimaces. “You… you have?”

“Yes, but that was a lifetime ago. I’m assuming she came in here to procure some supplies for the Vile Tribe.”

Esther lowers her voice. “Please don’t say that too loud! It’s a crime punishable by death to sell anything to members of the Vile Tribe!”

“Yes, I’m aware of that. Then again, I don’t really see how anyone could blame you for doing so, as you were only looking to procure certain glands to create an antibiotic for your baby. But Ember also gave you some of her dragon’s blood to increase its potency.”

Esther gasps. “How did you know that?!”

Arc shrugs. “A little birdie told me. Now then, don’t worry about me telling anyone else about this, as I’m not exactly an approved member of society here myself.”

Esther raises an eyebrow. “I don’t understand. What else could you be?”

Arc lowers his hood to expose his helmet. “Different.”

Seeing him remove his helmet, Esther instinctively draws back at the sight of Arc. The force of her falling backwards against the shelves knocks a number of jars off of them. However, before they can hit the floor Arc catches them with a Telekinesis Spell and holds them in midair as he speaks.

“Easy there. I’m not here to hurt you or cause you to lose any stock on my account. All I need are medicinal tonics and concoctions that could be used to make medical supplies to treat ponies.”

Esther shakes her head vehemently. “That would be a death sentence for me and my little one if the king ever found out though! The Vile Tribe is…!”

Arc interrupts her. “…not going to be getting these materials.”

Esther appears confused. “But you said they were for ponies.”

“Yes indeed. Ponies back in Equestria.”

“That makes even less sense!”

“I know it sounds absurd, but I’m what’s known as the Hero of Light back in Equestria. Think of me as the one whom balances out the princesses and sees to it that justice is meted out where needed.”

Esther puts a hand to her chin. “One of my other customers was talking about some unknown… creature attacking the demons near the Vile Tribe’s base earlier today. That was you?”

Arc nods. “Yes, it was. I was visiting the Vile Tribe to ask them some questions earlier and those demons tries to get the drop on me.”

“So you came all this way to Vengeance to get medicine that is already available in Equestria?”

“Things are a bit… complicated out there right now. I’m actually here to speak to King Malevolence about an item of sorts. Sorry, but I can’t tell you any more than that.”

“And when you’re done, you’ll be heading back through the Gates of Tartarus, I would assume?”

Arc nods. “Yes, I will.”

Esther folds her arms over her chest. “Fine then. Prove it.”

“Prove what?”

“That you can come and go as you please between our lands.”

“Alright. How can I do that?”

“Bring me something from Equestria that isn’t found here. Do that and I’ll believe your story and consider selling supplies to you.”

“So just to make sure that I understand you correctly, if I can give you an Equestria item you’ll cooperate with me?”

Esther shakes her head. “No. Just that I’ll think about making a deal with you.”

“Fine then.”

Reaching for his ring, Arc removes an item and sets it on the counter. Esther looks it over quizzically before looking back to Arc.

“What… is this?”

“Back in Equestria we call them a ‘cupcake’. It’s a very sweet dessert.”

“I’ve only heard about such things in the past! This can’t be real!”

Arc gestures to it. “Taste it for yourself then.”

Warily picking it up, Esther sniffs the cupcake before licking the top ever so lightly. Processing the taste, she smiles widely as she takes another longer lick.

“This is incredible!”

Arc nods. “They are pretty good admittedly.”

“No, no! Sweet tasting things don’t exist here in Tartarus!”

“Feel free to eat the rest of that then.”

She does so hungrily as Arc waits for her to finish her treat. Pulling aside his cloak, Arc gestures to his armor.

“Here’s more proof that I’m from Equestria. Look at my armor’s craftsmanship.”

Esther gasps. “I’ve never seen anything like it before! Certainly not even King Malevolence has such things!”

“Believe me now?”

“Yes, I do!”

“So do we have a deal?”

Esther looks to Arc soberly. Yes. But only if you’d be willing to do me one favor first.

Arc raises an eyebrow. “A favor?”

“Yes. A deeply personal one at that.”

“What is it?”

Esther gestures to the door. “As you’ve no doubt seen already, Tartarus is a very dangerous place for some of us. That and life here in the city isn’t much better in terms of safety. Sure, those of us whom live here don’t need to worry about wild beasts attacking us within these walls. However, that doesn’t stop other demons from taking advantage of those of us whom have little money or clout.”

“So you want me to talk to the king on your behalf, or something?”

Esther shakes her head. “No, that would only make him mad. In truth, I’m not exactly doing well here financially.”

“Money problems?”

“Yes. I’m up to here in debt due to an old loan’s interest payment. If I can’t at least pay it down soon then I’ll have even bigger problems on my claws.”

“How can I help?”

“The idea of trading with you for medicinal herbs will certainly help me keep my shop above water in terms of finances. However, as it stands my creditors still own my shop and me to a lesser degree.”

“So you’re their slave?”

“Not legally, no. However, with that debt hanging over me I can’t say no to their demands.”

Arc clenches a fist. “How about I bash their heads in then?”

Esther shakes her head. “That would just bring the law down on you while doing very little to help the situation. In truth, not much can be done to help me at this point considering the size of my debt.”

She turns and looks to the curtain separating the shop from the back room for a moment before turning her attention back to Arc and continuing.

“However, I don’t want my mistakes to be passed on to little Rebme.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Passed on to her?”

“She was born very weak due to an infection and even now is still considered weak by demon standards. If my little one were a male, they would be forced into lowly servitude within the palace. But being a female, she’ll most likely be conscripted into a… less than desirable position.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “What kind of position?”

“Weak females are used for carnal pleasures at certain unsavory shops in the upper class district. But weak as she is, that would be a death sentence for her. Therefore, I want you to take her with you.”

“With me?”

Esther nods soberly. “Yes. To Equestria.”

“But aren’t you worried that something bad might happen to her out there?!”

Esther bows her head. “Believe me, that thought has crossed my mind. However, as it stands, her future here is one of misery and death sprawled out on a dirty bed. But in Equestria she might just have a chance at life.”

Arc sighs. “Very well. If you’ll agree to supply me with medical balms and tonics in exchange for Equestrian items in trade… then I’ll take Rebme to Equestria with me when I leave.”

“Thank you.”

“You know, I could just take you as well.”

Esther sighs. “I’d never make it out of the city.”

“How so?”

“Those heavily in debt, and their families, are constantly being watched to make sure that they don’t go into hiding to avoid paying.”

“Then how am I supposed to get your child out?”

“My plan is to smuggle Rebme out in the packing crate you’ll be taking with you upon your return. There won’t be room for both of us in there though.”

“I understand. So do we have a deal then?”

Esther nods. “Yes, I’ll just need a couple hours to make up a shipment of salves for you to pick up along with Rebme herself.”

“Alright. Do you have the supplies needed to make such things?”

Esther shakes her head. “I don’t. However, I can get them and have everything ready when you return.”

“How though?”

Esther smiles sadly. “Being in this much debt does have one single advantage. And such is that I’m not too afraid to take on more of it.”

Gesturing to the curtain again, she sighs.

“That and as long as Rebme has a chance at a better life, what happens to me matters little.”

Arc removes the bags of coins he took from the muggers earlier and sets it on the counter. “Make all the medicine you can with this then.”

Esther gasps. “Are you sure?! That much money would make several cratefuls of it! More than you could carry even!”

“Leave the transport of the goods to me. I’ll handle it.”

“Very well, sir. I’ll get to work on having the materials sent over right away.”

“After you get Rebme something to drink though, right?”

Esther lowers her voice. “Yes. And… I’ll see about having her ready to go when you arrive.”

Arc gestures to the curtain. “What are you going to tell her though?”

Esther wrings her claws. “I… don’t really know yet. But I’ll think of something.”

Arc sighs as he turns toward the shop’s front door. “Alright. I’ll be back in a while with any luck.”

Esther calls out after him. “Wait!”

Arc turns back. “Yes?”

“What if you don’t come back?!”

“Why wouldn’t I…?”

Esther cuts him off. “King Malevolence isn’t exactly pleased when his subjects appear before him unannounced. It’s not likely he’d be any more understanding to someone whom represents Equestria.”

“I’ll be fine. But on the bright side, if I don’t come back, you’ll have a large amount of free inventory on your hands.”

Leaving the shop, Arc turns and begins making his way back to the main street. Cherry calls out to him telepathically as he does so.

“She wasn’t like what I was expecting.”

“How’s that?”

“I kinda figured that the demons would be more like what we encountered back at the Vile Tribe’s hideout. Angry and out for blood all the time.”

“You have to understand that it takes all kinds to make a world, Cherry.”

“That it does, I suppose. But I’ve only heard the stories about their kind before.”

Arc chuckles. “You do realize that the demons probably think about the same thing of Equestrians, right?”

“So I’m beginning to see, yes.”

“Then we should try to change that. And educating the next generation is probably the best way to go about doing just that.”

Cherry sighs. “It still doesn’t seem right to me.”

Arc looks over his shoulder at the shop some distance behind them. “Separating a mother from their child isn’t at the top of my list either, Cherry. But she’s just trying to protect them from being abused in the future. That and we can get them some medical help back at our base.”

“From whom?”

Arc stops walking. “Huh?”

“While I’m sure I haven’t seen everypony at the Lunar Base, I don’t recall seeing any medical practitioners.”

Arc frowns. “I think you’re right.”

“What are we going to do then, Arc?!”

“Even if we don’t have an actual doctor or nurses, Rebme will be safe and properly fed back in Equestria.”

“I did notice that she looked rather thin.”

“With as much debt as her mother has, it’s not likely either of them are eating properly.”

“We really should find a way to help Esther as well though.”

Arc nods as he begins walking again. “Agreed. I’ll have to give the matter on how to do that some more thought.”

Sometime later Arc arrives at the palace. Approaching the guards at the gate, they cross their spears to bar him from entering. One of them speaks.

“State your business!”

“I am here to see King Malevolence.”

He picks up a clipboard. “Name?”

“Hero of Light Arc of Equestria.”

The pair of guards look to each other for a few moments before laughing heartily. Arc waits patiently for them to finish their hysterics before speaking again.

“I’m glad I could bring some entertainment value to your otherwise fairly boring job.”

“Yes, well… I still need your name.”

“As I said, I’m Hero of Light Arc.”

The guard narrows his eyes. “It’s not really funny the second time.”

“Nevertheless, I am who I say I am.”

He rolls his eyes. “This little gag of yours is really starting to get old. Do you expect us to believe that Equestria would banish one if its so-called heroes to Tartarus?”

“No, of course not.”

“Good.”

“I came here willingly through the Gates of Tartarus.”

“Very funny.”

Arc looks at him stoically for a long moment. Eventually the guard frowns and continues.

“Fine then. I’ll play your little game. Show us your royal orders from the princesses.”

“I don’t have any.”

“Yet you claim to work for the crown.”

Arc shakes his head. “I never said that.”

“Explain.”

“The Hero of Light does not answer to the princesses. Think of me more as a neutral third party that’s around to keep them in check.”

The guard scoffs. “So you’re above them?”

“More or less.”

He tosses the clipboard away before taking his weapon in hand again. “Alright, I’ve had just about enough of this little debacle! Now either you identify who you really are or you can spend some time in the dungeon!”

“But I’ve already told you whom I am.”

“Fine! To the dungeon with you!”

The guard motions to someone overhead. Several burly looking demons clad in matching armor jump down from the ramparts and approach Arc. Shrugging, he looks to them as they surround him.

“Alright. Have it your way.”

Grabbing the one directly to his right by the front of his chest plate, Arc swings him around to knock away the guards in front of him effortless before turning and casting a quick Telekinesis Spell to knock away those behind him. Turning to the original guards, Arc speaks.

“Now then, are you going to call for more playmates to come, or tell the king of my arrival?”

The guard smirks as a gong begins going off nearby. “Sounds like the commander is calling for reinforcements.”

A few moments later innumerable soldiers come charging past the entrance guards as more come in from town. They immediately surround Arc and point their weapons at him menacingly. A more ornately armored demon approaches the ramparts and looks down at Arc as he calls out.

“Surrender!”

“No.”

“NO?!”

Arc frowns. “That’s right! No!”

“Are you completely insane?! We outnumber you a hundred to one!”

“True. However, should your guards choose to attack me, there would be considerably more casualties among them.”

The officer folds his arms over his chest and smirks. “You think you’re that good?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. But it’s more a matter of math than strength.”

“I… what?”

“Think about it. The best your forces could do would be to take me down. That’s one casualty that I could suffer at most. While at the same time, since I’m surrounded, there would be dozens of weapons flying around. You can’t tell me that all of their blows would be limited to just me.”

The officer smirks. “An interesting idea you have there. Assuming you didn’t just go down, we’d have a dozen or so injuries among our ranks.”

“Something like that, yes. And I’d also like to point out that I’ve already bested a number of your troops, so it’s not like that counter isn’t starting at zero.”

“You’re exactly the kind of individual the king would be interested in meeting. I shall escort you to his royal majesty immediately. But I do have one last question for you before I do so.”

“And what’s that?”

“What would you have done had I ordered my forces to attack you?”

“This.”

Arc Blinks up to the ramparts next to the officer as he continues speaking.

“For you see, I could have easily escaped your forces’ clutches at any time I liked.”

The officer chuckles. “This way.”

Leading Arc inside the palace, the officer turns to him.

“I heard you tell the guards that you are from Equestria.”

Arc nods. “That I am. But not originally.”

“And how much of what you told them was true?”

“All of it.”

“What did you come to see our king about exactly?”

“I need a bit of help from him admittedly.”

The officer narrows his eyes. “What kind of help?”

“The mutually beneficial kind.”

“King Malevolence isn’t one to generally make deals of any kind with anyone.”

Arc shrugs. “Never hurts to ask though, right?”

“It might actually.”

“Oh?”

“One thing the king hates is when someone wastes his time. And he’s also not the forgiving type either.”

“That much I do know.”

“Still want that audience with him?”

Arc nods. “Absolutely.”

“You sound very sure of yourself.”

“That I am.”

“How though?”

Arc chuckles. “Because what I have to say to the king he’ll want to hear.”

Coming to a set of truly massive double doors, the officer stops and gestures to them before turning to Arc.

“Here we are. The king’s audience chambers.”

Arc nods to the doors. “Shall we then?”

“Awfully eager to go to your doom.”

“I’ll be fine.”

The officer shrugs. “Fine. It’s your funeral.”

With a wave of his claw, the officer motions for the guards to part. They push open a smaller door built into the door to allow them entrance. Making the long walk to the front of a large throne and equally large desk together, the officer kneels and removes his helmet before addressing the king whom is going over paperwork.

“Your highness, I have brought forth a rather… interesting individual whom wishes to see you.”

Malevolence growls but does not look up. “OH?! WHAT DO THEY WANT?!”

“That is unknown, sire. However, they claim to be from Equestria, but are clearly not a pony of any kind.”

The king looks up from his paperwork and down at the pair before him. Frowning, he speaks.

“AND WHAT USE IS SUCH A CREATURE TO ME?!”

“He bested a number of our guards and stood resolute even when completely surrounded by our forces, sire.”

“HE HAS GUTS! I’LL GIVE HIM THAT!”

King Malevolence turns to Arc as he continues.

“FOR WHAT PURPOSE HAVE YOU COME BEFORE ME TODAY?!”

“I wish to offer you a trade, sir. “

“YOU WISH SOMETHING FROM ME?!”

Arc nods. “Yes, I seek an item of great power known as the ‘bloodstone’.”

Malevolence laughs. “AND WHAT COULD YOU POSSIBLY OFFER ME IN RETURN FOR SUCH A POWERFUL ITEM?!”

“Information.”

Malevolence waves a claw dismissively. “I ALREADY KNOW EVERYTHING THAT I NEED TO!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “It’s in regards to what happened to your queen.”

The king stands up so quickly that he accidently knocks over his throne. Glaring at Arc, he roars.

“YOU WILL TELL ME EVERYTHING THAT YOU KNOW ON THAT MATTER RIGHT NOW!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “And I will. In exchange for the bloodstone.”

“I DO NOT SEE HOW YOU ARE IN ANY POSITION TO BARGAIN WITH ME! MY FORCES ARE GREAT, AND YOU ARE BUT ONE!”

“True. However, I don’t think you could capture me.”

The officer grimaces. “Our forces were unable to apprehend this individual, sir. And I honestly do believe that he was willing to go down fighting earlier.”

“That and I can teleport.”

Malevolence grins wickedly. “SUCH MAY BE TRUE! HOWEVER, MY FORCES ARE EVERYWHERE! AND THERE ARE ONLY SO MANY PLACES IN TARTARUS THAT YOU COULD HIDE!”

“Agreed. However, I could still flee to the one place you couldn’t follow me.”

“AND WHERE MIGHT THAT BE?!”

“Equestria.”

“HOW?!”

“Simple. I’ve committed no crime and therefore can simply walk out at any time through the Gates of Tartarus.”

“YOU WOULD NEVER MAKE IT CLOSE ENOUGH TO DO SO THOUGH!”

Arc smirks. “Oh, I think I would. Observe.”

Raising his hood, Arc cloaks and Blinks as he continues talking.

“I could be here.”

Blink.

“Or here.”

Blink.

“Now I’m over here.”

Reappearing on the king’s desk, Arc decloaks.

“I can be anywhere I choose to be. And as long as I’m quiet, no one would ever know.”

The king glares at him angrily as the pair stare each other down for a few long moments. Eventually they hear the sound of a side door opening and small footsteps approaching.

“Father? What’s going on here?”

“NOTHING MY DEAR! SOMEONE JUST CAME ASKING ABOUT SOMETHING FROM THE ROYAL TREASURY!”

Arc turns to see a young female demon walking towards the desk. Blinking over to her, he speaks.

“Hello, Auriel.”

Malevolence frowns. “THAT IS MY DAUGHTER YOU ARE SPEAKING TO, MAGGOT!”

Arc nods as he realizes his mistake. “Yes, um… my apologies, Princess Auriel.”

Auriel smiles nervously. “It’s… uh… alright. Um…”

“I WILL HANDLE THIS MATTER REGARDING THIS CREATURE’S REQUEST, AURIEL!”

Auriel looks to Arc. “What is it that you came here for?”

“Just looking to trade the king an item for information regarding…”

Malevolence slams his fist down on the desk angrily. “SILENCE, WORM!”

Auriel looks past Arc. “I’d like to help if I can, father.”

“I DO NOT WISH TO NEEDLESSLY GET YOUR HOPES UP, MY DEAR!”

Auriel appears confused. “My hopes up?”

Arc nods. “About your mother, princess.”

Auriel gasps. “MY MOTHER?!”

Malevolence glares at Arc. “YOU INSOLENT LITTLE…!”

Auriel runs toward her father. “We must hear him out!”

Malevolence groans as he sits back down in his chair. “VERY WELL! SPEAK, SMALL ONE!”

“Yes, King Malevolence.”

Arc clears his throat before continuing.

“The queen, Maria Knowles, had been working in her lab the night she disappeared, correct?”

Malevolence nods. “THAT SHE WAS! AND HOW DID YOU KNOW HER NAME, NEWCOMER?!”

“A professional secret, sir.”

Auriel looks earnestly to Arc. “Please continue.”

“Your mother had been working on a new idea of hers for a very special machine.”

Auriel nods. “What was this device supposed to do?”

Malevolence scoffs. “THERE IS NO POSSIBLE WAY THAT HE COULD KNOW THOUGH, AURIEL! MY GREATEST SCIENTIFIC MINDS COULDN’T MAKE SENSE OF IT!”

Arc continues. “She was attempting to create a device that would transform her into a demon.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “Change herself INTO a demon?”

Malevolence scoffs. “FOR WHAT PURPOSE WOULD SHE WANT TO DO SUCH A THING?!”

Arc points to Auriel. “For her.”

“Me?!”

Arc nods. “The queen wanted to become as such so that her daughter could be raised by demon parents and not question her… maternal background.”

Malevolence sighs. “SHE… DID HAVE CERTAIN… RESERVATIONS ABOUT HER SPECIES, YES.”

Auriel turns to her father. “Is this true, father? Was my mother… not a demon at all?”

“YES, AURIEL! THAT IS CORRECT! YOUR MOTHER WAS WHAT SHE REFERRED TO AS A ‘HUMAN’!”

Arc removes his helmet. “Just like me.”

Auriel gasps and takes a step back. “What…?!”

“It’s alright. I mean you no harm.”

Auriel frowns as she begins pacing. “This doesn’t make any sense though. How could a demon and a non-demon have offspring together?”

“YOUR MOTHER FOUND A WAY TO… WHAT WAS THE TERM SHE USED…?”

Arc chimes in. “Artificially inseminate one of her eggs with your father’s sperm cells.”

Malevolence seethes. “HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?!”

“It’s complicated, sir.”

“WELL, YOU’D BETTER FIND A WAY TO MAKE IT LESS SO THEN, SMALL FRY!”

“Father, please! This human has done us a great service in bringing this information to us!”

“BUT WE ARE NO CLOSER TO FINDING YOUR MOTHER, MY DEAR!”

Auriel looks to Arc pleadingly. “Do you know where she went?!”

Arc sighs. “Not exactly, no.”

Malevolence sneers. “HA! I KNEW THIS ONE COULD NOT BE TRUSTED!”

Arc continues. “Like I said, I don’t know EXACTLY where she went. But I do have a rough estimate though.”

Auriel gasps. “Where?!”

“The Dragon Lands.”

Malevolence roars. “WHAT?! HOW?!”

“Because the device she built didn’t turn her into a demon. Instead, she became something roughly akin to a baby dragon. So naturally no one noticed her small form fluttering through the…”

Auriel cuts him off. “We have to save her, father!”

“HOW THOUGH?! WE ARE TRAPPED HERE FOR ALL TIME!”

Arc raises a gauntlet. “Begging your pardon, sir, but that’s not entirely true.”

Malevolence narrows his eyes. “EXPLAIN, RUNT!”

“As per the saying… ‘anyone whom is repentant for their crimes will no longer be held by the Gates of Tartarus’.”

“HOW DOES THAT HELP US THOUGH?!”

“Simple. While you can’t leave, your daughter isn’t actually a prisoner here.”

Auriel nods. “Right! I was born here!”

“And as such, she should be able to walk right out like your queen did.”

“VERY TRUE! HOWEVER, I CANNOT ALLOW SUCH A THING!”

Auriel gasps. “Why not?!”

“BECAUSE EQUESTRIA IS A VERY DANGEROUS PLACE FOR OUR KIND, MY DEAR! IT’S NOT LIKELY THAT THE PRINCESSES WILL JUST LET YOU TRAVEL THROUGH THEIR LANDS AS YOU PLEASE!”

Arc shakes his head. “That’s… not really an issue right now.”

“WHAT ARE YOU BABBLING ABOUT, PEON?!”

“The princesses haven’t been seen or heard from in quite some time. That and the capital city has been cut off from the rest of the land.”

“HOW IS SUCH A THING POSSIBLE THOUGH?!”

Arc shrugs. “I have no idea. No one does.”

“YOU SAID EARLIER THAT YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE A BALANCER OF SORTS!”

Arc nods. “Yes, I’ve been away for some time though. But I’m back now and ready to make things right.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “Could you lead me to the Dragon Lands then?”

Malevolence glares at his daughter. “AURIEL…!”

“I need to find mother!”

Arc sighs. “Truth be told, I don’t actually have a way of getting to the Dragon Lands at the moment.”

“SO HE IS OF NO HELP TO YOU, MY DEAR!”

Arc again speaks. “But I will have to find a way there at some point to see about getting some help from Ember.”

Malevolence laughs. “HA! YOU EXPECT THAT HARPY TO AID A CREATURE SUCH AS YOURSELF?!”

“I’m hoping to be able to convince her, yes.”

Auriel puts a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “My father does raise a valid point though. After all, dragons aren’t usually in the habit of helping others.”

Arc smirks. “This time they will, I’m sure of it.”

“ELABORATE!”

“At the moment, the sun is down and no one is able to raise it due to the issues in Canterlot. If nothing changes, food will become scarce and they will start to die off.”

Malevolence turns to his daughter. “IT SOUNDS AS IF TARTARUS WILL BE THE SAFEST PLACE THEN, AS WE DO NOT RELY ON THE SUN FOR OUR FOOD!”

Auriel frowns. “Yes, but mother is still out there! Like the Hero of Light said, she’ll starve if nothing is done!”

“THEN WHAT DO YOU PROPOSE THAT WE DO, AURIEL?!”

“I’d like to go out into Equestria, find her, and bring her home to Tartarus.”

Arc steps forward. “If you’d allow it, I could escort her to the holdout’s base. We have food, water, and shelter there for all.”

“AS YOUR PRISONER THOUGH!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Your daughter has done nothing worthy of punishment that I am aware of.”

Auriel gasps. “But I’m a demon!”

Arc looks to her. “Being born isn’t a crime, miss.”

“WHAT ASSURANCES DO WE HAVE THAT THEY WOULD EVEN ALLOW A DEMON TO STAY IN EQUESTRIA THOUGH?!”

“Contrary to what you probably believe, Equestrians are very accepting of other races.”

Auriel appears surprised. “They are?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I’ve seen them take in dragons, griffons, and even a human whom had nowhere else to go.”

The king is silent for a long moment. Eventually he turns to Auriel.

“WHAT… WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO?!”

“As I said, go and search for my mother.”

King Malevolence sighs heavily and bows his head as he thinks. Eventually his gaze turns to Arc again.

“WHAT ASSURANCE DO I HAVE THAT MY DAUGHTER WILL BE SAFE WITH YOU?!”

“Honestly, there really isn’t one. Other than my word, that is.”

Auriel nods soberly. “The only other alternative is for me to go by myself, father.”

Groaning, the king nods. Leaning back in his chair, he lets out a breath before speaking.

“YES, I SUPPOSE THAT IS TRUE! HOWEVER, I WOULD LIKE TO BE KEPT APPRAISED OF YOUR CONDITION, AURIEL!”

“I’ll take a magic communicator with me, of course. However, even if I’m in trouble you still won’t be able to help me.”

“THAT IS TRUE, AURIEL! HOWEVER, I WOULD STILL LIKE TO KNOW HOW YOU ARE GETTING ON WHILE OUT THERE!”

Auriel nods and turns. “I’ll go to my room and get packed then.”

Leaving the audience chambers, Auriel returns a short time later with a large satchel slung over her shoulder. Approaching Arc, she speaks nervously.

“I’m… ready to go, I think.”

“Good.”

“ONE FINAL THING BEFORE YOU DO THOUGH!”

“What is it, father?”

“I HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOUR… PROTECTOR!”

Tossing an item to Arc, he catches it as the king continues talking.

“THAT IS A ROYAL GUARD’S INSIGNIA! WITH IT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ACT ON AURIEL’S BEHALF WHILE WITHIN MY REALM! WHILE IT SERVES NO PRACTICAL PURPOSE OUTSIDE OF TARTARUS, IT WILL ALLOW YOU TO DO WHAT IS NECESSARY TO SAFEGUARD MY DAUGHTER WHILE HERE!”

Arc nods as he puts it on his armor. “I’ll use it well.”

“SEE TO IT THAT YOU DO!”

Auriel smiles. “Don’t worry about me, father. I’ll try to call in when I can though.”

“DO SO!”

Arc looks to the king. “One more thing before we go though, sir.”

“WHAT IS IT?!”

“There is still the matter of the bloodstone.”

Malevolence glares at him. “YOU HAVE GIVEN US NOTHING OF SUBSTANCE YET!”

“Information on the location of your queen wasn’t enough?”

“NO, IT WAS NOT! RETURN HER TO ME AND I SHALL GIVE YOU THAT WHICH YOU SEEK THOUGH!”

Arc sighs. “Alright. I’ll see what I can do.”

Author's Note

My freelancer sent over a draft picture of Esther and Rebme alone with the final drawing. Wanted to share it with all of you. Originally I wanted the pair to be less humanoid and more demonlike. However, I couldn't really figure out how to explain that to my freelancers. So I decided to use something more akin to a humanoid troll instead.

In any case, I hope you're enjoying the volume thus far. I'll post more chapters next weekend after I finish translating them.