The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds

Turning, Arc points his spear at the stallions with one hand as he allows the blood from the knife in his other to drip onto the floor and pool.

“Now then. Which one of you is going to be next?”

None of them move for a long moment. Eventually a larger than average stallion steps forward a few paces and kneels. Those around him do the same until everyone is on their fetlocks. Daring Do turns to Arc with a grin.

“Would you look at that! More conscripts!”

Sunset Shimmer shakes her head. “That wouldn’t end too well for us.”

Rarity nods soberly. “They’re far too dangerous to release into the world.”

Daring Do groans. “We need all the help we can get though!”

Rarity looks to Arc. “What should be done with them, sir?”

Arc frowns. ‘Nothing.”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “I’m almost positive that I didn’t hear that right!”

Arc shrugs. “There’s no reason to release or punish the group further.”

Rarity grimaces. “But they were about to…!”

Arc interrupts her as he turns to the stallions. “All of you, get out of my sight. Except Aloe and Vera, that is.”

Rising, they flee the room together as Rarity uses a Telekinesis Spell to close the door behind them. Arc looks to the two mares whom as still fearfully kneeling before him.

“Vera, do you know where the stallions on the earlier list are?”

Vera nods. “Yes sir.”

“Good. Go get them and bring them here.”

Sunset Shimmer points a hoof at the mares. “But they’ll just bring more reinforcements!”

Daring Do smirks. “Yeah! I say we just go find those stallions ourselves while cutting a path through as necessary!”

Rarity looks to Arc. “That might actually be for the best, sir.”

Arc points to the door. “Vera will go while Aloe remains here.”

Looking to Vera, he continues.

“Should you betray me again, your sister shall bear the brunt of my wrath. Do you understand?”

Vera nods fearfully. “Y-yes, sir.”

“Good. Go now and carry out my orders.”

She rises and runs out the door. Aloe stands and approaches Arc with her head down.

“What is your wish, master?”

Arc frowns. “Don’t call me that.”

“Very well. What shall I call you then?”

“Just ‘sir’ will do for now.”

“Yes sir. Shall I tend to your needs now?”

Daring Do raises an eyebrow. “Tend to?”

Sunset Shimmer shrugs. “I’m confused as well.”

Rarity grimaces. “With any luck, I’m wrong.”

Aloe gestures to the bedroom. “I will dop my very best to make up for my earlier crime against you, sir. Use me as you see fit. But please let your anger fall on me and spare my sister any additional pain.”

Arc shakes his head. “That won’t be necessary.”

“Sir?”

“As long as Vera does as I ordered, both you and her will be allowed to live.”

Daring Do gasps. “What?! But she gathered that mob to wipe us out!”

Rarity looks to Aloe. “Why did you do that though?”

“Buffalo Bill had a number of code words for us. When he said the word ‘kindly’, that meant that he wanted us to get a strike team together and bring them to him.”

Sunset Shimmer looks to the dead stallion lying on the floor. “I’m guessing that word isn’t used too much here.”

Aloe shakes her head. “No, ma’am. My sister and I are… we’re the property of Buffalo Bull.”

Rarity frowns. “Property?”

Aloe bows her head. “He protected us in exchange for sexual acts performed by my sister and I. We’re quite skilled at it if we can be of service to you or the others.”

Rarity makes a face. “I’ll pass, thank you.”

Arc motions to the table. “Sit down, Aloe.”

She does so as Arc takes his place across from her. Looking to her, he speaks.

“Tell me, do you deserve to be in here?”

Aloe appears confused. “Sir?”

“I’m asking if you and your sister deserve to be in prison.”

Aloe nods. “Yes, sir.”

Sunset Shimmer turns to Rarity. “What’s she in here for?”

“Murdering her parents, I believe.”

Daring Do grimaces. “Hardcore crimes. We should probably leave these two here.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, I don’t think so.”

Aloe raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think you had much of a choice at the time.”

“In what, sir?”

“Killing your parents. After all, your father was about to do something terrible to Vera, wasn’t he?”

“He was about to… to rape her, yes.”

“And you beat him to death with your bare hooves.”

“How did you…?”

Arc interrupts her. “Then your mother came in.”

Aloe nods. “Yes. And she came at me with a knife.”

Daring Do frowns. “So you killed her too.”

Aloe looks away nervously. “Y-yes. Yes, I did.”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Vera did that.”

“Sir?”

“Your sister killed your mother with a full bottle. Caved her skull in from the blow.”

Sunset Shimmer grimaces. “That’s why they’re both in here.”

Rarity nods. “They were found guilty of murder, yes.”

Daring Do shrugs. “Sounds more like self-defense to me.”

Aloe shakes her head. “We weren’t exactly able to convince the guards of that though.”

Arc stands. “You’ll leave with us then.”

Aloe groans. “I shall serve you to the best of my abilities, sir.”

“That will not be necessary.”

“Oh?”

“You’re being released.”

“To your service?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not to me, no. Released as in freed. I’m commuting you and your sister’s sentence.”

“I… I don’t… um… th-thank you, sir.”

Rarity turns to Arc. “Where would she and her sister go though?”

Sunset Shimmer sighs. “She’s right. After all, the world isn’t exactly full of opportunities at the moment.”

Daring Do smirks. “We could always use more help growing food.”

Sunset Shimmer rolls her eyes. “These two aren’t Unicorns though.”

Daring Do shrugs. “Still need hooves busy picking and packing up the produce though.”

Aloe nods. “I will serve as ordered, sir.”

Arc sighs. “Sure. But only if that’s what you want to do.”

A short time later, Vera returns to the room with the stallions Arc requested. They appear haggard, nervous, and gaunt from their stay in prison. Arc stands and approaches them as he speaks.

“Thank you for coming. I’m Hero of Light Arc, and I need your help.”

“One of the stallions appears confused. “With what though, sir?”

“Retaking this land.”

The other stallion shakes his head. “We are powerless in that regard though.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, you are not. The three of you are the best of the best.”

He looks the trio over before continuing.

“Tight Ship, you and Soarin along with Thunderlane here were the most talented officers in the Equestrian Air Force, were you not?”

Tight Ship sighs. “That was a lifetime ago, sir.”

Soarin nods soberly. “All the airships are in Canterlot.”

Thunderlane bows his head. “And since that’s currently cut off from the rest of the land, we’re largely useless in that regard.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest plate. “You just leave that to me. The only thing I need to know from you three is… will you help me?”

Tight Ship smiles and nods sadly. “For my friends, the princesses… yes, sir.”

Soarin gestures to Tight Ship. “I go where the captain goes, sir. I’m in too.”

Thunderlane smirks. “Count me is as well!”

“Good.”

Raising his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Turning to the others, he continues.

“Head through here to return to the main level of the prison.”

They do so as Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do follow. Arc brings up the rear with Aloe and Vera. Stepping out, they find themselves outside the entrance to The Pit again. Virtuous Lance approaches them and frowns as he lays eyes on Aloe and Vera.

“I don’t recall there being any mares on your original list, sir.”

Arc shrugs. “We can add them to it then.”

Vera looks around. “What’s going on?”

Aloe grins. “The Hero of Light says that we can leave, sister!”

Vera gasps, her eyes wide. “What?!”

Arc nods. “You can go to Manehattan, Baltimare, or my base as a refugee.”

Aloe turns to her sister. “A big city probably isn’t the best place for us.”

“Agreed. That and our past might catch up with us there.”

The pair turn back to Arc. Aloe steps forward.

“We’ll come to your base to work then, sir.”

“Agreed.”

Arc nods. “Alright. We’ll head there just as soon as I’m done with my task here.”

Looking to Virtuous Lance, Arc again speaks.

“I also need several other mares from you as well.”

Virtuous Lance raises an eyebrow. “Sir?”

Arc gestures to Tight Ship. “The rest of his crew. Lemon Hearts, Moon Dancer, Wrangler, Redheart, and Stellar Flare.”

Daring Do facehoofs. “Great. Another trip down the rabbit hole.”

Sunset Shimmer nods to the hole. “Back underground then?”

Rarity steps forward. “That won’t be necessary.”

Virtuous Lance nods. “The female side of the maximum-security wing is a lot more… laid back recently.”

Rarity shrugs. “Stellar Flare kinda took over down there.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh. Uh… how do we get there then?”

Rarity points a hoof. “I can just walk over and get the mares you requested, sir.”

Daring Do grimaces. “We’ll come with you then.”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “That we will.”

Rarity shakes her head. “Thank you, but that’s not really necessary.”

Arc shrugs. “Take them anyways. That and I need you back here afterwards as well.”

Virtuous Lance gestures with a hoof. “We’ll meet back at my office then.”

Nodding, Rarity motions for the pair to follow her. Arc and the others head for the warden’s office together. Sometime later Rarity enters with Lemon Hearts, Moon Dancer, Wrangler, and Stellar Flare. Approaching the desk, Rarity salutes before speaking.

“The prisoners as ordered, sir. Save for one, that is.”

Arc looks them over. “Redheart?”

Virtuous Lance looks up from his papers. “There is no prisoner here by that name, sir.”

Turning to them, he continues.

“The Hero of Light has seen fit to release all of you.”

Lemon Hearts grins. “Really?!”

Moon Dancer appears hopeful. “Does that mean the princesses have pardoned us?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Quite the opposite. They’re still prisoners in Canterlot under Nightmare Moon.”

Wrangler stomps the floor with conviction. “Then we need to get them out of there!”

Sunset Shimmer shakes her head. “We’re still not able to get to the capital though, as a barrier covers the city.”

Daring Do sighs. “Or get ahold of an airship either.”

Arc chuckles. “As I said before, leave that to me.”

Returning his attention to the mares, Arc continues.

“Can I count on all of you to help me do this?”

Wrangler tips her hat. “Darn right!

Moon Dancer nods. “I will help as well.”

Lemon Hearts looks to the warden. “We just need to find the captain, Commander Soarin, and Thunderlane first though.”

Virtuous Lance points a hoof. “Not to worry. They’re in my private restroom making themselves presentable.”

The door opens and the three stallions step out. Tight Ship walks over to the mares with Soarin and Thunderlane at his sides. Smiling, he looks them over one by one before speaking.

“It’s good to see all of you again.”

Lemon Hearts appears genuinely concerned. “Are you three, okay?!”

Soarin grimaces as he puts a hoof to his belly. “We’ve been better.”

Wrangler smiles. “How about we get you three something to eat then?”

Moon Dancer looks them over and frowns. “Yes, you all appear to be undernourished.”

Daring Do shrugs. “We can get some food back at base.”

Sunset Shimmer turns to Arc. “Which we should probably do sooner rather than later.”

Arc nods. “Agreed.”

Turning to Rarity, he continues.

“I need you to come with us as well.”

Rarity appears confused. “Sir?”

“It’s in regards to whom you really are.”

Virtuous Lance raises an eyebrow. “So, you know her then?”

Arc sighs. “It’s a bit more complicated than that.”

Rarity frowns. “But I have so much to do here though.”

Virtuous Lance stands. “Rarity.”

“Yes, sir?”

“I… think you should go with the Hero of Light.”

“But why?”

Virtuous Lance sighs. “Because he has the resources to help you figure out whom you really are.”

“I’m happy here though, sir!”

Virtuous Lance walks around the desk to face her. “That isn’t really in question.”

“Then why…?!”

Virtuous Lance puts a hoof on her shoulder. “Because you had a life before coming here. I’d like to see you reconnect to it if at all possible.”

“What if it’s not what I want though?!”

“Then you may return to us. You’ll always have a place at Luna Bay Prison, after all.”

Arc joins the warden. “I know that we just met today. But I need you to trust me when I say that there’s so much more to you, Rarity.”

Rarity takes a deep breath. “Very well. I’ll come.”

Nodding, Arc opens a portal. They begin filing through one by one until only Arc and Rarity remain. Stopping in front of the portal, she turns back to Virtuous Lance and smiles sadly.

“Thank you… for everything, sir.”

Smiling at her, Virtuous Lance nods silently as Rarity steps through the swirling energies. Arc moves to follow her, but the warden suddenly speaks.

“Take good care of her for me, would you sir?”

Arc nods. “I will, sir.”

Walking through his portal, Arc reappears in his quarters. The others are looking around, clearly confused. As the portal closes, Arc gestures to the window and speaks.

“Everyone… welcome to Lunar Base.”

Gasping, they see Equus miles away. Arc allows them a few more moments to look at it before continuing.

“Sunset Shimmer and Daring Do will take all of you to the cafeteria for a good meal before announcing your presence to the leadership here. I’m sure they’ll want to welcome you all to our base.”

Aloe nods. “Yes sir.”

Vera grimaces. “What shall our duties be?”

“Get something to eat and then ask Mayor Cherry what she’d like you to do.”

Moon Dancer raises a hoof. “Sir?”

Arc turns to her. “Yes?”

“Are we really on the moon?”

“We are, yes.”

Lemon Hearts looks toward the window. “And it’s safe here?”

Sunset Shimmer nods. “Very safe, yes.”

Daring Do grins. “No way for the baddies to get us all the way up here, after all.”

Wrangler nods as she gazes at the planet below. “Makes sense. After all, no Pegasus could fly THIS high!”

Tight Ship sighs. “We should get some rest after eating as well.”

Soarin nods. “I haven’t slept soundly in forever.”

Stellar Flare trots to the door. “Then let’s get started!”

They file out of the room as Arc turns to Rarity.

“I’d like you to stay for a time if you would.”

Rarity appears surprised. “Oh! Um… yes sir.”

As the others close the door behind them, Arc motions to the table nearby.

“Why don’t you sit down? We need to have a little talk.”

Rarity does so as Arc sits across from her. Reaching for his ring, he pulls out a cupcake and sets it before her.

“Please eat this first.”

Rarity appears confused. “Sir?”

“Trust me.”

Eyeing the cupcake for a few moments, Rarity eventually picks it up with a Telekinesis Spell and looks it over before taking a small bite. Smiling widely, she continues eating it. As she finishes her treat, Arc speaks.

“Did you enjoy it?”

Rarity nods happily. “Very much so, yes!”

“It was made by a friend of yours.”

“Oh? Who?”

“A mare named Pinkie Pie. Do you remember her?”

Rarity shakes her head. “The name doesn’t ring a bell, no.”

“She works at a bakery called ‘Sugarcube Corner’. It’s owned by Mister and Misses Cake.”

“Where is it located?”

“Ponyville.”

Rarity looks out the window. “That’s a long way from the prison.”

Arc nods. “Yes, it is.”

“And you’re saying that I know this… this Pinkie Pie?”

“That you do. She’s a very good friend of yours.”

Rarity sighs. “I wish I could remember her.”

“Pinkie isn’t exactly the kind of mare you can easily forget.”

Rarity returns her gaze to Arc. “Did I live in Ponyville then?”

“Down the road from the bakery, yes. Would it help if you could see it?”

“See what? The bakery?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not just that. Ponyville in general, I mean.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “It might help jog my memory, yes. But I don’t even know how to get there from here.”

Arc stands. “I’ll take you then.”

“How though?”

“Another portal.”

Holding up a gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. Motioning for Rarity to enter, he follows her through. The pair appear in Fluttershy’s cottage. Leading the young mare toward the door, Arc speaks.

“Stay close to me.”

Rarity checks her weapon. “Right.”

They leave the cottage and begin walking. Looking back, Rarity sighs.

“Did I know that place?”

Arc nods. “It belongs to a mare named Fluttershy. Do you remember her?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Not at all. Should I?”

“She’s another friend of yours.”

“Another friend. I seem to have quite a few of them as it stands.”

“That you do.”

Sometime later they enter the town. Walking up to a building, Arc pushes the door open. Looking around, Rarity spies a number of empty shelves, cabinets, and display cases. Running her hoof along a dusty table, she sighs.

“This is that bakery you told me about, isn’t it?”

Arc appears hopeful. “You remembered it?”

Rarity shakes her head. “No, I just smelled the faintest scent of sugar and spice on the air when we entered.”

“Oh. Right.”

“Um… do you think you could tell me some more about that Pinkie Pie mare?”

Arc nods as he walks over to the counter and puts a hand on it. “She’s very… intense. Very… dedicated to her job as a party planner and part time baker. Endlessly happy and full of energy at all times.”

“So she’s a very positive mare then?”

“Extremely. That and I think she’s constantly on a sugar rush. At least how she talks and acts, that is.”

“She sounds very… um… nice.”

“In truth, you don’t really have much in common with her personality-wise.”

“But we’re friends though, right?”

“Yes, you are.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “How though?”

Arc shrugs. “I don’t really know. You and Pinkie, along with others, just kind of… understand one another.”

“That doesn’t make much sense.”

“I know. But I can’t really think of any other way to describe it.”

“What do we have in common?”

Arc shrugs. “Admittedly, not much. Other than a shared social group, that is.”

Rarity looks toward the window. “You mean I have more friends out there?”

Arc nods. “Five of them here in Ponyville at least, yes.”

“Are they… around?”

Arc shakes his head. “They went missing after Canterlot fell. You included, that is.”

Rarity sighs. “I’m not really feeling much here. By any chance could you show me where I live?”

Arc heads for the door. “Sure. Follow me.”

Leading Rarity outside, they begin walking again. A short time later Arc leads her up the path to her shop. Stopping, he motions with a gauntlet.

“Here we are. Carousel Boutique.”

Rarity appears confused. “I thought you were taking me home though.”

“I did. You live upstairs.”

“So I rent from the proprietor?”

Arc shakes his head. “You own the shop.”

Pushing the door open, Arc leads Rarity inside. She looks around at the mannequinsfor a time before speaking.

“So… I sell dresses?”

Arc nods. “That’s right. But you only sell what you make.”

“Then I’m a seamstress?”

“I think of you more as a designer.”

Rarity looks to the back room. “My workshop?”

“Care to take a look?”

Rarity groans. “I suppose I should.”

Entering the back room, Rarity steps inside and looks all around. Arc waits silently in the doorway as she walks to the various work benches and looks them over. Eventually Rarity turns back to him and shakes her head.

“My mind is a complete blank here.”

Arc sighs. “No memories whatsoever?”

Rarity bows her head. “Nothing. I feel as though I’ve never even been here before. Are you completely sure that your information is accurate in this regard, sir?”

“I am, yes. But I do know of something that will prove it to you.”

Leading Rarity back out onto the shop floor, they head for the stairs. Reaching the second floor, he pushes open a door and walks inside with her.

“This is your bedroom.”

Rarity nods approvingly. “It’s very nice.”

Arc points a finger. “Look at the picture on the nightstand.”

Rarity does so. Picking it up, she gasps at the sight before her.

“It’s me! And I… I have a filly?!”

Arc sighs. “That’s… kind of complicated.”

“How so?”

“Everyone in Ponyville knows that Sweetie Belle, that’s her name, is your little sister. And that she came here to live with you a number of years ago.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “I don’t understand. What’s wrong with that?”

“It’s not the truth.”

Taking the picture frame from Rarity, Arc pulls the backing off to reveal a large envelope. Opening it, he pulls out a piece of paper and hands it to her.

“This is Sweetie Belle’s birth certificate.”

Rarity frowns. “My name is listed as the mother though.”

“Which you are.”

“But… but I can’t even remember ever having a foal!”

Arc reaches back into the envelope. “Then you’d best look at this.”

Handing Rarity a picture, she stares at it for a long moment. Turning to Arc, Rarity again speaks.

“I look so young in this!”

Arc nods. “I’m told that this was taken shortly after you gave birth.”

Rarity turns to look at the picture frame again. “This newborn does look like the filly here.”

“Believe me now?”

Rarity bows her head. “Yes. Is she… around?”

“No idea. Even I don’t know where Sweetie Belle is at the moment.”

“How about her father then? I’m assuming that I’m married.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, you’re single.”

Rarity frowns. “Then how did I manage to…?”

Arc interrupts her. “The short version is that you got drunk at a party in college and blacked out. The stallions there then proceeded to rape you one at a time. So Sweetie Belle’s father is completely unknown to everyone.”

“That’s terrible!”

“Agreed. No one should be taking advantage of someone whom can’t consent.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her forehead. “I want to remember. Believe me, I really do! But… it’s just not happening.”

Arc sighs as he puts the birth certificate and photo back in the envelope. “Sorry. I was hoping this would jog something in your mind.”

“As was I.”

“We should probably head back to base now though so you can rest.”

Rarity nods. “I’d like that, yes.”

Arc reassembles the picture frame and sets it on the bedside table. “As hard as this must be for you, I imagine not knowing is worse.”

Rarity shakes her head. “Not particularly, no. After all, you can’t really miss that which you never had.”

Arc frowns. “I suppose not.”

“But… at the same time there’s always been a hole in my heart.”

“Huh?”

“Not a literal one, mind you. I meant figuratively.”

“Ah!”

“Granted I didn’t remember anything or anypony. But I wasn’t really sad because, like I said, I didn’t remember.”

“I kinda know how you feel.”

Rarity appears confused. “You do?”

Arc nods. “Yeah. You see, my mother died when I was young. My dad vanished without a trace prior to that, so I was raised in an orphanage.”

Rarity gasps. “Oh my! That must have been very hard on you!”

“Kinda was, yes. But I don’t really remember much from before then. Too young for that, I suppose.”

“And you feel that something is missing from your life?”

“Close. I felt that I missed out on a big part of life by having a rough childhood.”

“But that wasn’t you fault!”

“True. And neither is you losing your memory.”

Sighing, Rarity nods sadly. Looking to the picture again, she eventually turns back to Arc.

“If you don’t mind me asking, how did you deal with that?”

Arc shrugs. “I just had to make the best of the situation as it was. Deal with the new life I had been thrust into. Going from a happy home to the orphanage was really hard, of course.”

“But since there was no alternative, you just had to make the best of it.”

“Right.”

“That’s what I’ve been doing since I woke up at Luna Bay Prison. Just kinda trying to do what I could to keep going.”

“Keeping busy.”

“Exactly, sir.”

“I’ll still keep trying to find a way to help bring you back to your old self.”

Rarity smiles at him. “Thank you. But I know that my memory might never come back.”

“Scared?”

Rarity shakes her head. “My plans are to just take things one day at a time right now. To start a new life elsewhere and make new friends. Of course I’d like to have my filly back. But I don’t really know where to start looking for her.”

“Sadly, neither do I.”

“I can’t just wait around for my life to come back together. So I’ll start anew.”

“At the Lunar Base, I hope.”

Rarity shrugs. “Anywhere is as good a place as any, I suppose.”

Arc turns away, relieved. “Good.”

“Can you tell me anything else about myself though?”

“Well… you’ve always been very understanding of others. Very generous and… and willing to help those around you. But there’s someone else whom could probably tell you more than I.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Really? Who would that be?”

“We recently located and liberated a young mare originally from Ponyville. She’s recovering in my base on the moon.”

“Might I speak to her?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. Assuming she’s up to it, that is.”

“Then let’s go see!”

Arc turns and opens a portal. Stepping through with Rarity, he heads for the door. Making the short walk down the corridor, Arc stops in front of the door and turns to the mare next to him.

“She’s in here. Just let me pop in real quick and see how she’s doing first.”

Rarity nods. “Alright. I’ll wait for you out here.”

Knocking lightly, Arc pushes the door open. He sees Applejack sitting in a chair in front of the window looking outside. Walking over to her, he speaks.

“Everything okay?”

Applejack sighs. “I suppose so.”

Arc motions to the window. “See something out there you like?”

“Just watching everypony else work while I lie around doing nothing.”

“I’m sure Doctor Horse knows what he’s doing.”

Applejack groans. “Yeah, me too. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

“So you want something to do?”

“It wouldn’t have to be much. I just feel like I’m sponging off everypony else at the moment.”

“Well… to tell you the truth, there is something that you could do for me.”

“Sure. What is it?”

“First off, how strong are you feeling?”

Applejack shrugs. “Okay, I suppose. Why?”

Arc gestures to the door. “Because there’s a mare I just brought in waiting in the corridor.”

“Who is it?”

“She’s lost her memory. But it’s Rarity.”

Applejack stands up so fast she knocks over her chair. “What?! Rarity?!”

“Can I send her in?”

Applejack nods fervently. “Sure! Please do!”

Arc walks over to the door and opens it. Motioning for Rarity to enter, she slowly does as instructed. As she and Arc step forward, Applejack rushes over to meet the pair halfway.

“Rarity! Is that really you?!”

Rarity nods as she removes her helmet. “So I’m told.”

“Where’s Apple Bloom?! And Sweetie Belle too?!”

Rarity tilts her head to one side, confused. “Apple Bloom?”

“She was having a sleepover at your place when it all happened!”

Rarity puts a hoof to her forehead and sighs. “I’m afraid that I don’t really know.”

Applejack groans. “I… I was told that you don’t remember anything. Does that include me too?”

Rarity looks the mare over. “You… actually do look really familiar, yes. But I can’t quite put my hoof on it.”

“So you really don’t remember everything we’ve all been through?”

“Not at all. Sorry.”

Applejack groans. “It’s fine. I’m just glad that you’re okay at least.”

She looks Rarity over for a few moments before speaking again.

“You ARE okay, right?”

Rarity nods. “Other than not remembering anything, yes.”

Arc chimes in. “I took Rarity to Ponyville already. Showed her Sugarcube Corner as well as Carousel Boutique.”

Rarity sighs. “It was all new to me though.”

Applejack frowns. “So you don’t remember me or the others then?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Sorry, but no.”

“How about… what we all did in the past””

“Was it something… bad?”

“I meant us all being the Element Bearers.”

Rarity appears confused. “Element… what now?”

Arc steps forward. “You and five other mares in Ponyville were able to use the Elements of Harmony to vanquish Nightmare Moon a number of years ago. Since then you’ve collectively been called the ‘Element Bearers’.”

Rarity gasps. “So we each have one?”

Applejack nods. “Right. I’m the Element of Honesty and you’re the Element of Generosity.”

She turns to Arc before continuing.

“Can we show her my Element, sir? Maybe it’ll jog something for her.”

Arc heads for the door. “Sure.”

Leaving the room, Arc makes his way toward the vault. As he does so Cherry calls out to him telepathically.

“This isn’t exactly going the best.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, I know. Two Element Bearers here and we’ve yet to make any headway on the original problem.”

“Breeching Canterlot?”

“Right.”

“While I’m sure you’ll figure it out, the longer we take the more ponies will suffer.”

Arc groans. “All I can do is provide food and muscle as needed.”

“But that won’t win the day, Arc.”

“Do you have a better idea?”

Cherry sighs. “No.”

“If you do happen to think of something, feel free to speak up. But, uh…”

“What is it, Arc?”

“I just… wanted to know if you’re upset with me?”

“Why would I be?”

“For what I did to Buffalo Bull earlier today.”

Cherry grunts. “Well, I’m not exactly happy about it. But I do understand why you did that. I mean… he was leveraging his position to force those stallions to attack you and the others!”

“To say nothing of what was happening to Aloe and Vera.”

“There’s that too. However, the way I saw it, your only other option would have been to kill all those stallions instead.

“And he would have just called for more when that was done.”

“I get the feeling that Buffalo Bull would have sacrificed everypony down there to get rid of you, Arc.”

“Probably.”

“You traded one life to save a great many more.”

“It’s not like it was my first time either. Making hard choices to decide who gets to continue to draw breath.”

“And I trust you to make them wisely and fairly.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

Arriving at the vault, Arc opens it and steps inside. Walking over to the shelf with Applejack’s Element on it, he carefully picks the item up and turns to leave. Closing the door behind him, Arc returns the way he came. Returning to the room he knocks lightly before entering.

“I’m back.”

Walking over to Applejack, he puts the Element of Honesty in her hoof. Turning to Rarity, Applejack holds it out to her.

“This is my Element. It allows me to combine my power with that of you and the others to do wonderful things.”

Rarity takes the Element and looks it over. “It looks just like your cutie mark.”

“Yours does as well, you know.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Do you… happen to know where it is?”

Applejack shakes her head. “Nah. We each kept our Elements where they would be the safest. And that place is different for everypony.”

“I see.”

Turning to Arc, she continues.

“Was there a safe back in my shop?”

Arc shrugs. “Not to the best of my knowledge, no.”

Applejack bows her head. “If this were about anything else, I’d say that we should just wait it out and hope that Rarity’s memories would just come back naturally.”

Arc sighs. “But we can’t really hope for such a thing.”

Rarity shudders. “Considering what’s at stake, I agree.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “The information we need is in your head somewhere. Along with what happened to your sisters.”

Applejack nods. “We just need a way to get it out.”

Rarity looks to Arc. “While I wait, do you think I might be given duties here at the base?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Like what?”

“Anything really. I just don’t want to sit around doing nothing right now.”

“How about you take care of Applejack then?”

Applejack nods. “I could use the company. Still kinda weak from what happened to me.”

“Well, I suppose that is a job which needs doing, yes. But I can do more than that. After all, I helped organize the guards at the prison on a regular basis.”

Applejack frowns. “Prison?”

Arc nods. “That’s where I found her.”

Rarity sighs. “Sadly I don’t remember how I got there or much of anything other than my name.”

Arc shrugs. “When Applejack recovers that might be an option, yes. However, you told me earlier that if it came right down to it that you were interested in starting over.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Starting over?”

Rarity nods soberly. “Relearning everything and everypony. Who I am and what it is that I do.”

Arc gestures to Applejack. “Then you can learn from her.”

Applejack nods. “We’ve known each other for years. I can probably tell you everything there is to know about you.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Alright. Then I’ll listen to what you have to say. Until you get too tired, that is.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Arc motions to the door. “I’ll let you two get to it then. Feel free to call for Mayor Cherry when you get some time though. She’ll want to see you as well, Rarity.”

Rarity appears confused. “Mayor Cherry?”

Applejack chimes in. “She’s kind of in charge around here. Well, other than the Hero of Light is, I guess.”

Arc nods. “Someone needs to be running things full time, after all. That and I’m not around much these days.”

Applejack grins. “I’ll have her come by to talk to Rarity later today.”

“Good.”

He turns to Rarity before continuing.

“That and I’ll let you know if something comes up regarding Sweetie Belle or your Element.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Arc nods. “It’s Arc.”

Rarity tilts her head to one side, confused. “I beg your pardon?”

“My name. I’m not much for fancy titles or being called ‘sir’.”

Rarity smiles nervously. “Yes, well… I’ll try my best to remember that.”

Arc chuckles as he heads for the door. “Don’t work too hard you two.”

Leaving the room, Arc walks down the corridor. As he passes a door, he stops and turns to it. Knocking lightly, he waits. A few moments later the door opens and Auriel looks out.

“Hello. Is there something I can do for you, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. You see, I was just passing by and wanted to check in on you.”

“Oh! Um…”

Brightwing flutters over and perches on Auriel’s head. Spotting Arc, she giggles happily.

“Friend back!”

Arc chuckles. “Hi Brightwing. You being good?”

Brightwing grins toothlessly. “Yes, yes!”

Auriel gestures to her room. “Would you like to see my progress?”

Arc nods. “I would, yes.”

Auriel steps aside. “Please, come in.”

Arc does so as Auriel closes the door behind him. Brightwing flutters over to Arc and perches on his shoulder haphazardly before turning her head to look him in the eye.

“Brightwing and pretty lady have been so very busy!”

Auriel smiles. “That we have been.”

She gestures to a table heavily laden with books and notes before continuing.

“I’ve been studying my mother here since we found her and have taken readings from every bodily system I can. Blood, saliva, skin, urine, and fecal.”

Brightwing makes a face. “That last one was stinky! Blech!”

“Brightwing is certainly not a dragon. Not biologically nor genetically.”

Arc scratches the small creature under the chin. “Other than the wings, she kinda does.”

“I thought so too. But the science definitively ruled that out.”

“What exactly is Brightwing then?”

Auriel sighs. “At the moment, her own species as best I can tell.”

“Brightwing is Brightwing! YAY!”

“Any idea how that happened? I mean, we do know that she was trying to turn herself into a demon. But this is what came out of that experiment.”

Auriel shrugs. “Not a clue. But considering the sheer volume of variables, both directly and indirectly affecting the experiment at the time, it’s not likely that we’ll ever know the answer to that question for sure. Even if she was here as herself, I don’t think that my mother would know the answer to that without months if not years of testing and study.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, I suppose it doesn’t really matter at this point.”

Auriel nods. “Agreed. So I’ve moved on from trying to analyze how she got to this point and transitioned to trying to figure out what she is now.”

Brightwing shudders. “Lots and lots of tests! Super boring!”

Auriel puts a hand on the small creature’s head. “That led me to do all those tests I mentioned earlier to analyze what exactly Brightwing is.”

She picks the small creature up from Arc’s shoulder before continuing.

“But that didn’t really bring me any closer to my goal of returning my mother to her normal form.”

“So what’s your next step?”

Auriel sets Brightwing on a stool. “I want to study how my mother was transformed into Brightwing. Learn about the exact process and events leading up to her transformation.”

“Should we get the original machine from Tartarus?”

“I did consider that. However, the event which led to this outcome may have damaged or altered certain parts of the device. So it would be best to try and learn from the original drawings.”

“Which are back in your mother’s lab, I assume?”

Auriel shakes her head and nods to her satchel at the foot of the bed. “No, I brought them with me when I left.”

Brightwing giggles. “Pretty lady so smart! She thinks of everything!”

“So you could, at least in theory, recreate the original device?”

Auriel sighs. “With the necessary materials, probably. But that wouldn’t really help me as much as you’d think.”

“Where does that leave you then?”

“My current line of thought is that I need to see the original device prior to the incident.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “But that isn’t possible though, right?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not literally, no. So I’m trying to do the next best thing.”

Walking over to a cabinet, Auriel pulls out a device. Returning to Arc, she holds it out to him as she continues.

“This device allows me, in theory, to see a subject’s memories.”

Brightwing nods with evident pride. “Friend worked very hard on that!”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “So you’re trying to see the original device through your mother’s memories?”

“Exactly.”

Arc frowns. “How do you plan to test this though?”

Auriel looks away nervously. “I… was planning to ask someone to use it on me.”

Brightwing gasps. “Woah! Scary!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Is that… safe?”

“If my calculations are correct, yes. Would you mind running it for me?”

“Running it?”

Auriel sighs. “Sadly, I can’t really operate it while being the test subject.”

“But I don’t have much in the way of tech knowledge.”

“It’s actually quite simple. I just put it on my head in order to give you access to my memories.”

“Isn’t there a less invasive way to do this?”

Auriel puts a claw to her cheek. “We could start slow, of course. For example, I could think of more recent memories and the device would display them on the attached screen. That would mean that I’m in control of what is displayed though. So, could you bear witness to this for me?”

“Well… I suppose so. But only if you’re completely sure that this is safe.”

Auriel puts the device on her head. “That I am. So much so that I’m willing to be the test subject.”

“Alright. What do I need to do?”

Auriel sits down in a nearby chair. “Just watch the screen and describe what you see.”

“I can do that.”

Brightwing flutters over. “Can Brightwing watch too?!”

Auriel smiles and nods. “Sure. Just be very quiet and let me concentrate.”

“Okay, friend!”

Flicking a switch, Auriel closes her eyes and concentrates. A few moments later the screen comes to life. Arc watches as he begins to speak.

“I see you walking up to a door. You’re opening it and stepping into another room. It’s your father’s Audience Chambers. I’m there with him.”

Auriel nods. “That’s the day you and I met. When you told my father that you knew where my mother was.”

Brightwing gasps. “Scary demon is big!”

Arc continues. “It looks like we’re talking to him about you leaving.”

Auriel sighs. “I’m not yet able to do audio though.”

“We’re at the part where you convinced him. You’re leaving the room to get packed, I assume.”

Auriel nods as she turns off the machine. “Right.”

Brightwing appears suddenly concerned. “Friend feel okay?!”

Auriel puts a claw to her belly. “Admittedly, I do feel a bit… queasy.”

Arc looks to the door. “Should I get help?”

“No, that’s alright. It’s probably just due to my brainwaves being piggybacked like that.”

“Well, it appears that your device does work as intended.”

“Brightwing want to watch more!”

Auriel sighs as she removes the device. “I’ll have to perfect it before using this on someone else though. After all, something like this shouldn’t be rushed.”

“Agreed. However, the idea isn’t exactly new.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“While this isn’t exactly well known, Equestria already has such a device.”

Brightwing gasps. “Friend does?!”

“How does it work?”

“I’m not really sure. Like I said before, technology isn’t exactly my strong suit.”

Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out a machine before continuing.

“How about I demonstrate this for you though?”

Auriel looks it over curiously. “What is it?”

“A device that can display thoughts.”

Brightwing giggles. “It pretty!”

Arc points the device at the wall. “This will project the images. Give me a minute to set up the screen and we’ll be ready.”

Doing so, Arc sits down and pulls a crystal from his ring. Turning to Auriel, he continues.

“All you have to do is hold one of these crystals and concentrate on what you want shown. Like this.”

Closing his eyes, Arc takes a deep breath. A few moments later the scene of him meeting with King Malevolence plays out before them in its entirety. As the king gives Auriel permission to leave, Arc puts the crystal down and stands.

“What do you think?”

Brightwing gasps in awe. “That was amazing!”

Auriel nods. “I agree with my mother! And I assume this is perfected?!”

Arc shrugs. “Not exactly. The device you see here is actually a prototype. The technology is really expensive to produce and doesn’t have much in the way of interest by those whom are rich, after all.”

Picking up the crystal, Arc continues.

“It also records what you saw for posterity. If we put the crystal in here, we can watch that again.”

Brightwing whistles. “Fancy!”

Auriel appears impressed. “What’s the range?”

Arc appears confused. ‘I don’t get your meaning.”

“How far back in one’s mind can it go?”

“Not really sure. I’ve never tried to imagine something too far back.”

“Might I make a suggestion then?”

“What is it?”

“Try to remember something further back. Like something from your very early childhood.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Like when I was a baby?”

“Maybe not quite that far back. But at the very least something that you wouldn’t be able to normally remember on your own.”

“I’ll give it a try.”

Brightwing giggles as Arc sits down again. “You can do it, friend!”

Arc takes the crystal and closes his eyes. However, this time nothing comes up on the screen. After a solid minute of trying, Arc opens his eyes and shakes his head.

“Looks like even this device has its limits.”

Auriel sighs. “What were you trying to remember?”

“My third birthday. However, as I kinda thought would happen, I just didn’t have a point of reference with which to even start to remember such a thing.”

“That’s to be expected though. Memories that far back are often buried so deeply in our brains that they can’t normally be accessed at will. There are sometimes exceptions for extremely memorable moments, of course. But not usually.”

“What if this machine were altered to be more like yours though?”

“Altered?”

“You said that the memories from early childhood are there, but aren’t accessible by us normally. Could your machine allow us to go further back that we normally could?”

Auriel shrugs. “I don’t see why not. The safest way to do such a thing would be to have the subject think of something from as far back as they are able and then allow us to manually wind back from there.”

“Would that be dangerous though?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not in the least, no. The subject would have full control of what is allowed, of course. But the operator would be able to rewind at will. However, I don’t think we’d be able to go so far back so as to see decades into the past.”

“How long would it take you to do that though?”

“Do what, sir?”

“Combine the devices to do what you just described.”

“I’m not really sure. Probably no more than a day or so though. But even then I doubt I’d be able to dial back far enough to access my young memories of my mother’s lab from so long ago.”

“Well, I’d still like for it to be done. There’s an important need for that technology at the moment.”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “But I thought you said that this technology doesn’t have much of a place in Equestria.”

“For the masses, no. However, I need it to help a certain mare that I brought to Light’s Hope earlier today.”

“Who is she?”

“Another one of the Element Bearers. The problem is that she doesn’t remember what happened to her when the country went dark. Or where her Element is hidden.”

“Amnesia?”

“You’ve got it.”

“And you need it to help take down Canterlot?”

Arc nods. “Yes, I will. She and the others defeated Nightmare Moon in the past and could certainly do it again. With military support, of course.”

Auriel sighs. “While I don’t really like the idea of making things that hurt others, this would probably be in the best interest of the nation as a whole.”

“Agreed. Now then, if there is anything you need to make this happen let Platinum Valve at the supply depot know. I’ll instruct her to give you whatever it is that you require.”

“Thank you, sir. Rest assured that I’ll get it done.”

Arc turns toward the door. “Good. I’ll leave you to it then.”

He leaves the room, closing the door behind him. Auriel turns back to her device as Brightwing flutters over to her.

“Friend… okay?”

Auriel groans. “Am I really doing the right thing here, mother?”

Brightwing appears confused. “Right thing?”

“I’m making something that can access another’s memories.”

“Isn’t that good thing though?”

“At first I thought so, yes. But… as the Hero of Light left, I realized whom I’m making this for.”

“But aren’t you making it for everyone?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not really. At the moment it’s just for him. However, it just hit me that this could be used for some really shady things later down the road.”

Brightwing tilts her head to one side. “Like what, friend?”

“Invading another’s memories against their wills.”

Brightwing gasps. “But friend wouldn’t do that!”

Auriel looks to the door and sighs. “Maybe. I don’t really know him that well though.”

“So… what will pretty lady do then?”

Auriel sighs. “I don’t really have a choice at the moment, as I can’t leave this place without permission.”

“Friend could ask!”

Auriel smiles sadly as she pats the creature’s head. “Yes, I suppose I could. But where would I even ask to go?”

“How about someplace fun?!”

Auriel puts a claw to her chin thoughtfully. “A test of sorts.”

“Like the tests you gave Brightwing?!”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not like that, no. Something to gauge whether or not the Hero of Light will abuse my creations.”

“Friend have idea?!”

“Kinda. But it involves making what he asked for first.”

“Well… Brightwing thinks he’s a good creature!”

Auriel raises an eyebrow. “Oh? What makes you say that?”

Brightwing puts her small claws on the device. “He gave you this!”

Auriel appears confused. “But he had to for me to upgrade it.”

“Yes, but Brightwing saw that he was willing to trust you with something very special! Something very important to this land!”

Auriel frowns. “Maybe. But I have to know for sure.”

Smiling slightly, she walks over to her workbench and begins working before muttering under her breath.

“And I think I know just what I need to do.”