The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds

A couple of days pass. Arc, Tempest, and Auriel materialize in a field deep within a dense forest. Brightwing pokes her head out of Auriel’s bag and looks around.

“Friend has brought Brightwing back to this place?! Scary!”

Auriel nods. “It’s just for a little while. You can stay safe in my bag for the time being.”

Brightwing grins. “Okay, friend!”

She disappears within the confines of the bag as Tempest scoffs.

“I’m still kinda in the dark on what we’re supposed to be doing here.”

Arc turns to Tempest. “Like I said, we need to report our findings to Auriel’s father.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Uh… why exactly though? I mean, it’s not like any of us actually answer to him.”

Arc shrugs. “Think of it as an international courtesy then.”

Auriel smiles as she reaches up to scratch Brightwing under the chin. “And because I’m sure that my father would like to know that we found my mother.”

Tempest sighs as she follows Arc and Auriel into the cave. “Yet another crazy sounding fact, I might add.”

Approaching the Gates of Tartarus, they wait as Arc ferries them through individually under the tatters of his original cape. Standing just inside, the groups waits as Tempest looks to Auriel.

“Are you sure that your father will be watching?”

Auriel nods. “Definitely. He always has multiple lookouts posted to watch the Gates of Tartarus.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “For what purpose though?”

Auriel shrugs. “Security mostly, I suppose. But he told me that since I left he’s having them keep watch for me to return.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest and looks toward the capital city. “And I don’t think we’ll have long to wait.”

A short time later a group of soldiers leaves the city as they accompany King Malevolence. He and his guards hurry toward the Gates of Tartarus. As they near, he motions for his soldiers to stay back. Approaching the group alone, he calls out.

“AURIEL! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!”

Auriel nods. “I’m fine, father.”

Arc steps forward. “Sir, might I intervene?”

Malevolence glares at him. “THIS HAD BEST BE IMPORTANT!”

Tempest puts a hoof on her weapon. “Easy there, hero. Even I don’t want to have to fight this thing.”

Arc continues. “I merely wished to offer a bit of… personal service to you and your daughter.”

Malevolence frowns. “IN WHAT WAY?!”

“There is a spell that I know which would allow you to be shrunken down so as to have a normal conversation with Auriel.”

Auriel nods. “Yes, father. I’ve already seen it in action and have to say that it’s quite the sight to behold as well. That and we should keep this matter quiet.”

“VERY WELL! WHAT MUST I DO?!”

“Just stand there and the Hero of Light will do the rest.”

Taking a deep breath and holding out a hand, Arc begins casting the Matter Compacting Spell on the king. As expected, he slowly begins to shrink down in size. Arc stops casting as King Malevolence gets to roughly his own height. Auriel giggles as she runs over to her father and embraces him. He returns the hug with one of his own and smiles as he speaks.

“It is good to have you home again, my dear.”

“Thank you, father. Um… we have a few things to talk to you about though.”

Arc looks to the Gates of Tartarus. “Perhaps, for the sake of privacy, we should speak of them outside?”

Tempest narrows her eyes. “You can’t be serious?”

“This needs to be kept quiet, and he can’t really do all that much to anyone at his current size.”

Auriel nods fervently. “That and he doesn’t have his army, or anything.”

Tempest groans. “Fine. But no weapons though!”

Malevolence draws his sword and drops it in the dirt along with his armor. Turning to the guards some distance away, he calls out to them.

“MAINTAIN YOUR POSITION UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!”

They appear confused at the apparent double order but salute nonetheless. Arc holds his cloak out and turns to the king as Auriel and Tempest walk through the Gates of Tartarus.

“If you stand under this you’ll be able to leave.”

King Malevolence takes the cloak and looks it over. “It appears to be a very exotic fabric.”

“Very. Just put it over yourself and step through.”

Doing as he is told, the king walks toward the barrier. He gasps slightly as he passes through to stand with Auriel. She takes him by the hand and leads him toward the mouth of the cave and outside. He gasps in awe as the moon comes into view.

“It’s just as beautiful as I remember it being!”

Auriel giggles. “I thought you’d like to see it again, father. Even if just for a short time.”

Tempest groans. “Yes, yes. Can we please move this thing along?”

Arc nods. “Agreed. Auriel?”

“Yes sir.”

Setting her bag down, she opens the flap and reaches inside.

“Come on out now. Don’t be shy.”

Carefully lifting Brightwing from the bag, Auriel turns back to her father and holds her out as she continues.

“Father… I know this will be hard to believe, but this is mother.”

The king raises an eyebrow. “Come again, Auriel?”

Brightwing gasps. “Oh! Scary thing!”

Arc gestures to the small creature. “As I said before, she was originally trying to turn herself into a demon in order to properly raise young Auriel.”

King Malevolence frowns. “I admit that it has been quite a few years since I last saw my wife. But this isn’t a demon! It looks more like a dragon!”

Auriel nods as Brightwing flutters around happily. “That is true, yes. However, I was able to run a DNA test on her to determine her species.”

“And what did you find out, my dear?”

“That she has the DNA of a human, not a dragon.”

“But how?!”

“I’m not sure yet, father. But I also compared her DNA to a sample of my own. And in doing so have been able to conclude that she has a number of genetic markers in common with myself. That proves that she is indeed my mother.”

King Malevolence holds out a hand to Brightwing. “None of this makes any sense though.”

Brightwing lands in his palm. “Don’t feel bad, friend! Brightwing not sure about any of this either!”

“Can she be changed back into her original form?”

Auriel sighs. “Probably not without years of research and study in a number of different scientific fields that I’m unfamiliar with.”

Tempest shrugs. “So it’s just a waste of time right now to try.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I wouldn’t say ‘waste’ though, Tempest. More along the lines of something to do when there’s less… pressing matters to attend to.”

King Malevolence looks around. “This place seems peaceful enough though.”

Auriel sighs as Brightwing flutters back to her bag. “Don’t be fooled, father. As it stands, one of the princesses has overthrown the others and taken control of the land.”

Tempest stomps the ground with a hoof. “And at the moment we have to divert all of our resources into stopping them!”

Arc shrugs. “More along the lines of figuring out how to get to them at this point. This isn’t over. Not by a long shot.”

The king scoffs. “It’s just one princess. How much damage could she do?”

Auriel kneels down to pat Brightwing’s head. “Nightmare Moon has already seen fit to enter into hostilities with the Griffon Kingdom, Abyssinia, and even her own citizens.”

Tempest looks to the north. “Don’t forget about the Crystal Empire. Whom have presumably already fallen due to the lack of word from that part of Equestria.”

Arc frowns. “She also killed Dragon Lord Torch with one shot as well.”

Brightwing shudders. “It was scary! She blasted him and Dragon Lord fall down and go boom! Not get back up again either!”

King Malevolence gasps. “What?! But the Dragon Lord is a mighty warrior!”

Tempest grunts. “I guess ‘was’ would be the correct term at this point.”

Auriel nods as she again stands. “His younger daughter is in charge over there now.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Her name is ‘Ember’, by the way.”

King Malevolence gestures to the cave. “Return to Vengeance with me then, Auriel. I’ll see to it that you have everything you need to study your mother’s condition and discover a way to restore her to her human form.”

Auriel looks down at the ground. “Father, I… I can’t.”

“Auriel?”

“My place is here now. I want to help the Equestrians fight against Nightmare Moon and free this land from her.”

Tempest turns to Arc. “You really should send her and her mother back to Tartarus. After all, they are both more of less fugitives here in Equestria.”

Arc frowns. “How so? She and Brightwing walked, or in her mother’s case flew, through the Gates of Tartarus freely. I think we both know what the law says regarding this procedure, Tempest.”

King Malevolence sighs. “Yes, I suppose that is true. And Auriel would finally be with her mother as well.”

Auriel appears hopeful. “You could come too though, father. The three of us could be a family again.”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m sorry, Auriel. But your father was just released temporarily by me to more easily have this conversation. He really does need to go back inside when we’re done here.

“What?! But…!”

The king nods. “He’s right, after all. That and our nation still needs someone to rule over them.”

Brightwing flies up to look the king in the eye. “Don’t worry, scary one! Brightwing will watch over the pretty lady for you!”

“Thank you. I… would appreciate that.”

Auriel smiles as Brightwing returns to perch on her shoulder. “I’ll see about getting mother back to normal again one day, father. But right now I’d like to help the Equestrians retake their country.”

She looks to Arc before continuing.

“That is, if they’ll have me.”

Arc nods. “We can always use the help.”

Tempest shrugs. “While I’m more of a ‘hooves-on’ kinda mare, even I know that we need more eggheads right now.”

Brightwing does a celebratory flying backflip. “Hooray! Brightwing is happy to help too!”

King Malevolence looks to his daughter. “Shall I have your things brought out, my dear?”

Auriel shakes her head. “No, thank you. I’ll need a far different laboratory than I had back in the castle.”

Arc steps forward. “And I know where you can get one.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Do tell.”

“There’s one back at the Golden Oaks Library.”

Auriel grins widely. “What?! Where?!”

“In the basement. The mare that ran it did a lot of experiments down there.”

Brightwing giggles. “Friend has good idea!”

Tempest facehoofs. “A laboratory and a library. Sounds like a match made in heaven to me. Well… for an egghead, that is.”

The king sighs. “Then I won’t keep you any longer, Auriel. Be sure to keep me appraised of any new developments in your mother’s case.”

Turning to Brightwing, he continues.

“I hope to see you again soon, my dear.”

“Brightwing would like that too!”

Tempest turns to Arc. “We should probably head back to base and get started planning our next move.”

“Agreed.”

Auriel smiles as she approaches her father. “I’ll make you proud of me.”

King Malevolence smiles and puts a hand on her shoulder. “You don’t understand, Auriel. You see, I already am.”

Auriel appears confused. “But I haven’t done anything yet.”

“Yes, you have. You went out into a strange new world and found your mother. That in and of itself is praiseworthy. In truth, I’m looking forward to hearing about what else you’ll do.”

“I’ll come back to see you when I can.”

The king chuckles as he watches Brightwing land on Auriel’s head. “Methinks you won’t have much time for that.”

He looks to Arc before continuing.

“I’m ready to return now.”

Arc nods. “Right this way.”

Auriel leaps forward and gives her father a massive hug which he returns. After a brief time, Aurel steps back to break off the embrace. As Arc and the king head for the cave together, the older demon looks to him and chuckles.

“A very welcome feeling.”

“Oh?”

“You have to understand that it’s very… alienating being my usual size. No one to have and to hold.”

“I imagine that it must be very hard to have a daughter and not be able to hug her.”

“Do you have little ones, Hero of Light.”

Arc nods. “Two daughters, yes.”

“With the turmoil in your country, I would think it would be very hard to fight while worrying about their safety.”

“They’re… beyond the reach of my enemies here fortunately.”

“That is good to hear.”

Coming to the Gates of Tartarus, Arc escorts the king back through and turns to him.

“Are you ready for me to return you to your normal size?”

King Malevolence shakes his head. “Thank you, but I think I’d like to remain this way.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“After seeing what it’s like to be small again and how much I lost as I grew… I can’t really see myself going back to that pitiful existence.”

“Alright. If that’s what you really want.”

Malevolence nods. “It is.”

“Then I’ll take my leave.”

“Very well. Go in peace, Hero of Light.”

Turning, Arc leaves through the Gates of Tartarus and walks out of the cave to where Auriel is waiting for him. Putting a hand on her shoulder, he sighs before speaking.

“I’m sorry, but we both know that this had to be done.”

Auriel nods as Brightwing flutters over to her.

“Pretty lady is sad.”

Auriel sighs. “I… don’t really know when I’ll see my father again.”

Tempest points a hoof at Arc’s gauntlet. “He could always ferry you back here, you know.”

“Yes, well… I’m sure we’ll all be very busy from here on out.”

Arc steps onto his sigil. “Let’s get back to base and figure out what to do next.”

Tempest turns to him as she approaches. “Does that mean you have a plan?”

“The start of one, yes. But I think I need some time alone to work on it in my head.”

Auriel joins them on the sigil. “What about that lab back at the library?”

Tempest shrugs. “I can get a few of our troops together and take you back there to get whatever you need later today, I guess.”

Auriel grimaces. “It still feels as though we should ask someone first though.”

Arc chuckles. “Believe me, the mare that ran that place wouldn’t mind a bit.”

Brightwing lands happily on Auriel’s head. “Hooray! This is a good thing!”

Powering up the sigil, Arc teleports the group back to the Main Hall of Light’s Hope. As they step off the sigil a voice rings out from down the corridor.

“Sir!”

Turning, they see Platinum Valve running toward them. She appears apprehensive as she looks to Arc.

“Um… I know you’re really busy with everything, but… could I talk to you about something in private?”

Tempest shakes her head. “The Hero of Light is very preoccupied right now with plans for the…”

Arc interrupts her. “Sure.”

Motioning for the filly to follow him, Arc leads her down the corridor. Auriel appears confused as she slowly edges away from Tempest.

“I, uh… guess I’ll head back to my room then and get to work on my own projects. Let me know when you’re ready to leave for the library.”

Tempest watches them walk away from her and frowns. Shaking her head, she turns and walks the other way as she mutters under her breath.

“We’ll never get anything done around here if we can’t stay focused on the task at hoof.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Platinum Valve enter his quarters together. Closing the door behind them, Arc motions to the table.

“Have a seat.”

Platinum Valve silently does so as Arc recalls his armor and sits down in the chair across from her. Looking to the filly, he speaks.

“Now then, what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?”

“It’s about my parents. How did you know them?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully as he recalls the encounter. “Well… we first met when I came to Ponyville some time ago. They did some work on a different suit of my armor for me.”

“When was that?”

“A few years ago, if I recall.”

“Was that before or after you became the Hero of Light?”

“The first time was before. They’ve done a number of things for me in the past though. That is, in their roles as Ponyville’s blacksmith and jeweler.”

“And why did they choose you to carry on their work?”

Arc sighs. “That question still kinda haunts me even now, as I don’t fully agree with their reasoning.”

“I’d really like to know your thoughts on it though.”

“Alright. Your parents said that they saw me as someone whom could be counted on to do whatever is needed. To do the right thing even when I knew that it could possibly endanger myself. And to give the nation someone to look up to for their future safety.”

Platinum Valve appears surprised. “My parents said that?”

Arc shrugs. “I’m paraphrasing, of course. But that was the general idea behind their thoughts on recommending me for their job, yes.”

“And how did they convey this to the princesses?”

“Your parents gave me their insignias and told me that I was to bring them to Princess Luna in Canterlot Castle. And when doing so, I was told to say to her that ‘the torch has been passed’.”

Platinum Valve puts a hoof to her chin. “That would make sense, yes.”

“Was there something in particular that you needed additional clarification on?”

Platinum Valve shakes her head. “Not really, no. You’ve answered all of my questions completely thus far. But there is still one thing that doesn’t make sense to me.”

“Oh?”

“I still don’t understand why you’re doing all of this.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… all of what?”

“You helped us get supplies from Sweet Apple Acres, donated a fully stocked military base, gave us designs for growing food without soil, and opened up trade with Baltimare.”

“It’s the Hero of Light’s job to do what they can to help the public though.”

“Amongst other things, I suppose. And I understand that you’re empowered to do whatever needs to be done in whatever way you deem fit.”

“What are you getting at, Platinum Valve?”

“It’s just something that my parents said during our final conversation. They had just put on their old armor and were heading out to infiltrate Canterlot to bring this situation to a close. Before leaving our shop the three of us hugged one last time. And the last thing they told me was that they wished there was somepony else whom could do this instead of them.”

She looks at Arc evenly before continuing.

“So unless they were holding back a LOT of information from me, you’re not actually the Hero of Light.”

Arc sighs and stands. Walking over to the window, he looks out at the planet far below. Nodding slightly, he speaks.

“You are both correct and incorrect.”

Platinum Valve frowns. “How so?”

Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “It’s… a rather complicated matter. And I can’t really prove much of anything.”

“Try.”

“Very well. What I told you when we met, as well as during our conversation just now, is completely true.”

Platinum Valve frowns. “No, it isn’t.”

“Your parents really did do what I said they did. Or more accurately, another version of them did.”

“Another… version?”

Arc nods. “Yes. You see, a short time ago I came to this land via unknown means to find the moon overshadowing the land and Ponyville, along with Dodge Junction, all abandoned. Feeling that there was nothing left here for me, I used a magical item to return to my homeworld of Earth.”

“Then why are you still here?”

“When I got back home, I found that everything there was different as well. My mother, whom passed away when I was but a child, was standing at the stove cooking breakfast. My missing father was doing some yard work. And a friend of mine whom I helped save some time ago had died.”

“So you came back to Equestria?”

Arc nods. “After I thought about the matter at hand, yes.”

“I don’t get it.”

“The best I could come up with at the time was that I had somehow been transported through time and space to an alternate version of reality. Or a parallel dimension if you prefer.”

“That doesn’t make any sense though!”

Arc turns back to her. “I know it’s quite the tale. But it’s the best I could come up with at the time.”

“Let’s just say that what you’re claiming really is true. How could you prove it?”

Arc sighs. “There probably isn’t a single iron clad argument that I could make to demonstrate that I’m being truthful here. But that’s not how the truth is verified.”

Platinum Valve frowns. “Uh… yes, it is.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. It’s actually a number of smaller bits of evidence that stack up to build a case either for or against something.”

“What do you mean?”

“First off, you saw my insignia. It’s genuine and you know it.”

“I’ve seen my parent’s insignias enough times to know that, yes.”

“Second, as you yourself pointed out, I’ve done so much to help the refugees here not just survive, but thrive.”

“That can’t be denied, no.”

“And… I didn’t come here alone.”

Platinum Valve appears confused. “But we never saw anypony with you back in Ponyville.”

Cherry calls out audibly. ““True. However, I was there the entire time.”

Platinum Valve looks around, confused. “What the…?”

Arc puts a finger the side of his head. “That’s Cherry Jubilee. She’s inside my head.”

“Um… General Cherry Jubilee is… where now?”

Cherry sighs. “Might I borrow Eidolon’s Ward, Arc? I’d like to be able to say my bit to her, face to face.”

Arc nods. “Sure.”

Calling forth his original armor, Arc waits for it to open before stepping out. Reforming itself, Eidolon’s Ward turns to Platinum Valve whom understandably, and instinctively, hops down from her chair and steps back. The armor kneels down some distance away as Cherry speaks.

“My name is Cherry Jubilee. I used to run Cherry Hill Ranch in Dodge Junction before my death.”

Platinum Valve frowns. “Your death?”

The armor nods. “Yes. You see, a very bad stallion named Wind Rider used me to draw Arc out in an attempt to assassinate him. Critically injured, I warned him just in time of the plot so he could protect himself and deal with the stallion.”

Arc frowns as he clenches a fist. “Permanently, I might add.”

“Upon my death, I was somehow able to transfer my consciousness to a certain gem in his armor. And we’ve been together ever since.”

Platinum Valve gestures to the door with a hoof. “But this isn’t possible! I know for a fact that General Cherry is in her office right now going over paperwork!”

“That’s because she’s the version of me from this reality.”

“Then which of you is the real general?!”

Arc steps forward. “Technically they both are. As in that Cherry in the office is real, so is the spirit of the one that is here before you.”

Platinum Valve puts a hoof to her head. “Okay, let’s assume that I believe all of this. How does that make you the Hero of Light?”

“I really am Equestria’s Hero of Light back in our home world. While I do admit that I’m not really this land’s version of that title, I’m also doing my best to help the situation as one in that particular office would.”

Cherry chimes in. “And I’d also like to point out that at this crucial point in time Equestria needs somepony to take charge as the Hero of Light would.”

Platinum Valve grimaces. “But that’s just seems so… so deceitful!”

Arc bows his head. “Yes, I really can’t deny that fact. However, you have to admit that what Cherry said a moment ago was true. The only way any of us are getting through this mess is if we all band together.”

The armor nods. “Please trust Arc’s judgment on this! After all, I do!”

Platinum Valve puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well… we all trust General Cherry. After all, she’s the only reason we’re here.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Think about it this way too. I’m also the best shot we have at taking down Nightmare Moon and restoring contact with Canterlot.”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “Right. As of yet I haven’t heard of anypony else whom could potentially stand up to her in terms of authority and magical prowess. What with the princesses being more or less gone, I mean.”

Platinum Valve groans. “The worst part is that I know you’re right, general.”

“No, no! I’m just a mild mannered cherry rancher! Well… I suppose ‘was’ may be a better way to put that.”

Arc looks to Platinum Valve. “I’m sorry for not being totally Honest with you and the others. But there’s just so much on the line here. Equestria’s security, the various camps it’s comprised of, and even the rest of the world’s state due to our attacks on them.”

Cherry sounds hopeful. “So please… will you keep this matter to yourself?”

Platinum Valve shrugs. “I don’t really have much of a choice here though. After all, while some would believe me, I’m sure a lot wouldn’t. And we really can’t deal with any more divisions at this point in time.”

Arc appears relieved. “Thank you for understanding. While I know my words don’t really mean much at this point, thank you for allowing me to continue on unabated.”

Platinum Valve bows her head. “Not that I can really stop you though.”

“I’ll do my best to earn your trust then.”

Platinum Valve looks up. “You kinda already have.”

Cherry sounds confused. “He has?”

Platinum Valve nods. “All the help we’ve gotten thus far, thanks to him.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“You’re not all talk of what somepony else needs to do. Instead, you go out there and just do what needs to be done. And while this doesn’t actually make up for you lying to us, I also can’t disagree with the fact that we need the Hero of Light more than ever right now.”

Arc sighs. “Yes, I’ll… have to come clean to everyone about that before this is all over. But, like you said, right now we need everyone to be united in the task at hand.”

Platinum Valve looks out the window at Equus. “And I’ll do my part to keep everypony, you included, supplied with whatever is needed. That and keep this place going as best I can.”

Cherry points a gauntlet at the door. “If you need some help, I’m sure Auriel down the hall could be convinced to lend her expertise.”

Platinum Valve nods. “She is pretty smart admittedly. I’ll go see her later about talking over some of our system’s finer points. Maybe she could make them more efficient and durable.”

She and Arc head for the door together. However, as they near it, Platinum Valve turns and looks at him evenly.

“I understand that you’re not really our nation’s Hero of Light. That and you didn’t technically know my parents or were recommended by them. But… at the same time, I do get the feeling that you’re our best hope at surviving this thing.”

Arc nods soberly as he puts a hand on the doorknob. “Yes. And I’ll do my very best to bring this matter to a peaceful resolution.”

Opening the door for her, Platinum Valve steps out into the corridor. Turning back to Arc, she bows her head before speaking.

“Thank you… for the talk, sir.”

“Anytime, Platinum Valve.”

Closing the door, Arc turns and heads for his couch. Sitting down heavily, he leans back and looks up at the ceiling. Eidolon’s Ward walks over and sits down next to him.

“You okay, Arc?”

Arc groans. “Platinum Valve was right, you know.”

“About which part?”

“Me not really being the Hero of Light.”

“But you already knew that.”

“Yes, I know. But having someone say it to me really hit home.”

“Still, it’s not like you could have told everypony the truth outright. Like them, we need their help too.”

Arc sighs. “True. However, that doesn’t make me feel any better about this whole thing.”

There is a knock at the door. Turning to Eidolon’s Ward, Arc walks toward it as the front melts away. Getting into his old armor, Arc feels Cherry enter his mind before he recalls the armor to his ring. Walking quickly toward the door he opens it to find a soldier standing there. As the stallion salutes, he speaks to Arc.

“Good day, sir. I was sent here by General Cherry with a message. She requests your immediate presence in her joint office.”

“Very well. Tell her I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

Nodding, the soldier turns and walks away as Arc closes the door behind him. Cherry calls out to him, clearly confused.

“Why not head over there now though, Arc? After all, we aren’t really getting anywhere with our current conversation.”

“Yeah, I know. But I need to take care of something first.”

“What though?”

Arc walks toward a nearby door. “The bathroom. It’s been a while.”

A few minutes later Arc leaves his quarters and heads down the corridor toward the War Room. Calling forth his armor, he is allowed entrance by the guards. Stepping over to the office doors, he recalls the armor and opens them to see Cherry pacing in front of the desk. She appears relieved to see him and speaks.

“Thank you for coming, sir.”

Arc nods as he closes the door behind him. “I’m told something’s come up.”

Cherry walks with him over to the desk. “Yes, I need your assistance with it. Please have a seat.”

Arc sits down in front of the desk as Cherry looks to him, confused.

“Um…”

“Is something wrong?”

Cherry smiles nervously. “I… just kinda thought you would… you know…?”

She motions to the office chair behind the desk before continuing.

“…sit behind the desk.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, that’s your chair at the moment.”

“Are you sure?”

Arc motions to the chair. “Completely.”

Sighing, Cherry walks around the desk and sits down. Taking a deep breath, she looks to Arc and pushes a piece of paper towards him as she speaks.

“This message was just received by our communications officer.”

Arc picks the paper up. “Who is this from?”

“Supposedly the office of the mayor of Manehattan.”

Arc reads aloud from the paper in his hand.

“To the leader of the Lunar Resistance…”

Cherry chimes in. “That’s what we’re being called these days I’m told.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Lunar Resistance. I like that.”

Cherry nods to the paper. “As do I. But forgive my interruption and please continue.”

“…I’m looking to speak to you, or an authorized individual, regarding a very pressing matter that has befallen Manehattan in recent days. Please respond to this message with all due haste. Signed, Mayor Shining Armor.”

Looking over the paper at Cherry, Arc continues.

“Mayor Shining Armor?”

Cherry nods. “From what we’ve been able to ascertain, Manehattan has fared rather poorly lately in terms of leadership and overall stability.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Then why didn’t we approach them to trade with ahead of Baltimare?”

“Because the city of Manehattan is, at least at the moment, more or less cut off from the rest of Equestria. Nopony goes in or out without proper authorization from the local government at this point. That and getting the a fore mentioned authorization isn’t really possible right now either.”

Arc taps the paper with the back of his hand. “Unless they call for someone by name, huh?”

Cherry shrugs. “Pretty much, yes.”

“Things must truly be dire for them to call us for help then.”

“I certainly hope not. However, at the same time, I can see why they would reach out to us in particular.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Cherry walks over to the window and looks outside. “Word has begun to spread that our group is growing in both resources and influence. That and having the Hero of Light here among us has certainly bolstered our credibility.”

“It might also be that, given the current state of things right now, they just don’t have anyone in authority that they could call in times like these.”

Cherry shrugs. “Perhaps. But ever since the sun stopped shining, we’ve been inadvertently able to cultivate a reputation for getting things done quickly, quietly, and without too much collateral damage.”

She gestures with a hoof out the window toward the greenhouse before continuing.

“The fresh produce that we grew and sent to Baltimare was the first of its kind that anypony had seen in a long time. Naturally when it was set out for sale they wanted to know where such things came from.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “And they were told that it came from the moon?”

Cherry nods. “Yes.”

“I’m sure that wasn’t exactly easy to explain.”

“Quite the opposite actually.”

“Oh?”

Cherry giggles. “You have to remember that this base is visible from the surface of Equus to the naked eye. So with even a simple telescope, or binoculars even, they can see the greenhouse.”

“Makes sense, I suppose.”

“Everypony in Baltimare knows what we’re capable of up here now. I’ve already been contacted by Duke Carleon for more produce in exchange for building supplies.”

“Sounds like we’ll have to expand to secondary greenhouses soon.”

Cherry nods. “That we will. They’re even willing to throw in the fish for free this time.”

Arc chuckles. “They’re trying to sweeten the pot for us.”

“I’ve already talked this over with Colonel Spitfire and she agrees that we’ll need to ramp up production in order to keep everypony down below fed.”

“Can we though? I mean… feeding an entire country isn’t going to be easy.”

“That thought had occurred to me as well. However, our hosts have seen fit to provide the solution.”

“Hosts?”

Cherry nods. “The Nightborn.”

Arc frowns. “Ah, right. Them.”

Cherry appears confused. “Yes. Is something wrong with that?”

“Not exactly. Please continue.”

“As you know, the speed at which the plants grow can be greatly increased via magical means. However, we can’t just have our Unicorns casting non-stop all day, every day. So the leader of the Nightborn, a stallion known as Moonlit Dusk, has volunteered his own forces to help with the magic issue.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Moonlit Dusk.”

“Do you know him?”

“Unfortunately.”

Cherry raises an eyebrow. “Is there a reason we shouldn’t accept his offer then?”

Arc groans. “Nothing that would supersede our nation’s future need for food, no.”

“So… should I send word to him that we accept?”

“I’ll meet with him personally before heading over to Manehattan later.”

“Later? As in today, you mean?”

Arc appears confused. “Yes. Something wrong with that?”

Cherry shakes her head. “Not really. It’s just that such would mean that you would arrive at your destination fairly late in the evening.”

She points a hoof at a wall clock before continuing.

“After all, it’s nearly supper time.”

Arc sighs. “The lack of a sun really doesn’t help me keep track of what point in the day it is.”

Cherry smiles at him. “I can understand that. Up until now, the sun was a constant in all of our lives. Everything revolved around its position in the sky to give us a sense of time’s passage.”

“So I should see the Nightborn tomorrow then as well?”

“You could, of course. However, as per their namesake, they’re actually more active at night.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin as he stands. “That does kinda make sense now that I think about it. So I suppose I’ll see him about this right away.”

Cherry turns to him as they approach the office door together. “Are you certain that you don’t want to eat supper first? After all, who knows how long such a meeting will take.”

Arc nods soberly as he opens the door for her. “Positive. After all, this is one meeting that I want to happen as soon as possible.”

They part ways. The young mare heads for the cafeteria as Arc makes his way toward the Main Hall. Cherry calls out telepathically to him nervously.

“Arc? What are you planning?”

Arc frowns as he walks. “Feel free to look into my mind and find out if you’d like.”

“I’m kinda scared to at this point in time.”

“Why? I mean… it’s not like I’m going to kill him. Well, probably not.”

Cherry sounds relieved. “That’s good to hear! After all, the ponies of the Lunar Resistance, as well as those still living on the surface, will need the Nightborn’s help.”

“That’s the only thing staying my hand at this point.”

Walking over to the stallion at Raven’s desk, Arc looks to him as he speaks.

“I need to talk to Moonlit Dusk with the Nightborn. How do I get to… wherever on the moon they are?”

“Yes sir. I can teleport you to their domain.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Domain?”

The stallion nods. “It’s under the surface of the moon, yes.”

Arc sighs. “Should’ve seen that one coming.”

“Shall I send you there now or do you need some time to prepare, sir?”

“I’m ready now.”

He steps onto the teleporter pad and turns to face the stallion whom is working the controls. After a few moments, the machine comes to life and in a flash Arc is teleported elsewhere. Looking around, he sees an empty room save for a single door. Taking a deep breath, Arc walks towards it and puts a hand on the knob. However, as he does so, Cherry quickly calls out.

“Arc, wait!”

“Cherry?”

“Shouldn’t you put on your armor first?!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… why?”

“Just in case these Nightborn don’t give you a chance before attacking. That and you really should have your Crest of Light in plain view when they first see you.”

“I suppose that’s true, yes.”

After calling forth his armor, Arc again puts a hand out and grabs the doorknob. Turning it, he opens the door to see a large, ornate looking room with a number of robed ponies mingling around it. They all stop talking and turn to look at him as he enters. Clearing his throat, Arc speaks.

“I’ve come as a representative of the Lunar Resistance to speak to Listener Moonlit Dusk.”

A robed pony approaches him and speaks.

“Good evening, Hero of Light. I am the Speaker for Listener Moonlit Dusk. What business do you have with him?”

“I’m here to discuss his earlier… proposal regarding our magically grown produce.”

The Speaker nods. “Very well. Please follow me, sir.”

They lead Arc down a number of corridors. Other robed ponies stop and step to the side as they bow to the pair. The Speaker turns to Arc.

“Our Listener has been anxiously awaiting the Lunar Resistance’s reply to his missive.”

Arc smirks. “Getting low on supplies too, huh?”

The Speaker sighs. “More or less. I would assume that the Listener was merely being proactive when he made the offer. We’re… not much for working with outsiders unless directly ordered to do so by the Night Mother.”

“But at the same time you don’t want to wait for your cupboards to be completely bare before looking for solutions.”

“I’m glad we have an understanding.”

A short time later the pair step up to a large, ornate looking door. The pony opens it and they step inside. Arc spies Moonlit Dusk sitting behind a desk going over papers and scrolls. He does not look up as the hooded pony approaches and speaks.

“Listener, the representative from the Lunar Resistance has arrived.”

Moonlit Dusk nods. “Very good. I’ll be done here in a moment. Please leave us, Speaker.”

Bowing slightly, the pony backs out of the room, closing the door behind them. Arc waits patiently for Moonlit Dusk to finish his task. As the stallion puts down his quill and stands up, he speaks.

“Good evening. My name is…”

Arc interrupts him. “Moonlit Dusk.”

Moonlit Dusk appears surprised at this and Arc’s appearance. “I… yes, that’s correct.”

“General Cherry said as much.”

“Ah! That does make sense.”

“But I already knew whom was the leader of the Nightborn before she called me to her office a short time ago.”

Moonlit Dusk gestures to the Crest of Light on Arc’s shoulder. “I suppose somepony in your position would, naturally.”

He appears hopeful before continuing.

“Have you… perhaps heard any word from the Night Mother?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I haven’t spoken to any of the princesses.”

Moonlit Dusk sighs. “It was worth a try.”

“In any case, I came here to talk to you about your offer to send some of your followers to help us grow food for Equestria.”

Moonlit Dusk nods. “Yes, we have a number of very powerful magic users here. I’m sure they could be added into the rotation above.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Most likely. However, I get the feeling that you wanted to talk about some sort of… compensation for such a trade.”

“Naturally.”

Arc sighs. “And what would that be?’

“Something a bit… outside the proverbial box.”

“Elaborate.”

Moonlit Dusk stands and walks over to a large tapestry hanging on the wall. It depicts the royal sisters flying around what appears to be sun and moon. Pointing a hoof at Celestia, he speaks.

“As you know, Princess Celestia has ruled over this nation alone for the past one thousand years. However, that ended when the Night Mother returned from her banishment to the moon. Since then they’ve ruled side by side along with Princess Cadance.”

Arc frowns. “All this everyone already knows. But I don’t see how that’s relevant to our current food situation.”

“Yes sir. I’m coming to that.”

Placing his hoof over the picture of Celestia, Moonlit Dusk continues.

“At this point in time nopony knows what has become of Princess Celestia. However, it is certain that both she and the Night Mother were in Canterlot when the barrier went up and the sun came down.”

Arc nods. “We’re still working on how to get inside the city to restore order to the nation if that’s what you’re getting at.”

“Not exactly. You see, as the leader of the Nightborn, I believe that the Night Mother should rule the nation alone.”

“And why is that?”

“To even the proverbial scales. Remember, Princess Celestia ruled the land unopposed for a thousand years. It seems only right that Princess Luna should be given the same opportunity to lead.”

Arc scoffs. “It seems like she already is.”

Moonlit Dusk stomps the floor angrily. “The eternal night must be the doing of Nightmare Moon! An abomination of the Night Mother’s powers!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “You do realize that Nightmare Moon IS Princess Luna, right?”

Moonlit Dusk nods. “Yes, I do. She gave instructions on what to do in the event that this very thing came to pass.”

“Do tell.”

“Our orders were to gather a number of survivors and take them to the moon for safe keeping. We were then to wait for word from either Princess Celestia or Princess Cadance that things were safe and we could return.”

“And that hasn’t happened yet.”

“It’s not likely that they are in a position to do much to help us right now. So it would appear that we are on our own here. And as such, the Nightborn are prepared to do what we can to help the survivors above on the surface of the moon as we were order to do. But when this is all over and the dust settles, I want to see Princess Luna sitting on the throne of Equestria alone.”

Arc scoffs. “The land ruled over by one princess?”

“Such has been done for centuries! You cannot deny the fact that a single ruler has done wonders to keep the peace thus far!”

“But at what cost?!”

Moonlit Dusk appears confused. “Cost?”

“To their mental health.”

“I don’t understand your meaning. The Night Mother is an immortal alicorn.”

“True. However, that does not mean they do not have feelings as we do.”

“While I am sure that they do, the Night Mother operates on another level from the rest of the nation.”

Arc frowns. “Only because they’re the rulers of Equestria. Other than each other, none are their social equals. Mental fatigue, fear, and loneliness are their constant companions.”

“Still, I am certain that the Night Mother would rule the country better than Princess Celestia ever could. We merely need to return Princess Luna to her original form.”

“How though?”

“The Nightborn are currently working on coming up with a method in which to separate the Night Mother from the darkness of Nightmare Moon that now enshrouds her. Rest assured that we will not fail her.”

Arc sighs. “Have you considered freeing her the same way as the last time?”

Moonlit Dusk groans. “Unfortunately, we’re not actually sure just how such a thing was done. The details of the process used were never released to the public nor spoken of by the Night Mother herself.”

The stallion appears hopeful as he turns to Arc.

“I don’t suppose you know.”

Arc nods. “Six very special mares used something on her called the ‘Elements of Harmony’.”

“Perhaps we could locate these relics and use them on the Night Mother ourselves.”

“First we’d have to find the Elements of Harmony themselves, which could be anywhere at this point.”

Moonlit Dusk walks over to a map. “The Nightborn could perhaps track them down.”

Arc joins him at the map. “Then we’d need the six mares.”

Moonlit Dusk waves a hoof dismissively. “We have plenty of mares here though.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. I mean that we need the mares whom used the Elements of Harmony on Princess Luna back then. They’re the only ones whom can wield them.”

Moonlit Dusk sighs. “That’s probably not an option at this point though.”

“Why not?”

“Because much of the nation’s population has been… displaced. Nopony knows where anypony is.”

Arc points to points on the map. “Baltimare, Manehattan, and Las Pegasus from what I’ve been told.”

“That’s where ponies fled to, yes. However, it’s far from the entire population.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Then where is everyone else going?”

“At one point I heard reports of soldiers rounding up citizens and carting them off somewhere.”

“Where though?”

Moonlit Dusk shrugs. “That’s the worst part of it. Nopony really knows. They just… vanish. Never to be heard from again.”

Arc clenches a fist. “These six are resourceful though. I’m sure they found a way to escape capture.”

“I hope so as well. But it would be foolish to put our hopes in something so unlikely. Now then, shall we get back to our original conversation regarding the Night Mother’s future?”

Arc shakes his head. “The land needs both of them if at all possible. Putting one princess on the throne would make her workload insufferable.”

“As I pointed out earlier, Princess Celestia did such a thing for many years though. I’m sure that the Night Mother could easily outdo her.”

“You seem so confident of what others are capable of.”

Moonlit Dusk nods. “I’m quite adept at gauging such things, yes.”

“And you’re never wrong?”

“Not usually, no.”

“Very well. Then perhaps you could prove that by helping me with an ongoing issue that I have.”

“If I can, yes. Tell me about it.”

“It’s in regards to a certain… investigation I have going. Might we take a few minutes to see the scene of the crime together?”

Moonlit Dusk puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “Well, I suppose I wouldn’t mind going down to the surface for a short while. It has been quite some time since I had some different surroundings. That and I could always summon help at a moment’s notice should something happen.”

“I can teleport us back to my base on the surface of the moon. From there we can transport directly to the specific location.”

“Alright. Just give me one moment to inform one of my Speakers that I’m stepping out for a bit.”

A short time later Arc and Moonlit Dusk appear outside of a small, rather run down house. Turning to the stallion, Arc speaks.

“Here we are.”

Moonlit Dusk looks around, confused. “Where are we though?”

“Ponyville.”

Moonlit Dusk nods to the house. “I wasn’t aware that there was anypony still living here.”

“There isn’t. At least not to the best of my knowledge, that is. But please, follow me.”

Entering the house via the front door, Arc leads Moonlit Dusk into the Living Room and stops. Turning to the stallion, he continues.

“My investigation shows that there was a young mare living here some time ago.”

“You mean before the issues in Canterlot?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“And she’s missing?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. In truth, she’s in the backyard.”

Moonlit Dusk raises an eyebrow. “I’m a bit confused. What is it that you’re getting at here?”

Arc gestures to a nearby door. “Step outside and see for yourself.”

Shrugging, Moonlit Dusk walks to the back door and opens it. He spies the two headstone, one smaller than the other, and walks over to them as Arc follows and continues talking.

“The mare was a fairly young one at the time of her death. She was laid to rest next to her foal.”

Moonlit Dusk frowns. “And you believe there was foul play at work in her death?”

“I’m hoping that you can tell me.”

“Very well. Give me the details then.”

“As I said, she was a young mare. Pregnant, but with no record of marriage that we could find.”

Moonlit Dusk shakes his head. “A shame, really.”

Arc continues. “The mare had recently moved to Ponyville and bought this house.”

Moonlit Dusk appears confused. “I thought you said that she was unwed.”

Arc nods. “That is correct. However, the public records showed that upon her arrival she paid for the house in full and all up front.”

“Such is indeed quite suspicious. Perhaps she was involved in some sort of illegal activity off the books. What else is known about this case?”

“As I said, she was pregnant and single. The cause of death was listed as blood loss during labor.”

“That too is out of the ordinary, as Ponyville is home to a very well-known hospital.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “She gave birth here in the house.”

Moonlit Dusk raises an eyebrow. “And nopony thought it prudent to get her some help?”

“The mare was alone at the time and didn’t have a telephone with which to call anyone.”

Moonlit Dusk looks to the smaller grave. “And the foal died with her?”

Arc nods. “Without aid of any kind she never stood a chance.”

“How about previous addresses? She had to come from somewhere, after all.”

“Some papers found during the investigation showed that she was from a town called ‘Trottingham’.”

Moonlit Dusk grimaces. “I’m sorry, where?”

“Trottingham.”

“Are you… certain?”

“That’s what the paperwork said. However, when investigators were sent there to see if they could locate her family, everyone seemed to clam up about her as soon as they heard her name.”

Moonlit Dusk stammers. “What… what was it?”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Derpy Hooves.”

They are silent for a long time. Eventually, Moonlit Dusk puts a hoof on the stone before him and speaks softly.

“Derpy.”

“So… what do you think?”

“I… I didn’t…”

He turns his head to look away from the stone, but only succeeds in bringing the smaller grave into his line of sight. Staring at it silently for a time, he eventually calls out.

“The foal. Was it… born?”

Arc shakes his head. “Without help, no. She died inside her mother.”

“So it was a… filly?”

“Yes.”

Again silence reigns in the backyard. After what feels like forever, Moonlit Dusk speaks softly.

“I… I didn’t know…”

“Didn’t know what?”

“That this would happen.”

Arc frowns as he looks away. “It’s amazing what life altering decisions can be made so easily. Like inside a tent in the middle of the woods in the middle of the night.”

Moonlit Dusk gasps. “You…! How did you…?!”

Arc interrupts him. “I have my sources.”

“So… you know the truth then?”

Arc nods. “Derpy used to go to your campsite outside of Trottingham for a little companionship. She would regularly give you supplies. Food, blankets, a coat… whatever you asked of her really.”

Moonlit Dusk sighs. “She… really was generous, yes.”

“Until one cold night, she stayed just a little too late. So you invited her into your tent, and… well… I think we both know what happened next.”

“I… I did it, yes.”

“And then you left her.”

Moonlit Dusk bows his head. “Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because I figured that she was better off without me. I mean, her father owned pretty much the whole town. If anypony could provide for her and the foal it was him.”

“But that’s not what happened.”

Moonlit Dusk turns to him, confused. “Huh?”

“He was angry that she was with foal and unmarried. So he gave her a bag of bits and sent her away.”

“To Ponyville?”

Arc sighs. “She found her way to the mainland and onto a train that led here, yes.”

Moonlit Dusk bows his head. “Derpy… deserved better than that.”

“I agree.”

“But I couldn’t take her with me though!”

“Why not?”

“Because I was about to be promoted to a Speaker position in the Nightborn! And nopony with a wife or foals can do that!”

Arc grits his teeth. “So you abandoned her for your career?!”

Moonlit Dusk looks away. “I did, yes. But what I did still haunted me.”

“And your so-called ‘best’ was to forget all about her?!”

“No, I… I worked extra hard after that! In truth, she was always on my mind!”

“Then why did you leave her?”

“Because I… I felt that my work with the Nightborn was more important than anything else.”

Turning to Arc, Moonlit Dusk continues.

“And I took steps to make sure that such a mistake was never again repeated.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Steps?”

Moonlit Dusk sighs. “Yes. You see, I’ve… always been quick to fall for a pretty face. Although that was the first time it got to the point of impregnating a mare. So I… I returned to the Nightborn Citadel and requested to be… um…”

“You what?”

“I requested to undertake the ‘Lunar Vow’.”

“And what exactly is that?”

Moonlit Dusk sighs. “It would just be easier to show you.”

Sitting down on the ground, Moonlit Dusk removes his robe and tosses it aside before continuing.

“Such a vow is a statement to the rest of the Nightborn that one is cutting themselves off from certain… worldly pleasures. It’s to illustrate that no mare could ever come close to the beauty and intellect of the Night Mother. Therefore…”

Moonlit Dusk lays down and spreads his hind legs to expose his genitals. Pointing with a hoof, he again speaks.

“…the truly devoted have no need of these parts.”

Arc frowns as he sees the lack of stallionhood. “Looks like you went all the way with that.”

Moonlit Dusk nods as he sits back up. “We do everything for the Night Mother, yes. And when the previous Listener stepped down, I was immediately put on the top of a very short list of possible replacements due to my Lunar Vow.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “And how does Princess Luna feel about such things?”

“I’m… not sure I understand the question.”

“Does you removing parts of your body make her happy?”

“It’s a sign of sacrifice!”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

“I’m sure she appreciated the devotion to her!”

Arc scoffs. “Doubtful.”

Moonlit Dusk glares at him. “You dare speak ill of the Night Mother?!”

“Just speaking facts actually. Believe me when I say that I know Luna better than you do.”

Moonlit Dusk gasps. “Whom gave you permission to speak her name with such candor?!”

“She did.”

“You’re on a first name basis with her?!”

Arc nods. “Of course.”

“So… what are you to her? A stallionfriend?”

“Just a close friend, actually. She’s really more like any other mare one might encounter when you get to know her.”

Moonlit Dusk looks away incredulously. “You would know better than I apparently.”

“I gave her what she wanted.”

“Which was?”

“Friendship.”

Moonlit Dusk raises an eyebrow. “Friendship?! But she has a literal army at hoof’s reach. That along with the other two princesses, servants, aides, and the Nightborn as well!”

Arc shakes his head. “And with the exception of the other two princesses, they all bow and scrape to her.”

“That’s how a princess should be treated though!”

“Perhaps. However, that’s not always what she wants.”

“What else could there be?”

“Real and true friends. Those she can bring her problems to and get an honest opinion. Those whom spend time with her willingly and not just because of her position in society. And those that can be trusted with her deepest, darkest secrets.”

Moonlit Dusk puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “I… guess I never really thought about it before. We of the Nightborn should have been the ones to fill that gap in her life.”

“To be fair, it’s a little more complicated than that, as she only recently allowed me into her personal space. And apparently I was the only one at the time.”

“When we do find the Night Mother, I shall speak to her about what we can do about helping her in this matter.”

Sighing, he looks back to the graves before continuing.

“As well as admit to my own past.”

“That’s probably for the best. But at this point in time, we need to be there for our respective groups.”

“Yes, of course. We should be getting back. However, I’d like a couple moments to… say a few things.”

Arc nods soberly. “Sure. I’ll be waiting for you inside.”

Turning, he walks inside Derpy’s house and closes the door behind him. Moonlit Dusk looks to the stone and sits down in front of it sadly as he speaks.

“Derpy? It’s… it’s Moonlit Dusk. I, uh… just heard about what happened to you a few moments ago.”

He struggles to find the words before continuing.

“I don’t… really know what to say to you right now. An apology seems too little, too late. And it’s not as if I could bring you back at this point. So I’m just going to be honest with you about why I left.”

Putting a hoof on the stone, he bows his head.

“The truth of the matter is… I was afraid. Afraid of my actions with you that night harming my place within the Nightborn. But that wasn’t the only reason. You see, I wasn’t ready to become a parent. And while I suppose nopony ever truly is, I don’t think I could have even if I wanted to.”

He lays down on the ground and shakes his head.

“Such parental warmth isn’t something I have in me. But… at the same time, I still should have been willing to take responsibility for what I did to you. And for causing you to become pregnant.”

Glancing over at the smaller grave next to hers, Moonlit Dusk sighs.

“Had our little one survived and been safely born, I’d like to say that I would have taken them in and raised them properly as you would have wanted. But… the truth of the matter is that I doubt that’s what I would have done. It’s likely that I would have taken our filly to the orphanage in Vanhoover to hopefully be placed with a suitable couple. While I know that isn’t what you would have wanted, it probably would have been for the best.”

Looking up at the moon overhead, he smiles sadly.

“I guess all I can do at this point to try and make up for what I did by helping the land through these hard times. That and coming clean about what I did when it’s all over. While I know this won’t bring you or our foal back or even remotely make things right… it’s really all I can do at this point.”

Meanwhile, Arc looks out a window at the stallion. Turning away and walking toward the cold fireplace, he sighs. Cherry calls out to him softly.

“You did what you could, Arc.

Arc sighs. “Yeah, I know. He needed to know what his actions did to Derpy, of course. And I do get the feeling that Moonlit Dusk here is more upset about this whole matter than our version of him was back home.”

“The Lunar Resistance, along with the rest of the world, need their help now though.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Which is why I didn’t gut him like a fish.”

Turning around, Arc spies the rug lying on the floor. Sighing, he walks over to it and kneels down. Running a hand across the material, he shakes his head as he picks it up. Turning his head to look out the window at Moonlit Dusk in front of Derpy’s grave, he continues.

“Thanks to his selfishness she died alone and in agony.”

Looking down at the rug in his gauntlet, Arc carefully rolls it up and places it in his ring as Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc? What are you doing?”

“Taking this with me.”

“But why?”

“Because it’s not doing any good just lying here collecting dust. And our Derpy back home might want it to replace the one that went up in flames when Decimus torched Ponyville.”

Cherry sighs. “I suppose so. However, it still seems a bit… underhooved to just up and take it.”

Arc shakes his head as he sees Moonlit Dusk stand. “If this Derpy was anything like ours, Cherry, she would have wanted it to bring someone else happiness.”

Closing his eyes, Arc remembers Derpy’s original small house when he first met her. How it was devoid of any furniture other than the mat she lay on and the food that he donated to her that first day. He is snapped back to reality as the sound of the back door opening rings out along with hoof steps approaching. Opening his eyes he sees Moonlit Dusk approaching him soberly as he speaks.

“I need to get back to the Nightborn now. We have much to do.”

Arc nods soberly. “That we do.”

Moonlit Dusk gestures to the back door. “I can’t bring her back. But I can do what she’d want me to.”

“And that is what exactly?”

“Make things right.”

Looking to the stallion for a long moment, Arc eventually turns and opens a portal. Motioning for Moonlit Dusk to step through, he takes a last long look around before doing so and vanishing from sight. Arc steps forward as he mutters under his breath.

“I’m sure Derpy would appreciate the sentiment.”