The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds

Sometime later, Arc and Moonlit Dusk reappear on the sigil in Light’s Hope’s Main Hall. The stallion turns to him and sighs.

“I will instruct my Speaker to see to it that acolytes are sent up in some sort of a rotation to help with the magical growing of our crops.”

“Thank you. I’m glad we could come to an agreement on this.”

Moonlit Dusk looks around and lowers his voice. “Indeed. I only ask that you keep the details of our earlier conversation to yourself. At least for the time being anyways.”

Arc nods. “Very well. As long as you hold up your end of the bargain, that is.”

Moonlit Dusk nods as his horn glows. Opening a dark portal he turns and steps through. Arc watches it close before turning and walking down the corridor. As he does so Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“Are you sure that was the right thing to do, Arc?”

“You mean letting him go?”

“Yes. After all, his actions did lead to Derpy and Dinky’s death in this world.”

Arc sighs. “True. However, like it or not, at the moment this land needs the Nightborn’s help. That and there isn’t really anything to be gained by detaining him or spreading around his past misdeeds.”

“Do you think he’ll do as he said and turn himself over to Princess Luna when this is all over?”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe. But even if he doesn’t, nothing will bring this world’s Derpy and Dinky back.”

Coming to the cafeteria, Arc finds the place deserted. Picking up a few pieces of fruit from bowls left out on a table near the door, he walks back to his room. Making a beeline for the bathroom, Arc gets the shower going as he muses to himself softly.

“Busy day.”

Cherry calls out audibly. “Yes, it was.”

Arc sighs as he sets the fruit down on the counter and begins disrobing. “It could have gone better as well.”

“It had its ups and downs, yes. You were able to reunite Auriel with her mother and gave her some time with her father as well.”

“Things went downhill from there when Platinum Valve figured out the truth about me though.”

Cherry groans as Arc steps into the shower. “It stood to reason that somepony would eventually put two and two together though. That and you handled that matter well by entrusting her with the truth.”

Arc sits down on the tile floor and pulls the fruit from the counter to himself with a Telekinesis Spell. “Maybe. But she’s just another orphan now thanks to me not being here.”

“However, what happened to this version of Equestria wasn’t your fault, Arc!”

Arc shrugs as he takes a bite of the fruit. “Yeah, I know. But thanks to that fact, her parents died fighting against Nightmare Moon presumably.”

“I’m sure they accepted the risks before leaving for that particular mission, Arc. That and it’s not like you yourself haven’t been on a number of harrowing adventures as the Hero of Light.”

“Then there’s also Derpy and Dinky’s fate. And the fact that what happened to them was still Moonlit Dusk’s fault.”

“Please don’t put too much thought into the ‘what could have been’ for this alternate world, Arc. After all, it’s over and done with at the moment.”

“True. But it doesn’t make me feel any better about this situation as a whole.”

Sometime later, Arc turns the water off and dries himself. Heading for the bedroom he lies down on his back and turns off the bedside lamp. The light from the moon outside illuminates the room with a soft glow as Arc’s eyes adjust. Looking over to the empty bed next to his, he sighs heavily.

“Ember.”

Cherry calls out audibly. “What was that, Arc?”

“She lost her father.”

“That wasn’t your fault either though.”

“And she and I aren’t a thing here.”

“But how could you be though? Remember, the you from this world is still back on Earth going to school across the sea. He never came to Equestria and has his own life to live over there.”

“That too. My parents are still alive and well over there.”

“They’re not your parents, Arc, but his.”

“Was that really for the best though?”

Cherry sounds confused. “I don’t quite get your meaning.”

“Me coming to Equestria. Well, the other version of Equestria, that is. Had I not been drawn through the mirror back then Twilight and her friends, along with the princesses, could have probably kept the peace by working together.”

“They are very resourceful, yes.”

“That and the Ember here was a MUCH stronger opponent than she was in our world.”

“She’s had a hard couple of years I would imagine. Finding that her father was gone probably forced her to grow up quickly and train very hard in order to keep the Dragon Lands safe.”

Arc grunts. “In truth, I actually had trouble holding my own against her a few times. Which leads me back to my original idea that maybe she would have been better off not meeting me in the first place.”

“That’s actually surprising to hear, Arc.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “It is?”

“Yes. Considering that you claim to love her as much as you do.”

“But I do care about Ember.”

“Then why would it have been a mistake for her and you to have met?”

“Well, I don’t think that the term ‘mistake’ was the best one to describe it. But you can’t deny the fact that she would have been much stronger by now had I not come into her life.”

“That may very well be. However, she’s certainly much happier than this world’s Ember is.”

Arc sighs as he puts an arm over his face. “True. But me not being here also caused the death of both Derpy and baby Dinky.”

“So which is it, Arc?”

“Huh?”

“You say that Ember would have been better off had you not come to Equestria. But then in the very next breath you’re beating yourself up over the fact that you weren’t here to help Derpy deliver Dinky.”

“I know that I’m probably not making any sense and talking in circles here. But I still can’t shake the feeling that all of this could have been prevented.”

“Not by you though. After all, you didn’t even know that another world existed before being transported here. Nopony did.”

Arc closes his eyes. “Tell that to those here in the base whom are living in literal exile.”

Sleeping fitfully through the ‘night’ Arc awakens the next ‘morning’ and rises diligently. Changing into fresh clothes and donning his armor, he leaves his quarters and heads down the corridor. Approaching the War Room, Arc is admitted by the guards. Walking over to the office door the young man pushes it open to find Spitfire and Tempest going over a map on the desk. Recalling his armor, Arc makes his way over to them.

“Is something up?”

Tempest taps the map with a hoof. “Not exactly. The colonel and I were just brainstorming ideas of places to look for survivors.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Survivors?”

Spitfire nods as she stands. “When Canterlot cut itself off from the land a lot of ponies panicked and abandoned their towns to seek refuge in the wilds. Well, those whom couldn’t get to either Baltimare, Manehattan, or Las Pegasus, that is.”

Tempest frowns. “Hiding out made them more difficult for the Royal Guards to find. And while their actions do kind of make sense from a tactical standpoint, it also led to them being vulnerable.”

Spitfire points a hoof out the window towards the planet below. “We’ve been sending agents out to try and find these small groups in an effort to bring them here to the moon.”

Tempest gestures to a bowl of fruit on a nearby table. “Moreso now that we have the supplies and whatnot to support more ponies than in the past.”

Arc nods. “That’s good to hear. I just wanted to see what you two were up to before heading over to Manehattan.”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow. “Manehattan?”

“We received a message earlier asking me to meet with their mayor about something or other.”

Tempest smirks. “That’s interesting.”

“How so?”

“Since this whole mess started, they’ve been pretty much silent in terms of communication with the rest of the country.”

Spitfire puts a hoof on the maps where Manehattan is. “The only reason we know they’re still alive over there is due to the lights of the city still burning down there.”

Arc frowns. “So they haven’t been interested in helping anyone besides themselves lately, huh?”

Tempest shakes her head. “Nope. And now that we have something of value, they have the nerve to beg us for help.”

Spitfire grits her teeth as she looks to Arc. “Do be sure to remind them of that convenient little fact when they give you whatever sale’s pitch they’ve prepared for you, sir.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Anything else I should know?”

Tempest shakes her head. “Not really, no. Just listen to whatever it is that they want, tell them to deal with it themselves as they have in the past, and come on back.”

Arc frowns. “Kinda counterintuitive though. I mean, they’re still ponies.”

Spitfire rolls her eyes. “Yeah, they are. Ponies whom just hide behind their walls and don’t do anything other than whatever benefits them.”

Arc turns and heads for the door. “Then I’ll have to see if I can change that.”

As he leaves the room Spitfire turns to Tempest and sighs.

“Our Hero of Light is quite the optimist.”

Tempest scoffs. “That’s one way of putting it.”

“Still… he’s come through for us in ways that I couldn’t have predicted.”

“True. However, not everypony deserves to be helped.”

Spitfire sighs. “I suppose not. But at the same time I have to remember that he gave us all these resources and this facility to house our group.”

“What’s your point, Spitfire?”

“From a strategic point of view, he would have been much better off keeping them to raise and house his own forces. A strong army is going to be needed to bring this matter to a close and we both know it.”

Tempest frowns. “Yes. But where that army will come from is anypony’s guess at this point in time. After all, the nation’s standing forces are all loyal to Canterlot and Nightmare Moon right now. Which might actually be his actual long-term goal.”

Spitfire raises an eyebrow. “You mean starving out the enemy?”

“Even Canterlot doesn’t have enough food to feed the military forever. Eventually when their stocks start to get low, they’ll have mass desertions.”

Spitfire puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “And if were the only ones with food they’ll defect to us.”

Tempest nods. “Exactly. However, it’s not likely they’ll let things get to that point.”

“You mean to say that Canterlot could openly attack one of the major cities to sack its resources?”

“To prevent their forces from starving and deserting, yes. Which might be why the Hero of Light had us build that greenhouse up here on the moon instead of within the major cities. No matter how powerful Canterlot’s forces are, they still can’t even hope to reach us all the way up here.”

“So he could just stop sending food to the surface and force them to defect to us.”

“It would make the most sense strategically.”

Spitfire waves a hoof dismissively. “I can’t see a Hero of Light doing things like that though. Cutting off resources to the country would also cause the citizens to suffer as well.”

“It’s a hard pill to swallow admittedly. And even though he may not want to do it, sacrificing a number of the ponies below is still a far better fate for the nation as a whole if it frees us from Nightmare Moon.”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way back to the Main Hall. Entering, he spies Cherry going over a clipboard with the stallion at Raven’s desk as a number of boxes sit on the teleporter pad. He walks over to her and nods to the boxes.

“Outgoing supplies?”

Cherry nods as she turns to him. “Yes sir. These are going to Baltimare in trade for more building supplies.”

“For more greenhouses and aquaponics systems I would imagine.”

“That they are. Assuming you were able to convince the Nightborn to help us grow it, that is.”

Arc gives her a thumbs up. “That I was. Their leader said he’d get back with us soon regarding a schedule of sorts. So I think our crop growing magic user problem is more or less solved.”

Cherry grimaces. “Good. And what did they want in return?”

“Just enough food to keep them fed.”

Cherry appears surprised. “Really?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Moonlit Dusk and I had a long chat about a number of subjects the other day.”

“What did you say to him that led to such a decision though?”

“I just reminded him that without the food we’re growing up here, both the Lunar Resistance and Nightborn won’t survive long term. To say nothing for the rest of the country as well.”

“That’s it?”

Arc shrugs. “Well, there was more. But the rest of it I need to keep to myself. State secrets and all that.”

“I can’t really argue with results, I suppose. With their help, along with the additional greenhouses that we’ll be building in the very near future, we should be able to produce a steady stream of food for both us and those down below.”

Arc grins. “With food to spare, I would imagine.”

Cherry sighs. “Most likely. However, there is such a thing as overproduction.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I’m afraid that I don’t get your meaning.”

“Remember, the produce that we’re growing up here has a fairly short shelf life after it’s harvested. What isn’t eaten will just start to rot in time.”

“What about canning the excess or otherwise preserving it? I thought that was already planned out.”

Cherry shakes her head. “While I would love to do such a thing on a larger scale, doing that for several greenhouses worth of food would require facilities and equipment we just don’t have up here.”

“How about dehydrating it then?”

“I’ve dried cherries in my old oven back at Cherry Hill Ranch in the past. However, the main problem with that idea is that such a thing would take several hours in the oven under low heat. And while we do have a number of industrial ovens installed in the base’s kitchen, they’re also needed to cook our meals.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “That does leave us with quite the problem here then. I’ll see if I can come up with some ideas on what to do with excess food that doesn’t involve it going to waste.”

Cherry steps onto the teleporter pad. “As will I. But in the meantime I’ll see about getting these supplies traded and construction started on more greenhouses.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You?”

“It’s just a simple exchange, after all. Tempest and Spitfire can run things here at the base during the short amount of time that I’m gone.”

“But, I… suppose that’s true.”

“In any case, I’m off.”

She nods to the stallion behind the desk. Fiddling with the controls, he watches as both Cherry and the supplies vanish. Sighing, Arc walks over to the map and points a finger at a location.

“Send me here.”

The stallion gestures to the teleporter pad. “Yes sir. Step onto the pad and I will program the destination for you.”

Arc does so and waits patiently. A few moments later the stallion looks up and speaks.

“Coordinates are locked in, sir.”

“Very good. Energize.”

The stallion raises an eyebrow. “Um… what was that, sir?”

“Sorry. I just meant that I’m ready to go.”

“Oh… alright.”

Pressing a few buttons, the stallion watches as Arc vanishes from sight. Reappearing on a small hill near Manehattan, Arc looks around and sighs.

“Here we go again.”

Cherry calls out to him. “Um… Arc?”

“Yes, Cherry?”

“You’re upset.”

“Kinda, yeah.”

“About what?”

“Cherry, the other Cherry I mean, leaving the base mostly.”

Cherry sounds surprised. “But you didn’t have anything to say about Tempest or Spitfire doing the same.”

Arc shrugs. “The difference is that they have the combat skills to take care of themselves though.”

“There’s more to it than that though, isn’t there?”

Arc sighs. “I… just worry about something bad happening to you. Well, the other you, I mean.”

“You’re scared of losing her.”

Arc puts a hand against a nearby tree. “Yeah.”

“But she’s not me though, Arc.”

“I know. However, if something did happen to her, it would be like losing you all over again, Cherry. That’s not something I’d like to go through again.”

“Then why didn’t you try to stop her?”

“Because I really couldn’t. I mean… what would I have even said? That I’d already seen her die?”

Cherry sighs. “I suppose you do have a point, Arc. But please don’t try to stop her from doing what she thinks is right. After all, she’s a headstrong and independent mare.”

“I’m not making any promises there.”

“If you had a legitimate reason she shouldn’t do something she’d listen to you, of course. But the other me will always do what she believes to be the right course of action.”

“All this parallel universe stuff is starting to get to me. I mean…”

Cherry interrupts him. “At this point it’s probably for the best that you try not to think about your shared past with the others back home when dealing with the ponies here.”

“I suppose you’re right, Cherry. But let’s put a pin in this conversation and see what Mayor Shining Armor wants.”

Turning toward the city, Arc starts walking. A short time later he comes to a makeshift gate with a number of stallions standing guard. As he approaches, they level their weapons at him as the leader calls out.

“State your intent!”

Arc steps into the light from overhead. “I’m Hero of Light Arc. Your mayor sent for me.”

The officer nods. “Yes sir. Please enter.”

Allowing him to pass, the stallions motion for the gates to open. They do so as a guard inside salutes and addresses Arc.

“Good day, sir. I’ll be your escort today.”

Arc frowns. “Escort?”

“Nopony from the outside is allowed to enter the city unaccompanied.”

“Very well. Lead on.”

The stallion turns as Arc falls into step behind him. As they walk down the various streets Arc looks around to see numerous ponies gathered outside and whispering amongst themselves. Turning to his guide Arc speaks.

“What’s the status of the city?”

“I’m not at liberty to say, sir.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “You do realize whom I am, right?”

“Yes sir. However, I have my orders.”

“Fine. I’ll take it up with the mayor then.”

“That would be for the best.”

A short time later they come to a large government building. The guard motions for those outside to part in order to allow them entrance. As the doors are opened for them Arc sees innumerable soldiers walking the halls in pairs. Coming to an elevator they take it to the top floor. Stepping out into a large penthouse office Arc spies Shining Armor sitting at a large desk going over some paperwork. He looks up and stands as Arc and the guard approach.

“I’m Mayor Shining Armor. Thank you for coming, sir.”

Arc nods. “It’s good to be here, thank you.”

Shining Armor turns to the guard and motions with a hoof to the elevator.

“I’ll take it from here.”

Saluting, the guard steps back into the elevator and takes it down. Returning his gaze to Arc, Shining Armor gestures to a chair as he walks back around the desk.

“Have a seat. I’ll try to be brief.”

Arc does so as Shining Armor sits back down and rests his hooves on the desk.

“I’ve heard that you and the Lunar Resistance are looking for ways to secure food for the nation.”

Arc nods. “We’ve actually already done it. There’s a way to grow crops up on the moon without soil.”

“What can you tell me of this method?”

“I can draw you a sketch and walk you through the basic principles if you’d like.”

“Please do.”

Arc picks up a pencil and a piece of paper. Drawing out the greenhouse and interior, he finishes his tutorial.

“And that leads to a finished product.”

Shining Armor puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “It’s a very… interesting idea, to be sure. However, we’d need to use grow lights to replace the light of the sun down here.”

“That’s dependent on how much extra electricity you have.”

“I’ll have to go over it with the town’s engineers later. They’ll figure out a way to implement this technology.”

“Good. Now then, I’d like to ask you some questions.”

“Very well.”

“First off, how are things going here in Manehattan?”

Shining Armor sighs. “Tense. The lack of supplies has put everypony on edge already. But me calling you in has really stirred the pot.”

“Yes, I noticed others whispering while I walked here. But how would me showing up make things worse?”

“The city has been cut off from the outside pretty much since the sun stopped rising. Anypony that comes in now is seen as a potential threat to the security of Manehattan.”

“I suppose that does make sense. However, I’m sure they saw my Crest of Light as well.”

“Which is why nopony gave you any trouble.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest plate. “Yes, well… I’m going to venture a guess that you didn’t just call for me to talk about food production.”

“Very astute, sir. In truth, we have much larger problems at the moment.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Then why not start with them?”

“A bit of feeling you out, sir. I had to be sure that our relationship would be one of mutual benefit.”

“Alright. What else is it?”

“As you know, Canterlot has been cut off from the rest of the nation along with the princesses themselves. We need to get inside the city and take down the one responsible for all of this.”

“Nightmare Moon?”

Shining Armor nods. “Exactly.”

“Do you have a plan?”

“To deal with Nightmare Moon, yes. We can stop her with the Elements of Harmony as the Element Bearers did some time ago.”

Arc leans forward. “So you know where they are?!”

Shining Armor shakes his head. “Not exactly. The Elements were left with their respective bearers for safe keeping. Only they know where to find them at this point.”

Arc sighs. “And they’re the only ones whom can use them too.”

“Right. But I believe that if we can find the Element Bearers, then they can tell us where they hid their Elements. That and it goes without saying that they’ll need to be protected until all six are found and the time is right.”

“Where though?”

“Either here in Manehattan with us or with the Luna Resistance.”

Arc points a gauntlet out the window. “I’d imagine they’d be safest on the moon.”

“We can cross that bridge when we get to it. Now then, I’ve ordered two mares to quietly investigate a number of possible locations where the Element Bearers might be found.”

“And what of Twilight Sparkle, the Element of Magic? Have you heard where she it yet?”

Shining Armor sighs and shakes his head. “No, sir. There’s been no sign of her since Canterlot was cut off. However, according to several survivors, she was heading to Canterlot Castle to answer a missive sent to her by Princess Celestia around that time.”

“Very convenient.”

“I’m assuming it was actually penned by Nightmare Moon, whom wanted to take her out of the picture before making their next move. With Twilight gone, and the Element of Magic presumably in the clutches of Nightmare Moon at the moment, the rest of them are more or less useless.”

Arc nods. “Nightmare Moon didn’t have to capture all the Element Bearers. Just one to render them inoperable.”

Shining Armor grimaces. “We’re hoping that she kept Twilight alive as a sort of political prisoner. However, we have no proof that she’s alright.”

“Then we should see about locating the others in the meantime.”

“Agreed. Let me call in the agents on that case.”

Picking up his phone, Shining Armor dials a number and speaks.

“We need to speak about your findings thus far. Come to my office at once for a debriefing.”

After a short exchange, he hangs up the receiver and turns back to Arc.

“My agents will be here in a few minutes.”

“Good. I’m anxious to get started making this situation right.”

“As am I.”

A short time later two mares enter the room together. They approach the desk and salute Shining Armor respectfully. After returning the salute, the stallion turns to Arc and gestures with a hoof as he speaks.

“Sir, this is Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do. They’ve taken on the task of locating the Element Bearers.”

Sunset Shimmer motions to Arc with a hoof. “Is it alright to be sharing that knowledge with him though, sir?”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes, the Hero of Light has already proven himself to be an ally.”

Daring Do grunts. “Good. Because we’re going to need some serious help to make any of this work.”

Arc appears hopeful. “You found something?!”

Sunset Shimmer steps toward the desk. “We have, yes.”

She reaches into her saddlebag and pulls out a small map. Unfolding and laying it on the desk, Sunset Shimmer continues.

“During a recent side investigation to source more food, Daring Do and I located a small outpost in the woods nearby.”

Daring Do taps the map with a hoof. “At first we thought it to merely be some sort of intel gathering site for Canterlot. However, they appear to have taken a number of ponies captive.”

Arc frowns. “Captive? But for what purpose?”

Sunset Shimmer sighs. “Labor, it would seem. A good number of guards appeared to be foraging in the forest for whatever food they could find.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But what does that have to do with captives?”

Daring Do grits her teeth. “Because when the guards brought their bounty of the forest back to camp a number of the captives were being forced to process their findings.”

Sunset Shimmer nods soberly. “And one of them appeared to be the Element of Honesty, Applejack.”

Arc clenches a fist. “I’ll head over there right now and get her out of there then!”

Shining Armor puts a hoof on his desk phone. “While I wanted to do the same when I originally learned of this, I thought it more prudent to call for help first, sir.”

Arc sighs. “The message to my base, huh?”

Shining Armor nods. “Yes sir.”

Daring Do sits down on her haunches. “It would be best to go there with as small a force as possible in order to remain undetected.”

Sunset Shimmer looks to Arc. “And it’s been said that you work well with limited resources.”

Arc nods soberly. “I’ll go and see about rescuing Applejack from that outpost. And the rest of the ponies held there as well, of course.”

Shining Armor gestures to Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do. “Thank you, sir. I’ll send these two with you as well.

Arc shakes his head. “That won’t be…”

Shining Armor interrupts him. “Please think of the victims, sir! This operation MUST go without a hitch!”

Daring Do stomps a hoof. “We’ll do our part to help.”

Sunset Shimmer’s horn glows. “Yes. And I think you’ll find that we’re far from a liability.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose the help couldn’t hurt. If you two are combat ready, that is.”

Daring Do shadowboxes. “That we are!”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “As am I. While my strengths are in planning and magic, rest assured that I can hold my own in a fight.”

Arc heads for the elevator. “Alright. Show me where this outpost is and well scout it out together.”

Shining Armor gasps. “Right now, sir?!”

Arc nods. “No time like the present.”

Daring Do shrugs. “I’m ready whenever.”

Sunset Shimmer falls into step behind Arc. “Then let’s be off.”

They leave the office together via the elevator. As they descend, Daring Do turns to Arc.

“So… do we need to stop off anywhere first?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah, I’m good.”

Sunset Shimmer looks him over. “But I don’t see any gear other than your armor.”

Arc chuckles as the elevator doors open. “Believe me when I say that I have everything I need.”

Stepping out into the lobby, Arc leads the two mares out the front doors and down the street. After leaving the city walls, Arc turns to Daring Do.

“Which way?”

Daring Do points with a hoof. “The outpost is about an hour’s walk this way.”

Sunset Shimmer sighs. “It’s really off the beaten path though.”

Arc starts walking. “Then we should get moving.”

As they move, Sunset Shimmer looks to Arc.

“Shouldn’t you call for reinforcements now?”

“What for?”

“There isn’t exactly what I would call a small contingent of Canterlot forces at this outpost.”

Daring Do frowns. “Right. That and they’re probably pretty dug in by now. It’s going to take a decent number of ponies to dislodge them at this point.”

Arc shakes his head. “And risk the lives of the prisoners in the process.”

Sunset Shimmer grimaces. “While I do sympathize with their… predicament, I also must point out that the mission is actually to take out this unauthorized outpost. That along with freeing the captured Element Bearer should take priority over everything else we might do there.”

Arc clenches a fist. “We will not relegate the ponies that are being held captive there to a secondary objective. Element Bearer or not, they all deserve a chance at rescue.”

Sometime later the trio crawls toward the edge of the foliage. Peeking through a bush, they spy a couple of more or less camouflaged buildings in the moonlight and pony guards wearing black cloth uniforms patrolling the grounds. Arc frowns as he looks over the scene before him.

“That largest building must be where they work.”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “Most likely, yes. But we can’t get to it without being detected.”

Arc turns to her. “What about if we were invisible?”

Daring Do points a hoof. “Motion trackers and heat sensor array over there.”

Sunset Shimmer grits her teeth. “We’ll have to start by taking that out first.”

Arc groans. “But that would alert them to the fact that someone is trying to break in.”

Daring Do rolls her eyes. “And if we don’t, this will be a really short infiltration.”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “Either way we’re not getting in there without being spotted.”

Daring Do smirks as she turns to Arc. “I suggest that we each take a target and hit them hard and fast. In the confusion we can find a way inside and free the prisoners.”

Sunset Shimmer shakes her head. “That’s risky in and of itself. But it only takes care of the getting in issue. There’s no way we would be able to get out again.”

Arc clenches a fist. “And with all the prisoners too.”

Daring Do spreads her wings. “Then how about I make a scene and try to lure away as many guards as I can?”

Sunset Shimmer puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “That would help our chances, yes. But at the same time it would also alert them to trouble.”

Arc sighs. “And you’d have no backup if they were able to catch up to you.”

Daring Do scoffs. “I’ll be fine. Worst case scenario, I’d have to lay low for a day or two before heading back to the city.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns at her partner. “Which would lead to a secondary mission to come back and find you.”

Daring Do shrugs. “No plan is perfect here.”

Sunset Shimmer looks to Arc. “She is right about that. However, I still think that you should call for more troops to help us with this.”

Arc shakes his head. “As I said before, that would only make this whole thing that much more difficult.”

Daring Do groans. “But as it stands, it might just be impossible.”

Arc returns his attention to the scene before them. “There’s always a way. We just need to find it.”

They sit there in silence for a few more moments as Arc looks over the terrain. Eventually, he speaks.

“All we need to do is get inside quietly in order to avoid being detected.”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “And also prevent them from raising the alarm.”

“Yeah.”

Daring Do points a hoof in the opposite direction. “I still like the idea of me making a distraction.”

Arc smirks. “That’s not completely out of the question. One thing though… are either of you well-known?”

Sunset Shimmer appears confused. “What do you mean?”

“Facial recognition. Would either of you be recognized by your appearance as a governmental agent, or anything?”

Daring Do shakes her head. “Not me. I was more of a freelance adventurer before all this started.”

Sunset Shimmer puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Maybe. After all, I’m part of the Manehattan militia so it’s possible, albeit very unlikely, that they might recognize me.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest plate. “What about acting ability?”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “Uh… what?”

Sunset Shimmer turns to her. “I think he means if we could pretend to be something we’re not.”

Arc nods. “Exactly.”

Daring Do bows her head. “Let’s just say that my track record in that regard is kinda… checkered.”

Sunset Shimmer raises a hoof. “I could probably pull off a simple acting job if you needed me to.”

Arc looks the mare up and down. “Alright. I think I have a plan then. But first things first.”

“What do you need?”

“Take your clothes off.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “I’m sorry, what?”

Arc points “Your cloak. They can’t see you in that.”

Sunset Shimmer grimaces. “Oh! Right!”

She begins undressing as Arc turns to Daring Do. Looking her over, he continues.

“Are you claustrophobic?”

Daring Do appears confused. “Am I what now?”

Sunset Shimmer looks over as she finishes putting her cloak in her saddlebags. “It means you’re afraid of enclosed places.”

“Uh… no. Why?”

Arc chuckles. “Because you’re about to be in one. Just give Sunset Shimmer and I a few minutes to prepare.”

Turning to the other mare, he motions for her to follow him quietly. She does so as Arc approaches a large mud pit. Sighing, he looks to Sunset Shimmer.

“This should do.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “For what?”

“Hop in.”

“Um…”

“I need you to be dirty. And I mean really dirty. Like you’ve been out in the wilderness for an extended period of time.”

Sunset Shimmer sighs. “Alright.”

Stepping forward, she lies down in the mud pit. Grimacing as the cool mud seeps into her fur, Sunset Shimmer looks up at Arc and speaks.

“How’s this?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not enough. It needs to be all over you. Like this.”

Holding out a hand, Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell. Using it to pick up a large ball of mud, he levitates it over to Sunset Shimmer and begins rubbing her with it. She grunts as he does his best to cover her in mud. A few moments later he nods.

“That should be enough.”

Sunset Shimmer shivers as she looks up at him. “Does that mean I can get out now? This stuff is cold.”

Arc nods. “Sure. But we’re not done yet.”

Sunset Shimmer groans as she slowly rises from the mud. “Great. What’s next?”

“Roll around on the ground and smear that mud deeper into your coat.”

Sunset Shimmer does so as Arc picks up a handful of dead leaves and twigs. Walking over to the mare, he ruffles her mane with one hand while putting the detritus into it with the other. Sunset Shimmer snorts as he does so.

“This is going to take forever for me to wash and brush out, you know.”

Arc nods. “True. But if my plan works out it will all be worth it.”

A short time later a dirty and matted mare steps out of the foliage and limps toward the camp. She falls to the ground as the guards surround her. Looking up at them she calls out weakly.

“Help… me…”

“What happened, miss?!”

“Lost. Hungry. Please help.”

The guard smirks. “Oh, we’ll help.”

He motions with a wave of his hoof. A guard approaches with a device and snaps it onto Sunset Shimmer’s horn. She gasps slightly as he does so.

“What… what are you…?”

“Can’t have our workers using magic, now can we?”

Sunset Shimmer groans. “Workers?”

The guard turns to a couple of subordinates. “Take her to the barracks with the others.”

They roughly grab Sunset Shimmer and drag her inside one of the buildings. After going through two locked gates they arrive at a smelly and dimly lit room. As the door opens the ponies inside skitter back from their captives. The guards unceremoniously toss the newcomer on the floor and leave. As the door closes behind them the other ponies approach and help her up. An elderly mare is the first to speak.

“Are you alright?”

Sunset Shimmer nods as she stands. “Yes, I’m fine. In fact, I’m here to rescue everypony.”

The mare sighs and bows her head. “I don’t really see that happening though. These walls are too thick for us to break through and all our magic has been dampened. Same as yours it would seem.”

Sunset Shimmer looks around. “Are there magic dampeners in here too?”

A stallion shakes his head. “No need, what with all of us wearing these things on our horns.”

A different mare puts a hoof to her horn. “And no we can’t get them off.”

Sunset Shimmer turns to a stallion. “Is this everypony that was captured though?”

“Yeah. They keep us all together when we’re not working.”

The elderly mare sighs. “Easier for them to guard, I would imagine. Now then, we don’t have much in the way of comforts around here, but why don’t you lie down and get some rest?”

The stallion sighs. “We’ll have plenty of work to do when the next shipment of forageables comes in. And we can’t rest again until it’s all done.”

Sunset Shimmer grins. “You won’t have to worry about that anymore though. I’m here to help.”

A mare shakes her head. “It’s not possible though.”

“We have a plan. Watch.”

Getting down on her belly, Sunset Shimmer lays her head down on the ground and tilts it to one side. Those gathered watch as Daring Do and Arc climb out of her mane and jump down. Casting the Matter Compacting counter spell, Arc returns the pair to their normal size. Daring Do smirks and looks up at him.

“I can’t believe that worked!”

Arc turns to those around him. “Everyone listen to me! My name is Hero of Light Arc! We’re here to get you out of here! But first I need to know where they’re holding a mare named ‘Applejack’!”

The elderly mare appears confused. “There isn’t anypony by that name here.”

Sunset Shimmer points a hoof. “But she was seen outside at one point!”

Arc nods. “Orange coat, sun colored mane, wears an old brown hat.”

A stallion shakes his head. “Nopony like that here.”

Sunset Shimmer looks around to everyone. “What about officers out there? Who would know for sure?”

The elderly mare approaches Daring Do. “The Overseer would be the one to interrogate.”

“Huh?!”

A stallion puts a hoof on the door. “They’re some officer from Canterlot who’s in charge of this facility and its guards.”

Arc clenches a fist. “So Canterlot IS behind this place?!”

The elderly mare nods. “Very much so, yes!”

Sunset Shimmer turns to Arc. “We should go find this overseer. They must know where Applejack is being held.”

Daring Do stomps a hoof. “So what’s the plan?”

Arc gestures to the others. “First we have to get these ponies to safety.”

Holding up a gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. He turns to those gathered as it forms.

“This will take you to our base. There’s a number of ponies there ready and waiting to help you.”

Nervously the ponies begin filing through. As the last of them do so, Arc closes the portal and turns to Daring Do and Sunset Shimmer.

“Phase one complete.”

Daring Do grins. “So now we find the overseer?”

“Yup.”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “How though?”

Arc smirks. “Well, I suppose that since there aren’t any more captives to rescue, the stealth part of this mission is over now. So how about the three of us go out there and make some noise?”

Daring Do grins. “Need some help with that?”

“If you’re up to the task, then sure.”

Sunset Shimmer taps her horn with a hoof. “I’ll come too. Even if I can’t use my magic I can still take care of myself.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You sure about that?”

“Very.”

Arc shrugs. “Alright. Just don’t push yourself too hard.”

Daring Do walks over to the door as she pulls a lockpicking kit out from under her hat. “Just give me a few minutes with the door and I’ll have us out of here in a jiffy!”

Arc chuckles. “I could just break it down.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “That would make a lot of noise though.”

“So?”

Daring Do looks over her shoulder. “We should keep the element of surprise close at hoof. Might need it soon.”

Arc sighs. “Fine. How much longer until…?”

Daring Do interrupts him. “Got it!”

The door opens and the pair step out into the corridor. Across the hall is a slightly ajar door. Peeking inside, Arc spies a number of screens and a stallion dozing over the controls. Softly pushing the door open, he points to the guard. Sunset Shimmer quietly makes her way over to him and pulls him backwards out of the chair. Hoofing him in the face she steps aside to allow Arc to pick him up. After tossing him into the room they left and locking him inside, he returns to find Sunset Shimmer sitting at the vacated console and pressing keys. She looks over her shoulder as he approaches.

“The cameras and automated alarm are offline now.”

Arc nods. “What about the heat sensors?”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “They were just around the perimeter. But I shut them down too for good measure.”

Daring Do steps forward. “And their communications?”

“One moment.”

Reaching for a control panel nearby, she opens it and pulls out a few wires. The smell of burning plastic fills the room as Sunset Shimmer turns to Arc.

“Comms are fried.”

“Very good. Now then, we just need to set things in motion for the final phase of my plan.”

Pulling a radio from his ring, he switches it on and speaks.

“Arc to base.”

“Lunar Resistance here. Go ahead, sir.”

“I need Tempest to lead some soldiers to my current location and surround an outpost. We want to make sure no one tries to escape when we them attack from within.”

“Yes sir, I’ll inform her. Anything else?”

“Have Tempest call me when she’s in position. I’ll go over with her what needs to be done.

A short time later Tempest’s voice comes over the speaker.

“Our forces are in position. Shall we begin the attack?”

“That won’t be necessary. I’ve already infiltrated the place in front of you. Just need you and your forces to prevent anyone from getting away when we start breaking things here.”

Tempest chuckles. “Want some help cracking skulls?”

“That I already have. See you outside in a bit. Arc out.”

Turning off his radio, he puts it on his belt before turning to the pair.

“Now then, shall we be off?”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “Sure. But where should we start?”

Daring Do points a hoof. “I suggest stalking the corridors and taking out guards one by one.”

Sunset Shimmer shakes her head. “That would take a long time though.”

Arc sniffs the air. “Agreed. But do you smell that?”

Daring Do appears confused. “Smell what?”

“Cooking.”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “They’re probably just making lunch.”

Arc grins. “Exactly.”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “Is that important?”

Arc nods. “Yup. Come on.”

Opening the door, Arc leads the mares out of the room and down the corridor. Sniffing the air as he walks, they eventually hear the sounds of dishes around the next corner. Walking into what appears to be a cafeteria, Arc calls out loudly.

“SORRY TO INTERRUPT THE MEAL, BUT I NEED EVERYONE HERE TO STAND DOWN AND SURRENDER!”

They all turn and look at him for a few moments, confused. Standing, the guards make their way toward Arc and company. Rolling her eyes, Daring Do turns to Arc and sighs.

“Any more bright ideas?”

Arc calls forth the Spear of Righteousness. “Had to give them a chance to give up.”

Sunset Shimmer motions to the corridor behind them. “More are coming!”

Arc clutches his spear tightly. “You two stop the guards in the halls! I’ll take these jokers on myself!”

Lunging forward, Arc engages the horde of guards as Daring Do and Sunset Shimmer turn to meet the newcomers. Dispatching their assailants with ease, they return to the cafeteria in order to lend their leader a hand. However, they find nothing but unconscious stallions lying all around the room and Arc holding a guard by the front of his armor.

“Where is the overseer?! TALK!”

The stallion looks away but says nothing. Gritting his teeth, Arc punches him in the face, knocking the stallion unconscious before dropping him in a heap. Standing, he turns to the mares whom are approaching him.

“You two do alright?”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “Just fine.”

Daring Do grins. “We had the easy job. But I’m assuming that nopony in here talked?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not a word.”

Sunset Shimmer groans. “Then they’re protecting the overseer.”

Daring Do looks behind her. “And considering just how much noise we just made there’s no way they don’t know we’re here.”

Arc’s radio crackles as Tempest’s voice rings out.

“We’ve got stallions coming out of there! You okay?!”

Arc nods. “Just fine, Tempest. Detain them by using however much force you need to in order to keep them from getting away. I’ll be out there in a few minutes. Arc out.”

Putting the radio back into his belt, Arc turns to his companions.

“Let’s get outside and see what we’ve caught in our trap.”

Sunset Shimmer turns to him. “Do you think the overseeing is fleeing the base?”

Arc shrugs. “At this point they’d be a fool to stick around.”

Daring Do trots forward. “Then let’s see if we’ve caught this fish!”

Retracing their steps, they come back to the communications room. As they near it however an armored pony runs out into the corridor and turns to face them. Arc gasps as he sees them.

“Applejack?!”

Applejack glares at them. “Surrender, traitors!”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “Traitors?! Us?!”

Daring Do points an accusatory hoof at Applejack. “You’re the one kidnapping ponies here!”

Arc steps forward. “Wait! Applejack?! Is that… really you?!”

Applejack looks to Arc stoically. “On behalf of the princesses I hereby place you three under arrest! Surrender now!”

Sunset Shimmer stomps a hoof defiantly. “Not going to happen!”

Daring Do scoffs. “Right! You’re the only traitor here!”

Applejack draws a knife from her belt. “Then you have chosen death! In the name of the princesses, I’ll punish you!”

As she approaches the trio, Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do take up battle ready stances. However, Arc steps forward and motions for them to get back. Looking to the approaching mare, he takes a deep breath and speaks.

“As the Hero of Light, it is my duty to stop you, Applejack. Please do not resist.”

Applejack scoffs. “I’m the highest authority here! You’ll regret raising a hoof against the crown!”

Lunging headfirst, her knife pointed forward, Applejack flies at Arc. However, he holds up a hand and grabs her fetlock. Twisting it slightly, he forces the young mare to drop her weapon which clatters away before being picked up by Daring Do. Arc’s opponent cries out angrily and kicks him in the chest with a powerful rear hoof. Staggering back, Arc is caught by his companions and with their help manages to stay upright. Seeing Applejack going for her a backup weapon in her belt, Arc pulls it to himself with a Telekinesis Spell. Turning, she screams in fury and again lunges at her assailant.

“FOR THE PRINCESSES!!!”

As the young mare nears the trio, Applejack throws herself at them. Arc grimaces and grabs the mare by her the front of her armor. Using the force of her attack, he slams her into a nearby wall in an effort to stun her. She falls to the floor, dazed, as Arc leaps on top of her to use his own body weight to pin the mare down. Spotting her exposed flank, he quickly pulls a syringe from his ring and jabs it into her. Depressing the plunger, Arc continues holding her down for a few more moments before being bucked off of her. Backing up to stand with Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do, they watch as she gets to her feet and pulls the syringe out with her teeth. It clatters to the floor as she again rushes them.

“YOU CAN’T… GET… AWAY… FROM… ME… THAT… EASILY…!”

As she nears them, Applejack begins moving strangely. She stumbles and falls to her fetlocks. Trying to stand, she more or less crawls forward. Looking up at Arc, she reaches out with a hoof shakily before her eyes roll into the back of her head and she loses consciousness. Sunset Shimmer steps forward and puts a hoof to Applejack’s forehead before listening to her chest and turning to Arc.

“She’s alive.”

Daring Do looks at the syringe on the ground. “What the heck was in that thing?!”

“Just a powerful sedative from a med-pac. She’ll be out for a while.”

Sunset Shimmer appears relieved. “Good. We need to get her some help, and quickly I would think.”

Arc sighs. “Agreed. But first things first.”

Pulling the radio from his belt, he speaks into it.

“Arc to Tempest.”

“You’re still alive in there, huh?”

Arc chuckles. “Somehow. We’ve secured an Element Bearer and freed all the prisoners here. You are free to move in with our forces and scour the outpost for anyone else that might be hiding under their bed, or something.”

“Alright. I’ll need some way to transport them though.”

“I’ll give you a portal to Manehattan when we’re done here. They can take the prisoners into custody.”

“Good. After all, we don’t have the facilities with which to hold prisoners on the moon.”

“Right. I’ll see you outside in a bit. Arc out.”

Returning the radio to his belt, Arc looks down to Applejack lying on the ground. Sighing, he picks her up and motions for the other two to follow him toward the exit.