The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds

Later that evening, in the wee hours of the morning (or night if you want to look at it that way), there is a knock at Arc’s door. Opening it, he spies Tempest and Spitfire standing there. Frowning, Spitfire is the first to speak.

“Are you ready to do this thing?”

Arc nods as he steps out into the corridor. “I am. If you believe that the timing is correct, that is.”

Tempest shrugs. “Pretty much. After all, the halls don’t get much more bare than this.”

Spitfire looks around as they begin walking. “Just the odd civilian whom can’t seem to fall sleep. Along with our regular patrols around the base.”

Tempest smirks wickedly. “Whom have conveniently been scheduled to patrol outside the target area.”

Arc nods approvingly. “Sounds like you two have taken care of everything.”

Spitfire sighs. “Not quite everything, no.”

Tempest points a hoof down the corridor. “There’s still the matter of the stallion on duty at the teleporter.”

Arc chuckles. “Just leave him to me.”

Approaching the Main Hall, Arc peeks around the corner to see a lone stallion sitting at Raven’s desk. He appears bored and tired without a task. Making a few quick movements with his hand, Arc waits a few moments as the stallion slowly begins to nod off. As his eyes close, the stallion leans on the desk and falls asleep. Motioning for the mares to follow him, Arc rushes forward and behind the desk. He leans the sleeping operator back in his office chair and rolls him backwards as Spitfire takes their place behind the controls. Tempest walks over to her and points to a spot on the map as Arc takes his place on the teleporter pad. Spitfire looks up to him from the desk.

“We’re all locked on over here, sir.”

Arc nods. “I’m ready to…”

Tempest interrupts him. “Wait!”

Walking quickly over to the teleporter pad, she takes her place next to Arc. He raises an eyebrow, confused.

“Uh… what are you doing, Tempest?”

“Going with you.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why though?”

Spitfire groans. “We don’t have time for this! Just go, do your thing, and come back!”

Arc shrugs. “Fine. Do it.”

Pressing a few buttons, Spitfire watches as the pair vanish from sight. Returning the controls to their previous settings and putting the rest of the desk back in order, she rolls the stallion in his chair back over to his earlier place. Looking around to make sure that they are alone, she grabs the stallion by the shoulders and begins shaking him.

“Hey! Are you okay?!”

Opening his eyes, the stallion looks around for a few moments before his eyes rest on the mare before him. Gasping, he cries out.

“C-Colonel Spitfire?!”

Spitfire glares at him. “I know it’s a boring post, but you need to keep awake!”

The stallion bows his head. “Yes, colonel.”

Spitfire turns to walk away. “Just don’t let it happen again.”

As she leaves the Main Hall the stallion grabs a nearby pot of coffee and pours himself a fresh mug. Downing it quickly, he mutters to himself.

“Of all the times for me to fall asleep on duty…”

Meanwhile, Arc and Tempest reappear in a small clearing. Looking around for a few moments, Tempest hops up on top of a nearby rock and motions for Arc to join her. As he does so, she points a hoof at a nearby building.

“There it is. Luna Bay Prison.”

Arc grimaces. “It’s not much to look at. Inside or out.”

Tempest turns to him. “You’ve been there before?”

“I have, yes. But that’s a story for another time.”

Turning and hopping down, Arc kneels and makes a sigil. Standing, he turns back to Tempest and speaks.

“You ready to head on back?”

Tempest looks away nervously. “I, uh… “

“Something on your mind, Tempest?”

“It’s just something Spitfire said before about the prisoners here.”

“The ones sent here from Canterlot?”

Tempest nods. “And those whom were transferred out from this place. Any prisoner being moved either into or out of Canterlot’s dungeon has to have the Captain of the Royal Guard’s signature on their papers.”

“Decimus’ signature.”

“One or two could have been the work of a skilled forger, of course. However, the numbers she was talking about couldn’t have gone unnoticed by him.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “So you’re saying that you think Decimus was in on the whole scheme?”

Tempest grimaces. “While I don’t want to believe such a thing to be the case, all the evidence does point to him either doing the deed himself or turning a blind eye to somepony else’s actions. Neither bode well for him.”

“That doesn’t make any sense though. I mean… his file shows him to be a loyal retainer of the princesses. Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance have known him his whole life even.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “They have?”

Arc groans. “Probably shouldn’t have said that.”

Tempest folds her hooves in front of her chest. “Well, you did. So tell me just how much they trust him.”

“His family has served the princesses for generations. The princesses are there when the newest foal is born as well as being a limited part of the foal’s life as they grow up to take their place in the royal court. Such is more than just a post for them. It’s getting to spend their time with an old friend.”

Tempest sighs. “Decimus never said any of that though! I mean… I know he was well trusted by all three princesses, but… but I never knew that trust went so deep.”

“I’m not saying that he’s automatically innocent or guilty here. After all, anyone can change sides at any time in theory. However, things don’t really look the best for him right now.”

Tempest puts a hoof to her forehead. “My dearest Decimus a traitor to Equestria. I can’t accept that!”

She turns to look Arc in the eye before continuing.

“There has to be more to it than that though! Maybe it’s all part of some sort of elaborate plan to do… something or other!”

“I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt for the moment. But if it’s found out that he’s working with Nightmare Moon, I’ll… do what needs to be done.”

Tempest shakes her head. “No. That should fall to me.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why though? I mean, doesn’t he outrank you by a significant margin?”

“Because I love Decimus and he feels the same way about me. Remember, if he’ll talk to anypony about what’s really going on in Canterlot, it’ll be me.”

“Fine. If he’s just working undercover, or something I’ll see to it he’s spared when the time comes. If not, well… I think we both know what will happen.”

Tempest nods soberly. “Yes, I understand.”

“I just need to be sure of one thing though, Tempest.”

“And what’s that?”

“How do I know that you’ll do your duty when that time comes?”

Tempest narrows her eyes. “Are you saying that I’m disloyal to my country?!”

“Are you?”

There is a tense silence for a long moment. Eventually Tempest speaks.

“No. As for your desire for assurances, I do believe that my record speaks for itself. But then again, what about you?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Huh?”

“I’ve read over the reports of past Heroes of Light, as per what is pertinent to my role in the military, of course. And one thing is always the same with them.”

“And what’s that?”

“Their temperament.”

“Elaborate.”

“Every Hero of Light is a great warrior, of course. Fearless and nearly unstoppable in regards to both combat and tactics. They always get the job done in the quickest and most efficient method possible. Which always seems to involve bloodshed.”

“Which I have done in the past admittedly.”

Tempest points a hoof. “However, not you.”

“I don’t find it efficient.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Believe me, it is tops in efficiency.”

“Not my style. After all, such things are quite messy.”

Tempest scoffs. “Sensitive stomach?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. I just don’t like the idea of making such… permanent choices. After such a deed is done, there’s no way to take it back if it turns out to have been done in error.”

“So your idea is to do what exactly?”

“Get the job done, of course. But keep as many ponies breathing as possible.”

Tempest shakes her head. “That mentality will be your end one day, you know.”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe so. But that is my choice to make. Much like your desire to give Decimus a chance to explain himself before I go all ham on him.”

“That… is one way of putting it, I suppose. But we should return to the base now.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Opening a portal, he motions for Tempest to go first. Following her through, Arc and Tempest find themselves back in his quarters in Light’s Hope. As the portal closes behind them, Tempest turns to him.

“I, uh… was wondering if we could keep that earlier conversation to ourselves.”

“Sure. I’m guessing that officers and agents aren’t generally allowed to… co-mingle, after all.”

Tempest shakes her head. “No, they are not. Which is why I need to keep my relationship with Decimus on the down low. Both for the sanctity of his career as well as mine.”

“I’ll keep your secret then. After all, there’s nothing to gained by outing you two.”

Tempest shrugs. “Nor anypony to ‘out’ us to as it stands, I would think.”

“There’s that too.”

Tempest heads for the door. “In any case, I’ll let you get some rest now. Spitfire and I will carry out our part of the plan later this morning and cover for you.”

“Thank you. I’ll try not to be gone for too long though. After all, I wouldn’t want others to start asking questions about where I really am.”

“That’s another thing. Why exactly are you trying to keep this whole thing a secret? I mean, it’s not like you have to.”

Arc shrugs. “Mostly because I want to investigate the situation over there first. The others probably wouldn’t be too keen on me having meetings with criminals, after all.”

“It still seems like a lot of hassle for very little return. I mean, you could always just say that you were unable to come to an agreement and that we should move on to other avenues.”

Arc chuckles as he opens the door. “Yes, well… I’ll let you know how it goes.”

Grunting, Tempest leaves. Arc closes the door behind her and heads for the bedroom. As he lies down Cherry calls out to him.

“Tempest does raise a good point, you know.”

“Regarding which part?”

“You really don’t have to keep this thing a secret, Arc. I mean, you’re the Hero of Light after all. More or less.”

“This will be a risky move, Cherry. I’ll be going deep into the most notorious prison in the nation.”

“All the more reason for you not to go alone!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But doing so would imperil others.”

“And NOT doing so would be dangerous for you!”

Arc chuckles. “You’ll be there though.”

“I’m serious, Arc!”

“Yes, I suppose you do have a point. But I can’t bring Tempest or Spitfire with me. After all, they need to cover for me here.”

Cherry groans. “Again with the secret mission thing?!”

Arc sighs. “That and I don’t want to leave this place unguarded.”

“But nopony can get up here, Arc.”

Arc turns to look out the window. “To date, yes. However, who’s to say that such a thing will always be true?”

“What are you saying?”

“It hit me when Shining Armor sent us his message to your counterpart referring to our cause as the Lunar Resistance. As it stands, we’re growing in both numbers and notoriety down on the surface due to our ability to grow food here on the moon. That makes us a prime target for Canterlot’s wrath due to our strategic importance.”

“So you’re just trying to protect everypony then?”

Arc nods. “Right. I’m okay with the idea of subjecting myself to danger if that means everyone up here is safe.”

Cherry sighs. “While that’s very brave of you, Arc, it is rather counterproductive.”

“Huh?”

“Think about it this way. If Canterlot is somehow able to reach us here on the moon and you were captured or killed, with you gone forever they would immediately launch an attack on the Lunar Resistance.”

Arc groans. “And I wouldn’t be there to stop them.”

“Right. It’s a paradox, to be sure.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “So I really should bring backup then.”

“But whomever it is needs to be both non-essential to the comings and goings of our base and capable of defending themselves. That and wouldn’t be missed by anypony if they weren’t around for an extended period of time.”

“Right. On that note, I think I know just whom to bring now.”

A few hours later, Arc reappears on the sigil near Luna Bay Prison. He is flanked by Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do. The former looks around as she speaks.

“So where are we now?”

Daring Do shrugs. “I thought we were going to check out some remote jail, or something.”

Arc nods. “Right. We’re a short distance away from Luna Bay Prison.”

Sunset Shimmer raises an eyebrow. “Luna Bay?”

“I have an appointment to see the warden.”

Daring Do frowns. “Seems like a strange time to do an inspection tour, what with Canterlot being in such a state.”

Arc motions for them to follow him. “In any case, let’s get started.”

They begin walking. Arc turns to Daring Do as they do so.

“I still don’t understand why you didn’t want some kind of armor.”

Sunset Shimmer taps her chainmail. “Right. Especially considering where we’re going.”

Daring Do scoffs as she straightens her pith helmet. “But I am.”

Arc frowns. “Protecting just your head isn’t exactly what I would call an adequate defense.”

“It is for me. However, this is more than just a helmet after all.”

“Oh?”

Daring Do smacks it with a hoof. “It protects my head, yes. But at the same time I can use it as a bona-fide weapon if need be.”

Removing it, she holds the hat on her hoof before continuing.

“Or as a shield to a lesser degree.”

Sunset Shimmer sighs. “Then why not just carry an actual shield? Like a buckler and short sword like I do.”

Daring Do waves a hoof dismissively as she tosses the hat back onto her head. “More junk I’d have to lug around then. I prefer to travel light in order to move fast and quietly.”

Arc gestures to the upcoming building. “Fine. You do you, Daring Do. But it’s time to do this thing.”

Approaching the large steel doors Arc looks up to the sentries overhead and calls out.

“I’M HERO OF LIGHT ARC! THE WARDEN IS EXPECTING ME!”

He sees a stallion look him over for a moment before nodding to someone else out of sight. The doors slowly open as Arc turns to the mares with him. Motioning for them to follow, they enter. As the doors close and lock behind them the ones in front slowly open. Standing before them is a cadre of guards in position behind makeshift barricades. They stand there silently with their weapons pointed at the group. Sunset Shimmer draws her blade as Daring Do takes up a defensive stance. Holding out an arm to silently tell the pair to stand down, Arc looks to the guards and speaks.

“I am Hero of Light Arc! You will take me to General Virtuous Lance at once!”

None of them move. Frowning, Arc pulls the Spear of Righteousness from his ring and points it at them before continuing.

“Are you really certain that you’d like to defy my wishes?!”

The sounds of hooves running toward them echoes through the air. What appears to be an officer rushes to stand before Arc. After taking a few moments to catch their breath, they speak.

“My apologies, sir!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What the…?”

“We were told that you would be arriving early this morning. But you were supposed to be alone.”

Frowning, he reaches out a hand and casts a Telekinesis Spell. It unceremoniously pulls the helmet off of the officer to expose their head. The soldiers quickly charge forward, their weapons at the ready. Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do move to stand next to Arc in order to fight by his side. However, Arc calls out a name.

“Rarity?!”

The mare appears confused. “What?”

Motioning for her troops to hold back, she turns her attention to Arc before speaking again.

“Do I know you?”

Arc sighs. “Not… really, no.”

Sunset Shimmer keeps her eyes training on the soldiers before them. “Sir, your orders?!”

Daring Do frowns as she hovers a foot or so off the ground. “We doing this thing, or what?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Stand down. Everything is… is…”

He looks Rarity over for a few moments before continuing.

“…just fine.”

Rarity tilts her head to the side, confused. “Shall I escort you to the warden’s office now, sir?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Please do so.”

Rarity turns and motions to the soldiers. They stand aside and let the group pass. As they walk Arc turns to Rarity.

“My apologies for the earlier outburst.”

“It’s quite alright. But…”

Arc interrupts her and gestures to his companions. “I suppose I should probably have called ahead regarding my entourage.”

“It’s quite alright. After all, I suppose it does make sense now that I think about it.”

“Makes sense?”

Rarity nods. “Right. After all, the Hero of Light is a very important individual. Even more so now that Canterlot is… you know.”

Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically. “See? Rarity understands how things work.”

Arc sighs as he looks to the mare. “Yes, I suppose you’re right Ch… Rarity.”

Rarity turns to him. “But how do you know whom I am?”

“It’s just… something that the Hero of Light does before entering into a situation. Gather intelligence on where they’re going, I mean.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully as the pair continue onward. “That does make sense, I suppose.”

“So, ah… how’s your little one?”

Rarity again stops and turns to him nervously. “My… what now?”

“Your… little sister, Sweetie Belle.”

Rarity looks away. “I, um…”

Cherry groans telepathically. “You’re making her upset, Arc! Now’s not the time for this line of questioning!”

Arc motions down the corridor. “Never mind. We should keep moving.”

Rarity nods. “Yes, lets!”

Coming to a large door, Rarity knocks lightly with a hoof before pushing it open and entering with Arc and company. Walking over to the desk, she salutes and speaks to the stallion sitting behind it.

“The Hero of Light is here to see you, sir.”

Virtuous Lance looks up from his paperwork and stands. “Ah, yes. Welcome to Luna Bay Prison, sir.”

Arc nods cordially as he and the stallion shake hands/hooves. “Thank you for having me, sir.”

Gesturing to his companions, he continues.

“My friends here are Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do.”

Sunset Shimmer salutes. “General.”

Daring Do grins. “Sup.”

Rarity looks to the door as she speaks. “I shall leave you to your meeting, sir.”

Arc turns to her. “Actually, would you please stay, Rarity?”

Rarity appears confused. “Huh?”

“I’d like to hear more about the situation here from you as well as a number of… other subjects.”

Looking to the general, Rarity grimaces. He shrugs and nods. Turning back, Rarity sits down on her haunches nearby silently as Arc turns his attention back to the general.

“First of all, I’d like to extend my apologies for taking so long to come see you, sir.”

Virtuous Lance raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“While it’s a bit embarrassing, I really didn’t think to check up on this place until recently.”

Virtuous Lance nods to the window. “We are quite a way off the beaten path, sir.”

Daring Do shrugs. “Yeah, well… we’re here now though.”

Sunset Shimmer quickly chimes in. “To lend you and your staff aid by way of supplies, I might add.”

Arc nods. “Yes. I can’t imagine that your stores are doing well at this point.”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “That is true, yes. To slow the use of our food supplies I’ve had guards foraging for food near the bay.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her belly. “It’s gotten so bad that we’ve had to start cutting rations with ground… fish flesh.”

Virtuous Lance grimaces. “Please keep that last bit of information to yourself though, sir. “

Rarity looks to Arc. “After all, we don’t need the rank and file guards finding that bit out.”

Daring Do sticks out her tongue. “I sure wouldn’t want to know either!”

Arc nods as he again turns to the general. “We’ll start sending fresh produce regularly to help out.”

“Thank you very much, sir. That’s more than Generous of you considering the state of affairs here in Equestria. However, I do believe that you came here for more than just to offer us supplies.”

“Yes. I hear that things have been a bit… off here recently.”

Rarity turns to the warden. “As far as I know things have been business as usual.”

Sunset Shimmer steps forward. “I believe that the Hero of Light was talking about the time predating Canterlot’s fall to Nightmare Moon.”

Virtuous Lance bows his head as his ears droop. “Yes, I suppose that would be a matter to report to him.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Supposedly there’s been some rather questionable things going on in regards to prisoner transfers.”

“That there has.”

Daring Do grimaces. “Start at the beginning then.”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “Very well.”

He takes a deep breath before continuing.

“About a year before the land went dark, I started getting more prisoners from the capital. They all had just a few years for sentences though.”

Sunset Shimmer raises an eyebrow. “Is that really such a bad thing though? I mean, a crime is a crime.”

Virtuous Lance shakes his head. “Normally, no. However, the details of their transgressions weren’t exactly up to my standards.”

Daring Do frowns. “You think they were all innocent?”

Certainly not all of them, no. But at the same time I couldn’t really figure out the truth for myself.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “Are you saying that Canterlot intentionally redacted that information?”

“It would appear so, yes. While I didn’t have any proof of wrongdoing, I also couldn’t see such a thing happening so many times.”

Rarity shrugs. “We do seem to have quite a few prisoners, yes. But that’s necessary to keep the land safe.”

Virtuous Lance frowns. “That in and of itself wouldn’t be cause for concern. However, they also ordered a great deal of prisoners transferred from here to Canterlot dungeon for various reasons.”

Daring Do rolls her eyes. “Let me guess. Reasons that they didn’t go into.”

“Exactly. Not that such things are out of the ordinary though. After all, there normally isn’t any reason to share such information with me. But for it to happen to so many prisoners certainly isn’t normal.”

Arc sighs as he looks to the warden. “How many prisoners were transferred out?”

“Quite a few.”

Turning to Rarity, he continues.

“We should have a tentative number in the report I sent to Canterlot about a year ago.”

Rarity walks over to a filing cabinet. “I’ll see if I can find it, sir.”

Rummaging around for a few moments, she eventually pulls out a folder and walks it over to the warden. Taking it, he opens the folder and looks its contents over for a few moments before continuing.

“As of the writing of this report, about half of the main level prisoners.”

Sunset Shimmer raises an eyebrow. “Half?!”

Daring Do whistles. “That’s a lot of ponies!”

Arc points to the folder. “And that’s when you sent the report to Canterlot?”

Virtuous Lance nods. “Yes. I felt the need to raise concerns about so many case errors requiring transfers back to the capital. After all, if somepony is innocent they really shouldn’t have been sent to prison in the first place.”

Rarity points a hoof to the filing cabinet. “I didn’t see a response to that report in there.”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “That’s because there wasn’t one.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “No reply whatsoever?”

Arc turns to her. “Is that normal?”

Sunset Shimmer shakes her head. “Not in the least. Every request for information or official correspondence is required to be answered in writing.”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “What if the answer is ‘no’ though?”

“Then that needs to be written out on official stationery by the proper authority and sent out.”

Arc folds his arms over his chestplate. “Sounds like something a bit fishy was going on over there.”

Virtuous Lance looks to Arc. “I now believe that is true, yes. However, my suspicions were confirmed shortly thereafter.”

“How so?”

“The number of prisoners greatly increased. Both incoming and outgoing.”

Daring Do groans. “As retaliation maybe?”

Sunset Shimmer looks to the former general. “Probably to keep you too busy to follow up on the earlier request.”

“Agreed. That and a number of months later the land went dark and Canterlot cut itself off from the rest of the country.”

Arc motions to the filing cabinets. “Have you looked over the files of the prisoners that you do have?”

Virtuous Lance nods. “Most of them are either small time offenders or Royal Guards whom…”

Sunset Shimmer cuts him off. “Wait! Royal Guards?!”

Virtuous Lance frowns. “That’s when I knew that something was up.”

Daring Do shrugs. “What’s so special about Royal Guards though? I mean, they have a ton of them, after all.”

Sunset Shimmer looks to her. “Guards are generally disciplined by their commanding officer by being issued more work or, in extreme cases, sending them to the castle dungeon.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “What if the case was more severe though? Wouldn’t it warrant jail time?”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “Yes. However, if they had committed such a crime deeming them worthy of such punishment, they would first be discharged from the military before being transferred to Luna Bay Prison.”

Rarity nods to the window overlooking the prison. “It’s also worth pointing out that we hardly ever have any problems with them. Well… the prisoners up top, I mean.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Up top?”

Virtuous Lance taps a security monitor displaying a heavily guarded door. “The pit’s prisoners haven’t increased much in the past year. Nor have any of them been transferred out.”

Daring Do smirks. “That’s good to hear.”

She turns to Arc before speaking again.

“It is good. Right?”

Arc nods. “Agreed. However, as you said before, the transfer of so many prisoners to Canterlot along with the sentencing of so many Royal Guards to Luna Bay leads me to believe that such a thing was part of a larger plan to destabilize the security of Canterlot.”

Rarity appears confused. “How so though? I mean, what would Canterlot have to gain by doing such a thing?”

“My guess is that Nightmare Moon, or maybe her agents, were getting rid of Royal Guards whom were loyal to Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance. They then replaced those guards with certain prisoners whom would follow orders that the others wouldn’t.”

Sunset Shimmer sighs. “Then when Nightmare Moon was ready to make her move, she was already surrounded by guards whom would do her bidding without thinking about it too much.”

Daring Do shudders. “That’s a scary thought.”

Arc chuckles. “And in doing so, Nightmare Moon has made her first mistake.”

Virtuous Lance appears confused. “Sir?”

Arc turns to him. “Think about it this way. The guards imprisoned here are either more or less innocent or not worth sending to prison for their minor crimes.”

Rarity shrugs. “As you said, they were merely banished here in order to allow for less scrupulous ones to take their place in Canterlot.”

Arc gestures out the window to the cell blocks. “Right. And in doing so, Nightmare Moon has given us good and true military forces with which to bolster our ranks.”

Sunset Shimmer grins. “They can help us retake the capital when the time is right.”

Daring Do shadowboxes. “Those traitors in Canterlot won’t know what hit them!”

Arc nods. “Right.”

He turns to the warden before continuing.

“General Virtuous Lance. As Equestria’s Hero of Light, I hereby order the release of any and all guards whom were sent here by Canterlot as a means to frame them for misconduct.”

Virtuous Lance pulls a piece of paper from his desk. “While I am no longer a general, sir, I have already compiled a list of stallions whom fit the description of what you are asking for.”

Rarity looks to the warden. “Shall I have them brought to the courtyard, sir?”

Virtuous Lance nods. “Yes, please.”

She takes the paper and leaves the office. Arc watches as the door closes before turning to Virtuous Lance.

“On another note, I’d like to ask you for some information.”

Virtuous Lance raises an eyebrow. “Regarding what, sir?”

Arc motions to the door. “Your aide. What is Rarity doing in a prison of all places?”

“She was found washed up on our shores, unconscious, by one of our patrols over six months ago. They brought her to the prison where we nursed her back to health. However, when she regained consciousness, all she could remember was her name.”

Sunset Shimmer gasps. “Amnesia?”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “Right.”

Daring Do frowns. “So you just let her become your aide?”

Virtuous Lance shakes his head. “Not exactly. Her first assignment was to organize our storeroom. Which she did exceptionally well at, I must say.”

Arc nods. “Then you moved her to a more difficult task?”

“Rarity told me that she wanted to help safeguard the land. So she asked to be trained as a guard.”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “Her?”

Arc appears skeptical. “How did that go?”

“Very well, actually. In but a month’s time she surpassed our combat instructor.”

Sunset Shimmer gasps. “That’s quite impressive.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Agreed. Has she done anything… out of the ordinary since arriving?”

Virtuous Lance shakes his head. “Nothing but numerous acts of heroism during uprisings in ‘The Pit’. That’s where the worst offenders are kept.”

“So you’re saying that she’s extremely capable?”

“And trustworthy too. Rarity is stalwart in her duties to the prison as well as her fellow guards. They’ve taken her in as a therapist of sorts.”

Daring Do gestures toward the darkened window. “Considering what’s going on in the world, they’ll need it.”

Arc looks to the general. “So you wanted to keep her close?”

Virtuous Lance nods. “Yes sir. She’s important to the comings and goings of the prison now.”

Daring Do smirks leerily. “Are you sure that’s the only reason?”

Virtuous Lance raises an eyebrow. “Yes, what other reason would there be?”

Sunset Shimmer rolls her eyes. “I can’t imagine.”

A short time later Rarity returns to the office. Approaching the desk, she salutes Virtuous Lance respectfully and speaks.

“The prisoners on the list are awaiting us in the courtyard, sir.”

Virtuous Lance stands. “Very good.”

Turning to Arc, he gestures to the door before continuing.

“We shall escort you and your entourage to the catwalk overlooking the courtyard, sir.”

Arc nods. “Lead the way.”

Exiting the office, Virtuous Lance turns left as Arc and the others follow. Rarity brings up the rear with Sunset Shimmer. Turning to Rarity, she speaks.

“Um… so you don’t remember anything from before you came here, right?”

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

“That sounds really terrifying.”

Rarity sighs. “Maybe not the word I’d use to describe it. But I often lie awake at night and wonder what it is that I left behind.”

“Friends and family?”

“Who knows? I mean… for all I know, I could have parents and siblings. Or even a husband and foals waiting for me out there somewhere. “

Sunset Shimmer nods to the front of the group. “The warden could probably make inquiries on your behalf.”

Rarity groans. “We don’t exactly have communication with the rest of the country right now. So that’s not really an option for me.”

Coming to the catwalk, Virtuous Lance stops and gestures to the stallions lined up below as he turns to Arc.

“That’s everypony, sir.”

Arc nods. “Good.”

Sunset Shimmer looks to Arc. “Should I make the request? They might respond well to me.”

Rarity appears confused. “Why though? Are you somepony important?”

Sunset Shimmer shakes her head. “No, but I am a mare. And they probably haven’t seen one in quite a while.”

Daring Do sits down on her haunches and smirks as she slaps her own flank with a hoof. “Sex does sell, after all.”

Arc shakes his head. “Thank you for the offer but I’ll do the talking here.”

Turning to the stallions, Arc looks them over for a few moments before leaping over the guardrail. Landing in the dirt in front of them, he straightens up and speaks.

“Everyone please listen to me! My name is Hero of Light Arc! Canterlot has fallen and the land is dark! I’m told that all of you were once guards in the service of the princesses! Sworn to uphold the law and defend her and the castle from those whom would cause harm! And for your service you were sent here to Luna Bay Prison by the very ones you had promised to protect!”

He pauses and looks around at them before continuing.

“It is my opinion that the princesses have been overthrown by Nightmare Moon whom has forced the moon to keep itself high in the sky! I need to get into Canterlot and stop her in order to save Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance! However, I can’t do that on my own! The princesses need you! Your country needs you! And I need you! While I won’t try to force any of you to join my cause, know that any of you whom decides to reject my request will nevertheless be allowed to leave! Manehattan and Baltimare are still standing and will be your new homes should you desire!”

The stallions begin murmuring amongst themselves as Arc gestures to the warden.

“I’ve ordered the Warden Virtuous Lance to release all of you! If you will join with me to help liberate this land then so be it! However, should you choose to be discharged, I wish you well in your future endeavors!”

Turning, Arc Blinks back up onto the catwalk. Looking to the warden, he sighs.

“That’s the best I could come up with. Please begin the release process as soon as possible.”

Virtuous Lance nods. “I will, sir.”

Arc looks toward the prison building. “I’m also looking for a couple specific stallions as well.”

Rarity holds out a paper. “Here’s a list of everypony assembled.”

Arc takes the paper and looks it over for a few moments before shaking his head and returning it.

“It looks like they’re not on it.

Sunset Shimmer turns to Rarity. “Maybe we could find them in the files.”

Daring Do groans as she falls backwards. “Great. Paperwork.”

Rarity nods. “We do have a master list of prisoners back in the warden’s office.”

Pulling out a pad of paper and a pen, she continues.

“Do you have their names?”

Arc lists the stallions in question as Rarity writes them down. Virtuous Lance sighs as he steps forward and puts a hoof on Rarity’s notepad.

“No need to continue writing.”

Rarity appears confused. “Sir?”

Virtuous Lance groans. “I already know where they are.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “Why do I get the feeling this won’t be good news?”

Virtuous Lance turns to Arc. “Those ponies were some of the first sent here to Luna Bay Prison from Canterlot. Orders were for them to be sent immediately to ‘The Pit’. It’s our maximum security, self-governing, side of the prison.”

Rarity sighs. “Then those prisoners fall under Buffalo Bull’s jurisdiction.”

Daring Do frowns. “I don’t get it. If you and the warden are in charge of the place, why can’t you just order them to come up, or whatever?”

Sunset Shimmer raises an eyebrow. “Yes, I would imagine that you have a contingency plan for getting ponies in and out of there.”

Virtuous Lance shakes his head. “Not for The Pit we don’t, no.”

Rarity points a hoof down the catwalk to another building. “It’s been sealed off for quite some time now.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Then how do they eat?”

Virtuous Lance leans against the guardrail. “We toss food packs down a small shaft. It used to be for dropping prisoners down there.”

Arc nods soberly. “Then take me to this shaft.”

Rarity frowns. “I’m sorry, what?”

Arc looks to Virtuous Lance. “These ponies are important to the liberation of Canterlot. I need them.”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “Very well. This way, sir.”

Motioning with a hoof, the stallion leads the group across the catwalk and back inside the building. After making their way down innumerable corridors and whatnot, they come to a door guarded by several heavily armored stallions. They part to allow the group entrance and open the door for them. Before them stands a hole in the floor which leads to only darkness. Turning to Virtuous Lance, Arc speaks.

“This is the only way into The Pit?”

Virtuous Lance nods. “At the moment, yes sir.

“What about their courtyard?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Sealed off for security reasons since the sun stopped rising.”

Daring Do shrugs. “Guess that does sorta makes sense. Wouldn’t want inmates able to walk around outside in the dark.”

Sunset Shimmer looks to the hole. “What exactly is down there?”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “A long drop into an old well. The water is there to break the fall for whomever and whatever we toss down.”

Arc steps forward. “I’m heading down then.”

Daring Do smirks. “You mean that we’re heading down, right?”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “Yes, it wouldn’t do to have you go down alone, after all.”

Arc shrugs. “Guess I could use someone watching my back.”

Rarity steps forward. “I’ll accompany you as well then.”

Virtuous Lance frowns. “Rarity?”

“This sounds most important. And if I can help the Hero of Light accomplish whatever it is he’s trying to do, maybe then I’ll have time to search for my family.”

Daring Do scoffs. “Thanks for the offer, marshmallow. But we’ll be fine down there.”

Sunset Shimmer looks to Rarity. “Unless you have a necessary skill for this mission you would just be a liability.”

Rarity frowns. “While the sentiment is appreciated, I can be of help to you three.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest plate. “I have to agree with my companions on this one. We really do need to keep this group as small as…”

He is cut off as Rarity jumps into the dark hole. She quickly disappears from sight as the others crowd around the hole and look down in vain. A few moments later Virtuous Lance calls out to her.

“RARITY! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!”

“Just fine! Come on down!”

Groaning, Arc looks to Daring Do and Sunset Shimmer as he kneels down to create a sigil on the floor.

“I’ll go down first. Wait for me to call for you two.”

Nodding, the mares step back to allow Arc access to the hole. Hopping down, Arc casts a Light Spell with one hand and slows his descent with a Telekinesis Spell with the other. Nearing the bottom, he spies a slight glow from Rarity’s horn. Floating over to her, he drops to the ground and turns around to call for the other.

“I MADE IT! COME ON DOWN!”

The sound of hooves approaching the edge ring out. A short time later he spies Sunset Shimmer falling slowly toward the water below. Reaching out with a Telekinesis Spell he pulls her to his side as Daring Do flies down into the chamber behind her Landing, she looks around and wrinkles her nose before speaking.

“What stinks so badly?!”

Sunset Shimmer frowns as her horn begins to glow. “I would guess years of mold, mildew, sweat, and excrement.”

Rarity nods as she heads for a door. “Right. After all, I would assume that they don’t exactly do much cleaning down here. But let’s announce ourselves and see if we can get through this without too much trouble.”

Arc grimaces as he Blinks between Rarity and the door. “Wait!”

Rarity appears confused. “Is something wrong?”

“Not… really. I just… thought that I should take point.”

Daring Do nods. “Agreed. With any luck, the inmates down here will be too scared of the Hero of Light to try anything.”

Sunset Shimmer turns her head. “I can light the rear and keep an eye out for trouble from behind.”

Rarity stomps the ground. “Leave that to me.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You’re volunteering to watch our backs?”

“That I am, yes.”

Daring Do shrugs. “I should probably do that though. After all, I have a fair amount of experience watching out for ambushes.”

Rarity frowns. “And I know more about the criminal mind than you three do, having been around them for some time.”

Arc sighs. “Can’t argue with that. Sunset Shimmer, you light our path up front with me while Daring Do and Rarity watch the rear.”

They all nod as Arc heads for the door. Pulling it open he spies a number of prison jumpsuit wearing stallions milling around. Turning to stare at him, Arc steps through the door as those behind him follow. As they spy the three mares, the stallions move to surround them. Arc frowns and calls out.

“I’m here to see Buffalo Bull.”

A stallion smirks as he looks the mares up and down. “Sure, sure. We’re just… admiring the view.”

Another stallion licks his lips. “It’s been some time since we had a mare in here.”

A dumpy looking one saunters closer. “Much less three.”

The first stallion looks to Arc. “Tell you what. I’ll take you to see the boss while my… associates here take care of the rest of your little group.”

Arc shakes his head. “We’ll all go together.”

“No need for that. Besides, we’ll take extra good…”

He is cut off as Arc kicks the stallion in the head with a boot. Another lunges at him as Daring Do takes flight and tackles him. Hoofing the prisoner in the face, she renders him unconscious as Arc pushes two more away with a Telekinesis Spell. Drawing the Spear of Righteousness from his ring, he points it deftly at the last stallion before speaking.

“Now that we have your undivided attention, how about you lead us where we want to go?”

Sunset Shimmer nods as she puts a hoof on her blade. “Right. Before this gets messy for you.”

Daring Do returns to the group. “Or we can keep going at it. Your call.”

Nodding, the stallion gulps and points with a shaky hoof.

“This… this way.”

Leading the group deeper into The Pit, the stallion walks slowly and constantly looks around. Arc holds his weapon tightly as he surveys their surroundings closely as well. Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“I don’t like this, Arc.”

“Neither do I. But it’s important to my plan.”

“To endanger yourself and those three mares?!”

“Sadly, yes.”

“I still don’t understand why…!”

Arc interrupts her. “If everything works out the way I’m hoping, it will be one more step toward freeing this land, Cherry. High risk, high reward. That sort of thing.”

Cherry sighs. “I understand that, Arc. But at the same time, I still think that something else could have been done other than you and them walking around down…”

Their conversation is interrupted as a large number of crates suddenly comes crashing down from an otherwise covered perpendicular corridor. Arc dives on top of Sunset Shimmer as the crates land on them both. Rarity and Daring Do instinctively jump back to avoid a similar fate. As the dust momentarily blinds them, a number of stallions jump out from the other corridor and lunge at the pair. Daring Do turns and bucks one of them in the face as Rarity draws a blade from her belt. A dozen more stallions surround the mares and smile leerily at them as they speak.

“Come on fine flanks. We’ll show you two a good time.”

Daring Do wrinkles her nose. “How about you show yourself to the shower first? You all stink!”

Rarity frowns. “Back off, all of you!”

The stallion glares at her. “Drop that knife before you get hurt, dearie!”

A larger stallion steps forward as he gestures to the others. “Yeah! There are two of you and a lot more of us!”

Daring Do takes up a battle ready position. “Stay back, Rarity! I’ll take care of…!”

She is interrupted as Rarity lunges forward. The young mare hits the stallion in the head with the hilt of her knife as she bucks another in the face with rear hooves. Rolling out of the way as they fall toward her, Rarity throws her knife at the largest of their attackers, hitting him squarely between the eyes. Jumping to her hooves, she pulls her blade back to herself with a Telekinesis Spell as she turns to the remaining stallions.

“Anypony else want some of this?!”

Daring Do rushes forward to stand with Rarity as she too takes up her battle ready stance.

“Come on! We’ll take all of you on!”

The noise of their battle rouses a number of other inmates from the other corridors nearby. They come running down the halls from all directions as Rarity surveys the situation. She turns to Daring Do and grits her teeth.

“Fly back to the entrance and get reinforcements!”

Daring Do gasps. “What about you?!”

“I’ll hold them off!”

“But you’ll be…!”

She is cut off as a number of stallions lunge at them. Daring Do rushes forward to take them on. However, as they close the distance between one another the stallions suddenly stop in their tracks and begin gasping for breath. The mares turn to see a gauntlet sticking out from under the smashed crates. Arc pushes through the remains of the splintered boxes on his hands and knees, his hand still maintaining the spell as Sunset Shimmer crawls out from under him. She rushes to join Rarity and Daring Do as Arc gets to his feet and turns to the stallions approaching.

“Now that I have everyone’s attention, are all of you still sure that you want to go down this road?”

They glare at him silently but do not turn or make any motion to disperse. Frowning, Arc holds out his other hand as Sunset Shimmer casts a Telekinesis Spell to return the Spear of Righteousness to him. As he grabs it, Arc tightens his other hand, crushing the windpipes of the stallions whom stand against them. As their bodies fall to the floor, he takes up a battle ready stance himself and calls out loudly.

“All of you just made your last mistakes!”

Charging forward with Sunset Shimmer by his side, Arc and his companion engage their assailants. Daring Do and Rarity rush to join them as the four fight back to back. A minute or so later the remaining inmates retreat. Arc turns to his companions.

“Everyone okay?!”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “Just fine.”

Daring Do grins. “Nopony even got close!”

Rarity sheathes her weapon. “Same here.”

Arc looks around. “Looks like our guide ran off with those punks.”

Daring Do scoffs. “Probably smart of him.”

Sunset Shimmer turns to Rarity. “Do you know the layout of this place?”

Rarity shakes her head. “No, I don’t. The Pit isn’t really regulated as it’s cut off from the rest of the prison for security’s sake.”

Daring Do frowns. “Then how are we supposed to find our way?!”

Arc steps forward. “Not to worry. I know how to get there.”

Sunset Shimmer raises an eyebrow. “You do?”

Arc nods. “Yup.”

Daring Do narrows her eyes. “How?”

Arc shrugs. “Sorry. State secret.”

He motions for the others to follow. Walking the corridors for a time, Sunset Shimmer eventually calls out.

“We’re not seeing much in the way of inmates now.”

Daring Do smirks. “They’re probably hiding from us.”

Rarity nods soberly. “Considering what we did to their companions back there, that doesn’t surprise me one bit.”

Sunset Shimmer looks to Arc. “Uh… is it really okay what we did back there though? I mean, some of those stallions won’t be getting up.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose it is. After all, these are the worst of the worst.”

Daring Do points to Arc. “That and they attacked the Hero of Light!”

Rarity keeps looking around. “Such would earn anypony a death warrant, I suppose.”

Arc nods as he tightens his grip on the Spear of Righteousness. “They were given the chance to run away and leave us to our task too. And they made the wrong choice.”

Sometime later they approach a larger door. A few stallions standing guard outside of it run away as the group nears them. Arc turns to the others as he gestures to the door.

“Here we are.”

Sunset Shimmer appears confused. “Where though?”

“The leader of The Pit’s quarters.”

Daring Do grins. “So let’s get in there and say ‘hello’ to him then.”

Sunset Shimmer grimaces as she looks to Arc. “Anything we should know about him first though?”

“His name is Buffalo Bull. He’s what you’d call an… extra-large stallion. Like, princess big. And really strong as well.”

Rarity nods soberly as she instinctively puts a hoof on her weapon. “That’s true, yes. He’s down here for attempted kidnapping, larceny, assault, and battery. And that’s just off the top of my head.”

Daring Do gasps. “So you’re saying that there’s more to his rap sheet?!”

Rarity sighs. “Very much so, yes.”

Arc gestures to the door. “Right. So I should probably be the one to go in there.”

Daring Do stands on her hind legs and shadowboxes. “You mean with us though, right?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I meant alone.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “I don’t advise that. He could easily get the jump on you.”

Rarity steps forward. “That and if he’s even half as dangerous as his file suggest you’ll be up against a literal monster!”

Arc chuckles as he puts his spear away. “Believe me when I say that I’ll be fine.”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “How can you be so sure about that?!”

“This won’t be the first time he and I have squared off. You three just wait out here and make sure that I’m not interrupted.”

Sunset Shimmer groans. “And what if we’re attacked?!”

Daring Do looks around. “Not many places out here for an ambush. We’d be able to see them coming from a mile away.”

Rarity puts a hoof on the door. “That and we could quickly take refuge inside of here if things really got out of hoof.”

Arc nods. “Right. If it comes to that I can always teleport us back to where we came from via a portal too.”

Looking around one last time, Arc puts a gauntlet on the doorknob as he continues.

“Here we go.”

Attempting to turn the knob, he finds the door locked. Shrugging, Arc Blinks through the door. Turning around, he unlocks and opens it before speaking to the mares outside.

“I’ll be back.”

Closing the door, Arc looks around for a few moments. Cherry calls out to him telepathically as he does so.

“I don’t like this, Arc.”

“Me going in alone?”

“That too. But it’s more about you seeing Buffalo Bull again.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why though? I mean, I do have a really high success rate when dealing with him, after all.”

“You mean with OUR Buffalo Bull.”

Arc shrugs. “He can’t be THAT different though.”

“Who’s to say?”

Arc sighs as he walks toward a nearby closed door. “The sounds coming from the bedroom, for starters.”

Opening the door, Arc spies Buffalo Bull lying on the bed with two familiar looking mares spread out on the sheets under him. And since I’d very much like to keep my story rated ‘T’ for teen, I won’t describe exactly what he is doing to the a fore mentioned mares. Not looking over, the stallion speaks as he continues his ‘task’.

“Whatever it is, come back later!”

Arc clenches a fist angrily. “Get off of those two. Now.”

Hearing an unfamiliar voice, Buffalo Bull turns his head to look at Arc. Raising an eyebrow, he looks the young man over for a few moments before getting off the bed and speaking.

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

Arc looks to Aloe and Vera. “The party’s over for the moment. Compose yourselves and wait in the other room.”

They look to Buffalo Bull for direction. Nodding soberly, the stallion gestures to the door.

“You heard him, girls. Party’s over.”

Aloe and Vera quickly get off the bed, lower their maid outfits, bow to Buffalo Bull respectfully, and leave the room as ordered. Arc closes the door behind them, not taking his eyes off of the stallion before him as he does so. As the door clicks shut, he speaks.

“Now then, let’s not waste any of my time.”

Buffalo Bull glares at him. “Waste any of YOUR time?!”

Arc nods. “Right. Now then, my name is Hero of Light Arc. I’m here to take a number of inmates out of ‘The Pit’ and back to civilization.”

Buffalo Bull smirks. “Thanks, but I’m not interested in leaving.”

Arc frowns. “I didn’t say that it involved you.”

Buffalo Bull appears confused. “They why…?”

Arc interrupts him. “I’m starting with Aloe and Vera.”

“Who?”

“Those two mares.”

Buffalo Bull chuckles.” Sorry. I never asked their names.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Then how do they know who you’re talking to?”

Buffalo Bull shrugs. “I just call them ‘front’ and ‘back’.”

“What?”

“One is really good with their mouth while the other’s backside is…”

Arc cuts him off. “Forget I asked. But in any case, they’re coming with me.”

“How about just one of them?”

“No.”

“I’ll let you choose first.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Both mares. End of discussion.”

Buffalo Bull sneers. “We’ll see about that.”

Arc continues. “Next topic.”

“There’s more?”

“I’m looking for a couple of stallions that were sent down here by Canterlot.”

Buffalo Bull chuckles. “Should’ve known you wouldn’t have come all the way down here just for those two flanks. Nice as they are, that is.”

“In any case, their names are…”

Buffalo Bull cuts him off as he points to a pad of paper nearby. “Write them down.”

Arc does so and levitates the paper over to the stallion. He frowns as he takes it.

“Darn crazy magic users.”

Arc scoffs. “Like I’m the only one of them down here.”

“Unicorns down here can’t use their magic, genius.”

“Well, as you can plainly see I’m not a Unicorn. But I do want those stallions brought to me immediately. And in one piece. Or else.”

Buffalo Bull sneers. “Or else what?”

Wordlessly, Arc raises an arm. Bringing it down on a nearby end table he reduces it to splinters. Looking to Buffalo Bull again, he speaks.

“Any more questions?”

Buffalo Bull grimaces. “No. Just let me give this note to one of my bed mates.”

Arc opens the door for him. The pair enter the living room together as Buffalo Bull holds out the note to Vera.

“You and your sister will kindly bring these stallions to my quarters at once. Clear?”

Taking the note, the pair nod nervously and hurry toward the door. As they leave, Rarity and the others stop them. Daring Do is the first to speak.

“Woah! Where did you come from?!”

Sunset Shimmer raises an eyebrow. “Mares in an all stallion prison?”

Rarity frowns. “Perhaps we do need to regulate things down here more strictly.”

Arc calls out from the room. “They’re just messengers. Let them pass.”

Nodding, they do as Arc instructs before entering the room and closing the door behind them. Rarity frowns as she sees the furniture around them.

“Now I know that we need to clamp down harder on The Pit!”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “I’ve seen better.”

Daring Do gasps. “Yeah, me too. But not in a maximum security prison.”

Arc returns his gaze back to Buffalo Bull. “In any case, I do hope those two are quick.”

Buffalo Bull frowns. “Why? You got somewhere else to be?”

“I do, yes.”

“Where?”

“Literally anywhere but here.”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “Agreed.”

Daring Do looks around. “I don’t know about that. This prison cells looks nicer than most hotel rooms I’m been in. And that was before Canterlot fell.”

Rarity shakes her head. “A cage is still a cage, no matter how nice it is.”

Buffalo Bull gestures to another room. “Can I interest any of you in some refreshments?”

Daring Do grins. “What’ve you got?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nothing, thanks.”

Sunset Shimmer looks to the stallion. “I am interested to hear how you got all of this down here though.”

Rarity frowns. “As am I.”

Buffalo Bull chuckles as he walks over to the couch and sits down. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “That doesn’t make any sense.”

Buffalo Bull picks up a glass and pours himself a drink from a nearby decanter. “It does if you’re connected.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Fortunate Ire.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “Who, sir?”

“He’s the fixer for the prison. Gets whatever you can afford delivered via unconventional sources.”

Rarity narrows her eyes. “Anything?”

Buffalo Bull nods. “Yup. Candy, furniture, alcohol, even weapons if I wanted them.”

Daring Do looks around. “Don’t see any though.”

Sunset Shimmer rolls her eyes. “They’d naturally be hidden.”

Buffalo Bull shakes his head. “Nah. I mean, who needs things like that when everything is so nice here?”

Rarity scoffs. “Nice for you maybe.”

Buffalo Bull shrugs. “Can I help it if I’m well off?”

He takes a drink before continuing.

“My wealth didn’t just materialize out of thin air, after all.”

Rarity rolls her eyes. “Kinda did according to your file.”

Daring Do appears confused. “What do you mean?”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Organized crime.”

Rarity nods soberly. “Mostly centered around Dodge Junction, if I recall correctly.”

Buffalo Bull turns to Rarity and grins. “Very astute, cream puff. If you’re looking for a better paying job, I can offer you one as my… aide.”

Arc frowns. “You have a very different definition of that word than most.”

Buffalo Bull laughs heartily as he pours himself another drink. “An aide just does whatever needs doing though! And sometimes that involves them lying face down on a pillow with their flank in the air!”

Rarity makes a face. “I’ll pass.”

“Your loss, toots.”

Buffalo Bull looks to Arc before continuing.

“So… if our nation’s ‘illustrious’ Hero of Light is down here looking for recruits, then it means that things really are as bad out there in the world as I’ve heard.”

Daring Do groans. “It’s not exactly paradise, that’s for sure.”

Sunset Shimmer frowns. “We’re working to fix things though.”

Rarity points an accusatory hoof at him. “All while you sit down here doing nothing I might add!”

Buffalo Bull smirks. “Oh, believe me, I am doing things.”

Arc waves a hand dismissively. “That I do believe, yes. Considering the position I found you in when I entered, that is.”

“One must keep themselves… entertained.”

The front door of the quarters open and a number of burly looking stallions rush inside with Aloe and Vera. They bolt the door behind them as Arc looks to Buffalo Bull.

“Very interesting.”

“Oh?”

“I don’t recall any of them being on the list.”

Buffalo Bull chuckles. “Sure they are. Everypony you asked for, right?”

Daring Do takes up a battle ready stance. “It’s a setup!”

Sunset Shimmer draws her weapon. “Agreed!”

The stallions reach into their belts and pull blades of their own. Frowning, Rarity turns to Buffalo Bull.

“No weapons, eh?”

Buffalo Bull shrugs. “Have to have a few around for times like this.”

Standing, he sets down his glass and turns to the stallions.

“The beast before you needs to die. Take the guard prisoner though. I’ll use her later.”

Rarity grunts. “Ruffian!”

Buffalo Bull continues. “The other two mares will be free use for everypony. A bit of a bonus to all of you.”

Turning to Arc, he smiles slyly.

“Any last words?”

Arc nods. “Yes. You should have brought more stallions.”

“Oh really?”

“These punks don’t stand a chance against me.”

Buffalo Bull chuckles. “Then let’s see if your skills match your ego.”

Rarity calls out. “Wait!”

Buffalo Bull looks to her. “Yes, my little gem?”

Rarity points a hoof at Arc’s shoulder as she looks to the stallions before her. “This is the Hero of Light! He’ll make short work of all of you!”

The stallions appear suddenly nervous and slowly back away at the sight of Arc’s Crest of Light. Buffalo Bull sees this and growls as he stomps a hoof angrily.

“And if you lot don’t take him down then I’ll kill each and every one of you myself!”

Hearing this, the stallions nervously begin approaching Arc and company again. Shaking his head, Arc looks to Buffalo Bull and sighs.

“I’m guessing there’s no way I could talk you out of this.”

Buffalo Bull smirks wickedly. “None at all.”

“Very well.”

Before anyone can do anything, he lunges at Buffalo Bull. Punching the stallion in the face, he rears back on his hind legs from the blow. Taking the opportunity and reaching for his ring, Arc pulls the Spear of Righteousness from it and plunges the blade into the stallion’s belly. Pressing forward, he pins Buffalo Bull to the wall with it and holds him there.

“Should’ve just talked it out.”

Buffalo Bull gasps. “Y-you…?”

Looking at the stallions before him, he points a hoof at Arc before calling out weakly.

“Get… him!”

None of them move. Sunset Shimmer looks to Arc, her hoof on her blade.

“Your orders, sir?!”

“Hold position.”

Returning his attention back to Buffalo Bull, Arc again speaks.

“You see, that’s the difference between me and you.”

“What… are you…?”

Arc continues. “Even outnumbered as we are, my allies still stand with me. Yours however are just standing there as you bleed out.

Snarling, Buffalo Bull swings a mighty hoof at Arc. The young man catches it with a gantlet and starts squeezing. Crying out in pain, Buffalo Bull speaks.

“What… what is it you want from me?!”

“Just what I already asked for. Aloe, Vera, and the stallions on that list. Nothing more. Nothing less.”

The sound of a cracking bone rings out as Buffalo Bull again screams in pain. Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out the guardanium knife. Stepping forward, he plunges it deeply into Buffalo Bull’s chest, piercing his heart. As he breathes his last, Arc pulls the spear from the stallion’s belly and allows his body to fall to the floor as he sneers.

“Good night, you disgusting animal.”